Typically, big chain stores offer a handful of Hanukkah gifts amidst a glut of Christmas merchandise.
That snub led to the founding of Temple Israel’s pop-up shop by its Sisterhood more than 20 years ago in celebration of the inspirational Jewish eight-day holiday.
Lisa Giglio, whose mom started the shop, estimated it has about 350 gift items spread across tables in Temple Israel’s hall, 601 N. Montgomery St. in Gary’s Miller neighborhood.
This year, the first night of Hanukkah falls on Wednesday, also the Christmas holiday. It continues with the lighting of a candle for eight nights.
Giglio said the store opened after Thanksgiving and will continue into early January. Shopping is by appointment only by calling the Temple, 219-938-5232.
This year’s Hanukkah celebration comes during the second year of the Israel-Hamas war, which has killed more than 46,000 Palestinians in Gaza and about 1,150 Israelis.
Hopes are raised for a ceasefire in the conflict, but talks haven’t produced a pact yet.
On Tuesday, Jacqueline Fowler walked around the shop, picking up a few items to surprise her husband, who’s a member at Temple Israel.
The Hanukkah celebration dates back to the second century BC when Greek rulers tried to force Jews to abandon their religion and adapt to Greek cultural practices instead.
A small army, led by Judah Macabee, drove the Greeks out of Israel’s Holy Temple in Jerusalem. But they only had enough oil to light candles for one night. Then, a miracle happened and the oil lasted for eight days, providing enough time to make more oil to keep the flame lit and fulfill the temple’s rededication.
That oil used to keep the light aglow is central to Hanukkah feast celebrations and popular dishes include latkes, or potato pancakes, and fried doughnuts.
“Where else can you eat fried foods for a week?” asked volunteer Liz Rice, who helped Fowler find her gift items.
“This pop-up is unique. When you buy at stores, there’s all this Christmas stuff and maybe three Hanukkah items,” Rice said.
“Now, you don’t have to go to other stores. It’s all here,” she said
Traditionally, Jewish families gather at the dinner table each night of Hanukkah and light a candle on the menorah together.
After the holiday, Giglio said she spends the rest of the year bolstering the inventory with more gifts.
Among the offerings were Hanukkah welcome mats, teddy bears, a metallic dachshund menorah, aprons, tablecloths, clothing, large inflatable dreidels and children’s books.
“I have a shopping addiction,” Giglio said.
Temple Israel will celebrate the holiday with a seder dinner following its service on Friday night.
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
