The Moon is Waxing (1997)

This Kiddish Cup was made for the exhibition “L’Chaim: A Kiddish Cup Invitational”, organized by The Jewish Museum of San Francisco.  The Kiddish Cup is a drinking vessel that holds wine or grape juice that is shared as part of a ritual, ceremony or celebration.  My Kiddush Cup was made for use in a Bat Mitzvah ceremony which celebrates a young woman’s coming of age in the Jewish faith.

Symbolism-The bowl of the cup is in the form a waxing moon that, during the lunar cycle, increases in size as viewed from earth. The cup is supported by tree branches that terminate in 7 different kinds of fruit (my interpretation of the Tree of Life).

My intent is to acknowledge and honor biblical, historical and contemporary Jewish women who broke the gender barrier. On the back of each fruit is engraved the name of seven such women.  

2 examples

Rufina of Smyrna was a historical figure from the 2nd century who was a property owner, and head of her synagogue.

Sally Priesand was the first American female rabbi.