In the wake of the Bondi Beach massacre—a day when the chilling call to ‘Globalize Intifada’ was tragically realized—there was no room for joy. We were burdened by a profound sense of heaviness and sickness. But amidst the sorrow, we conceived a plan: to create a magnificent menorah, a light to summon Jewish joy and pride back into a world…
Collaboration often opens doors to new techniques and ways of seeing. Working with Lisa on the Tree of Life sculpture reminded me that art is as much about relationships and process as it is about the final piece. It’s a joy to share the story behind this work. Over a year ago, I received a phone call from my friend…
Naming G-d in The World to Come By: Aimee Golant Casella Author’s Note: One way I survive difficult times is to use my imagination to postulate the world I want to live in. This piece is a personal reflection on how we might begin to prepare our hearts and minds for The World to Come—an era of peace, unity, and…
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…
For more than 25 years, I’ve poured my soul into creating Jewish ceremonial art—mezuzot, menorahs, works rooted in holiness and heritage. Not just to preserve memory, but to bring healing. To shine light. To share the sacred with the world. I’ve believed—still believe—that the “House of Israel” isn’t just for Jews. It’s meant to uplift all of humanity. That…
Forging Peace with Metal art & Judaica I am the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors on my mother’s side and a sixth-generation metal artist. My grandfather was a precision tool and die maker—he built the machines that candle companies used to make light. That image resonates with me: even in dark times, my family was creating the very tools to bring…
Here’s the link to find an Action near YOU! The Day of Action is being sponsored by 136 partner organizations. You know many of them. National and local organizations are uniting across the country to make Hands Off!, a national mass activation to speak out against the Trump-Musk billionaire takeover and the Republican assault on our freedoms and our communities. Hands Off! is an all-in…
As we all well know, peace is the only way forward. Violence and war only provide temporary quiet– but not what we universal human beings really want. I’d like to share with you a life-changing story from my youth. When was 15 years old in 1989 I visited Israel on an Ulpan Trip for two months with about 150 kids…
Regarding “SFUSD school closures: What every family needs to know” (San Francisco, SFChronicle.com, Oct. 7): The photo published online (since deleted) and on Page A7 of the Oct. 9 print edition with this story highlights a protester holding a sign that reads “MONEY FOR EDUCATION NOT FOR OCCUPATION.” This choice of image blatantly perpetuates antisemitic rhetoric by falsely connecting U.S.…
In your article on October 9th, 2024– front page titled: “SFUSD School Closures: What Every Family Needs to Know“ the image printed online and on page A7 highlights a protester holding a sign that reads “MONEY FOR EDUCATION NOT FOR OCCUPATION.” This choice of image, I feel blatantly perpetuates anti-Semitic rhetoric by falsely connecting US policies supporting Israel and budget…
Or Shalom Jewish Community waited a long time before finally having their own worship space. Now that they are beginning to settle into their new home– I worked with them to create their very own custom mezuzah– one for their doorpost, and limited production mezuzahs and pins that were offered as part of the annual fundraiser. We used their new…
WHAT IS PEACEFUL, AND WHAT ISN’T? The “peaceful protesters” — students, teachers and administrators, at American Universities and High Schools are attacking, intimidating, mocking, harassing, and endangering Jewish students lives– just for being Jewish. Protesting the actions of Netanyahu’s racist government including the disregard for Palestinian civilian life and the illegal settlements, is not Antisemitic– it is warranted. Denying Israel’s…