Is the thought of elbowing your way through crowded malls decked in holiday decor giving you a headache? Is the sound of Christmas music already ringing in your ears? Then fear not Chanukah shoppers! There is an alternative.
The Israel Marketplace and Festival taking place at the Jewish Community Center will not only soothe tattered Jewish shoppers' nerves, it will also stimulate the struggling Israeli economy.
Rather than stockings and ornaments, view the gleaming Judaica from more than 150 Israeli artisans and vendors on display. Trade in the songs of costumed carolers for the sounds of the Carmiel Youth Orchestra. And bypass the eggnog and gingerbread for the hummus and falafel.
The United Jewish Federation and the JCC are co-sponsoring the Marketplace and Festival which will run from Dec. 11 to 14 at the JCC in Squirrel Hill. There will also be a one-day event at the South Hills JCC.
"You call it a shuk, but this is really an arts and crafts show," said Yair Moore, a weaver from the Galilee who will bring the work of 60 artists, including his own, to the marketplace.
Shoppers can expect all types of crafts, including Judaica, jewelry, artwork, clothing and toys, he said. And the money from each purchase goes toward keeping Israel's arts scene alive.
"Israeli craftsmen and artists, because of the situation in Israel, they are the first hit," Moore said. "The first people to suffer are the artists and craftsmen because art is the first thing people stop buying. They still buy clothes and go to restaurants, but art is the first thing they give up."
Tourism, which also contributes to the artists' income has decreased over the past few years.
"A lot of studios started closing," he said.
Although tourism has picked up a bit recently, artists are still dependent on outside markets to make a living, he said.
"When we go back, each artist gets a check," Moore said.
Last year's festival raised more than $60,000, according to the UJF.
In addition to shopping, a pre-Chanukah party on Dec. 14 will feature entertainment by Israeli storyteller Robbie Gringas, children's movies and activities, and food vendors selling Israeli cuisine. The Carmiel Youth Orchestra will also perform.
The orchestra, which is comprised of 11 high school students and two teachers from the Carmiel Municipal Music Conservatory, will perform several concerts at community events throughout the week.
Community performances are 7 p.m., Dec. 13 at the South Hills JCC; and 6 p.m. Dec 14 at the Squirrel Hill JCC. Classical, jazz and folk ensembles from the orchestra will be performing throughout the day on Dec. 14.
Moore, who came to Pittsburgh last year for the Marketplace event was especially impressed with the festival atmosphere and the community involvement.
"Pittsburgh is a very warm community," he said. "I have good and warm memories of the Pittsburgh community from last year. Other shows may be more successful financially, but Pittsburgh is very special. It seems to be a genuine good time. People were really having fun and it was fun to be part of it."
Tevet 5764 - January 2004