Last Day for Deals at Annual Rummage Sale

Garage sales aren’t remembered for what is sold but by what remains afterward — that which isn’t turned into cash usually ends up on the curb at the next opportunity.

donates all unsold items from its annual rummage sale to Perfecting Grace Ministries of Detroit. According to B'nai Moshe Sisterhood President Ruth Shayne of Farmington Hills, it’s a tradition that goes back beyond the time when the

“(The annual rummage sale) started sometime when our congregation was in Oak Park, and it moved there in 1959,” Shayne said. “Back then, we used to send our unsold items to Europe as a tribute to our heritage as a Hungarian congregation, but we’ve been working with Grace Ministries for several years now. They make sure that the people who need the goods the most, get them.”

Shayne said this year's rummage sale, which opened Sunday and continues through 4 p.m. Tuesday, is as successful as it has ever been.

From the perspective of goods sold, Shayne said her personal benchmark is raising $5,000 for B’nai Moshe, which will go toward new carpeting in the congregation offices.

From the perspective of inventory, Shayne joked that B’nai Moshe could open its own thrift store due to the sheer volume of goods available — which, Shayne said, is a record this year.

“We have more than we’ve ever had in the past. If we still have this much stuff left over, the Budget rental truck is going to have to make a few trips to and from Detroit,” Shayne joked.

The rummage sale is also an invaluable way for B’nai Moshe to reach out to the community and to strengthen the bonds between its congregants.

As she held a Christmas tree ornament donated by someone unaffiliated with the shul, Shayne smiled and noted that the rummage sale draws participation from beyond the Jewish community, in part thanks to a mailing list that has grown exponentially every year.

“I get the flier in the mail, so I come here, and I bring my sister and my daughter,” said Mahasin Naoum of West Bloomfield, who said she bought an attractive necklace for $2. “I’ve been coming here for about three years, and it’s great.”

Doron Berris Vergun, 24, of West Bloomfield said she assists in working at the rummage sale and bought many items that she plans to donate to other nonprofit organizations.

“We have several teachers who have come in and told us that since schools don’t buy many classroom necessities the way that they used to, they prefer to get them for a discount here,” Shayne said.

Ellie Reimer of West Bloomfield joined B’nai Moshe less than a year ago. As she assisted in working at the rummage sale with her fellow congregants, she said she appreciated the opportunity for bonding.

“I used to come here as a customer, little knowing that I would be working here someday. The more you put into something, the more you get out of it,” Reimer said.

The rummage sale features gently worn clothing for the entire family, children’s items, baby goods, toys, sporting goods, small appliances, housewares, household goods and books and tapes at prices ranging from $1-$40. Tuesday is the last day of this year's sale. Hours are from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at