In contrast to other religions where the ascetic seeker attains holiness by escaping earthly distractions and embracing monastic seclusion, Judaism fuses heaven and earth. Our heads are filled with heavenly Torah inspiration, but our feet are firmly planted on terra firma as we live in the real world.

Terra firma, literally earth, is the material of choice for artist Renee Vichinsky. A talented potter and ceramicist, Renee's elegantly simple creations enhance Jewish homes throughout the world. She sublimates earthy clay through beautiful Judaic ritual objects including Shabbat kiddush cups and candle holders, seder plates and menorahs.

Renee works with her husband Howard in their rural studio in Ulster Park, NY, in the scenic Catskill Mountains. Howard prepares the clay, mixes the glazes, fires, consults with Renee on the designs, and runs the business. The Vichinksys have been creating Judaica for about 25 years.

Renee majored in art at Brooklyn College, and met Howard while studying for her master's in art education. She started working in pottery through the influence of a teacher active in the renaissance of handcrafts in the late 50's. Renee subsequently studied with English, Japanese and Native American potters.

"At first, I was just building my skills and feelings toward clay, doing dinnerware and teapots. I always felt close to Judaism," she says. "I made myself a seder plate, and then menorahs and candlesticks. It was exciting to make and use them. At that time a growing interest emerged in Jewish art and ceramics," which inspired Renee to create more ritual objects, adding new pieces each year. Researching the objects brought the Vichinksys deeper into Judaism, infusing their creations with more meaning. "The more we learned, the more meaningful our objects became," Renee recalls.

The clay’s direct and simple beauty can be felt in Renee's work. "Clay connects the generations. What do archeologists dig up? Clay objects- they tell you about ancient civilizations."

She is more concerned with shape and structure than the popular "slick things and surface decoration.” Her work has a timeless and pure quality. "We don't over-decorate," Renee says. Simple flowers, birds and inspiration from nature grace the gifts of her fertile throwing, slab and hand building.

Ritual requirements are kept in mind, and direct the form. For example, a kiddush cup has to hold at least 3.5 liquid ounces of wine. "The details start having an effect on how you think about the ritual, and that informs the shape and look of the object."

Their website, Judaicapottery.com, displays different looks and hues from off white, a Jerusalem stone look with a pinkish beige, or a greenish antique patina that looks like oxidized copper.

Renee and Howard's daughters, Jamie, 26 and Sarah, 21, enjoy selling and helping in the family business. Howard enjoys meeting people at shows and educating them about the mitzvot observed with these items of beauty.

Most of the Vichinsky's work sells in galleries, gift shops, and major Jewish conventions. Renee's work has been featured in Better Homes and Gardens, and exhibited in Jewish museums internationally. It is part of the Wolfson Museum’s permanent collection in Jerusalem.

Like a true Jewish mother, with feet planted firmly on the ground as she draws on heavenly inspiration, Renee is gratified that her work is practical, and enhances real life Jewish celebration. "It gives me great pleasure that people will use these pieces. I make things that people aren't afraid to touch, and my prices are affordable. People can collect my work and pass it on from generation to generation."