Look, I’m going to be honest, I forgot Mother’s Day is THIS Sunday? I thought I had one more week to get this post out but, alas, I remembered on Tuesday of this week. Eeeps! I’m so happy to use this space to support other hustling Jews — folks out there trying to make a living and work their passion into that goal. A few weeks ago I sent out a call on Instagram for small businesses being run by Jewish artists and entreprenuers and the following artists came my way. So, if you’re like me and you STILL need a little (or big) something for your mom, bubbe, savta, ima, mum, stepmom, wife, might I suggest one of these crazy talented small business owners? Check them out and remember, Mother’s Day doesn’t have to be JUST one day. It should probably be celebrated ALL. THE. TIME. That’s just an insider tip from a tired, overworked mom. With Love, Whitney
She defines herself via her Instagram page as a “Mama, Rabbi’s wife, and Maker”, but Katie, the artist behind Good Mama Made has definitely got my number. First off, according to her Etsy page, her goal is to “have fun while creating Jewish learning experiences.” There’s gorgeous handmade tie-dye, there’s comfy, cozy sweatshirts showcasing challah in a non-kitschy way, and she’s an advocate – so much so that her linktree account has an option for donating to the Jewish Fertility Fund. Now, that’s an artist I can stand behind.
Thanks to Molly Weisman, a follower on Instagram, I was introduced to Ohio-made (and parents of a Miami grad), Beesential. According to their website, about 20 years ago, the self-proclaimed, “accidental beekeeper, agreed to let a co-worker put a beehive on his family farm. He didn’t plan to be responsible for it, but when life events kept him from tending to it, he became a beekeeper. He found bee science and culture fascinating, and soon began researching bees and attending workshops at The Ohio State University agricultural campus. Beyond enjoying the science, the accidental beekeeper found that tending the bees gave him time to reflect. It became a cathartic activity. Now, all these years later, we get Beesential—-a full line of natural products – lip balm, soap, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and lotion – that help our customers keep their skin and hair healthy the natural way. All products are made in the USA!
Amy reached out to me via Instagram to advocate for herself as a new business owner. She just launched a homemade ceramics Etsy shop and, being a ceramics junky, I had to check it out. The shop is small right now but it is so gorgeous. Amy’s items are very reasonably priced! Handmade and one-of-a-kind, Amy’s nested bowls would be a lovely addition to anyone’s kitchen. Good job, Amy!
Thanks to my boo, Ariel Stein, I’ve recently discovered another talented Ariel — Ariel Davis, creator and owner of The Brooklyn Teacup. I love the story of how and why Ariel created the Brooklyn Teacup. Growing up, Ariel’s mother and grandmother would bring out their fancy dinnerware for the holidays to mark a departure from our daily routines and signify the preciousness of family time. It was a way to make the day even more special. She started noticing, however, that young couples (like my hubby and I back in the day) aren’t registering for fine china anymore. And those that do end up getting fine china it is because they inherit collections from their parents or grandparents, they don’t know what to do with them. As a result, beautiful family heirlooms collect dust in cabinets and storage units until they are either donated or (gasp!) tossed in the trash. Ariel created a solution — take these hidden treasures and repurpose them into functional stands that can be used for both special occasions and everyday décor. Now instead of languishing on a shelf, they’ll be front and center for you and your family to use and enjoy for generations to come. Genius!!
Another awesome recommendation from Ariel Stein, Sara Joy is all about joy. Seriously. She exudes it. After studying art and design in college, she expanded her knowledge of textiles and fashion working in the garment center in Manhattan. She spent time in a cut + sew design studio, and many years as a print designer. Directing a team of artists and styling prints for store concept rounded out her experience in retail. What I love about her story is that she credits motherhood as giving her the inspiration to jumpstart her own label — a lifelong dream. Now, we have Sara Joy, a women’s accessories label fueled by the desire to bring happiness into this world. Each piece in my collection is thoughtfully designed from artwork that I create – a quality I’m so proud of. You’ll see prints dreamed up from ocean-inspired watercolor paintings to vibrant woven paper projects.
Cali and Ohio? Yes, please!! Halo Heart Designs creators, Lindsay Flack and Amanda Foley, are friends, mothers, and artists. They literally created this company on our dining room tables. Today, they work full-time from their home studios in Cleveland, OH and Los Angeles. CA. They have sold and shipped thousands of units around the world and take pride in our handmade process. Amanda and Lindsay strongly believe in giving back. Halo-Heart Designs has partnered with celebrities and nonprofits to provide handmade, personalized jewelry gifts that highlight and amplify their message. I smell a Hillel at Miami x Halo Heart Designs collab!
What Mother’s Day post would be complete without some wine!? I’m so glad that Sarah, one of the co-founders of Binah Winery, reached out to me. I’ve actually had their wine many times before and I can absolutely testify that it is delicious! Binah Winery is a kosher boutique winery (one of only a few kosher wineries on the east coast) in Allentown, Pa. We ship to most states in the continental US. According to Kevin, Sarah’s husband and partner in the business, the mission of Binah Winery is mission is to offer up quality wines, crafted in an artistic manner. It’s clear from their website, that Kevin, the vintner, is passionately dedicate to perfecting his craft and with so many kosher options being subquality, Binah Winery is a wine I 100% endorse.
Hello friends! Welcome back to this blog. If you’re new — take a tour. Visit. This is where it all started. Well, actually, it all started on a blog I started co-writing with my dear friend, Jeremy, and it kind of sprung from there. We had no idea what we were doing and I definitely barely knew how to cook! Now I’m hosting challah bakes and folks ask me advice about cooking like I’m some kind of expert. It is both thrilling AND terrifying.
A few updates: We no longer live in Los Angeles! I took a position as the Executive Director of the Hillel at Miami University in Oxford, OH so in July, we packed up, drove across the country (pics from that 8 day trip below) and landed in Ohio. In a million years I never thought I would live in LA, much less love it. It was a very bittersweet move. By the time it was time to go, we had dealt with multiple wild fires, our oldest daughter’s increase in anxiety sprung on by a lot but exacerbated by the fires and fear of earthquakes. We’d lived through riots and a lockdown and it was just time. to. GO! I am homesick for LA, which is hilarious. It’s a tough place to live if you have children and you’re not swimming in cash, but it’s still a thrilling place to live and I miss so much of it. I miss the sunshine, the weather, the excitement, the access to culture and restaurants, and our beloved friends. We drove across the country and landed in Blue Ash, OH where we bought our first house. We are in love with our house and have met lovely people but this whole pandemic situation has put a real damper on exploring our new community and building new friendships (though Gd was definitely watching out for us as we ended up renting a house for a few weeks and the neighbors who live across the street from that first place are some of the most incredible humans ever — and yes, if you’re new to this blog I write using a lot of hyperbole and I’m OK with that. I mean it.).
Camping in Great Sand Dunes National Park.
Hiking in Grand Sand Dunes.
Hiking in Bryce Canyon National Park
Pit stop outside of Vegas, baby.
So now we live in Ohio and I run a small non-profit whose soul purpose is to provide support, community, education, leadership, cultural, and religious opportunities for Jewish college students in small town, Ohio. I’m so all-in to this mission it’s kind of bananas. I’m forced to fundraise so we can, you know, operate, and I have no issue with this because I believe in the mission so much. I mean, we’re talking Jews in Southwest Ohio in 2020. It ain’t easy being chosen in these parts but I’m making it my mission to make it easy for these Jewish college students because they are the future of the Jewish people and, well, I love the Jewish people!
Speaking of, let’s get to this list! While I don’t have the time it takes to regularly upkeep this here food blog, I will be back from time-to-time to update y’all on what’s new in our lives but also when an idea strikes like this one — how can I help uplift and support Jewish small business in the time of a pandemic (or anytime, really)? This list has been knocking around my head for a while now and I’m so excited to get it out there. I hope you’ll share it so you can help spread the word about these businesses. I apologize if you don’t see your own business on here or if you think I forgot someone. I will keep growing. I promise. This is not an exhaustive list. It is living and developing — just like us.
Again, there are TONS MORE INCREDIBLE ARTISTS I COULD HAVE INCLUDED, but I would have been writing this post for another month and I just don’t have that kind of time. I also could have included a lot more well-known and established Jewish small businesses, but that’s kinda not the point. I truly like to give voice to those I find to be crazy talented but for some silly reason, don’t have a big following . . . yet.
PERSONAL CLOTHING BRAND USED TO EXPLORE UNIQUE MEDIUMS AND EXPRESS EMOTIONS
BEAT is the brain child of the insanely talented Elliot Saeidy. Elliot is a college student as the University of Miami (the Florida one). He’s got more talent in his pinky than most people have in their entire being. He designs sweatshirts (by hand) and his promotional style is plain word-of-mouth. If you’re searching for gear for that teen you can’t seem to please or if you’re 40, like me, and just love supporting young artists, BEAT is the way to go.
According to Shtettl’s website, “Shtettl is a family-owned lifestyle brand dedicated to sharing inspiration and elevating the mundane by way of clothing as canvas for expression. We grew up in households of musicians, artists, literature lovers and students of Jewish culture, wisdom and spirituality.” I mean, I’m so in when I read this. They’ve got simple yet eye-catching clothing (I’m a big fan of the hoodies) and accessories.
I’ve been following Jewish Food Society for years. I love the way they showcase the diversity of our community through food. I especially love that they showcase unknown or lesser known (thought equally as talented) Jewish foodies. They also have a new podcast and a line of aprons and shirts to celebrate it. Keep growing, JFS! You’re doing amazing things!
Schmaltzy Apron modeled by the adorable and crazy talented, Jake Cohen. Hi, Jake!
Sefira has been creating art for years and I’ve been following it for just as long. When she posted recently that she had transformed that art into wearable art, I immediately shared it so that my little corner of the world could know that this gloriousness exists! Sefira speaks to my Jewish feminine side. Her designs are beautiful and delicate (IMHO) and I love how her art appears to be alive with greenery.
The story behind Aja’s line is incredible — born Catholic, Aja moved to Brooklyn, NY in 2001 to study fashion design at Pratt Institute. There, she not only found a deeper creative outlet in the vibrancy of New York City, but she found her true calling that eventually led her to convert to Judaism. Aja’s managed to create modest activewear that’s fun and vibrant and while I’ve never met her before, judging by her instagram feed, she seems just as fun and active.
I just want to jump into a Yael Flatauer painting. I really do. Her work looks like the inside of my head — colorful and filled with Jewish life. Her instagram is just as vibrant and lively. With prints and hand painted acrylics, her work spans the spectrum of affordability.
I mean, I could look at Rachel’s art ALL. DAY. LONG. Her aesthetic sings to me and it’s a joy to be able to celebrate her here! I’ve never met Rachel and do not know her but there’s a passion that is palpable when you follow her on her Instagram page. If I could afford it, I’d buy EVERYTHING of hers. She makes challah covers, prints, calendars (I have one!), and more. I think it’s the fact that she draws inspiration from age-old tradition but breathes life into it through a contemporary lens. Either way, it works for me.
Anyone who can do the type of modern design work on a ketubah that Talia can do AND create Alexis-theme greeting cards AND draw poppies I want to stare at all day long deserves to be in this line-up. While I’m not in the market for a ketubah, I am always in the market for thoughtfully designed and created art pieces to gift to myself and the folks I love and Talia has all of it. I’m a big fan.
Poppies by Talia at The Ketubist — you MUST check out her Society6 page and get her cards featuring Alexis from Schitt’s Creek.
I first discovered Olivia, the artist behind The Creatiive Natiive, when working with Meri Cherry in LA as her in-house parenting expert (that was fun). Olivia’s use of colors and polymer clay is nothing short of inspiring. Her instagram page is also great use if you’re feeling the drag of winter and pandemic life and need a dash of color and creative inspiration. I’m a huge fan of her wall hangings and bought 2 as gifts for friends before I moved. LOVE LOVE LOVE her work!
I discovered Eley when I was on the search for some ‘thank you’ gifts for the hiring committee that hired me for this job. What do you get 3 Jews you’ve never met in person but whose gave you the gift of livelihood and your dream job?? Well Jewish blessing for the home wall art, of course! Eley’s work is stunning and, once again, I WANT TO BUY ALL OF IT. I had a real hard time choosing which pic to post here because truly, her work is sensational and I want to stare at it all day long. There’s retro 70s vibe to her work that I am HERE for and hope you will be too.
I discovered Rachel after seeing her work posted by the lovely Ariel. I went to her page and immediately felt like I had entered some kind of magical, creative wonderland that I never wanted to escape. Her work is whimsical, colorful, playful, and thoughtful. Perfect for the kid in you and the kid you love.
Israeli ceramicist, Irit Biran, is a master of simple sophistication. She clearly has a passion for what she creates and if I had a restaurant, I’d be outfitting it in all things Irit Biran. Her passion for food is evident in her designs — her work compliments the food she highlights rather than detracts from it. Well done, Irit!
Jessica is an artist after my heart. Her work is modern and reflective of the world around us. It’s Judaica for a new generation. She sells everything from greeting cards, sukkot decoration color pages, prints, and undrawn pieces. Check her out immediately if not sooner.
Truthfully, Sarah’s work could fit in any number of these categories. She’s got apparel, stickers, posters, and masks. I’m featuring her in the Jewelry subheading because I own a pair of her hamsa earrings and I love them SO much. Her work is fun, modern, magical, and she doesn’t take her self too damn seriously, which I love.
If you follow any number of Jewish foodies or artists, then you’ve probably seen Ariel’s work before. She’s another one of those artists who flows between wearable art to home decor. She started adding glitter to her work recently and if you know me at all, you know I am HERE for some glitter.
I partnered with Dafna, the artist behind this lovely jewelry line, in the the summer time and was so happy to discover her work. There’s a lot of emotion behind her work and I especially love her heartbeat jewelry line — for me, it’s a lovely reminder to cherish life (always helpful during a pandemic). Her work is affordable and original.
Canadian-based artist, Imbar Slavat, marries old world jewelry with kitschy Jewish-themed foods in her art and it’s lovely to see. I’m honestly a huge fan of how she showcases her jewelry — the staging and all of it.
I would like all of the Jeweliette bangles, please and thank you! The jewelry line of Jeweliette, designed by sisters, Jennifer and Melissa, remind me of my time in LA and Miami — their work is fun, decadent, indulgent but, shockingly, AFFORDABLE! I love the look of stacking all those bracelets with their chain-link gold, chunky bracelets as well. Nice work, sisters!
Embark on magical journeys with Ella and Noah sticker activity books to explore Shabbat, Jewish holidays and biblical tales through stickers, coloring, mazes and other enjoyable activities. Kids will love these fun-filled pages packed with hundreds of delightful activities, fun facts, stickers and captivating illustrations!!
Edjudaica is dedicated to making Jewish learning imaginative, meaningful, relevant, and accessible to all ages. We believe that Jewish wisdom can enhance the way we live our daily lives by inspiring action in our local and global communities and reconnecting us to the beauty of the present moment.
One of the activities you can find in the Edjudaica box.
Don’t let the name fool you — this company has Jewish-based learning/crafting for all kid ages. From the comfort of your home, outdoors, school, with friends, a child can discover, learn and be introduced to the traditions of Judaism with an Activity Box. The hands-on activities, storytelling, music, movement and games create a love of Judaism.
Alona Cohen, the creative behind Kosher Kits, is a wife, mother of 3, Montessori Certified Teacher and the creator of Kosher Kits. Knowing how important exposure to different textures, smells, colors, and shapes is for young children, Alona engaged her kids in sensory play beginning at 6 months. Kosher Kits is my way of combining my love of the Jewish holidays, education and sensory play.
I honestly don’t know Suzy Ultman but if ever anyone made a storybook of my life, I’d like Suzy to illustrate it — please and thank you! Her designs are so fun and sweet and she’s translated them into imagination stations of toy blocks, accessories, temporary tattoos, super cool school supplies for kids and fun-loving adults.
I love ALL THINGS NEON. I really do. Put tassels on it or add beads to it and I’m even happier. Luckily Marisa from The Neon Tea Party has figured out how to do all of things and pack it nicely in a kit for you and your kiddos or your nieces and nephews or grandkids or whomever. She’s got jewelry making kits and embroidery kits and crafting supplies galore. It’s really one-stop-shopping for any artist or artist-in-training.
Custom bead blend from The Neon Tea Party.
And, not for nothing, but you can buy some of these artists’ wears and you can also donate to support the Hillel that I oversee. I’m working hard to create a safe, inclusive Jewish space in Oxford, Ohio where Jewish college students can learn, grow, and become the future Jewish leaders we need them to be. Donate here to help further this work. Thanks for reading and Happy Thanksgiving.
If you’re new to this blog and are vegan and/or not so much a dairy eating then I need to give you a bit of a heads up —- I LOVE CHEESE. I mean, we are in a long-term committed relationship and have been since I was about 6 years old. Since I’m a kosher-keeper (and therefore, don’t mix dairy with meat), I can’t have cheese at every meal, which is probably a good thing. I don’t want to jinx anything, but it is a wonder that I’m not on the floor in the fetal position suffering from a kidney stone right about now . . . that’s how much dairy I eat. For us Jews, the holiday of Shavuot is upon us and it’s traditional to dig into the dairy for our Shavuot meal. As such, I thought it’d be fun to put out the call to my fellow food bloggers for some vegetarian recipes featuring cheese! I’ve got some of my own thrown in there for funsies and I do hope you enjoy.
Also, don’t forget! Jewhungry swag is up on Etsy and running! I’m getting a restock in in about 10 days with bonus toddler sizing for the Israeli version. Click here to check it out — there’s still time to get your order before Father’s Day.
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