OM DENNE EPISODE
What happens when centuries-old Jewish traditions meet modern industrial design? Can reinventing the objects we use actually help preserve the traditions they represent?
Today, we're going to explore a fascinating intersection of entrepreneurship, industrial design, branding, and cultural tradition - and how two entrepreneurs are reimagining something that has been part of Jewish life for centuries.
Joining us are Adam and Anna Paskow, the husband-and-wife team behind Tchotchke ( https://www.shoptchotchke.com/ ), a New York-based design company bringing a fresh, contemporary perspective to traditional Jewish ceremonial objects, known as Judaica.
Their story began with a rather simple observation. When Adam and Anna received a traditional menorah as a wedding gift, they appreciated its significance and sentiment, but felt that its design didn't really reflect their personal aesthetic or the way they wanted to furnish their home. They began wondering whether there was an opportunity to rethink an entire category of products - creating meaningful Jewish objects that could bridge the gap between traditional mass-market Judaica and expensive, gallery-quality art.
Adam brings an extensive background in industrial design and product development. He previously served as Director of Industrial Design at BuzzFeed, where he led product development for its Tasty brand, and has spent much of his career translating creative concepts into tangible, manufacturable products.
Anna brings a complementary background in brand strategy, marketing, and organizational development, having held leadership positions at companies including WeightWatchers, theSkimm, and Managed by Q. She has extensive experience building brands, developing customer relationships, and helping organizations communicate their identity and purpose.
Together, they launched Tchotchke in 2022, initially developing prototypes for contemporary menorahs and subsequently expanding into a broader collection of Judaica, including Shabbat candlesticks, mezuzahs, and other objects that combine modern aesthetics with traditional meaning.
Their products have gained recognition in the design and retail world, with distribution through retailers such as Nordstrom and Zola, as well as museum shops including The Jewish Museum in New York and the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles.
And there's a bigger story here than simply creating beautiful products. It's about how we preserve cultural traditions, how we make them relevant to younger generations, and how entrepreneurship and creativity can help keep those traditions alive.
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