New life for old Judaica
Two years ago, a group of women from Beit Shemesh got together to warmly embrace the newest Bnei Menashe immigrants with gifts of Judaica and more. One of those women, Brenda Ganot, opened a branch of Heritage Judaica in Israel, based in Beit Shemesh, and has collects new and gently used Judaica items.
The Heritage Judaica initiative was started several years ago by Brenda’s friend Adam Schwartz of Minneapolis (a participant in the 248 JAFI program). He had the idea to collect surplus Judaica items from families who don’t need them and give them to new Jewish homes. The initiative is going strong and Adam has collected and distributed thousands of items in North America, with branches in Cleveland, Chicago, Miami and Boston.
As a staff member of the 248 program – The Global Network of Jewish Doers (The Jewish Agency), Brenda replicated Adam’s idea 4 years ago and set up a branch of Heritage Judaica in Israel, based in Beit Shemesh.
Recently Brenda made a donation of some beautiful Judaica pieces, challah boards, kiddush cups, Passover hagaddahs and more, to go to some of the many new immigrants to Israel and new converts that Shavei Israel helps. We’re incredibly grateful to be recipients of Brenda’s dedication and have already begun distributing her latest contributions to appreciative new olim (immigrants to Israel) and converts who are beginning their Jewish lives.
