"She is a Tree of Life"

Collaboration with Dorothy Ross
A variety of fabrics, trims, and beads
Winner of the Spertus Judaica Prize

Because "torah", "wisdom", and "understan-ding" are feminine nouns in Hebrew we dressed the scroll like a 17th century Italian bride. Israel became God’s bride by accepting Torah at Mount Sinai. This concept is elabo-rated in several symbolic ketubot for Shavuot.
We combine many stitching and beading techniques to deal playfully with Baroque costume, its layering and showy linings.

The double-layered beaded locket is both breastplate and amulet. The pomegranate suggests fertility as well as commitment to the mitzvot. The locket bears three crowns of Torah; four 'ruby' seeds represent the matri-archs and all Women of Valour; and a circle of 18 amber beads symbolizes chai. Crimson ribbons repel the evil eye. Seven barley stalks around the hem reference Shavuot, with seven seeds in each for counting the omer.
Photo: Thomas Nowack

Click on titles to view details:
detail one
artists at work
detail two
return to full view