The Beauty of Woodworking in Synagogues and Jewish Homes
Jewish culture has long been associated with skilled craftsman, with the most prominent being gold and silver smiths, tailors, leather workers and coppersmiths. Lesser known are the Jewish artisans who have fashioned stunning pieces with wood, both for the synagogue and for Jewish homes.
The Role of Woodworking in the Synagogue
Many essential pieces of furniture in the synagogue are customarily constructed of wood:
- The Aron Kodesh, or “Holy Ark,” is the most sacred place in the sanctuary, the repository of the Torah scrolls, which represent the presence of God and connect modern practice to the Ark of the Covenant. Located on the wall facing Jerusalem, it allows worshippers to direct their prayers toward the holy city. It’s typically constructed of hardwood, such as maple, cherry or walnut, and often has inlays of stone, precious metals or stained glass. Some portion of the Aron Kodesh is commonly carved with important Jewish symbols.
- The Bimah—This is the elevated platform from which the Torah is read, and typically includes shtenders, or reading desks. Like the Aron Kodesh, the Bimah is usually made of wood (oak, mahogany, beech, maple and cherry are common) and typically contains elaborate carvings and designs. A symbol of the ancient Temple, the Bimah may also contain metalwork or decorative fabrics.
- The Mechitzah—In the Orthodox Jewish tradition, men and women are separated in the synagogue to promote spiritual focus and modesty. That is commonly accomplished with a Mechitzah (from the Hebrew for “partition”), which provides a physical barrier between the genders. The Mechitzah customarily has a wooden base and a semi-transparent upper half, but may also include etched or stained glass or even lattice work.
- The Ner Tamid—From the Hebrew for “eternal light,” the Ner Tamid resembles a hanging lamp or light fixture, and contains some form of light (such as an electric bulb or LED) to symbolize God’s presence and the unending light from the Ancient Temple.
The Influence of Woodworking in the Jewish Home
Many revered items in the Jewish home are also commonly constructed of wood:
- The Mezuzah—These are decorative covers intended to protect sacred parchment scrolls (known as “klaf”), which typically have Hebrew verses written on them. The Mezuzah case are traditionally attached to the doorpost in a Jewish home. The case is designed to protect the scroll from any type of external damage, so that it can always be present to protect the home and its inhabitants from any type of danger.
- Challah boards and knives—Bread is often involved in Jewish ceremonies and rituals. Many members of the faith have beautifully crafted boards (similar to charcuterie boards) for serving the bread, as well as ceremonial knives with hand-carved wooden handles. The boards and handles frequently have Hebrew designs or inscriptions.
- Shabbat candlesticks and Havdalah sets—Candles play an integral role in starting the holy day of Shabbat with peace, light and a spiritual connection. They also set the tone for the festive meal and help adherents shift from work to rest as Shabbat approaches. A Havdalah set also factors significantly in the celebration of Shabbat, as the kiddush cup (for wine), the besamin (with sweet smelling spices) and the Havdalah candle help members of the faith ease back into the secular world at the end of Shabbat. The candlesticks and cups are often either turned on a lathe or hand-carved.
- The Tzedakah box—Charity plays an important role in Jewish life. Many Jewish people keep a tzedakah, or charity, box in their homes as a receptacle for money to be given to charity. The box is commonly located in a prominent place, so that it acts as a daily reminder of the commitment to assist others.
Gutterman’s and Gutterman Warheit—Serving the Jewish Community for More than Six Generations
At Gutterman’s and Gutterman Warheit, with funeral chapels in New York and Florida, we have provided comprehensive funeral and burial services to individuals and families in the Jewish community for over 130 years. We understand the unique customs within each Jewish tradition and can offer guidance on any issue, from the structure of the memorial services or the choice of a casket or monument to the details of sitting Shiva or the preparation of a Yahrzeit calendar. We will also work directly with the Chevra Kadisha to ensure compliance with Jewish law in the preparation of the body.
To learn how we can help, send us an email or call us at one of the numbers listed below.
Gutterman’s & Gutterman Warheit — Where Relationships Matter
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