Kiddush Cup
My
Story.
Hi, I’m Lia Bruce, the body and salt behind SaltwareDesign. My professional path leads me through architecture studies at the Technion in Haifa, a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, and a master’s degree in Industrial Design at Bezalel Academy in Jerusalem. The combination of art, design, and eco living is expressed in my SaltwareDesign. My love affair with salt began as a child, inspired by my grandmother, who sewed salt into little cotton bags to be worn as protective amulets. As an artist I created installations with the raw material with a constant aspiration to give it a solid manifestation.
The groundbreaking technology that allowed her work to form the residual salt into such forms, textures, colors, and shapes is an integral part of her initiative of SaltwareDesign.
In 2015 Professor Daniel Mendler from the Institute of Chemistry at the Hebrew University answered a public call by the Israeli government for a practical solution to handle a vast amount of cooking salt that accumulates as a residue of the Dead Sea mining.
Professor Mendler and his team developed a sustainable technology that turns the salt into a robust, 100% green three dimensional object with no synthetic additives, durable to pressure and humidity, and manufactured in a very low energy consumption process.
As a designer,Bruce sought to merge salt’s scientific and technological challenges with its crucial significance in culture and found this life mission in the unique dead sea salts.
My interest in the mystical nature of salt grew as I collaborated with the Chemistry Institue at Hebrew university, which was looking for a way to reduce the environmental impact of salt mining in the Dead Sea. Combining creative impulse, engineering challenge, and my desire to heal our environment, I sought practical, innovative, and inspiring solutions. SaltwareDesign was born from this quest.
My Story.
This contemporary Kiddush cup is unlike anything else! Standing tall with a sleek design, the base is handmade of 100% pure salt from the Holy Land combined with natural earth pigment.
Between Shabbat Kiddush Cup, Elijah Cup and Miriam Cup
The Symbolism of Elijah’s Cup and Its Role in the Passover Seder
Elijah’s cup is a unique addition to the Passover Seder, symbolizing the belief in the prophet Elijah’s role as the harbinger of redemption. Over the generations, this cup has become a symbol of anticipation and hope, with Jewish art offering various interpretations.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Elijah’s cups began to be crafted with elaborate designs, featuring engravings of Jerusalem landscapes, symbols of redemption, and verses related to Elijah. These cups were often made in especially large sizes to emphasize their significance and central placement on the holiday table.
The wine poured into Elijah’s cup is traditionally not consumed, reflecting the belief that it awaits the prophet’s arrival. His appearance would signal the time to drink the fifth cup, marking complete redemption. The cup is usually kept covered until morning, after which the wine is returned to the bottle and used for the day’s Kiddush.
The Symbolism of Miriam’s Cup: Feminism and Reform Judaism
In the late 20th century, with the rise of feminist movements and their influence on Reform and Conservative Judaism, a new cup appeared on the Seder table—Miriam’s cup. Dedicated to the memory of the prophetess Miriam, it symbolizes the role of Jewish women and their growing presence in tradition and Jewish society.
Miriam’s cup is filled with water, representing Miriam’s Well—the source of water that accompanied the Israelites in the desert thanks to her merit. It invites reflection on gender equality, renewal, and the centrality of values such as compassion and community care.
Artistic designs of Miriam’s cups often incorporate elements that emphasize flow, life, and femininity.
FAQ
Are the products really made of pure salt?
Yes, the products are made of NaCl 100%pure Dead Sea salt.
I add natural pigments ,dried flowers or metal chips for decoration.
How come it is not melted?
Saltware is safe to exposure to heat and up to 75% humidity.
(It is important to keep the product in an environment up to that humidity degree).
This is thanks to its innovative processing.
I use eco- friendly sealer to give it extra protection from dirt.
Is Saltware breakable?
Yes, it is made of a natural mineral and may break like ceramics, glassware etc.
Since the processing is low- energy consuming ,there are no hot tempratures envolved which
makes it even more vulnerable then what it looks like. Handle with care !
How can I clean my product?
Saltware cannot be washed under flowing water or dishwasher.
For cleaning use soft dump cloth. Don’t scratch or use abrasive fabrics.
Only metal parts which can be separated, may be cleaned with warm (even hot) water.
Put the metal part in a bowl and pour hot water on it. Take out with a spoon (as the metal may become hot) and dry thoroughly with soft cloth or paper immediately after.
If the candles you have used have been dripping immensely, you can try putting the metal seats ONLY in freezer for couple of hours.
It helps detaching the wax from the metal. Use tooth stick or you finger tips. Make sure not to use sharp tools, as they would scratch the seats.
Do not put the candles on the salt-made parts-always use the metal seats.
What is the best way to keep my Saltware?
Saltware is safe to exposure of up to 75% humidity.
Beyond that it is better to keep it inside its original box.
Don’t worry – it won’t be melted even if it was exposed to higher humid level.
Just wipe the dew drops that may cling to its surface.
Nevertheless, if that occurs it means the humidity exceed 75% and it is advisable to keep it in a cabinet or in a box.
How to get stains off?
Since is is a pure clear white substance it can stained easily (just like white fabrics as cotton).
Most stains can be wiped off with soft dump cloth. Try to clean immediately after staining occurs.
