Homegrown Judaica

Homegrown Judaica was created in the fall/winter of 2010-11. The idea had been a long-time in formation, but got its start when Rachel earned a PresenTense 2011 Fellowship for the idea for creating a "Jewish Etsy" that allows local Jewish artists to sell their work to customers who care about buying local, supporting Jewish artists in their community, and, most importantly, purchasing high quality, hand-made items that are often one-of-a-kind. The rabbi and educator in her (6 years of rabbinical school wasn't going to let go that easily!) made sure that the vision for this artist community included plenty of educational opportunities as well. So when an engaged couple comes to Homegrown Judaica to purchase a ketubah (a Jewish marriage contract), they not only get a beautiful piece of art, but they also engage with the artist, learn a bit about the history and tradition of ketubot, and feel a part of something larger than themselves - a Jewish community. When a college student searches online for that perfect painting to put on her wall, at Homegrown Judaica, she'll find hundreds of options with Jewish themes to choose from. 

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