Etz-Ron Newsletter
July, 2007

Mosaic Clock w Hebrew Numerals

New at Etz-Ron, the Mosaic Clock w/ Hebrew Numerals joins the original Mosaic Clock as a classy time keeper. Enhanced with a ring of assorted wooden mosaics , this modern clock has a clean, and elegant look. A quartz clock, made in the USA, keeps the time, quietly, and runs on an A battery. This Mosaic Clock, with or without the Hebrew numerals looks good on the wall!

Grandmother Clock w/ Pendulum and Chimes

For a time piece that sits on the table, or a mantle, check out the Grandmother Clock w/ Pendulum and Chimes. The case is solid wood, and the front sections come off to allow access to the clock works. This quartz clock, made in the USA, chimes on the hour, and you can watch the movement of the brass pedulum through the window.

The Jewish calendar is based on three astronomical phenomena; rotation of the Earth about its Axis (a day), revolution of the Moon about the Earth (a month), revolution of the Earth about the Sun (a year). As we all know, the length of a year is actually 365.25 days or 12.4 lunar months.

In the Jewish calendar months are either 29 or 30 days and years either 12 or 13 months. In a year of 13 months, the additional month is called Adar Sheini. The lunar month on the Jewish calendar begins when the first sliver of moonlight becomes visible from the dark moon.

In the fourth century, Hillel II established a fixed calendar based on mathematical and astronomical calculations. The calendar, which is still in use today, standardized the length of months and the addition of months over the course of a 19-year cycle, so that the lunar calendar realigns with the solar years.

Most of the world uses the Gregorian calendar which has abandoned any correlation between the moon cycles and the months, arbitrarily setting the length of months to 28 (29), 30 or 31 days.

Jerusalem Mirror

The Jerusalem Mirror features a stylized depiction of the walls of the old city of Jerusalem, with the Tower of David rising out of the skyline. Hung on the wall, the Jerusalem Mirror acts as a constant reminder that our thoughts should constantly turn to Jerusalem for hope and inspiration.

Next to Yom Kippur, Tisha B’Av is the most important fast day in the Jewish calendar. It marks the final day of a three-week period of intense national mourning for the events that led to the loss of Jewish independence with the destruction of the holy temples in Jerusalem.

On Tisha B’Av in the year 586 BCE, the First Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed following a three-week siege. This period became known as a time of national mourning during which music was not played, weddings not held and personal grooming curbed.

When the Second Temple was built, these observances lost their importance, but after the Second Temple was destroyed in 70 CE, they were revived.

Mosaic Vases

These beautiful Mosaic Vases make a statement on your table filled with, or waiting for, flowers. Each vase has a glass insert that insures your table will not be marred by water condensation.

“Behold my beloved, speaketh to me: Arise, make haste, my love, my dove, my beautiful one, and come. For winter is now past, the rain is over and gone. The flowers have appeared in our land, the time of pruning is come. The vines in flower yield their sweet smell. Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come.” Song of Songs 2:1

Despite the observance of mourning which surrounds Jewish life during the three week period from 17 Tammuz to 9 Av, we are constantly reminded that the Jewish religion is both positive and optimistic.

No more appropriate example is the 27th Psalm of David. In verses 1-6, David expresses hope to dwell in the House of the Lord. Verses 7-14 are a call for help on behalf of all Jews. To remain strong in spite of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

A call reminiscent of the sign put up by the Bratzlever Chassidim on the gate of their ghetto during World War Two. “Jews – Don’t give up!”

We should always remember, no matter what circumstances prevail, the Jewish glass is always half full, not half empty. A house with generous displays of flowers always conveys this feeling of optimism.

Got an idea for something different. Your own design?

I'm happy to oblige with any individual request for items not featured in the existing collection. Just visit the Contact Amy link on the website. I'd like to hear from you.

And when you next visit Beer Sheva don't forget to visit me at the Etz-Ron Studio where you'll find me hard at work and where you can purchase any of my products at the Studio Shop.

Best,

Amy Gilron