Jerusalem Shopping

One of the reasons for coming to Jerusalem is the shopping.  Walking through the Cardo (the Jewish Quarter) or the Arab shuk is quite an experience.  The Jewish Quarter is fairly clean and quiet while the Arab shuk is crowded and dark.  We really wanted to buy as much as we could in the Jewish Quarter so that it would benefit Israelis.  However, we also decided to spend some money in the Arab shuk, as well.  We bought Judaica for our daughters.  Jessica was easy since she asked for a new  tallit (prayer shawl).  Rachel wasn't as specific but we found a beautiful and unusual silver necklace.  Yael bought some jewelry for herself.  I bought a new kippa.  However, Yael was able to find beautiful scarves in the Arab shuk for only $2 each.  We also found another unusual Ivory necklace for Rachel made by a Palestinian.  It was definitely an experience.

Also found in the Arab shuk is the best halavah (a dessert made from sesame seeds and sugar).  We bought a 1/2 kilo of pistachio and a 1/2 kilo of marble when we first arrived which we shared with our group.  We will be bringing this delicious product home to Vermont to share with our friends, as well.

NOTE 1:  My memory of 28 years ago was aggressive selling.  This trip was fairly passive.  No one was calling us into their shop.  

NOTE 2: Faith had asked me to bring back some specific items that she had seen on her trip one year ago.  Unfortunately, I could not find them despite going to several shops.  I was told that inventories are down due to the economy and season.

NOTE 3:  Besides the kippah or yarmulke, I didn't buy anything tangible for myself.  As I was going in and out of shops buying souvenirs for others, I realized that the only take away I wanted from Israel was what I got..... a true spiritual enrichment.