Synagogue helps vendors

A local synagogue is setting up a pre-passover market to give a boost to the many independent vendors – and larger retailers – that operate in Jewish communities in the Montreal area.

The associate rabbi at Shomrim Laboker, a synagogue in Côte des Neiges, said the market hearkens back to earlier days when vendors sold their wares from pushcarts. The event will enable a diverse group of businesses to promote their products and services during the pre-passover shopping season, he said.

“It’s a big consumer season in the Jewish community,” Rabbi Menachem Posner explained.

He said many families entertain at home for Seder, a traditional meal that marks the beginning of Passover, he said. Parents want their children and households to look nice and they will often buy new clothing for family members and items for their homes such as tablecloths and dishes, he explained.

Some of the vendors that have already signed up for the market include a businessman who installs Internet-based phone systems, a jeweller, a shoe store and other businesses that sell housewares, clothing and accessories.

“These are self-employed people and it’s our way to help everyone,” he said.

If the market is a success, Posner said he hopes to hold another one next year.

The market will be open to the general public on March 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at Shomrim Laboker, 5150 Plamondon Ave., 514-731-6831.