Fort Lee—Even though everyone always enjoys a shul boutique, and even plans their shopping around the expected vendors, sometimes people want to find something different from the last one they went to. The Young Israel of Fort Lee has blended these two interests. For their first-ever boutique, they will have some of the regular vendors, selling hats, tablecloths and other staples, but they also looked to get merchandise that is unique. “We looked to find lots of handcrafted items,” said boutique coordinator Terrian Rabbenou. “We really went out of our way to find items you don’t usually see,” she continued, describing the handcrafted variety of mezuzahs, jewelry, ceramic ware and other items coming to the boutique.

Aside from the fact that Rabbenou hopes people come and find unique items for the upcoming chagim, she also hopes everyone takes a moment to enjoy their shul. Though the shul has been in existence for over 35 years, they recently remodeled and are in their brand new, beautiful building. In addition, Rabbi Zev Goldberg joined their shul last year and has been instrumental in in their programming by initiating interesting Lunch and Learns, Rosh Chodesh events, other types of shiurim and get togethers.

A portion of the funds from the sisterhood boutique will be used to send gifts to Shlomit, a small community in Israel on the border of Egypt and Gaza, to show their love and support.

“We hope people come and see everything we have,” Rabbenou added.

Check out both the classics and unique handcrafted items at the boutique—as well as the vibrant shul—Tuesday, September 20, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., at 1610 Parker Avenue in Fort Lee.

By Jenny Gans