Thousands of Years of Tradition in 70 Years of Craft

"The Judaica that accompanies the history and rituals of the Jewish people in Europe and throughout the entire world focuses on Eretz Yisrael, and this is also our mission – to produce art and designs of contemporary and Israeli Judaica," explains Yaacov Merdinger, international artist, owner, and head designer of the veteran company Hazorfim.

Hazorfim is an entire world of hand-crafted silver art and silver- and gold-plated Judaica, combined with porcelain and crystal. The company was founded over 70 years ago by Yosef Merdinger, Yaacov's father, and the father and son were joined by partners Wilhelm Kerner and Michael Steimetz. The company, which has acquired a considerable reputation in its field, was built on the joint work of the three Holocaust survivors, who came to the country with their work tools from Romania, and decided to establish a workshop in Steimetz’s kitchen. Later, the silversmiths expanded and moved to Allenby Street in Tel Aviv, where they began producing silverware, candlesticks, and reproductions of unique utensils that originated in Russia and Europe. This was the basis for the work that made Hazorfim the successful and unique company that it is to this day.

"As a child, I would spend my free time in the workshop, and that's how I learned and loved the craft. At the age of 13, I already designed and produced a spice box in the shape of a flower – an item that is still being sold today," remembers Yaacov Merdinger, and explains that silversmithing is a profession that combines painting, sculpture and other handicrafts. This combination makes it possible to create hand-crafted Israeli silverware, whether by hammering, polishing or soldering.

The craft of the heart

Over the years, design forms have developed that are unique to Hazorfim, with an emphasis on silver as a raw material, which Merdinger describes as "a warm and soft metal, with a unique flow that embodies thousands of years of glorious Jewish tradition." He explains that the silverware is used for the ceremonies that define the identity of the Jewish people, and binds it with ties of love to its people and family, such as items suitable for the Shabbat table, for festivals, and for special occasions, which Hazorfim calls "the craft of the heart." Over the years Merdinger has designed and produced with passion thousands of items that continue to be sold in Israel and around the world; this is his mission. Among the familiar and well-loved collections are the Bolero collection, inspired by Spanish dresses, resembling a dance in the design of the silverware, and mainly including candlesticks, cups and menorahs; the Bagatelle collection, characterized by diamond polishing that allows for a full appearance on the outside and a hollow design on the inside, alongside the integration of stones and natural elements; and the Lior collection, offering items in a combination of pyramid-like geometric shapes that include semi-circular surfaces. Among the items in a large collection that have become bestsellers over the past 70 years, many belong to the unique Legacy collection. These are items that are passed on from generation to generation, and are purchased for anyone who has an affinity with Judaism or Israel. This is in addition to many items that are also sold to other countries and cultures, such as the wine fountains, with a choice of 6-24 glasses.

Non-perishable items

In addition to these timeless items, Hazorfim never stops innovating. The company has a new brand that offers Judaica items and hosting utensils that are also accessible in terms of price – Merdinger. This brand includes stylish silver and gold-plated dishes combined with porcelain and crystal. This is a collection that offers a modern and clean design at affordable prices, suitable for entertaining and home decor. Alongside all of these are special limited-edition items from the Hazorfim gallery, works of art that reflect the Jewish rituals that were performed in secret in exile: a trumpet-shaped candlestick; a clarinet-shaped item concealing within everything required for most of the mitzvot for Shabbat and holidays, candlesticks, Kiddush cup, spices and Havdalah; a royal carriage that breaks down into the items that are required to fulfill mitzvot related to Shabbat and festivals, a kiddush cup, a pair of silver and enamel candlesticks, a Chanukah menorah; and more.

And as a company that sees its mission as the preservation of history and with a respect for tradition, Hazorfim has renewed the silverware of families who had to hide their possessions deep in the ground during the Holocaust. The inheritance received by their children was restored and renewed. "It's an expression of the fact that silverware is eternal and meaningful, items that are non-perishable, like the Jewish people," Merdinger sums up emotionally.

Hazorfim
Tel.: 074-7809165
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In collaboration with Hazorfim