Ever find yourself in the middle of Manhattan in a beautiful marketplace, look around at all the gourmet selections and wish they were Kosher? Food Pantry co-chair Selena Gindi was inspired by these very markets when she dreamed up the first Autumn Marketplace a few years ago. Prior to the creation of the Autumn Marketplace, Selena and her committee would hold Chopped styled cooking competitions in Manhattan to raise money for the pantry.

On Dec. 7, the fifth annual Autumn Marketplace to benefit Sephardic Bikur Holim Food Pantry took place. The beautiful Kosher Marketplace event was held in the home of Miriam Saba Haber and Manny Haber in memory of Isaac Saba A’H, Moises Saba A’H, Alberto Saba A’H, Adela Saba A’H, Judith Saba A’H, and Rachel Cohen Haber A’H. The SBH Food Pantry is dedicated to Sarah Sutton A’H who started the division years ago.

The crowd of attendees at this year's Autumn Marketplace.

The Autumn Marketplace featured eight community vendors as well as additional carts and stands that SBH put together with candles, spices, coffee, tea, and so on. The tented affaire was stunningly designed by Event Source, the florist who worked in conjunction with co-chair Selena Gindi, and Norma Cohen who dedicates her time every year for this cause.

The look and feel of this event is what sets it apart from the rest. It’s truly a one of a kind shopping experience that community members await each year. Last year’s theme was Morocco and some people said they felt transported there immediately upon entering. This year was tastefully designed with plaid and leather for a Ralph Lauren feel. Co-chair Raquel Habert and her committee worked hard to assure this high-end gourmet market features exclusive products that aren’t easy to find anywhere else.

Cakes and deserts on display to be sold at this year's Autumn Marketplace.

Selena reported that this year's turn-out was one of their best yet. Over 600 people attended the Marketplace by day and 200 on the preview night. Last year was the first time the Autumn Marketplace had a preview night. It was held this year and last so that men that might be working the day of the actual event could attend and experience all that the Marketplace has to offer.

The preview night for the Autumn Marketplace was by invitation and featured a wine tasting, cigar roller, and a silent art auction. The night was catered by Zami Caterers as well.

The women's package at the Chinese Auction.

The Autumn Marketplace featured a Chinese Auction that was put together by Laurie Sutton. It had many packages including a Shabbat package featuring a Challah cover by Helena and Troy, travel package, fur package, women’s package, Disney package including a chance to win a trip to the SBH Disney Marathon for a family of four, $3,000 to Parci Parla Home, and many more.

The tables were adorned with beautiful gifts and opportunities that were too good to pass up. Many attendees bought tickets for a chance to win these glamorous prizes, happily donating to the worthy cause.

The Shabbat Package on display at the Chinese Auction.

There was also an art auction that was put together by committee member Sofia Jemal. The auction boasted many famous and talented community artists who donated their pieces to the cause. Donated pieces varied from painted canvases, sculptures, to books, and many others.

Elizabeth Sutton's piece she donated to the cause.

World renowned community artist Elizabeth Sutton was happy to donate a piece from her collection as well.

“I chose to donate to SBH because they inspire me with their acts of kindness and sense of selflessness,” explained Sutton, “I love to help in any way that I can. SBH does so much to help the community. From helping families get food on their tables to putting clothes on people’s backs. These acts of kindness strengthen the idea of unity in our community.”

Susan Menashe's book, LEGENDS, on display for sale.

Some of the community vendors who had the opportunity to sell and sample out their goods were Boutique Butcher, Junk Free Beauty, and Mod Box. The Susan Manache book LEGENDS was also for sale at this beautiful event.

A Challah for sale at the event festively shaped like a Menorah.

As the holiday of Hanukkah was approaching, SBH had all of the vendors set up at least one gift package for sale. There was even a Menorah shaped challah for sale.

The committee asked Boutique Butcher to make a special variety taster pack of their famous premium burgers and they did so in slider form. This slider taster pack was never before available.

The spices station at the Autumn Marketplace.

Marlene Garda of Posh Designs took the day off from her job as an interior decorator to volunteer at this event for SBH.

“It’s always such a beautiful day,” said Garda of her experience, “I manned the spices station and with our communities rich heritage, it was no surprise that Aleppo Pepper was the best seller of the day!”

To learn more about the SBH Food Pantry and to donate to the very special cause, visit SBH’s website.

Frieda Schweky

Frieda@sephardic.org

Frieda Schweky is Sephardic.Org's official community events reporter. For inquiries and to get involved with our site, please contact Frieda via email.