{"product_id":"the-naturalist-collection-no-001","title":"The Naturalist Collection — No. 001","description":"\u003ch2\u003eThe Inaugural Work | Handcrafted Crotch Walnut Oil Menorah\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eForm follows the tree.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEvery collection has a beginning. This is ours.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNaturalist No. 001 is the first individually numbered work in the lifetime Naturalist Collection by Tree of Life Menorah Co.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eHandcrafted from an exceptionally figured piece of American crotch walnut, this menorah celebrates the extraordinary beauty of wood in its natural form.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIts dramatic grain patterns developed where the tree's branches once converged, producing flowing figure, shifting tones, and markings that cannot be manufactured or duplicated.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eCarefully shaped surfaces contrast with the untamed natural edge, embodying the philosophy behind The Naturalist Collection:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eShaped by nature and finished by hand, no two will ever be alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCrafted for the Tradition of Light\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eDesigned for the eight nights of Hanukkah, No. 001 features nine removable glass oil cups, including a separately positioned shamash.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe glass vessels allow the beauty of the walnut to remain the centerpiece while honoring the tradition of lighting the Hanukkah menorah with oil.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEach surface has been individually shaped, sanded, and protected with a polyurethane finish, preserving the wood's natural appearance while providing a durable finished surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMore than a seasonal decoration, this is functional Judaica made to become part of a family's traditions and cherished for generations.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eThe Significance of No. 001\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAs the inaugural work of The Naturalist Collection, No. 001 holds a permanent place in the history of Tree of Life Menorah Co.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEach 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThere will only ever be one Naturalist No. 001.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIts significance comes from both the extraordinary character of its wood and its provenance as the first numbered work of this lifetime collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eProduct Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCollection: The Naturalist\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePiece: No. 001 — Inaugural Work\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAvailability: One of One\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWood: Solid American crotch walnut\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDimensions: 16¼\" L × 2½\" W × 3\" H\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNatural character: Heavily figured grain, live edge, retained bark, natural fissures, and insect galleries\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFinish: Polyurethane\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLighting: Nine removable glass oil cups, including the shamash\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncluded: Menorah and nine glass oil cups\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFuel: Designed for use with suitable olive oil and wicks\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCraftsmanship: Individually shaped and finished by hand\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProvenance: Signed, dated, and permanently numbered\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaker: Seth Raffensperger\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOrigin: Handcrafted in Pennsylvania, USA\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCreation: September 2026\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eA Note About Natural Character\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThese characteristics distinguish No. 001 from every other menorah in The Naturalist Collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe menorah pictured is the exact piece you will receive.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare \u0026amp; Lighting\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlace the menorah on a stable, level, heat-resistant surface, away from combustible materials.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eUse compatible glass oil cups with appropriate olive oil and wicks. Never allow flames to contact the wooden body, and never leave burning flames unattended.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eRemove 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlease note: The polyurethane finish is not fireproof. Always follow appropriate candle and oil-lamp fire precautions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003chr\u003e\u003cp\u003eMay its light bring warmth to your home, honor the generations before you, and illuminate those yet to come.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTree of Life Menorah Co.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eJudaica With Roots.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eMade by hand. Built with purpose. Crafted for generations.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tree of Life Menorah Co.","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67748765663444,"sku":null,"price":1095.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0854\/8168\/5204\/files\/rn-image_picker_lib_temp_1331416f-d6b7-4323-ad30-2b61aa68e2f0.jpg?v=1792799514","url":"https:\/\/treeoflifemenorahco.com\/products\/the-naturalist-collection-no-001","provider":"Tree of Life Menorah Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}