Moreover, according to several recent articles, the Orthodox Jewish lifestyle is becoming more upscale. A simple Google search leads to sites touting high-end wines, sophisticated restaurants, and top-styled wigs.
“There are so many things that [Orthodox] Jewish women are demanding at this point, that a high-end fashion magazine could be on the list of things they want to see in their lives,” says Weizman, who notes that Hadar is not only about clothes but also about empowering Jewish women. Articles include topics on budgeting for kosher food, managing the cost of yeshiva tuition, and being an Orthodox career woman and what that means for Shabbat and holidays.
Weizman says business at Hadar is steady and growing. She is carrying out diverse tactics to achieve success, including reaching out to and sometimes securing national advertisers. The publication prints 10,000 copies per issue and distributes thousands of promotional copies to ensure the right eyeballs are on the page for the advertisers. For example, every student at Stern College gets a copy. The magazine has also been stuffed in the giveaway bags at a mix of high-end Orthodox events, and it is partnering with several non-profits, including the Jewish Agency, Hillel, and Chabad.
Ultimately, Weizman and Genuth have dreams of their company expanding, first to a monthly and eventually to a global brand. Weizman toys with the idea of publishing Hadar cookbooks or other related periodicals.
“The creativity and passion comes out with every issue,” she says.
Maayan Jaffe wrote this article for JNS and is a freelance writer in Overland Park, Kan.
