New and ancient

“Synagogue architecture is one example of how creative expression changes in every generation,” says Lisa Alcalay Klug, author of “Cool Jew: The Ultimate Guide for Every Member of the Tribe.” “Jews love to innovate and experiment with modernist design, to beautify ritual objects.” Several retailers, including Moderntribe.com and the Jewish Collection, have sprung up promoting the work of artists such as Jerusalem-based Yaakov Greenvurcel, whose brushed aluminum menorahs are decidedly contemporary yet “replete with meaning, history and spiritual significance,” Klug says. Here we present some of this season’s highlights. To see more examples of modern Judaica, look for an extended photo gallery at www.latimes.com/home.