chair for a guest

A personal introduction to design within the realm of my religion, this chair is inspired by the Jewish concept of keeping a chair for the prophet Elijah during a brit milah and during a Passover seder. The chair is a ritualistic symbol, but more importantly to me it is a symbol of the Jewish value of welcoming people to a meal. I have gotten to know people by going to Shabbat dinner at the home of strangers and it will always be one of the most beautiful Jewish cultural practices to me.

This dining chair is symbolic of the openness I have to strangers joining me in my home for a meal, whether they be a new friend unable to go home for holidays or a stranger who needs somewhere to eat. Throne-like, it is intended to glorify a guest and make them feel special and welcome. This chair will sit amongst the normal dining chairs at my grandparents’ house, where most of my family’s holiday meals take place.

21”W x 24”D x 38”H