As I entered the lobby of Hillel Yeshiva Elementary School, I wondered if I had taken a wrong turn somewhere and walked into an upscale boutique. The lobby was beautifully decorated with pink polka dots and purple rose petal runways.

The display of gifts was very extensive, with many useful and unique items available for purchase. There were stunning hand-made three dimensional cards, jewelry boxes, floral fly swatters, cookie cutters, lotions, hand towels, candles, make-up pouches and much more.

The students were very involved in choosing appropriate gifts for their mothers. Our PTA mothers, who provided outstanding help to our shoppers, could not help but smile as they heard the serious shoppers discussing their needs.

“No, I can't buy Mommy that—she's not such a good cook.”

“Wow, my mother would love that, I hope I have enough money.”

“My mom needs a clipboard. She's a party planner and party planners need clipboards.”

When two children were haggling over who would get the last one of an item, true to our Syrian roots, one announced, “I'll pay extra for it!”

Even the Early Learning Center (ELC) students participated. The sight of young children clutching their dollars, in deep thought as they contemplated their purchases, brought smiles to the faces of their morot (teachers). The children made their final choices and left the boutique filled with pride and great anticipation for the big day.

Beautiful pink bags with a signature space gave students an easy and lovely way to present their gifts, without having to deal with wrapping paper and boxes.

Children frequently want to express their love and appreciation for their mothers on Mother's Day but often feel helpless because they can't shop on their own. The boutique enabled the children to feel independent and happy that they could surprise their mothers’.
Thank you, Mrs. Terri Cohen, Mrs. Karen Serouya and Mrs. Sophia Serouya for running this event and providing excellent sales assistance to our little shoppers!