Jews in Ethiopia thought their dream to return to their holy land was finally going to be realized with the establishment of the State of Israel. To their disbelief, much controversy surrounded their immigration to Israel, stemming from concerns that included the difficulty of integration into Israeli society. Despite these apprehensions, they successfully came to be recognized as Jews under the Law of Return and began to arrive in Israel as olim(Jewish immigrants).
Even after their long-time dream of returning to Israel came true, many of these immigrants faced struggles during their absorption in Israeli society. Not only did they need to adjust to a new language and culture, but they also lacked any formal education or skills that would allow them to become a valued part of the Israeli workforce, a problem that hindered them financially and socially. From this need, Megemeria School was born.
The Megemeria School was founded in September 2010 by Isaac & Orna Levy, owners ofYvel Jewelry. Isaac and Orna recognized that important aspects of successful absorption and social integration into Israeli society are professional training and career skills. The school teaches Ethiopian immigrants to Israel the art of jewelry making, diamond setting, and Jewish jewelry design. The Megemeria School is located within the Yvel Design Center in Ramat Motza, Jerusalem, and its students are guaranteed a job in Israel’s jewelry making and design industry upon graduation.
The unique designs of the Megemeria Jewelry Collection were created by the students of the Megemeria School. The word "Megemeria" means "Genesis" in Amharic and the collection is inspired by their personal and collective journeys to Israel. The Megemeriaaesthetic is a combination of Ethiopian tradition, Judaism, and modern styles resulting in an extraordinary collection of jewelry.
The students’ Ethiopian roots are displayed in this collection is by several of the pieces designed with Amharic inscriptions, the students’ native language. Combining cultural expression with beauty, some necklaces in the collection feature an oval-shaped pendant hanging from a leather cord. This unique design is made using special hammered or smoothing techniques and are crafted from 24k gold plated brass. The pendants are then inscribed with personalized messages such as single words like "forever", "love" and "friendship", which appear in Amharic lettering.
The design of the necklaces also integrates Ethiopian with Israeli culture by combining inscriptions in both Hebrew and Amharic texts. One such necklace is carved with the Hebrew text "Am Echad" (One Nation) and includes the same words in Amharic lettering.Yityish Titi Aynaw, an Ethiopian Israeli who was crowned Miss Israel 2013, was seen wearing this necklace.
Judaism is a prominent theme, as seen in the collection’s exquisite Star of David charm necklaces. The necklaces are designed with a combination of tradition and modernity and made from brass plated with 24k gold. The traditional designs include a Star of David embedded with beautiful fresh water pearls. The more modern looks are composed of two modular triangles welded together to create the Star of David.
The bracelets of the collection exhibit contemporary and fashionable features of Jewish Ethiopian culture. The thick shape of the bangle bracelets resemble customary African jewelry and are inscribed with either Amharic or Hebrew lettering. One of these stunning bracelets is decorated with an inscription in Hebrew text that states "Shema Yisrael", which means in English "Hear, O Israel". This strong message comes from the first line of the holy Shema Prayer.
The Megemeria jewelry collection by Yvel is a beautiful testament to many immigrants’ success in immigration and integration into Israeli society. The production and distribution of the Megemeria School’s jewelry helps ensure the success and growth of the Ethiopian community in Israel.
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