(Courtesy of Gown Gemach) We are excited to introduce Something Borrowed Teaneck Gown Gemach, a new gemach set to open this fall in Teaneck, New Jersey.
Becky Katz and Rivki Rosenthal, inspired by a chesed mission to Chicago organized by Areyvut, discovered remarkable spaces housing multiple gemachs for their community. They were motivated to explore how they could make a positive impact locally, leading to the idea of establishing our own gown gemach. Celebrating special occasions often involves significant expenses, including one-time-use gowns. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to minimize these expenses and share the joy with others? While there are already many beautiful gown gemachs in our vibrant Jewish community, we wanted to establish one closer to home, where you can walk in and feel the incredible amount of chesed the members of our community are doing for each other. Together, Becky and Rivki began turning this vision into reality.
They reached out to various WhatsApp chats and Facebook groups to gauge interest in gown donations. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with people eager to contribute and inquiring about when the gemach would open. Encouraged by this feedback, they decided to proceed. An enthusiastic team of volunteers joined their cause, forming a dedicated board of ambitious women from Teaneck and Bergenfield, all working tirelessly to bring this gemach to life. Following their first meeting, they divided tasks, including finding a suitable space, designing a logo, seeking advice from other gemachs, establishing a 501(c)(3), opening a bank account and addressing finer details. Each member of the board brings a unique skill set, leaving the meeting brimming with excitement for their mission.
At Something Borrowed, our mission is to gather a collection of elegant gowns, available in various sizes, colors, and styles. Whether you need gowns for special occasions, bridal parties, wedding gowns, simchas or bat mitzvahs, or adorable dresses for our youngest members, Something Borrowed has you covered. We’re also thrilled to announce our collaboration with Renee Schnier and her bat mitzvah dress gemach, bringing everything under one roof for your convenience. Stay tuned for precise location details and hours, coming very soon.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the volunteers who dedicated their time and energy to make this gemach a reality: Robin Bin-Nun, Aviva Breda, Becky Katz, Bassy Lewis, Debra Okun, Ora Rapfogel, Ali Rosenthal, Rivki Rosenthal, Renee Schneier, Shira Yablok and Elana Zachter. We also want to thank Shira Auman of Shira Auman Art and Design, for designing our beautiful logo, as well as, Naomi Mezzi of Eclectic Interiors who will be designing our new space. Without them, this endeavor would not have been possible.
This gemach is established in loving memory of Helen and Samuel Baruch, z”l, beloved grandparents of Avi and Becky Katz, and Rivki Rosenthal’s mother, Phyllis Savetsky, z”l.
If you’d like to contribute to the gemach, you can drop off gowns and dresses at two convenient locations.
– 46 Sylvamdur Ave., Bergenfield—Home of Debra Okun
– 302 Maitland Ave., Teaneck—Home of Aviva Breda
For any questions, comments or to receive a letter of donation please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected].
