Judaica Store Near Me A city that once had dozens of Jewish bookstores will soon have just two independent ones. The West Side Jewish Bookshop and J. Levine Books and Judaica, both in Manhattan, will be the only Judaica stores left to sell books, gifts and ritual objects to Jews of all ages and backgrounds. But the dwindling number of Jewish bookstores should not be seen as a sign that interest in Judaism is declining, says historian Jonathan Sarna.
The right side of Seltzer’s store looks largely like a standard-issue Jewish book shop: volumes from Orthodox publisher ArtScroll sit regally on shelves next to specialty titles on medical ethics, biblical geography and how to comfort mourners. There’s a rack of prayer shawls in the back and a stack of framed Jewish wedding contracts up front.
But the left side of the store is a veritable emporium of novelties made for an Orthodox clientele with money to spend. There are greeting cards embossed with menorahs and birthday wishes in Hebrew or “Welcome to your new yeshiva.” There’s a line of games from Magical Mitzvah Park to Cholent, The Game! Then there are the mugs, plates and bowls, adorned with deer, peacocks, fish, Old Jerusalem scenes or simply saying Shalom.
There are also a few items of jewelry, such as necklaces and earrings, a few bags and a kippot case or two. Seltzer has shifted his business in an attempt to stay afloat. He now sells 50 percent books and 50 percent Judaica. He had to make that change because an automatic increase in his rent kicked in three months ago and he said it wouldn’t be enough to keep the store going.
The Sisterhood Gift Shop is a place to find unique and beautiful Judaica for the holidays and simchas. Located in the Rotunda of Morristown Jewish Center Beit Yisrael, our gift shop has one of the largest selections in all of Morris County. It is staffed by volunteers, and all proceeds benefit the Sisterhood. COS Sisterhood members receive a 10% discount on Judaica purchases! The shop is open Wednesday evenings through Friday mornings.