Pillars of the Righteous Bimah
Dimensions: 240 cm x 220 cm x 120 cm high
Materials: Mahogany
Even the back side of this Bimah was lovingly sculpted to create a 360 degree artistic experience in this Moroccan synagogue.
Bimahs
Return to the Mount of Olives Bimah
Dimensions: 240 cm x 210 cm x 140 cm high
Materials: Cherry
It’s not every day that one is commissioned to create the artistic furnishings for the first ever synagogue on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem.
Kimchi was fortunate to be chosen to design and hand-craft the Torah ark (Aron Kodesh), Bimah and podium for this well endowed sanctuary which is located directly across from the Temple Mount itself.
The significance of the location is lost on no one, including Israel’s chief rabbi, the Rishon LiTzion, and Jerusalem mayor, Moche Leon, who participated in the dedication ceremony.
“Ascending to the Temple” Torah Ark and Bimah
Dimensions: 560 cm x 90 cm x 305 cm high
Materials: Mahogany
This Torah ark, or Aron Kodesh, is definitely one of Kimchi’s most impressive works. The piece spans almost the entire width of the east wall of the historic Av-Shalom Tel Aviv synagogue. The hand-sculpted themes on either side of the central cabinet lead the viewer’s eye contiguously up towards the temple in Jerusalem, while jumping from section to section. These sculpted panels are actually doors to custom-fitted bookcases.
The Bimah was designed to wrap around a supporting column which is located directly in front of the Torah ark. Now instead of being an eyesore, the column and Bimah complete and enhance the overall composition.
Gates of Hope Bimah
Dimensions: 230 cm wide x 260 cm long x 120 cm high
Materials: Mahogany
A Bimah must fulfill numerous functions. As well as being the reading table for the Torah scrolls, it serves as storage for all manner of items used during the prayer service. The bench is used, as well, after the raising of the Torah and also for elderly and other honorary individuals.
This Bimah certainly gives ample coverage for all the above needs, as well as serving to visually anchor the Torah ark it accompanies (also by Kimchi).
Angels’ Wings Bimah
Dimensions: 150 cm x 90 cm x 110 cm high
Materials: Mahogany
This Bimah complements the Angels’ Wings Torah ark that Kimchi created as well. These pieces are part of an entire set of synagogue furniture that was commissioned by the Mishan Home for assisted living in Givatai’im, Israel.
The Isaac Sanctuary Bimah and Wall Sculpture
Dimensions: 260 cm x 245 cm x 135 cm high
Materials: Mahogany
This Bimah is replete with a richly carved surrounding wall, upholstered bench and doors carved on the theme of Rachel’s tomb.
The Bimah accompanies the Torah ark (Aron Kodesh) seen behind that Kimchi also designed and hand-crafted.
Our Soul Yearns For the Lord Bimah
Dimensions: 140 cm x 80 x 120 cm high
Materials: Mahogany
This easygoing yet lively Bimah was commissioned to accompany the Torah ark for the Kfar Shaul Mental Health Center in Jerusalem.
New Life to an Old Bimah
Dimensions: 320 cm wide x 320 cm x 130 cm high
Materials: Mahogany
This Bimah was Kimchi’s approach to revitalizing an old Bimah made of stone. the client wanted to retain part of the original for sentimental reasons. Thus the challenge was to integrate the stonework with the hand-sculpted mahogany in a way that flowed together pleasingly.
Ode to the Seven Species Bimah
Dimensions: 140 cm x 120 cm x 125 high
Materials: Mahogany
The Seven Species are the fruits and grains in which the Land of Israel was blessed according the the Torah.
In this Torah reading table (Bimah) the grape, the fig and wheat are represented, lovingly hand-carved by the artist.
This Bimah was designed with special compartments, pull-out shelves and pedestal, in accordance with the specific demands of the congregation.
Joyful Heart Bimah
Dimensions: 150 cm x 90 cm x 120 cm high
Materials: Cherry, maple and wenge
This Bimah hints at the verse from Psalms: “Thou shall worship the Lord with a joyous heart…”
The piece is richly carved, with the maple backings augmenting the sculptural drama.
The Raphael Sanctuary Bimah
Dimensions: 140 cm x 65 cm x 125 cm high
Materials: Mahogany
This nicely detailed Bimah completes the extensive set of hand-sculpted synagogue furniture that Kimchi designed and crafted for the Raphael Sanctuary.
The Story of Chanukah Bimah
Dimensions: 130 cm x 90 cm x 115 cm high
Materials: Mahogany
This Torah reading table, or Bimah, was commissioned for a synagogue in the city of Modi’in, Israel. Modi’in is the birthplace and of the famous Maccabee brothers who in ancient times raised the rebellion against the Greek ruler Antiochus. The Maccabees eventually succeeded in freeing Jerusalem from foreign rule, and the holy temple, which had been desecrated, was once again made pure.
Then the Menorah was re-kindled using only the tiny amount of pure olive oil which remained, this lasting a miraculous eight days.
The sculpted panels of this Bimah recount the story of Chanukah, beginning with the desecration of the temple, brought about by brute military force. The back panel depicts the ever-present threat of the Hellenistic power with its superior armor. The third panel shows the two civilizations facing off as the winds of war begin to favor the Jewish people. Finally, on the front, the oppressors have been vanquished. The Torah is upheld, and once again flame is lit in the Menorah.
“Eternal Flame” Bimah
Dimensions: 150 cm x 90 cm deep x 120 cm high
Materials: Teak
Kimchi continues to be fascinated by the design opportunities inherent in the use of positive and negative space. In this Bimah he has created an aperture which runs straight through the center of the piece. This allows for a ray of light to shine through and highlight the flowing contours of the form.
Flowing Line Moroccan Bimah
Dimensions: 180 cm wide x 70 cm deep x 120 cm high
Materials: Mahogany
This Bimah is an excellent example of how kimchi naturally blends his signature flowing carving with additional motifs, in this case Moroccan design.
He created the Bimah in addition to a Torah ark and podium as part of a whole set for a Moroccan synagogue in southern Israel.
“Ten Commandments” Yeminite Bimah
Dimensions: 160 cm x 75 x 145 cm high
Materials: Mahogany
This bimah was commissioned for a Yemenite synagogue in Tel Aviv. The Torah scroll is read at an angle while resting in the grooves incised in the top surface. The theme on the front panel represents the giving of the ten commandments at Mount Sinai. The back panel evokes the light of the Torah shining from Zion. At the bottom of the front panel is a small door behind which a stool is stored for young boys to stand on as they read from the scroll. At the rear are larger compartments, custom designed to house items necessary during the service.
“Ten Commandments” synagogue Bimah
Dimensions: 120 cm x 75 cm x 115 cm high When designing synagogue furniture, Kimchi likes to establish a clear hierarchy between the various kinds of pieces. The aron kodesh, or ark, is always the main player, while the bimah, or torah reading table, generally comes in second. This example of Kimchi’s custom designed furniture for the Ritz Carlton Hotel of Herziliya Pituach, Israel is a case in point. The massively rich carvings on the aron kodesh and overall aesthetic are echoed in the bimah in a quieter and more subdued fashion. Thus both pieces of synagogue furniture are a delight to view and use, while the necessary equilibrium is maintained between them.
Materials: Bubinga
Parting The Waves Bimah
Dimensions: 150 cm x 70 cm x 115 cm high
Materials: Cherry and maple
The bimah is a synagogue furniture item, which serves as a raised platform on which the Torah scroll is placed or displayed when reading the Torah. This bimah celebrates the parting of the Red Sea. It is equipped with two drawers and three doors, all of whose handles are carved into the wood as an integral feature of the design. Each facet depicts the event from a different angle.
Moroccan Fantasy Bimah
Dimensions: 160 cm x 55 x 125 cm high
Materials: Cherry
This bimah was commissioned by an historic synagogue in Jerusalem whose congeregation has evolved over time. Today the congregants are mostly of Moroccan descent. Their aim was to have a bimah made that would evoke traditional Moroccan design with a modern twist.
Mount Sinai Bimah
Dimensions:
Sculpted railing and bench: 300 cm x200 cm
Lecturn: 110 cm high
Materials: Cherry and Maple
This bimah is only part of a major renovation I designed and executed for an old synagogue. The main motif – which appears on the aron kodesh – is of the tablets on Mount Sinai. Surrounding the bimah is a sculpted railing attached to the existing raised stone structure. The bimah is equipped with an upholstered bench to seat three worshippers. The reading table has a drawer and storage beneath. All handles are integral parts of the carving.
