Roslyn Kosher Foods closed their doors permanently on March 17. It was the end of an era for customers — many of whom were loyal regulars for decades — and also for owner Emily Jacobson, who had worked at Roslyn Kosher for almost 40 years.
Jacobson took over ownership of the store a decade ago, and her impact was clear as, in the final weeks and days before closing, customers came to wish her well and say goodbye. Many also expressed their farewells with gifts, including balloons, candies, plants and flowers.
The Albertson shop sold kosher meat, cooked foods and packaged goods. Jacobson, a Melville resident, was bittersweet in the shop’s final days. “Looking back, it was a lot of hard work and stress and a lot of good times and friendships made along the way that I will never forget,” she said in an interview with Newsday. “My dream wasn’t to own a kosher food market, but it came my way and it became my life,” she said. “It became part of me and — not to pat myself on the back — I’m proud I was able to do it. I really didn’t think I could, but I did.”
In a letter posted to the shop’s website, Jacobson continued, “This store has been more than just a business, it’s been a cornerstone of our community, a place we’ve poured our passion into, and a source of delicious, reliable kosher food for countless celebrations and everyday meals. Your unwavering support, loyalty and trust placed in us have been the driving force behind our success.
“Words cannot express my appreciation for the friendships forged and the memories made within these walls. While this chapter comes to a close and I get some much needed rest, I hope the memories, traditions, and recipes created under our roof will continue to nourish your lives.”
Jacobson took over the store in 2014 following the death of her father, a Hungarian immigrant who survived the Auschwitz concentration camp. Paul Woldar, 63, of Roslyn, was among the customers who came out for one final visit to the store. Jacobson is “amazing and will be missed by a lot of people,” he said to Newsday, adding she and the store had been “so much a part of the community.”
