It is a Jewish custom to ritually wash your hands upon rising, after using the facilities, and before eating a meal that includes bread. It is also customary in Judaism to beautify how we fulfill commandments, as a way of showing honor to our creator.
Emanuel’s brightly decorated netilat vessel brings a feeling of joy and effervescence to the daily ritual of handwashing. He has decorated a simple metal cup with charming, brightly colored pomegranates in shades of red, purple, and green against a cheerful yellow-cream background. Printed in Hebrew on the front of the cup are the words: “netilat yadayim,” for the name of the blessing of washing hands.
Pomegranates are one of the seven species of the land of Israel mentioned in the Bible. This is a lovely way to bring a touch of Israel into your home, wherever you may be.
Pomegranate Netilat Yadayim Cup
Yair Emanuel is a prolific artist and creator of Israel’s most recognized and loved Judaica. His creative use of colors, textures, and images from the land of Israel makes his beautiful works of art instantly recognizable.
Born on Kibbutz Sha’alvim in central Israel, Emanuel developed his artistic talent as a young man at the prestigious Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in Jerusalem. While studying in Jerusalem, he fell in love with the Holy City and decided to make it his home. His studio is located in the heart of Jerusalem. The city influences many of his beautiful works of art, decorated with scenes from the Old City of Jerusalem. His other works celebrate the seven species of the land of Israel with charming depictions of wheat, barley, rye, pomegranates, grapes, olives, and figs.
Emanuel’s designs are infused with his love for Judaism, a respect for tradition blended with his joyful embrace of color and innovation. His Judaica is represented in various mediums from painted wood, textiles, and metal. Each piece that he makes is unique while recognizably ‘Emanuel.’