Shop Local to Celebrate Jewish Holidays
After two years of Passover seders by Zoom, it’s looking like this year Ontario’s Jewish families can actually get together to eat matzah and read from the Haggadah in-person. Which is great news except for maybe one aspect: You may need to do some shopping and stock up on the ingredients and other supplies needed for Passover. And sure, you could shop online but if you’re able, why not try and support some local Judaica and Jewish shops in Toronto?
Below we round up 11 Toronto and immediate area businesses that specialize in kosher products and Judaica. While we have focused on Passover (just a reminder that for 2022, it’s beings on Friday, April 15 and finishes on Saturday, April 23) , all the businesses listed below sell food and goods that local Jewish families will be seeking for other holidays as well as year-round.
Judaica & Jewish Shops in Toronto
Chabad of Danforth-Beaches
2273 Queen St. E, Toronto
Though it’s not technically a store, the Chabad of Danforth-Beaches does offer Passover and Chanukah-specific “pop-up” shops where you can place an online order for such items as matzah ball mix and gefilte fish. Note that all placed orders must be picked up in person from the Chabad’s Beaches location. The Chabad is also a rich resource for east-end Jewish families and offers everything from fun, one-off activities (anyone up for baking a smores-flavoured challah?) to a full-fledged preschool.
Crown Judaica
2835 Bathurst St., Toronto
Featuring a mix of “traditional, classic and modern Judaica,” there’s something for everyone at this well-organized shop, including quite a few items perfect for kids and for gifting. Note that Crown Judaica’s website is currently undergoing a revamp, but it does display many of its items, including new arrivals, over on its Instagram page.
East Toronto Judaica
Online Only
This online-only shop is based in Toronto’s east end and sells Jewish art and writing, as well as a variety of ritual items, including challah covers and candlesticks. It even offers fun, Jewish holiday-themed stickers for kids. Items can be picked up at the shop’s “headquarters” near Woodbine and Danforth or they can be delivered within its east-end delivery area for $10.
Ely’s Fine Foods
Delivered to your door for $25
It’s been quite a year (okay, quite a couple of years) and we completely understand if you’re not up for cooking this Passover. If you’d rather order in, Ely’s Fine Foods is well-known for its, “unique and innovative 100% certified kosher food.” Choose from classic dishes including potato knishes or try something a little different, such as Passover honey chili chicken. Just be sure to place your order by Tuesday, April 5.
Hermes Bakery
2885 Bathurst St., Toronto
Which kosher bakery whips up the best seder desserts is a contentious question, so we’ve gone with a bakery known for its delicious baked goods and for its longevity. In addition to be being strictly kosher, Hermes is also nut free. The shop also offers a well-curated selection of groceries items, allowing you to wrap up quite a bit of your shopping in one place.
Israel’s The Judaica Centre
441 Clark Ave. W, Thornhill
From seder plates to matzah covers, all the essentials for Passover (and all other Jewish holidays) are available at this shop. It also offers a nice selection of kids’ books and activities like craft kits. Not able to make the drive over to Thornhill? Israel’s offers free shipping to Southern Ontario addresses for orders over $100 and for orders over $75 if you’re in its local delivery
zone.
Kosher City Plus
3468 Bathurst St., Toronto
For over 30 years, this grocery store has been selling all the kosher foods your family needs for Passover seder (as well as for just everyday life). Think of it as a one-stop shop for fresh and frozen goods, as well as all your pantry staples. Short on time? Place your order online and either pick up your groceries in person or have them delivered, if you’re in Kosher City Plus’
delivery boundaries.
Loblaws
396 St Clair Ave. W, Toronto
There’s no question that Bathurst Street in North York is the place for grocery shops packed with kosher items. But, if St. Clair West is more accessible to you, then the Loblaws located near Bathurst and St. Clair West Avenue is a store you’ll want to check out, as it’s known to be well-stocked with the staples you’ll need for Passover and other holidays. True, Loblaws is hardly a small business (though technically it is local), but for some families, it might be a more convenient option, especially since it’s located directly next to a subway stop.
Miriam’s Judaica
3007 Bathurst St., Toronto
Calling itself, “Toronto’s favourite Jewish bookstore,” Miriam’s is well-known for its wide assortment of books, which includes plenty kid-friendly options as well as cookbooks that make for great gifts. It also sells a colourful selection of Chanukah candles, so make note of this shop for later this year. Delivery is available to North York and Thornhill addresses for a small fee.
Yofi Bazaar
Online Only
Another based-in-Toronto, online-only shop, Yofi Bazaar is home to some truly stunning pieces that embrace a modern flair. Think seder plates, “inspired by the gentle curves of the Sinai desert dunes” and candlesticks, “inspired by origami and a love of minimalism.” Yofi Bazaar also sells some of the cutest kippahs around. Shipping is free for orders $50 and up, with a reasonable flat rate available for smaller purchases.
Your Holy Land Store
Unit #16, 9200 Bathurst St., Vaughan
With an easy-to-navigate website that features dedicated categories for several Jewish holidays, Your Holy Land Store makes stocking up on Passover supplies a breeze, whether you buy online or shop in-person. This store also extensively covers any other Judaica needs, and offers some great gift ideas, including Dead Sea beauty products and made-in-Israel jewelry.
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