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About Yair EmanuelÂ
Yair Emanuel Judaica is captivating in its range, technique, color, and style. Emanuel’s whimsical updates to traditional items and motifs, along with his prolific designs, have made him perhaps the most recognizable name in modern Judaica. His playful pieces span the Jewish experience, and among his collections are items for all ages and occasions. His popular everyday line features creative renditions of Mezuzahs, Candlesticks, Kiddush Cups, Challah Boards, Havdalah Sets, Yahrzeit Candle Holders, and Torah Pointer Yads.
An Israeli, Yair Emanuel was born on Kibbutz Sha’alvim. As a child his family moved to Jerusalem, where he later opened his studio. Emanuel studied art at the prestigious Bezalel Academy of Art and Design and taught the subject in the town of Mitzpe Ramon before he began creating and selling silk paintings and embroidery. Today, those textile pieces have expanded to include entire collections of richly dyed and embroidered Tallit, Talit Bags, and Kippot.Â
While Emanuel subscribes to a pluralist view of religion, he was raised in an Orthodox home and that background serves as a frame of reference for his work. His designs often start with traditional pieces, such as Passover items like Seder Plates, Matzah Plates, Matzah Covers, Afikomen Bags, Elijah and Miriam Cups to which he applies vivid, modern updates. He also creates a full range of Judaica for other Jewish holidays including Menorahs, Dreidels, Shofar Bags, Honey Dishes, and Etrog Boxes.Â
Common motifs in his work are designs from ancient Jewish manuscripts, the city of Jerusalem, and the biblical seven species. Out all of the seven species, Emanuel's favorite to work with is the pomegranate whose shape, symbolism and color he finds especially attractive.Â
Yair Emanuel Judaica is not restricted to a single medium. His art is made from a variety of woods, metals, and textiles. Many of his wood and laser-cut metal pieces, like his Hamsa Wall Art, Tzedakah Boxes, Washing Cups, and Plata Covers, are decorated with lively paints that fuse the ancient with modern playfulness. Though in recent years he has added some contemporary minimalist metal designs to his line, specifically in his Serveware and Tabletop Collection, they too get the Emanuel touch of whimsy: the artist rejects the heavier traditional silver designs in favor of fresh, colorful metals. This can be seen in his collection of anodized aluminum Judaica.
In keeping with Jewish tradition, a percentage of Yair Emanual Judaica profits from his art sales goes to charity. Emanuel takes the dictate a step further by providing employment for groups who have difficulties finding work, such as those with cognitive disabilities and new immigrants. His business model reflects his approach to art: diverse, bright and meaningful. Browsing his selection, you are sure to find something wonderful for any and every occasion.