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In medieval times, communities would help families settle into their new homes by helping to “warm” them up. They brought firewood as a gift, - it was also said to ward off evil spirits. While we no longer  to bring firewood , it is interesting and meaningful to recall the original spirit of housewarming with a traditional gift. In Jewish tradition as well, this custom holds strong. We try to welcome new members to our communities, to help them feel comfortable and accepted. We are all …

What is it about the pomegranate, or rimon, that makes it such a hot and beloved symbol in Israel? Is this an old fad or new? Is it religious or secular? Is it the fruit itself or only its physical appearance? The truth is, a little of everything! The imagery of the pomegranate dates back to ancient days, but has made a vivacious comeback in contemporary art and culture. We see the fruit’s image imprinted on ancient coins of Judea and it is said that King Solomon had his c …

I think about what makes for good and satisfying design a lot of the time. And although I have never been to art school it is the essence of my being to produce, beautiful objects that enhance everyday life. I have found that the quest to develop designs with my designers is one of the most constant joys in my life. I can loose myself  totally when thinking about a design concept and that is an absolute joy. I have a desire to make things every day, I love watching fabrics being printe …

Why one of my missions is to make products in Yiddish.Whenever I make or sell a product with Yiddish on it, I think of my father Karl Oser (Tenenberg).He came from a small town in Poland called Bendin, south of Krakow. I understand that half the town was Jewish. Naturally they spoke Yiddish, after the horrors of the death camps and the war, my parents migrated to Sydney Australia. I spoke Yiddish with my Father and Hungarian to my mother. My mother was of Sepharidc extraction and she spoke …

My husband David Lachlan Shaw Z'L had decided to learn Hebrew (while he had many talents language learning was not one of the them) His teacher invited the class and partners to watch a tape of the Independence Day celebrations. I recall being so moved while watching a small TV set, as I recall a black and white version, very old fashion set,  that I decided there and then we must come on Aliya. And so we did, just a few weeks later. The small screen transported me to another worl …