This Tzedakah Box measures 5 inches tall and 4 inches across. The box is hexagonal. There are 6 side panels and the top of the box, each depicting one of the days of creation.
The First Day depicts the Earth, dark and void, when God creates light. Day 2 features the creation of the firmament (clouds and atmosphere). On Day 3, God separates land from sea, and creates all plants. Day 4 He created the sun, moon, and stars. On Day 5, He created birds and fishes. On Day 6, He created the rest of the animal kingdom, and Man. On the lid, there are the Hebrew letters that spell out "Tzedakah", and in writing, God resting on the 7th Day.
I hand-sculpted and painted each of the embellishments. I used powdered mica pigments, which give a beautiful shimmering metallic and iridescent effect.
Tzedakah Boxes are used to stash coins for donation to a charitable cause. Traditionally, before Shabbat (the Sabbath) begins, pockets are emptied into the family's Tzedakah Box.
I was able to obtain a large quantity of these unique metal boxes. I hand-cut the coin slot in the lids with my rotary tools. Then I primed the outer surfaces to prepare them for embellishment. I painted the boxes, added the raised elements, and applied many coats of acrylic, for a protective glossy sheen. The embellishments wrap around the 6 corners of the box, so it is beautiful from every angle!
These boxes will grace any home and may become a treasured heirloom to be passed on to your children and grandchildren. Or you may prefer to give this as a wedding gift, a hostess gift, or a housewarming gift. It would also be a meaningful gift to a Bat Mitzvah girl or a Bar Mitzvah boy on their special day. At any rate, these boxes are exquisite! They represent some of my finest work ever.