modern Judaica

Introducing the New Night and Day Judaica Series

02.07.2019 by laura // Leave a Comment

My Night and Day Judaica range marks a new direction for me as these are the first pieces I’ve produced in ceramics; it comprises of Shabbat candlesticks and a Kiddush cup.

After almost 30 years as a silversmith, I decided to try designing in a different material. The design came easily to me, (they usually do!) but the production was a great challenge as producing in metal is so different from working in clay. Sometimes I feared it wouldn’t work and that the whole line would be impossible. It was an investment of time and the soul as I was already set on releasing the design so I had to make it work. There were occasions I had to turn my brain inside out, think laterally, meditate, sleep on it and hope for a solution in my dreams.

And in time, it all came together, and I’m delighted to reveal to you Night and Day, influenced by Art Deco and inspired by the rhythm of changing light as day becomes night. The contrasting black and white cones reflect the opposites of day and night, heaven and earth, sun and moon. The cones are joined by a ring of precious metal lustre and the glaze is made of actual gold or platinum, resulting in a deep and vibrant glow. Each piece is individually hand made in high-quality ceramics and features my signature.

For more information, or to place an order, check out the Night and Day collection here.

Introducing the New Square Saturn Dreidel for Hannukkah

10.18.2018 by laura // Leave a Comment

Just in time for Hanukkah comes the new Square Saturn Dreidel.

I designed this sleek, modern Hannukah dreidel using my signature themes of discs and cones inspired by the rings of the planet Saturn. And its defined shape draws inspiration from the Chanukah story where a small band of men overcame a powerful army. They achieved the impossible, squaring the circle, as it were.

I created the dreidel using matt anodized aluminium with a brushed finish center disc and the parts are attached by tiny screws and bolts. It is available in four different colour versions: blue, gold, purple and silver on a gold base.

As well as a striking statement piece for your modern Judaica collection, it is fully functional for a traditional game of dreidel, (or sevivon as its known in Hebrew). The game, which is usually played on Hannukah, after the lighting of the Menorah is an easy one to learn. Let me teach you …

How to play dreidel

Each player is given 10 tokens. (You can use items like chocolate money or shelled nuts for this). They keep five and place five in a central stake. Each player then takes a turn spinning the dreidel / sevivon.
“Nun” means nothing, you win nothing, you lose nothing.
“Gimel” means you take the whole stash.
“Hay” means you win half of what’s in the centre.
“Shin” means “put in” you lose and must put one more chip into the kitty.

Visit the online store now to order your Square Saturn Dreidel in time for Hannukah>

How I Did My First Live TV Interview (With Help From My Children)

07.04.2018 by laura // 4 Comments

A few weeks ago I did something I never thought I’d be brave enough to do: I was interviewed on Israeli TV about my modern Judaica designs.

Appearing on TV is something I’ve wanted to do for years. Except I didn’t think I’d have the nerve to do it because I had a lifelong fear of public speaking.

Then, earlier this year, my son’s Bar Mitzvah took place and I was compelled to make a speech. I was nervous but determined to do it. It took a lot of courage but I succeeded. And not only did it go really well, but I finally overcame my anxiety of speaking in public too.

So when I got a call out of the blue from the producer of a talk show inviting me to talk about my designs, although I was surprised and slightly hesitant, I agreed to take part. After all, if I could give a speech at my son’s Bar Mitzvah party – why not appear on TV?

The program had a Jewish / religious slant and the focus would be about a selection of my best-selling designs, in particular, my Apollo Mezuzah, which was the first mezuzah ever to be taken into space.

The interview was to be conducted all in Hebrew. However, that was the least daunting aspect of the experience. I’ve now lived in Israel for over 20 years, so feel comfortable speaking in Hebrew.

Rather, the most challenging aspects were talking about my work. To try and express my feelings, thoughts and instincts through my designs. In addition, the program was to be filmed as a live show – unedited. (Even though it was broadcast later.)

In addition, apart from a short five-minute telephone interview a week before, I had no idea what questions they would ask me.

It was here that my daughter came to my assistance, as she practised interviewing me about my work. I found that this helped me immensely and I got used to the idea of being able to give spontaneous answers to any questions about my designs.

I can’t say I wasn’t nervous, but in the end, I think it went quite well. And part of the credit for that must go to my children too for their roles which gave me the confidence to do it.
Check out the short interview – with English subtitles – and see for yourself.