West Side Judaica

Disclaimer - this describes an incident experienced yesterday by a dear friend who visited this shop and returned in tears . My friend is a convert to Judaism, and had popped in to purchase things for Shabbat. She described how a man - she wasn’t sure if he was an employee, fellow shopper, or friend of employees - was acting friendly and helpful, suggesting items, when the conversation abruptly shifted into a rant: Complaining about Kanye West and anti-semitism and how “African Americans have had it easy, only 400 years of oppression” vs. the thousands suffered by the Jewish people, how y’all need to take responsibility and get educated and then you can achieve what we have, etc etc etc . Did I mention that my friend is African American? She says she just froze in shock, noticing that other people/employees were within earshot, but no one intervened. Then a kindly female *customer* wandered over and distracted her, getting her away from the man, whispering “you looked like you needed help.” She was extremely grateful - whoever that woman is, THANK YOU for being a blessing at that moment. To the store owners/employees: whether that unhinged male individual was an employee, a friend, or just some random person off the street, it’s upsetting to hear that employees were around, yet did nothing to shut down the blatantly racist harassment occurring right before their eyes. My poor young friend was crushed - as a convert, she was already self-conscious, and this only serves to alienate further. I do hope that the management will hear this story and take steps to prevent future incidents. Singling out a customer for the color of her skin - or witnessing racism but refusing to intervene - it reflects poorly on your business, not to mention your collective sense of humanity. Please do better.

This store and its staff are simply fantastic. They have an amazing assortment of books and items of all variety related to Jewish life. Sadly, they didn't have any books on Indian or Ethiopian Jews today, but we found a lovely menorah and set of gilded candles, dreidel and hand-painted spice box. The staff were very personable, and answered our many questions with kindness. I look forward to visitng them again soon.

Wonderfully helpful and knowledgeable staff. Not sure that staff is the right word. One of the men helped me choose my item. His mother handled the cash register. The grandson figured out how to split the cost between a gift card and my credit card. It's an old fashioned family business. Nice!

This store is amazing. Even if you aren't looking for something specific you would be amazed at what may catch your eye. The owners are helpful and order new books a lot, so you can ask about specific books and they will know where it is or how to get it. It's a great place.

Helpful staff with a big selection of items. Came to purchase a Khanukiya for Khannukah and was not disappointed. The selection of Khanukiyot and draidels for the upcoming holiday is impressive. Ended up purchasing this and was very pleased. My wife also found a cook book with many recipes that we would make for years to come.

This store has a massive selection of high quality books. They literally go from floor to ceiling all the way around the store. They have just a mediocre selection of mezuzahs and menorahs but really nice jewelry and other devorative Jewish items. They have tons of very scholarly items, as if the store caters to the scholar, the Yeshiva student, or even a rabbinical student lots of very beautiful Torah pointers.... The location is excellent and the prices are mostly reasonable. The staff know EVERYTHING about EVERYTHING in the store which is very helpful. They are extremely patient, friendly, and they let you take your time. This store is worth a visit if you want to go to a Judaica shop in a super convenient location.

Really amazing service, they really went over and above to get something very specific in an extremely tight deadline. Really impressed and Shlomy is amazing to deal with!

Such beautiful Jewish items sold here but also quite a variety! From high-end judaica and jewelry, to simple children's toys and books. The people there are also so helpful, can answer all questions, and give some helpful suggestions. If you are going to a Jewish event and have no idea what gift to get, go to West side Judaica, give them a price range, and they will help you find something meaningful.

I love going to this bookstore. Well mannered staff and friendly too. Great selection of books. My second home..!!!

Everything you may need, with answers to all your questions