The Purim Costume Gemach, a Highland Park initiative that was initially sparked by comments on a Yahoo message board, has grown to encompass over 1,000 outfits, and has attracted thankful families from Edison, East Brunswick and Highland Park, as well Brooklyn, Linden, Passaic, Staten Island and Teaneck, just concluded its 18th year. The Gemach charges the very low cost of $5 for each costume borrowed, and all proceeds benefit the youth department of Congregation Ohav Emeth of Highland Park. The Gemach was established in memory of Chaya Friedman z”l.

Shari and Michael Gordon, two of the coordinators, reported that this year the Purim Costume Gemach loaned costumes to over 125 families, drawing from the growing collection of costumes that were all donated. They said that one of the most moving stories of the Gemach in recent years was the visit by a young girl who had been visiting a local hospital for medical treatment and was headed back to Israel just in time for Purim. As Michael put it, seeing her select a princess costume and delight in trying it on was a deeply inspiring example of the purpose of the Gemach.

The Gordons are very thankful to have Malka and Adam Ben-Haim as co-chairs for the last few years. In addition the Gemach could not have run without the help of Gloria and Steve Deutsch and Jeffrey and Miriam Schulman. To donate a costume to the Purim Costume Gemach, please send email to [email protected]

Harry Glazer is the Middlesex County editor of The Jewish Link. He welcomes reader feedback and can be reached at [email protected]. He is very grateful to Shari and Michael Gordon for their help in preparing this news item.