If you love the Holy Land, you’ll love Artzabox! This quarter’s box contains items from the Jaffa port on the Mediterranean Sea in Tel Aviv, Israel.
Not sure what an Artzabox is? Artzaboxes are unique and exciting subscription boxes that arrive quarterly, filled with items from local artisans in a selected area of the Holy Land. A new location is featured with each box, and each contains:
- Something for the soul
- Something to inspire
- Something to learn
- Something to taste
- Something to share
- Something for the body
- Something to cook
- Something to cherish
To read my post on the previous Artzaboxes, click the links below.
Artzabox: The Golan Heights Box
Artzabox: Gifts from the Holy Land: Judaean Desert Box
Artzabox: Gifts from the Holy Land: Galilee Box
Use coupon code HEBREW20 to receive a 20% discount
on your Artzabox subscription!
Although the Jaffa port is similar to other bustling ports on the Mediterranean and worldwide, the Jaffa port is unique. Our Bible mentions it, and it has been used for over 7,000 years!
Jaffa is called Joppa in the Bible, and this ancient city was built by Noah’s son Japeth. You can also find Jaffa in the story of Jonah. Remember when God told Jonah to warn the Ninevites about their wickedness? Jonah decided he didn’t want to, and he got on a ship destined for Tarshish, which was in the other direction. He went to the Jaffa port to board the ship, which he would eventually be thrown off, then swallowed by the fish (Jonah 1).
Jaffa is the port where timber was brought by sea to construct the first Temple, Solomon’s Palace, and the second Temple (2 Chr. 2:16 and Ezra 3:7).
The apostles were in the area around Japa in Acts 9 through 11. It was in Jaffa that Simon Peter stayed at the house of Simon, the tanner by the sea (Acts 10:32).
Along with all of the intriguing history behind this Artzabox brings many unique items by artisans in the area. Here are the things included in this Artzabox.
Jaffa Room Diffuser
In each Artzabox, one item is only included for the premium subscribers. In this box, it’s the diffuser. The artisan who made this item is a perfumer named Shachar, and the scent the diffuser gives off is just heavenly.
With oils such as lavender, cedarwood, and patchouli, the Jaffa diffuser says it’s the scent of ancient Israel. And I believe it! It’s a pleasant, low-maintenance scent that brightens any room.
Malabi, Sachlab, and Topping Mixes
For the “something to taste “item in this box, Artzabox has included Sachlab (also called sachlav) and Malabi mix. Sachlab is a unique Israeli drink with a milk base and a thick consistency similar to yogurt. There are recipes included for both mixes. The Sachlab powder can be mixed with milk and is a delicious creamy drink you can make in minutes. Sachlab powder is made from ground Sachlab orchid tubers and has a sweet, floral flavor.
Malabi is similar to Sachlab but is refrigerated so that it thickens and comes out more like pudding. The nut topping makes it similar to a parfait. My family liked the unique flavor of Malabi, and it’s cool and refreshing – perfect for a summer snack! Artzabox also includes a recipe for Sachlab cookies, which were delicious!
The artisan creator of these mixes lives in Jaffa and is named Or. While not familiar to us as English speakers, Or is a beautiful name as it means light in Hebrew.
Jaffa-Inspired Trivet
This item is both beautiful and practical. It features a beautiful picture of Jaffa and an encouraging verse from the Book of Jonah (2:2) – “In my distress I called to the Lord, and he answered me”. It could be used as a trivet for your favorite hot dishes or would be a lovely piece of art to decorate a wall in your home.
Patchouli, Vanilla, and Shea Butter Hand Cream
I think this may be my favorite item in this box. Its scent is rich but not overpowering. It’s creamy, not oily, and soaks into your skin quickly, leaving them velvety soft. Ido, one of the artisans that created this luxurious cream, recommends you rub it into your skin and close your eyes and picture yourself in a flower-filled meadow. It’s not hard to do!
Cranberry Biscotti
This treat is made by an American attorney who emigrated to Israel with his family in the ’80s. He quit practicing law to bring his talent for baking to Jaffa and the world. His family, the Dan Family, created this cranberry biscotti just for this Jaffa box and I’m so glad they did!
With a cookie-like taste and texture, this biscotti would be perfect for with afternoon tea or your morning coffee.
Use coupon code HEBREW20 to receive a 20% discount
on your Artzabox subscription!
Artza Jaffa Tote Bag
“Welcome to Israel” is the warm message on this tote. It features a picture of the Jaffa port, as well as the orange trees that surround the area. It’s the perfect size for groceries or to carry your stuff on whatever daily adventure you choose.
House of Simon Postcard
Each Artzabox I’ve received has contained postcards with photos of the beautiful scenery around the Holy Land. This one has a picture of the House of Simon the Tanner. One of the many ancient stone houses in the city, this home is thought to be the one where Peter stayed in Acts 10:6 and 32.
Tel Aviv: The White City Postcard Set
The “White City” is an area of Tel Aviv with a high concentration of Bauhaus-style buildings. These light-colored and uniquely-designed buildings were built by Jewish architects who fled Germany during World War Two. Bauhaus architecture got its name from the Bauhaus School of architecture closed by the Nazis.
Bauhaus buildings were designed to be modern and visually interesting and were white or light-colored to keep them cool when the Israeli weather was hot.
This set includes 18 postcards, each with a different Bauhaus building on it and its name and the year it was built. The set comes in a box for gifting or for your stationery use.
Interested in ordering an Artzabox for yourself? For a fellow Holy Land lover? Use my coupon code for a 20% discount on your order – HEBREW20
