GOLDA gang, your Friday just got an upgrade. Today we’re Introducing Shabbat Shop, our newest feature and an easy way to shop Jewish each week. It’s also the perfect way to kick off Shabbat.
This first installment is inspired by an interaction I had last week in the bathroom at our new office, which is part of a co-working space near Lincoln Center. (One of the best parts of moving into an office has been all the workaday interactions that I’ve missed after a year of working from home.) I exchanged hellos with a woman washing her hands at the sink next to me, and then she said: I love your necklace.
I was wearing my Year of the Flood Mini Mini YOCO Pendant. It was technically a gift for my baby Sadie, but I’ve been “safekeeping” it for her. I think she might know this, because she grabs onto it fervently whenever I hold her.
“I’ve been looking for something delicate like that,” my bathroom friend told me.
We started chatting, that quick connection formed when you clock someone’s Hebrew nameplate necklace or other Jewish jewelry these days. It turns out our kids go to Jewish preschools blocks away from each other. She told me she had been looking for a Star of David necklace, something small but solid.
It made me realize there are very different statements to be made with your Jewish bling. Sometimes you want a massive, in-your-face symbol. Sometimes you’re in the mood for something a little subtler. The good news is that there are different jewels for different moods.
Today, for our first Shabbat Shop, we’re bringing you delicate Jewish jewelry.
On paper, a whole diamond cut into the shape of a Star of David does not sound particularly delicate, but this iteration of the trend by Sivan Lotan manages to be just that. The bezel-set, 0.25 carat stone is subtle and special at the same time. Plus, you get your choice of natural, lab-grown, or salt and pepper stone.
We love a big-ass chai. But there is also a time and place for a more demure one, and this little chain bracelet fits the bill. Tel Aviv-based designer Shlomit Ofir makes this piece in 14kt gold and also a more budget-friendly gold-plated version.
I love a striking evil eye pendant, and this one from the Istanbul-born, Israeli-based designer behind Artemyra is just so special.
There’s a fine line when it comes to hamsa jewelry. We all remember the hamsa-cut opal necklaces everyone you know brought home from Birthright. These hamsa charm hoops from Montreal-based brand Anzie hit the right note.
This necklace from Ilana Ariel is the ultimate in delicate Jewish jewelry: sweet, subtle, and completely beautiful.
GOLDA Events
Tuesday, April 28 — New York City: Our second GOLDA Mahjong Night sold out frighteningly fast. Sign up for the waitlist here, and be the first to find out about the next one.
Thursday, April 30 — New York City: The Paley Center’s “Jewish Storytelling in the Podcast Era” event features me in conversation with podcasters Noam Weissman (Wondering Jews), Margarita Lyadova (People Jew Wanna Know), and Jen Richler (Can We Talk). Register here.
Wednesday, May 27 — New York City: The launch of GOLDA @ The Harmonie Club, a shoppable night celebrating Jewish books and storytelling. I’ll be interviewing some of my favorite authors talking about the rich tradition of Jewish storytelling. GOLDA readers can join Harmonie members and their guests by signing up here.
Shabbat Shalom and stay GOLDA,
Stephanie