It’s Never Been Easier to Shop Israeli

This morning, I went to a friend’s son’s bris. The rabbi told us that a bris on Purim is especially meaningful, since we’re welcoming a new child into the world as we celebrate the heroism and resiliency of the Jewish people. 

My friend spoke about Purim being a collective day of childlike joy and commemoration of the individual heroism of Esther and Mordechai. She reminded us about the importance of celebrating life and seeking out joy.

It was a beautiful morning and really articulated what I’m hoping GOLDA can be for you: a bright light of Jewish pride and inspiration. 

Also, Jewish stuff. Today we’re bringing you a selection of high-quality products made in Israel, all curated and made easily shoppable (and shippable!) thanks to the efforts of a group of American and Canadian women.

I first encountered one of those women, Harper Spero, when I was planning a trip to Israel with my husband in 2019. She was living in Tel Aviv and had an extensive Google Doc filled with her recommendations, which a mutual friend who had recently visited the Holy Land shared with me. Many of her suggestions (Dok!) became memorable stops on our trip. When I met her a few years later, I didn’t even bother introducing myself before I blurted out: “HARPER SPERO! I used your Israel Google Doc!” 

It was a very Jewish moment. 

Harper is back in New York now and she’s been spearheading various efforts to support and assist her Israeli friends since Oct. 7. Her latest initiative is Makers of Israel, a website that curates products from Israeli artisans and vendors for purchase abroad. 

Harper and I met for lunch at the new Edith’s Sandwich Counter in Manhattan’s West Village and caught up about Makers of Israel. Below is an edited version of our conversation. 

How did Makers of Israel come to life?

In early fall 2024, one of my co-founders, Sara Klaben Avrahami, gathered a group of Anglo-Israeli women to explore how we could support Israeli small businesses and makers. Her vision resonated deeply with me. Up until then, my volunteer and fundraising efforts since October 7 had been short term projects, and I was eager to be part of something more long-term. We recognized that there was no central hub for these incredible artists and small business owners. A few months later, Makers of Israel was born.

Now Sara, Hannah Wojno, and I are leading this venture, leveraging our expertise to empower Israeli makers, share their stories, and connect them with international customers. It’s incredible to see what a passionate group of women can accomplish when united by a shared purpose.

How do you select your makers? What types of items do you curate?

We focus on unique, high-quality products that showcase Israel’s rich creativity. Our makers come from across the country, bringing diverse backgrounds and compelling stories. Many have been deeply impacted by the war and the decline in tourism, and we’re here to help them reach new international customers.

We curate a broad assortment—this isn’t just a Judaica or ceramics site. Our goal is to be a go-to marketplace where people abroad can discover beautiful, thoughtfully designed products from talented Israeli makers at a range of price points.

How do makers respond when you reach out?

With a resounding yes! They’re eager for new ways to reach customers. Israel is a small country, and many feel like they’ve hit a ceiling in terms of local buyers, especially with the lack of tourism during the war. 

How does ordering and shipping work?

Each maker features approximately four products on our site. Customers can mix and match from multiple makers in a single order, and shipping is always free. The Makers handle shipping directly to customers, ensuring a seamless experience.

Tell us about the Chag Table Box!

The Chag Table Box is a limited-edition, curated collection of handcrafted items from Israeli makers, designed to elevate your Passover Seder, Shabbat meals, and other holidays around the table. 

One exclusive piece in the box is a pair of candle holders inspired by the kalaniot (anemone) flower, native to Southern Israel and symbolic of resilience. These were created by Susan’s House, a nonprofit that empowers at-risk youth through art. 

We also designed a special set of Dayenu cards to encourage gratitude and reflection during the Passover Seder, inviting participants to share what they’re thankful for and spread positivity.

What has been the most meaningful part of this project for you?

Working with an incredible team of women who share my passion and drive. And honestly, every single order feels like a win—proof that customers love what we’re building and that we’re making a real impact for Israeli makers.

Any particularly special stories?

When we launched, we knew we wanted to collaborate with makers on exclusive products. For our Spring Collection, we teamed up with artist Noa Baranes on a limited-edition photo of the Israeli desert, overlaid with Hebrew calligraphy reading “We Will Bloom Again.”

Another powerful story is that of Ronit Malka, who lost her father in the Yom Kippur War when she was just a year old. The events of October 7 deeply impacted her, making it difficult to return to designing jewelry. But as she worked through her grief, she created the Nova Collection earrings and necklace, inspired by the Nova Festival tragedy. Before October 7, Ronit never wore a Star of David, but now, she wears one of her own designs every day.

And on a personal note—I've been a longtime fan of Meira Sitton’s home goods, ever since stumbling upon her shop in Tel Aviv. Her blankets and dish towels are a staple in my home. When I visited her in June 2024, she shared how hard the war had been on her business. It’s been amazing to feature her work and help introduce her to new customers around the world.

GOLDA’s Picks from Makers of Israel:

Made By Dalia — Shabbat Set

Giselle Dekel — The Full Bauhaus Print Collection 

Etay Malka — Shin Mezuzah

Citrus and Salt — Private Online Israeli Cooking Class

Sigma — Star of David Silver Earring

Einav Braun — Antique Pink Passover Seder Plate

Thanks to Harper and the Makers of Israel team for all their amazing work. We can’t wait to get shopping! 

And now, the winners of the Molly Yeh Sweet Farm! cookbook giveaway. Congratulations, Courtney Weingarten and Rose Howe! We’ll get your copies shipped out to you. 

Tell your friends to subscribe to GOLDA! Send them this easy link:

goldaguide.com/subscribe

Stay GOLDA,

Stephanie