Photo courtesy of Margot’s Gallery The pendant and pin, created by Eli Davidov of Jerusalem, will be unveiled on November 1.

Bette Keva
Jewish Journal Staff

Emmaus, an ancient town just outside of Jerusalem, will be linked tangibly this month with Emmaus, a Haverhill organization providing housing and services for the homeless.

The Haverhill nonprofit, which provides programs and shelter for children and adults has unveiled a pendant designed with the two entities of the same name in mind.

Margot Lindau of Margot’s Gallery of World Folk Art in Haverhill was the link between the two Emmauses. For years, Lindau has sold Judaica crafted by Idit Gallery of Jerusalem in her shop. Recently, Lindau commissioned Eli Davidov of Idit Gallery to design a pin/pendant that would symbolize the origins of Emmaus.
Davidov created a striking piece of sterling silver and enamel jewelry employing, among other symbols, the hills of Emmaus and the colors of the Haverhill organization’s logo. The result is a graceful piece of elegant jewelry.

Eli Davidov designed the Emmaus pendant.

On November 1, the pendant will be dedicated and presented for sale at Margot’s Gallery, at a celebration beginning at 6:30 p.m. Davidov, who Lindau will fly in for the occasion, will spend the following three days at Margot’s Gallery to speak with customers, explain his techniques and inspirations, and offer other pieces of jewelry for sale.

Gretchen Arntz, chief of development for Emmaus in Haverhill, came up with the idea of having the Idit Gallery create the pendant.

“Eli Davidov lives near Emmaus,” “and that’s the origin of our name,” Arntz said. “Now our supporters can literally wear their support. When people comment on their beautiful pendant and pin, it’ll give the wearer the opportunity to tell them about our organization. It’s a way to build our network, because the best way is word of mouth.”

Emmaus has been building and expanding since its inception in the 1980s. Its mission is to help people in need to rebuild and restore their lives. In January 1987, the organization opened the doors of Emmaus House for 15 adults and children. In 2006, Emmaus provided emergency shelter, affordable housing, 90,000 meals, transitional housing, job training and placement, education, housing search assistance, and support services to more than 1,700 women, men and children in 13 programs.

On any given night, over 200 adults and children call Emmaus home. Over the past 20 years, Emmaus has developed new initiatives in response to changing needs. In 2008, Emmaus plans to build 20 units of affordable housing for homeless elders to live with dignity and grace.

“We are a multi-faith, non-denominational organization,” Arntz said.

She explained the origin of the name. According to the New Testament, two disciples were walking along the road to Emmaus when they came upon a bedraggled stranger. They invited him to break bread with them in Emmaus. The stranger turned out to be Jesus.

“Behind our name is the idea that every guest we meet, every person we come across, should be treated with dignity and respect. Everyone is welcome to break bread together. We see the good in everybody. Our staff and [the people we serve] are multi-faith. No theology is presented to them.”

Emmaus, Inc., was named Best Small Business of 2006 by the Haverhill Chamber of Commerce in the service/non-profit sector. Arntz, who is on its board of directors, said Emmaus has 150 faith communities actively engaged with it. Scores of businesses support Emmaus and provide donations.

“Symbolically, we thought it would be special to partner with Margot’s Gallery,” Arntz said. “I’ve met Davidov before. I love his jewelry. I thought of him designing a pendant.”