The Ha-Ari Challah Board

#C-8
2003, Wood and Jerusalem stone.
Width 30cm, length 40cm.
Signed by the artist.

A mystical aura surrounds the Ha-Ari Challah board. The inspiration for this
creation was the great Rabbi Yitzchak Luria, known as the “Ari-Hakadosh,” or
“Arizal,” meaning “The Holy Lion.” According to legend, the prophet Elijah
appeared to the Arizal and told him to go to Safed to study the secrets of the
Torah. He is considered the father of contemporary Kabbala. Stories of mystical
miracles accompanied his life. He passed away at the young age of thirty-eight,
but his spiritual fame led to acceptance of his authority in revealing the secrets
of the Kabbala.
A wood tray with Jerusalem stone in its center creates a durable yet appealing
design. The knife is conveniently housed in the frame. Carved into the stone is a
mystical prayer beneath the blessing “HaMotzi Lechem Min Haaretz” (“Blessed is
He who brings forth bread from the earth”). The prayer itself is in ancient Aramaic.
The Ari instructed that all participating in the meal should recite this prayer, even
if they do not understand the words.
Each work is signed by the artist.