Spiritual charms benefit breast cancer research

Drawn by a colorful array of bead-embellished suede strips, bracelets and "hand of God" items, Northbrook Court shoppers set down bags to find out more about the merchandise in the kiosk.

What they discover are items designed to help protect the recipient, spiritually and physically, including kabbalah jewelry, healing charms and -- new this season -- pink suede bracelets that help raise money for breast cancer support.

Some are initially skeptical, but many admit they become addicted to what's offered at Lucky Charms, owned and staffed by young Israelis Mulan Reiter, 25, her twin sister Inbar; Mulan's boyfriend Oren Lev, 26; and Inbar's husband, Jonathan Globerson, who designed the company Web site.

Deerfield resident Jaclyn Dorf stocked up on pink bracelets and other items for her family and friends.

"I get these because my mother and grandmother had breast cancer and a portion of the proceeds will go to the Susan G. Komen Foundation," said the 20-year-old Indiana University student.

Mulan Reiter chimes in, "Would you believe we sold 100 in a month, meaning we could donate $250?" The business is sending 10 percent from the sale of the pink bracelets to the foundation. She and Lev, both of Buffalo Grove, love to explain to newcomers the kabbalistic meaning behind all the amulets, which are made in Israel and Turkey.

"It's not about the latest fashion bag, with initials," Lev says as he fastens a strip around the handle of a large trendy tote. "It's about carrying protective energy with you everywhere, on a purse or on your wrist, or on your keys or hanging something on the wall."

Listening in on the exchange, Buffalo Grove shopper Marcy Kahan nodded, saying she'd purchased a pink bracelet for her 17-year-old son Dan's girlfriend, whom she describes as "very spiritual."

Mulan Reiter, a former commander in the Israeli Defense Forces, said, "The people who wear these are not only Israelis or stars like Madonna or Demi Moore. They are Jewish and they are Christians."

Some hope the symbols will bring them true love or longed-for babies. The lucky charms have helped with both, Mulan Reiter said.

She divides her time between Buffalo Grove and Florida, where her identical twin, a former artillery soldier, manages a similar business at Sawgrass Mills near Fort Lauderdale.

Lev pronounces special blessings over new purchases, as he holds the hands of customers. All members of the team have spent time in the mystical city of Safed, Israel, where they studied kabbalah, an ancient system of beliefs and practices.

For more information, go to www.luckycharmsusa.com or call (800) 741-7695.