The Jewish Link contacted area Judaica suppliers to learn how they have adjusted operations in order to maintain the services and facilitate the sudden increased demand of products needed by the community, paired with mandatorily limited customer encounters, and especially with the approach of Pesach. Reuben Nayowitz, owner operator of Judaica House in Teaneck described sparing no time and effort in the, “Unexpected scrambling to get online and create a fully functioning retail website.” In anticipation of the enormous upsurge in demand for this year, Nayowitz commented about the numerous steps he has taken to help assure the ease of access and supply to provide for the needs of the community. Nayowitz said that, “Customers can still call the store or can now order online, with the same fulfilment options. Judaica House will deliver for free in Bergen County with a minimum order of $20, and ship or provide inside or curbside pickup as requested.”
Consumers can call between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., and until 2 p.m. on Erev Yom Tov. Judaica House will be open three days of Chol Hamoed, Sunday through Tuesday until 3 p.m. There are only three people working inside the store, maintaining the recommended distance of six feet, and using prescribed hand hygiene. For orders and information, the website is fast and easy: www.judaicahouse.net or via phone: 201-801-9001.
Rabbi Mendel Bogomilsky operates the Chai Book Center in Milburn, NJ. While the brick and mortar store is closed, they are handling requests and orders via phone, offering both curbside pickup and local delivery. The website is view only. Chai Book Center offers a full array of Pesach supplies and Haggadahs. Rabbi Bogomilsky commented, “Remembering the significance of the blood on the lintels and doorposts. Now is a good time to check your existing mezuzahs, to make sure you have mezuzahs in every location that requires a mezuzah, and to think about upgrading to a better quality klaf (parchment); to be ‘mezuzah active.’” The Chai Book Center can be reached by calling 973-379-3151 and leaving a message. Calls are returned promptly.
Weinreb’s Books and Judaica in Teaneck is also open with limited hours and can be reached at 201-530-7588.
These are unprecedented times for business owners. Not that there’s never been a recession or depression, but because we have enjoyed so much abundance for so long with relatively few obstacles, and the amazing advancement of technology to drive business in ways we never imagined possible as short as 20 years ago. Perhaps we never imagined that a situation like a rabid contagion would have the potential to challenge our best practices in business and economics. Yet, here we stand, and thanks to some ingenuity and the benefits of technology; many businesses continue to survive—even thrive—in the face of great need and challenge.
By Ellie Wolf
