Shuk to the Core is a series of Israel vendor fairs designed to help support Israeli small businesses.

The first round of Shuk to the Core events was held in November 2023, just five weeks after Oct. 7. In March, Shuk to the Core returned and through those events they collectively generated over a million dollars for over 45 vendors from across Israel. At that time there were several Shuk to the Core events in New Jersey, and Shuk to the Core Round 3 will conclude with three events in the state.

Israeli citizen and Shuk to the Core founder Stuart Katz stated, “We’ve brought the Shuk to you not as an act of charity but as an act of survival. For three weeks, we’ve left our homes and families to come here, to fight for our livelihoods and those of over 1,000 people whose lives depend on these events. We’re not asking for handouts — we’re asking for connection, solidarity and the chance to stand together when we desperately need one another.”

Sima Navon of Navon Naturals has three sons, all of whom are combat soldiers fighting with the IDF. For her and all Israelis, it has been a challenging 14 months. She reflected, “We are being attacked both physically and politically, in Israel and around the world. And it is absolutely exhausting. The love and support of the pro-Israel communities we are visiting with Shuk to the Core sustains us emotionally and physically, and allows us to continue to defend ourselves against our enemies.” Ten percent of the proceeds from purchases of Navon Naturals will be donated to the IDF.

These events rely on the host sites. Caleigh Silvera, program director at the DSN Beach Club in Deal, is one of the hosts. She shared, “DSN Beach Club is so proud to host the shuk featuring Israeli businesses impacted by the Oct. 7 war. While we love to shop, what matters most is our deep connection to Israel. Over the past year DSN has hosted over 70 Israel-related events, standing in solidarity with Israel and showing our unwavering support. This is just one more important and concrete way we unite as a community to make a difference and say loudly and proudly, Am Yisrael Chai!”

Tracey Lipman is a designer and artisan creator of functional purses and wallets. She is so thankful to the host communities and those that come out to make these events a success. Lipman remarked, “Every purchase supports our hard work and supports the Israel economy by keeping small businesses alive. Your purchase helps us support our family, gives us money to buy from other Israeli businesses and gives money to the government and the IDF through the taxes we pay. You are keeping our business alive and that means the world right now.”

Noa Attias, a Judaica papercut artist, wife and mother of five, found her business was profoundly impacted by Shuk to the Core. Attias said, “The fairs turned out to be a tremendous success! People showed up in a wonderful spirit of support and they truly embraced me and my fellow artists’ work. Their appreciation not only lifted my spirits but also provided significant financial support for my family. My art reflects the Jewish cycle of life. Creating these pieces is, for me, an act of resilience and dedication to our heritage. Through my art, I feel that I’m contributing to the continuity of Jewish life, standing against those who seek to disrupt it, and sharing this legacy with others around the world. Your kindness and solidarity mean the world to us and for that I’m incredibly grateful.”

Shuk to the Core organizer Daniel Rothner is hoping that New Jersey comes out in large numbers to show their love for Israel and active support. He said, “The largest Shuk to the Core event ever was at Frisch last November. We know that these New Jersey communities are passionate about Israel. Shuk to the Core provides a fun and meaningful way to profoundly support these vendors and by extension the Israeli economy.”

The New Jersey Shuk to the Core schedule of local events are as follows:

Thursday, Dec. 19: DSN Beach Club, 123 Ocean Ave. N, Deal, 3:30-7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 21: Cong. Ohr Torah, 48 Edgemount Road. Edison, 7-11 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 22: The Frisch School, 120 W Century Road, Paramus, noon-4 p.m.

For more information, visit shuktothecore.com.