A little piece of Israel has arrived in Colorado Springs.

Opened in August, Chava’s Judaica Boutique downtown specializes in stocking merchandise imported from Israel. The items are typically used for Jewish holidays, such as during the High Holy Days and Hanukkah, an eight-day celebration that begins today.

A variety of Hanukkah menorahs, kippahs, washing cups, kiddish fountains, seder plates and other Jewish products are on display. But even for non-Jews there are plenty of items to choose from such as Jerusalem caps, a Jewish cookbook and candlesticks.

“We’ve got people buying for Christmas, and there are artists who aren’t Jewish coming in to shop,” said store owner Chava Kirk.

Kirk got the idea for the boutique after growing tired of driving to Denver to the nearest specialty Jewish store. With about 2,500 Jews in the Pikes Peak area, she figured she wasn’t alone in being weary of the trek.

Since opening, the store has attracted customers from Cañon City and Pueblo, she said.

The cozy 200-square-foot store offers a wide selection of Jewish products. Hanukkah menorahs range in price from $5 to $50. Washing cups begin at $4 and go up to $35 for a jeweled one made of resin. Wooden and ceramic kiddish fountains range from $30 to $121.

But not just anyone can buy the items used for Jewish traditions.

“If we get the indication that someone will desecrate (the item), or not use it for its intended purpose, they get a big no,” said Brandon Kirk, Chava’s husband who helps out in the store.

Opening a specialty store during a recession is certainly a gutsy move, and the Jewish couple have already invested about $25,000 in the project.

“We stepped off the ledge to do this,” said Chava Kirk, a bona fide entrepreneur who several years ago started a nail salon in Yuma, Ariz.

Business has been strong despite the economy, in part thanks to holiday shoppers, Chava Kirk said, and she’s already thinking about expanding the business. She also hopes to build a stronger presence online; only about 10 percent of her sales are over the Internet.

The couple see bright days ahead.

“A lot of people are rediscovering their faith,” Brandon Kirk said, “and that has been a tremendous help.”

—

Chava’s Judaica Boutique

What: specialty Jewish store

Where: 129 N. Wahsatch Ave.

Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays

More info: 201-0868, www.chavasjudaicaboutique.com

Chava Kirk owns and operates Chava’s Judaica Boutique on North Wahsatch Avenue. She said it’s the only Jewish boutique in this area not affiliated with a synagogue. Photo by CAROL LAWRENCE, THE GAZETTE

Julie Brickley, who said she’s a regular customer, browsed Chava’s Judaica Boutique on a recent Friday. Among other items, the boutique sells supplies for Hanukkah, which begins today. Photo by CAROL LAWRENCE, THE GAZETTE