SEPARATION LIGHT

Separation Light is named from Havdalah, which translates to “separation” and is the name for the boundary between Shabbat on Saturday night and the incoming week. To permanently install both pieces of this set is to have prepared both forms of light that are used throughout seven days, and an illustration of the relationship between the week and the day of rest. Religiously on Shabbat, electricity is not allowed to be used; and at sundown on Friday nights, to welcome in the sabbath, traditionally women will light candles and welcome in Shabbat as if she were a bride.

The Havdalah service, that marks the end of Shabbat and the entrance of the week ahead, utilizes the senses to bring one into the present and into cognizance. While prayers are chanted, ideally standing outside under the stars, spices are passed around to be smelled. A braided, multi-wicked candle is lit, and everyone looks at their hands and is meant to see the reflection of the candlelight on their fingernails. Such specific callings of attention to sensory experiences are the driving inspiration for Separation Light.

The reflections caused by the two parts onto each other are meant to be noticed and con- templated, similar to the intentions of contemplation in observing one’s fingernails in the presence of candlelight. Separation Light responds to Shabbat by calling for a dialogue between light from flame and light from electricity; which translates to a dia- logue between Shabbat and the rest of the week. More broadly, this light responds to the rush of everyday life, especially in regards to the work culture in America. Working in Jerusalem in a culture that works to live and doesn’t live to work, and seeing how that correlates to a more grounded, experiential way of life, inspired me to design for attentiveness, mental clarity, and presence in the home. If we are not to take sabbath days off for rest, we should grant ourselves at least the benefit of sensory observations as small meditative experiences. Observance vs. observation.