Gemach
Perth Community GemachThe concept of a gemach is widespread and well-known in eretz Yisrael. In every community there usually exists at least one, if not many, gemachim for many things. Upon returning to Perth, Rabbi and Rebbetsin Jacobson saw the need to begin a gemach locally. The initial need was created because we found ourselves suddenly without any belongings (never having planned to stay for more than 2 months). We were used to the readily-available facility of gemachim across Israel, and seeing there was not one here, we immediately began filling this need.
A gemach is a place that offers a variety of things for free, to take or loan, for any Jewish person that is in the community or passing through the city, or any Jew we can aid anywhere. If there is something the gemach stocks, it is there for everyone`s use.
People who can afford many articles the gemach may stock, are also encouraged instead of buying new goods, if we have what is needed, we would be very happy if it is used and taken, and the money that would have been spent in the store, rather given to feed starving and needy Jews in Israel.
Part of the gemach is the passing along of any articles that sit for a long time unused. These articles (clothing or the like) are sold for money, and this money is given to a man who is very well-known for his selfless helping and supporting of the local Jews. Medical, etc bills are paid with this money. In this way nothing is redundant in the gemach, everything can generally be used to help a fellow Jew in need either directly or indirectly.
People can contribute by dropping off any articles: furniture, clothing, tinned foods, toys, books, Judaica (challah covers, challah boards, candlesticks), arts and crafts, mezuzos, tefillin, money in an envelope, etc.
The latest part of the gemach is an added service of Jewish counselling by a qualified psychologist at drastically reduced rates (in many cases for free).
It is requested that the gemach not be used as a dumping venue for garage clear-outs of really worn clothing, broken toys, etc.
To receive assistance from all we have to help, one need only email the Rabbi or Rebbetsin at: chaimj@hotmail.com or leahjacobson@hotmail.com All aid given is private and confidential and all efforts are made to ensure this.
The gemach is a non-profit entity, run by volunteers, being at this point, only the Rabbi and Rebbetsin themselves.
The motto of the gemach is that In the merit of increasing in random causeless acts of lovingkindness will we bring moshiach- a time when the world will be full of only peace and revealed goodness and plenty in all ways. It is a great joy and pleasure to help the community however we are able.
General list of items the gemach stocks*:
Children`s clothing
Baby`s crib
Baby clothes
Chidren`s toys
Cosmetics
Medicines
Tinned food
Computer
Printer
Judaica: tefillin for loan, mezuzos, challah boards, covers, tablecloths, books, etc.
Candlesticks
Cutlery and crockery
Furniture
Any electric goods in stock (heaters, fans, etc)
*Please note the availability depends on whether it is being used or has been taken.