With everything going on over there, this is a perfect time to support and experience Israel through Artzaboxes. Please pray for them if you are not already because the Bible tells us to in Psalm 122:6, and they desperately need His intervention!
Artzaboxes are subscription boxes mailed to your door featuring unique items from the Holy Land. Each box includes food items, self-care items, games, decorative items, etc., from artisans around the area. The items are different in each box, making receiving each an exciting experience! Read about the other Artza boxes I’ve reviewed here.
A different region or theme is featured in each quarter’s box. The most recent is the Seven Species box. From Deuteronomy 8:8, the Seven Species are wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and honey. Each of these seven species adds inspiration for the items in this quarter’s box.
Each box includes information about the artisans who made the items in the box. Reading the stories of their families and businesses brings even more of a connection with the people of the Holy Land!
Premium Item – Framed Seven Species Artwork
With the Artza Premium subscription, a premium item is included in each box. The premium item in this box is a framed, hand-made piece of artwork featuring the seven species and, in Hebrew, the words “land flowing with milk and honey” (ארץ זבת חלב ודבש, pronounced eh-rets za-vaht cha-lahv ood-vash). What a gorgeous reminder of the blessing God has bestowed on the land of Israel!
Wheat – חיטה (pronounced chee-tah)
The Schnitzel Spice Mix represents the wheat. This mix accompanies the included recipe for Crispy Chicken Schnitzel, a typical meal in Israel. On the top of the container is the verse: “But you would be fed with the finest of wheat with honey from the rock I would satisfy you” Psalm 81:16.
This mix is spicy, but in a flavorful way, not jalapeño spicy. I’m looking forward to making the Chicken Schnitzel recipe, and I’ll add an update when I do!
Israeli farmers create this spice blend at Derech HaTavlinim Herb & Spice Farm. This company has made spice mixtures for many Artza boxes I have received, and they’re always unique and tasty cooking additions.
Barley – שעורה (pronounced seh-oh-rah)
Barley and wheat are both represented in the Lavender & Rose Gentle Cleansing Face Mousse. This luxurious and soothing mixture smells incredible and feels great on your skin!
This light and pleasantly scented Mousse was created by Shlomit Cohen, the founder of the “Gift of Nature” company in Bat Ayin in Israel. She sees it as her mission to teach people how to be healed naturally as well as to use the riches of nature.
Grape Vine – גפן (pronounced ge-fen)
Grapes are found on the Seven Species Bamboo serving tray included in this Artzabox. Created by Yair Emanuel, a well-known artist whose creations are a regular addition to Artzaboxes, this serving tray is perfect for serving a light appetizer or even to serve the olives included in this box (more on these later).
Fig – תאנה (teh-eh-nah)
This item is my favorite in this quarter’s box! The unique Fig Leaf Candle represents the fig. Made from beeswax and molded from local fig bark, this beautiful candle will be an excellent addition to any room, as well as a conversation piece!
Pomegranate – רימון (pronounced ree-mon)
The pomegranate is featured on the gorgeous trivet from Hadarya Artwork. This well-made glass trivet features pomegranates and designs in various blue colors and would be an attractive addition to any table!
Pomegranates are meaningful in the Bible, as well as in the land of Israel. They even graced the priests’ robes in the Temple as part of God’s design!
Also included in this box is a postcard featuring a beautiful image of pomegranates. On the reverse side, there’s an explanation of the holiday of Tu B’shvat, including why it’s also called the “New Year for Trees.”
Olive – זית (pronounced zay-eet)
I love olives, but living in the US, I usually get mine from a can. There are few fresh olives here! I really appreciated the experience of the fresh Zaatar olives included in this box.
These olives were made by Sidyanna of Galilee, a unique company that aims to unite Arab, Christian, and Jewish women as they create delicious olives and their products. Their Extra Hopeful Olive Oil was featured in another Artza Box I received, the Galilee Box, and it was fantastic.
Honey – דבש (pronounced da-vash)
As I explained in my review of the Judean Desert box, the “honey” often referred to in the Bible is thought to be date honey. Delicious date honey was included in the Judean Desert box. In this box, there’s a jar of date spread, which reminds me of the date honey, maybe because date honey is an ingredient in this spread.
This date spread is sweet and sticky, and my kids loved dipping their challah bread into it! It’s versatile – we’ve tried it on pancakes and crackers so far as well and have found it goes great with many things!
Would you like to order an Artzabox for yourself or as a gift? Here’s a coupon code for 25% off of your first order: HEBREW25