This Aron Kodesh was commissioned for a synagogue with an unusually low ceiling. The challenge was to create an inspiring piece that gives an uplifting feel despite the height limitation.
Kimchi chose to incorporate a three tiered design that adds depth and drama to the composition.

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This ark was a joy for Kimchi to create. It is packed full of flowing, hand-sculpted forms which weave togehter to create the sense that one is truly standing at the gates to paradise.
The entire piece moves like a charm on eight wheels hidden inside the base.

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This richly carved Torah ark (Aron Kodesh) is replete with traditional Jewish symbols of holiness, but re-interpreted in Kimchi’s original, flowing style.
The Bimah and carved cabinet doors on the side complete this powerful composition. On either side of the Aron Kodesh there are also book cases that continue until the wall behind.

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The stark simplicity of this synagogue dictated a composition that bespoke both nobility and restraint. The aron kodesh has two doors which open to almost the entire diameter of the piece. The crown was designed to accommodate hidden lighting. The bimah and flower stands also serve to complement and spotlight the primary piece.

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In this monumental Aron Kodesh Kimchi sought to create a sense of uplifting drama through use of the undulating gap between the two halves of the supporting structure. The flowing form of the gap draws the eye upward towards the heavens. As it ascends it is bisected and juxtaposed by the square Torah cabinet which protrudes towards the front.

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This aron kodesh was commissioned by a synagogue located in the Jerusalem foothills. The carvings on the cherry panels, in fact, depict the hills leading up to The Holy City, which  can just be seen through the windows on the horizon. The congregation wanted to stress their connection to Jerusalem and chose this verse from Psalms. The massive central doors slide on runners to reveal the ark above and a separate storage section with additional wooden doors below.

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The challenge here was to convert an old and rather nondescript synagogue into an uplifting place of worship by creating new synagogue furniture. Working within the confines of the existing stone structure I designed and created this aron kodesh to maximize the vertical aspect of the composition. The sign above has a verse hand-carved into it. The lectern is adorned with electrical lighting coming through the menorah.

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This intensively carved Torah ark (Aron Kodesh) was designed to be the center piece of an extensive collection of holy books.
Together with the Bimah this set of synagogue furnishings turned the sanctuary into a truly uplifting space

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This Torah ark is multi-layered with four different depths. The piece juxtaposes different surface treatments to create a rich tapestry of textures. The generous overhang of the cornice adds a sense of awe to those who approach the ark.

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This Torah ark was commissioned in memory of a Cohen (man of the Cohenic priestly line). The family members were intent on having this be expressed in the artwork. The three arcs above are inscribed with the priestly blessing, and the carved hands on either side reflect the gesture the Cohenim make during the blessing.

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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.

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This Torah ark (Aron Kodesh) and Bimah duo was commissioned by the Kfar Shaul Mental Health Center in Jerusalem.
The staff wanted to have an ark that would truly touch the patients and allow them to connect to their synagogue experience in a very personal way.

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This small Aron Kodesh is circular in form with a hand-carved door and an open and airy base. The piece is made from ash, a wood that while lightish in hue, has amazing texture and life.

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This Torah ark, or Aron Kodesh, is an interesting variation on Kimchi’s single Torah arks. The carving on the hand-sculpted doors wraps subtly around onto either side, enhansing the three dimensional aspect of the piece. The inside of the door has an extra bit of carving to add interest when the door is open.

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This Aron Kodesh was commissioned by a boarding school for underprivileged boys. They come from diverse ethnic back grounds, and difficult family situations. Over time they develop a sense of belonging to the community and come to see their schoolmates as family. This is the essence of the carving on the ark: each individual retaining his or her own identity while contributing to the overall sense of togetherness.

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This Aron Kodesh was designed to adorn a Moroccan synagogue in Dimona, in the south of Israel.
Kimchi interweaved the flowing tree-like forms with a hint of North African design motifs.
In addition to the Aron Kodesh Kimchi designed and crafted an accompanying Bimah as well as a podium to complete the composition.

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This ark ( Aron Kodesh ) showcases some of the most significant and scenic sites in the Holy City and its environs. Hand-carved panel presents a different interpretation of the iconic locations. This piece of synagogue furniture was commissioned by the Ritz-Carlton luxury hotel, in Herziliya Pituach, Israel.

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This highly detailed aron kodesh is in fact a miniature. It is actually a functional piece of synagogue furniture, designed to house a 17 cm tall Torah parchment. The ark was commissioned as a gift to a well-known philanthropist. The design for this piece drew its inspiration from a 17th century Italian aron kodesh. The gold plated silver castings depict scenes from the western Wall in Jerusalem and the Tomb of the Fathers in Hebron. The design was done in cooperation with Bier Judaica Inc.

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This aron kodesh is made of columns of frame and raised panels, with the sculpted motif on the doors taking center stage. The theme depicted here is Mount Moriah and the heavens above. The verse quoted is taken from Genesis, where Abraham sighted the holy mountain from afar. The verse is hand carved with a chisel-textured backing and recessed lighting.

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There is an increasing call for portable Torah arks, or Aronot Kodesh. Here is an example of one that is extremely easy to roll into position, while still retaining a unique, refined Kimchi aesthetic.

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This end table is a celebration of the swirled form. The interspersed layers of wenge and maple serve to add visual drama and draw attention to the “geological formations” in the piece.

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This dining table boasts a very labor-intensive base. Each upright is both coopered and deeply sculpted. The uprights are connected by a sinuous, carved apron. The top is adorned with a subtle inlay of wenge.

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Every once in a while wood artist Jeremy Kimchi will go more than just his usual extra mile. This sculpted table is a case in point. He created the piece for Israel’s second annual fine woodworking expo that was held in the Tel Aviv port, and it was decidedly one of the key attractions at the show.
The base was contructed by gluing together extra thick angled staves, making the joinery for the cross piece, then deeply carving them with the sinuous vertical forms.
The focal point of the piece is the intricately carved tip of the cross piece – where the yin and yang converge.

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Sometimes the client calls for a decidedly over the top design. In this case the splendour was employed to honor the holy books of the synagogue. The hand-sculpted book case is more that just a place to house a few books. It is the first piece one encounters upon entering the synagogue and sets the tone for the entire sanctuary.

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Kimchi believes that getting outside the box is never so important as in synagogue art and furnishings.
In this case the whole Torah ark (Aron Kodesh) seems to be full of the breath of life, twisting and turning towards the heavens.

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This small but action-packed Torah ark (Aron Kodesh) brings new meaning to the concept of flame.
It was commissioned by a small synagogue in Manhattan together with an accompanying Bimah.

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Sometimes a bookcase is more like an architectural creation than a piece of furniture. This combined bookcase and entrance way to the Central Synagogue of Cfar Chabbad is a case in point.
The massive creation wraps around two corners of the sanctuary with an overall length of about 16 meters.
Kimchi created the piece and was assisted in the work by Yaron Altman and in the installation of the double doors by Michael Cohen as well as Amir of Amir Doors .

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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).

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The hand-sculpted doors on this Torah ark, or Aron Kodesh, really make the piece come to life. The wings on either side and the classic Kimchi geometry augment the sense of drama to this piece of synagogue furniture. The ark is fitted with high quality castors and can be moved easily into position each week for services.

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This small Aron Kodesh is circular in form with a hand-carved door and an open and airy base. The piece is made from ash, a wood that while lightish in hue, has amazing texture and life.

The post The Rising Crown Torah Ark appeared first on Kimchi Designs.

This portable Aron Kodesh presents us with a biblical musical instrument that just begs to be played.
The piece was designed to celebrate and extol the joyous musical aspect in Jewish prayer.

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This bench was created for a synagogue Bimah. It is a play on positive and negative spaces, which come to life as both light and shadow.

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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.

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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.

The post The Isaac Sanctuary Bimah and Wall Sculpture appeared first on Kimchi Designs.

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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.

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Kimchi designed and created this one of a kind bookcase for the Jerusalem Waldorf Astoria Hotel.
The piece was commissioned to house the hotel’s impressive collection of books of Jewish learning.
It is positioned directly in front of the entrance to the hotel’s synagogue and adds a unique aura of hand-crafted elegance to this wing of the Waldorf.

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Here is another example of braking out of the box.
Kimchi enjoys redefining common pieces and adding a naughty twist.

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This labor of love was hand-sculpted by Kimchi in solid cherry with solid maple acting as a dramatic back-drop to the apertures.
The recess seperating top and bottom serves to allow one’s eye to bridge the gap, thus inviting the viewer to participate more actively.
Hidden lighting also augments the visual excitement of the piece.

The post The Eternal Flame Torah Ark appeared first on Kimchi Designs.

A good podium offers the leader of the prayer service an opportunity to really feel rooted and connected.
This piece has a drawer with sculpted front and a laminated, curved back.

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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.

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