by Deborah Silverthorn

Special to DJW

Umpteen dreidels plus 14 kinds of menorahs plus 10 packages of candles equals only a small piece of the pie at "Mazal & more," the area's newest Judaica shop located on the campus of Solomon Schechter Academy in North Dallas.

The store is owned and operated by Carol Darver of CPD Designs, which personalizes stationery, notepads, cups and cards. "Solomon Schechter had a 'school gift shop' until they moved into their new building almost a year ago but had become interested in changing the configuration of it," said Darver.

"Ruth Ritterband, who had been one of my customers, spoke with the board of the school and we discussed the notion of my putting a higher-end gift shop in the school's space." Shortly thereafter, "Mazal & more" came to be and it is a win-win situation for both the school and myself and in return for all the school has done for me. I am hoping to make a sizeable donation to them at the end of the fiscal year."

The store is in the front hallway of the west wing of the school, which opened last fall. Filled with displays of Judaica, gifts, personalized and decorative items, "Mazal & more" has many items available for you to cross off your Chanukah shopping list. "It is really possible to shop for the whole family from my children to our parents and friends," said Dr. Jill Sedacca, a fan and frequent shopper. "It is so convenient to stop in before or after carpool and it's a nice exhibit in the entrance to the school." All Chanuakah items in the store are currently 20 percent off.

The store is in the front hallway of the west wing of the school, which opened last fall. Filled with displays of Judaica, gifts, personalized and decorative items, "Mazal & more" has many items available for you to cross off your Chanukah shopping list. "It is really possible to shop for the whole family from my children to our parents and friends," said Dr. Jill Sedacca, a fan and frequent shopper. "It is so convenient to stop in before or after carpool and it's a nice exhibit in the entrance to the school." All Chanuakah items in the store are currently 20 percent off.

"To see such beautiful and innovative Judaica pieces is a real pleasure," said Ruth Ritterband, SSA's Head of School. "Carol's research into the availabilty of unusual and artistic - and yes, some humorous - items has been impressive and it has lent a special character to the shop. It is also a great temptation for many of us to walk in and to buy and buy and buy, as several of us have our own personal wish lists.

"Having a Judaica shop in the West Wing lobby, where even the youngest children pass by on their way into Beit Aryeh for morning services, adds to their knowledge base that Jewish ritual objects are beautiful and special and that our homes can be graced by their quality and functionality. It's not just a shop; it is a place to enjoy the beauty and originality of Judaica."

"The first couple of months have been fairly successful as we have met our expectations for the first quarter," said Darver, "and we're looking forward to the holiday season to help meet our six-month projections."

Almost everything in stock is created by a Jewish artist and there is a large selection of menorahs, mezuzahs, Seder and matzah plates, tzedakah boxes, kiddish cups, Miriam's cups, tallit and kipot, some of which are one of a kind. They also sell a variety of picture frames, pens, personalized items such as notepads, stationery, bar and bat mitzvah invitations, robes and pillows.

A most popular artist featured is Piper Strong, who works with metal, torches and hammers. Her creations are to "help owners celebrate everyday life," says Strong. "Working in metals has evolved for me in the past 10 years as a medium that holds no limits, as it defies gravity and holds its own shape."