One-of-a-Kind “Book of Life” – Box Sculpture

One-of-a-kind “Book of Life” Box Sculpture
By: Aimee Golant and David Casella
with calligraphy by: Lisa Rauchwerger
Commissioned by The Brandeis School of San Francisco
In honor of the retirement of Debby Arzt-Mor
2.5″ x 4″ 1.25″ Sterling Silver and Copper 2025

The Book — open showing the outer cover — hand formed by David Casella in Sterling silver.  The outer frame is copper.

Book open to Debby’s dedication page, calligraphy by Lisa Rauchwerger.

Next pages show the timeless quote selected for this piece by Dan Glass for the Brandeis School of San Francisco

Back page with our hallmark stamps.

The book closed.

Creating a Book of Life for Debby Arzt-Mor

When Dan Glass, Head of School at the Brandeis School of San Francisco, asked if I would create a piece in honor of Debby Arzt-Mor’s retirement, I hesitated. Some of you may know that David and I are now running DAC Landscape SF Inc.—our landscaping business—full time. As you can imagine, we’re incredibly busy.

But of course, this was an honor I couldn’t pass up.

I went into our garden with David to reflect and begin sketching. As we brainstormed, a spiral-shell-plant form began to take shape, surrounded by an embracing frame.

Dan had selected a powerful, timeless quote from the teachings of Hillel to incorporate into the work:
“Be of the disciples of Aaron—loving peace and pursuing peace, loving people and bringing them close to Torah.” (Pirkei Avot 1:12)

My initial idea was a simple sculpture with the quote inscribed around its outer walls. When I showed David the concept, he offered a transformative suggestion: What if it had a hinge, and opened like a book?

“When it’s open,” he said, “it could form a heart.”

The pages inside could include the quote and a dedication to Debby.

I immediately thought of collaborating with paper-cutter and calligrapher Lisa Rauchwerger—I’ve been working with her on another project. Her delicate inscriptions would bring the interior to life.

David’s idea elevated the piece. Inspired, he decided to hand-form the silver using chasing and repoussé, a traditional technique that shapes metal from both sides using special tools.

We dove into the project together—something we rarely do—and it turned out to be a meaningful, shared experience for both of us.

Symbolism of the Book of Life

As an educator, the metaphor of a book is a perfect tribute to Debby. In Judaism, the “Book of Life” is a central symbol during the High Holy Days. On Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, the Book is said to open. It’s a time of reflection—when we look back on our lives as if reading a story: taking stock of our good deeds, regrets, missed connections, and moments of growth.

We ask for forgiveness, extend it to others, and set intentions for how we want to live going forward. By the time we reach Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, ten days later, we are ready to write the next chapter.

As Debby steps away from her full-time role as Jewish educator and leader at Brandeis, we hope she can see clearly the beautiful legacy she leaves behind—one of kindness, learning, community, and love.

And as she moves into her next chapter, may the optimistic spirit that has touched so many continue to guide her in all that she does.