| The Breslov Centre a beautiful Judaic centre right in our own backyard |
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| Written by Barbara A. Topolosky | |
| Saturday, 05 December 2009 | |
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And to teach the children of Israel all the decrees that Hashem had spoken to them [from Mt. Sinai] through Moses. Leviticus Chapter 10, Verse 11 Rabbi William Goldberg’s teacher gave him this quote from the Torah years ago. He takes these words very seriously. You will find the exquisitely inscribed words encased in a black frame on the inside door of The Breslov Centre on Main Street in Bexley. Travel down Main Street and you will spot the white house with the stairs leading up to the Centre. The sign on the door says: “Jewish and Israeli Books, Jewelry, Mezuzahs, Tefillin, and Kabbalah.” Upon entering the store, you will be captivated. The first room you see features items for the holidays. Since Chanukah is quickly approaching, there is a variety of merchandise including various menorahs, candles and Chanukah cards. The Breslov Centre features unique items made by Israeli artisans. Buying a beautifully carved chess set using characters from the Bible would make an unusual Chanukah present. Some other items include: kiddish cups, challah boards, kosher vitamins, kosher cooking implements and items for children that teach about Judaism. If you’re looking for a tallit (prayer shawl) or a yamulke (skull cap), go no further. There are many colors and styles. A large selection of jewelry is tempting. There are many beautiful pieces at very reasonable prices. Rabbi Goldberg’s wife, Judy, is the wholesale buyer, and her taste is impeccable. Books are in integral part of the Centre. Rabbi Goldberg, a scribe (sopher) can inscribe them for you. “He specializes in repair of aging parchments containing the first five books of the Bible. But sometimes he creates new Torahs, and writes the text for scrolls used in tefillin (phylacteries) and mezzuzot (decorative cylinders hung on dwelling doorposts),” said Patty Kahn. Rabbi Goldberg offers classes in Kabbalah four times a year. It deals with the mystical component of Judaism. He considers it his specialty, and has studied it for years. He feels that by studying it people will grow in their humanity. “Every soul has a passion unique to them, and this is mine,” he said. “People from all walks of life, religions, and races patronize the centre.” He is happy to answer any religious questions. Sometimes this can lead to deeper discussions, or private counseling sessions. Multitasking is normal for Rabbi Goldberg. He is a Beth din― arbitrator ― one of his many duties is granting the Orthodox Jewish “get” or divorce. For the past 18 years, he’s been the administrator of the Vaad Ho-ir, an organization that oversees kosher food in Columbus. He supervises the kosher kitchens of places like the Jewish Community Center and Heritage House. Rabbi Goldberg started the Centre in his basement on Roosevelt Avenue. He used to repair Torahs, Tefillin, and Mezuzahs. His business expanded and eventually he moved to the location on Main Street. He credits Rabbi Stavsky, formerly of Beth Jacob, for helping him early in his career. The Breslov Judaic Centre provides all the Judaic and holiday items to the kosher market located in the Kroger’s store on Broad Street. “They leave it up to me to supply what they need,” said Judy Goldberg. The Centre also provides items for grocery stores in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. Rabbi Goldberg believes it’s important to provide Jewish items to people who can’t easily get them in their own cities. He gets phone calls from all over the United States. Rabbi Goldberg has lived by the words his teacher gave to him so many years before. |
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| Last Updated ( Sunday, 06 December 2009 ) |
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