The Heart of the Shuk: Stories from the Vendors
When you attend Shuk to the Core, you’re stepping into more than just a marketplace. You’re walking into a space filled with stories—of resilience, creativity, and deep cultural pride. Behind every handcrafted piece of jewelry, every intricately designed mezuzah, and every jar of luxurious skincare, there’s a person who poured their heart and soul into their work.
These vendors aren’t just small business owners—they’re artisans, dreamers, and the lifeblood of Israel’s rich cultural heritage. Each of them brings something unique to the Shuk, and through their stories, we gain a deeper understanding of what Shuk to the Core truly represents.
Here’s a glimpse into the lives of a few of our incredible vendors and the impact your support has on them and their families.
Sima: Finding Strength in Challenging Times
Sima Navon is no stranger to challenges. A proud mother of three combat soldiers, her life in Israel has been deeply shaped by the realities of living through ongoing conflict.
“Life in Israel this past year has been incredibly intense,” Sima shares. “My three sons are all serving in the army—two in reserve units and one in regular service. It’s hard to describe the emotions that come with that, but I rely on my faith and the love of Jews around the world to keep going.”
Sima creates luxurious, natural skincare products that bring a sense of calm and self-care to her customers. For her, participating in Shuk to the Core is about more than selling products—it’s about connection and hope.
“Every interaction reminds me that we’re not alone. People come up to my booth, ask about my family, and share their love and support. It means the world to me. You have our backs, and that allows us to keep moving forward.”
When you visit Sima’s booth, you’re not just buying a product—you’re supporting a family that embodies resilience and strength.
Noa: Art as a Reflection of Faith and Heritage
For Noa Attias, art is both a creative outlet and a tribute to Jewish tradition. A Judaica papercut artist and mother of five, Noa’s work reflects the cycle of Jewish life and the beauty of faith.
“When the war broke out, I struggled to focus on my art,” Noa explains. “Life felt heavy, and all I wanted to do was help in some way. But when I joined Shuk to the Core, it gave me a sense of purpose again.”
Noa creates stunning papercut designs, including ketubahs, home blessings, and Women of Valor artwork. Each piece is a labor of love, crafted to bring beauty and meaning to Jewish homes around the world.
“At the Shuk, people don’t just buy my art—they embrace it,” Noa says. “Their support helps me provide for my family, but it also inspires me to keep going. Each sale is a reminder that our heritage is alive and cherished.”
When you purchase one of Noa’s pieces, you’re taking home more than art—you’re helping her continue her mission of preserving and celebrating Jewish culture.
Rachel and Yossi: A Family’s Lifeline
Rachel and Yossi Tavory are the proud owners of “Rachel’s Jewelry,” a line of handmade pieces in silver, gold, and natural stones. For them, Shuk to the Core is more than just a business opportunity—it’s a source of stability and hope during uncertain times.
“Since October 7th, life has been a rollercoaster,” Rachel explains. “Many of the festivals and markets we rely on for income have been canceled, and we’ve struggled to make ends meet. Coming to the Shuk has been a blessing—it’s given us the chance to connect with people who truly value our work.”
Rachel and Yossi’s jewelry combines traditional techniques with modern designs, making each piece timeless and special. But for them, the Shuk is about more than sales—it’s about the emotional support they receive from attendees.
“We feel the love and solidarity from every single person who stops by our booth,” Yossi says. “It’s not just about the financial support—it’s the encouragement that helps us keep going, even when times are tough.”
Simcha: Spreading Light in Dark Times
Simcha Gluck believes in the power of positivity, and his products reflect that. As an artisan who creates vibrant, inspiring pieces, Simcha sees Shuk to the Core as an opportunity to spread light and hope during difficult times.
“In moments of darkness, the Shuk brought tremendous light to me and my business,” Simcha shares. “It’s not just about the sales—it’s about the energy, the connection, and the feeling of unity with the Jewish communities here. That means more than words can express.”
Through his colorful and uplifting products, Simcha reminds us that creativity and resilience go hand in hand.
More Than Just Vendors: Why Your Support Matters
The artisans at Shuk to the Core are more than vendors—they’re individuals with families, stories, and dreams. For many of them, the Shuk is a lifeline, providing financial stability and emotional encouragement when it’s needed most.
What makes Shuk to the Core truly unique is that 100% of all sales go directly to the vendors. There are no middlemen or commissions—every dollar you spend helps an artisan support their family, sustain their business, and preserve their craft.
Your support also creates a ripple effect. Many vendors employ additional workers—craftspeople, assistants, and suppliers—who depend on these sales as well. When you shop at the Shuk, you’re uplifting entire communities in Israel.
Come Meet the Artisans
If you haven’t visited Shuk to the Core yet, now is the time. Come meet vendors like Sima, Noa, Rachel, and Simcha in person, hear their stories, and discover the beautiful, handcrafted items they’ve brought all the way from Israel.
Attending the Shuk isn’t just about shopping—it’s about connection, cultural pride, and making a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.
📅 Check out our upcoming events here: Shuk to the Core Events
Can’t attend? You can still support the vendors by purchasing raffle tickets for a chance to win two round-trip tickets to Israel! 🎟️ Get Raffle Tickets Here
Together, let’s celebrate Israel’s artisans, support their work, and show the world the power of community.
#ShukToTheCore #SupportIsraeliArtisans #CulturalConnection #StoriesOfResilience
