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EVENTS &
CELEBRATIONS

A SUPPLEMENT TO THE JEWISH STANDARD · SPRING 2019

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FIRST place
KOSHER CATERER
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Jewish Standard S-3

‘Kidult’ party.....................................................4
Where grownups cut loose again

Wedding by design............................................6
Susie Fishbein’s daughter marries at Temple Emanu-El

Outdoor events and celebrations

take advantage of the season.........................8
And right in your own backyard

Celebrate your grad.......................................9

Perfect party zones.......................................10
Creating designated fun spots

The menu with the mostest...........................10

Website makes buying
group gifts a snap.........................................12
It’s a girl!........................................................13
Welcoming a daughter with a simchat bat

Greener ‘I do’s’...............................................14
Summertime food fun....................................15
Fresh dishes for your entertaining


 
 


 




Mitzvah
UNLIMITED

POSSIBILITIES
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‘Kidult’ party Where grownups cut loose again
Heidi Mae Bratt
T
welve-year-old Josh Baskin, who lives with
his parents and sister in Cliffside Park, is told
he is too short for a ride at a local carnival.
He is disappointed by the decision based on
his stature, as the tween is trying to impress
an older girl. He finds an unusual, ancient-looking
fortune-teller arcade machine and puts a coin into it.
His wish? To be big. The machine dispenses a card
telling him, “Your wish is granted.”
The next morning, Josh wakes up to find he is in
the body of a 35-year-old man. Actor Tom Hanks
plays the grown-up Josh Baskin in the 1988 fantasy
comedy movie, “Big.” Perfectly cast for the role
with his boyish charm and exuberance, Mr. Hanks’
grown-up Josh freaks out his mother, and with the
help of his best friend, leaves the comfort of his New
Jersey home for parts unknown in New York City. He
winds up as an executive working for a toy company.
(Remember this is a fantasy!) His job specifically is to
test new toys, a dream for the 12-year-old. He gets to
go to work and have fun all day!
In the 2009 movie, “17 Again,” another fan-
tasy comedy with a similar twist, 37-year-old Mike,
played by actor Matthew Perry, becomes his 17-year-
old self, played by actor Zac Efron, after a chance
accident. As an adult, Mike’s life is rife with disap-
pointments, including a marriage that is breaking
up and estrangement from his teenage children.
But as a 17 year old he gets the chance to return to
JS-4
his high school (with his own children who attend)!
Of course, by movie’s end, he returns to his former
adult self. But the journey to teenage years gives him
a chance to redress the past. As a kid again, he helps
his bullied son make the basketball team and gets
rid of his daughter’s loser boyfriend. Mike gets his
second chance and lessons are learned. If only!
Hollywood’s love affair with age reversals from old
to young and vice versa has produced many films
that have topped the box office. Why is it that we
love to see ourselves in a different place age-wise
than we are? Certainly, there is affection for the good
old days for adults and a longing for the privileges
and freedoms for youngsters who say they want to
be older.
When it comes to celebrations, however, whether
it is a birthday party, anniversary or any other occa-
sion, what adult doesn’t want to feel young again?
This year, 2019 has been declared the “Year of
the Kidult.”
What is Kidult? It’s a celebration that makes you
feel like a kid again. It could be a big adult play-
ground, from massive slides to tree climbing, ulti-
mate Frisbee, boating lakes, LEGO robots, bowling,
karaoke, skating, cooking and candy-making, minia-
ture golf, swimming, dancing, pizza and ice cream
parties, you name it.
It’s any party bubbling over with childish fun for
big kids. So, just forget about the pension plan and
the early-bird special, and for the next grownup
event or celebration consider the kid-like fun and
young-at-heart options.
At RPM Raceway in Jersey City owner Karen Davis-
Farage said the so-called kidult party is right up
their alley, or shall we say, raceway. The average age
of the racers and participants that ride there is in
their 30s.
The raceway is an adult venue that offers its rac-
ers the most “authentic, thrilling, exhilarating expe-
rience,” said Ms. Davis-Farage. “This is an adult play-
land. With all the focus on racing our goal is to add
more experiential activities that adults engage in
and have the most fun.”
And it’s not just racing at RPM Raceway, with
facilities in Stamford, Conn., and Long Island. RPM
offers other kinds of adult fun including virtual
realty games, simulators of all sorts, mini bowling,
and arcades. There is no end to the good time in any
square foot of the RPM facilities.
“People are really looking to get off of their
couches,” said Ms. Davis-Farage. “More than ever
we need more social interaction. People are loving
experiences. They no longer want to be a spectator,
they want to be a participant.”
Ms. Davis-Farage said that the facility frequently
hosts such events as adult birthday parties, family
reunions, 40th and 50th birthday parties, retire-
ment parties, to name just a few.
“We will create an event and experience around
the racing and arcade or whatever they want. We
can design anything,” Ms. Davis-Farage said.
When it comes to challenges, high and mighty

Adults at High Exposure Climbing in Northvale enjoy group play with a giant ball, left, and scaling the heights on a rock climbing wall, right.
At RPM Raceway in Jersey City, it’s pedal to the medal, right, and gaming fun, above.
challenges, the four-year-old High Expo-
sure Climbing in Northvale gives adults
an adventure that thrills, that breaks
through challenges, that makes them feel
like fearless kids and gives them some-
thing that is physically fun and emotionally
empowering.
Stephanie Shultz, owner of the facility,
said that there were participants who have
gotten emotional after a climb. She recalled
one woman who was battling cancer.
“To climb a 42-foot wall and get to the
end and be accomplished, one feels that
there are things that they can do that they
never thought possible,” said Ms. Shultz.
“That translates into their life.
“People think, ‘Yes, I could get out of this
bad marriage and get that divorce,’ or “Yes,
I can get that job promotion.’ Or ‘Yes, I can
take those 10 pounds off my body.’ They
take the climb and apply it to other larger
challenges in their life.”
As for the “kidult” aspect of High Expo-
sure, Ms. Shultz said, “The nature of what
we do here is fun. What we do is entice peo-
ple to do what they want and what they can
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Jewish Standard S-5
achieve. We have designed High Exposure
to be a way to play,” said Ms. Shultz, who
was a one-time toy inventor, so she knows
a thing or two about having fun.
She continued, “An adult has to remem-
ber that it is okay to play. In particular, for
women. We do everything for everybody
else and the frivolity of play is dismissed
and seen as not essential.”
But, in fact, it is soul nurturing, she said.
Glow Party Venue in Waldwick hosts
plenty of fun for adults, including adult
birthday parties. A typical birthday party
for an adult at Glow consists of family
and friends, and usually involves a dinner,
games, music and much more. In addi-
tion, the facility will offer plenty of kidult
fun for reunions, fundraisers, corporate
events, team building, and holiday parties.
At Humdingers in Paramus, the fun
is already there. With eight indoor fully
automated batting cages with pro dugout
seating, and 12 pitching machines, no bad
weather will halt the fun. The facility also
has a dozen boutique bowling lanes for
adult kids of all ages. The tables are set at Glow Party Venue in Waldwick.

S-6 Jewish Standard
Wedding by design
Susie Fishbein’s daughter marries at Temple Emanu-El
Heidi Mae Bratt
W
hen Susie Fishbein and her husband Kal-
man attended the wedding of a friend’s
child about 15 years ago they may have
decided it right then and there. At the time
they had three daughters (a son would come later).
Their eldest, Katie, was not even bat mitzvah, but Kal-
man knew it. He turned to Susie and said, “We are defi-
nitely going to make weddings here.”
That place was Temple Emanu-El of Closter and
the caterer who was chosen for the wedding of Amit
Goldstein and Katie Fishbein, whose mother is Susie
Fishbein, “The Jewish Martha Stewart,” was Northern
Valley Affairs, the official in-house caterer of Temple
Emanu-El.
“What an honor it is for me that they chose me from
all the kosher catering facilities,” said Les Friedman,
the owner of Northern Valley Affairs. “To do this wed-
ding for this superstar, I hope to showcase my facility at
Temple Emanu-El. This is like a caterers event. We plan
to go above and beyond.”
For her part, Ms. Fishbein, famous for her nine
JS-6
SPRING 2019 EVENTS & CELEBRATIONS
“Kosher by Design” cookbooks with sales of half a mil-
lion copies, cooking demos, and culinary world tours,
said she was drawn to the venue’s unique physical attri-
butes, the food, and the warmth and enthusiasm of Mr.
Friedman and general manager Marty Maged.
“Sure, they were appropriately excited,” said Ms.
Fishbein when she met with them in the planning of
the wedding of her daughter, Katie, an oncology nurse
and Amit, a Texas native. Amit just received his degree
in biotechnology and hopes to create anti-cancer drugs.
She was not only impressed with Mr. Friedman and
Mr. Maged’s desire to customize their wedding – which
took place on May 23, the holiday of Lag B’Omer – with
elements of Texas from its Texas eats to its Texas beer,
and for Lag B’Omer, with outdoor open fire pits and cel-
ebration that embraces the couple’s wedding and the
holiday. Ms. Fishbein was also impressed with the beau-
tiful sanctuary and its historic stained glass dome where Amit Goldstein and Katie Fishbein at their
the young couple wed under the chuppah. engagement party.
“It is breathtaking,” said Ms. Fishbein. “The sanctu-
ary feels so elevated and holy.” Kalman, Amit and Katie, and Amit’s parents, Terry and
And then there was the food, Ms. Fishbein said. Reuven Goldstein, who flew in from Houston, for the
Mr. Friedman recently held a tasting for Susie and event. And event it was. A parade of dishes came out
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 JS-7
Jewish Standard S-7

and wine flowed. The chefs through SawYouAt Sinai,

and staff greeted the family. a Jewish dating site that
“Everything we tasted was uses real-life matchmakers
impressive,” said Ms. Fish- who sift through the pro-
bein, who did offer some sug- files and add the human
gestions to the chef – a tweak touch to introduction. At
here and there. Add raspberry the time Katie was finish-
sauce on the crispy duck and ing nursing school at the
make the chili a bit less sweet University of Pennsylva-
with a bit more kick, she nia, and Amit was a breast
suggested. cancer researcher at Baylor
“They took absolutely no University in Texas. They
offense to the feedback and met in person in New York
were very accommodating,” during the Purim week-
she said. end in 2017. Later, after
“My husband,” she added, long-distance dating, they
“was just sold on their per- both decided to live in the
sonalities. They (Mr. Friedman same city, and it was Bos-
and Mr. Maged) just invest ton, where Katie worked
themselves. It is their passion. at Massachusetts General
There is no ego there, just ego- Hospital and Amit fin-
less perfectionism,” that is ished his master’s degree
doing your best without mak- The winning card: “Will You Marry Me?” The sanctuary at Temple Emanu-El. at Northeastern University.
ing it about yourself. “They The couple got engaged
clearly love what they do.” The sides consisted of wilted sautéed spinach, and a nearly a year ago around Katie’s birthday. Amit used
So then, what was for dinner? kebab of red skin, purple, and fingerling potatoes on a a custom-made playing card deck (they played a lot
The appetizer, a tri-plate serving included a water- skewer roasted in garlic olive oil. The desserts served of cards during Shabbat) to propose during a game
melon and yellow tomato napoleon (inspired by one of butler style included a parade of mini sweets and treats, of Go Fish.
Ms. Fishbein’s recipes, Mr. Friedman said), baby stuffed including warm chocolate-chip cookies with a vanilla “I drew the card,” said Katie. “I fished for my wish,
portobello mushroom, and a torched blackened cod shake shot, mango and lemon sorbet, Beignets with a that’s for sure.”
served on a ceramic spoon with a fig. Dinner was a choice vanilla dipping sauce, chocolate and almond pecan bark, Susie Fishbein said that since Katie and Amit met
of Chateaubriand steak, crispy duck breast served with a fruit kebabs, vanilla and chocolate mini-meltaways and through SawYouOnSinai she has become one of their
raspberry bourbon sauce, blackened Chilean sea bass, for that Texas flavor, mini key-lime pies. volunteer matchmakers.
and a grilled vegetable napoleon with eggplant rollatini. Like many young couples, Katie and Amit met online “I want to pay it forward.”

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FIRST PLACE
SPECIAL OCCASION
DRESS SHOP
2011-2018
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S-8 Jewish Standard SPRING 2019 EVENTS & CELEBRATIONS

Outdoor events and celebrations take advantage of the season

And right in your own backyard outdoor cinema. Grab some lawn chairs
and blankets and host a movie night
• Make music

P
arty under the sun or stars
It’s time to take the party out-
doors. Here are some fun ideas
for entertaining on the balmy
days and nights ahead:
• Cool spread
Host a potluck in your backyard, setting
up a long picnic table for guests to dis-
play their dishes. You can make things
more interesting by adding a theme or
challenge. Whether it’s to incorporate a
specific seasonal ingredient into every
dish or to only bring dips, the possibili-
ties are endless. Use online tools to help
you organize, such as perfectpotluck.
com, which gives guests an opportunity
to sign up for a specific item ahead of
time so there are no duplicates.
• Outdoor movie night
It’s easy to turn the backyard into an
outdoors under the stars. You can be
sure you get a clear, crisp picture with
a projector designed to automatically
adjust its brightness relative to ambient
light. For example, the XJ-F210WN, part
of Casio’s Advanced Series line of pro-
jectors, combines a laser and LED light
source and uses an Intelligent Light Con-
trol feature to ensure viewers get great
visuals. Powered on and off in as fast as
five seconds, this mercury-free, energy
efficient choice is right for hosts who
don’t like to make their guests wait.
• Decorate
Your decorations should evoke the spirit
of the season. Think garlands, fresh
flower centerpieces, paper lanterns, and
vibrant colors.
No party is complete without music.
Whether you’re hosting a jam session or
karaoke night, take advantage of the sea-
son by taking the musical fun outdoors.
A versatile portable keyboard, such as
the CT-X700, can help you get the party
started. It comes with the AiX Sound
Source, which faithfully reproduces
the sound of acoustic instruments such
as guitars, winds, and more, as well as
100 built-in songs, 600 tones, and 195
rhythms. It also includes a class-compli-
ant USB-MIDI port that connects to most
devices with no drivers or installation
needed, making it a good choice for an
outdoor setup.
This season, be the host with the most
by taking the party outdoors.
StatePoint

Slide into S
mmer with Us Timeless Ketubah launches
u

Signature Wood Collection

Ketubah styles that fit ‘outside the
box’ have grown in popularity over
the past few decades. Couples are
spending more time and money to
find a ketubah design and text that are
truly meaningful to them. Perhaps no
one has taken to this ‘outside the box’
thinking more than David Master,
a Bergen County native, artist, and
owner of Timeless Ketubah. At his
Brooklyn studio, David creates sculp-
tural and wood-engraved ketubah
designs. Offering a variety of styles,
each Timeless Ketubah is handmade
to order, which means that the small-
est details can be customized so
that couples get the ketubah of their
dreams.
Timeless Ketubah has now launched
a brand-new collection of ketubah
options. The Signature Wood Collec-
tion features unique ketubah designs
made solely with beautifully finished
wood. Its elegant designs incorporate
walnut, cherry, maple, and more. The
ketubah text is laser-engraved directly
into the wood and is fully personal-
ized for each client. These designs
don’t require a frame and arrive ready
to hang on the wall.
The Timeless Ketubah gallery can
be seen online at www.TimelessKetubah.com, and in Brooklyn by appoint-
ment. For more information, call (347) 460-7120 or email David Master directly
at David@TimelessKetubah.com.
 JS-9
S-13 Jewish Standard S-9

Jewish Standard S-13

Nothing
captures
memories
docked boat may be boarded by late-arriving shells, rope tied in nautical knots, and
guests. A boat at sea would leave late arrivals better
nautical flags. You’re not stuckthan
with aared,
stranded on the dock. “Set an arrival time white and blue colorphotograph.
scheme. Nautical
for an hour before the start of the ceremony accents can fit into any palette.
or sailing time to avoid missed connections,”
CreatorS.CoM Photo CourteSy of danielle riChardS PhotoGraPhy

says Cerria. Choose Your Wow Factor

Some wedding couples arrange for fire-
Choose Your Wedding’s

Book your next

works displays to light up the night sky and
dining Style seascape when the sun sets on their wed-

Celebrate your grad

“Buffets are usually the most successful ding day. Your wedding planner can help

event with us!

style of food service,” says Cerria. “Guests you hire the ideal fireworks company and
may not want to be stuck in their seats at time the show for a spectacular end to your
dream yacht wedding.

I
a formal dinner when there are so many
n keeping
decks with tradition
and glass-covered this
areas to time
enjoy on Depend
guest on your
of honor. Manywedding
personalizedplanner
prod-to
the of year,
yacht. Setparents across inAmerica
up food stations the main cover all of the details of your yacht
ucts can be easily created at the self-ser- wed-
are area,
dining gettingandready
offer to celebrate
separate foodthe
sta- ding,Kodak
vice including this important
Picture aspect: at
Kiosks available Be For more information, call 201.568.6867 or
graduation
tions achievements
and bars around of guests’
the boat for their sure that
most CVS your vendors
and Target will be
stores. In granted ac-
fact, most email info@templesinaibc.org
ease and nieces,
children, enjoyment.” Sit-down
nephews, anddinners
other cessbe
can to completed
the boat farandenough in advance
returned on theof
can be and
friends arranged, of course, if that is your
relatives. your day
same wedding’s
they’restart for them to be able
ordered.
desired
Many style
will of
befood service.
moving forward from to perfect all of their preparations so that
You may elementary
preschool, also wish to blend
schoolstyles, such
or mid- your timeline
Serve can proceed smoothly. That
up your
as having way, you can
grad’s favorites enjoy your wedding day with-
dle school.a Asit-down
whopping dinner
3.3 and a dessert
million will
buffet. from high school. And at the outAmerican
In worrying. culture, loveCreators.comis often
graduate
college level, students are expected to expressed through food. Whether your
Choose Your decor
have earned an impressive one million
Sharon Naylorwill
celebration is theconsist
author of
of“The Bride’s
a big party
Trending decor
associate’s items1.9
degrees; formillion
yacht weddings
bache-
Guide to Freebies” and three dozen other
or a small, private family affair, putting
include driftwood, anchors, lighthouses, wedding books.
lor’s degrees; 780,000 master’s degrees your grad’s favorite food and drink on
and 182,000 doctoral degrees over the the menu will show him or her you care.
2018-19 school year, according to the Of course, that’s made easy now that
National Center for Education Statistics. graduation parties feature such a wide
Because these milestones are such an range of cuisines; consider ordering
important part of life, your graduate will takeout from your grad’s favorite bar-
want to preserve memories of friends, becue restaurant or having your local
accomplishments, and key experiences supermarket hand-craft beautiful sushi
gathered along the way. If you’re a platters to serve to guests.
proud parent helping your student cele-
brate this transition into the next phase Make a personalized
of life, here are some ways to make it feel musical playlist
extra special. Compile and record a selection of your
grad’s favorite music to play at his or
Share the great news her celebration party. Sprinkle in other
Even if you’re not planning a huge event, songs that may bring a smile; consider
you can still show pride in your grad’s childhood favorites, tunes with sen-
achievement by mailing out personal- timental lyrics, school fight songs, or
ized announcements that include grad- music associated with band, orchestra,
uation photos. Friends and family will theater or dance performances.

Emporio
appreciate hearing that your student
has passed a milestone and moved on to
the next stage of life. And the photo will
Commemorate friendships
through photo gifts
giveEmporio
them a tangible
has a vastmemento
col- they can Your grad and his or her classmates will
lection
display andof ties for your
keep. treasure their school memories well
event. New this season, into the future if you custom-create gifts
Plan ouraspecial
personalized
occasion featuring their favorite photos. Digital
grad party
collection ties are avail- photos can be brought to better light,
Honorableyour
in 30graduate’s
shades and individuality and create more smiles, when they’re
in matching
by creating quantities
customized for your
signs, party.
banners, turned
custom into
shade.functional items like keep-
Made inballoons,
tableware, Italy, smaller quantities
favors, candy,area sake boxes,iscalendars,
Emporio located at mugs,
215 W. and mag-
Engle-
cake,usually in stock,
and other partylarger
gearorders require
that features woodonAve.
nets in Teaneck (201) 530-7300
KodakMoments.com.
theira name,
six-week turn hobbies,
image, around. We can col-
school also with other
Your locations
child in Brooklyn,
will remember his Long
gradua-
ors, and logos, etc. You might even springa
match any postage-size swatch for Island and Lakewood.
tion celebration for years to come if you 1 Engle St, Tenafly, NJ 07670 | templesinaibc.org
for a life-size standalone cut-out of the personalize every element. BPT
 JS-10

S-10 Jewish Standard SPRING 2019 EVENTS & CELEBRATIONS

The Empty Vase

a floral company
We Can Make Any Party Beautiful
Perfect party zones
Creating designated fun spots

W
hen you’re entertain-
ing a small group, it’s
fairly easy to ensure
everyone enjoys the
party. However, a larger group
or an eclectic crowd with varied
CLOSTER interests can make it harder to
219 Closter Dock Rd. be an effective hostess. Planning
201-750-7181 party zones that cater to specific
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Designating areas of your
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Offer a comfortable seat and soothing lighting in a part

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Carine overwhelming, especially if entertaining isn’t some-
thing you do often. No matter the occasion, these tips
can help you avoid common party pitfalls so you can
___ Art keep
Direction
the focus on having fun.
_X__ Offer an assortment. Rather than attempting to
E-Proof
plan the menu around a wide range of likes, dislikes,
allergies and other considerations, create a menu
that satisfies everyone’s cravings with a mix of hot
and cold dishes in a variety of tastes and textures.
Create a beverage cart. The kitchen is likely to be
___ OKa AShotbedISof activity, but setting up a remote bever-
age cart can help redirect some of that traffic. Stock
___ OKtheW.cart
CHANGE
with an ice bucket and tongs, lemons, limes,
olives and cherries, and an assortment of glasses.
Offer a couple of bottled beers on ice, at least one
________________
white and one red wine, and several liquors that
approved by
rum.
Never compromise on wine. Lots of times, guests
have wildly different tastes in wine and it can seem
impossible to select a few bottles that everyone will
like. If you want to please everyone but worry you’ll
end up with a stash of partially poured bottles, there
is an alternative to pulling all those corks.
Plan ahead for refills. Clear as much space as pos-
sible in the refrigerator for extras so you can easily
replenish anything that runs out. Make extra pitch-
ers of punch, and have bowls of popular items ready
to replace as needed.
For warm items, use the warming feature on your
oven to hold dishes at serving temperatures, or sim-
ply leave the oven off and contain the precooked
dishes’ warmth. Family Features
JS-11

S-12 Jewish Standard
Website makes buying group gifts a snap
G
iftCrowd, a website created by Eshed Doni,
makes buying group gifts easy and conve-
nient. Instead of collecting money, carrying
change, reminding those who forget, and
going to the store to buy a gift that the recipient might
end up returning, everything is done online. Invitees
can chime in and add their contribution using credit
and debit cards and the gift recipient chooses how to
redeem the collected amount into one or more gift
cards of leading brands. Eshed Doni answers some
questions about GiftCrowd.
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JS-12
SPRING 2019
Q: How did GiftCrowd’s concept come to life?
Eshed: It all started when my twin sons ended up their
birthday with a pile of gift cards. As they wanted to buy
a game for their computer they wanted to keep all the
GameStop cards but had no use for other types of gift
cards they got, so we ended up trading. Some of the gift
cards are still unused today, more than a year later. At
the same time, not a single week went by without me
paying a visit to either Stop&Shop or CVS to buy gift
cards for the birthday of my kids’ friend. It just seems
ridiculously time consuming and I was sure that there
must be a better way. My goal with GiftCrowd was to
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EVENTS & CELEBRATIONS
twofold: to turn all of that into a hassle free, fully online
process, making it easy for both gift buyers and gift
receivers guaranteeing their satisfaction, and enable
the gift receiver to select any gift he or she desires.
Q: So assuming I am a busy mom who wants to
arrange a group gift to my son’s friend,
how can I do that using GiftCrowd?
Eshed: That’s really easy. All you have to do is go to
the website and start a new gift. You have to specify the
recipient, decide when to deliver the gift, add your own
contribution and invite others to chip in. Invitations
can be sent via e-mail, Facebook or Whatsapp. Invitees
then join the gift (no signup needed so this literally takes
a minute), add their contribution via a credit or debit
card and include a personal greeting. They can also
forward the invitation to others in case the gift creator
has missed anyone. On the target date the gift recipient
receives their gift and can decide how to redeem the col-
lected amount into one or more of the 50-plus types of
gift cards that have partnered with us making sure that
gift receivers will always get something they really want
Q: And how much does
using GiftCrowd cost gift buyers?
Eshed: From the get-go I decided that I was not going
to charge users any fee on top of the amount they want
to contribute, as it just did not make sense to me. Nor
did I plan to charge the gift receiver anything and I was
glad that we were able to figure out a business model
that works well for everyone, as we get our cut from the
brands whose gift cards we sell.
Q: How did users react?
Eshed: Well, we did have some technical glitches
during the first week. However, as soon as we got past
that, people really liked GiftCrowd and came back to
say how easy it was and how much time it saved them.
The main uses were gifting teachers and coaches, buy-
ing gifts to colleagues when they had newborns and, of
course, arranging birthday gifts.
Q: We heard some schools adopted GiftCrowd as
their solution for the holidays gifts for teachers.
Can you please shed some light on that?
Eshed: Just before the holidays, Mackay school in Tena-
fly decided to use GiftCrowd as their gifting platform for
the holidays gifts. With GiftCrowd they could make sure
that all the teachers (including the professional teach-
ers such as the Spanish, PE and ELL teachers) would
receive gifts and so would all the other staff members.
All of that without having class parents spend hours
collecting money, sending reminders, giving change,
going to the store to buy the actual gift, etc. All in all,
they had 52 gifts and all the money was collected within
eight days with many parents gifting more than a single
teacher or staff member. We do plan to expand that to
more schools in the region and throughout the country
before the end of the school year.
Q: So what do you plan next for GiftCrowd?
Eshed: We constantly add features and improve the exist-
ing ones. A lot of the improvements that we have already
made, as well as ones that are still in our queue, were
based on user feedback, and we encourage everyone to
share their experience and provide us with feedback.

It’s a girl!
Welcoming a daughter
with a simchat bat
Debra Nussbaum Cohen
W
hether you call it a brit bat, a simchat bat, or
something else, here are some key features
of ceremonies celebrating the arrival of a
new daughter.
*A song. Singing together is a powerful way to cre-
ate a sense of holy space, to distinguish the time of the
ceremony from that which preceded it, and to bring
everyone together in fellowship. Someone leads people
in a Jewish traditional wordless tune, called a niggun,
which is easy for people to join in, or a contemporary
Jewish or meaningful secular song.
• An introduction welcoming everyone to the joy-
ous occasion. This is a time to outline what guests
should expect and note the presence of honored
people in attendance — rabbis, special friends and
relatives, and anyone else who has had a notable
role in the baby’s first weeks of life.
• Hebrew welcome. The Hebrew words “Brucha
ha-ba’ah b’shem Adonai” — “Welcome in the name
of the Creator” — are often recited by the person
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leading the welcoming ceremony, or by all the
assembled guests, to greet the baby as she is car-
ried into the room.
• Blessings of thanksgiving by the baby’s parents. Bir-
kat haGomel, the prayer of thanksgiving for having
come through a potentially life-threatening passage,
is traditionally said by a woman after childbirth. It
is customarily said the first Shabbat that the mother
has gone to synagogue after the baby is born, after
reciting the blessing over the Torah reading. If she
hasn’t done this already, the mother can recite Bir-
kat haGomel at her daughter’s welcome ceremony.
• Prayers and readings related to parenting and the
baby recited by the parents.
• A ritual welcoming this new daughter into the cove-
nant or celebrating her membership in it. This might
involve wrapping her in a tallit (prayer shawl), lighting
candles, immersing her in a mini-mikveh (a stand-in
for a ritual bath), or washing her hands and feet.
• Explanation of the baby’s names, and recitation of
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Jewish Standard S-13
formal naming blessings giving her Jewish (Hebrew
or Yiddish) names. If relevant, this is a good time
for grandparents and aunts and uncles, as well as
parents, to speak about the wonderful qualities
possessed by the people after whom the baby is
being named.
CAM PHOTOGRAPHY
• Presenting gifts to the baby, particularly Jewish-
ly-meaningful ones like a tzedakah box, kiddush
cup, or candlesticks — by her parents, older siblings,
or beloved relatives.
• Recitation of prayers, poems, and other readings by
honored guests.
• Blessings of gratitude from the baby’s parents. The
blessing, known as shehecheyanu, is often recited
when an individual or family reaches a new occa-
sion. Some might say this at the moment of their
daughter’s birth. The traditional blessing ending
with the words hatov v’hameitiv (the One who is
good and renders goodness) is said upon hearing
good news, or when something wonderful happens
to an individual or to the community. Either or both
of these, or other closing prayers, are often included
at the end of the ceremony.
• Hamotzi, the blessing over bread is usually recited
to begin the festive meal that follows the ceremony.
Many families dip challah into honey (a similar
custom is followed by many newlyweds during their
first year of marriage) to set apart this sweet day.
This article originally appeared in Kveller.com and is
reprinted here with permission.
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S-14 Jewish Standard
0003574344-01_0003574344-01
Greener ‘I do’s’ 10/4/13 4:12 PM Page 1
I
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the event industry: flowers, food, and
paper,” she said on the Mind Body Green
wellness website. “And there’s actually a
lot you can do about each.”
While snail mail paper invitations (ide-
ally made of recycled paper) are tradi-
tional, there are more environmentally
friendly ways to disseminate information
to your guests. It is permissible to email
save-the-dates. Another recommenda-
tion is building a wedding website via The
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JS-14
SPRING 2019 EVENTS & CELEBRATIONS
guests, restrooms, and an alternative
indoor site in case of inclement weather.
Enroll the venue and catering ser-
vice into creating the least amount of
that includes the invitation, your per- food waste possible at the reception.
sonal couple story, information on hotel Ask whether they can avoid single-use
reservations, and your wedding registry. plates, glassware and implements.
You can password-protect it so only your Locally grown foods should be featured,
invited guests have this information. Not which will help cut emissions from food
only will you save trees but you will also transport and support local farmers.
streamline communication, save money Ideally, they can serve foods that only
on stationary, and avoid hours of licking require minimal cooking and heating or
stamps and printing labels. none at all. If the former, look for low-en-
A big opportunity to green your wed- ergy methods. Lastly, coordinate ahead
ding is location, location, location. of time to donate leftovers to a local food
Choose one that is convenient for most bank or shelter. So long as your vision
of your bridal party and guests, instead is shared in the early planning stages,
of a faraway destination that will force arrangements should easily be made.
people to fly and drive long distances. When looking at venues for your spe-
Think about getting married in the great cial day, don’t be shy; ask management
outdoors, where the most energy you’ll about the commitment to using sustain-
use is the sun and gentle breezes. And able decorations and locally sourced
with a beautiful backdrop of fields and food. Use natural materials for center-
flowers, your decorations will nearly be pieces, such as stones, shells and potted
done. If this is a public site, you’ll need plants that can be transferred to a gar-
permission, or possibly a permit. For a den. Other decorations that can reused,
more intimate outdoor setting, use your like candles and vases, will lessen waste.
own backyard or that of a family member Send your guests home with any of these
instead. Just start manicuring the lawn decorations, as well as something natu-
and planting decorative plants as early ral like seed packets for party favors.
as possible. In either a public or private A common wedding woe is only wear-
environment, you’ll need seats for your ing your outfit one time. The Good Trade
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shopping and rental services are an excel-
lent option!” Reformation and Wear Your
Love have ethically made designs, and
sites like Rent the Runway have beautiful
pre-used designer dresses for rent. Pur-
chased dresses can be resold or donated
to charities that provide wedding gowns
to brides in need, such as those in hurri-
cane areas. Choose locally grown flowers,
for your wedding bouquet, bridal party
flowers and boutonnieres; or even better,
create bouquets of paper flowers or leafy
vegetables. Wedding jewelry should be
chosen with care to avoid things like con-
flict diamonds, ivory, and coral jewelry.
Bridal party gifts can be eco-friendly as
well, such as wood, naturally shed deer
antlers, and other naturally occurring
products. You can be thoughtful about
your bridal party and the environment
at the same time.
It’s easy to go green for your big day
without sacrificing style. All it takes is
being mindful and getting creative.
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* Shelly’s
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Subway
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Taipei Noodle House
483 Cedar Lane
Three Star Bagels
402-04 Cedar Lane
UnWined
441 B Cedar Lane
* Veggie Heaven
473 Cedar Lane
Victor’s Pizzeria
540 Cedar Lane
*Kosher
 JS-15
Jewish Standard S-15

Summertime food fun

Fresh dishes for your entertaining

S
ummer means it’s time to stock
up on fresh produce and light
the grill for a season of outdoor
gatherings with friends and fam-
ily. Entertaining becomes easier with fla-
vorful options that can make menu-plan-
ning a breeze all summer long.
A nutritious and versatile ingredient,
American pecans can be your secret
weapon for a variety of entertain-
ing occasions. Add one bag of pecans
to your shopping list and transform
standby recipes into wholesome and
Spiced Pecan Grilled
Peach Salad with
Goat Cheese
Spiced Pecans:
1 egg white
3 tablespoons dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
2 cups pecan halves
delicious meals and snacks for the whole
crowd.
Enjoy the long summer nights on the
back porch with a Spiced Pecan Grilled
Peach Salad, packed with the essential
flavors and textures of summertime. Or
serve up Pecan-Crusted Asian Turkey
Meatball Lettuce Wraps, a light and deli-
cious appetizer or easy entree to keep
guests satisfied.
Discover more summertime entertain-
ing recipes and cooking tips at Ameri-
canPecan.com.
Salad:
1/4 cup, plus 2 teaspoons, extra-vir-
gin olive oil or pecan oil, divided
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 large peaches, halved and pitted
6 cups mixed baby greens
4 ounces soft goat cheese
To make spiced pecans:
Heat oven to 275 F. Line rimmed
baking sheet with parchment paper.
In bowl, whisk egg white, brown
sugar, cinnamon, cayenne pepper
and salt until well combined. Fold in
pecans and mix until evenly coat-
ed. Spread in single layer on baking
sheet.
Bake 45-50 minutes, stirring occa-
sionally until pecans are fragrant and
golden brown. Allow to cool com-
pletely.
Source: American Pecan Council/Family Features
To make salad:
In bowl, whisk 1/4 cup olive oil, white
wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic
powder, salt and pepper. Set aside.
Brush cut sides of peach halves with
remaining olive oil; grill until grill
lines appear and peaches become
tender, about 3-5 minutes. Remove
peaches and slice.
Divide greens among four plates.
Top with grilled peach slices and
goat cheese. Divide 1 cup spiced
pecans evenly among salads and re-
serve remaining for snack. Top each
salad with drizzle of vinaigrette.

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 JS-16

some have well guarded

trade secrets

we just call them

family traditions

HERZOG LINEAGE
nine generations of patient winemaking