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5 Ways to Support Small BusinessesWondering how you can help as a consumer? Here are some ideas.Many independent businesses continue to struggle, but there are ways to help.In Israel, as in the wider world, owners have creatively come up with strategies to keep businesses afloat, which benefits consumers, proprietors and a neighborhood’s commercial healthThere’s a multiplier effect if you buy from a bakery, a hardware or gift store. Those stores need accountants, they buy from suppliers, a …

There are many symbols and icons associated with Hannukah. For example, donuts, latkes, Hannukah gelt and the dreidel, or sevivon. But have you ever wondered about the origins of these Hannukah icons?SufganiotWhat would Hanukkah be without the sweet treat of those delicious jelly donuts? In recent years, Israeli bakeries compete to produce the most exciting range, and the toppings and fillings become ever more imaginative. But the first donut recipe actually originated in Europe and dates …

A Celebration of the Hebrew AlphabetHere in Israel, we are in the period traditionally known as “acharei ha’chagim” (after the festivals). Following the long summer holidays and the stop-start of the festivals, this is when the school year usually starts in earnest. Young children around the country are being introduced to the sweetness of learning the letters of the Aleph-Bet to prepare them for learning to read. This year, unfortunately, because of the ongoing Covid crisis, many studen …

SukkotSukkot Has always been one of my favorite festivals. It celebrates the harvest especially the seven fruits and grains grown in Israel. It was the inspiration for my first design: the Seven Species. A design that still gives me joy to offer to this day  - (thirty years later). After the earnest reflection of Yom Kippur, Sukkot is a time of great celebration with the underlying poignant message of the fragility of life and abode.1. Building the SukkahAlthough you can build a suk …

In medieval times, communities would help families settle into their new homes by helping to “warm” them up. They brought firewood as a gift, - it was also said to ward off evil spirits. While we no longer  to bring firewood , it is interesting and meaningful to recall the original spirit of housewarming with a traditional gift. In Jewish tradition as well, this custom holds strong. We try to welcome new members to our communities, to help them feel comfortable and accepted. We are all …