Jewelry, Judaica, and local Israeli crafts and art objects are the most worthwhile buys in Jerusalem. Many shops in the Ben-Yehuda area, as well as in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City, sell modern menorahs, mezuzahs, dreidels, candleholders, and embroidered yarmulkes, as well as objects for Passover, Succot, Shabbat, and synagogue services. Tip: It is possible to try to bargain a bit at most tourist shops in West Jerusalem.
Most of our listings are for places where you can find handmade items and purchase them directly from the artisans who make them. Merchants are generally cooperative about packing your purchases securely for shipping or for the plane ride home.
Shopping Rules
You'll find attention-grabbing items in Judaica and tourist shops all over the Ben-Yehuda Mall area and in Mea Shearim. Remember that bargaining (or politely asking for a discount) has become customary in most of these shops, and that prices for identical and nearly identical items can vary greatly from store to store. For this reason, many of Jerusalem's tourist/Judaica stores display signs that say in Hebrew, if not English: no refunds, returns, or exchanges. So, comparison-shop before making a purchase: Once you buy it, it's yours.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
