Jewish handymen - and women - across the globe can now be recognised for their work in a stylish way thanks to a novelty new concept launched by California-based Stacey and Joshua Abarbanel.
The husband and wife team have created a range of logos inspired by vintage trade union emblems. Badges include the Federated Gefilte Fish Grinders & Fressers Guild, the Benevolent Brotherhood of The B'rit Milah, and a Pesach special - the Allied Matzo Ball Makers League logo. The International Order of Challah Makers emblem is particularly popular.
Mr Abarbanel, 44, an artist, tells People: "I used to work for a property maintenance company and gained a lot of 'handyman skills' in the process. For years my wife and I joked that such maintenance skills were a rare thing among Jews and that there should be a union for those who can do handyman skills.
"We saw the opportunity to create these mythical guilds and associations."
Marketing director Mrs Abarbanel, 45, works at the Fowler Museum at UCLA. She says: "We are enjoying playing with the notion of vintage trade union labels, which we admire for their graphic design. But also, we note that, historically, European Jews were often denied access to trade guilds and associations and land ownership.
"We had been knocking the idea around for a while and decided to launch it this year."
There are currently seven different product lines but the couple are always thinking of new additions. "We have a long list of ideas and niches, and of course we want to try and keep them funny."
www.jewnionlabel.com
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