Our Gift Shop

Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 10am - 12pm

Please keep in mind that if these hours are not convenient for you, send us an email at adasgiftshop@gmail.com, and we will contact you to set up a specific appointment. WE are here to serve you, so please call on us.

Please visit this page for special announcements.

Ruth & Simon Albert Sisterhood Gift Shop
2850 Quebec Street, NW
Washington, DC 20008
202-364-2888
adasgiftshop@gmail.com

Meet the Volunteers

Acknowledging the Gift Shop Volunteers

Everyone coming into the Ruth & Simon Albert Sisterhood Gift Shop—whether shopping for b’nai mitzvah, conversion, confirmation, or wedding gifts; a present for a friend (Jewish or non-Jewish); or a special occasion card—is struck by the variety of items—both religious and secular—the shop carries. But what is just as impressive is the professionalism, friendliness, and knowledge of the shop’s very special volunteer sales associates, many of whom have worked there for years. Without their efforts, the shop would not be the success it is and would not be able to support the synagogue financially as it does.

We’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Sisterhood members who donate their time in this way. Below we introduce you to them as they describe their experiences as sales volunteers.

Leah Chanin has been with the shop for over five years. She explains that she volunteered because she “…thought it would help the synagogue and also because it is a nice place to work.” Leah adds, “I enjoy my time each week in the Gift Shop. I do meet a lot of people, both Adas members and others. Most people are happy when they come in the gift shop to buy a tallit or a yad or other religious objects for special occasions—a bar/bat mitzvah or a wedding or a new home or a conversion. Sometimes I get to explain the religious purpose of a hanukkiyah or a mezuzah or other objects.”

Marian Fox says, “A pet rabbit in the Gan brought us to Adas Israel. Although banished for inappropriate behavior by the time our son started there, its presence when we toured sealed the deal. Rabbi Wohlberg said, when we told him, that there are many doors into the synagogue. Meanwhile, I've been working Sundays at the shop for well over six years. It's very different from my real job and gives me a chance to connect with my retail side. I love talking to customers and helping them find purchases that are just right for them."
 

For Myra Promisel, September will mark the beginning of her sixth year as a volunteer sales associate. Myra explains her motivation: “I very much liked the women who were involved (including Shirley Abrams and Ruthe Katz, both of blessed memory). I grew up in the retail business and have always enjoyed doing that kind of work. I love meeting people—synagogue and Sisterhood members—but also those going to the mikvah or passing through Adas for some other reason. I appreciate that what we are doing in the Shop is so important in supporting the synagogue.”
 

Susan J. Wedlan has been associated with the Gift Shop for over 10 years. Susan writes, “I started on Sundays, with Judy Hartman as my co-volunteer, while my three children were attending religious school. Sundays seem to be the busiest day of the week for the shop, and I loved all the activity. Now I take the Tuesday afternoon shift and follow up by volunteering in the library afterward. I enjoy having friends come in for a chat while they browse and buy. We have such a wonderful selection of Judaica; I am sure I am a top customer of the Shop!”
 

Bunny Weinstein, who has volunteered at the Gift Shop for over three years, says “I began because Leah Chanin can talk anyone into doing anything.” She goes on to say, “I feel that the Gift Shop serves not just members of the congregation but also the wider community. On Sunday I often have people from buildings nearby who say they don't know where else to buy candles, menorahs, etc. How nice to know the Gift Shop accommodates them as well.”

 

Nancy Weiss has been a mainstay in the Sisterhood Gift Shop for around 14 years. She reports that she “…started because the then manager, Aline Quint, was my bat mitzvah sister and asked for help. I enjoyed it so I never left my Tuesday morning slot!”

Our more recently added volunteers are Mindy Gaynor and Elaine Rose. In addition, Marian Fox has also been named a co-manager.