My Point of View (Excuse the pun!)

Of course we all are greatly excited about the Bar/Bat Mitzvah party that may be coming up in your family, but let's not forget the religious significance of this important event in your child's or grandchild's life. This would be the perfect opportunity to start him or her on a lifelong collection of ritual Judaica. I believe that the Jewish culture has been brought along, perhaps even saved, by the presence of ritual objects used in the home.

Have the proud grandparents or other relatives, friends, or haverim members asked what they can give to your child? They want to give something that is more meaninful and more enduring than a gift certificate to download music. Think about suggesting an exquisite silk Tallit, a a customized bronze or silver yod to use during the Torah reading, or even a small replica of a yod that can be worn as a necklace. Your son or daughter will surely need a beautiful tallit clip to hold the tallit securely on the shoulders, or a silver kippah pin to keep the kippah (yarmulke) on th head. Another idea is a wonderful door mezuzah for your child's room, which will be cherished for a lifetime. A neck mezuzah, star, or chai charm is also appreciated forever.

Have you ever wondered how to thank the rabbi, cantor, religious school teacher or other people so valuable to your child's religious education? A unique and personal option might be to present that special mentor, or the synagogue, with a lovely piece of Judaic art. Perhaps you might consider a beautiful yod, (Torah pointer, as pictured) in your child's name, or a special door mezuzah for the rabbi's office or sanctuary door. How about a mizrach or papercut for the library, or if you're feeling partiularly grateful, a breastplate or new crown for the Torah! However, don't forget to consult with the synagogue or school before you select such a special gift.

The above applies, even more so, to the about-to-be married couple. Think about what will enrich the home and the family that is about to be created. Consider the purchase of Judaic art, including ritual pieces, such as a menorah, Havdallah set, Shabbat candlesticks, Seder plate, etc. Adorn their first home with a lovely mezuzah, remembering that each doorway (except for the bathrooms) will need a mezuzah.

The art work you choose today will become the treasured keepsakes for generations to come.


http://www.ruthshapiro.etsy.com
http://www.growingupjewish.com

Next post, I'll define a few of the terms I've used above for my non-Jewish friends!

Hammering Away!!!

This weekend will be my first workshop in a long time, learning, not teaching, a new technique from famous jewelry designer and metalsmith Victoria Lansford!! I must admit that I've dabbled in this technique before, but with home-made tools and very old supplies. All I'll say now is that I'll be hammering for two days straight, from the front and the back of the piece of metal, and when I'm finished, I'll magically change a flat piece of copper or silver into a 3-dimensional shape, worthy of a fine piece of jewelry. BTW, if you are in southern California and you're making jewelry or other metalwork, and want to join a community of the nicest people around with similar interests, look into the Metal Art Society of Southern California. The website is massconline.com

Wish me luck this weekend!
Ruth

Another BTW: The silver bracelet pictured here is not done with the method I'll be learning this weekend, duh...It's a combination of fold forming and hydraulic press forming, plus a lot of sawing and filing. It's one of my favs!

Day4 Growing Up Jewish by Ruth Shapiro

Just a few photos today to celebrate the pomegranate as a very potent symbol in Judaism. I have used it extensively for the past 25 years, in Torah crowns and rimmonim, mezuzot, and in jewelry. Keep checking back for more examples. Secret tip: if you or someone you know wants to get pregnant, use the pomegranate as an amulet, and wear it around your neck! Count the seeds and pick the one with the most-but be careful what you wish for!!!

To see more go to : www.ruthshapiro.etsy.com
                              www.growingupjewish.com

Blog Day 2

Just finishing up in the studio, waiting for lacquer to dry on a bronze mezuzah. Not too dissimilar to waiting for paint to dry!! Actually, I wanted to finish painting an area of my garage today, but the paint I had saved from another project had dried up in the can! Off to the hardware store tomorrow!

I'm one of the featured artists in a Judaica Art Show at the Finegood Art Gallery, in West Hills, CA. I'll put up a link. The show begins Sept. 2, and the artists' reception is on Sunday, Sept. 12 from 2-4pm.  I have to deliver the work that was selected to the Gallery on August 30. Each piece has a bright yellow card that must be filled out in order that labels will be typed.Thank you to whomever must do this task! It's extraordinary how much work is involved in setting up such a show. That is, aside from all the work involved in creating the pieces to be shown...

I will be showing some of my larger, more complex works, such as spice boxes, Miriam's Vessel, Torah pointers, etc. They are made of large amounts of sterling silver, and who knows when I'll be able to invest in that much silver again!  Whew!!!!

Let me know if there is something you would like me to discuss. I'm new at this, and value all suggestions. Perhaps techniques, history, jokes, etc.!!

Be well and stay cool!
   Ruth

Blog Day 1 by Ruth Shapiro

Please be patient- this is my very first blog ever! I'm finally coming into the 21st century, kicking a bit, but looking forward to this new chapter in my on line life!

Here's a little of what I do: I create and hand make Judaica, including mezuzah(s), Torah pointers, tallit clips, and a variety of jewelry, both Jewish-oriented and not. Come back often and let me know what you would like to see at this site. Also, go to my website at www.growingupjewish.com and see some of my newer work at my Etsy shop, www.ruthshapiro.etsy.com

I have a fan page on Facebook, titled, of course, GrowingUpJewish.

Now, take a look!