Hand-Carved Hebrew Verses

Beautiful hand-carved Hebrew verses are one of the unique offerings available from Eitz Hadar Woodworks. Available in a variety of hardwoods, finishes, and in almost any size, you can design a hand-carved verse to fit anywhere and compliment any decor. These beautiful works of art make unique, deeply meaningful gifts for home, office, or synagogue that can commemorate weddings, births, or almost any life-cycle event.

(click photo to embiggen)

Our latest verse, shown above, was recently installed below the zeicher in the entryway of the client's home in Brooklyn, NY. In some Jewish homes, the zeicher is a patch of wall left unfinished to remind us of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem almost 2000 years ago. In modern terms, it should remind us that our comfortable homes are not complete while so much work remains to repair our World. The verse in this carving is taken from Psalm 137 and, translated from Hebrew, reads "If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning." Like the zeicher, this verse exhorts us to remember Jerusalem, the Holy Temple, and our lives' purpose.

This piece is hand-carved in ribbon stripe mahogany by Yitz Finch the Brooklyn studio of Eitz Hadar Woodworks. The calligraphy is hand-drawn using the same guidelines Jewish scribes use to write Ashkenazic (from the Eastern European tradition) Torah scrolls. No computerized equipment is used to produce these works of art. Here, the letters art expertly gilded in 23 karat gold by Yitz's friend George from Of Hand and Soul.

Like the example described here, client's can select a verse to express heartfelt feelings or commemorate life-cycle events:

• Grateful for your blessings? Say it with Psalm 118: "Give thanks to God for he is good."

• Buy a new home? Commemorate the purchase with Pirkei Avos 1:4: "Let your house be a meeting place for sages."

• A child graduates from medical school? Give them Jeremiah 17:14: "Heal us God and we will be healed."

Of course, if you do not have a specific verse in mind, Yitz will work with you to find just the right one.

(click photo to embiggen)

Hand-carved Hebrew verses let you put some Torah inspiration over a doorway, over a mantle, in your garden, or in nearly any room in your home, office, or synagogue. They are also beautiful when viewed up close, which reveals the hundreds of chisel marks in each letter, demonstrating the care and patience that goes into each verse. To signify the relationship between artisan and client, Yitz carves his signature and the date on the back of each piece.

Prices for hand-carved Hebrew verses start as low as $500 for a short verse, or a Hebrew name. A verse of the length shown above starts at $950. Additional charges apply for painted or gilded letters, as well as NY Sales Tax and shipping if applicable. Contact Yitz directly through the Eitz Hadar Woodworks web site or send an email to yitz@eitzhadar.com.

We look forward to making one for you!

Empty Shop Syndrome - Mahogany Lectern Edition

(click photo to embiggen)

Recently, I delivered this lectern to a client in Brooklyn. Now that it's out of my shop, I'm dealing with the loss.

In Yiddish, a lectern such as this is called a "shtender" and is used by Jewish scholars for studying, praying, or lecturing. This shtender is all solid sapele mahogany and was built specifically for my client's library. Inside, are two adjustable shelves which provide plenty of storage. A classic frame-and-panel design, built with sturdy mortise and tenon construction, finished with top quality brass hardware. Signature and date hand-carved by the artist. It sells for $2995 + tax + shipping (call for details).

I made the client leave the room while I removed the tape and moving blankets. When he saw the piece for the first time he exclaimed "Wow! That's beautiful!" He has since reported that his wife loves it, his mother loves it, and his mother-in-law loves it -- that's the kind of reaction I hope for.

My separation anxiety comes from my attachment to the work. I personally complete every step in the manufacture of each piece of furniture, from the wood selection to the final coat of wax. I invest hours of care and attention, sometimes a little blood (sharp tools!), and yes, even love I suppose. I meticulously fit the door, so closing it feels like shutting the door on your Mercedes. My intensity crescendos as the piece nears completion, so naturally there's a little let down after delivery to a delighted client.

Fortunately, I'm diving right in to a large armoire for a client in Queens, and so the process starts all over again.... Maybe this is one of the clinical signs of addiction.

So goodbye little shtender, go become the cherished family heirloom I know you'll be someday. Oy, I'm all farklempt...and I promised myself I wouldn't cry.

Uh-oh: He's getting philosopical again...

I'm taking a slight detour from the usual here as I'm feeling a bit philosophical today. If I get this out of my system, I can get back to making sawdust!

I needed to break down a large shipping box, so I reached for my trusty utility knife. This time I noticed it's familiar heft, shape, and feel and began pondering the meaning of longevity and quality.

You see, I unwrapped that brand new utility knife in 1985, when I was stocking shelves at a lumber yard while finishing up my B.S. in Mechainical Enginering at the University of Colorado at Boulder. It struck me that I've had this tool for over 25 years! How admirable that this simple tool could function unwaveringly for so many years, decades even.

This, I think, is part of what draws me to building custom furniture. With care, a well-built piece of furniture can last hundreds of years; thousands of antique pieces are found in homes and stores around the world. This simple idea drives my passion for meticulously building furniture of the highest quality.

In stark contrast, I once had a customer contact me about building a "quick and cheap" armoire. Those are always red-flag words for me. He told me he did not mind if he left it in his old apartment when he moved. I politely told him that "I don't build furniture people leave behind." I simply was not interested in the job.

All this from a humble utility knife. What do you think?

Now, if you'll excuse me, maybe I'll take my utility knife and cut up some boxes just for old times' sake.

A Visit to "The Joinery" in Portland, Oregon

The family recently returned from a family vacation in Portland, Oregon where my sister, niece, and nephew live. We spent 10 days enjoying beautiful scenery, amazing weather, and great family and friends. I also managed to sneak out one morning and visit "The Joinery", a company of craftsmen building beautiful solid hardwood furniture in Portland since 1982.

After viewing some of their work in the large, well-appointed showroom, one of the carpenters took us on a personal tour of the wood shop. One furniture maker is responsible for each piece from start to finish. In the shop, it is easy to see the care and craftsmanship that each piece receives. I'm also a little jealous of some of their machinery, but that's for another post.

So, if you're in the Portland area, I encourage you to take the time to visit "The Joinery" and see their 16,000 square feet of showroom and wood shop. You can also view much of their furniture on-line at www.thejoinery.com.