Community Magazine March 2014

30 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE The gemach operates out of Sophie’s home. The sisters lend out the items free of charge – they only ask that they be returned in the same condition in which they were given, which means washing them (dry clean or machine wash, as appropriate). Without fail, people are grateful upon returning the items, which is just as well – sometimes there are repeat customers on the occasion of multiple sons! Elegant Bride Gemach: As the mother of young children, Shirley Zafrani realized she was the only one in her hesed -oriented family who was not actively pursuing kindness. “I wanted to do something besimhah ” – with happiness – Shirley says. “And what can be more joyous than helping a bride?” The bride gemach – home to tiaras, headbands, crowns and veils – perfectly met Shirely’s desire to give back, as it took up little space and yet provided every bride with that special sparkle. Through Shirley, headpieces that are often inordinately expensive can be had for the suggested donation price of only $26. They are all brand new and in style. People only need to come in by appointment and see what suits their fancy. If a bride has found a headpiece she likes, she can simply take it home with her – errand done. Shirley exuberantly reports that many happy brides have sent her pictures on their big day. Her headpiece is always at the helm, providing that certain shine. “Any small hesed goes a long way,” Shirley reflects. “You make a bride so happy because she found the perfect headpiece for her dress. Even if a bride’s not picky about it, you took away an errand during a busy, stressful time. They don’t have to go looking or think about whom they might borrow the headpiece from. It’s all here for them in an inexpensive fashion.” It appears Shirley has found it – an act of kindness that gives her tremendous satisfaction. “It’s a small thing, it doesn’t take up a lot of room,” she says, “but I can feel Hashem helping, making it bigger.” Perhaps what she’s feeling is the holiness radiated by brides which she cannot help but absorb. Table and Chairs Gemach: When one person after another asked to borrow his cumbersome metal folding chairs, Dovid began to think a gemach would be a good idea. Now, 15 years later, the gemach on Ave. R and East 15 th street is still going strong and has become a given during Sukkot. (Be sure to call Dovid before Rosh Hashanah to reserve your chairs!) People also use his chairs, tables and benches for their Zohar readings, beritot and backyard bar mitzvahs. To date, Dovid has amassed 450 chairs and 70 tables, colored black and gray, which he stores in his backyard shed. Tables, chairs and benches are lent out free of charge, except in the case where negligence is shown and something breaks. Furniture Gemach: A few years ago, Sarah Sasson was flipping through the gemach section of the Hamodia newspaper trying to find an item for a friend. While searching, she came across a furniture gemach listing, though not in our area. She began wondering, why doesn’t our community have a furniture gemach? Inspired, she decided to start one in memory of her father, grandmother and friend. She mentioned the idea to someone, who was supportive but didn’t know anyone giving away furniture just yet. A few days later, she called Sarah, incredulous: “I can’t believe this! My friend is cleaning her aunt’s house and needs someone to take all the furniture out!” With Gd’s help, that’s how the furniture gemach came about. Aunique aspect of this gemach is that it functions as a blog in which people who are giving away furniture and appliances are connected to those who need them. Couches, chairs, dressers, dining room tables, dryers, mattresses, baby appliances and more can all be found at www.furnituregemach.com. Here’s how it works: people donating furniture can text (917-361-8268) or email Sarah (furnituregemachbk@gmail.com) the pictures of their items, along with their phone number, address, and the specific date by which the furniture needs to be picked up. On the flip side, people seeking furniture or appliances visit the blog and click the “If you’re looking” tab. There they browse through dozens of recent postings, which Sarah updates several times a week. She then enters all the information into a private database for fast and easy access. Call during the new gemach hours, between 9 and 11 pm, with any questions you have, or any time of day to donate furniture. Sarah, a full-time real estate agent, views her volunteer work as a win-win situation. “People giving away furniture want to find it a home because they don’t want to throw it away, and the people taking the furniture are happy to receive it.” It’s like a shidduch service for furniture. Time and time again, Hashem blesses His intended with the very furniture they needed. Sarah has seen countless miracles of this nature – just ask her she will regale you with stories! Ultimately, she says, “it’s all up to Hashem.” To date, B’H, her furniture gemach has over a 90 percent success rate! These are but a small handful of the literally dozens of valuable gemachs available in our community. The huge number of gemachs and people they serve are a testament to the culture of generosity and mutual responsibility that has always been one of the trademarks of our extraordinary community. Undoubtedly, Avraham and Sara, the pillars of hesed and founders of our nation, are taking great pride in us, their descendants, who are perpetuating their cherished legacy of kindness on such a grand scale and with such love and devotion. Girls’ Party Dresses Gemach: Rivka Nakash (sizes 3m-2yrs) c: 718-404-8587, Lauren Nakash (sizes 3yrs-12jr ) c: 917-684-1862 Berit Gemach: Sophie Dweck c: 732-492-3895 Renee Sasson c: 917-912-7018 Little Boys Tuxedo Gemach: Mazal (sizes 0m-5T) c: 718-986-7690 Elegant Bride Gemach: Shirley Zafrani C: 917-353-5371 Table and Chairs Gemach: Dovid 718-510-6589 Furniture Gemach: Sarah Sasson www.furnituregemach.com cell: 917-361-8268