When you think about it, the idea of a gemach is quite unique, though within the Jewish communities it is something everyone takes for granted. Volunteers run these organizations, using their own time and houses, calling in favors and often using their own money to provide a service to the community. Sometimes a gemach starts because someone feels committed to a cause and wants to offer a service to help the community. Other times a gemach is founded in memory of a loved one, and often it is a combination of both factors. Whatever the reason, these people are selflessly dedicated to enhancing simchas and the community owes them tremendous hakarat hatov for all that they do.
Over time people working with these gemachs have found information that may be helpful to those looking to utilize their services, and have graciously offered to impart that advice to readers of The Jewish Link. Thank you to the newly formed Bat Mitzvah Dress Gemach, Project Yechi Tablecloth Gemach, the Beth Aaron Centerpiece Gemach and the Musical Ears Gemach for their invaluable guidance.
Many gown gemachs do not allow alterations, but we do.
If people would like a tax receipt, we are actually affiliated with Project Ezrah and can give a receipt for your gown donation from there.
There is no charge to use the gemach. Just please make sure to dry clean the dress before returning.
Please don’t use sternos or candles on the tablecloths. They actually melt the fabric.
We love seeing the tablecloth combinations people come up with that we had not thought of on our own, or seen used before. Everyone brings their own style.
If we don’t have enough of a single style tablecloth for your event, don’t be afraid to combine different designs or colors.
We’re not just centerpieces anymore—we also have beautiful trees that can be used as a mechitzah.
Some centerpieces are hardier than others. Please be careful when moving, setting up and handling.
In case you are using tablecloths that do not allow candles, the gemach stocks a selection of items for use with candles and without as well.
We have the approval of doctors and ENTs, and we verified the models that we use to make sure they provide adequate hearing protection.
Germaphobes can relax—everyone gets a little sanitizing kit to clean the unit before use.
This idea has taken off nationally, and the the gemach receives phone calls from communities near and far asking for guidance and tips to start their own gemach for protective ear devices.
You don’t have to reserve the headphones when you book a hall, but definitely don’t wait until the last minute, especially during busy simcha seasons. And please make sure to return quickly because chances are other people are waiting for them too.
By Jenny Gans
