By Erez Ben Ari, JTNews Correspondent
Ever since Tree of Life Judaica & Books shut down in December, people have been wondering where they can pick up those ritual objects or pieces of Jewish artwork that had previously been available without resorting to the Internet. Several synagogues have long operated Judaica shops while others have begun to dive in as a fundraising effort for themselves while ensuring that the state’s Jews get what they need to practice their religion.
Temple De Hirsch Sinai
1511 E Pike St., Seattle
and
3850 156th Ave. SE, Bellevue
www.tdhs-nw.org
Reform congregation Temple De Hirsch Sinai has a Judaica store operated by volunteers. They specialize in seder plates, kiddush cups, wedding gifts, mezuzot, kippot, children’s items and Hanukkah goods. They also feature artistic works by Gary Rosenthal.
Hours of operation:
Sundays, 10 a.m.-noon (Seattle and Bellevue)
Wednesday afternoons, 4-6 p.m. (Bellevue)
Thursdays, 4:30-6 p.m. (Seattle)
Friday mornings, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (Bellevue)
Extended hours of operation around holidays.
Temple B’nai Torah
15727 NE 4th St., Bellevue
425-603-9677
www.templebnaitorah.org
Temple B’nai Torah’s store focuses on items created by residents of Washington, such as hand-carved mezuzot by artist Al Benoliel and beaded bracelets made by his grandson. They also feature glass works by Yafit Glass and Sharon Lawrence as well as unique silver works by New York artist Michael Bromberg and specialty items imported from Israel including tallit, candles and kiddush cups.
Hours of operation:
Sunday during school, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Mondays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Thursdays, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
Also available during temple hours of operation, and other times by appointment.
Chabad-Lubavitch House
4541 19th Ave. NE, Seattle
Chabad Lubavitch House offers mezuzot, tallitot and tefillin, as well as holiday-related items like the lulav and etrog. Purchases can be made by appointment with Rabbi Kavka by calling 206-730-2775.
Herzl-Ner Tamid Conservative Congregation
3700 E Mercer Way, Mercer Island
www.h-nt.org/judaicashop.htm
The Judaica store at Herzl-Ner Tamid is one of the oldest stores in the region, and one of the biggest as well. They specialize in traditional jewelry and artisan items. They are currently running a special sale, through the end of January, with items at up to 50 percent off regular prices.
Hours of operation:
Fridays, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Sundays, 10 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Or by appointment.
Temple Beth El
5975 S 12th St., Tacoma
Temple Beth El holds the only Judaica store in Pierce County, and draws customers from as far as Olympia. The store focuses on holiday-related items, and they double their selection during the holidays. They represent most of the well-known Judaica artists like Gary Rosenthal, and also feature items from the New York show, such as handmade jewelry, baked ware from Kosher Cook, and items by Emily Rosenfeld.
Hours of operation:
Wednesdays, 4-6 p.m.
Sundays, 7-7:30 a.m., 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Bikur Cholim Machzikay Hadath
5145 S Morgan St., Seattle
206-721-0970
www.bcmhseattle.org
Bikur Cholim Machzikay Hadath has a small Judaica store that offers books, menorahs, mezuzot and kippot.
Temple Beth Am
2632 NE 80th St., Seattle
206-525-0915
www.templebetham.org
Temple Beth Am’s Judaica store has recently experienced a significant expansion, and has a unique and diverse selection of items from themed pencil sharpeners to tallitot and arts-and-crafts related items. Nena, the store’s operator, takes care to stock a variety of unusual items from around the world, many of which are created by struggling communities and artists to have the proceeds donated to community-related causes.
Hours of operation:
Sundays, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Tuesdays, 5:30-9 p.m.
Congregation Beth Israel
2200 Broadway, Bellingham
360-733-8890
www.bethisraelbellingham.org
As a service to the Bellingham community, Beth Israel offers a select variety of Judaica items such as mezuzot, kiddush cups and menorahs, as well as holiday items around holiday times, like Hanukkah candles. They also sell a unique selection of tallitot, made by Mary, a local artist.