Gemach Directory

The word gemach is an acronym for the Jewish term gemilut hasadim (acts of lovingkindness). A gemach is a Jewish recycling agency of sorts, a repository of useful items that people may borrow and then return. Here’s a collection of different gemachs we found around the world, and the best places on the Internet to go looking for a gemach. For more about the idea, check out our article.

Chosson-Kallah Gemachs
A directory of gemachs related to Jewish weddings, both for participants and attendees.

International Association of Hebrew Free Loans
One of the oldest gemachs in the world, based on the principle that a Jew is not allowed to charge another Jew interest on a loan.

Bicycle Gemach
Encouraging good health practices and environmental awareness among Hasidim. No idea why it’s men-only, but still fascinating.

Yad Sarah
An organization of volunteers — and volunteered goods — for disabled children in Israel.

Baby Gemachs
Newborns and children are a huge part of gemachs — since babies outgrow their clothes so frequently, and people are always needing more.

Search for Gemachim
A searchable map of every gemach in the world.

Discover More

Tzedakah Themes & Theology

Although often translated as “charity,” tzedakah is not equivalent to charity. Rather, its root means “justice.”

The Waste-Free Shabbat Picnic

This Shabbat I had my first Shabbat meal picnic of the summer, and it was a lot of fun. Gorgeous ...

Wise Fridays: Grabbing at the World

A baby enters the world with hands clenched, as if to say, “The world is mine; I shall grab it.” ...