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thanks for 26 wonderful years! Please see below for the tribute to bob and bob delivered by eileen soffer at the feast of jewish learning: night of jewish unity, held at congregation beth am, january 31,2009
miss us already? then don't miss the once-in-a-life-time bob and bob in-store garage sale, sunday, february 15, 10-3 TRIBUTE TO BOB & BOB
FEAST OF JEWISH LEARNING
What bob & bob meant to the community
A gathering place
A point of Jewish connection
The heart of the community
An incomparable resource
A learning place
A haven for my Jewish soul
These are just a few ways that friends and customers of bob & bob have described it: It was always more than a store. It was an experience. It was a place where we would run into friends and catch up; a place to strike up a conversation with someone we recognized, but didn’t really know; a place to find a sympathetic ear while browsing books in the “healing” section; a place to compare kugel recipes.
If we went to bob & bob to pick out a gift, we got expert advice in selecting the perfect present – plus some of the latest news from the Jewish community.
If we went to treat ourselves to a purchase (maybe some jewelry, art, or books) we got the personalized assistance that enabled us to find just what we wanted – plus some great life advice.
If we came in while preparing for a special event (bar mitzvah, wedding, seder) we came away with exactly what we needed - plus some new ideas and a lot less anxiety.
Newcomers to the area often found their first welcome and point of Jewish connection at bob & bob and were relieved to learn that, yes, there was Jewish life in Northern California;
And… wherever we were on our own personal Jewish journey, bob & bob was there to guide us.
From the most knowledgeable, to those taking first shaky steps, and even including those “who do not know how to ask,” we were all treated with respect and caring.
We were encouraged, supported and counseled to reach new heights, or to recapture a heritage we knew little about, or to re-engage with a tradition we had rejected.
bob & bob provided an opening, a venue, a safe place. We left the store, not just with a purchase that would enrich our life, but with a greater sense of connection and direction in our journey.
Look, if all we wanted was “stuff” – then, yes, sure, we could shop online. But bob & bob was so much more than just a seller of beautiful Judaica.
And it was Shirley and Ellen who made it this special kind of place. Yes, they were the co-owners - and no, it wasn’t owned by two gay men, they often had to explain, but rather a mother and daughter whose last name was Bob.
Shirley, Ellen,
Through bob & bob
you have become our friends, teachers, therapists, and (I am told) terrific bosses;
you have offered warmth, laughter, and wisdom;
you have been there to welcome, educate, support, and inspire;
you have touched so many lives;
and over the years, you have celebrated and mourned our lifecycle moments with us.
We don’t even know yet what it will be like without bob & bob.
But we do know that we all wish you only the best in your next endeavors.
And, while we truly grieve the loss of bob & bob, we are so thankful, so grateful for the last 26+ years and are blessed that you are both here as vibrant members of our community.
Thank You.
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