Community Magazine June 2021

30 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE The “wig world” – the term we might use for the industry of wigs for observant married women – has become very large, offering many outstanding options to choose from. It is also a very expensive operation, when we consider not just the price of a wig, but the costs of cutting, styling, coloring, and other adjustments, which all together can amount to thousands of dollars. Recently, a new gemach (free loanorganization) has been established to make it easier for women in our community to find a wig that is right for them without having to spend a fortune. This new organization joins the ever-growing list of wonderful gemachim that help countless community members with things from medicines to tablecloths and everything in between. A Simple Idea – an Overwhelming Response The gemach is the brainchild of Berta Thkifati and Margo Chalouh, who decided to launch the operation this past January, in memory of Louza Aliza bat Henriette. The idea is simple – to take wigs that women have, for whatever reason, stopped wearing, and put them to use. Many women can’t afford the wig of their dreams, or even a lower-end wig, and so Berta and Margo decided to collect unused wigs in good condition and make them available. “We started out calling many wig shops and salons in the Tri-State area to see if they had anywigs theywanted to donate,” Berta explained. “We were amazed by howmany were eager to contribute. With these generous donations from wig shops, the gemach was open for business.  The response to the new endeavor was overwhelming. Women from throughout the Tri-State area reached out and drove to Brooklyn for appointments. These included new brides who couldn’t afford a wig, marriedwomenwho never covered their hair before and decided to take the step, and women with both financial and health issues. Women from vastly different backgrounds and with vastly different needs and tastes have been helped by the gemach . Berta and Margo work very hard to accommodate everyone, while making visits strictly confidential. They graciously volunteer their time to help each client find a wig that suits her, and patiently show her how to properly care for it. They serve approximately 15-20 women each week. Accommodating Everyone The wig gemach requests a small fee to offset costs – a fee which amounts to a tiny fraction of the regular price of a wig – and limits each client to two wigs to assure fair distribution. Serving so many women requires constant replenishing of the supply. Fortunately, generous women have donated wigs or money. Donations areoftenmadeinhonorofsomebody or inmemory of a loved one. “Sometimes people give a wig and specify that the wig be given to a woman who has only now decided to start covering her hair, or to a bride who cannot afford a wig,” Berta says. “We are happy to accommodate such requests, as we know a donation can be quite personal.” They were once approached by a singlemother who was diagnosed with a serious illness and needed to undergo emergency brain surgery. She was left with scars all over her head which made her son petrified to look at her. The bruises made it impossible for her to wear any of the wigs that the gemach had in stock, and so Berta and Margo set out to raise money. Within just 24 hours, they had received enough donations to buy this woman a brand new, lace top wig which was comfortableenough for her towear. This is howfar theywereprepared to go to help a woman in need. Another woman served by the gemach had not been able to purchase a wig in over 15 years due to financial constraints. The gemach enabled her to obtain a quality, brand-name wig, and she was overjoyed. Berta and Margo feel privileged to help so many women fulfill this mitzvah without bearing a crippling financial burden. And they are proud – as we should all be – of the outpouring of support and donations by individuals and businesses in the community. In order to help ensure a constant supply of quality wigs, the gemach is welcoming donations. The demand is high, and the gemach is eager to meet it. So, if you have a wig that you haven’t worn in months, consider donating it – it may change a woman’s life. For more information about donating, please Venmo @berta-yazdi with a note that it’s a donation to the wig gemach , or text Margo at 917-478-5619. To make an appointment to pick out a wig from the gemach , please email bertayazdi@gmail.com . New Gemach Helps Ensure the Community is “Covered” FRIEDA SCHWEKY Leilu nishmat Louza Azan A”H Wig Gemach Providing brides and women across the tri state area with gently used to new wigs. If you need to donate a wig please text Margo at (917) 478-5619 If you need to make an appointment to pick up a wig from the Gemach please email bertayazdi @ gmail.com only. If you’d like to donate please Venmo Berta-Yazdi & write donation to wig Gemach. Tziku lemitzvot חכמה וצנועה ביא בדרכיה ThePersonalizedDesign

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