Biography

Hershel Mutka Weiss started working wood as a boy. He studied at the College of the Redwoods’ Fine Woodworking Program in 1985-1986 with cabinetmaker James Krenov. His work is featured in three books: Jewish Journeys, by Paula Amant, With Wakened Hands, by James Krenov, and Judaic Artisans Today, by Kathryn Morton; and in Woodwork Magazine, New Mexico Magazine, and Albuquerque, The Magazine, as well as other publications. He has exhibited in numerous craft shows around the U.S., including The Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show, The Philadelphia Furniture Show, Baltimore American Craft Council Market, and many others. He helped develop Santa Fe Community College’s Fine Woodworking Program and taught there for six years. Hershel has been building award winning furniture by commission since 1988.
In the summer of 2001 he spent two months travelling by bicycle, train and bus in Spain, Greece, and Eastern Europe, studying the old synagogues and investigating his Jewish roots. The Islamic architecture of medieval Spain has influenced his work.

Hershel’s woodworking studio is located in the Art Wing of Congregation Nahalat Shalom, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he has been a member since 1984.