Meet the Passionate Producers of Lev Haolam

When Asher returned to Israel, he studied Food Science, and in 1988, when he completed his studies, he had the good fortune to marry his wife Veronique. They have been blessed with three children and, as of this count, four grandchildren! Asher settled into family life and began work with an established and well-known Jerusalem bakery, Berman’s Bakery. While employed at Berman’s Bakery, Asher took a wine-making course to build on his knowledge learned in Bordeaux. He embraced wine-making as a favored hobby in his spare time. Soon, his home became his winery! A winery in North Israel approached him...

In 1984, he and six other families moved to Itamar to settle the land and reintroduce a Jewish presence there. He dreamt of providing a livelihood and economic independence for people in the area, and that’s where the story of Perfumes Itamar begins. When Shimon and his family arrived in Itamar, it was a bare hilltop with stunning views of Samaria and little else. The families who settled in Itamar faced multiple challenges, from security to lack of infrastructure and jobs. Shimon and others worked odd jobs and often traveled great distances to find employment. After some years of living...

The spirit at Cocoa Forest is one of empowerment and collaboration! Yaara continues experimenting with unusual and unexpected pairings, but now she does it with the assistance of her outstanding employees! She encourages everyone to be part of the creative process. Yaara is obsessed with using the best quality ingredients she can source. She believes that if a recipe calls for fruit, it has to be real Israeli fruit picked at its peak and freeze-dried to preserve and maintain its flavor. Her raw materials are sourced from Israeli farmers and the best chocolate producers in the world. The cocoa Forest...

When Ariel’s father moved his family to Ofra in Samaria, it marked the turning point for the pioneering family. They wanted to live a life closely connected to the Holy Land. Professor Alon believed that cultivating native herbs and others that grow well in Israel would have the basis for exquisitely flavorful herbal teas. His intuition proved correct and led to the establishment of Adanim Tea. The business began as many family businesses do, with passion and an adventurous spirit. Ariel recalls how in the early days, he and his father would harvest herbs and flowers and dry them on...

Finding technicians willing to travel to her can also become a mission if a potter’s wheel or kiln malfunctions. She nonetheless persisted and trusted that she would find her way. In the early days, she worked as a teacher leading workshops for kids attending summer camp. While she loved the excitement of the kids and sharing her knowledge, she still dreamed of her own business where she could express her creativity and make beautiful things. Just like Orli’s ceramics, all our products are proudly 100% made in Israel and we are waiting to share them with you! We are located...

The Story of Hadas Hadas is bursting with energy and seems to always be moving at the speed of light. As a wife, a mother to two beautiful children, and a business owner her ability to juggle many responsibilities at once definitely helps! As a child Hadas was raised in a musical family that supported and encouraged her creativity which helped her handle many of the obstacles that came her way. School was not easy for Hadas but through her artistic inclination she found ways to succeed; instead of taking notes, she would draw pictures to help her remember key...

Get to know Eden Aviely, the founder of Sabon Eden! Part of the story of the Jewish people returning to Israel is the ability to get back in touch with ancient practices. Clearly, we have our modern twists, but the essence of soap making has not changed. People need to find ways to bind oil and water, two ingredients that usually don’t go together. It’s like the binding of the spiritual and the material worlds. Each one tries to go its own way but, for patient artisans, there are ways to combine them, bringing an inspiring range of experiences into...

With The Most Authentic Gift Box Directly From Israel Your Bond With Israel is Crucial Now Support Israel and Forge Your Bond Dear Supporter of Israel,Welcome to Lev Haolam, the leading subscription box service based in Israel, bringing you the finest treasures from the Holy Land.We invite YOU to join our Israeli Family, where you can share your support and love for Israel and feel the love back. Join our members helping over 1820 heroic artisan families, revitalizing the Holy Land with farming and crafts, producing olive oil and dates, honey and chocolate, salt and spices, tea and coffee, traditional...

The Story of the Fochtvanger Family Baruch and Shimrit settled in Negohot after a soul crushing experience of being expelled from their home. Following this harrowing experience they began a search for a new place to call home, a place that they could once again, put down their Jewish roots in Jewish soil. After spending time in different communities they discovered Negohot and knew that they were home. Shimrit and Baruch are religious Jews and it was important to them that they raise their family with a strong connection to the land. They too wanted to continue developing the Land...

From the Samarian Hills of Itamar, Batya Erdstein channels all her energies into her pottery kiln, producing a stunning variety of ceramic pieces with designs inspired by the Bible and the Land of Israel. Meet Batya, a ceramist who puts all her love into her products. Originally from San Diego, California, Batya’s original career choice was quite a different one from that of a ceramicist. Back in the US, she was a nurse, earning a nice salary and enjoying a pleasant, if not very fulfilling, life. However, Batya has always been a very spiritual person, deeply connected to Judaism and...

Discover the stories and products of dedicated Israeli pioneers supported by Lev Haolam, and see how their artisanal crafts connect you with the Holy Land. Explore the Unique Stories and Products of Israeli Artisans At Lev Haolam, we take pride in promoting various Israeli pioneers who dedicate themselves in all that they do. From natural cosmetics to gourmet chocolates, these artisans produce a wide range of items, all reflecting the rich heritage and customs practiced in the Holy Land. Here are just a few of the amazing artisans we work with: To tap into the unique mineral resources at the...

Let us tell you the inspiring story of Boaz Ido, the founder of Carma, who connects people to Israel’s biblical heritage through his high-quality olive oil. From Ancient Stumps to Flourishing Orchards Boaz Ido: A Mission Begins Boaz Ido didn’t just start a business; he embarked on a mission. Living in Alon, he founded Eretz Bereshit, or the “Land of Genesis,” an educational farm that brings the ancient world to life. Visitors are greeted in the style of Abraham, sitting on the floor in oriental tents, sipping herbal tea, and snacking on dates and almonds. Boaz’s connection to the Bible...

Discover how Idan Zait’s passion for the Dead Sea and his commitment to community empowerment created the exceptional 424 Salt brand! From Passion to Purpose: The Story Behind 424 Salt Founding Vision: A Pioneer’s Journey Idan’s story as the founder of 424 Salt who fell in love with the region around Dead Sea where it had been formed is no less than an inspiration. As an IDF paratrooper, Zait had spent significant time in the Jordan Valley which allowed him to forge a strong relationship with land. This resulted from the connection between him and the unique and mineral-rich salt....

The Herbs of Kedem factory is nestled high in the Hebron Hills on the Jewish settlement of Carmel, first mentioned in the bible and re-established in 1980. Carmel is now home to Jewish pioneers who are dedicated to living and raising their families in this holy place. Herbs of Kedem products are like none other the world over. Each product is richly infused with the intoxicating scent of the flowers that grow wild in the Har Hevron area of Israel. Dr. Kitron uses these rare and precious blooms as a basis for the products produced by Herbs of Kedem. All...

Boaz Ido, one of the producers in our Lev Haolam family, is just such a man. When Boaz faced the problem of how to grow a flourishing olive grove while all he had were a few weak and withered trees, he knew he had to put the Torah first in his business, and G-d would bring the increase. To understand the situation that Boaz found himself in, we need to look back to 1979 when 10 Jewish families first started the settlement of Kfar Adumim in the Judean Desert. These early pioneers planted 47 acres of olive trees to support...

We’re glad you liked it! This toothpaste is actually very special. It is made by Masik, a family-run natural cosmetics company based in the Golan Heights. This is one of the territories that the BDS movement is seeking to boycott, so your support is very important to them. Masik’s toothpaste contains no fluoride and is handmade from only natural ingredients. What makes it different from other natural toothpastes is that it contains Israeli Dead Sea salt. The Dead Sea truly is a hidden treasure tucked away deep in the Judean Desert, offering a myriad of natural health benefits. Salt has...

Itai and Esther Lachman live in Netivot, a town in the Negev region of Israel, close to the Gaza border. So close, in fact, that they have just 15 seconds to make it to a bomb shelter or safe room when the sirens warn that rockets are coming from the Hamas-led Gaza Strip. In recent times, those sirens have been very frequent. Netivot residents have become accustomed to living their lives on edge, knowing their activities could be interrupted at any moment, and being ready at all times to make the 15 second life-or-death dash to a safe place. Yet,...

Saboneto is a young company of only five years! The thought and love that went into its creation started a long time ago. Sholomo Keshet used to work at an Israeli olive oil company and learned all about the health benefits and unique properties of olive oil. Inspired by his work and combined with his dedication and love of the land of Israel, Shlomo planted an entire orchard of olive trees in the Binyamin region. During the first olive harvest, Shlomo decided to not only collect the olives, but to harvest all the benefits they contained. He started the process...

We arrived at the shop on a cold and rainy morning and were offered a hot cup of specially brewed cappuccinos, by Avi, the barista working there. We ended up going back for seconds. It was truly amazing coffee! Avi explained that the coffee was made from a blend of three coffee beans. I tried to remember what the blend was but quickly forgot. We sat down at one of the tables in the upstairs lounge to interview Brandon, the founder. Thankfully, Brandon repeated the ingredients that were so carefully selected and blended to form the delicious drink we had...

It was after Shlomit and her family moved to Bat Ayin that a chance encounter created the impetus for Shlomit to start producing her own organic cosmetics. Shlomit recounts that about 11 years ago, her husband Tomer, who was running a survival training camp for the boys in their community, became sick and was unable to continue leading the camp. He asked Shlomit to take over the camp that day and to teach the kids something special. Shlomit took the opportunity to first teach the boys about a variety of plants and to then gather those plants with the boys....

We traveled to Tekoa to meet with Olga, to hear her story and – although we did know it beforehand – to stand in awe by her masterpieces. Olga crafts stunning handmade candles that are bright even before being lit. Olga is truly an artist. The work that went into creating the engraved candles designed for our Lev Haolam subscribers requires an acute attention to detail and an intuitive spark of creativity. During our interview, we discovered that Olga’s passion for candle making came much later in life. “I’ve always dreamt of being a professional artist,” Olga tells us. “I...

In an exclusive Lev Haolam interview with David, we asked him why he chose to live, work and establish his family in Hebron, David responded “the simple answer that I give is that it’s in the Bible. I open the Bible and tell them about the holy forefathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and about all of the high mountainous areas around us – the places that our forefathers grew up in.” “After 2000 years of exile, it is impossible to think of everything that has been accomplished since then. Suddenly millions of Jewish people from all over the world returned...

This hilltop is the home to 50 idealistic families who built their houses, planted their trees and paved the roads of their village with their own hands. We meet Tamar Rund in front of her house, as she greets us with a smile and a hot beverage. Even on a warm spring day, the winds of Pnei Kedem are cooling. She invites us inside to a beautiful living room that is covered with oil paintings of Judean landscapes. “My daughters picked those paintings from my collection” she smiles, “they like having a changing exhibition in the house”. Tamar, 33, was...

As we enter this large space inside one of the buildings in the in the capital city of Gush Etzion, we smell the delicious aromas of fresh pastries, cinnamon, cocoa and chocolate. This is the new home of “Rachel’s Cookies”, a family business. Several employees roll the dough, grind nuts, mix them with dates and spices, prepare the fillings and cut the ready cookies into pieces. While packing is done by a machine, almost everything else is done manually. “And you can feel free to taste them” says Uriel Mekhaber, Rachel’s husband and business partner. “The pastries taste different when...

Upon entering Amos winery, you first arrive at the visitor’s center, a welcoming place where wine or coffee is served all day, music performances are held every Saturday evening, and art exhibitions take place from time to time. When I ask the owners of the winery whether the visitors center brings any notable part of the profit, they start to laugh a bit nervously.”We do not lose too much on this,” Michel says with a sigh. “But we want to keep it anyway, because a winery is a business that you can only run with a joyous heart. Both me...

What is your connection to chocolate, how did you come to founding a chocolate factory? My connection to chocolate is both old and new. My grandfather was a baker, and I worked for him as a kid. I did not like chocolate at that time, I didn’t even like sweets at all, but there I learned to do things from scratch. Then I went to college and studied engineering, which was not really exciting for me. I worked in the field a little, and after three years I was done, I could not do it any longer. So I left...

As we exit the car in the community of Halamish, or Neveh Tzuf, located in the hills of southwestern Samaria, just 26 km from Jerusalem, a stunning view with green hills all around opens up. I ask Nicole Yehezkel what she likes about living in Neveh Tzuf. She replies, “Same thing that you saw when you first arrived. The view. The air. You can breathe here. Wow, it’s just beautiful. Don’t you feel the magic?” She first saw the place when she served in the army base nearby. “It would be nice to live here,” she remembers thinking. The road...

Discover the journey of Tzvika and Adi Zamir as they build Asif, a boutique Israeli cosmetic brand blending science, nature, and family heritage. The Founders: Tzvika and Adi’s Journey Tzvika Zamir’s path to creating Asif started long before he ventured into cosmetics. A proud Zionist, Tzvika served in the IDF as a paratrooper, eventually becoming an officer. It was during this time that he met Adi, his future wife, who played a pivotal role in his life and later in the development of their business. Their shared experiences, both in the military and in life, strengthened their bond and prepared...

Amid war and hardship, our brave producers continued their work, supported by Lev Haolam subscribers who helped keep their businesses alive. How Our Producers Faced the War: A Year of Courage and Survival When war erupted on October 7th, 2023, it wasn’t just a fight for survival on the frontlines – it became a battle for the heart and soul of Israel. For our producers, this war was deeply personal. They faced not only the threat of rockets and violence but also the immense challenge of keeping their businesses alive. Every day brought new hardships, from disrupted supply chains to...

Experience the rich heritage of Israeli craftsmanship through MASIK, a family-run cosmetics company dedicated to creating 100% natural products inspired by the beautiful landscapes and organic goodness of the Golan Heights. The Story Behind MASIK Amnon Mizrachi’s journey to establishing MASIK began with a personal struggle. After being diagnosed with psoriasis, he sought a solution to soothe his skin condition. Following his dermatologist’s advice to try natural olive oil soaps, Amnon realized there was a gap in the market for a soap that was not only effective but also a pleasure to use. Drawing inspiration from the abundant olive trees...

🌿 Planting Roots, Reviving Traditions Decades ago, a small group of families arrived in this corner of the desert determined to restore the land – and themselves – through shared labor and purpose. Their work began with patience: clearing neglected soil, tending young olive trees, and learning to live by the rhythms of the seasons. Over the years, hands both young and old have cared for the groves, passing on knowledge, songs, and laughter. Elders from Neot Smadar speak gently about making the desert bloom. For their children and grandchildren, every olive harvest is a chance to live out the...

✨ Every Membership Brings Growth, Courage, and Community Batya says it best: With your support, Batya added not just more clay – but more dreams. She saved for new glazes, expanded her collections, and – one joyful morning – welcomed her fourth kiln, laughter echoing off the studio walls. Her workshop became a gathering place for other local artisans. They watched her journey, and whispered, “If Batya can, maybe I can too…” Batya’s story is echoed by many artisans touched by Lev Haolam and supported by dear subscribers. Your membership doesn’t just give Batya a reason to keep going –...

A Life Shaped by the Land Shimshon Farm began more than 40 years ago, but Hezkia Dromi’s connection to agriculture started much earlier. What began as a personal connection slowly became a way of life. Hezkia and Yael planted olive trees, built a home, and raised their family on this land. Six of their seven children were born here, growing up among orchards rather than fences. The farm sits in the Jerusalem Mountains, where rocky soil and changing weather demand patience. Trees grow slowly. Yields depend on timing, rainfall, and restraint. It’s not an easy place to farm, but it’s...

Each Month Tells a New Story Assi Olive Oil – Emek HaMa’ayanot At the heart of the January box is extra virgin olive oil from Assi , produced in Emek HaMa’ayanot, one of Israel’s most fertile regions. Assi’s olive oil is the result of patience, craftsmanship, and a deep respect for the land. The olives are carefully harvested and cold-pressed to preserve their natural aroma and flavor. The result is a smooth, balanced oil that reflects the region it comes from – rich, grounded, and full of life. Olive trees are among the oldest symbols of the Land of Israel,...

A Different Kind of Success Story Most people do not move to the desert to start a business. But for Itay, Mitzpe Ramon was never only a location. It was a calling. Founded in 1999, Faran Cosmetics was born from Itay’s deep connection to the desert and his belief that life in the Negev offers something impossible to find anywhere else. Surrounded by the beauty and stillness of the Ramon Crater, he began creating natural skincare products inspired by the plants, minerals, and spirit of the Israeli desert. As Itay explains: “Here I can tap into the spiritual side of...

How one family near the Gaza border turned a search for safe products into a mission of wellness, resilience, and redemption That may be the simplest way to explain Arugot. But it hardly captures the depth of the story. Because Arugot is not really about soap . It’s about healing. About rebuilding. About rediscovering the wisdom hidden in nature and ancient roots. Why have we accepted so many harmful things as normal? Moving Toward the Border – On Purpose In 2010 , the Lachmans made a decision most people would never consider. Together with six other families, they moved south...

A Map of Israel’s Heartland More Than Dots on a Map Look closely at the producers featured throughout Lev Haolam’s boxes and a pattern begins to emerge. Some live in the hills of Samaria , where communities overlook the same landscapes once traveled by biblical figures. Others build their businesses in Judea , among vineyards, olive groves, and ancient Jewish towns that have existed for thousands of years. Some work in Jerusalem , where modern life unfolds alongside layers of history found nowhere else on earth. Others come from the Jordan Valley , the Judean Desert , the Negev ,...

Meet Tamir Peled, the father of five building sweetness in northern Israel during wartime Building a Business While Holding Life Together Tamir grew up in Kfar Tavor , in Israel’s Lower Galilee region, and over the years built Beit Hashaked into a growing snack company loved by families across Israel. For him, the business was never only about selling snacks. He speaks about the products the same way parents speak about meals they prepare at home – wanting them to be good enough, safe enough, and joyful enough for his own children. That feeling shaped the company from the beginning....

The Story Behind the Shoresh Body & Soul Candle From Miami to the Hills of Samaria Nicole did not grow up imagining she would one day live in Samaria. Raised in Miami, she made Aliyah in 2005 and moved to Israel as a young woman seeking something deeper. The transition was dramatic. She left behind a familiar life and found herself adapting to an entirely new culture, language, and reality. “It was scary to move from Miami to the middle of nowhere,” she recalls. Soon afterward, she enlisted in the Israel Defense Forces as a lone soldier and served in...