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Jewish interior Style for Restaurants
Every interior consists of ingredients that make it balanced and harmonious. Functional elements are the base, and others work as spices. They create unique author spaces that reflect their owners` character and preferences.
Necessarily interior elements:
- architectural space and composition
- lighting
- color combinations
- finishing and covering materials
- furniture
- textiles
- patterns
Additional interior elements:
- accessories
- decorative art
- vintage
- trends
- sensual design
- consumables
However, in most Oriental interior styles, there is one more main Style-base element that exists - Symbolism.
Symbolism in Oriental interior design refers to the deliberate use of colors, patterns, materials, and decorative elements that represent cultural, spiritual, or philosophical meanings. This approach draws heavily from the rich traditions, histories, and aesthetics of Eastern cultures. Symbols are another form of pattern to which our minds and bodies quickly respond.
Key Elements of Symbolism in "Jewish Interior Design":
1. Motifs:
2. Color combinations: brown & green & rose, red & yellow, white & blue (reflecting purity, divinity, and the Israeli flag), yellow & black, off-white & sky blue, gold & sky blue, violet & gold, brown & gold, red & gold, sky blue & gold, black & gold, red & sky blue. Gold and silver represent holiness and spiritual richness.
- Elements of the Nature: flowers, leaves, landscapes,
- Animals - lions, rabbits, birds, mysterious animals, reptiles.
- Ritual items (Menorah - the seven branches symbolize the days of creation, Hanukkah),
- The pomegranate - symbolizes fruitfulness and knowledge, represents righteousness, and the 613 commandments (mitzvot) of the Torah. It is a motif of fertility and abundance.
- Tree of Life / Etz Chaim - represents spiritual growth and connection to the divine,
- Circular and Spiral Motifs: the eternal nature of God and the cyclical nature of Jewish time (holidays, life cycles). Represents harmony and divine order.
- Eye: represents God's omniscience and ever-watchful presence. The Eye expresses divine supervision and guidance. The concept of the "evil eye" (ayin hara) refers to negative energy or harm caused by envy or ill will.
2. Color combinations: brown & green & rose, red & yellow, white & blue (reflecting purity, divinity, and the Israeli flag), yellow & black, off-white & sky blue, gold & sky blue, violet & gold, brown & gold, red & gold, sky blue & gold, black & gold, red & sky blue. Gold and silver represent holiness and spiritual richness.
3. Sacred Geometry and Patterns:
#12: Tribes of Israel, months of the year.
#18: Life and blessings (numerical value of "chai").
- Geometric patterns in mosaics, tiles, and textiles reflect God's infinite nature and the interconnectedness of creation.
- David star / Magen David - Represents unity, balance, and the connection between God and humanity; Combines opposites: male and female, heaven and earth.
- Hexagrams and Hexagons - associated with the Star of David and the six directions of space (north, south, east, west, up, and down); represent completeness and the order of creation.
- Interlocking Triangles and Squares, triangular, rhombus - triangles represent stability and the connection of past, present, and future. Squares signify balance and earthly order.
- Cultural Objects and Artifacts: Menorah, Template, columns, Synagogue, crown, tablets of the Torah, Hamsa Hand, mezuzahs, Ark of the Covenant Imagery, sacred vessels, or other elements from the Temple.
- Sculptures and Figurines: animals, palms, old Jerusalem center,
- Calligraphy and Scrolls: Hebrew words & phrases,
- Hebrew Letters and Gematria: Each letter has a numerical value (gematria), linking geometry with divine mysteries.
- Numerical Patterns:
#12: Tribes of Israel, months of the year.
#18: Life and blessings (numerical value of "chai").
Symbolic Jewish finishing and cover materials
Jewish culture incorporates symbolic materials and finishes in design and ceremonial objects, reflecting spiritual values, historical traditions,
and cultural aesthetics.
and cultural aesthetics.
Queen Esther with Mordechai
GOLD. Represents sanctity, divinity, and wealth. Used extensively in the construction of the Tabernacle and the Temple.
Portable Torah Ark
WOOD. Represents life, growth, and the natural world. The Ark of the Covenant was made of acacia wood, symbolizing durability and sanctity.
Jewish memorial Torah mantel
VELVET. Symbolizes luxury, reverence, and protection. Used to cover sacred items, indicating their importance.
Stone Mezzuzahs
MARBLE & STONE. Symbolizes durability, permanence, and a connection to the earth. Reflects the grandeur of the ancient Temple in Jerusalem.
Stain Glass
GLASS. Symbolizes transparency, clarity, and divine light. Often associated with spiritual revelation.
The woman's ceremonial cloths, Jewish Museum
SILK. Symbolizes beauty, grace, and sanctity.
The Jewish grave
CERAMIC TILE. Symbolizes tradition and artistry, reflecting the cultural diversity of Jewish communities.
Tefillin tallit
LEATHER of the Kosher animal. Connection to ancient traditions, including parchment scrolls. Associated with strength, protection, and covenantal reminders.
Menorah
BRASS & COOPER. Associated with the altar in the Tabernacle. Elements in ceremonial and functional synagogue objects.
PARCHMENT. Lace Cut Papercut.
Reverence for Torah and sacred texts.
Mezzuzah
GEMSTONES. Associated with the High Priest's breastplate (Choshen), representing the 12 tribes of Israel. Embroidery Threads: Gold, silver, and multicolored threads often depict symbolic designs like vines, crowns, or Hebrew calligraphy.
Silver Tableware
SILVER. Symbolizes humility, redemption, and spiritual refinement. Linked to temple rituals and offerings.
Color Symbolism
Jewish culture often integrates these colors thoughtfully in rituals, textiles, and architecture, reflecting both spiritual and historical significance. These hues work together to express the depth and vibrancy of Jewish life and tradition.
1. Blue (Tekhelet)
2. White
- Symbolism: Divine presence, spirituality, and the heavens.
- Origin: Tekhelet, a specific blue dye mentioned in the Torah, was used in priestly garments and tassels (tzitzit).
- Applications:
- Represents God's commandments and connection to the divine.
- Seen in tallit (prayer shawls), synagogue decor, and Israeli flags.
2. White
- Symbolism: Purity, holiness, and righteousness.
- Origin: Associated with Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement), when worshippers often wear white to signify purity of soul.
- Applications:
- Used in prayer garments, weddings, and religious ceremonies.
- Symbolizes renewal and forgiveness.
Life Tree in Sky Blue shades
3. Gold
- Symbolism: Wealth, divinity, and sanctity.
- Origin: Reflects the splendor of the Tabernacle and the Temple, which featured gold extensively.
- Applications:
- Found in ceremonial objects like menorahs and Torah crowns.
- Associated with celebration and reverence.
- Symbolism: Redemption and humility.
- Origin: Silver was used in the Temple's construction and offerings.
- Applications:
- Common in Kiddush cups, candlesticks, and ritual objects.
- Represents a balance between spiritual and material wealth.
- Symbolism: Blood, sacrifice, and life.
- Origin: Reflects the blood of sacrifices in the Temple and the Passover lamb.
- Applications:
- Seen in Passover symbolism and certain ceremonial robes.
- Represents vitality and covenantal promises.
6. Green
- Symbolism: Growth, renewal, and nature.
- Origin: Reflects the lushness of the Promised Land, described as flowing with "milk and honey."
- Applications:
- Used in Sukkot decorations and floral designs.
- Symbolizes hope and the cycle of life.
- Symbolism: Mourning, humility, and the mystery of God.
- Origin: Associated with periods of loss or introspection, such as Tisha B'Av.
- Applications:
- Seen in traditional mourning attire and liturgical elements.
- Represents the depth of the human experience.
- Symbolism: Royalty, nobility, and spiritual richness.
- Origin: The dye used for royal garments was rare and valuable in ancient times, making it a symbol of honor.
- Applications:
- Associated with priestly robes and sacred objects.
- Represents dignity and divine service.
Contract
Using Jewish calligraphy as a decorative element, leaves, flowers, David star, scared colors
Hamsa Hand
Palm symbol, sacred colors
Wall art
Jerusalem view, yellow stone, lions, David star, name of God, Menorah
Barcelona Haggadah, 14th century
Jewish Calligraphy, birds, mysterious animals
Why Symbolism Matters in Oriental Interior Design?
Oriental interior design goes beyond aesthetics; it integrates symbolic elements that evoke emotions, tell stories, and create meaningful living spaces.
Jewish Interiors can be designed and understood only by people who know the inner God meanings of the symbolic usage of colors, patterns, materials, art, and textiles.
- Cultural Depth: It reflects the values, traditions, and beliefs of Eastern societies.
- Harmonious Spaces: Symbolism helps create environments that resonate with balance, peace, and positive energy.
- Timeless Aesthetic: Meaningful elements add depth and enduring beauty to interiors.
Oriental interior design goes beyond aesthetics; it integrates symbolic elements that evoke emotions, tell stories, and create meaningful living spaces.
Jewish Interiors can be designed and understood only by people who know the inner God meanings of the symbolic usage of colors, patterns, materials, art, and textiles.