MOSHAV TIMORIM – Against the backdrop of ongoing national challenges, Israel’s woodturning community gathered at Moshav Timorim in late October for an annual exhibition that offered both refuge and celebration.
Organized by esteemed woodturner Elisha Rubinoff, the two-day event brought together artisans and enthusiasts from across the country, fostering a shared appreciation for the art of woodturning.
Rubinoff, a seasoned artist with over 15 years of experience in woodturning, began the exhibition five years ago as a modest showcase for his students.
Since then, it has grown into a key event for Israeli wood artisans, featuring intricate and imaginative works, each crafted with passion and precision.
This year’s exhibition, which presented a variety of creations from ornamental designs to functional art pieces, offered attendees a momentary respite from the prevailing sense of conflict, replacing it with a spirit of creativity and camaraderie.
“The exhibition has become the focal point for the woodturning community in Israel,” said co-organizer Rotem Ben-Zeev. “It brings people together to discuss what they make, the tools they use, and the techniques they cherish.”
Ben-Zeev emphasized how the event has become a space for artists to connect, share ideas, and celebrate their craft, creating a close-knit community bound by their passion for wood.
Among the showcased artists were Ori and Osnat Yaalon, a husband-and-wife duo from Neve Ilan. Known for their precision-based art that involves intricate, movable lattice interiors, the Yaalons’ works are marked by meticulous attention to detail, with measurements down to a tenth of a millimeter.
The couple refined their skills under Spanish master woodturner Eddy Parkiet, bringing a touch of international expertise to the exhibition.
Adding a global flair, renowned artist Eli Avisera presented his work to eager spectators. Avisera, whose 2015 piece “Shalom” has earned worldwide acclaim, is celebrated for his expertise in woodturning, carving, sculpture, and luthiery.
His presence at the exhibition highlighted the international recognition Israeli woodcraft has garnered over the years. For Rubinoff, wood’s organic nature is at the heart of its appeal.
“The wood is alive,” he said, capturing the intrinsic connection between artist and material. Co-organizer Ben-Zeev added, “If you ask me, wood is something warm. A lot of people are naturally drawn to it.”
In addition to their artistry, the exhibition also shed light on the importance of sustainability within the craft. Many artists, including Rubinoff, source wood locally, often repurposing materials from nearby gardens and village green spaces.
“Elisha is meticulous in his planning,” said Ben-Zeev. “All the plans are here, in his head—he envisions every piece from start to finish.”
The exhibition’s success reflects a deep-rooted dedication within Israel’s woodturning community, providing not only a platform for talented artisans but also a sense of continuity for this rich tradition.
As the event concluded, many left feeling renewed and inspired, carrying forward a message of resilience and unity in times of hardship.