Shiviti Chadashah!

 

This is a commissioned piece made to honor the outgoing president of a non-profit organization. 

A Shiviti is typically a tapestry that adorns a prayer stand or a drawing that adorns a page in a prayer book. This is a wall mounted piece of fused glass. The chamsah (hand) and all the bead work as well as the rainbow ribbon framing edges are all made of dichroic glass. It is the focal point for contemplation and meditation.

Is it perfect? NO.....what is? But it was a delight to make and I learned a lot both in researching the symbols as well as constructing the piece.

Chadasha? It means new. This is my modern take on the Shiviti. I think I will be making other new versions of the Shiviti. I am inspired!

Chamsah Plate: A Healing Hand

8"x8" sushi style plate. The chamsah (aka Hand of Fatima, Hand of Miriam, Hand of Mary, Hamsah) is a middle east amulet signifying keeping away "the evil eye." It is made from clear dichroic glass and is quite striking in person. This plate is a commissioned piece on its way to California, a 60th birthday present.

A WOMAN'S HAND

Ready for delivery!

The Chamsah is a wonderful symbol for any young woman. It is a symbol commonly found on amulets in the middle east. "Chamsah" literally means "five". It is known as "the hand of Fatima", "the hand of Mary", and "the hand of Miriam"- three remarkable women representing three remarkable faiths.

I hope the young woman who recently celebrated her Bat Mitzvah will draw inspiration for strength, courage, and learning from each of these matriarchs.

As always, photographing glass is a real challenge. The glare and reflections are tough to control. The background glass is a beautiful transparent turquoise but In order to minimize glare, I had to shoot it on a black background. 

Now on to my next project....a new design for a Torah pointer- Yad.  These will be made in the kiln rather that worked with a torch. Stay tuned!