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Israeli Brands You Should Know: Maiyan Ben Yona
Since October 7, so many of us have been making more of an effort to support Israeli businesses. After two and a half years of nearly nonstop war, the economy has been hit so incredibly hard – and that’s especially true right now, in the midst of the war with Iran.
Ceramics That Channel Tel Aviv Chic
Given that, it seems like an especially apt time to share an Israeli brand I love: Maiyan Ben Yona, a Tel Aviv-based ceramicist known for her eye-catching porcelains (you may have spotted some of her colorful ceramics in past Luxe Jewish Life roundups).
A ceramicist since age 5 and a graduate of Jerusalem’s Bezalel Academy of Art and Design, Maiyan Ben Yona’s work is inspired by everything from colorful textiles to markets around Israel to plants and flowers, as well as ceramic traditions from around the world.
Finding My Judaica Style
I first discovered her when I was getting married in 2023. My husband’s family in Israel wanted to gift us a mezuzah case by an Israeli artist, and after browsing through lots of designs that just didn’t speak to me, I finally found one that hit all the right notes when I stumbled onto Maiyan Ben Yona’s sky blue mezuzah case with white stars.
I loved the modern yet playful style, and the combination of serene color scheme and dynamic pattern. This is the mezuzah case my husband and I chose for the front door of our flat, and I genuinely enjoy seeing it every time I go in and out – it’s like a preview of the sort of home decor style to which I aspire inside.
Perfect for Pesach
So I was thrilled when Maiyan herself reached out and offered to send over some Pesach-ready pieces from her collection to sample.
First off, there’s the seder plate, which is an absolute showstopper. Featuring a sky blue background with Maiyan Ben Yona’s trademark white star pattern (it just happens to be a perfect match for my front door mezuzah case!), the slots for each of the six items all have their own individual pattern – as do the bowls that fit into those slots.
I love how the overall look is modern yet harkens back to ancient pottery in such a primal way. It’s really such a special centerpiece for the seder table, and I can’t wait to use it this Passover as my husband and I prepare to host our first-ever seder in our own home.
Then come the arch candle holders. I absolutely love the shape – it’s so unique, playful yet elegant. These are statement pieces, but subtly so.
They go perfectly on the mini square serving plate in white with white ladder stripes.
And finally, the salt and pepper shakers in Indian red with cream spiral and stars. Again, I love the way these play with shape, bringing a touch of the unexpected to the table in a way that’s totally chic.
They fit perfectly on the rectangular serving plate in Indian red with cream zigzag.
Mix and Match
I love how well the pieces mix and match – both with each other and with a whole range of other styles. They’re available in such a great range of colors, and when you see and feel the ceramics in person you can tell just how much artistry goes into each one (every piece is handcrafted and handpainted in Tel Aviv).
If you’re looking for a special Judaica piece to enhance your Pesach (or Shabbat year-round) – or if you’re just looking for some standout tableware or home decor – do head over to Maiyan Ben Yona’s website and check out her full collection.
All of the items mentioned in this post (minus the mezuzah) were gifted, but I’m already adding things to my wishlist for a future order – at the moment, I’m lusting after some of her gorgeous vases!