Fair Trade Judaica - About Us

 
Welcome
 
What is Fair Trade?
 
What's Jewish
about Fair Trade?
 
Identifying
Fair Trade Products
 
Where to buy
Fair Trade Judaica
 
NEW Products
 
Resources to learn more
 
What YOU can do
 
Subscribe to our
E-newsletter
 
Tell a friend
about this site
 
About us
 
Contact us


The idea for this website initially grew out of our introduction to the fair trade movement while traveling in Nepal. We were very fortunate to have several opportunities to trek in its beautiful countryside, as well as meet the people and experience their extraordinary generosity.

We were introduced to the concept of fair trade by reading in a guide book about a fair trade store in Kathmandu. We decided to check it out, and ultimately did 99% of our shopping there! The quality of the products was excellent, we knew where our money was going, and it allowed us an opportunity to meet with people involved in the projects and learn more about their lives.

In exploring the world of fair trade Judaica upon our return home, conversations with friends as well as owners of Judaica stores confirmed that there was much interest in promoting and purchasing fair trade Judaica items. Simply put, none of us had even known that this was possible.

Through long and involved Google research, it became clear that there are many Judaica items being made by fair trade producer groups around the world and marketed by non-profit organizations as well as companies.

Many of these products are used during holy days and rituals as we give blessings of thanks for the food we have, the freedom we’ve gained, and so much more. How wonderful that we can celebrate these riches in our lives by providing the makers of these products the opportunity to experience more freedom in their lives, earning a decent livelihood and working with dignity.

Every person we have spoken with who is involved in bringing these beautiful works to us is doing so as a labor of love and a commitment to social and economic justice. It’s been inspiring to hear stories of their travels around the world and of the lives of the artisans who create beauty for our enjoyment and use. Please join us in this effort to create a Fair Trade Judaica movement.

We hope you enjoy this website and pass it on to others. We welcome your feedback as well as ideas on how to expand the interest in and market of fair trade Judaica products.



With thanks to all my friends for their encouragement and feedback on this website, and a very special appreciation to my partner David for transforming these ideas into a beautiful & functional website.


Photos L to R: Mirembe Kawomera, Mercado Global, Sindyana
Copyright © 2007, 2008 Ilana Schatz and David Lingren. All rights reserved.