I had the privilege of building a Shabbat table for Reuven Grant, a project that began in late summer when we met in the workshop. Reuven’s vision was clear: a table where his family and loved ones could gather, enjoy each other’s company, and nourish themselves with love and good food. His passion for this project was infectious, drawing me in immediately.
Originally, the table was to feature a tiled center and a live-edge design, an ambitious combination given the limitations of local sawmills and the difficulty of sourcing such large lumber. Fortunately, a local lumber yard specializing in exotic woods had a rare piece of Patagonian rosewood that was fourteen feet long and stunningly beautiful. This exceptional wood became the foundation of the table.
The next challenge was the tile. Reuven’s vision evolved from simple tiles to incorporating stained glass plates of various colors, with the dream of changing the patterns with the seasons or holidays. This added a layer of complexity, as these glass tiles needed to be illuminated to showcase their colors and protected to ensure the table’s functionality.
Inspired by Japanese shoji screens, which can hold geometric designs in individual windows, I designed a framework to hold the stained glass. We sourced a custom LED panel to fit beneath the glass, and a local glass shop cut thick protective glass to shield the intricate display.
As the elements came together, the table’s weight and structural integrity became a concern. Collaborating with a local welder, we designed a steel frame that harmoniously integrated the lights, glass, and wood. Watching the pieces fit together was a series of amazing moments, each one a testament to the collaborative effort and creative problem-solving that defined the project.
Reuven’s trust and encouragement were vital, keeping the fire lit beneath me to push through to the end. The completed table was more than I ever imagined I could create, a testament to the time, effort, and shared vision that brought it to life. This Shabbat table now stands as a symbol of community, tradition, and the joy of creating something truly special.
