At the beach, in cafés, or during excursions, Israelis love the famous game "Shesh Besh," also known as Backgammon. Young Michal, 23, opened her own Shesh Besh store in Zichon Yaakov, in northern Israel, where she creates her own game boards. Filled with energy and enthusiasm, she shared her passion for the game and her desire to share it with a wide clientele during an interview. Three years ago, Michal started her brand Michali.z, which is now a great success. She creates endless Shesh Besh boards, according to the orders she receives. Animals, seascapes, icons, caricatures, symbols, and even portraits—Michal takes on all challenges and personalizes dozens of Shesh Besh boards each week.
It all began during her military service in the IDF. As a recruit commander in the Golan unit, she played a lot of Shesh Besh during her breaks.
"I played Shesh Besh when I was little, but it really became a part of my life when I was 18. In the army, I played a lot. When I finished my service, I wanted to give a special gift to my unit because I had such great years with them and wanted to leave something unique behind, reflecting my time there. I love making gifts that I design myself, I think it’s much more meaningful for the person receiving it. So I combined my two passions—art and Shesh Besh—and made them a game board that captured everything we had lived together: our best moments, jokes, key dates... They loved it so much!" says Michal.
When Michal finished her military service, she was injured in her legs and couldn’t stand or walk for long periods. Confined to her home, she wondered how to occupy her days. Her friends, recognizing her immense talent, suggested that she seriously pursue making Shesh Besh boards.
"At first, it was a temporary activity, but then it became very intense. I started receiving orders from all over Israel, and I even had to hire employees to help me prepare everything. It's very moving to see this growth. Six months later, I opened a TikTok account to share my creations, and everything blew up in an amazing way. People even started recognizing me in the street, and I received tons of orders," Michal explains, very moved.
Michal has also gifted Shesh Besh boards to several Israeli artists, including rapper Tuna, musician Yoni Bloch, Eric Berman, and the Teapacks band.
With this growing success, Michal opened her own studio last year, which spans three floors. The store is on the ground floor, filled with Shesh Besh boards in the window, the workshop is on the first floor where she holds classes, and the second floor is where she stores her materials. Michal generally needs anywhere from a few hours to a few days to create a Shesh Besh, depending on the design. She handles an average of 5 to 7 orders per day and works on several games at once. She then sends the Shesh Besh boards all over the country, but she says that "most clients prefer to come pick up their game in person and meet me, or even play with me."
Workshops and Festivals
To encourage these meetings, Michal has organized workshops around the Shesh Besh game. For two years, many people asked her to teach them the rules and secrets of making their own Shesh Besh boards. Proud to pass on her passion, Michal launched her first workshop in August 2023 in her garden.
"During the workshops, we teach them how to make a Shesh Besh from A to Z. Everything I’ve learned over the years, I share in workshops that last about three hours. It’s a very rewarding experience for both them and me. People leave very satisfied with their ready-to-use Shesh Besh; we have both adults and children, and they learn to create all kinds of designs, without necessarily knowing how to draw beforehand," she says.
Michal also organizes events around Shesh Besh, including a festival during Hanukkah, starting on December 27 and running for a week. Fans can attend two types of workshops—one focusing on the basics and secrets of the game, and the other dedicated to creating Shesh Besh boards. At the same time, there will be a tournament with 32 players and prizes for the winners, including Shesh Besh boards created especially for the tournament and vouchers for buying items at the Michali.Z store.
Unique Shesh Besh Boards
Customers can order from the Michali.Z website either existing designs or customize their Shesh Besh with anything they wish. "One day, we received a wedding proposal order, with the couple’s photo and the phrase 'Will you marry me?' It was very original. In general, I draw inspiration from nature to create my Shesh Besh boards. I love going on excursions, the sea, the colors of blue, turquoise, and sand—I’m a girl of the sea," Michal shares.
"Israelis love this game because it’s very simple and you can take it anywhere. It’s also a game that brings people together and encourages meeting others. You can play with a complete stranger, and a few hours later, you could really become friends. It’s a game that has inevitably become part of Israel. Before the State of Israel existed, it was brought here from Arab countries. Israelis have become attached to this game because it’s deeply rooted in the country’s history, and especially because it doesn’t require much thinking, allowing you to clear your mind," Michal explains.
Backgammon is played on a board with 24 arrows, also called points, in alternating colors. The color alternation is only there to help with counting during the movement of the pieces. Each of the two players has 15 pieces of a specific color, which they move from point to point according to the roll of two dice. There are several versions and rules, and customers love consulting Michal for her valuable advice.
"Unfortunately, this year, we had many orders in memory of fallen soldiers, with their photos, and it was very emotionally difficult because each one of them represents a world in itself. Every time, it’s a trial," Michal says.
Young Michal dreams big. She wants to expand her Shesh Besh business internationally and reach clients in Jewish communities in Europe and the United States, offering them "a touch of Israel." She also dreams of opening her own café where customers could play Shesh Besh and meet new people. Michal aims to develop her career as an artist while continuing her business and starting her studies.
"By opening this studio at such a young age, I’ve shown that anything is possible, you just have to believe in yourself. I want to tell people that they need to step out of their comfort zone, face the world, discover, and meet new people. We have the power to influence our lives and make our dreams come true; everything is in our hands. Be free and do only what makes you happy," she concludes.
Caroline Haïat
Comments