For every gift on the list

KYLE BERGER REPORTER

In the second of a two-part series, the Bulletin has rounded up a list of Judaica and unique gift ideas for Chanukah. With all sorts of talented artists and retailers in our community, no one in the Jewish community should have to deal with mall parking lots this year.

• At Adina Priel Flowers and Gifts, there is a new selection of Judaica items each year. Some of the more unique toys and gifts this year include a sponge bath book that has puzzle pieces that stick to the side of the tub. They also have funky glasses that, when looking at the lights of a chanukiyah, reflect the light to look like a Magen David or a dreidel.

Along with an assortment of baby books, Adina Priel has Chanukah book marks, magnets, push pins, window decorations and special Chanukah lights shaped like dreidels.

On the more humorous side, they have a customized computer keyboard button that fits over the delete key. Instead of "delete," it reads "Oy Vey!"

Adina Priel's shop is located at 3720 Oak St., and can be reached at 604-738-7673.

• At Beth Tikvah Synagogue, they will be celebrating the official re-opening of their gift shop Dec. 14. Operated by the synagogue's sisterhood, they have a large stock of chanukiyot, dreidels, gelt, glassware and Judaica for all occasions.

The Beth Tikvah shop will have limited hours of operation over the next month. However, office staff will be able to open the shop on demand.

They will be open Dec. 10, 14 and 17, 10:30 a.m.-noon, and also after the Beth Tikvah Chanukah party on Dec. 20.

Beth Tikvah is located at 9711 Geal Rd. in Richmond and gift shop inquiries can be directed to Elaine Nixon at 604-271-3312.

• Anat Basanta has her own line of unique Judaica for Chanukah or any other time of the year. Using mostly silver, gold, copper and brass, Basanta brings a lot of Israeli influences to her work. She sells her Judaica from home and can be contacted at 604-322-4057.

• Every year, the Judaica shop at Beth Israel gets a huge new shipment of Chanukah gifts and gadgets. From a large assortment of chanukiyot, to baby toys, they have something for everyone. They sell the works of several local and Israeli artists, as well as candles, challah covers and other year-round Judaica. The shop has books, CDs, games, plush toys and coloring books. For Judaic shop hours or information, call 604-731-4161.

• A visit on the Web to www.kraynaskreations.com will take you to a place where you can get functional and personalized hand-crafted soft sculpture, appliqué and needlepoint Judaica.

Made by Beth Israel's rabbi's wife, Krayna Feinberg, you can choose from a variety of items like bibs, blankets, towels, challah covers, jewelry boxes and pillows. Each item can be completely personalized. Krayna's Kreations can also be contacted at 604-267-7190.

• Aviel Barclay can make the type of gift that will last till death do you part. Barclay hand-makes ketubot, Jewish marriage contracts. Barclay can be reached at 604-762-6778.

• Myra Samet's Yoffi Creations is a manufacturer of decorative platters and plates with Jewish and non-Jewish themes. They can also be personalized. And Samet makes photo albums for a variety of special events including b'nai mitzvah and weddings. Her work can be purchased at two stores: the Perfect Gift or the Starving Artist or by calling 604-737-9940.

• If you're looking for Chanukah artwork or other Jewish holiday art, or some unique works of photograhy, visit www.orchiddesigns.net. Jewish Bulletin editor Baila Lazarus just launched her creative Web site on which she sells prints of her watercolors. She also has an extensive collection of scenic and abstract photography from around the world, which she sells framed or unframed. Her work was recently exhibited at the Sidney and Gertrude Zack Gallery at the Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver. She can be reached at 604-873-2530 or at [email protected].

Kyle Berger is a freelance journalist and graphic designer living in Richmond.

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