“Wow! Look at all the people!” Milton Erdfarb had momentarily stepped away from his post in the lobby of Edison’s Congregation Ohr Torah on Saturday evening, December 21, where he was representing Israel Bonds. This was the next to last session of the series of “Shuk to the Core” presentations of Israeli artisans who have traveled through New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland to present their unique wares for sale.

Erdfarb, from Highland Park, was amazed at the crowd of more than 400 people who came from Highland Park/Edison/East Brunswick and surrounding areas who came to shop at the approximately 40 vendors. Attendees were able to choose from jewelry, paintings, wood crafts, toys and games, leather goods, and much more.

Having recently renovated her kitchen, Edison’s Aliyanna Wasserman was delighted with her find of new mezuzah cases and table runners that serve as trivets. “The items are incredibly beautiful, and I’m delighted to support Israel at the same time,” she said.

Event organizer Stuart Katz of Chashmonaim, Israel, noted that more than $2 million in gross sales have been made over the three trips that have brought the Israeli artists to the United States. “The sales benefit extends beyond the artists. The revenue supports the vendors and their families, their employees, product suppliers, and more in a ripple effect. We hope that the war will be over soon, but the adverse economic impact will impact Israel for years to come.”

Vendor Sharon Leibowitz, from Modi’in, not only presented her stock that included travel menorahs, towel aprons, hiking maps of Israel in a portable jigsaw-puzzle format, but also sold gift cards for the Israeli cafe chain Aroma that would be presented to IDF soldiers along with a greeting card. “Over 300 of the cards have been sold during this tour.”

Kathy Brody, of East Brunswick, was delighted with her purchase of two beautifully painted silk scarves. Having been to other shuk market events, she came to support the vendors and find unique wearable works of art. Highland Park’s Mason Resnick hadn’t yet finished shopping, but was excited about his purchase of a challah cover illustrating the six days of creation and a multicolored necklace that his wife, Lori, immediately put on. “Some of these items can be purchased online, but there is the added benefit of actually being able to see and feel the items and being able to interact with the artist and learn more about their products.” Avi Maza, also of Highland Park, was in the midst of choosing scented candles named for locations in Israel. After selecting Negev, Tel Aviv and Galilee, he said he was “proud to buy excellent, unique products and support Israel at the same time.”

Co-organizer Daniel Rothner of Teaneck noted that while the sales are important, the vendors gain a large sense of chizuk (strength) when seeing large crowds of people coming to these events.