I've been meaning to write this post for. ever. Also, I've just been meaning to write any new post for a while.... 

Ok, here goes!

If you've been to my house, you might have noticed my collection of corks. People are equally fascinated or weirded out by this collection. 

If you're a Jew in Brookline, you might have given me a baggy full of your corks. (in which case, thank you!) 

Here is the first project that I undertook with them. (with Josh peaking out from behind the wall...) 


Many people have asked how to make this project. It's actually quite easy. The hardest parts were finding a mirror and collecting the corks. If you've got both of those, you're almost there. 

Materials
Corks
Glue gun and glue
Mirror (I used one like this from IKEA that I had lying around, scraped off the tiles, and covered the remaining mess with corks - but it looks like they sell one without any tiles on it to begin with!)

Because I wanted to cover up the left over gunk (dried glue) from the tiles that I pealed off, I made a double layer of corks. This picture to the left shows the first row of the first layer. After I finished going all the way around with this row/layer, I did one more row above it, before making another layer on top. 

Each step (row/layer) would have been enough, without me adding more. But I wanted a more full look. 

If you're making one, you can experiment with round/square mirrors. Or try layering the corks differently. 

In times of high stress, I tend to crave a creative outlet. I started quilting during Hillel elections in college (I'm a dork, yes, I know), and I took up jewelry making during my first year of rabbinical school. So it didn't come as a huge surprise when, with less than a week before Rosh Hashanah (my first as a rabbi in a synagogue), I latched onto a new craft. I needed something simple, something highly accomplishable, and something that wasn't going to make a mess or require a lot of supplies. 

After an impromptu trip to Paper Source and then a YouTube search, I realized that placecards for our 14-person, two-table Rosh Hashanah meal would be a great project. Here's the video that convinced me that this was a easy project to tackle:

They're not perfect - and frankly, the flower design has nothing to do with Rosh Hashanah. But I was in a rush, and didn't have time to order the stamps that I found here and here. I am excited to make a visit to this seller in Newton on Monday and pick up a Rosh Hashanah stamp. With the placecards made, I'm not quite sure what I'll do with it - but perhaps I'll make a card or two. 

I'm not *in love* with the way the cards came out - the light pink was too light, the cutting tool I used didn't always make perfect cuts, and I haven't quite mastered the art of embossing without curving the paper. But for a first timer, I think they came out pretty well!  

Speaking of creativity around the High Holy Days...I came across this video from Kosher On A Budget with instructions for making a round challah. Since I somehow managed to assign almost all of the pieces of the meal to other people (minus the main dish), I think I'll make some round challah on Tuesday. 

Growing up, I always thought that the story about Abraham smashing his father's idols was found in the Torah. I later learned, however, that this story, like many others, was a form of Midrash, creative interpretation of the Torah, written by the rabbis. The rabbis wrote Midrash in order to fill in gaps in the Torah, and make the Torah more accessible to us, with creative twists and stories.

For more than a decade, I have been engaged in creating hands-on Midrash, by painting my fingernails according to the Torah portion or holiday of that week. Each week, after studying the Torah portion and its accompanying Midrashim (plural for Midrash), I decide how best to capture the Torah's message on my fingernails. For example, for Parashat Re'eh, the Torah portion that lists the laws of keeping Kosher, I painted Kosher animals on one hand, and non-Kosher animals on the other.

My most popular holiday MidrashManicure is the ten plagues, with one plague for each fingernail. A few years back, Jon Stewart asked for example of one of the plagues on my nails, to which I replied: "I have the slaying of the first born on my pinky." Stewart retorted: "Well I have a tattoo of Pharoah on my thigh!"

I recently launched MidrashManicures.com, a portal through which my MidrashManicures, could reach a larger audience. My hope is to continue to inspire people to find ways to make Torah and Judaism more accessible for themselves, be it through MidrashManicures or other forms of art and media. I also facilitate MidrashManicures workshops at synagogues and teach a middle school course entitled Midrash Manicures at the Solomon Schechter School in Westchester.

I hope that you enjoy MidrashManicures.com, naturally-grown Judaica! Feel free to sign up to receive a weekly MidrashManicure, and in the meantime, enjoy Parashat Nitzavim-Vayelech by clicking here!

Apologies for the silence. When you're a rabbi in a congregation, the month leading up to the High Holidays tends to get a little nuts. I've been seeing a lot of wonderful (and thought-provoking) art this past week, and I hope to get to share it with you soon.

In the meantime, I want to leave you with a little teaser for next week's guest post by Rabbi Yael Buechler. 

Yael, creator of Midrash Manicures, has been painting nails since she was in middle school. And I remember her starting her own nail business when we were both students at Brandeis University. 

Now she uses her fingernails as a platform for Jewish education. In her weekly blog she shows off her parasha (or holiday, etc.) themed nails, adding some commentary for the reader along side. 

This week's parasha, Ki Tavo, speaks of mitzvot for the city and for the countryside - both of which are depicted on her nails. Interestingly, when I first looked at this picture, I associated the two hands with blessings and curses, both of which are also discussed in this week's Torah portion. 

Look for more from Yael next week, when she's back, writing about the what's, how's, and why's of Midrash Manicures. 

For Jews all over the world, the month of Elul means taking time to do some spiritual reflection, contemplation, and the work of getting oneself ready for the High Holy Days. Rabbinical Schools and yeshivot often have an "Elul program" - a month separate from the rest of the year, dedicated to the kind of learning one should be doing leading up to the holiest time of the year. 

But for rabbis, this is mostly known as the busiest time of the year - second only to the High Holy Days themselves. For clergy, the month of Elul brings one part reflection and one part count-down to the DAYS OF AWE. It's like tax season for accountants, only in this case, the deadline isn't the US government, but rather hundreds or thousands of expectant congregants. And frankly, I'm not sure which is more scary! 

So how can we show our rabbis that we love them? That we know they are working incredibly hard, and that we appreciate them?

Yes, we'll compliment their sermons, invite them for a holiday meal, and laugh at their (not-so-funny) jokes. But this year there is a new way to show your appreciation. With a t-shirt. 

The Rabbis Heart Cheshvan t-shirt shows your rabbi that you understand how hard he or she works during Elul and Tishrei (the month during which the High Holy Days fall). Buy one for your favorite clergy member, or buy one for yourself in support of your rabbi. Choose your color and size here (they even sell a maternity version!)

Happy Rosh Chodesh Elul! I think I'll celebrate by doing some reflection....and some t-shirt shopping. 

This shirt was the idea of Hebrew College rabbinical student Avi Killip - and designed/created by Rabbi Jane Kanarek and Rabbi Rachel Silverman. 

There were two things that I remember fighting with my mother about, over my bat-mitzvah. The location (I absolutely, positively did NOT want it at the place with the red chairs) and the invitations. As any 13-year-old from the mid-90's did, I wanted sparkly, glittery invitations with ribbons, etc. You know, the kind that with 20/20 hindsight one can only see as ostentatious. Lucky for me, my mom had better style sense than I did - and I "settled" for very tasteful invitations.

I only wish I had the chance to choose designs like these, from Red Turtle Invitations (by Arielle Rogers). Can't you just see my name across the top of that one?

This new collection includes classic designs with a modern twist. Ari believes in the importance of maintaining traditions but also in having fun - both elements shine through with her work. I have known about Ari's work for a while now, but I'm thrilled to see that she's expanded into doing bar and bat mitzvah invitations. You can purchase them through her page here on Homegrown Judaica or on her website, Red Turtle Invites. 

And if you're in the market for other types of invitations or stationary, check out her site too. She's got some really beautiful wedding invitations and baby announcements. Enjoy! 

In 2007, Camp Ramah in New England launched an innovative new programming experience, “Kishroniyah,” which was offered to all Tzad Bet campers (entering 8th grade and older). "Kishroniyah” comes from the Hebrew word “kishron,” or “expert.” It is designed to bring an intensive learning opportunity (akin to something they would get at a camp dedicated to that topic, like basketball camp) to campers who are opting to spend their summer at a Jewish summer camp. 

For the other 7 weeks of the summer, these campers play sports, swim, compete in Yom Sport (color war), write letters home, trade clothes, skip activities, and complain about the food - you know, regular camp stuff. But for a few days each summer, the older campers at CRNE get to pick a track of activities to concentrate in. 

In the past five years, options for Kishroniyah have included sports (such as ultimate frisbee, basketball, and tag football), cooking (with chef Paula Shoyer, author of The Kosher Baker - watch a video of her teaching here), quilting with Anita Rabinoff-Goldman (founder of Pomegranate Judaica), a cement sculpting course, a jewelry making course, and...a mural course. 

Tova Speter was the visiting artist who led campers from the units of Magshimim, Bogrim, Machon, and Nivonim in the creation of this mural. 

The campers created the following description of their intentions behind the mural's imagery:

"As three campers drift off to sleep, their journey or “Masa” begins as the map they are reading comes to life. Behind them are camp bunks and the life cycle of a tree. This represents how our surroundings mature as we do throughout our Ramah experience.

The first leg of the campers’ dream journey is backpacking, an activity in which we partake on Etgar, our camping trip. They are traveling on a path, similar to the birds migrating on their journey above. They are also playing Frisbee in a field, a popular camp activity.

The next panel shows the campers rock climbing up a waterfall, reminiscent of our rock wall at camp, and symbolizing that in every journey there will be challenges that we need to overcome. If you look closely you might be able to see a Hebrew letter hidden in the rocks. Combined with the letters hidden in the mountain and the sunset, the Hebrew word Masa is spelled out, the theme of our mural.

Before day blends into night, the campers participate in another activity that we do on Etgar- canoeing, one of our favorites. On the canoe, one camper peers through a telescope representing discovery on our journey.

The next panel sports a scene that is dear to nearly everyone at camp – Havdallah in the grove. Look for the hidden symbols! From the grove waft music notes and words that are the Shir Ramah camp song. Also in the mountains are the words to Tefillat HaDerech, the prayer for traveling. The wafting music notes drift to the heavens where the three campers plant an Israeli and American flag on the top of a mountain representing our dedication to Israel.

The footprints in the sand lead to the campers setting up camp and enjoying each other’s company around a bonfire. They look to the stars and see remarkably real constellations copied directly from the vivid Ramah sky.

In the final panel, train tracks cut the scene because most people think about the train tracks as being the entrance or exit to camp. As the sun rises, the car of campers on the road are preparing to embark on their next journey in the real world, inspired by all of their journeys at camp. The “welcome home” sign is exactly how we feel when we come to camp and it will always feel like home even after our many future journeys."

Below is a video of the campers describing the mural themselves. More pictures can be found here. 

My parents recently did a lot of work on their home. They refinished their pre-existing wood floors. They tore up old carpet and put wood down instead. They painted their walls with COLOR. And they took down old railings from the 1980s, including one from a loft that overlooks the living room, and replaced them with a more modern design. The house looks phenomenal - but at the same time, it’s not what I grew up in. 

Anticipating the oncoming bout of nostalgia, I requested that my mom save some of the old railing. I knew I wanted to do something with it, but I wasn’t quite sure what. Over the past year or so, I’ve developed an urge to find (or to create) art out of previously purposed items. So I was sure that I would find something to do with that fencing. As we approached the date of the renovation, an idea struck. I wanted a headboard from the fencing/railing. It was genius - even the contractor who made it for me thought so. 

It ought to be mounted on the wall, but we’re renting...so it currently lives behind the bed, sticking out just a bit above the bed. (can you even see it in the corner of the bed? right behind the pillows) I have high hopes of hanging it above the bed in a future home. 

After that last post, I thought I'd see who else out there loves upcycled art. This post is the result of some of my findings (also know as my wishlist, in case anyone wants to buy me things) ;)

A quick search on Etsy produced the following products: (if you buy from them, be sure to let them know HGJ sent you!)

Found here, for $17, it is a 3.25'' x 6.5'' magnet called "Beautiful Brew"
If I drank coffee, I'd have probably already purchased it. 
 

You can purchase this bowl, made from Magazines for $29 at this Etsy shop. 

The description from the artist is:
"It measures 8.5 inches across and is 2.5 to 2.75 inches high. The top edge is not even intentionally. It was made by my daughter and it took many hours to make it. It would be perfect for keys and/or mail in an entryway, sitting on your desk at work, and a conversation starter on your coffee table. It is quite sturdy and heavy. "

I LOVE this concept! If it weren't $105, I'd buy it immediately. As it is, maybe I'll wait for something special and then buy one. 

From the artists:Original Recycled Art Co. design. This Funky Word Block will be custom made just for you out of fun and funky license plate letters. 

This 7 letter name with special states, the word "our" and a date will measure about 12 inches by 12 inches. You pick the name, special details and background paint color. For longer or shorter names, send us a convo and we will make you a custom listing. If you want certain states just let us know before purchasing to make sure we have them available. Each piece is handmade. Your piece may differ slightly from picture shown. Reach these artists here. 

The coolest thing about this piece is that I've bought that wine before. For $9, you too can have a bottle formerly for holding wine, now hold a candle. 

The Artist wrote:The best thing about leaving the label on a wine bottle during the cutting process is the ability to make the label "glow" when a candle lights it up from the inside. We think you will find this "Barefoot" wine bottle candle makes for an amazingly ambient glow to set a relaxing, romantic mood.

It comes complete with the stones and (a fresh) candle as you see pictured above. When the candle burns out, just drop another one inside and enjoy it over and over again!

The glass rim has been frost-polished to be safe and smooth to the touch. You will enjoy this upcycled home accent!
Like it? Want to buy it or speak with the artist? Find the listing here. 

It looks like an expensive diamond ring, right? Turns out, it is from a chandelier! (and only costs $19.50 - much cheaper than a diamond ring)

From the artist: This simple elegant ring featured a unique vintage chandelier crystal held in place by a hand formed sterling silver twist setting that allows the large prism to hover over the finger with fasteners at the top and bottom for a beautiful modern look.

Buy it here. 

I've been holding onto this picture for a while now. I took it one day while browsing the Brookline Booksmith (my favorite local bookstore). I took a picture so that I could try to recreate it on my own....I haven't, but maybe this is this inspiration that I need?

Visiting a friend this afternoon, my eyes caught on a refinished Library Card Catalogue sitting in her office. What a great accent piece! I'd love to see what others have done with card catalogues now that libraries have moved to computerized listings. 

Lastly, I've enjoyed these works of art from John T. Unger's site, made from recycled goods. 

If you have more to share with us, leave a comment with a link. 

In case you were wondering, no one sponsored this post, none of these artists even know that I'm admiring their work. I just searched until I found five items that I liked - and I wanted to share them with you.

Upcycling previously used items is a great way to be creative on a budget. Leaves, rocks, fabric from old clothing, old building material, corks, etc. all have potential for creativity. 

A while back, I started collecting wine corks when I saw a giant glass jug of them while visiting a friend in Virginia. This family had been collecting them from their Shabbat dinner table each week for years. They had filled an entire jug and were on their way to filling a second one. I instantly fell in love with the idea of creating a simple conversation-starter with an item that came free with every bottle of wine that we opened. It has now become part of our weekly Shabbat ritual. If we’re eating at home, we open the bottle of wine for Kiddush and slip the cork into the glass vase. If we’re at a friend’s house, we’ll politely request that we keep the cork, if they weren’t already going to. I’ve got friends from all across the city collecting wine corks for me (got some? want to send them to me?).

Corks are not the only items that I have recently upcylced in my home in the form of art. I’ve got a chalk board in the kitchen decorating the wall, a headboard on our bed made from railing taken from a re-modeling project my parents did at their house, a handbag made from seatbelts, and I have a few more ideas in the works. 

Visiting the Simon Pierce glass blowing studio (and gift shop and restaurant) this past week, I’m wondering how I can recreate this piece on a smaller budget. In their shop, they showed a few different examples of inserts - corks (which obviously immediately caught my eye), three balls of yarn with knitting needles, and a scene with rocks and bamboo.