Your Sister’s Closet

Bracha Notterman stands by a rack of new arrivals. /Irina Missiuro

If you are not part of the Orthodox community, you might be unfamiliar with the concept of g’mach. It stands for Gemilut Chasadim, deeds of loving kindness. Members of Jewish communities worldwide collect various items, including clothing, food, toys and furniture to be distributed to those in need. According to Bracha (Barbara) Notterman, one of two women who run the g’mach  in Rhode Island, it all started with Julie Lurie, who ran the giving closet from “an oppressively hot tiny room in her attic.”

Notterman explains that Lurie “had access to a source in New York, a company that supplied her with clothes that were new and beautiful but didn’t sell.” Lurie supplemented the high-end items with some local donations. After running the operation for three years, Lurie moved to Chicago and Melisa Beck, her assistant, moved to California.

Now Sara Halper and Notterman run the g’mach out of Halper’s large basement. They want to carry on the operation because they feel it’s useful to women in the community. Notterman says that she used to frequent a g’mach when she was much younger. She remembers feeling grateful for being able to pick out some clothes without having to put a dent in her finances. “It was like Hanukkah – I couldn’t wait to go through the bags.” Later, when she was able to return the favor, she felt just as thankful. “It was lovely to be able to pass it on so someone else could use it. Clothes shouldn’t be tossed. The g’mach is a way of sharing the things you have without having to have a lot of money.”

Notterman explains that g’machs are usually themed because a house can’t incorporate everything that people might need or want to share. They decided to focus on women’s clothing because they believe that a Jewish woman should be treated like a princess. And, because they have so much more space than in the original location, they can store many more clothes. Thanks to generous community donors, the g’mach inventory has increased tenfold.

This is great news for community women. After all, not everyone can afford to purchase clothes every season or to be able to accommodate changing fashion and taste. Notterman and Halper sort through the donations, hang the clothes and act as fashion consultants to women who often appreciate another woman’s opinion on how an outfit looks. The two organizers would like women to understand that they always have an opportunity to look beautiful. Notterman says, “Being Orthodox doesn’t mean you have to be frumpy. Find your own style, figure out what looks good on you.”

Halper has always loved clothes. In her late teens, she worked in a boutique in England. She enjoyed selling the merchandise, as well as advising the buyers. When she saw a need for a g’mach spacious enough to attract more women, she “seized this opportunity to harness [her] skills in retail, sales, style and customer service.” She says, “I love what I do. I take tremendous satisfaction in helping a woman put together outfits, especially since we do not charge anything as it is truly a chesed and a tzedakah project.”

They named their g’mach Your Sister’s Closet because they carry the type of clothes that your sister would have in her closet. That means that the items hold their shape, are not torn, have no missing buttons or stains. In other words, these are clothes that you’d be proud to lend, wear or give away if you are tired of them. Also, keep in mind that the pieces should be modest – no plunging necklines or short-sleeved dresses and shirts. Hats and jewelry are in high rotation, but shoes are off-limits as they look too unappealing if they are worn. An occasional wedding dress can be found as well.

Even though this service is free, at one point, the two women found themselves debating whether or not they should close because of low demand. Clients weren’t coming in anymore because the g’mach was not receiving enough attractive clothes. Notterman and Halper discovered that many women wanted a separate rack featuring the new clothing.

The organizers complied. And, thanks to the Jewish Alliance of Greater Rhode Island, they will have a full-length mirror for the area and new bright lighting in the dark basement. Halper says, “We are excited about the partnership because we would like to reach women we hadn’t already identified – those who may not know we exist.”

Usually, according to the organizers, when women learn of the giving closet, they are thrilled at the opportunity to “shop” there and bring their donations. The giving closet also stocks some professional clothing. Women who would like to update their wardrobes with some business staples for work should visit the g’mach. In fact, Notterman encourages everyone to give it a try. She says, “We want to help people. If they don’t come, why are we doing this? People must use it. The wider the need, the better.”

If you would like to drop off donations or to make an appointment to visit the g’mach Sunday through Thursday, you can email Halper at SaraLindsay.Halper@Verizon.net or call Notterman at 401-272-8757.

Irina Missiuro is a writer and editorial consultant for The Jewish Voice.