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8 Ceramists Altogether
Jerusalem
For contemporary handmade ceramics, this pottery cooperative in West Jerusalem will give you a good idea of the current Israeli ceramics scene. Look for beautiful ceramic Chanukah menorahs and Passover Seder plates as well as functional and decorative pottery made by the cooperative's artists.For contemporary handmade ceramics, this pottery cooperative in West Jerusalem
Archie Granot, Papercuts
Jerusalem
Traditional Jewish paper cuts began to develop as a folk art in Europe and North Africa. In many homes it was the custom to hang a delicately cut piece of paper (called a mizrach, from the Hebrew word for "east") on the eastern wall of a room, to indicate the direction of Jerusalem. There are a number of excellent practitioners of this craft in Israel, but Archie Granot has raised this folk tradition to new levels with his extraordinary contemporary designs. Working with multiple layers and colors, he creates works of amazing intricacy, ranging from mizrachs in traditional and contemporary styles to wedding contracts and mezuzzot. Prices can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Granot's works are in the collections of the Israel Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Jewish Museum of New York, and the Philadelphia Museum of Judaica.Traditional Jewish paper cuts began to develop as a folk
Avi Biran, Silversmith
Jerusalem
Award-winning Avi Biran specializes in his own brand of contemporary Judaica -- the designs have elegance, but also a sense of humor and insight that that makes you think about the rituals and customs these objects are meant to accompany. Prices range from several hundred dollars for a mezuzah or dreidel to thousands for a major Chanukah menorah.Award-winning Avi Biran specializes in his own brand of contemporary
Brinn and Berohm
Jerusalem
Jerusalem has one old-fashioned European-style shop packed full of Romanian and Hungarian embroidery and plenty of bric-a-brac. Run by the charming Emma Berohm, who is still young at over 100, it's located just near the intersection of Jaffa Road and Shlomzion Hamalka Street, 2 blocks east of Zion Square. Like most good haunts for treasure hunters, it's hard to see the shop's sign, but you'll find an eclectic, intriguing, and unplanned show window. It's often open just for half a day. Call to confirm hours.Jerusalem has one old-fashioned European-style shop packed full of Romanian
Cadim Gallery
Jerusalem
This cooperative gallery displays the work of award-winning potters and a range of excellent functional pottery and inventive Judaica by some of the country's best ceramists.This cooperative gallery displays the work of award-winning potters and
Chaim Peretz
Jerusalem
In this little workshop, Chaim Peretz makes attractive, very reasonably priced stained-glass art and Judaica, sold for considerably higher prices at stores elsewhere in the city. The walk to his shop, in the quaint, labyrinthine Nachlaot neighborhood south of Agrippas Street near Machane Yehuda, is always interesting (you'll inevitably have to ask the locals for directions). Once there, you'll find an array of charming menorahs, mezuzzot, Hands of Fatima, candleholders, and mirrors. If your stay in town is long enough, you can order your selection in the colors and designs you prefer. The shop is on a pedestrian lane off one of Nachlaot's neighborhood commons. If no one is around, ask along the street. A phone call ahead of time can be useful.In this little workshop, Chaim Peretz makes attractive, very reasonably
Charlotte
Jerusalem
Founded in 1938, this store, on the street just behind the Central Post Office on Jaffa Road, is the oldest gift shop in West Jerusalem. The secret of its longevity is a carefully chosen mix of modern Israeli jewelry and crafts, handmade Bedouin objects, old pieces of copper ware, and unusual antiquities, all at very reasonable prices. Jerusalemites have never ceased to be delighted with Charlotte's selections, and if you stop by, you'll see the difference between this place and many of the less personal tourist shops on the Ben-Yehuda Mall.Founded in 1938, this store, on the street just behind
Danny Azoulay
Jerusalem
A highly skilled craftsperson who came to Israel from Morocco as a small child, Danny Azoulay specializes in porcelain and fine ceramic Judaica, and his tiny shop is filled with hand-painted Chanukah menorahs, charity boxes laced with brass or silver designs, mezuzzot, spice boxes, and dreidels. One of my favorite designs is a tiny porcelain Chanukah lamp (too small for the strictly observant) that sells for about NIS 600 ($150/£75). Azoulay's creations delicately blend Florentine, Islamic, central European, and contemporary motifs into a style that is unique. At times you may be able to purchase seconds at a discount, either at this shop or at his studio, not far from Machane Yehuda. A number of Danny Azoulay's pieces can be seen at the Sir Isaac and Lady Edith Wolfson Museum in Heichal Shlomo. The shop also sells illuminated manuscripts and ketubbot (marriage contracts) by some of Israel's finest scribal artists, such as Amalya Nini and Aden Halter.A highly skilled craftsperson who came to Israel from Morocco
Darian Armenian Ceramics
Jerusalem
This workshop, a newcomer to the field of Armenian ceramics, is the creation of Arman Darian, a recent immigrant from the former Soviet Armenia, where he studied traditional calligraphy and design. Here you'll find wonderful soup tureens, cups and plates, tiles, and lamp bases, all hand-painted in the Armenian tradition, but with new color combinations and graceful designs that are uniquely Darian's. You'll find beautiful first-quality pieces, but also experimental pieces and bargain seconds that you'd never find on the shelves of the more venerable workshops. Darian will also design to your specifications.This workshop, a newcomer to the field of Armenian ceramics,
Gaia Smith
Jerusalem
Gaia Smith takes the long tradition of using architectural motifs in the back plates of Chanukah menorahs and goes delightfully wild. Her extraordinary hand-built menorahs and items of Judaica are designed around cottages in the Galilee with vistas of the hills, apartments on Central Park West with views of the Manhattan skyline, a child's toy-strewn bedroom on a wintry Chanukah night -- all filled with wit, charm, and a touch of mystery. You might even bring photographs of the interior and exterior of your house and commission a menorah, charity box, or mezuzzot based on it. Smith's reputation among collectors, as well as her pricing, is on the rise.Gaia Smith takes the long tradition of using architectural motifs
Guild of Ceramists
Jerusalem
Eleven ceramists are represented in this cooperative shop at the Hillel Street end of the Yoel Salomon Mall. Among other things, many of these artisans will custom design tiles.Eleven ceramists are represented in this cooperative shop at the
Hedya Jewelers and Sarah Einstein's Collection
Jerusalem
For unusual antique jewelry, visit this near-legendary shop where you'll find Sarah Einstein's collection of jewelry, often made from exquisite component pieces of antique objects such as Yemenite wedding necklaces or tribal Persian headdresses. They have been taken apart and combined with rare beads into smaller compositions that modern women can wear with flair and elegance. Among the extraordinary creations made by Sarah Einstein, her staff, and by Hedya, you'll find one-of-a-kind necklaces and earrings that range from delicate to dramatic and encompass every tradition in the Middle East. Hedya, an Israeli jewelry design workshop, creates accessories such as earrings to coordinate with Einstein's unique pieces. Hedya's own custom-made jewelry, Hands of Fatima, and Judaica are exquisite. Special orders are welcome.For unusual antique jewelry, visit this near-legendary shop where you'll
House of Quality
Jerusalem
Across the street from and midway between the Mount Zion Hotel and the Cinémathèque, this conglomeration of craft workshops offers all sorts of delights. I especially admire the witty, unique ceramic Judaica of Gaia Smith, and the silver creations of Oded Davidson, whose studios are here, but all of the craftspeople at this center are of very high caliber. Craftspeople are in their workshops at varying times. Just around the corner, in Saint Andrew's Guest House, you can also visit Sunbula, which sells traditional Palestinian crafts and embroidery.Across the street from and midway between the Mount Zion
Israel Museum Gift Shop
Jerusalem
An exciting selection of posters is on sale here. Also, check out reproductions of Anna Ticho's charcoal and pen-and-ink landscapes and Shalom of Safed's vibrant primitive paintings, as well as high-quality reproductions of Judaica and antiquities at reasonable prices.An exciting selection of posters is on sale here. Also,
Jerusalem Artists' House Gallery
Jerusalem
Housed in the Ottoman-Turkish buildings of the original Bezalel Academy of Art and Design (the school has now moved to the Hebrew University campus), this remarkable cooperative gallery, sponsored by the Jerusalem Municipality and the Israeli government, represents more than 500 juried Israeli artists, ranging from the famous and established to the newest and most promising. Upstairs, you'll find a changing array of one-person and group exhibits. The staff of the Artists' House can put you in touch with any artist whose work interests you, and they will arrange for the shipping of your purchase. The gallery is open Sunday to Thursday from 10am to 1pm and 4 to 7pm, Friday 10am to 1pm, and Saturday 11am to 2pm.Housed in the Ottoman-Turkish buildings of the original Bezalel Academy
Jerusalem Pottery
Jerusalem
Near the sixth Station of the Cross in the Old City, this shop, run by the renowned Karakashian family, is notable for individual plates and tiles decorated with lovely traditional bird, animal, and floral designs, as well as for its interpretations of ancient Jewish and Christian motifs, many taken from ancient manuscripts or mosaic floors. Standards of craftsmanship are the highest, with the most careful hand painting (tile designs are incised) and the richest colors. I've seen this shop's magnificent and varied tiles used to face a colonial fireplace in Massachusetts and also to ornament a poolside garden wall in South Florida. The designs were equally at home in each environment. There's also a selection of plates, cups, and even ceramic mezuzah cases for doorposts. Jerusalem Pottery is open Monday to Saturday from 9:30am until 5pm; always call to check.Near the sixth Station of the Cross in the Old
Khalifa Shoes
Jerusalem
This long-established shop is packed with Naot Teva footwear (the Birkenstock-like sandals and shoes of Israel), as well as with international brands known for comfort, such as Clarke's and Ecco. International brands may cost more than at home, but if you need great walking shoes this is the place. It's open Sunday through Thursday from 9am to 6pm and Friday 9am to 1pm.This long-established shop is packed with Naot Teva footwear (the
Lifeline for the Old
Jerusalem
This shop sells toys, needlework, clothing, jewelry, Judaica, and crafts handmade by Jerusalem's senior citizens, and is a source of pleasure for both craftspeople and customers. Sales and donations keep this remarkable institution afloat. The workshops, which help provide a meaningful creative outlet for Jerusalem's elderly, can be visited Sunday to Thursday from 8:30am to 11:30pm. Prices are very reasonable. The gift shop is open Sunday to Thursday from 9am to 4pm and Friday from 9 to 11am.This shop sells toys, needlework, clothing, jewelry, Judaica, and crafts
Melia
Jerusalem
The newest of the nonprofit embroidery shops, Melia offers many beautiful traditional pieces, as well as some imaginative decorative items. In addition to the classic divan pillowcases, I especially like a dramatically embroidered mirror frame as well as designer-embroidered women's jackets and embroidered T-shirts. There is also a selection of Western-style tablecloths and embroideries. Here, as in the other shops, the pieces with naturally dyed thread are the richest and most beautiful.The newest of the nonprofit embroidery shops, Melia offers many
Nekker Glass Company
Jerusalem
It was this store, near the Mirrer Yeshiva on the northern fringe of Mea Shearim, that revived the ancient glass-blowing traditions that began in this part of the world more than 2,000 years ago. The Nekker family arrived in Jerusalem from Baghdad in the early 1950s and quickly set up a small glass factory employing both Arab and Jewish glass blowers. Slowly the factory began to experiment with designs and techniques from ancient times, and has even developed ways to reproduce soft, ancient patinas in a variety of colors. At Nekker's tiny workshop, you are invited to watch the glass blowers at work. Yehuda Nekker, the patriarch and chief designer, virtually dreams in glass. The stock is on sale for a fraction of what it costs in retail shops. A special line of museum-style reproductions is higher in price. The Nekker staff will pack your purchases securely for travel.It was this store, near the Mirrer Yeshiva on the
Oded Davidson
Jerusalem
One of the country's most interesting Judaica silversmiths, Oded Davidson combines skill and vision to create unique designs delicately engraved with personal whimsy and charm. Davidson's silver dreidels, menorahs, spice boxes, and other creations (ranging in price from several hundred dollars to more than a thousand) have been bought by many collectors and museums, including the Sir Isaac and Lady Edith Wolfson Museum at Heichal Shlomo. You may arrange to see Davidson's remarkable portfolio by visiting his workshop; Davidson's in-person explanations of his work are always fascinating. Open Sunday to Thursday from 9am to 4pm (to noon on Tues).One of the country's most interesting Judaica silversmiths, Oded Davidson
Ophir
Jerusalem
For half a century, Jerusalemites and visitors have been fans of this shop's delicate jewelry designs that echo Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco, and Middle Eastern styles, and are made by the owner, Avraham Lor, himself. Prices are extremely reasonable, and Lor's stock is augmented by many unusual antique and semiantique items. Although for decades Ophir held forth in a tiny closetlike workshop, it's now housed in new, beautiful surroundings; however, much of the jewelry collection and other treasures are still to be seen in the "backroom" workshop. Open Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9am to 1pm and 4 to 7pm and Tuesday and Friday from 9am to 1pm only.For half a century, Jerusalemites and visitors have been fans
Palestinian Armenian Pottery
Jerusalem
This workshop's chief artist, Marie Balian, is most famous for her multitile ceramic panels, which are richly hand-painted visions of Persian gardens, desert oases, and Middle Eastern motifs. In 1992, the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C., mounted Views of Paradise, a special exhibit of 22 of Balian's creations; her panels also adorn the Succot Patio at the house of the president of Israel. Palestinian Pottery produces a steady stream of traditional plates, bowls, teapots, pitchers, name and address tiles, and smaller panel compositions in floral designs that can be used as tabletops or as stunning architectural details. Ask to see the special display of Palestinian Pottery's work spanning the past 70 years. The workshop is near the American consulate in East Jerusalem, and is usually open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 4pm; it is always a good idea to call ahead and check on hours.This workshop's chief artist, Marie Balian, is most famous for
Sharabati Shops
Jerusalem
With two locations in the Old City bazaar near Jaffa Gate, the Sharabati family stocks the largest collection of very reasonably priced, stylish leather sandals (as well as walking and sport sandals) in the market and is known for fair, unexaggerated opening prices -- other sandal shops borrow stock to sell from them. Of course, they sell other things, including suitcases and leather jackets. A second branch is on Christian Quarter Road, the third store on the left from the intersection with David Street. Both shops are open daily from 10am to 5:30pm.With two locations in the Old City bazaar near Jaffa
Shlomo Ohana
Jerusalem
Some of the best-loved, though sometimes kitschy objects of Judaica have been created over the centuries by neighborhood metalsmiths working with humble materials such as tin, copper, and brass. In Shlomo Ohana's workshop, this tradition lives on. You'll find amulets, hamsas (Hands of Fatima), and Shabbat candleholders, all modestly priced. Shlomo Ohana, who was born in Morocco, also makes the simple glass-enclosed Chanukah lamps traditionally mounted beside doorways in Jerusalem's 19th-century neighborhoods. His davvening (praying) Hassidim are a popular tourist item, and his grander Chanukah menorahs are impressive. The experience of visiting this workshop, deep in Mea Shearim's Ein Yaacov market, is always fascinating; in deference to Mea Shearim's ultra-Orthodox community, women should dress modestly, and men should avoid shorts. If the shop is closed, ask one of the neighbors when it will reopen.Some of the best-loved, though sometimes kitschy objects of Judaica
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Jerusalem
© istock
8 Ceramists Altogether
Jerusalem
For contemporary handmade ceramics, this pottery cooperative in West Jerusalem will give you a good idea of the current Israeli ceramics scene. Look for beautiful ceramic Chanukah menorahs and Passover Seder plates as well as functional and decorative pottery made by the cooperative's artists.For contemporary handmade ceramics, this pottery cooperative in West Jerusalem
Archie Granot, Papercuts
Jerusalem
Traditional Jewish paper cuts began to develop as a folk art in Europe and North Africa. In many homes it was the custom to hang a delicately cut piece of paper (called a mizrach, from the Hebrew word for "east") on the eastern wall of a room, to indicate the direction of Jerusalem. There are a number of excellent practitioners of this craft in Israel, but Archie Granot has raised this folk tradition to new levels with his extraordinary contemporary designs. Working with multiple layers and colors, he creates works of amazing intricacy, ranging from mizrachs in traditional and contemporary styles to wedding contracts and mezuzzot. Prices can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Granot's works are in the collections of the Israel Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Jewish Museum of New York, and the Philadelphia Museum of Judaica.Traditional Jewish paper cuts began to develop as a folk
Avi Biran, Silversmith
Jerusalem
Award-winning Avi Biran specializes in his own brand of contemporary Judaica -- the designs have elegance, but also a sense of humor and insight that that makes you think about the rituals and customs these objects are meant to accompany. Prices range from several hundred dollars for a mezuzah or dreidel to thousands for a major Chanukah menorah.Award-winning Avi Biran specializes in his own brand of contemporary
Brinn and Berohm
Jerusalem
Jerusalem has one old-fashioned European-style shop packed full of Romanian and Hungarian embroidery and plenty of bric-a-brac. Run by the charming Emma Berohm, who is still young at over 100, it's located just near the intersection of Jaffa Road and Shlomzion Hamalka Street, 2 blocks east of Zion Square. Like most good haunts for treasure hunters, it's hard to see the shop's sign, but you'll find an eclectic, intriguing, and unplanned show window. It's often open just for half a day. Call to confirm hours.Jerusalem has one old-fashioned European-style shop packed full of Romanian
Cadim Gallery
Jerusalem
This cooperative gallery displays the work of award-winning potters and a range of excellent functional pottery and inventive Judaica by some of the country's best ceramists.This cooperative gallery displays the work of award-winning potters and
Chaim Peretz
Jerusalem
In this little workshop, Chaim Peretz makes attractive, very reasonably priced stained-glass art and Judaica, sold for considerably higher prices at stores elsewhere in the city. The walk to his shop, in the quaint, labyrinthine Nachlaot neighborhood south of Agrippas Street near Machane Yehuda, is always interesting (you'll inevitably have to ask the locals for directions). Once there, you'll find an array of charming menorahs, mezuzzot, Hands of Fatima, candleholders, and mirrors. If your stay in town is long enough, you can order your selection in the colors and designs you prefer. The shop is on a pedestrian lane off one of Nachlaot's neighborhood commons. If no one is around, ask along the street. A phone call ahead of time can be useful.In this little workshop, Chaim Peretz makes attractive, very reasonably
Charlotte
Jerusalem
Founded in 1938, this store, on the street just behind the Central Post Office on Jaffa Road, is the oldest gift shop in West Jerusalem. The secret of its longevity is a carefully chosen mix of modern Israeli jewelry and crafts, handmade Bedouin objects, old pieces of copper ware, and unusual antiquities, all at very reasonable prices. Jerusalemites have never ceased to be delighted with Charlotte's selections, and if you stop by, you'll see the difference between this place and many of the less personal tourist shops on the Ben-Yehuda Mall.Founded in 1938, this store, on the street just behind
Danny Azoulay
Jerusalem
A highly skilled craftsperson who came to Israel from Morocco as a small child, Danny Azoulay specializes in porcelain and fine ceramic Judaica, and his tiny shop is filled with hand-painted Chanukah menorahs, charity boxes laced with brass or silver designs, mezuzzot, spice boxes, and dreidels. One of my favorite designs is a tiny porcelain Chanukah lamp (too small for the strictly observant) that sells for about NIS 600 ($150/£75). Azoulay's creations delicately blend Florentine, Islamic, central European, and contemporary motifs into a style that is unique. At times you may be able to purchase seconds at a discount, either at this shop or at his studio, not far from Machane Yehuda. A number of Danny Azoulay's pieces can be seen at the Sir Isaac and Lady Edith Wolfson Museum in Heichal Shlomo. The shop also sells illuminated manuscripts and ketubbot (marriage contracts) by some of Israel's finest scribal artists, such as Amalya Nini and Aden Halter.A highly skilled craftsperson who came to Israel from Morocco
Darian Armenian Ceramics
Jerusalem
This workshop, a newcomer to the field of Armenian ceramics, is the creation of Arman Darian, a recent immigrant from the former Soviet Armenia, where he studied traditional calligraphy and design. Here you'll find wonderful soup tureens, cups and plates, tiles, and lamp bases, all hand-painted in the Armenian tradition, but with new color combinations and graceful designs that are uniquely Darian's. You'll find beautiful first-quality pieces, but also experimental pieces and bargain seconds that you'd never find on the shelves of the more venerable workshops. Darian will also design to your specifications.This workshop, a newcomer to the field of Armenian ceramics,
Gaia Smith
Jerusalem
Gaia Smith takes the long tradition of using architectural motifs in the back plates of Chanukah menorahs and goes delightfully wild. Her extraordinary hand-built menorahs and items of Judaica are designed around cottages in the Galilee with vistas of the hills, apartments on Central Park West with views of the Manhattan skyline, a child's toy-strewn bedroom on a wintry Chanukah night -- all filled with wit, charm, and a touch of mystery. You might even bring photographs of the interior and exterior of your house and commission a menorah, charity box, or mezuzzot based on it. Smith's reputation among collectors, as well as her pricing, is on the rise.Gaia Smith takes the long tradition of using architectural motifs
Guild of Ceramists
Jerusalem
Eleven ceramists are represented in this cooperative shop at the Hillel Street end of the Yoel Salomon Mall. Among other things, many of these artisans will custom design tiles.Eleven ceramists are represented in this cooperative shop at the
Hedya Jewelers and Sarah Einstein's Collection
Jerusalem
For unusual antique jewelry, visit this near-legendary shop where you'll find Sarah Einstein's collection of jewelry, often made from exquisite component pieces of antique objects such as Yemenite wedding necklaces or tribal Persian headdresses. They have been taken apart and combined with rare beads into smaller compositions that modern women can wear with flair and elegance. Among the extraordinary creations made by Sarah Einstein, her staff, and by Hedya, you'll find one-of-a-kind necklaces and earrings that range from delicate to dramatic and encompass every tradition in the Middle East. Hedya, an Israeli jewelry design workshop, creates accessories such as earrings to coordinate with Einstein's unique pieces. Hedya's own custom-made jewelry, Hands of Fatima, and Judaica are exquisite. Special orders are welcome.For unusual antique jewelry, visit this near-legendary shop where you'll
House of Quality
Jerusalem
Across the street from and midway between the Mount Zion Hotel and the Cinémathèque, this conglomeration of craft workshops offers all sorts of delights. I especially admire the witty, unique ceramic Judaica of Gaia Smith, and the silver creations of Oded Davidson, whose studios are here, but all of the craftspeople at this center are of very high caliber. Craftspeople are in their workshops at varying times. Just around the corner, in Saint Andrew's Guest House, you can also visit Sunbula, which sells traditional Palestinian crafts and embroidery.Across the street from and midway between the Mount Zion
Israel Museum Gift Shop
Jerusalem
An exciting selection of posters is on sale here. Also, check out reproductions of Anna Ticho's charcoal and pen-and-ink landscapes and Shalom of Safed's vibrant primitive paintings, as well as high-quality reproductions of Judaica and antiquities at reasonable prices.An exciting selection of posters is on sale here. Also,
Jerusalem Artists' House Gallery
Jerusalem
Housed in the Ottoman-Turkish buildings of the original Bezalel Academy of Art and Design (the school has now moved to the Hebrew University campus), this remarkable cooperative gallery, sponsored by the Jerusalem Municipality and the Israeli government, represents more than 500 juried Israeli artists, ranging from the famous and established to the newest and most promising. Upstairs, you'll find a changing array of one-person and group exhibits. The staff of the Artists' House can put you in touch with any artist whose work interests you, and they will arrange for the shipping of your purchase. The gallery is open Sunday to Thursday from 10am to 1pm and 4 to 7pm, Friday 10am to 1pm, and Saturday 11am to 2pm.Housed in the Ottoman-Turkish buildings of the original Bezalel Academy
Jerusalem Pottery
Jerusalem
Near the sixth Station of the Cross in the Old City, this shop, run by the renowned Karakashian family, is notable for individual plates and tiles decorated with lovely traditional bird, animal, and floral designs, as well as for its interpretations of ancient Jewish and Christian motifs, many taken from ancient manuscripts or mosaic floors. Standards of craftsmanship are the highest, with the most careful hand painting (tile designs are incised) and the richest colors. I've seen this shop's magnificent and varied tiles used to face a colonial fireplace in Massachusetts and also to ornament a poolside garden wall in South Florida. The designs were equally at home in each environment. There's also a selection of plates, cups, and even ceramic mezuzah cases for doorposts. Jerusalem Pottery is open Monday to Saturday from 9:30am until 5pm; always call to check.Near the sixth Station of the Cross in the Old
Khalifa Shoes
Jerusalem
This long-established shop is packed with Naot Teva footwear (the Birkenstock-like sandals and shoes of Israel), as well as with international brands known for comfort, such as Clarke's and Ecco. International brands may cost more than at home, but if you need great walking shoes this is the place. It's open Sunday through Thursday from 9am to 6pm and Friday 9am to 1pm.This long-established shop is packed with Naot Teva footwear (the
Lifeline for the Old
Jerusalem
This shop sells toys, needlework, clothing, jewelry, Judaica, and crafts handmade by Jerusalem's senior citizens, and is a source of pleasure for both craftspeople and customers. Sales and donations keep this remarkable institution afloat. The workshops, which help provide a meaningful creative outlet for Jerusalem's elderly, can be visited Sunday to Thursday from 8:30am to 11:30pm. Prices are very reasonable. The gift shop is open Sunday to Thursday from 9am to 4pm and Friday from 9 to 11am.This shop sells toys, needlework, clothing, jewelry, Judaica, and crafts
Melia
Jerusalem
The newest of the nonprofit embroidery shops, Melia offers many beautiful traditional pieces, as well as some imaginative decorative items. In addition to the classic divan pillowcases, I especially like a dramatically embroidered mirror frame as well as designer-embroidered women's jackets and embroidered T-shirts. There is also a selection of Western-style tablecloths and embroideries. Here, as in the other shops, the pieces with naturally dyed thread are the richest and most beautiful.The newest of the nonprofit embroidery shops, Melia offers many
Nekker Glass Company
Jerusalem
It was this store, near the Mirrer Yeshiva on the northern fringe of Mea Shearim, that revived the ancient glass-blowing traditions that began in this part of the world more than 2,000 years ago. The Nekker family arrived in Jerusalem from Baghdad in the early 1950s and quickly set up a small glass factory employing both Arab and Jewish glass blowers. Slowly the factory began to experiment with designs and techniques from ancient times, and has even developed ways to reproduce soft, ancient patinas in a variety of colors. At Nekker's tiny workshop, you are invited to watch the glass blowers at work. Yehuda Nekker, the patriarch and chief designer, virtually dreams in glass. The stock is on sale for a fraction of what it costs in retail shops. A special line of museum-style reproductions is higher in price. The Nekker staff will pack your purchases securely for travel.It was this store, near the Mirrer Yeshiva on the
Oded Davidson
Jerusalem
One of the country's most interesting Judaica silversmiths, Oded Davidson combines skill and vision to create unique designs delicately engraved with personal whimsy and charm. Davidson's silver dreidels, menorahs, spice boxes, and other creations (ranging in price from several hundred dollars to more than a thousand) have been bought by many collectors and museums, including the Sir Isaac and Lady Edith Wolfson Museum at Heichal Shlomo. You may arrange to see Davidson's remarkable portfolio by visiting his workshop; Davidson's in-person explanations of his work are always fascinating. Open Sunday to Thursday from 9am to 4pm (to noon on Tues).One of the country's most interesting Judaica silversmiths, Oded Davidson
Ophir
Jerusalem
For half a century, Jerusalemites and visitors have been fans of this shop's delicate jewelry designs that echo Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco, and Middle Eastern styles, and are made by the owner, Avraham Lor, himself. Prices are extremely reasonable, and Lor's stock is augmented by many unusual antique and semiantique items. Although for decades Ophir held forth in a tiny closetlike workshop, it's now housed in new, beautiful surroundings; however, much of the jewelry collection and other treasures are still to be seen in the "backroom" workshop. Open Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 9am to 1pm and 4 to 7pm and Tuesday and Friday from 9am to 1pm only.For half a century, Jerusalemites and visitors have been fans
Palestinian Armenian Pottery
Jerusalem
This workshop's chief artist, Marie Balian, is most famous for her multitile ceramic panels, which are richly hand-painted visions of Persian gardens, desert oases, and Middle Eastern motifs. In 1992, the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C., mounted Views of Paradise, a special exhibit of 22 of Balian's creations; her panels also adorn the Succot Patio at the house of the president of Israel. Palestinian Pottery produces a steady stream of traditional plates, bowls, teapots, pitchers, name and address tiles, and smaller panel compositions in floral designs that can be used as tabletops or as stunning architectural details. Ask to see the special display of Palestinian Pottery's work spanning the past 70 years. The workshop is near the American consulate in East Jerusalem, and is usually open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 4pm; it is always a good idea to call ahead and check on hours.This workshop's chief artist, Marie Balian, is most famous for
Sharabati Shops
Jerusalem
With two locations in the Old City bazaar near Jaffa Gate, the Sharabati family stocks the largest collection of very reasonably priced, stylish leather sandals (as well as walking and sport sandals) in the market and is known for fair, unexaggerated opening prices -- other sandal shops borrow stock to sell from them. Of course, they sell other things, including suitcases and leather jackets. A second branch is on Christian Quarter Road, the third store on the left from the intersection with David Street. Both shops are open daily from 10am to 5:30pm.With two locations in the Old City bazaar near Jaffa
Shlomo Ohana
Jerusalem
Some of the best-loved, though sometimes kitschy objects of Judaica have been created over the centuries by neighborhood metalsmiths working with humble materials such as tin, copper, and brass. In Shlomo Ohana's workshop, this tradition lives on. You'll find amulets, hamsas (Hands of Fatima), and Shabbat candleholders, all modestly priced. Shlomo Ohana, who was born in Morocco, also makes the simple glass-enclosed Chanukah lamps traditionally mounted beside doorways in Jerusalem's 19th-century neighborhoods. His davvening (praying) Hassidim are a popular tourist item, and his grander Chanukah menorahs are impressive. The experience of visiting this workshop, deep in Mea Shearim's Ein Yaacov market, is always fascinating; in deference to Mea Shearim's ultra-Orthodox community, women should dress modestly, and men should avoid shorts. If the shop is closed, ask one of the neighbors when it will reopen.Some of the best-loved, though sometimes kitschy objects of Judaica
Page 1 of 2 : 1 | 2
