I live and work  from my home in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.  

Several years ago I began managing our synagogue’s tiny gift shop.  As I reviewed the inventory I was disappointed that most items were manufactured in distant lands, and the designs of these mass-produced items were tired looking and felt “soul-less”.  I envisioned the gift shop featuring beautiful and unique inventory, inventory that was not only beautiful but meaningful and purposeful.  To achieve this goal I started purchasing locally made Judaica, and thus our synagogue now had a unique boutique for Judaica.

In addition to hiring local artists for making Judaica for our shop, I began to make my own fused glass Menorahs.  I am very grateful to have been mentored by one of the local artists here in Ottawa.  Now, of course, my menorahs (and other Judaica) are available to everyone, no matter what the location. 

This quote by Henry Ward Beecher touches me:  

“Every artist dips his brush in his soul, and paints his own nature into his pictures”

I live in Ottawa with my husband and we have two great grown-up kids.  My husband, a retired dentist, helps me when he can, and produces his own pieces of art.  He uses interesting woods and epoxy resin to make serving platters, cutting boards, and furniture.  Occasionally he even makes a Menorah or seder plate with wood and resin.  His designs reflect the uniqueness that each piece of wood brings to that particular piece of art.