Creating a Torah Mantle Together:
The Commission Process at Medwin Fiber Art
Every commission begins with a conversation. For us, the most meaningful part of creating custom work is the collaboration—walking alongside a community or individual to transform their vision into a tangible piece of art.
Recently, we had the privilege of working with Congregation HaNefesh hanefeshoc.org in California to design and create a new Torah mantle. The process became a beautiful example of what it means to co-create something sacred, symbolic, and lasting.
From Idea to Design
In late April, Rabbi Heidi Cohen reached out to inquire about commissioning a Torah cover. We began with a ballpark estimate based on similar commercial and custom projects. By mid-May, we met virtually to discuss ideas and details, and set a clear payment structure: a small deposit to begin the design, with the balance due once fabrication started.
The congregation wanted their temple logo to be included in the mantle. Drawing inspiration from our existing artwork Diversity + Unity, we created digital sketches and wrapped the design onto a 3D model so they could visualize the mantle at true scale. After reviewing several options, the community chose a design featuring their central motif with ribboned bands across the top and bottom.
Choosing Materials
The next stage was all about fabric and thread. We provided samples and ran test embroideries so the congregation could see and feel how the design would come to life. They selected a richly textured upholstery fabric that balanced durability with elegance.
This part of the process was lighthearted as well as practical. As we moved quickly from idea to decision, the exchange captured the spirit of collaboration:
• “Great. I must say that working with you on this has been a delight. You make decisions quickly!”
• “You make it easy too. And we don’t have a committee we have to fight with. Just the two of us. :)”
Bringing the Mantle to Life
By July, the embroidery was underway. We kept in touch with progress photos, ensuring that each detail felt right. One of the most meaningful steps came in August, when the names of the donors were added to the mantle’s liner. We tested fonts, refined the layout, and secured approval for the final inscription—literally weaving the community into the fabric of the Torah cover.
By mid-August, the finished mantle was photographed and shipped. In September, it was received at Congregation HaNefesh and prepared for dedication on Rosh Hashanah.
A Moment of Dedication
On Rosh Hashanah morning, Rabbi Cohen shared these words with her community:
“It bears our HaNefesh logo: the hamsa and lotus, symbols of protection, resilience, and rootedness. It holds the rainbow colors, proclaiming that all people, all identities, belong here. It carries intertwined circles, reminding us that our lives are woven together—none of us is whole without the other. And most powerfully, it bears the names of every person who helped create it—our community literally inscribed in Torah.”
She continued:
“This mantle is more than fabric. It is a statement: we are bound together, we carry one another, we protect what is sacred at our core. As Torah has always been part of the fabric of our people, so now this fabric has become part of our Torah and our sacred community.”
How We Work With You
This project shows the steps we take in every commission:
• Collaboration: open communication and quick feedback.
• Visualization: digital mock-ups and 3D models to preview the final piece.
• Customization: fabrics, colors, motifs, and inscriptions tailored to your vision.
• Transparency: clear pricing and staged payments.
• Craftsmanship: careful testing, progress photos, and hand-guided embroidery from start to finish.
Every commission is unique, but the foundation is the same: a partnership built on trust, creativity, and shared purpose.
Begin Your Journey
If your congregation or family is interested in commissioning a Torah cover, a chuppah, or another meaningful work of fiber art, we would love to begin the conversation with you. Together, we can create something that reflects your values, your story, and your spirit.
👉 Contact us here to start your commission.
Steve Medwin
steve@medwinfiberart.com