The Naturalist Collection — No. 001

The Inaugural Work | Handcrafted Crotch Walnut Oil Menorah

Form follows the tree.

Every collection has a beginning. This is ours.

Naturalist No. 001 is the first individually numbered work in the lifetime Naturalist Collection by Tree of Life Menorah Co.

Handcrafted from an exceptionally figured piece of American crotch walnut, this menorah celebrates the extraordinary beauty of wood in its natural form.

Its dramatic grain patterns developed where the tree's branches once converged, producing flowing figure, shifting tones, and markings that cannot be manufactured or duplicated.

At one end, a rugged live edge preserves remnants of the tree's original bark, together with weathered natural textures and intricate insect galleries beneath it. Rather than removing these traces of the tree's history, they have been intentionally preserved as part of the piece's character.

Carefully shaped surfaces contrast with the untamed natural edge, embodying the philosophy behind The Naturalist Collection:

Shaped by nature and finished by hand, no two will ever be alike.

Crafted for the Tradition of Light

Designed for the eight nights of Hanukkah, No. 001 features nine removable glass oil cups, including a separately positioned shamash.

The glass vessels allow the beauty of the walnut to remain the centerpiece while honoring the tradition of lighting the Hanukkah menorah with oil.

Each surface has been individually shaped, sanded, and protected with a polyurethane finish, preserving the wood's natural appearance while providing a durable finished surface.

More than a seasonal decoration, this is functional Judaica made to become part of a family's traditions and cherished for generations.

The Significance of No. 001

As the inaugural work of The Naturalist Collection, No. 001 holds a permanent place in the history of Tree of Life Menorah Co.

Each menorah in the collection is created as an individual, one-of-a-kind piece and receives its own permanent sequential number. Numbers are never reused, and every piece is signed and dated by its maker.

There will only ever be one Naturalist No. 001.

Its significance comes from both the extraordinary character of its wood and its provenance as the first numbered work of this lifetime collection.

Product Details

• Collection: The Naturalist
• Piece: No. 001 — Inaugural Work
• Availability: One of One
• Wood: Solid American crotch walnut
• Dimensions: 16¼" L × 2½" W × 3" H
• Natural character: Heavily figured grain, live edge, retained bark, natural fissures, and insect galleries
• Finish: Polyurethane
• Lighting: Nine removable glass oil cups, including the shamash
• Included: Menorah and nine glass oil cups
• Fuel: Designed for use with suitable olive oil and wicks
• Craftsmanship: Individually shaped and finished by hand
• Provenance: Signed, dated, and permanently numbered
• Maker: Seth Raffensperger
• Origin: Handcrafted in Pennsylvania, USA
• Creation: September 2026

A Note About Natural Character

The bark, grain patterns, fissures, and natural markings visible in the photographs are authentic features of this particular piece of walnut. They have been deliberately preserved to retain the wood's individuality.

These characteristics distinguish No. 001 from every other menorah in The Naturalist Collection.

The menorah pictured is the exact piece you will receive.

Care & Lighting

Place the menorah on a stable, level, heat-resistant surface, away from combustible materials.

Use compatible glass oil cups with appropriate olive oil and wicks. Never allow flames to contact the wooden body, and never leave burning flames unattended.

Remove and clean the glass cups separately. Wipe the wood gently with a soft, dry cloth. Do not immerse the menorah in water or use harsh cleaning chemicals.

Please note: The polyurethane finish is not fireproof. Always follow appropriate candle and oil-lamp fire precautions.

May its light bring warmth to your home, honor the generations before you, and illuminate those yet to come.

Tree of Life Menorah Co.

Judaica With Roots.

Made by hand. Built with purpose. Crafted for generations.