A Shtender is a movable lectern, in this case to be used by the cantor while singing the Shabbat prayers. The height of the top is adjustable, using an allen key nested in a slot in the compartment. 

This joinery was challenging. I have not seen it before, and I have no name for it. Tenons are mitered where they meet.

It is unusual to combine red and white oak. But both woods were used in the existing furniture of the sanctuary, and I'm drawn to using subtly different materials. Here, the panels are in red oak, the legs and aprons are white.