In the past year (2024), we have launched three technological developments that enhance the prayer experience in synagogues. Even after thousands of years of Jewish tradition, there is still room for surprising innovation. The innovations include a retractable mechitza (partition) separating 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 synagogue needs, have become standard products available to all communities. “There’s nothing that can’t be solved,” says Roni Evron Dasberg, senior designer at Lavi. “Our customers’ original thinking challenges us and drives us to develop innovative solutions.”
The Rising Partition (Mechitza) – A Revolutionary Solution for Separation and Connection
The traditional partition between the men’s and women’s sections has received a significant upgrade. It was designed by Lavi’s engineering department with an understanding of synagogue use scenarios. The partition can be raised and lowered by any woman or man in the synagogue. No physical strength or usage instructions are needed. It’s as easy as opening a window at home. The mechanism has been tested for environmental conditions and usage cycles and has been found suitable for thousands of opening and closing cycles.
“The partition is lowered in two cases,” explains Eran Shamir, CEO of the company, “during Torah lessons and bar mitzvah celebrations, when candies are thrown at the celebrant hiding behind his teacher. 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 – A Solution for Reading Challenges
Many worshippers, especially those over 50, struggle with reading prayer books and the Torah. Lavi’s R&D team developed an innovative prayer book holder offering 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 reading angle. The holder also maintains previous features such as a flat position for laying tefillin. This innovation, implemented in Lavi’s seating system about a year and a half ago, receives enthusiastic responses from worshippers.
Revolution in the Holy Ark – Engineering in Service of the Sacred
In the Tal Menashe synagogue, built 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 carrying 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. This innovation, which began as a local solution, has become a product suitable for many communities in Israel and worldwide.
These innovative solutions by Lavi demonstrate how tradition and progress can be successfully combined, meeting community needs with advanced technological solutions. With 65 years of experience and having furnished 7,000 synagogues, the company continues to find ways to innovate and improve. The three new developments represent the company’s commitment to continuously improving the prayer experience while strictly maintaining proper respect for tradition and the sacred. The success of these solutions proves that even in the traditional world of synagogues, there is room for renewal and continuous improvement.
