Antique Porcelain Items
17/03/2025
Visit an Antique Shop in Tel Aviv – Jericho Antiques TLV
26/08/2025"Jericho" – A Charming Corner of the Past in the Heart of Old Tel Aviv
"Jericho" is a unique shop, which looks like Aladdin's cave. A "house of antiques," my second home, standing for 71 years. This magical place was founded in 1953 by my father, Rahamim the son of Benjamin Levy Azizolayoff. Why? Let me tell you the story.
The Story of Grandpa Benjamin (Amin)
Grandpa Benjamin, my father’s father, was a Jewish merchant who immigrated to Israel from the city of Mashhad, Iran, in 1922 and built his home in the Bukharan Quarter of Jerusalem.
He spent his life trading in gemstones, carpets, furs, and antiques, traveling the world—from India and South Africa to England, Paris, New York, and Istanbul. Buying here, selling there—months of voyages across the seas.
Grandpa Benjamin (Amin) – A somewhat unusual name? It sounds Jewish, yet also Arabic, and perhaps a bit Persian?
The Crypto-Jews of Mashhad
The Jewish community of Mashhad was a group of "Crypto-Jews"—Jews who were forced to convert to Islam in order to survive. However, this conversion was only outward; in secret, they continued to practice Judaism, observing circumcision, bar mitzvahs, and kosher slaughter—all in hiding, quite literally "underground."
They immigrated to Israel in 1922 through a long and arduous journey—traveling by carts, donkeys, ships, and trains, passing through Iraq, India, Egypt, Jaffa, and finally reaching Jerusalem.
My Father Rahamim and the Founding of "Jericho"
My father, Rahamim, was born in Jerusalem in 1922. He studied at the Tachkemoni and Alliance schools, was a member of Maccabi Tzair, and played soccer. During the British Mandate, he was even imprisoned in the "Kishle." After marrying my mother, Tuti, he moved to Tel Aviv, and in 1953, he opened "Jericho."
The Origin of the Name "Jericho"
The name "Jericho" was chosen because my father loved to travel. As a young man, he often hiked from Jerusalem to the Judean Desert, visiting Jericho, Mar Saba, and Wadi Qelt.
He brought the spirit of an "oasis in the desert" into the four walls of his shop in the heart of Old Tel Aviv, where he worked every day alongside my mother, Tuti—whose name reflects her Persian heritage—for many years.
Rahamim & Tuti
Nava
The Atmosphere & Treasures of "Jericho"
My father, Rahamim, was born in Jerusalem in 1922. He studied at the Tachkemoni and Alliance schools, was a member of Maccabi Tzair, and played soccer. During the British Mandate, he was even imprisoned in the "Kishle." After marrying my mother, Tuti, he moved to Tel Aviv, and in 1953, he opened "Jericho."
"Jericho" – My Second Home
As a child, "Jericho" was more than just a shop—it was home. It was a place where I did my homework, read books from the "Izersky" library, ate meals, and even learned the basics of jewelry making. The shop also served as a meeting place for family members and visitors from all over the world.
What About Today?
After 71 years, the shop is still here! My mother, Tuti, managed it until the summer of 2009. Afterward, I left my career in teaching to continue the legacy of my parents.
Come Visit!
"Jericho" is hiding under the arches at 38 Ahad Ha'am Street, at the corner of Allenby, opposite "The big Synagogue".
We invite you to step into this magical oasis—but it's best to call before you arrive: Nava, +972-52-2440038 😊
