WEGMAN’S IN GAINESVILLE SENDS A BIG “THANK YOU TO Fauquier Jewish Congregation” and we say “BACK AT YA!”

Rabbi’s Corner April 18, 2014 The Kosher Deli Counter at Wegman’s in Gainesville, Virginia can be a pretty lonely place. In fact, there was talk about downsizing or eliminating it. But this Passover, our membership let Wegman’s know that there ARE Jews out here! The staff and management are thrilled with the patronage of our community during the Passover season, and send us a big “THANK YOU.” When I visited before the holiday, I mentioned how difficult it was to find all the Kosher for Passover items in the store, since they were so spread out in different departments. I suggested to the manager that a sign might be helpful. When I returned a few days later, there was wonderful, professional signage in various locations with instructions on where to find additional Passover goods. While not under rabbinical supervision, Wegman’s sends its staff to school to study the laws of Kashrut and food preparation. The deli case was cleaned for Passover and paper lined the case, as is the custom. All foods in the deli case were prepared according to Passover Kashrut practices. Unlike last year, when Passover sales were so disappointing, with very slow or non-existent sales, this year, Passover foods were flying off the shelves, and out of the coolers and freezers. The Kosher Deli sold ten pounds of cooked brisket and a whole turkey within minutes of putting them in the case! Tzimmes, matzah balls, stuffed cabbage and salads rounded out the display. They even had fresh, already assembled Seder Plates, with horseradish, parsley, shank bone, hardboiled egg and charoset! When patrons were asked, “how did you find out about our Passover foods?” the response was, “through the Fauquier Jewish Congregation!” What a warm and wonderful relationship we are building for the future of the Jewish Community in our neck of the woods. Some of you already know that Gary and I “hang out” at the “Kosher for Passover” display at the back of the store, where we schmooze Jews and hand out business cards. I call it “trolling for Jews.” We get to meet very nice people who are very surprised to hear that FJC exists. We know from demographic information given to us from the Northern Virginia Jewish Community Center that Jewish migration is heading our way in significant numbers. Wegman’s Kosher section sends a very important signal to those families seeking a Jewish life in our part of Virginia. That is why I ask each and every one of you to make it your business to purchase a few items from the Kosher areas of the store whether or not you adhere to the Laws of Kashrut! Your patronage will ensure that you as well as future Jewish families will be able to have more of our needs met locally, and send the message that WE ARE HERE! I’m not receiving any endorsement money from Wegman’s, but it is my sole source for kosher corned beef and picked tomatoes. As we await spring temperatures and the end of Passover, I wish all of you, Rabbi Rose