About Bethlehem Art
We are very proud to introduce to you the beautiful olive art of Bethlehem and to maintain the tradition of wood carving from the Holy Land. Owned and operated by one of Bethlehem's oldest Christian families, the Rishmawi family is proud to provide the finest quality olive art to bring your faith to life.
The tradition of olive wood carving in the Holy Land has been handed down from father to son since the 12th century. The olive tree was chosen for more than its appearance. It has a history of religious significance with many references in the Bible. Proverbs refers to the olive and its reputed power as the “tree of life to them that grasp it, and to them that would uphold it, everyone is rendered happy.” Olive wood was also used to make the cross of Jesus Christ. God promised afterward that the olive trees would be a symbol of peace and beauty for the world.
It is our pleasure to bring you the peace and beauty of faith through our fine olive wood figurines and works of art. Our hope is that your faith will thrive with our beautiful olive wood figurines.