For The Home | Amy Reichert Judaica

Tu B’Shevat Plate

Admin — Sat, 11 Dec 2021 22:05:02 +0000

This plate was created for the festival of Tu b’shevat, which inspires us to draw close connections between human beings, trees, and the land. This slice of an elm tree tells a story of natural and human ecologies, of local history inscribed in its growth rings. Its cross-sectional grain is sculpted in three dimensions to echo a topographic map, complete with a river of gold leaf. Hovering above the landscape, brass and glass stands can display small portions of the fruits and grains central to this holiday. This can also be used as a Passover seder plate.

Elm wood, gold leaf, brass, + glass.16” x 22”
Created for 50th anniversary commission
Price varies. Made to order, lead time about 8 weeks.
By commission only.

Warner Sukkah

Admin — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 00:49:35 +0000

Sukkah I

Admin — Fri, 22 Oct 2021 21:03:02 +0000

A Talmudic debate inspired this sukkah design. According to Rabbi Eliezer, the sukkah represents a cloud-like miraculous presence that hovered over the Israelites journeying in exile. For Rabbi Akiva, a hut is just a hut; the sukkah recalls the simple, temporary booths that God commanded the Israelites to build for physical shelter.

The roof of this sukkah evokes Rabbi Eliezer’s interpretation—it floats above the walls, like a cloud. Its form recalls the shape of the myrtle leaf, one of the four species central to this festival. The walls of the sukkah, simple and with exposed hardware, belong to the humble hut of Rabbi Akiva. Translucent white walls capture the everchanging shadows of nature outside.

Cedar + burlap, 8′ w x 10′ l x 10′ h
Sukkah kit in development, custom designs available.
By commission only.

Sukkah

Admin — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 01:59:07 +0000

This sukkah departs from the typical post and beam construction and instead is made up of interlocking panels. This “house of cards” reflects the fragile condition we find ourselves in when we dwell in the sukkah.

At night, it acts as a lantern in the landscape, with light penetrating the perforated wood panels. During the day, dappled sunlight plays on the interior. The perforations are in the form of the four species associated with the holiday: citron, willow, palm, and myrtle.

The panels can be put together in any order to reflect the local conditions.

Marine-grade plywood panels, cedar beams
8’w x 10’l x 9’ h

Kiddush Cup

Admin — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 21:14:53 +0000

This vessel embodies the act of reciting kiddush, the moment of separation between profane and sacred time. Here, the wood block, material and earth-bound, represents the quotidian. During the week, the silver cup nestles in this wooden shell. On the eve of Shabbat, the cup is filled with wine, and liberated from its everyday housing; it becomes a shimmering sign of the spiritual.

Sterling silver + mahogany, 4″ x 4″
Oringially created fo “L’Chaim” exhibit at the San Francisco Jewish Museum
Available as made to order
By commission only.

Challah Board

Admin — Sat, 10 Jul 2021 21:16:09 +0000

This challah board, commissioned for a 50th anniversary, reflects a traditional interpretation of the blessing over the bread. If the two loaves of bread symbolize the double portion of manna, the topographic grain of the reclaimed wood slab symbolizes the desert landscape of the wandering Jews. A salt cellar of silver floats like an oasis in the implied hills and valleys.

Acacia wood, Sterling silver, hand hammered, 16” x 22”
Created for 50th anniversary commission
Price varies. Made to order, lead time about 8 weeks.
By commission only.

Shabbat Set

Admin — Sun, 06 Jun 2021 21:17:19 +0000

This set combines a challah board and candlesticks. The challah board has topographic levels corresponding to the fine grain of the reclaimed elmwood. The sterling silver candleholders nestle into the board during the week, then separate for lighting on Friday night. A sterling silver salt cellar integrated into the board completes the composition.

By commission only

Tzedakah Box

Admin — Mon, 24 May 2021 21:13:24 +0000

The unceasing need for charity inspired the cylindrical form of this piece. When the wood cylinder is turned so that coins can be inserted, windows reveal a flash of precious metal. The gold, silver, brass, and copper in these windows, along with the bronze of the inner cylinder, are the metals used in the construction of the tabernacle of the Exodus.

The prophet Isaiah tells us that upon taking care of those in need, “thy light [shall] break forth as the morning…” Here, one’s contribution is greeted by a glimpse of reflected light.

Bubinga wood, gold, sterling silver, copper, brass, bronze, 8″ h x 4″ dia
Created for “Making Change” at the San Francisco Jewish Museum
$3,800. One of a kind.

Turner Mezzuzah I and II

Admin — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 15:14:06 +0000

Resin Mezzuzah

Admin — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 17:34:38 +0000

Brass and resin mezzuzahs available in three colors.

Order kosher scroll (claf) separately on this site.