A survey conducted by Dapei Shofar ahead of a fair intended to attract religious Jews, it was learned that in Israel there are over 9,780 shuls in some 1,040 communities. The study reveals that over 46% (4,500) of the shuls are Eidat Mizrach, Sephardim, 28% (2,800) Ashkenazi and 2,480 are listed as “general”, perhaps the nusach of the bal tefilla – it is unclear.

The Jewish Word Fair organizers turned to gabba’im of shuls and yeshivas interested in Judaica, shul furniture and ornaments and items for one’s religious needs in addition to the frum and chareidi populations which have a big interest in religious articles.

The fair, which will house a vast array of religious items and Judaica under one roof, will take place 14-15 Iyar (May 19 & 20, 2008) and merchandise will be displayed by Judaica firms as well as firms manufacturing shul furniture, shul contractors, memorial plaques and yahrzeit-related items, frum news firms, magazines, CDs and much more.

On display will be a model shul with a most unique Aron Kodesh, with organizers promising it is something not yet seen anywhere in addition to many new items to perpetuate the memory of loved ones, items never seen before in Israel.

Keeping in line with modern technology, on display will also be the “electronic gabbai,” bulletin boards and other notification units that use state-of-the art technology.

According to Dapei Shofar, the organizer of this year’s event, over 18,000 invitations have been sent out. The event will take place in the King David Hall, 9 Jabotinsky Street, Bnei Brak, 16:00-24:00.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)