- content writer at Artza

About Artza's Editorial Process

At Artza, our team of experienced writers and editors strive to bring you stories from the Holy Cities of the Christian Bible and grow your faith in God. We review Artza's content to ensure theological relevance and accuracy. We only source content from the Bible, reputable sites, and academic research institutions and cite these wherever relevant. Learn more about our editorial process here. 

More about Our editorial process

Latest from

Articles

Israeli breakfast Shakshuka Recipe - inspired by the Holy Land!

Shakshuka is the quintessential Israeli breakfast. The dish dates back to the early 16th century and is enjoyed at restaurants and homes all over Israel. Using our unique blend of shakshuka spice, we are sure this dish will wow! Please be sure to show off your results on our Facebook and Instagram page – we would love to see what you make! And, as they say in Hebrew, Be’teavon (enjoy)! Ingredients 2 tablespoons Olive oil 1 chopped Onion 2 chopped Bell peppers 5 crushed Garlic cloves 2 tablespoons Shakshuka spice mix 1(28 ounce) can/fresh Diced tomatoes 6-8 Eggs Pinch of Sweet Paprika Pinch of Salt Pinch of pepper 2 tablespoons Chopped parsley 3 tables spoons (optional) Crumbles feta cheese The dish dates back to the early 16th century and is enjoyed at restaurants and homes all over Israel. Instructions In a large deep skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and bell peppers and cook until softened and beginning to brown, about 7 minutes. Add garlic and cook until tender, 1 to 2 minutes; stir in salt, paprika and pepper, and cook for 1 minute. Add the tomatoes and the shakshuka spice, mix everything together and leave to simmer on a low flame for 10-15 minutes (add water as necessary to keep the mixture…) Cook eggs evenly on top of the sauce for 6 to 8 minutes or until whites are set and yolks are thick but runny (if you like firmer yolks, cook for 1-2 minutes more.) Sprinkle with parsley and feta cheese (optional). Serve with warm bread and ENJOY! Be'teavon!

10 Inspiring Bible Verses For Homeschool & Bible Study

Bible verses are a great way to provide a curriculum steeped in faith for homeschooled children. Maintaining consistent bible study and education brings inspiration, new perspectives, and focus for your children. Here are some Christian scripture quotes from the bible that will keep your family motivated through all seasons of life: Proverbs 29:18 This a powerful Bible verse for homeschool. It reminds us that God is not only close to those who are righteous, but he listens to our prayers and hears them. This verse can encourage you and your children as you learn together. Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” What an amazing promise! God’s Word will give you light in the darkness of life. God’s Word is also a lamp for your feet and a light for your path—you can walk through life knowing that you have God on your side! Psalm 119:9 How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. - Psalm 119:9 This is a great verse for our homeschool efforts to guide our children when they have questions about the future. It is natural for youth to have doubts about life, where they will lead, who they will be, but Psalm 119:9 sheds light with a seemingly simple answer. “By living according to your words”, we share with our children the importance of integrity and honesty. When life seems like too much, just remember these encouraging words “By living according to your words”, Psalm 37:4 “Delight yourself also in the LORD and He shall give you the desires of your heart.” This is an example of a verse that is easy to understand, easy to remember, and can be applied to your life. Teaching this verse to your children, will show them the infinite greatness of God, and plant the seed to a devoted life. Jeremiah 29:11-13 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." God's Word is His plan for each one of us. It's His light on our path as we go through life. When we use it as our guidebook, we can be assured that He has everything under control! John 14:27 "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." This means that Jesus is our only hope for eternal life because there is no other way than through him! We must believe this fact because it's true according to scripture. It is truly important for us all that we believe in Jesus Christ alone if we want salvation from sin. Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” In these verses, we see a clear exhortation for us to put our trust in God, who is omniscient and omnipotent. He knows everything—past, present, future—and has complete control over everything that happens. This makes Him an ideal source of wisdom for us! The Bible continues by instructing us to follow His lead when making decisions: “Lean not unto thine own understanding but in all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct thy paths.” James 1:2-4, 12 “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” If you're struggling or need guidance on how to get your kids started in homeschooling, don't just stop with this verse. Go ahead and ask God for help! He'll give you the wisdom and strength you need to follow through with your goals for your family's education. Amos 3:3 Amos 3:3 is a Bible verse that talks about believing in God. The verse reads: "Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?" Here's one way of interpreting this verse: if you want to have a relationship with someone, be it your spouse or a friend or just your children, there needs to be an agreement between the two people involved. There needs to be trust and respect for each other's beliefs and thoughts and feelings. This can only happen when there is an understanding between them about how they feel about each other - what their values are, who they are as individuals. Matthew 7 Matthew 7 is full of great Bible verses for homeschool and bible study. This chapter covers the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus taught his disciples about their relationship with God and with others. It also includes some of his most famous teachings, including: ● The Beatitudes ● The Lord's Prayer ● Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12) ● Commandments (Matthew 19:17-19) ● Parable of Sower (Matthew 13:3-23) In addition to these well-known passages, Matthew 7 contains a number of other parables that are less often discussed but equally important to understand when studying or teaching scripture! Conclusion As you can see, each of these has a great message for children while homeschooled, planting faith, love, wisdom, and knowledge. These Bible verses are great for homeschooling and Bible study. They’re short enough that you can memorize them, but they still have plenty of meaning. We hope they help you on your journey through life! Explore more ways to connect your homeschooling with the Holy Land by subscribing to Artza Box today. ❤️

Visit Israel's Negev: History, Biblical References & Must-Visit Travel Spots Today

The Negev is a desert region in the south of Israel; a vast place of breathtaking beauty.. Whether you're interested in biblical history or just want to explore scenic desert areas with diverse landscapes, there are so many amazing things to do and see when traveling through the Negev. History of Negev The Hebrew word Negev translates to "dry" or "arid," but although this desert region that covers 60 percent of southern Israel may seem like an uninhabitable space, history paints us a story quite different. It is also home to many nomadic Bedouin tribes who have lived there since ancient times, and today Israeli community have been working hard to transform this inhospitable land into an agricultural powerhouse—a place where they can grow their food, raise their families, and live in harmony. Biblical References for Negev Negev is rooted in biblical references, sharing a bridge between ancient past, and today. It was in Negev that Moses led his people after they were freed from slavery under Pharoah (Exodus 3:1-22). The Psalms describe this region as dry, desolate, and lacking in resources (Psalm 63:1-2). Yet they also describe how God will lead His people through this wilderness into a land of abundance (Psalm 84:5-7). "Then Abram set out and continued toward the Negev." Genesis 12:9 Must-Visit Travel Spots Today The Negev region is so vast that you could spend an entire month exploring the different nooks and crannies that make up this beautiful area. Here are some amazing spots to visit and incredible experiences you can have in the Negev. Timna Park Timna Park is a national park in Israel. It is located in the Arava Valley, near Eilat and the Jordanian border. Timna is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the oldest copper mines in the world. The ancient mines were discovered by accident when archaeologists were searching for an Egyptian temple that was known to be built there at one point during history (the temple was never found). The park remains open year-round for hiking through desert landscapes, exploring ancient ruins and visiting other historical sites like those of King Solomon's Mines from biblical references. Makhtesh Ramon Makhtesh Ramon, also known as the Ramon Crater, is a crater-like geological formation in the Negev desert. It's a popular tourist destination and one of Israel's most popular national parks. The park was established in 1960, but it took decades for it to become fully protected by law. In 2013, Makhtesh Ramon became a nature reserve. Makhtesh Ramon has been used by humans since prehistoric times, who would have lived there seasonally as they followed their food sources between the Mediterranean Sea and Jericho (in what is now Palestine). Later on, Egyptians who built towns like Avaris had access to this area due to its abundant natural resources like wood and stone; they even constructed roads through here during their reign over Canaanite lands around 1550 BC! Ein Avdat Ein Avdat is a beautiful oasis in the Negev desert. It's situated near the Dead Sea, and as such, it's a popular tourist destination for Israelis and international travelers alike. If you're looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of life in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, then head out to Ein Avdat! This historic site dates back over 3,000 years; archaeologists discovered ancient artifacts believed to have belonged to nomadic tribes that once lived there. Today, you can explore this natural wonder while hiking through its palm groves and frolicking among waterfalls (there are several). Conclusion The Negev region is vast and full of rich history, but it’s also a place that you can enjoy today. The best way to experience all of this is by renting a car and visiting the sites during your stay in Israel. The country has so much to offer from culture, food, and beautiful landscapes so don’t miss out on any opportunity! You can get a real taste of the Negev through our Artza Negev Box which delivers the most beautiful products from local businesses and charities in the Negev region to your door. Get your Artza box today 🎁

Artza brings The Holy City of Jerusalem into your homes for Easter

Artza, the fastest growing artisanal subscription box from the Holy Land, launches its latest box featuring gifts from Jerusalem ahead of Easter With Israel’s airports officially closed and the country “hermetically sealed,” there is still a unique way to make the pilgrimage to Jerusalem in time for Easter. Artza, have announced the launch of their Jerusalem box, which will be delivered in time for the Easter holiday. The box features a collection of eight locally-sourced food and unique content that tells the story of Jerusalem, past and present. This year, when people celebrate Easter, our hope is that they have a new appreciation for the place where it all took place,” said Artza founder, Itai Schimmel from Jerusalem. “We hope people can visualize the place, learn about the place, and even taste the place, and share it all with their families and friends.” For its latest box, Artza has teamed with local artisans and charities to deliver goods that can’t be found anywhere else. For example, Artza partnered with the charity Meiso, which empowers at-risk women in Jerusalem and helps them create and sell artistic goods. For Artza, these women created hand-carved pendants made out of Jerusalem stone that can be worn as a necklace or placed on a keychain, so that Artza subscribers can very literally take a piece of the city with them everywhere they go. The Jerusalem box also includes tasty delicacies and other rich content that tells the story of the city. The Artza experience has garnered early praise from those who previously received the Bethlehem and Nazareth boxes. “I just opened my box, and it feels like Christmas,” said Lisa Hulick, an early member. “I cannot even arrange all of the items in a way that does justice. Very excited to try everything! And so sweet to read the personal stories of some people who made the products.” The name Artza was inspired by Genesis 12:3-5, when Abraham is instructed to take his family “Artza Canaan” (toward the land of Canaan). The box experience is specifically designed to follow the path of Jesus through the Holy Land. Each quarter, the company chooses another city to highlight. The idea is to deliver an assortment of gifts that people will not find anywhere else, all while supporting local small businesses and strengthening peoples’ connection to the Land of the Bible. “I love visiting Israel – it’s probably my favorite place on earth – and had a trip planned for February that unfortunately got canceled,” said Jennifer Weaver, another early member. “When I learned about Artza, I couldn’t wait to get a small taste of what I was missing out on.” Join Artza today and receive your piece of the Holy Land.

Artza hosts its first ever live cooking event with award-winning Israeli chef, Moshe Basson

Hundreds of people from all over the United States joined for a live, online special event this Sunday in Jerusalem. Artza hosted award-winning Chef Moshe Basson as he cooked up a delicious twist on the classic Israeli dish known as shakshuka underneath the old city walls of Jerusalem - "the setting was simply magnificent." . Artza features an assortment of artisanal goods, spices, and recipes in their quarterly subscription box, and this was a new way for our subscribers and anyone interested to be able to learn more about the rich culture and cuisine of Israel. Chef Basson is well known for his traditional cooking that features ancient biblical ingredients, which includes the use of many wild plants and herbs which he often gathers himself on foraging expeditions in the Jerusalem hills. Basson was an early advocate for the “slow food” movement in Israel. He is the owner and head chef of The Eucalyptus restaurant in Jerusalem., and he immigrated to Israel with his family when he was just nine months old. Underneath the ancient city walls of Jerusalem, as the sun was setting and the sky was glowing, the setting for our first masterclass was simply magical. Basson has given cooking lessons in a number of Israeli embassies worldwide. In 1998, he was even invited to present a cooking demonstration and prepare dinner for guests at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. for the 50th anniversary of Israel's Independence Day. He is also a two-time winner of the international CousCous Fest in Italy. “Chef Basson is exactly the type of person we were looking for to kick off the first of many cooking demonstrations and cultural teaching moments we hope to provide for those who love the Holy Land,” said Itai Schimmel, the founder of Artza. “I know he will keep his audience entertained, that they will want to make his green shakshuka a regular part of their diet, and that they will learn a lot of Israeli and Biblical history along the way.” Ahead of the live event, Artza provided a shopping list as well so that folks could cook alongside Chef Basson in real time - watching people across the ocean cooking shashuka alongside us here in Jerusalem was a truly special experience, we feel truly blessed and cannot wait for our next live cooking class - stay tuned! If you want to cook like an Israeli MasterChef, join Artza box today - and receive locally grown Israeli spices recipes and more to your door!

Bring Bethlehem and the Holy Land into your home for Christmas this year with Artza

This year, crowds of pilgrims from all over the world won’t be gathering in Manger Square in Bethlehem like they normally do to celebrate Christmas. In fact, the city where Jesus was born will be quiet this year, owing to the Coronavirus that has shut Israel’s borders and prevents tourists from all over the world from coming to visit Israel. Yet that doesn’t mean one can’t experience a small taste of the city, the Land and its holiday festivities. Beginning November 4th, Artza - a quarterly subscription box from Israel that delivers a mix of artisanal food, hand-crafted gifts, and rich content specifically geared toward Christians across America - is launching its latest box featuring treasures from and around the town of Bethlehem. Timed to coincide with the Christmas season, the Bethlehem box delivers a taste of Bethlehem that Americans can’t get anywhere else, ranging from hand-carved olive-wood Christmas ornaments from a master craftsman in Bethlehem, to award winning chocolate, toffees, and authentic Israeli recipes, to never-before-seen holiday postcards with photos of the Holy land that were hand-picked from Israel’s largest private photo archive. “What we try to do with every Artza box is tell a story – a story of the Bible, of the city that we are featuring and most importantly its people,” said Artza co-founder Itai Schimmel. “For our Christmas box, we are so excited to tell the story of Bethlehem and some of the amazing people we’ve partnered with there. We really want to deliver a gift for Christmas that our friends in America won’t find anywhere else – a gift that provides a tangible connection to their faith, the Bible and this very special part of the world.” Artza was founded after the Coronavirus shut travel to Israel as a way to bring a piece of the Holy Land to the millions of Christians around the world who aren’t able to visit, while supporting small businesses that are struggling during this challenging time. The name Artza, which means “toward the Land” in Hebrew, and is taken from Genesis, seeks out small artisans to tell their story, and the story of the Holy Land past and present, to customers and families across America. “The Bethlehem Artza box is a perfect Christmas gift for anyone who wants to discover amazing new products from the Holy Land and grow in their faith,” said Schimmel. “This holiday season, our goal is really to take you and your loved ones to the place that’s the center of the Christmas story and deliver an assortment of gifts unique to that place and its people that you and your family can experience and share together – things you you’ll love and that you won’t find anywhere else. All the while, you are supporting local small businesses and the families behind them.” Order your Artza Box intime for Christmas today.

Helping support Israeli Mom-owned businesses this Mothers Day

Ahead of Mother’s Day, shopkeeper moms throughout Israel reflect on the challenges and joys from the past year While this past year has been challenging for mothers around the world, we are excited to highlight some of the amazing female entrepreneurs who create beautiful treasures from the Holy Land. Ahead of Mother’s Day, we have spoken with some mom shopkeepers and asked them what motherhood means to them. Teresa Abu-Nazer, a Christian mother of 3 daughters from Nazareth, fulfilled one of her dreams a few years ago to open her own hand-made soap and cosmetics studio. Her shop sells soap renown throughout all of Galilee. Reflecting on what motherhood means to her, Teresa told us: “Motherhood is a power that inspires me to give more and more.” Teresa also informed us, as she reflected on her strong relationship between her and her children, “This year for me has been a year filled with challenges, certainly as a business owner during the coronavirus, and also to try and balance being a mother as my kids are out of school.” She also highlighted the similarities between her business and her children: “My products are like my children – they require so much care!” Teresa also had words of encouragement for mothers worldwide: “I wish mothers around the world to stay strong – we can do it! Take time for yourself too, and reconnect with yourself.” Two other vendors that Artza works closely with, Anati Tehori and Sarit Safra, are longtime friends and now business partners. They opened up Hooga Games to make custom, inspiring, and family-friendly games that are meant to bring people together on a deeper level. They live in the Judean Hills just outside Jerusalem. Anati, a mother of 4, and Sarit, a mother of 6, revealed to us that despite the importance of their business venture, “Motherhood is our first career.” “It’s our life’s mission to build families that are caring, loving and warm,” “In fact, it was from this desire to build deeper connections within our own homes that Hooga Games, our company, was born.” The entire concept for their games are inspired by their families and their children’s needs. “For example, one of our children had a hard time opening up and carving out space for himself – so we designed a game that encouraged him to do exactly that!” We asked them what has been the hardest and also the most rewarding part of being a mom this year. “The hardest part of this year has been the lack of separation – separation between family and work, between day and night, between children who are all in the same space, and between our own needs and our children’s as we are all crammed together at home.” “In so many ways, though, this actually led to amazing and emotional family moments,” they exclaimed. At Artza, we hope that these reflections from mothers throughout Israel offer a helpful glimpse into what life has been like for them the past year. To learn more about any of the moms featured here, check out our website at www.artzabox.com where you can find artisan profiles and more.

Artza Israel Family Newsletter 1 - Meet the Lamberts!

Just as we love to share stories from different regions of Israel with each box, we want to share YOUR stories and YOUR experiences with Israel. Whether it is through reading the Bible, Artza, or travelling to the Holy Land! With each newsletter we'll bring you some Holy Land news highlights, exclusive Artza updates, and the opportunity to meet fellow Artza family members Meet the Lamberts! Julia and David joined Artza in Summer 2020! Today they have joined us to share their love for the Holy Land! The Lambert family lives near Augusta, GA where Julia works for the local school system, and David is a pastor at First Baptist Church Thomson. Their 11yr old daughter Abby shared that she wants to go to Israel with her parents the next time! We look forward to welcoming you all! What does Israel mean to you? "Israel is about connecting. Connecting with God, people, the culture, and the land. It is incredible to be able to connect where you are, with the stories you’ve read in the Bible your whole life." What has been your favorite Artza item so far? "Food items are definitely a big hit! We love the coffee and the olive oil. The tree from the last box is phenomenal. It is sitting in my kitchen window and I look at it every day. On this last trip to Israel we’d be in different shops and we’d be like “that’s in an Artza box!!” It was neat to make that connection back to Artza while on our trip to Israel" How did you see Scripture come to life while you were in Israel? "In the Garden of Gethsemane, I was thinking about how that garden was a place a refuge for Jesus. Then night he was betrayed and it became a place of turmoil. Like when we have a place that we love that was a refuge then becomes a place of turmoil. I thought about how that was another element of Jesus’ suffering that I hadn’t considered before"

Artza's latest box brings the Golan Heights and stories of Jewish immigrants to Americans doorsteps

As tourism in Israel still faces uncertainty, Artza is introducing some new products and vendors to homes across America in this quarters their Golan Heights-themed subscription box. As with each of their quarterly gift boxes delivered so far, this latest box will once again provide small businesses in Israel with the revenue boost they need to keep their doors open. And many of the vendors Artza works with provide crucial financial support and employment opportunities to their communities. This box available in the spring will feature the work of Karina Chepelinski, whose story starts over 100 years ago. Karina’s grandfather Jacob fled Europe before WWI, leaving his beloved chocolate factory behind, and after a long tumultuous journey ended up in Argentina. Using European precision mixed with his newly-found Argentinian passion and flare, Jacob opened a new chocolate factory in Buenos Aires. Karina also fell in love with chocolate, and in 2006 she decided to take Jacob’s legacy back to his ancestral home: Israel. Today that legacy lives through DeKarina, a chocolate shop Karina runs in the Golan Heights. Karina’s is but one of many stories told through the products in Artza’s latest assortment of treasures, which brings the flavors, smells and history of the Golan Heights to your home. “It is a joy to share the blessing of the Golan Heights with our subscribers. We have created an experience that will allow you to taste the beauty of this place, learn its history, and meet and support its people,” said Itai Schimmel, Founder of Artza. “We hope that as you light your scented candle, and the aroma begins to fill the air mixed with the warm sweet taste of your herbal tea infusion and white chocolate that you feel the warm glow of spring in the Holy Land. We also hope that each treasure unites you in a new way with God’s people in the Holy Land.” What is included in the Golan Heights box: ● Delicious Sumac spice blend with an accompanying recipe card. ● Golan Heights inspired herbal tea infusion sure to warm up your wintery mornings. Each tea box was made with the help of young adults with physical disabilities. ● Hand-poured “Golan Dew” scented candle that brings the scent of the Golan spring in its full bloom to your home. ● Hebrew alphabet wooden puzzle teaches the Hebrew alphabet in this custom-made wooden game. ● DeKarina white chocolate with raw cocoa nib infusions. ● Ancient olive oil lamp and jug replicas from the time of Jesus discovered in the caves of the Golan Heights. ● For premium subscribers: Artza partnered with a talented artist to create a stunning hand-painted piece of art that reflects the lush and colorful flower bloom of spring in the Golan Heights. For information about what’s included and the local vendors we help support, click here.

Artza Israel Family Newsletter 2 - Meet Pauline & Jenn!

Just as we love to share stories from different regions of Israel with each box, we want to share YOUR stories and YOUR experiences with Israel. Whether it is through reading the Bible, Artza, or travelling to the Holy Land! With each newsletter we'll bring you some Holy Land news highlights, exclusive Artza updates, and the opportunity to meet fellow Artza family members Meet the Canadian Subscribers! Two friends sharing their love for the Holy Land Yes, you read that right we have two very special subscribers from Saskatchewan, Canada and we can't wait for you to meet them! Each quarter Jenn Pauls and Pauline Chambers have an amazing friend in Texas (shoutout Meg Wagnon!) who they met in Israel. Both Pauline and Jenn have lived in Israel. They have her address for their subscription and then she ships the box to them in Canada! Meet Pauline "I love, people, food, and Israel. I grew up in a believing home and faith always shapes my perspective. I worked at Nazareth Village for one year and this box has brought cultures to my attention that I didn't encounter while living there. Fun fact! I met Chris Tomlin when he toured Israel and I even gave him a cold glass of water at lunch." Meet Jenn "I live in Saskatchewan, Canada on the same farm I grew up on and that my dad grew up on. I've loved travel, photography, books, and storytelling for as long as I can remember. I loved the idea of Artza supporting local Israeli artisans that were being decimated by covid. I know I had to support since I couldn't travel to Israel to support in person." What is a short story that captivates your time living in Israel? Pauline "My crowning achievement was by the time I left the village I could walk around with a jar of water on my head! Each person at the village had to choose something to be 'their thing' and I decided the water jar would be mine." What is your favorite Artza item? Pauline: "Definitely the Shakshuka spice. Shakshuka is a food I had never heard of before Israel. It's one of my favorite foods to introduce to people who ask about my time here." Jenn: "The Shalom sign! I love how beautiful and colorful it is. It really reflects how diverse and lovely all the parts of Israel are." What is a piece of advice you have for someone who wants to visit Israel for the first time? Pauline: "Take time to get to know local people who aren't involved in tourism. Then your understanding of Israel will be much deeper. Try to go to a church with local Christians!"