“We hope they appreciate the benefit
to the synagogue. We consider ourselves a
year-round fundraiser for the synagogue.”
But the harsh reality is that shoppers
generally are either looking for the best
deal — or something that no one else has
available. “One reason we’re so successful is we
have so many different items,” said Sil-
ver-Gordon, who started the site in 2001.

“At this point, we have over 800 mezuzahs
and different menorahs. It’s hard to find
that type of assortment anywhere. We do
have some vendors create exclusive items
“Only a handful
of us operate out
of a warehouse
and have a real
store. Eventually,
the consumer
finds out.” —
WENDY SILVER-GORDON
for us, but not an entire line. And we make
our own wedding glass keepsake items,
because it’s nice to have something just a
little bit different.”
That’s especially true since the holidays
are approaching.

“Definitely, this is our busiest time,”
Kreitzer said. “We have tons of new stuff
from emoji dreidels to a menorah in brass
or chrome that’s a monument to the mod-
ern bagel. I was writing the blog, with
a new recipe every week, looking for a
creative outlet. Last year, I found mod-
erntribe.com was for sale, the perfect
complement.” There’s probably a similar story behind
every Jewish website, something else you
won’t find on Amazon.

“My mother-in-law started with a retail
store, my husband opened this location in
the mall and I opened the site,” Silver-Gor-
don said. “I’d come from a Jewish artist’s
perspective because my father and I were
in business together making Judaica when
I met my future mother-in-law.

“The industry has consolidated. A lot of
stores have closed over the years. But we
rely on word-of-mouth and previous cus-
tomer experience.

“That gives us the ability to offer all
price points. The store’s in a good location,
but online offers us a lot more growth.” l
JEWISHEXPONENT.COM A.Brandt+Son
ANTIQUE AND ESTATE JEWELRY
t a
VINTAGE ACCESSORIES
Gr l e iday g
Ho oppin We buy Gold, Silver and All Precious Metals
Sh We appraise and purchase jewelry from estates
223 Haverford Avenue, Narberth
610 617 0993
www.abrandtandson.com WINTER HOLIDAY MAGAZINE
NOVEMBER 23, 2017
11