Semitic Tribes is a transcendent contemporary accessories line exploring the cultural, historical and spiritual spectrum of Jewish consciousness. Launched in 2009 by fashion industry insider Boris Chertok, the line mixes thought-provoking imagery, Semitic influences and pop culture to give Semitic Tribes its distinct, iconic style. Our goal is to inspire Jews of all backgrounds to explore the beau
ty and wisdom of their heritage by using the rich mediums of fashion and visual art to promote conversation and connection, thereby fostering a sense of Jewish pride and relevance in our 21st Century generation. Boris, currently based in Brooklyn, seamlessly bridges the gap between art, music and fashion as well as culture, spirituality and philosophy into his designs. The line was first made famous by the Semitic Keffiyeh, a design which illustrates Dveykus/Semitic Tribe reaffirmation of a positive and informed Jewish identity. Variations of the keffiyeh have been worn by many peoples in the Middle East for generations, but in recent times this symbol has become a divisive and politicized one. The Semitic Keffiyeh celebrates our shared Middle Eastern heritage while challenging misconceptions that it has always been the exclusive garb of any particular group. Media reaction to the Semitic Keffiyeh was swift: the NY Times, Jerusalem Post, Arutz Sheva and more ran articles that propelled Dveykus/Semitic Tribe to the forefront of discussions regarding Jewish consciousness. The Semitic Keffiyeh has therefore become a barometer for one’s self-perception based on one’s upbringing, education and personal biases about being Jewish. Boris continues to boldly examine modern Jewish identity with an ever-evolving product line that both taps into our Semitic traditions and reflects current trends. The Hebrew word dveykus means “cleaving” or “attaching oneself” to something transcendent, i.e. It is our hope that you not only find a piece that speaks to you, but that your experience here at Dveykus is one of a positive and uplifting nature.
