Prakti Chasunah Center, a one-stop shop of discounts and deals for chassanim and kallahs from lower-income families in Jerusalem
He calls it his chesed factory, but the first thing I notice as we’re buzzed into Shmuel Bisk’s Prakti Chasunah Center is the floor. It’s a glossy black with marbleized gold — and it’s gorgeous. In fact, the entire store is beautiful, a cross between a wedding hall and a posh department store, and I’m tempted to sink into a couch and flit through some of the incredible sale areas.
Mr. Bisk welcomes us at the door, a calm and reassuring presence that blends perfectly with the Prakti ambience. Of course, we’re there before hours; Mr. Bisk assures us it gets pretty crowded once the doors open to the public. Mr. Bisk introduces us to Rabbi Moshe Weissfish, his CEO, and we start a tour that leaves me with a serious shopping bug as well as the most sincere “mi k’amcha Yisrael” I’ve said in a long time.
Our first stop is a small glassed-in room that the CEO unlocks carefully. We file in, oohing and ahhing over the rows and rows of candlesticks, the becher collection, and several intricate menorahs.
“All styles: modern, classic, unusual. I pick out the latest trends,” Rabbi Weissfish says. “All for 700 or 800 shekel less than market price.” I admire the glass display case housing the chassan watches, their brand names catching my eye. The jewelry shelves are empty though, save for a few necklaces on display.
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