61 stores in this directory sell seforim and Jewish books. They range from dedicated seforim stores and Jewish bookstores to general Judaica shops with a book section. Every listing links to the store's own site, and each fact on it comes from a dated source.
What to look for
Nusach first, for siddurim and machzorim. Prayer books come in different rites: Nusach Ashkenaz, Nusach Sefard (widely used by Chassidim), Nusach Ari (Chabad) and the several closely related Sephardi and Mizrachi rites.[1] Buy the one your family or shul uses. If you're not sure, ask your rav or check the siddurim on your shul's shelves.
Edition and translation. The same text is published with different translations, commentaries, page layouts and print sizes. For a Gemara or Chumash, check which edition your shiur or school uses, since page layout and commentaries vary between them. For a gift, a matching set from one publisher looks better on the shelf than mixed editions.
Binding and size. Full-size volumes suit a home library; compact and pocket editions suit travel and daily carry. Leather and gilt-edged bindings are popular gifts, but check what is inside, not just the cover.
Which kind of store
- Seforim stores and booksellers carry deep backlists, multiple editions and Hebrew-only titles, and many will special-order a title; ask.
- General Judaica shops range from seforim superstores to stores with a small shelf of siddurim, bentchers and gift books; check the listing.
- Personalized gifts: use the Personalization filter for name embossing on siddurim and seforim, then confirm with the store.
Questions to ask the store
- Which nusach and which translation is this?
- Is this the edition my school or shiur uses? Can you order it if it's not in stock?
- Do you emboss names in Hebrew or English, and how long does it take?
- Do you carry large-print or compact editions of this title?
Timing
Embossed siddurim and seforim are common gifts for a bar or bas mitzvah, an upsherin or a wedding, and for the start of the school year. Embossing takes time, so order a couple of weeks ahead and ask the store for its current turnaround. Demand peaks before Rosh Hashanah for machzorim and before Pesach for Haggados, so buy early.
Sources
- Nusach (Jewish custom) – Wikipedia
- Geniza – Halachipedia