Every handcrafted piece at David & Jonatan Wood Art begins with a tree that grew within the storied soil of Israel. Before it became a mezuzah on your doorpost or a challah board on your Shabbat table, it stood for centuries—in the hills of the Galilee, a region in northern Israel rich with biblical history and spiritual legacy.
We don’t just create olive wood art—we honor its past, preserve its beauty, and transform it into luxurious art for modern life.
Sourcing with Reverence: Ancient Olive Wood from Israel
Our work begins in Galilee, where we ethically source aged and naturally fallen olive wood from the land of Israel. The wood is full of character—cracks, deep grain, sun-soaked tones—each marking its unique origin story.
This wood is carefully collected, not cut, and carries a powerful sense of presence. Many of our clients say that simply touching one of our pieces feels like holding a piece of living history.
Preparing the Material: Preserving Beauty
Once in our studio, the olive wood is cleaned, dried, and stabilized with care. We check the trees for their age by examining growth rings or sending samples to the lab so we can truly honor the giants we work with. We also work hard to take extra care to preserve the roots which, though challenging to work with, prove to be the most moving and meaningful pieces to create from.
A testament to handcrafted preparation at its finest, everything is done with respect for what this wood has endured.
Transformation Through Craft: From Olive Wood to Judaica
Our design process begins by listening to the wood itself. As artists of handcrafted Judaica, we shape each piece of olive wood art by hand—whether it’s a mezuzah, menorah, challah board, or Torah pointer (yad). We take care that in any sanding or molds made to hold the wood as the crystal epoxy dries, we preserve the natural texture and shape of the wood.
All of this results in a unique piece of art that blends nature with design and reflects the history and heart of the tree and artist. Each item is one-of-a-kind—a bespoke creation that can never be replicated.
“We don’t impose form on the wood. We reveal the form that was always there.”
Finishing Touches: For Generations to Come
Every object is finished with a special blend of oils or wax or lacquer to nourish the olive wood and ensure long-term durability. These aren’t just functional items—they are future heirlooms.
Whether you're a Judaica lover or a serious collector of olive wood art, these are legacy pieces meant to be passed from generation to generation.
“This is art you don’t just display—you use it to celebrate and to remember.”
From the Land to Your Hands: A Collector’s Connection to Israel
To own a David & Jonatan Wood Art piece is to hold a tangible connection to the Land of Israel, the hills of the Galilee, and the timeless rituals of Judaism.
Whether you're adding to your olive wood art collection or gifting a handcrafted Judaica piece to someone special, you're taking part in a sacred story—from tree to treasure.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Explore our latest handcrafted olive wood creations or inquire about commissioning a custom Judaica piece that speaks to your story.
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