Children learn about Israel's Independence Day

Last week Israel celebrated 63 years with fireworks, festivals and concerts through the streets. My eldest son has been waiting for Independence day since last year's fireworks and although the party is over, he is still singing, "white and blue, white and blue, my colors, my beautiful land". This morning on the way to his daycare, he wasn't the only one singing this tune! 

[blue and white, my colors]

Memorial Day | Israel

Memorial Day  

A total of 22, 867 soldiers have fallen in battle or died during service over the course of Israel's history (63 years). Over the past year 183 soldiers joined that list. Currently, 4,999 women living in Israel have lost a husband to war, according to the Defense Minister. There are 2,543 Israeli children who lost a parent in service and 3,252 couples and 4,315 individual parents who have lost a child.

In total, 18,361 people are currently defined as bereaved relatives of the first degree, a number which does not include the siblings of fallen soldiers.

Memorial Day also commemorates civilians murdered by terrorists. A total of 2,443 Israeli civilians have been murdered by terrorists since 1950; 13 were killed over the course of the past year.

to you, whom i love

i cannot seperate you from this land

although I may survive with one

I pray to G-d

with both.

[Honoring Soldiers that have lost their lives for Israel]

watching the Ceremony

background - hundreds stand beside their loved ones grave 

From sunset to sunset, Memorial Day is the official day that we honor our fallen soldiers.  On sunset the second day,  we celebrate our country's Independence and the lives that give us our freedom. 

[The statistics provided in this post were taken from Israel National News]

Visual Media | Handmade Israel

Photo from Nadav Zofi

The soon-to-be graduates of Minshar School of Art in Tel Aviv, are now completing their final projects. Talent is an under-statement when such creativity is sought after for National projects, business campaigns and advertising long before graduation.  Their amazing talent and work is represented in the videos below.

Tel Aviv Love Winter by Nadav Zofi

For more of Nadav's work see his fantastic blog here

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"Minshar" is the final project of Visual Media student, Roby Haviv

Creative director: Roby Haviv

Video: Nadav Zofi

ENJOY!

Moran Tal, Jewelry | Handmade Israel

[please click on the title below each photo to view the original by Moran Tal]

Moran Tal, Jewelry | Earrings

Handmade Israel began several months, but theoretically it began years ago, when I was first introduced to the beautiful work of Moran Tal. It seems that she was born an artist, from a young age she dreamt of becoming a ballerina, only to discover her talent in Jewelry by mistake. As a hobby she began making Jewelry for herself and was soon designing for others at the request to buy her pieces. Her work quickly spread and shortly after her first export she sold her pieces to one of the biggest brands in Gold Jewelry in Israel. Today, her collection is being exported and sold in shops, galleries and bridal saloons across Israel, including Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa and Zefat. 

Moran Tal, Jewelry | Necklace

Moran was born in the largest northern city of Israel, Haifa. She was raised with her two siblings and spent most of her childhood on the beach in Kiryat Yam (just north of Haifa). After high school she joined the Israeli Army (18 months mandatory for women) and afterwards graduated from University with a degree in Psychology and Business Management. She recently married her husband, after 8 years of being together and she gives him all the credit for turning her jewelry hobby into a dream business. 

Moran Tal, Jewelry | Earrings

From a hobby to a collection that is truly making a name for itself, Moran Tal's Handmade Jewelry is gently, romantic and at times vintage. She uses only noble metals such as silver and gold and sets only precious or semi-precious gemstones. When asked about her work, "I insist on very accurate work and precise finish". She designs engagements rings, wedding rings for men and women, and has a wide collection for brides such as pearl earrings, hair pins and timeless bracelets. In addition to bridal jewelry she designs pieces for all occasions and high-end fashion.

Moran Tal, Jewelry | Bracelet

Moran's inspiration comes from various eras in art history, her Moroccan grandmother's old jewelry, design magazines, Jewish symbols, 19th century women's dresses, ancient European synagogues and the unique skyline of Haifa where she was born. Her advice, " the most important thing in designing a jewel is to pay attention to the woman who is about to wear it. When I design the jewel I imagine her character, her age, and her body shape".

Moran Tal, Jewelry | Hair Pin

For those who are interested in being apart of the Moran's creations, she invites you to her studio to design something unique especially for you. She has a lovely studio with a beautiful balcony in Gedera, central Israel. 

Moran Tal represents a true Israeli, inspired by her homeland, motivated, and passionate about her work. She creates this in every piece of Jewelry. 

Moran Tal, Jewelry | Women's Ring

Moran Tal, Jewelry | Women's Ring

Moran Tal, Jewelry | Men's Ring

Moran Tal, Jewelry | Women's Gemstone Ring

 [from Moran Tal's new collection 2011]

Moran Tal, Jewelry | Bracelet, New Collection 2011

[Moran's work table]

Moran Tal | About

The selected photos in this feature represent one of a large collection that is very diverse. To view Moran Tal's full collection, please visit her website here 

Moran Tal updates her collection, special offers and events on her facebook page, too! Find her on facebook here

Moran is interested in expanding her clientele. If you know a shop or gallery in Israel or worldwide which might be interested in presenting Moran's work, please contact Moran directly. 

Email: Moran@MoranTal.com

Telephone: +972 546 485 354

Website: www.morantal.com

facebook: www.facebook.com/moran.studio

Go Directly to Moran Tal's online Shop here

on the tracks with no destination

It all began with, "Ema (Mom), let's go somewhere", and so we did. We rode the train with no-where go, found a little fair, and returned home. It was wonderful. Perhaps some of the best memories are with no intended direction and no plan.

[let's go home now, Ema]

Rafya by Alona Lahav | Handmade Israel

Rafya | Ethnic ring

When it comes to shopping, I am an avid window shopper! I actually enjoy browsing more than purchasing and my indecisiveness to buy drives my friends crazy; However, every so often, I find a treasure and that is what I found in Rafya. I would purchase, without hesitation, anything designed by the talented Alona Lahav, the designer behind Rafya.

Alona has been creating every since she can remember. Most of her inspiration comes from textures she finds in the environment, even from the 'soles of shoes'. She is a true artist, "my jewelry is a work of art in my opinion. I feel that if I do not like any item, I must restart".

For myself, the Rafya collection combines today's influences with the ancient and leaves a lasting impression.

Alona Lahav is a memeber of the Israel Artisits Team (ISART). She lives and designs in Pardes Hana, Israel.

[please click on the title below each photo to view the original by Alona Lahav]

Rafya | Earrings

Rafya | Clay Necklace

Rafya | Almond leaf earrings

Rafya | free bee necklace

Rafya | Pomegranate necklace

Rafya | Star of David necklace

Rafya | Colorful magnets

All of the collection can personalized if you prefer certain colors or designs and can be shipped International. All items come wrapped in a gift box!

Follow Alona Lahav on twitter click here

[More to come from Handmade Israel!]