An attractive range of jewelry, block prints, photography, artisanal soap, Judaica (gift items, candles, gelt, menorahs, dreidels), and many more beautifully handcrafted gifts will be available to holiday shoppers at the Sisterhood of Temple Beth-El’s annual Artisan Marketplace and Scholastic Book Fair.
This year’s marketplace, which is open to the public, will be held on Sunday, Nov. 10, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Temple Beth-El in Providence, 70 Orchard Ave.
It is the second Artisan Marketplace/fundraiser since the Sisterhood transformed its Hanukkah sale of earlier years into this new and much broader event. Last year’s sale drew shoppers from beyond the Beth-El community, and the Sisterhood hopes that the newly configured event will become an annual draw for people from throughout New England.
The sale raises funds for Sisterhood initiatives, for which a percentage of the artisans’ sales are donated. Throughout the year, the Sisterhood raises funds for charitable organizations, projects that serve the community, and religious school students.
Marketplace co-chairs Judy Goldberg and Mona Goldenberg, who curate the Marketplace, have confirmed that about two dozen artisans will be offering their work to ensure a varied and exciting collection of gift possibilities. New artists will be joining this year, and the Sisterhood welcomes back returning artists from last year. The Scholastic Books offered at the fair cover reading levels from preschool to eighth grade.
“We’re confident that shoppers will find just the right items for themselves and for those on their holiday gift lists,” Goldberg and Goldenberg said. “Please share the date and details about this event with all your family and friends. We look forward to seeing you there.”
Artists and artwork include: Neal Drobnis: blown-glass birds; Holly Wach: watercolor bird paintings; Meiera Stern: handmade artisanal soaps; Shelley Katsh: original mezuzahs and hamsas; and Sarah Hess, handmade block prints. Additionally, the following Temple Beth-El congregants will also be selling their artwork: Lesley Bogad: ceramics; Amy Gaddes: napkins and wall hangings; Henry Goldenberg: photography; and Jonathan Kabak: woodwork items. Other offerings will include glass beadwork, whimsical pieces, and eclectic beaded, metal, and fiber jewelry.
The Sisterhood of Temple Beth-El is an active, inclusive group that is rooted in Reform Judaism. The group’s mission is to inspire leadership and intellectual, spiritual, and personal growth. Its commitment to tikkun olam and building friendships empowers it to embrace and enrich its membership, its congregation, and its community.
Members plan and host social action projects, family events, a Women’s Seder, Sisterhood Shabbat services, community education events, and the annual Joanne Forman Film Festival, as well as the Artisan Marketplace on Nov. 10.
The Sisterhood encourages anyone interested in becoming a member to attend the Marketplace to get to know the community. New members may join Sisterhood by paying electronically on TBE’s Sisterhood page or by mailing a check to TBE, payable to “Sisterhood of Temple Beth-El.” Anyone with questions about joining may email tbesisterhood70@gmail.com.
KATE BRAMSON is a longtime member of Temple Beth-El and its Sisterhood, where she worked on the cookbook committee that created “Recipes and Memories that Nourished Us Through the Pandemic.”