Merry Kane from Tel Aviv manning the jewelry and memorablia booth at the ESRA Netanya Fair

On a lovely, warm September 20, ESRA Netanya held its successful 3rd annual Arts and Crafts Fair. The Fair took place in the community room and the garden of the Yona Apartments in Netanya. Under the leadership of ESRA Netanya’s Events Committee Chair, Jacqui (Waterman) Wierba, the members of the committee operated like a well-oiled machine. Planning took place over several months and all of the hard work really paid off. There was even more diversity in the vendors’ wares this year and the quality of the works presented was truly outstanding.

A wide range of jewelry was sold, including handmade gold pieces with semi-precious stones, antique and costume articles and even jewelry made specifically for teens. Toys, puzzles, pillows, painted wooden pictures, clothes and other gifts for kids of all ages were brightly packaged and, I believe, made many children happy on Rosh Hashanah. Several different types of handmade scarves were popular with the shoppers, and even ethereal and delicately hand painted dresses and blouses were on display.

Odile and Perry Zinger with fabric scarves. Right: Natali Zuck with modern jewelry designs

The New and Almost New section was filled with bargains from housewares to refurbished Kindles and had excited buyers surrounding it all day. Once again, the table laden with homemade cakes was wildly popular. These baked goodies plus homemade jams and beautifully hand-decorated boxes filled with sweet treats were all contributed by ESRA Netanya Committee members and friends of ESRA.

Additional craftspeople and artists displayed hand painted Judaica, ceramic animals, colorful crocheted cacti, botanical beauty products, pottery and so much more. Hot and cold beverages were sold and a helpful ESRA info table was set up with membership applications and ESRA materials.

At the end of the evening several items were raffled off, including jewelry and articles donated by vendors and ESRA Netanya members. The air was filled with optimism, especially knowing that the event would benefit all of the great projects of ESRA. The bargains purchased coincided with doing good deeds!

Thanks go out to the administration and staff of the Yona Apartments without whose cooperation and able assistance we would not have been able to present such a wonderful event. Special thanks as well to Ilan “The Handyman” whose enthusiastic help included setting up lighting and umbrellas for the garden and all his work before and during the whole Fair; and to the members of the ESRA Committee for their donations of homemade delicacies, items for the New and Nearly New section and for all their hard physical work in set-up jobs before, during and after the Fair. Last but not least, great appreciation to the Events Committee members’ creative planning and a special shout out to all of the artists and vendors who participated this year, including the newly formed crafts group from ESRA Petach Tikva.