By day, Yoni Leitman of Fair Lawn is a lawyer and family man. But in his free time, he is the creative force behind Hiddur Creations, a company crafting handcrafted Judaica that blends tradition with modern woodworking techniques. The company offers unique pieces — from etrog holders to menorahs — all of them brilliantly crafted with precision, care and an eye for beauty and functionality.

What sets them apart, though, is their incorporation of innovative design elements, such as laser engraving and wood inlays, all of which come together to create heirloom quality items that are as meaningful as they are visually striking.

Leitman learned woodworking through hands-on experience and research, watching videos and experimenting with different techniques. His journey began with a simple vision: to create a challah board featuring an Israeli flag design.

“I wanted to create something that was both functional and meaningful,” Leitman shared with The Jewish Link. “The challah board was my first big project, and when I’d show it to people they’d be really receptive, asking if they could buy it. I realized there was an opportunity here, and that’s when I decided to start Hiddur Creations. My friend Enon Avital, the artist behind Dapper Notes, helped me out in both visual design and the technicalities of creating a business.”

Woodworking is deeply rooted in Leitman’s family history. His grandfather was a talented woodworker and would craft gifts for family members celebrating a simcha. It became a tradition that whenever there was a birth in the family, he would make a wooden sign with the new baby’s name to mark the occasion.

“Growing up, I always admired the stuff my grandfather made,” Leitman shared. “He had this incredible ability to take raw materials and turn them into something meaningful. That love of the craft is something I’ve carried with me. It’s what inspires me to bring that same sense of craftsmanship and heart to my own work.”

As Leitman sought ways to enhance designs, he discovered laser engraving, a tool that allows him to add highly detailed patterns, custom names and intricate artwork to his creations with remarkable accuracy.

“The laser engraver was a game changer,” Leitman continued. “It allowed me to take the level of detail I could achieve to a whole new level. Instead of spending weeks on a project, I can now make intricate designs much faster while maintaining the same level of quality.”

One of Leitman’s more unique creations is his etrog box, which is designed without any hinges. Instead, it opens and closes using a series of wooden gears. Another standout is a seder plate made from a thick acacia wood cookie, a cross-section of a tree branch. Leitman embedded hidden magnets within the plate, allowing the glass cups that hold the Passover items to stay securely in place.

“It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference,” Leitman explained. “The last thing you want at a seder is spilling maror all over the table.”

Leitman’s work also extends to menorahs, which he designs using intricate mandala patterns. Each piece requires careful craftsmanship and takes approximately five to six hours of active work, though the full process — from laser engraving to finishing — can take several weeks. Because of this, Leitman requests an eight-week lead time for custom orders, ensuring that each item receives the attention to detail it deserves.

“With every project I take on, I put in effort to ensure quality above all else,” Leitman continued. “I know these pieces are going to become part of people’s homes, traditions and family gatherings, so I take great care in every detail, from the choice of wood to the precision of the engraving.”

Beyond his own craftsmanship, Leitman is also passing down his passion for woodworking to the next generation. His 11-year-old son enjoys helping with some of the projects, learning the art of precision and creativity firsthand.

“It’s really rewarding, getting to show my son the craft and watch him develop his own skills,” Leitman shared. “He’s got a great eye for detail, and it’s amazing to see him take pride in the work we do together. It reminds me of how I used to watch my grandfather in his workshop, and now I get to share that same experience with him.”

Looking ahead, Leitman has several new projects in development, including a shtender that’s in its final design stages. As he continues to experiment with new techniques, what will remain the same is his steadfast commitment to quality.

“At Hiddur Creations, we believe that every piece of Judaica should not only serve as a functional item but also as a work of art that speaks to your soul,” Leitman went on to say. “I’m excited to continue upping the ante with new items. We have some cool stuff in the works, so stay tuned!”

For more information on Hiddur Creation, visit hiddurcreations.com.

Adam Samuel is a journalist from Teaneck. He blogs at www.adamssoapbox.com.