Israeli Village Blends Art, Wine, and Food in Unique Community
Translated & summarized from Globes by baba
The Israeli village of Tzur Hadassah is fostering a unique blend of religious and secular residents, art, and local produce. Dutch immigrants Hani and Mark are showcasing their sculptures and paintings, while artist Yitzhak Marshe creates collages inspired by the war. Liraz Erez Shargai offers handmade candles and workshops, and Assaf Ta'uoz's Gepetto Pizza Bar highlights local ingredients. Amir Gutel's "The Grandfathers Drink" wine shop celebrates regional wineries, creating a vibrant community atmosphere.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Tzur Hadassah village blends religious and secular residents with a thriving arts and culinary scene.
- Dutch immigrants Hani and Mark express their love for Israel through sculpture and painting.
- Artist Yitzhak Marshe creates powerful war-inspired collages from television screen frames.
- Liraz Erez Shargai transitioned from CEO to candle maker, offering workshops and wine pop-ups.
- Gepetto Pizza Bar by Assaf Ta'uoz uses local ingredients and fosters community coexistence.
- Amir Gutel's wine shop "The Grandfathers Drink" features regional wineries and local produce.
The village of Tzur Hadassah, nestled in the Jerusalem corridor, is emerging as a vibrant hub where religious and secular residents coexist, fostering a thriving arts scene and unique culinary and wine ventures. The community, located beyond the bustling city of Beit Shemesh, offers a tranquil landscape of forested mountains and winding roads, attracting cyclists and artists alike.
Among the residents are Dutch immigrants Hani, a sculptor, and Mark, a painter, who have found a home amidst the olive groves. Their home is a canvas for their art, with sculptures dotting the garden and paintings adorning the walls. They express their love for Israel through their creative work, with Hani describing a feeling of destiny guiding them to their new home.
Artist Yitzhak Marshe, a graduate of the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design, has been creating powerful collages by photographing frames from television screens since the October 7th events. His studio, located at the foot of his home, showcases series in black and white, green, and gray, reflecting the visual intensity and emotional toll of the war. Marshe finds solace and expression in his art, which he describes as "saving me."
Liraz Erez Shargai, formerly the CEO of the local council, has transitioned to creating scented candles at her studio, Joon. Her family name, "Shargai," historically referred to a candle maker, a profession she has embraced. Her studio offers workshops on making candles, cosmetics, and more, and hosts monthly wine pop-ups.
Assaf Ta'uoz, a carpenter by trade, has opened "Gepetto Pizza Bar" in a former greenhouse, now featuring a central taboon oven and a garden seating area. He emphasizes using local producers and farmers for his pizzas, with popular dishes including a cheese and fried egg pizza and artichoke tortellini. The establishment also offers local wine, honey, and produce, and plans are underway for food trucks in the area, some of which will operate on Shabbat, reflecting the community's diverse approach to coexistence.
Amir Gutel runs "The Grandfathers Drink," a small wine shop focusing on regional wineries, often featuring lesser-known labels. Gutel, known for his engaging conversations, also offers local whiskey. The shop hosts tasting sessions and gatherings with local cheeses on Friday mornings, blending his Swiss heritage with Israeli flavors.