Our Gift Shop

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.
 

Jean Bernard, co-manager, has been with the shop for almost 15 years. She generally oversees the business side of the shop, including ordering, paying sales tax, maintaining the schedule, and filling in where needed. Jean has filled many roles at Adas, including secretary of the Gan Parents Association (long ago) and serving on the congregation’s board of directors.

Susan Winberg, co-manager, is a Washington, DC, native and has been associated with Adas for many years. Her grandmother (z”l) was a past Sisterhood president, and Susan came to the shop with excellent experience. She ran the Bombe Shop  for the Jewish Social Service Agency for many years, and she has worked at our gift shop for 10 years. Susan is primarily responsible for the lovely way the shop is organized.

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 12 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."
 

Mindy Gaynor will begin her 5th year as a Gift Shop volunteer in August. She says, "I love working in the shop. It's a lovely way to extend the warmth that defines Adas Israel. Many first-time visitors are surprised to discover we're more than a Judaica shop." Personal treats: a front-row seat to the Gan kids on Fridays & visitors in town for a conversion or baby-naming ceremony.

Elaine Rose Elaine joined Adas a couple of years ago to be with her daughter, who is also a member. She says, “I am proud to say I am a member of the superstar gift shop team—a fun, happy bunch of ladies. My little commute to Adas from where I live in Silver Spring is worth the trip. I have lived there for 15 years. I have two kids—a son and a daughter, each of whom has two kids—all girls and all too cute for words and under age five. Pride and joy for sure.”
 

Miriam Rosenthal, our newest volunteer, grew up at Adas Israel. She has big shoes to fill: Leah Chanin’s. Miriam writes "Leah retired from the gift shop, and I was looking for volunteer opportunities after retiring from the U.S. Census Bureau. As a former Adas Israel Sisterhood president, whose grandma also held that position, I was familiar with the gift shop and its philanthropic relationship with the synagogue. I’ve enjoyed catching up with fellow congregants, helping people who have just converted to pick out a piece of Judaica, and meeting Adas employees who are using their latest gift card from Adas Israel’s angel, Donald Saltz. Who knew retail could be so much fun?"

Susan J. Wedlan has been associated with the Gift Shop for over 25 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!”
 

Nancy Weiss has been a mainstay in the Sisterhood Gift Shop for around 25 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!”