Lavi Furniture Industries, the leading company in designing and manufacturing synagogue furniture, has launched three technological innovations in the past year that enhance the prayer experience in synagogues. Even after thousands of years of Jewish tradition, there is still room for innovation.
The innovations include a retractable partition to separate men's and women's sections, a multi-position prayer book holder that improves reading comfort, and a unique drawer system for storing and retrieving Torah scrolls. These solutions, developed in response to specific needs of synagogues, have become standard products available to all communities. "There is nothing that cannot be solved," says Roni Evron Dasberg, a senior designer at Lavi. "The original thinking of our customers challenges us and drives us to develop innovative solutions."
The retractable partition
The traditional partition between men's and women's sections has received a significant upgrade. It was designed by Lavi's engineering department with an understanding of usage scenarios in the synagogue. The partition can be raised and lowered by any woman or man in the synagogue. No physical strength or usage instructions are required. The mechanism has been tested in environmental conditions and usage cycles and is suitable for thousands of opening and closing cycles.
"The partition comes down in two cases," explains Eran Shamir, CEO of the company, "during Torah lessons and bar mitzvah celebrations, when candies are thrown at the celebrant. This way, women can also participate in this tradition." The new partition, which combines traditional wood carvings with contemporary design, allows for simple raising and lowering – even on Shabbat. The partition can be installed in both existing and new synagogues.
Multi-position prayer book holder
Many worshippers, especially those over 50, struggle with reading from prayer books and the Torah. Lavi's R&D team developed an innovative prayer book holder that offers a comprehensive solution: while standing, the holder elevates the book and brings it closer to eye level; while sitting, it positions it at an optimal angle for reading. The holder also retains previous features such as a flat position for placing tefillin. The innovation, which was integrated into Lavi's seating system about a year and a half ago, received enthusiastic responses from worshippers.
Revolution in the Holy Ark
At the synagogue in Tal Menashe, established in memory of Captain Yedidya Lev who fell in Gaza, a unique engineering solution was born. "We were required to develop a system that would allow access to each Torah scroll separately, without moving others," says Doron Klein, Operations Manager. "It was a challenge that required creative thinking."
The solution: an advanced drawer system that carries three to four Torah scrolls. Each drawer moves smoothly on special steel rails, combining strength with gentle movement. Custom metal supports ensure secure holding of the Torah scrolls. The innovation, which began as a local solution, has become a product suitable for many communities in Israel and around the world.
