Art Festival and Sale at Temple Beth El of Somerset, March 1 and 2
We all know that since October 7, 2023, tourism in Israel has become almost nonexistent, and people who depend on tourists to earn a living are suffering. Among them are not only the tour guides and the hotel and restaurant workers, but the artists and artisans who depend on those who are visiting their country to buy their work.
The Art Festival at Temple Beth El of Somerset March 1 and 2 will be an opportunity for over 26 artists from Israel to showcase and sell their work. These artists are visiting only two places in the United States: the Chicago area, and Somerset, New Jersey. Don’t miss seeing the beautiful pieces they have to offer, everything from art to put on your wall to jewelry to put on your body. You will be dealing directly with the artists, who are eager to explain how they work and show you what they do.
Each artist has donated a piece valued at between $100 and $250 for a tricky tray. The entrance fee of $10 per person includes five tricky tray tickets. Additional tickets will be on sale at the door. Hours of the sale are Saturday, March 1, 7:45 to10 PM; and Sunday, March 2, 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. A special reception and early bird preview for sponsors and other donors is scheduled for 7 to 7:45 PM.
Sponsors are being sought for a variety of items, including Friday night Oneg Shabbat, Sunday morning breakfast for the artists, table rentals, and shopping bags. The minimum amount for sponsorship is $180. For information, contact [email protected].
Here is information about some of the artists you will meet.
Talma Liran, Talma’s Jewelry
I have been designing jewelry for the last 28 years. Most of my pieces are one-of-a-kind items, which I make with love using precious stones, crystals, pearls, stainless steel, and gold-filled wires. Find Talma’s Jewelry on Facebook
Maly Cohen, MalySilkCreations
An Israeli artist living and creating in Jerusalem, I have worked with silk painting for over 35 years. All my creations are my own original, hand painted designs, inspired by the unique spirit and soul of Jerusalem. Find MalySilkCreations on www.Etsy.com
Mira Raman, Mira Raman Art
I am a painter. My work is based on two major influences, West/modern art and East/Japanese paper making. I start each painting from scratch creating a multi-layer “canvas” from different kinds of papers, and then I paint with acrylic. My one-of-a-kind creations are very colorful and happy, and I make them in various sizes. Find Mira Raman Art at www.miraraman.com
Dalya Israeli, Dalya Israeli Jewelry
For more than 18 years I mold personalities, hopes and dreams into templates of gold. These are keepsakes for everything that is dear to your heart. As a certified and professional Jewelry Designer I combine several techniques, including diamond and gemstones inlay, to create jewelry that is special as its wearer. Such that surpasses seasonal fashion and short-lived trends. Expressive design and great care to every detail are my guidelines. Find Dalya Israeli Jewelry at www.dalyaisraelijewelry.com
Robert Kleiman, Jerusalem Tallit
Carine Kleiman weaves hand-woven tallitot in pure wool in varying sizes and unique, colorful designs, plus Am Israel Chai challah covers, chupot, torah mantles and ark covers. Find Jerusalem Tallit at www.Jerusalemtallit.com
David Yomtov, Ethnics Art
We are a cooperative of more than 30 different Israeli artists who create handmade Judaica and jewelry, all of whom are represented in our shop in Jerusalem. Ethnics Artists’ Co-operative was established in 1995 by a small group of Israeli artists, with the objective of providing a central location to showcase their products and increase their sales. A modern showroom has been opened in Jerusalem at 34 Jaffa Road, near Zion Square. Several other local artists now also sell their products through Ethnics Artists’ Co-operative, offering a wide range of handcrafted products with specialization in Israeli ethnic jewelry and unique Judaica items and ceramics. Find Ethnics Art at www.ethnicsart.com
Ariella Nachshon, Ariella Nachshon Jewelry and Accessories
I graduated from the dance department at the Kibbutzim College in Tel Aviv. My works are made from an unusual combination of materials, a unique color vision and with tons of passion and love. I am also the author of the book “Creative Wire Jewelry.” Find Ariella Nachshon Jewelry and Accessories on Facebook
Yair Emanuel, Emanuel Judaica
We are handmade Judaica designers in Jerusalem. In our studio traditional motifs meet modern art in vivid colors. Our vibrant designs blend tradition and modern art, in seder plates, Chanukah menorahs, tzedakah boxes, tallitot and kippers, challah covers, and decorative items. Find Emanuel Judaica at www.emanuel-judaica-israel.com
Inbal Arditi, MONOLIT
As designers, we (Tal and Inbal Arditi) established MONOLIT with a vision of bridging ancient symbolism with contemporary innovation. In our studio we create pieces that tell unique stories, crafting timeless elements that transcend passing trends. Our design studio is located on Kibbutz Tel Yitzhak, where we create handmade bouquets, jewelry, and other design works. We engage in product and jewelry design applying two approaches: traditional handmade materials such as fabric, wood, and vintage buttons, and three-dimensional design of jewelry with a spiritual presence. Find MONOLIT at www.kibbutzvisit.com/listing/inbaljewelry-design
Albert Levi, Albert Levi Art
I am Albert Levi, an Israeli artist who finds strength and purpose in transforming my experiences into art. My journey has not been a simple one—I have served on the front lines, facing the challenges of war, and those moments shaped not only who I am but also the art I create. My paintings reflect the resilience, unity, and pride of the Jewish people. They tell stories of hope, faith, and the unbreakable spirit of our nation. For me, every brushstroke is a way to honor where I have come from and to share the power and beauty of our heritage with the world. Through my work I hope to inspire others to see the strength in their own journeys and the light that can emerge even from the darkest of times. Find Albert Levi Art at www.albertlevi.com
Noa Goren, Noa Goren
I am a jewelry designer working with 18-22 karat gold and diamonds. The jewelry designs are very clean and contemporary. My jewelry mirrors my fascination with imperfections, with surprising details placed in apparently conventional shapes and I never cease searching for a certain unexpected strength that lies in fragility and lightness. Find Noa Goren at www.noagoren.com
Tomer Ben Yair and Kobi Melzer, The Israel Museum Products
The Israel Museum in Jerusalem is famous for the Dead Sea Scrolls, but it also has a Museum Shop with items found nowhere else. These exclusive Judaica products include Kiddush cups, menorahs, and many other products inspired by different eras in Jewish history and museum exhibitions. Since its establishment in 1965, the Israel Museum has been dedicated to the preservation, study, and presentation of artifacts and artworks from the Holy Land and across the globe. This spirit of discovery also underlies our commitment to bringing these treasures to as wide an audience as possible. All our items are authorized versions, guaranteed to be of the very finest quality and in colors and materials selected by the artists themselves. Find The Israel Museum Products at www.imjshop.com
Dganit Hen, Dganit Hen Jewelry Design
I have been designing and producing stunning contemporary jewelry for more than 25 years. Every piece is handmade. My designs are made with Sterling silver 925, gold filled 12 karat, gold 14k/9k, and semi-precious stones. Silver undergoes a special processing to acquire a raw and natural look. The stones are brought from various locations around the world and look like a multicolored rainbow, while the gold combination resembles the easy touch of a paintbrush. I feel that through my jewelry I can touch the endless beauty that surrounds us, allowing every woman to wear a bit of this beauty with each piece. Find Dganit Hen Jewelry Design at www.dganit-design.com
Hillel Mor, Mor Sinai Judaica
We are two best friends, and we create and make handmade luxury leather Judaica where the fusion of tradition and modernity is an art form curated by Israeli army veterans turned artisans. We value our craft as more than skill; it is a narrative meticulously prepared by our transition from the disciplined world of military service to the subtle elegance of working with leather. Find Mor Sinai Judaica at www.morsinaijudaica.com
David Shamay, S.D. Jewelry Ltd.
I have been a jewelry designer since 1988. I am the father of three children and have one granddaughter. I live in Rishon LeZion. S.D. Jewelry is a family factory located in Israel. We manufacture fine 14K gold and 18K gold jewelry with semi-precious stones, Roman glass, Bar Kochba coins, Meggido coins, antique coins, Drachma coins, widows mite coin, Australian opal, pearl, garnet. The whole manufacturing process is in our factory, from the design to the finished product, such as earrings, necklaces, rings, pendants, semi mounts, bracelets, brooches. All antique coins are accompanied with Elegant Coin Certificate of Authenticity. Find S.D. Jewelry at www.sd-jewelry.com
Yosef Ngaihte, YN Studio
My name is Joseph. I am a wood and epoxy artist. I immigrated to the Land of Israel from India. I am from B’nei Menashe, and I have been in the Reserve from October 7 until now. Find Yosef Ngaihte at the Temple Beth El Art Festival.
Eli Ben Lulu, Tel Megiddo Jewelry
Our shop has been inside the Tel Megiddo archeological tourist site since 1989. We produce handmade jewelry, featuring Roman glass and Roman coins as well as gold and silver. As professionals and well reputed designers, we are obliged to a high quality of craft combined with self expression, cultural heritage, true desire for aesthetic, originality, and high technical skills. Find Tel Megiddo Jewelry at www.telmegiddojewelry.com
Ori Gabrieli, Gabrieli Hand Weaving and Art
My family and I have been doing hand weaving for three generations. In our gallery in Jerusalem, we also show and sell the work of some of the best Israeli artists. Gabrieli is a home for some of the best and finest Judaica artworks, worldwide, as well as the leading manufacturer of tallit and Kuzari tapestries in Israel. Gabrieli is very proud to offer a collection that is MADE IN ISRAEL. Find Gabrieli Hand Weaving and Art at www.gabrielitallit.com
Maor Saadia, Rafael Jewelry
Rafael Jewelry, which is in Jerusalem’s Old City, combines the beauty of ancient Yemenite craftsmanship with modern, stylish designs. With over 40 years of experience, Rafael, and his son Maor, a fifth-generation jeweler, create unique, high-quality pieces that honor the Jewish traditions while staying on top of today’s trends. Every piece is made with great care, using silver and gold combined with diamonds and other gems, offering something special for every customer from Judaica jewelry to personalized designs. Find Rafael Jewelry at www.rafael-jewelry.com
