Westchester Reform Temple to hold its holiday boutique next week

Browse, buy, and boost worthy causes.

Shop ’til you drop  With new vendors this year, the boutique will be teeming with creative holiday gifts

BY DEBORAH SKOLNIK

December 10th is commonly called “Tuesday,” but those in the know call it “Yay, It’s Time To Snag Great Gifts!” day. That’s because, from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Westchester Reform Temple will hold its annual holiday boutique. Now in its 21st year, it will feature 30 exciting vendors, 12 of which are new.

The event first began when members of the temple’d Women of Reform Judaism hroup decided it would be a great way to help WRT’s causes and community services. This, year, co-chairs Helen Bernstein and Jane Klein have led the effort, along with a slew of volunteers. The boutique has been crowd pleaser year-in and out: “I think people are looking for creative and different gift options,” Bernstein said. “It’s also shopping for a cause, since you are giving part of [what you pay] as a donation.” Nor does it hurt that the boutique is in the snug indoors, unlike many holiday markets that require you to brave the weather, and admission is free, regardless of whether you are a member of the synagogue.

Groundwork for this labor of love began all the way back in the summer. While Klein is a veteran, it was Bernstein’s first time organizing the boutique: “I just wanted to help make it a successful event,” she said. “I hope that people come and find meaningful gifts.” There will be plenty of options, from jewelry to hostess gifts, fashion finds and even cheese and jam. “You’re not going to find these things in a department store,” Klein says—nor will you find a better way to do good while having great fun.