What’s in a Name?
The Windthrow Team believes the name of a piece should reflect the values and traditions of the artwork. Our most recent piece, the Neshama Shabbat Candlesticks, does just that.
Neshama (נשמה) means soul in Hebrew.
The Soul of Shabbat
It is said that one gets an extra soul on Shabbat. And what we do with that soul can enhance Shabbat rituals. Here, we explore the connection of the individual with Shabbat, and how that can come together to find soul of Shabbat.
To capture the soul of Shabbat in today’s world can be an elusive task. What might the soul of Shabbat feel like? Possibly feeling the Shabbat come in, giving space for Shabbat in your home, letting Shabbat weave throughout your life for 25 hours, before celebrating it’s departure and welcoming in a new week.
Maybe you have accomplished that in your life - maybe you accomplish that every week. I have not. I struggle to turn off email before sundown on Friday. I struggle to remember to light the candles or hold a momentary space to welcome Shabbat. However, I do not struggle to carve out space on Friday night and Saturday to spend time with family and friends. I have made it a habit to spend time outdoors and share meals with family.
This is enough for me most weeks. And some weeks, I welcome in the whole soul of Shabbat. And other weeks, I don’t reach that mark. And that is what makes the soul of Shabbat so special. I see it as a practice. I get better and better at welcoming it every time I practice, no matter what that practice might look like week to week.
We Hope the Name
We hope this name adds to the warmth of the Shabbat candlesticks. We hope you see the soul of Shabbat reflected in the light of your candles and the reflection in the piece’s brass. We hope you take this name and bring it into your Shabbat in a way that is comfortable and right for you.
Designed & Crafted by Hand
See the artistry process unfold with Windthrow’s artist, Eddie.
Please note: there are many interpretations of what Shabbat means and how a neshama plays a part. Some say we have an additional soul on Shabbat. To us, one of the beautiful things about Judaism is the many interpretations. This is one interpretation. And we welcome others!
