Smaller is sometimes better, especially in the case of something other than mainstream for this holiday season, as well as for everyday Judaica needs. Here are four shops in Tidewater where you can find interesting and one-of-a-kind items in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
The Auxiliary Gift Shop
Beth Sholom Village
When it opened about 40 years ago, The Auxiliary Gift Shop at Beth Sholom Village sold snacks and necessities for residents. In the 1980s, it went from a hospital-style gift shop to a boutique, carrying everything from snacks to most clothing and accessory needs.
The Hanukkah needs of the residents are minimal as they are not allowed to light candles in their rooms, and for that reason, the store offers a small assortment of electric menorahs, cards, gift bags, and wrapping paper. Also for sale are gift items like handbags, jewelry, wallets, gloves, scarves, and boutique-style clothing.
The shop is a fundraising endeavor by The Auxiliary of Beth Sholom Village. The Auxiliary is a group of dedicated and creative volunteers who are committed to helping the residents at BSV. All profits go to assisting the residents with their needs and providing financial assistance to BSV. It is a place for residents to come visit, have a new face to tell stories to, and to get a positive mental lift when they can buy something new that makes them feel good.
For more information, call 757-420-2512 or visit bethsholomvillage.com.
Judaica and Gift Shop
Congregation Beth El
One of the oldest Judaica gift shops in Tidewater clocks in between 60 and 70 years: Congregation Beth El’s Judaica and Gift Shop offers an array of Hanukkah Judaica, such as platters, dreidels (some of which are designer), Hanukkiah (in styles including a retro-shaped train, Noah’s Ark, spaceship, and traditional), candles, children’s games, puzzles, and books.
The shop also carries jewelry, tzedakah boxes, mezuzot (which are purchased from an Israeli vendor), and kosher scrolls.
Other Judaica items include Seder plates, afikomen covers, Shabbat candlesticks, challah boards and covers, and items for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, wedding, and bris (with baby talits and kippahs); plus wedding glasses, Ketubot, and tallit for men, women, boys, and girls, made in Israel. The talit come with a matching kippah and bag.
The shop is managed by a committee of Beth El Sisterhood members. It is intended to be a source of income, as well as a service and convenience for the congregants and community. Proceeds benefit many activities at Beth El that the Sisterhood supports, including the weekly Kiddush luncheons, Sunday Religious School, and camp scholarships.
For more information, call 757-625-7821 or visit bethelnorfolk.com.
Judaica Shop
Ohef Sholom Temple
The Judaica Shop at Ohef Sholom Temple carries a wide variety of Judaica and all of the necessary items for a Jewish home, such as mezuzot, Hanukkiah, Seder plates, Shabbat candlesticks, challah covers, and Havdalah sets.
Among the many items in the shop are designer pieces, children’s items, gelt, games, tallitot, kippot, and jewelry, as well as books, eco-friendly household items, and one-of-a-kind art from around the world. It is a frequent stop for Bar and Bat Mitzvah and wedding gifts
The shop periodically offers special pop-up shopping events, especially around holidays, with Eco Maniacs, selling sustainable products of all sorts.
Operated by Ohef Sholom Temple’s Sisterhood, all profits are used to support the temple and its programs.
For more information, call 757-625-4295 or visit ohefsholom.org.
Gift Shop
Temple Israel
In addition to all of the new items in Temple Israel’s Gift Shop, the shop features a large collection of items that have been donated, called its ‘L’Dor v’Dor’ section. There are no prices on these items; the temple asks only for a donation in return. These items have an added personal touch, too: If there is a story behind a particular item, the donor writes it down when they donate the item so the information can be passed along to the new family.
Among the items sold are Hanukkiah of all sizes and shapes (both electric and those that use candles) and a variety of dreidels (some that can be played with and others for display only). The shop also has decorations, books, mezuzot of all types, candlesticks, kippot, a small selection of tallit, kiddush cups, platters, shofarot, pictures, jewelry, and many other items.
The gift shop is managed by Temple Israel’s office staff, with all proceeds benefiting the synagogue.
For more information, call 757-489-4550 or visit templeisraelva.org.
–Debbie Burke