THIS CHANUKAH, BUY ISRAEL
El Al An Israeli diplomat recently shared a story about a woman who wasn’t sure she wanted to visit Israel because she didn’t think they had hotels there. Hotels they have, along with gorgeous Mediterranean beaches, deserts, forests, mountains, the Dead Sea, archeological wonders, historical landmarks and religious and spiritual discoveries at every turn. And yes, camels and falafel. If you have never visited Israel, 2006 is your year. El Al is the national airline of Israel, and they would be happy to fly you there.
Elite Coffee In Israel, Elite is synonymous with coffee. Elite was the company that introduced instant coffee to Israel and followed that with numerous other varieties of coffee. Along the way, Elite has influenced and determined consumer habits and flavors among the Israeli public while continuing to be an innovator in the field. You can find the Elite brand, which also produces chocolates and sweets, at your local kosher market. Not a coffee drinker? Try Wissotzky Tea.
Hadaya Baruch Hadaya is a 16th generation native of Jerusalem who creates original, one of a kind jewelry in his tiny studio in the Old City. If you can get past the throngs of yeshiva girls, Baruch will offer you a drink and tell you a story. Baruch is nice enough to feature his stories on the website, which includes a special section dedicated to the yeshiva girls who flock to his studio for the famous “gam zeh yaavor” (this too shall pass) rings and bracelets engraved with the pasuk of your choice.
Halutza Olive Oil During Chanukah, it is customary to fry foods in oil to commemorate the drop of oil that miraculously lasted for eight nights. Straight from the Negev desert, immersed in ancient Biblical traditions, and yet prepared with the most advanced “cold press” extraction technologies, comes the pride of Israel's Olive Oil Industry - Halutza Olive Oil. Classified as “Extra Virgin Olive Oil” - the highest quality classification, this smooth, elegant oil is rich in aroma and yields an incomparable grassy-fruity bouquet - and great, Tuscany style, taste. For 3 years in a row it won citations from the Israeli Olive Board, twice crowned as “Israel's Best Olive Oil”.
HAS Advantage Support Israel EVERY time you shop. HAS, together with U.S. Bank, offers the first ever Visa Platinum card that allows you to support Israeli charities with every purchase, including hospitals, educational programs, humanitarian causes and emergency services. You will also earn points each time you use your card that can be used toward travel to Israel, along with other rewards. Visit www.HASAdvantage.com or call 1-800-853-5576 x 8677.
The Idan Raichel Project Idan Raichel’s debut album, released two and a half years ago, became the number one selling album in Israel and received numerous awards including Artist, Album and Song of the year. His sophomore effort, “Out of the Depths” continues to entrance listeners with soulful melodies infused with Ethiopian folk music. You can order The Idan Raichel Project and other Israeli favorites—including the latest from Subliminal, Hadag Nachash and Ivri Lider—at the Israel Music website.
Michal Negrin “Let me take you into my world,” invites Israeli artist Michal Negrin. Michal Negrin Designs offers a world of magic and romance, combined with beautiful colors, dreams and imagination that criss-cross its fine products, including luxury fashion jewelry, brand clothing, artistic decorative household items and personal accessories in the signature Michal Negrin style. All of Michal's creations are handmade using top quality raw materials such as Swarovski crystals, lace, beads and metal elements.
Mineral Care Mineral Care is specifically created to hydrate, nourish and restore the skin's vitality while helping to slow down signs of premature aging, based on Dead Sea Minerals and plant extracts valued since ancient times for their health-giving properties. Try the Water Base Aroma Pack, a non-greasy, highly nourishing and pampering body cream, containing Dead Sea minerals and a mixture of several aromatic oils that tone, smooth and soften the skin.
SHOP ISRAEL IN TOWN
Gifts:
A Touch of Israel, JCCGW, 6125 Montrose Rd., Rockville, 301-770-5200
Abe’s Jewish Book & Gift Store/Jewish Book Store of Greater Washington 11250 Georgia Avenue, Wheaton, 301-942-2237 “If it’s Jewish, we have it” says the owner of this Judaica & book shop, whose store features Judaica from Israel.
Abramson Family Foundation Judaica Gift and Bookstore DCJCC, 1529 16th St., N.W., 202-777-3216 The Abramson Family Foundation Judaica Gift and Bookstore features Israeli artists and products for Chanukah with a 20% discount from December 1-31.
Gift Shop JCCNV, 8900 Little River Turnpike, Fairfax, 703-323-0880 x22 “We have everything from Israel” says one of the partners of this boutique at the JCC of Northern Virginia. The JCCNW also has a Chanukah boutique throughout December that features Israeli products.
Israeli Accents 4838 Boiling Brook Parkway, Rockville, 301-231-7999 or 800-420-9610 (next to the Koshermart)
Libson’s Hebrew Books & Gifts 2305 University Blvd., Silver Spring, 301-933-1900 (next to Shalom’s) Libson’s has “everything for Chanukah” and many of their products are from Israel.
Synagogue Gift Shops (check with your local synagogue gift shop for their selection of Israeli products)
Food:
Koshermart 184 Rollins Avenue, Rockville, 301-468-4840; 4860 Boiling Brook Pkwy., Rockville, 301-468-0400 Both Koshermart locations offer an extended line of Israeli products, wines, and a variety of kosher gourmet products from around the world. The Rollins Avenue location also features the Jewish Gift Shop. It has always been a goal of both businesses to support Israeli based vendors and to bring a “touch of Israel” to our Washington metro neighborhoods!
Shalom Strictly Kosher Meats and Delicatessen, 2307 University Blvd West, Wheaton, 301-946-6500
Shaul’s Kosher Place 1319 Lamberton Drive, Silver Spring, 301-593-1800
Additional Resources:
The Israeli Partnership
This website is the realization of a concept developed by the Economic Department at the Embassy of Israel in Washington, DC. The website was launched in order to effectively assist Israeli businesses by including links to various Israeli companies that market their products abroad. Friends of Israel in the United States and around the world will have an opportunity to participate in an operation aimed at strengthening the Israeli economy.
BuyIsraelGoods.org
A consumer guide for the retail purchase of Israeli products, developed by the America-Israel Chamber of Commerce in Chicago. Use this site to identify Israeli products likely to be available in retail stores in your market area, and the stores that carry them in stock.
Maryland/Israel Development Center
A non-profit organization promoting trade, joint ventures and investment between Maryland and Israeli businesses and research institutions. Their website features resources on where to purchase Israeli products in Maryland.
Virginia Israel Advisory Board
The Virginia Israel Advisory Board’s (VIAB) mission is to serve as the bridge for Israeli companies who want to establish and/or expand their business in the USA and locate in Virginia. We do this by opening doors using the right contacts and providing the best support to help grow their U.S. business.
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