DAVID

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Let’s get Dressed

UNVEILING THE LATEST IN WEDDING GOWNS

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SMILES FOR SURVIVORS

YOSEF & BINIE’S MATCHMAKER, WEDDING MATCHMAKER 1/21/14 10:54 AM

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H A P P I LY E V E R A F T E R S T A R T S H E R E Our wedding specialists at The Venetian速 and The Palazzo速 are here to attend to every detail of your perfect wedding along the Grand Canal or throughout our beautiful Five Diamond resort destination. venetianweddings.com 8 6 6 . 5 4 8 . 1 8 0 7

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explore The month’s event listings to help plan your day or your stay

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devour Where to find some of the best eats, drinks and foodie happenings in the Valley

Yosef & Binie’s Wedding This traditional Chassidic wedding was held in Las Vegas last November.

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Let’s Get Dressed We unveil the hot new trends in wedding gowns.

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Getting Carded for Love What’s now available in the Valentine’s Day section of your favorite card store.

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discover Places to go, cool things to do, hip people to see in the most exciting city in the World

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taste What did the Bakery Boss bake for his own wedding? We tell all and more.

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desire Sin City abounds in world-class shopping ... these are a few of our favorite things

sense The achievements of the charity, Smiles for Survivors, are enough to put a smile on all our faces.

Jamie Bernstein, Children’s Music Advocate.

The month’s spotlight on someone to know.

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know Introducing the second oldest profession (matchmaking).

In the battle between man and technology, man (usually women) always wins.

Let’s Dressed get

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UNVEILING THE LATEST IN WEDDING GOWNS F E B R U A R Y 2 014 www.davidlv.com

A bride wearing a Justin Alexander gown. Photo supplied by Justin Alexander.

GET CARDED FOR LOVE

SMILES FOR SURVIVORS

YOSEF & BINIE’S MATCHMAKER, WEDDING MATCHMAKER

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Copyright 2014 by JewishINK LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. DAVID MAGAZINE is protected as a trademark in the United States. Subscribers: If the Postal Service alerts us that your magazine is undeliverable, we are under no further obligation unless we receive a corrected address within one year.

The publisher accepts no responsibility for unsolicited or contributed manuscripts, photographs, artwork or advertisements. Submissions will not be returned unless arranged for in writing. DAVID MAGAZINE is a monthly publication. All information regarding editorial content or property for sale is deemed reliable. No representation is made as to the accuracy hereof and is printed subject to errors and omissions.

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Publisher/Editor Associate Publisher

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Max Friedland

max@davidlv.com editor@davidlv.com

Joanne Friedland joanne@davidlv.com

EDITORIALllllllll

Calendar Editor Copy Editor Pulse Editor Contributing Writers

Brianna Soloski

brianna@davidlv.com

Pat Teague Marisa Finetti Marisa Finetti Jaq Greenspon Valerie Miller Marilyn LaRocque Lynn Wexler

ART & PHOTOGRAPHY

Art Director/ Photographer

Steven Wilson

Contributing Photographer

Tonya Harvey

steve@davidlv.com

ADVERTISING & MARKETING

Advertising Director Account Executive

Joanne Friedland joanne@davidlv.com

Gina Cinque

gina@davidlv.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS 702-254-2223 | subscribe@davidlv.com

Volume 04 Number 10 www.davidlv.com DAVID Magazine is published 12 times a year.

Copyright 2014 by JewishINK LLC. 1930 Village Center Circle, No. 3-459 Las Vegas, NV 89134 (p) 702-254-2223 (f) 702-664-2633

To advertise in DAVID Magazine, call 702-254-2223 or email ads@davidlv.com To subscribe to DAVID Magazine, call 702.254-2223 or email subscibe@davidlv.com

DAVID Magazine sets high standards to ensure forestry is practiced in an environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and economically viable manner. This copy of DAVID Magazine was printed by American Web in Denver, Colo., on paper from well-managed forests which meet EPA guidelines that recommend use of recovered fibers for coated papers. Inks used contain a blend of soy base. Our printer meets or exceeds all federal Resource Conservation Recovery Act standards and is a certified member of both the Forest Stewardship Council and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative. When you are done with this issue, please pass it on to a friend or recycle it.

6 FEBRUARY 2014 | www.davidlv.com

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BUY OR BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME Our mortgage team specializes in luxury home financing*—from high-end home purchases to onetime-close construction loans, and everything in between. Our lending officers are experienced with complex tax returns and post-closing assets, and can help finance your dream home. Whether you’re looking to buy or build, we’re ready to work with you. Bring your banking home.

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*Subject to credit approval. Terms and conditions apply.

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MEMBER FDIC EQUAL HOUSING LENDER

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contributors

Marisa Finetti is a local writer, marketing professional and blogger. The Tokyoborn Finetti has called Las Vegas home since 2005. She has written for such publications as Spirit and Las Vegas and Nevada magazines and has a healthy-living blog at bestbewell. com. When she’s not writing, Finetti enjoys family time with her husband and two boys.

Jaq Greenspon is a noted local journalist, screenwriter and author with credits on The New Adventures of Robin Hood and Star Trek: The Next Generation.

He also is a literary and movie critic, has taught and written about fi lmmaking but is most proud of his role in the fi lm, Lotto Love. A Vegas resident for most of his life, his native language is Hebrew, but he doesn’t speak it anymore.

Tonya Harvey hails from Fontana CA but now makes Las Vegas home base. Photography

by Tonya Harvey was founded in 2003 as a part-time business. In 2009, she left the Las Vegas Review Journal to realize her longtime passion of running her own professional photographic business full time.

Tonya’s projects focus mainly weddings, portraits, and events.

Valerie Miller is a journalist based in Southern Nevada. She writes for media outlets including David Magazine, Bloomberg News and the Henderson Press. A University of Nevada, Las Vegas graduate, Valerie was a staff writer for the Las Vegas Business Press and the Las Vegas ReviewJournal. Originally from Chicago, Valerie has hosted a local radio music show, and is the Small Business Administration Nevada’s Michael Graham Entrepreneurial Spirit Award winner.

Marilyn LaRocque is Contributing Editor for Gastronomique en Vogue and former Senior Food and Wine Editor for LUXURY Las Vegas.

She’s traveled extensively around the world, visiting great wine regions and enjoying fantastic food.

She’s also Vice Chargée de Presse Nationale des Etats Unis for Chaîne des Rôtisseurs USA.

Lynn Wexler has been a feature writer and contributor for magazines and newspapers, locally and nationally, for over 20 years. She writes a monthly online column entitled Manners in the News, which comments on the behavior of politicians, celebrities and others thrust in the public arena.

She is the Founder and President of Perfectly Poised, a school of manners that teaches social, personal and business etiquette to young people.

She is a former TV Reporter and News Anchor.

Of her many accomplishments, she is most proud of her three outstanding teenaged children.

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SUPER SF UNDAY EB RUARY 23

l u f r e Pow

Rewarding

Amazing

One day to come together. One day to touch the world.

VOLUNTEER NOW! Julie and Neal Katz Super Sunday Chairs One Day. One Call. One Community Everyone Welcome! No Experience Necessary. Training Provided Shift 1: 9am to 11:30am Shift 2: 11am to 1:30pm Shift 3: 1pm to 3:30pm Shift 4: 3pm to 5:30pm

Super Sunday Headquarters The Dr. Miriam and Sheldon Adelson Educational Campus 9700 Hillpointe Road

Children’s Programming Refreshments Teen Programs Yiddeshe Cup

To volunteer call Jay at 702. 732. 0556 or sign up at Jewishlasvegas.com/supersunday2014

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from the publisher This is our annual “LOVE” issue, now combining the magic of Valentine’s Day and its hoped-for wedded bliss. We labored mightily to cover these subjects, with enough ardor to make even Eros blush.

We dived into the proverbial “Sea of Love” (well, an ocean of bridal tulle and taffeta), Valentine’s Day cards, matchmaking, the Cake Boss, Yosef and Binie’s Chassidic wedding and philanthropy.

It’s been my folly to wait until the last moment, when artwork and editorial are finally married on the page, when ads are placed and stories are captioned, to fashion this monthly note. Often, the stories have been proofed and all that remains to conclude the latest production cycle are these final few words. It’s always an existential exercise, having, as it were, a one-way conversation with unseen readers.

This month, however, things have changed — not with the production of the magazine, but for me.

Last month, we published the schedule and other details of the Las Vegas Jewish Film Festival. Our magazine was handed out as a takehome reference guide and reading matter for attendees still waiting for the lights to go down and opening credits to roll.

I enjoy sitting as far from the screen as possible and usually make sure to arrive early. This was especially true on opening night. My wife and I took our seats in the second-to-last row. Very soon, the house filled. I guess our early seating prejudices are not so uncommon.

Within moments my wife nudged me and whispered: “Have a look at what’s happening.” Since I was busy reading texts, and generally lost in cyber space, I had failed to notice that audience members in front and to the side of us were leafing through their DAVID Magazines. As expected, they turned to the pages containing festival information, and many of them continued on to read the publisher’s note. This was the first time I’d been in the company of a large group of people simultaneously reading these words. As I sat there, experiencing the syncopation of turning pages, I had to resist two conflicting urges: to stand up and take a bow or to slouch farther down in my seat.

After the final credits had rolled and the house cleared, I went back inside the theater to check whether any of our publications had been discarded. I am proud to report that DAVID returned home that night with those in attendance.

Thank you so very much for your continued support and readership. As ever, it is our commitment to provide value and a quality experience to you.

Max Friedland max@davidlv.com

10 FEBRUARY 2014 | www.davidlv.com

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pulse explore @ 12 devour @ 18 desire @ 20 discover @ 22

BRITNEY SPEARS 2.1-22

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eXplore L A S

10 a.m.-8 p.m. & Fri.-Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., free. Whitney Library, 5175 East Tropicana Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-507-4010. lvccld.org BRITNEY SPEARS: Varying dates through Feb. 22, 9 p.m., $59-$229. Planet Hollywood, 3667 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 877-333-9474. planethollywoodresort.com

V E G A S

BRASS ROOTS QUINTET: 2 p.m., free.

Charleston Heights Arts Center, 800 South Brush Street, Las Vegas. 702-229-6383. artslasvegas.org DANIEL TOSH: 7:30 p.m., $65.99-$95.99.

Mirage, 3400 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas.

702-791-7111. mirage.com MOSCOW FESTIVAL BALLET IN CINDERELLA: 8 p.m., $26.50-$76.50. Artemus Ham Hall, 4505 South Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas. 702-895-3011. pac.unlv.edu TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING IS WONDERFUL - LIBERACE AND THE ART OF COSTUME: Through Feb. 28, 3 p.m., free. Cosmopolitan, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-698-7000. cosmopolitanlasvegas.com MICKEY GILLEY: 7:30 p.m., free. Gilley's @ Treasure Island, 3300 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-894-7111. treasureisland.com ANDREW DICE CLAY: Encore performances Feb. 13, 15-16, 9 p.m., $59. Vinyl @ Hard Rock, 4455 Paradise Road, Las Vegas. 702693-5000. hardrockhotel.com CAESARS FOUNDATION PRESENTS THE 13TH ANNUAL WALK FOR WISHES AND 5K: 7 a.m., $15-$25. Miller's Ale House @ Town Square, 6605 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. runforawish.org

FITZ & THE TANTRUMS AND CAPITAL CITIES: 8 p.m., $30. The Chelsea @ The Cosmopolitan, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-698-7000. cosmopolitanlasvegas.com

February 1

DANA CARVEY: 8 p.m., $54.95. Orleans Showroom @ Orleans, 4500 West Tropicana Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-365-7075. orleanscasino.com FLASHDANCE - THE MUSICAL: Through Feb. 2, times vary, $26+. The Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-7492012. thesmithcenter.com

CHINESE NEW YEAR: Come celebrate the Chinese New Year at Cosmopolitan Las Vegas.

Activities and restaurant specials through Feb. 16. Cosmopolitan Las Vegas, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-693-7000. cosmopolitanlasvegas.com

Vegas, 3655 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas.

702-946-7000. parislasvegas.com

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE ANNUAL FOOD DRIVE: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Smith's Food and Drug Centers all over Las Vegas. https://www. facebook.com/events/1445538512326845/

SHANIA - STILL THE ONE: Varying dates through Feb. 15, 7:30 p.m., $55-$250. The Colosseum @ Caesars Palace, 3570 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-731-7110. caesarspalace.com

KRISTEN HERTZENBERG: 7 p.m., $25+. The Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-749-2012. thesmithcenter.com

POTTERY WEST STUDIO SHOW BY AMY KLINE: Through Feb. 2, Mon.-Thurs. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. & Fri.-Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., free. West Charleston Library, 6301 West Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas. 702-507-3940. lvccld.org

TAYLOR HICKS: Varying dates through Feb. 28, 8 p.m., $39.99. Napoleon's @ Paris Las

KAREN WHEELER & FRIENDS BY KAREN WHEELER: Through Feb. 18, Mon.-Thurs.

THE GEORGE GEE ORCHESTRA FEATURING VOCALIST JOHN DOKES: 7 p.m., $15.95.

Suncoast Showroom, 9090 Alta Drive, Las Vegas. 702-636-7075. suncoast.com

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STAGE TO SCREEN SERIES - BLACKS IN HOLLYWOOD - THE TUSKEGEE AIRMEN: 2 p.m., free. West Las Vegas Library, 951 West Lake Mead Blvd., Las Vegas. 702-507-3989. lvccld.org

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Nugget, 129 Fremont Street, Las Vegas. 702385-7111. goldennugget.com

CSN SCHOOLFEST - TAMING OF THE SHREW: Through Feb. 14, times vary, cost TBA. Nicholas Horn Theatre @ CSN Cheyenne, 3200 East Cheyenne Avenue, Las Vegas. 702651-4720. csn.edu/pac

AMY SCHUMER: Through Feb. 8, 10 p.m., $39.99. Mirage, 3400 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-791-7111. mirage.com FIRST FRIDAY: 6 p.m., free. Various downtown locations. firstfridaylasvegas.org

YOGA WITH JEWEL: 7 p.m., free. Amanda Harris Gallery, 900 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. For more information, email Marni at marni@jewishlasvegas.com. jewishlasvegas.com

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DENNIS MILLER: Through Feb. 8, 8 p.m., $54.95. Orleans Showroom @ Orleans, 4500 West Tropicana Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-3657075. orleanscasino.com

DAVID COPPERFIELD: Through Feb. 26, times vary, $69.99-$99.99. MGM Grand, 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-891-7777. mgmgrand.com TUESDAY AFTERNOON AT THE BIJOU - BY REQUEST : Tues. through Feb. 25, 1 p.m., free. Clark County Library, 1401 East Flamingo Road, Las Vegas. 702-507-3400. lvccld.org

LAS VEGAS CONTEMPORARY DANCE THEATER - LVCDT IN PERFORMANCE: Through Feb. 8, times vary, free. West Las Vegas Library, 951 West Lake Mead Blvd., Las Vegas. 702-507-3980. lvccld.org

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GODS AND HEROES OF THE MAYA: 11 a.m., free. Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, 888 West Bonneville Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-4836055. orleanscasino.com

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MAYER HAWTHORNE: 9 p.m., $20. Vinyl @ The Hard Rock, 4455 Paradise Road, Las Vegas. 702-693-5000. hardrockhotel.com JAMIE BERNSTEIN - CONVERSATION WITH THE MAESTRO'S DAUGHTER: 3 p.m., free. Flamingo Library, 1401 East Flamingo Road, Las Vegas. 702-507-3400. lvccld.org

JEWISH SENIOR SINGLES: 6:30 p.m., free.

For more information, call Jeanne Schomaker at 702-233-8618. orleanscasino.com CHINESE NEW YEAR DRAGON DANCE PARADE: 7:30 & 10 p.m., free. Gold Coast, 4000 West Flamingo Road, Las Vegas. 702367-7111. goldcoast.com

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BÉLA FLECK & BROOKLYN RIDER: 7:30 p.m., $29+. The Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-749-2012. thesmithcenter.com

ADELSON CAMPUS GALA: 6:30 p.m., $250.

Venetian, 3355 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas.

For more information or to purchase tickets, call 702-255-4500. adelsoncampus.org

NEON MUSEUM SCHOLAR IN RESIDENCE DR. LESLIE LUEBBERS: 7 p.m., free. Marjorie Barrick Museum @ UNLV, 4505 South Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas. 702-387-6366. neonmuseum.org

25TH ANNUAL SPLENDOR IN THE GLASS WINE & BEER TASTING: 3 p.m., $85. Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, 3000 Paradise Road, Las Vegas. http://www.vegaspbs.org/ winetasting/

YESHIVAH DAY SCHOOL, 7TH ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP BANQUET: 6-9 p.m., Congregation Ner Tamid, 55 N. Valle Verde Dr., Henderson. 702-838-8003. ydlv.org

SATURDAY MOVIE MATINEE - CAPTAIN PHILLIPS: 2 p.m., free. Clark County Library, 1401 East Flamingo Road, Las Vegas. 702507-3400. lvccld.org

ZEPPELIN USA - AN AMERICAN TRIBUTE TO LED ZEPPELIN: 8 p.m., $24+. The Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-749-2012. thesmithcenter.com CLINT HOLMES - STOP THIS TRAIN: Through Feb. 9, times vary, $35+. The Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas. 702749-2012. thesmithcenter.com AMERICAN CRAFT DISTILLERS FESTIVAL: Through Feb. 9, times vary, $79-$135. Golden

Fall in Love With Bagels!

301 N. Buffalo Drive

255-3444

CHUCK NEGRON OF THREE DOG NIGHT: Through Feb. 9, 7:30 p.m., $15.95. Suncoast Showroom, 9090 Alta Drive, Las Vegas. 702636-7075. suncoast.com

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MIDBAR KODESH SPRING EVENT: 4-9 p.m.

Midbar Kodesh Temple, 1940 Paseo Verde Pkwy., Henderson. 702-454-4848. rgoldman@ midbarkodesh.org NEVADA CHAMBER SYMPHONY'S FOR THE LOVE OF MUSIC - A CHILDREN'S CONCERT: 3 p.m., free. Clark County Library,

WhereTheLocalsEat.com

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Pixies with Best Coast 2.23

1401 East Flamingo Road, Las Vegas. 702507-3400. lvccld.org

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BRAD GARRETT: Through Feb. 16, 8 p.m., $59-$79. MGM Grand, 3799 Las Vegas Blvd.

S., Las Vegas. 702-891-7777. mgmgrand.com

CINEMA SOCIETY - MARCELLO, MARCELLO: Season tickets $55, time TBA. Galaxy Green Valley Luxury+ Theatre, 4500 East Sunset Road, Henderson. 702-442-0244. http://www. galaxytheatres.com/green-valley

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THE BMI EMERGING WRITERS SERIES NOVELIST - LENI ZUMAS : 7 p.m., free.

UNLV, 4505 South Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas. blackmountaininstitute.org GOSPEL BRUNCH INSPIRATIONAL SHOWCASE: 11 a.m., free. West Las Vegas Library, 951 West Lake Mead Blvd., Las Vegas.

702-507-3980. lvccld.org

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NEW POLITICS: 8 p.m., $15. Vinyl @ The Hard Rock, 4455 Paradise Road, Las Vegas. 702693-5000. hardrockhotel.com HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS: 7 p.m., $22$121. Thomas and Mack, 4505 South Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas. 702-895-3761. thomasandmack.com KISS N' TELL - NOTES ON LOVE AND LOSS A POETRY PERFORMANCE BY RENOWNED

"LOVE POET" LEE MALLORY: 8 p.m., free. The Beat Coffeehouse & Records, 520 Fremont Street, Las Vegas. 702-385-2328. thebeatlv.com 10TH ANNUAL DAM SHORT FILM FESTIVAL: Times vary, costs vary. Boulder Theatre, 1225 Arizona Street, Boulder City. damshortfilm.org UNLV JAZZ CONCERT SERIES - UNLV JAZZ ENSEMBLES: 7 p.m., free. Clark County Library, 1401 East Flamingo Road, Las Vegas.

702-507-3400. lvccld.org

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AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH CLINT BLACK ACOUSTIC: 7:30 p.m., $29+.

The Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-749-2012. thesmithcenter.com QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE WITH SPECIAL GUEST CHELSEA WOLFE: 8 p.m., $39.50+. The Joint @ The Hard Rock, 4455 Paradise Road, Las Vegas. 702-693-5000. hardrockhotel.com

EXECUTIVE CHEF CULINARY CLASSROOM - I HEART FOOD: 7 p.m., $125. Tuscany Kitchen @ Bellagio, 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-693-7111. bellagio.com DION: Through Feb. 14, 8 p.m., $39.95.

Orleans Showroom, 4500 West Tropicana Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-365-7075. orleanscasino.com

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RAINBOW COMPANY YOUTH THEATRE NEVADA SERIES TOUR SHOW - SPINNING NEVADA'S PAST: Through Feb. 16, times vary, $5. Historic Fifth Street School Auditorium, 401 South Fourth Street, Las Vegas. 702-2296383. artslasvegas.org PAINTING WOMEN: Ongoing, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (daily), $11-$16. Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, 3600 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-6937871. bellagio.com DAUGHTRY: 9 p.m., $35-$45. The Chelsea @ The Cosmopolitan, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-698-7000. cosmopolitanlasvegas.com

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LAS VEGAS PHILHARMONIC - POPS SERIES III - LOVE ON THE BIG SCREEN CASABLANCA: Times vary, $25+. The Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-749-2012. thesmithcenter.com

AN EVENING WITH JOHN PIZZARELLI: Through Feb. 16, times vary, $39+. The Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-749-2012. thesmithcenter.com BRUNO MARS: Through Feb. 16, 8 p.m., $95.

The Chelsea @ The Cosmopolitan, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-698-7000. cosmopolitanlasvegas.com METALACHI: 11:30 p.m., free. Vinyl @ The Hard Rock, 4455 Paradise Road, Las Vegas.

702-693-5000. hardrockhotel.com THE WORLD FAMOUS INK SPOTS CONCERT: 3 p.m., free. West Las Vegas Library Theatre, 951 West Lake Mead Blvd., Las Vegas. 702507-3989. artslasvegas.org LAS VEGAS MAYOR'S CUP INTERNATIONAL SHOWCASE: Through Feb. 17, times vary, free. Bettye Wilson Soccer Complex, 7353 Eugene Avenue, Las Vegas. lvmayorscup.com CLOTHES FOR A CAUSE BENEFIT CONCERT: 11 a.m., free. Clothing donation suggested. Downtown Container Park, 707 Fremont Street, Las Vegas. For more information, call Roddy Belford at 702-3538178 or email him at dieselrocket7@yahoo. com. orleanscasino.com HELEN REDDY: Through Feb. 16, 8 p.m., $39.95. Orleans Showroom, 4500 West Tropicana Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-365-7075. orleanscasino.com

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TAO - PHOENIX RISING: 7:30 p.m., $26+. The Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-749-2012. thesmithcenter.com

LAS VEGAS PROSOCCER CHALLENGE COLORADO RAPIDS VS. CHIVAS USA: 7:30 p.m., $15-$20. Sam Boyd Stadium, 7000 East Russell Road, Las Vegas. 702-739-3267. prosoccerchallenge.com STAGE TO SCREEN SERIES - BLACKS IN HOLLYWOOD - RED TAILS: 2 p.m., free. West Las Vegas Library, 951 West Lake Mead Blvd., Las Vegas. 702-507-3989. lvccld.org

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THE TEN TENORS: 7:30 p.m., $26+. The Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-749-2012. thesmithcenter.com

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FITZ & THE TANTRUMS AND CAPITAL CITIES: 8 p.m., $30. The Chelsea @ The Cosmopolitan, 3708 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-698-7000. cosmopolitanlasvegas.com MEDIEVAL MASTERPIECES: 11 a.m., free.

Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health, 888 West Bonneville Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-483-6055. orleanscasino.com

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RON WHITE'S COMEDY SALUTE TO THE TROOPS: 8 p.m., $79.99-$109.99. The Mirage, 3400 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-7917111. mirage.com

WEST PREP 7TH ANNUAL DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. ORATORICAL COMPETITION AND ART FESTIVAL: 6 p.m., free. West Las Vegas Library, 951 West Lake Mead Blvd., Las Vegas. 702-507-3980. lvccld.org

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AIPAC ANNUAL DINNER: For more information, email defargan@aipac.org. aipac.org

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SHEN YUN 2014: Through Feb. 23, times vary, $53+. The Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-749-2012. thesmithcenter.com MICHAEL CAVANAUGH - GREATEST HITS OF THE AMERICAN ROCK AND ROLL SONGBOOK: Through Feb. 22, times vary, $39+. The Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-749-2012. thesmithcenter.com SNOCORE TOUR FEATURING THE PRETTY RECKLESS, THE LETTER BLACK AND CROBOT: 7 p.m., $23. Vinyl @ The Hard Rock, 4455 Paradise Road, Las Vegas. 702-6935000. hardrockhotel.com www.davidlv.com | FEBRUARY 2014

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DOWNTOWN CULTURAL SERIES - SHANA TUCKER CONCERT: 12 p.m., free. Lloyd D. George Federal Courthouse Jury Assembly Room, 333 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Las Vegas. 702229-3515. artslasvegas.org GEORGE LOPEZ: Through Feb. 22, 10 p.m., $59.99-$79.99. Mirage, 3400 Las Vegas Blvd.

S., Las Vegas. 702-791-7111. mirage.com THE ADAM CAROLLA SHOW: 9 p.m., $35.

Treasure Island, 3300 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-894-7111. treasureisland.com

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2 CHAINZ WITH SPECIAL GUESTS PUSHA T AND AUGUST ALSINA: 8 p.m., $44.50+. The Joint @ The Hard Rock, 4455 Paradise Road, Las Vegas. 702-693-5000. hardrockhotel.com ARTSPOWER PRESENTS THE MONSTER WHO ATE MY PEAS: 10:30 a.m., $3.

Historic Fifth Street School, 401 South 4th Street, Las Vegas. 702-229-3515. artslasvegas.org SOLOMON SCHECHTER DAY SCHOOL, 2014 GREAT GATSBY ROARING 20’S GALA: 6 p.m. Temple Beth Sholom, 10700 Havenwood Ln., Las Vegas. 702-804-1333, ext. 114. bmiller@ssdslv.org

HAL HOLBROOK IN MARK TWAIN TONIGHT: 8 p.m., $26.50-$76.50. Artemus Ham Hall, 4505 South Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas.

702-895-3011. pac.unlv.edu CHILDREN'S HEART FOUNDATION 11TH ANNUAL WALK WITH THE HEART OF A CHILD: 7 a.m., $15-$50. Fashion Show Mall, 3200 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. chfn.org STOGIE KENYATTA'S ACCLAIMED ONE MAN SHOW - THE WORLD IS MY HOME THE LIFE OF PAUL ROBESON: Through Feb. 23, 2 p.m., free. West Las Vegas Library, 951 West Lake Mead Blvd., Las Vegas. 702-5073980. lvccld.org

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DANNY WRIGHT - REAL ROMANCE: Times vary, $30+. The Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-749-2012. thesmithcenter.com PIXIES WITH SPECIAL GUEST BEST COAST: 8 p.m., $42+. The Joint @ The Hard Rock, 4455 Paradise Road, Las Vegas. 702-6935000. hardrockhotel.com

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PAT METHENY UNITY GROUP: 7:30 p.m., $29+. The Smith Center, 361 Symphony

Park Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-749-2012. thesmithcenter.com

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AMOS LEE MOUNTAINS OF SORROW, RIVERS OF SONG TOUR: 7:30 p.m., $29+. The Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-749-2012. thesmithcenter.com

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WINTER BLOOD DRIVE: 3 p.m., free.

Clark County Library, 1401 East Flamingo Road, Las Vegas. 702-5073400. lvccld.org

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GEORGE THOROGOOD & THE DESTROYERS - 40 YEARS STRONG: 7:30 p.m., $35+. The Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-749-2012. thesmithcenter.com UNLV WIND ORCHESTRA PRESENTS THE FROZEN CATHEDRAL: 7:30 p.m., $9.50$11.50. Artemus Ham Hall, 4505 South Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas. 702-895-3011. pac.unlv.edu AN EVENING WITH MELANIE BENJAMIN - CHARLES AND ANNE MORROW LINDBERGH AND WRITING HISTORICAL FICTION: 7 p.m., free. Clark County Library, 1401 East Flamingo Road, Las Vegas. 702507-3400. lvccld.org

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GEORGIA ON MY MIND - CELEBRATING RAY CHARLES: 7:30 p.m., $29+. The Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-749-2012. thesmithcenter.com

LAINIE KAZAN: Through March 1, 7 p.m., $39+. The Smith Center, 361 Symphony Park Avenue, Las Vegas. 702-749-2012. thesmithcenter.com RAY ROMANO: 10 p.m., $49.99-$69.99.

Mirage, 3400 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas.

702-791-7111. mirage.com JEWEL SENIOR LIFELINE LUNCH: 11:30 a.m. Jewish Federation, 2317 Renaissance Drive, Henderson. For more information, email Marni at marni@jewishlasvegas.com. jewishlasvegas.com

To submit your event information, email calendar@ davidlv.com by the 15th of the month prior to the month in which the event is being held.

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Classified Confection A scene-stealer at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House is the signature Lemon Doberge cake (commonly pronounced “dough-bash” in New Orleans, where the cake originates). But don’t look for this sixlayer confection (made from scratch daily) to be touted on the menu.

Word-of-mouth from other satisfied sybarites is all it takes to reel in a new batch of cake lovers with discriminating tastes. Perhaps what makes this gateau so irresistible are the 12 lemons and juice used in each masterpiece, not to mention the separate icings of lemon curd, butter cream and lemon glaze. Executive chef Fernando Guerrero says the cake is prepared using traditional techniques and ingredients in a classic doberge. Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House, 3925 Paradise Road, Las Vegas. 702-796-0063.

That’s Amore In Napoli, where love is king, when a boy meets a girl, they say, ‘That’s amore.’ The song Dean Martin made famous comes to the lovers’ table, with chef Peter Scaturro’s special three-course couples menu, exclusively on Friday, Feb. 14, at TREVI. The prix fixe menu, appropriately named after the song, will feature a light salad starter, a choice of three Italian entrées, including a classic lasagna, and a signature dessert to share, called the spaghetti ice. The unique gelato presentation is made from vanilla and chocolate flavors, topped with sweet strawberry sauce to mimic the Italian pasta dish.

TREVI, inside Forum Shops at Caesars, 3500 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-735-4663.

Hearts ‘beating’ for this cocktail Known for her molecular prowess and chemical manipulation, chief mixologist Mariena Mercer of The Cosmopolitan crafted this specialty libation “HeartBeat.” It’s perfectly appropriate for the month of love. Guests can sip to the beat of their own hearts while indulging themselves in the whimsical twists Mercer has added to this specialty cocktail. Garnished with a rosewater-misted rose petal, the “HeartBeat” provides a perfect balance of sweet, earthy and floral.

HeartBeat • 1 ½ ounces Absolute Elyxx • ½ ounce St. Germain • 1 ounce Rose Rhubarb Strawberry Syrup • ¾ ounce lemon juice • 1 ounce beet juice Add all ingredients and shake with ice. Strain over fresh ice.

Garnish with a rose petal misted with rosewater.

18 FEBRUARY 2014 | www.davidlv.com

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Love Is In The Air Retro and sophistication come together in this dress that’s hot with dots on blushing pink and so seductively playful for the month of love. $89. Guess at Town Square Las Vegas, 6605 Las Vegas Blvd. S, Las Vegas. 702-617-3489.

In “alarming” red comes the G-Shock by Casio. This watch has all the features necessary for daily function – shock resistance, 200M water resistance, world time, time zones in 48 cities and multi-function alarms. $115.99. Tilly’s, 8800 W. Charleston Blvd., Las Vegas. 702-932-0148.

Grab hold of this Dolce & Gabbana red lace Miss Dea clutch, styled with jewel embellishments and genuine python trim. The stunning jeweled clasp closes it off, making this a true conversation piece at the dinner table. $3,950. Barneys New York at Shoppes at Palazzo, 3327 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-629-4200.

Show your love for life with these Wildfox Lolita sunglasses, handmade with heart-shaped metal frames. $189 Zappos.com.

20 FEBRUARY 2014 | www.davidlv.com

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When Guccio Gucci opened his store in 1921 to sell leather goods, a legend was born. Over the decades, customers worldwide have admired and appreciated works from the House of Gucci, like these hot pink patent ankle-wrap cage strap sandals with horsebit detail. $850. Neiman Marcus at Fashion Show, 3200 Las Vegas Blvd., S., Las Vegas. 702-731-3636.

A young Tim Rogerson was surrounded by playful images of Disney characters. Today, his own artwork has earned critical acclaim. The limited edition giclée on canvas (12.5” by 16.5”), titled “Hugs and Kisses,” is for the ultimate Disney lover. $150. Disney Fine Art Galleries, 707 Fremont St., Las Vegas. 702-331-9955.

Elegant and feminine, this extraordinary multi-layered, adjustable bracelet features brilliant crystals to “illuminate” the arm. Wear it alone or combine a few for a knock-out effect. $70. Swarovski at Town Square Las Vegas, 6643 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-269-9508.

Fresh and clean for 2014, a fragrance by Tory Burch, captures the designer’s tomboy-chic aesthetic. The light pink fragrance is fittingly characterized by notes of pink grapefruit, pink pepper, mandarin and neroli, and rounded out by peony, mimosa, jasmine and tuberose. $110 (3.4 oz) Neiman Marcus at Fashion Show, 3200 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas. 702-731-3636. www.davidlv.com | FEBRUARY 2014

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Can’t ‘Contain’ The Fun Downtown Container Park conjures a unique, convivial vibe. Taking up one city block, it’s a place where kids (and the young and old) can meet, mingle, play, shop, eat, stroll or simply bask in the sunshine of a warm February day. At the heart of those stacks of prebuilt shipping containers filled with eateries, retail shops, galleries, bars and a barber is a 24-foot Swiss Family Robinson-like tree house.

Your choice: Marvel at it or explore this space filled with twisting slides, small crawl spaces, ramps and tight, curlicue staircases.

When asked what makes the tree house so splendid, one kid gave it some thought before answering: “It’s really tall!” With all that height comes great views of our dynamic downtown environment. Check it out. Downtown Container Park, 707 Fremont St., Las Vegas. www. downtowncontainerpark.com.

Desert Gardening Success

Chelise Simmons

Many of us are transplants from other parts of the country, where it’s relatively easy to grow things (like neighboring California). But a little knowledge of what it takes to succeed in the Mojave Desert may prove fruitful. “More than 70 percent of gardening problems are attributed to poor soil,” says Cindy Dixon, education specialist at Springs Preserve. “If you take care of your soil, it will take care of you.” Fortunately, a beginning desert gardening workshop will cover the necessary pointers for achieving desert planting primacy. Learn how to improve the soil, water properly and detangle the mystery behind fertilizers. Beginning Desert Gardening Workshop: Springs Preserve, Saturday, Feb. 8, 8:30 – 10:30 am, $10. 333 S. Valley View Blvd., Las Vegas. 702-822-7700

Desert Oasis One of the hidden gems in the Red Rock National Conservation Area is the waterfall at First Creek Canyon. Drive west for about three miles (south of the visitors center) and look for a dirt parking area and small sign announcing First Creek Canyon. The trail, set against towering red and white sandstone canyon walls, affords a relatively easy walk, leading to the waterfall a mile away.

The path toward the Rainbow Mountains takes you to switchbacks that descend into a rocky grotto covered with delicate vegetation and shaded by tall trees. Look for a large pool at the base of this tiny Eden, fed by the waterfall, and be sure to soak up the psychic soothe, away from the desert and busy city life.

22 FEBRUARY 2014 | www.davidlv.com

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DAVID MAGAZINE JANUARY ‘14 COVER LAUNCH WITH TRUFUSION YOGA AND WILD LV. Venue Wild LV Restaurant 3

Date Wednesday, January 15

Photos

Bobby Feldman and Bob Dubin

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Michele Rothstein and Elyse Martin.

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Gina Cinque and Michael Mack.

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Tzahi and Amy Arbeli.

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(left to right) Christopher Finetti, Craig

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Finetti, Michael Finetti and Marisa Finetti.

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(left to right) Niki Glarakis, Robert Whittier and Hadassah Devorah Gold.

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Cristina Osorio and Darwin Bosen.

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Tammy Shaw and Ruth Furman.

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Jennifer Hemsley and Tonya Taylor.

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(left to right) Daniel Eppolito, Katarina Despina and Jaq Greenspon.

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Photos by Tonya Harvey www.davidlv.com | FEBRUARY 2013

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YOUNG ISRAEL AISH LAS VEGAS: 5TH ANNUAL MILMAN YEAR-END COCKTAIL PARTY AND FUNDRAISER 3

Venue Palms Place Penthouse

Date Thursday, December 12

Event This soiree, now in its fifth year is a highlight of Jewish Las Vegas’ social calendar. Dr.

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Adam and Dee Milman host this glittering event as a fund raiser benefitting Young Israel Aish Las Vegas. The evening festivities included a live jazz band, spectacular views of the strip lights, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, high-end open bar and a kosher wine tasting compliments of Jonathan Tabak of Kosherwino.com.

Photos 1.

Dee and Dr. Adam Milman

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Rebbetzin Helene and Rabbi Wyne

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Mike Novick

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Rebbetzin Sarah Maryles, Jackie Hafter and Donna Dubowsky

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Dr. Adam Milman, Peter Dubowsky, Rabbi Wyne

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Dawn Brown and Hadassa Lefkowitz

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Maria and Adam Peniazek

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Jonathan Tabak of www.kosherwino.com

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Dee and Dr. Adam Milman and former Congresswoman Shelley Berkley

Photos curtesy of Young Israel Aish Las Vegas

24 FEBRUARY 2013 | www.davidlv.com

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THE COMMUNITY KOLLEL OF GREATER LAS VEGAS: 6TH ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF JEWISH LEARNING GALA Venue 3

The Adelson Educational Campus

Date Thursday, January 9

Photos 1.

(left to right) David Sonenstein, Rabbi Dovid Y. Kitainik, Samuel Charm and Stan Barbanel.

Bobby Feldman and Bob Dubin

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Adam and Malya Donoff.

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(left to right) Jody Sidranski, Ruben Sidranski, Michael Serenco and Cheryn Serenco.

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Morris Silver, Dorys Silver and Sicily Silver.

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(left to right) Harry Abram, Alex Boris, Marc Cwik, Neil Boris, Helene Boris and Isabella Abram.

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Rabbi Eli Davidowitz, Rabbi Nachum Meth.

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(left to right) Akiva Leyton, Chaya Rochel Leyton and Elysia Silver.

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(left to right) Sari Babad, Tamer Feldstein and Illana Schuster

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Photos by Tonya Harvey www.davidlv.com | FEBRUARY 2013

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JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OF SOUTHERN NEVADA AND DAVID MAGAZINE: BAGEL BALL Venue Lavo Italian Restaurant & Nightclub

Date Tuesday, December 24

Photos 1.

(left to right) Neil Popish, Shifra Ashkenazi and Stacey Tregerman.

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(left to right) Eve Brieir, Adam Chuckrow,

Stefanie Szlamkowiz and Jonathan Tuzman.

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(left to right) Guest, Amy Greene and

Nancy Kane.

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(left to right) Guest, Brittany Goldman and

Azin Azma.

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(left to right) Michael BenShimon, Brian

Packer and Michael Roth.

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(left to right) Guests, Sarah Misraji and Glenn Zieve.

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Marni Unger and Remi Turok.

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(left to right) Jessica Katz (center) and Guests.

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(left to right) David Leiserowitz, Michael Roitman, Carly Gould.

10. (left to right) Sarah Steinberg, Clayton Steinberg, Marissa Medoro and Andrew Spivak.

Photos by Tonya Harvey.

26 FEBRUARY 2013 | www.davidlv.com

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live know @ 28 sense @ 33 taste @ 36

BAKED WITH LOVE pg 36

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Matchmaker, Matchmaker Single, Successful, Selective......Simply Too Busy!

By Jaq Greenspon

28 FEBRUARY 2014 | www.davidlv.com

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David Magazine Color Ad_2012:3.8125x10.375

I

was on a plane recently and found myself checking out the mostly superfluous gadgets in SkyMall and perusing the airline magazine.

On the inside of the magazine’s back cover, I found an ad featuring an attractive blonde, surrounded by a black frame. Across the top and bottom of the ad were words in white. All in all, it was a striking layout. Even the corporate name, written in big serif letters, with a dropcap in a box, reminded me of a real estate company’s ad.

It wasn’t until I read the tag line – “Single, successful, selective … simply too busy?” – that I realized the pitch was for a matchmaking service. It claimed to have been “Awarded Top Global Matchmaker,” and it touted its offices all over the U.S., plus locations in Stockholm and London.

This got me thinking … Valentine’s Day is coming and New Year’s Eve was not so long ago, both prime kiss-giving occasions. If you’re single for whatever reason, these are the times when you think about changing your status field. And, it turns out, classic matchmaking is making a strong comeback, too.

Matchmaker, Matchmaker, Make me a match, Find me a find, Catch me a catch Matchmaker, Matchmaker Look through your book, And make me a perfect match Don’t confuse today’s matchmaking services with a Broadway musical, or with online dating sites. Those like jDate or Match rely on a user-based system of check boxes to help locate your perfect mate.

You determine what you want in the search results, and the computer spits out matches according to a database matching system. This is why members must fill out the questionnaires in full.

12/12/12

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Without enough data, the compatibility profiles won’t work.

The niche-specific sites, where your choices theoretically are prelimited to selections within a certain group (over 55, animal lovers, outdoor adventurers, clowns, etc.), work the same way, often from the same databases. Even eHarmony focuses heavily on the “personality profile,” a fancy way of asking for similar information as the others. They all want to know your interests and how many kids you have, and whether you’re into barbecue or NASCAR. In all cases, though, it’s still a computer, really, doing the matchmaking.

Sure, it’s based on algorithms and mathematical principles, but it’s still a crapshoot. There’s no Yente to sing to, to tell you “he’s handsome, he’s young! All right, he’s 62.”

What today’s commonplace matchmaking lacks is the personal touch. This is where the high-end matchmaking services come in.

They may not be cheap, but what they offer is a personal service.

They’re shooting for a success rate that’s higher than those of the web-based sites. And, according to the matchmaking services themselves, they succeed.

The boom in helping people find soul mates began in 1993 with Janis Spindel Serious Matchmaking Inc. Yes, Kelleher International has been around since 1986, and Elaine Casale of InterActions in Las Vegas has been making matches since 1989. But the proverbial snowball of love really started rolling with Spindel. Her company prefigured Patti Stanger, who brought the process to the limelight with her Millionaire Matchmaker reality show on Bravo TV in 2008.

Other companies, including Selective Search and Master Matchmakers — alliteration apparently is a prerequisite for this line of work — offer personalized service.

So I thought I’d see what’s what in the matchmaking world. I’d tried the “normal” channels. I wondered if this might be the right way for me.

The first thing I learned was that I wasn’t alone. In the wide world, women enjoy a slight advantage over men in sheer numbers. But on a matchmaker’s client roster, those numbers not only are reversed, they’re highly skewed. According to a recent New York Times article, Kelleher International receives about 10,000 inquiries a month.

Fewer than 10 percent of those, about 700, are from women. And of those, just over 1 percent are taken on as clients. Other services offer free membership to women (with no guarantee of dates, however).

So, maybe women are having an easier time of finding Mr. Right while we guys are hitting walls. That’s OK. I can handle a little competition.

For Casale, this makes sense. According to her, men are more

30 FEBRUARY 2014 | www.davidlv.com PAS_FEBRUARY_2014.indd 1

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unrealistic than women when it comes to expectations. “If you’re not Brad Pitt, don’t be looking for Angelina Jolie,” she says. But this is where Casale excels. She meets each client (about 2,500 are in her active database) individually and finds specific matches. She listens to determine who people are and what they are looking for, and finds someone who, in theory, should be compatible – based on similarities. “I know people say opposites attract,” she says. “But after they attract, they attack.”

The next hurdle, though, is a slightly bigger one for most of us “normal” guys. These services start at about $15,000 for a year of matches, which makes Casale’s InterActions a relative steal at only three grand annually. But there are caveats. With some organizations, your fee covers a limited amount of set-ups (from one to four); for others, initial costs are for one-city searches. Of course, you can always “add” another city or two for a bit more (up to $5,000 per metropolitan area). And, don’t forget: the only guarantee you receive is that you’ll get an introduction and a date. True love is not stipulated.

With this kind of money on the line, it seems a woman might just look for a guy who can simply afford to sign up. Or, as Mom puts

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The TREVI dining experience is highlighted by the open kitchen, where you can view our chefs at work making brick oven fired pizzas, pasta dishes, mouthwatering specialties and homemade gelato.

The ideal site for group dining and special events, TREVI’s décor and ambience make it a memorable setting for your next private party

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it: “It’s just as easy to fall in love with a rich man as a poor one.”

Anecdotal evidence, however, suggests the service acts as a vetting system, not a fast track to a black AMEX. So, is it worth it?

At a Kelleher International retreat last month, men paid more than $45,000 for a private island weekend of mingling. The sales pitch included a former supermodel as a greeter (but one who strenuously denied being a client). Certainly, these companies are selling an image as well as a potential. As Selective Search asks rhetorically in its online FAQ - If your objective is to find someone to truly fall in love with and spend the rest of your life with, then why wouldn’t you go about it in the most strategic, focused way available to you?

This makes good sense – and it’s the way most successful people think. It’s a results-oriented business model. And when you’re spending that kind of money, you’re making an investment in yourself and your future – and you’re hoping to eliminate risks.

At the end of the day, it’s the personal touches, the one-on-one connections that are most important. With these services, no matter the cost, it’s like having a good buddy who knows your type, sees her and calls to say: “I have this friend … ”

3500 S. Las Vegas Blvd 702-735-4663 www.trevi-italian.com

www.davidlv.com | FEBRUARY 2014

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Smile After Smile

sense

A Nonprofit Gives Breast Cancer Patients a Reason to Grin Again

By Nikki Stephens

Rob Jensen and Dr. Olya Banchick

“I

didn’t understand. I was brushing my teeth. I knew I went through chemo, but I couldn’t put the two together,” says Lily Gill, a breast cancer survivor. “I never thought that chemo could take your teeth out.”

Some 2.8 million Americans have survived breast cancer. About 12 percent of U.S. women will develop an invasive form of the disease during their lifetimes. Many of them are familiar with the images of hair loss and the stories about nausea. But there’s little education about the possible oral health complications. Roughly 40 percent of breast cancer patients suffer oral side effects as a result of chemotherapy and radiation treatments.

The Smiles For Survivors Foundation, a Las Vegas nonprofit, is raising awareness of the problem while raising the self-esteem of patients like Gill.

Dentist Olya Banchik’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005. “After she got done with her treatments,” Banchik says, “I felt like I wanted to give back. I wanted to take a breast cancer patient and do something for them to make their lives a little bit better.”

Through the smile makeover program she began for local breast cancer survivors, it quickly became clear these women needed far more than cosmetic fixes. So in 2010, Banchik started Smiles for Survivors and enlisted a broader network of colleagues, including Dr. Mark Degen, an oral and maxillofacial surgery specialist, and Dr. Bradley Strong.

Gill ended up working with Strong and now “Everywhere I go, people say, ‘Oh, you have the most beautiful smile.’ And it makes me feel like I did before I got breast cancer. Dr. Strong made my teeth almost exactly like they were, even a little crook on one of my teeth,” she says tearfully. www.davidlv.com | FEBRUARY 2014

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Strong used photographs of her face from before her cancer diagnosis to recreate her smile down to the smallest detail. “I am so truly grateful,” she says. “You don’t get a second chance to have a beautiful smile.”

Smiles for Survivors has helped many local women, who have similar stories. “When the patients have come into my office,” Strong says, “their teeth have been completely destroyed from the medications and from the cancer treatments that they have had. And they want their smile back.”

Although breast cancer patients may have health insurance, it often doesn’t cover dental procedures. And they, like a quarter of Americans, may not have dental insurance.

Sharon Kaspar remembers what it was like before her smile was restored. “I’d never go out,” she confides. “I was still going to work, but just going to work was embarrassing.”

Breast cancer survivor Nancy Kurtik couldn’t figure out why her teeth were falling apart. “I had no idea from the support groups I attended that I needed to be concerned about oral care,” she says.

“They taught you about your hair; they taught you about your skin.

But nothing was ever said about how you need to care for your teeth. After 18 months of chemo and radiation, my fillings started to fall out, and my enamel started to disintegrate.”

She heard about Smiles For Survivors on TV and went to see Dr. Tracy Ransdell at Hillcrest Dental Group. Now, Kurtik sports a gleaming grin. “You need to start your treatment as soon as you know you have breast cancer,” Kurtik adds, “because you need to be proactive.”

The mouth is made of cells that normally renew themselves at a rapid pace, so they are more susceptible to chemotherapy damage.

Potential side effects include inflammation of the membranes of the

Breast cancer survivor Lilly Gill

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mouth, gum infections, dry mouth, oral sores and cavities.

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research recommends that breast cancer patients visit the dentist a month before starting chemotherapy and radiation for cleaning, X-rays and an exam — and to ask how to prevent cancer treatment side effects.

In addition to a healthy dental routine, patients undergoing chemo and radiation need to check for mouth sores or other changes. They also should work to keep their mouths moist by drinking plenty of water or sucking on ice chips (dry mouth is common and can lead to cavities and other complications). For more recommendations, consult smilesforsurvivors.org.

The foundation’s network of dentists now includes Dr. Cynthia Allen of SummerHills Dental, and the support of local businesses, including Square Colour Salon + Spa. Salon owner Barb Garcia-Grove hosts an annual Blow Out Breast Cancer event each October. It features blowouts, food and cocktails, with all proceeds benefiting Smiles for Survivors. The latest Blow Out raised more than $26,000.

Donations, including the money Square Colour Salon + Spa raises, help Smiles assist more and more people locally, and think about expanding its service area. Since 2010, it has worked with 20 patients to provide more than $40,000 worth of dental treatments.

The Smiles for Survivors Foundation also has received inquiries and applications from many U.S. states. It hopes to locate specialists in Los Angeles, Phoenix, and many other areas who would be willing to help breast cancer patients with serious dental needs.

As Degen puts it, “I got involved to give something extra to the community. And I think if everybody does that, then the world becomes a better place.”

Dr. Bradley Strong

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taste

Baked with Love Cake Boss, Buddy V’s Recipe for a Successful Marriage

By Marilyn LaRocque Photos courtesy of Buddy V’s

Buddy V at Buddy V’s Ristorante, The Canal Shoppes at the Venetian.

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“C

ake Boss” Buddy Valastro made his first wedding cake when he was about 13.

“I kind of started by assisting my father in doing the little steps,” says the TV star known to his fans as Buddy V. “The first one I actually finished on my own was a three-tiered cake that had piped swags on the sides and pink roses on top.”

Both Buddy and wedding cakes have come a long way since then.

“It’s completely night and day,” he says. “It’s gone from old school piping and fountains and separators (between layers) to fondant sugar flowers and anything else the bride can dream of. But, usually, it’s all about sugar flowers or bows with plain tiers. However, a lot of couples now are asking for textured tiers on their wedding cake(s).

Actually, textured tiers are a great way to add subtle detail.”

Buddy offers these essentials in cake planning: “You have to know how many people you need to feed,” he begins.

“You need to determine your budget, take into consideration where your venue is and how the cake is going to get there, what flavors you like, what your overall theme is – so everything comes together.

“Above all, make sure you do your research and use a reputable baker who knows what they’re doing,” he says. “I like to sit down with my client and talk about what they want for their cake. That’s the most

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Buddy and Lisa cut their wedding cake.

important part, to get a jumping-off point from your client. From there, I visualize the design and bring it to life. Probably the most unique cake I’ve made was for the ‘wedding’ of two dogs!”

Baking is in Buddy’s blood. He’s his family’s fourth-generation baker. Buddy Sr., the original “Cake Boss,” bought Carlo’s Bakery in Hoboken from Carlo Guastaffero in 1963 and ran it for more than 25 years. Today, “Carlo’s City Hall Bake Shop” makes about 60 wedding cakes a week, plus 500 or so birthday creations and thousands of other delectables.

Undoubtedly, the most important cake Buddy ever made was for his wedding to Lisa on Oct. 14, 2001.

“Buddy and I met through family in January 2000,” his wife says.

“His cousin was visiting from Italy; and my parents and his parents were friends, so we all hung out that night and ended up going to Joey’s, a nightclub in Clifton. I eventually started helping out at the bakery during the holidays and on weekends. I couldn’t work full time because I had a job as a surgical technologist. After we were married,

©2013 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All rights reserved.

www.davidlv.com | FEBRUARY 2014

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when I started having kids (they have four), I couldn’t help on the weekends anymore. But now I’m always helping around the holidays.”

Lisa remembers her wedding as “the party of the year. We had about 450 guests. Till this day everyone still talks about it,” she says.

“The flowers were amazing, the food was good, and the atmosphere was great. When you walked into the reception it was like walking into a fairy tale. My most memorable moment of the day was walking down the aisle and seeing Buddy looking at me; our eyes just locked, and it was the best feeling. The wedding was planned by me, my mom and my mother-in-law.

“Our wedding cake was completely Buddy’s decision. I just told him the colors of the flowers and said that I completely trusted him and that I would love anything he made. He made a beautiful cake that was about 15 tiers tall, with hand-made sugar flowers in beautiful fall colors. Buddy was very involved in making the cake. He made all the flowers himself. Since he was just learning how to make sugar flowers, I was very proud of what he did for our wedding cake.”

Unfortunately, their Hawaiian honeymoon plans unraveled.

“Since we got married one month after September 11,” she says, “we were afraid to fly. So we didn’t make it to Hawaii — and still haven’t — but maybe one day … We ended up going to Mount Airy Lodge in the Poconos (in Pennsylvania) and spent three days there.

Even though it wasn’t Hawaii, it was still great because I was there with my new husband.”

So what’s it really like being married to a TV celebrity?

“Being married to Buddy Valastro is wonderful,” Lisa enthuses. “He is such a great husband, friend and father. Being on TV has not changed anything in our lives because he is still the same down-to-earth man I married. The only thing that I’ve got to adjust to now is I have to share my husband with millions of people, and that sometimes makes me feel jealous that I can’t have him all for myself. However, when we do get time together, he gives me full attention, which makes me feel better.”

With three hit TV shows and a constantly expanding bakery business, how does Buddy find time for family?

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“I do my best to make as many games, school meetings and bedtime stories as possible,” he says, “not to mention I have an amazing relationship with all four of my kids and make it home for dinner often. During the summer, the kids join me at the bakery almost every day. When I’m traveling, Lisa and the kids come with me or meet me wherever I am.”

Although the wedding cake he made was extraordinary, Buddy knocked himself out for Lisa’s 30th birthday, with a full-sized cake replica of his wife. “It took me three days,” he says. “It was a surprise party with all of our family and friends. All I wanted was for Lisa to love the party and the cake, and she did. She was floored, so surprised and happy. It was a great night!”

Carlo’s — and Buddy — “really became a household name with the start of (‘Cake Boss’),” Buddy says. “Before that, I had gotten a lot of magazine and newspaper press and was on a few different Food Network challenges. But the launch of my series in 2009 is really what made (the bakery) big.”

The team approach on “Cake Boss,” familiar to loyal viewers, is also the rule at Carlo’s Bakery. As Buddy explains it: “I feel like I’ve been successful in business for years because … I’m able to sense what people are really good at … and at combining forces to make a team that will work to its best potential. I look for hardworking, dedicated, motivated people, and people who would be willing to be part of a team.

I have people who are just bakers, just decorators, just artists. But it takes all of us coming together as a team to get the job done.

“I really enjoy being in the bakery because it’s my passion. I enjoy anything that has to do with decorating and baking. There’s nothing I don’t like to make. I try to do it as much as possible. I’m never completely absent … and I have a great team and a great family who always have my back — not to mention I’m always just a phone call away.”

Buddy V’s Ristorante at the Canal Shoppes at the Venetian is his first eatery and newest challenge. The trendy, casual vibe there, along with the Italian “home-cooking” menu (featuring many family recipes), attracts visitors and locals alike. As you enter, eye the mouth-watering display of cakes on the right. Sorry — it’s just a visual “tease” for the Carlo’s Bakery Las Vegas that’s coming across the corridor this spring. But get ready. Soon you’ll be able to order the cake of your dreams — from the Cake Boss!

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The entrance to Buddy V’s Ristorante. www.davidlv.com | FEBRUARY 2014

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think Yosef & Binie’s Wedding @ 42 Let’s Get Dressed @ 46 Getting Carded For Love @ 52

LET’S GET DRESSED, pg. 46

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www.davidlv.com | FEBRUARY 2014

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Yosef & Binie’s

think

Wedding

“You are blessed, Lord our G-d, the sovereign of the world, who created joy and celebration, bridegroom and bride, rejoicing, jubilation, pleasure and delight, love and brotherhood, peace and friendship. May there soon be heard, Lord our G-d, in the cities of Judea and in the streets of Jerusalem, the sound of joy and the sound of celebration, the voice of a bridegroom and the voice of a bride, the happy shouting of bridegrooms from their weddings and of young men from their feasts of song. You are blessed, Lord, who makes the bridegroom and the bride rejoice together.”

— From the Seven Blessings Prayer.

By Lynn Wexler

“A

t the right hand does the queen stand,” read the groomsman from Psalm 45:10. He was referring to Binie Harlig, the Kallah (bride), regal and resplendent in white as she held court under the Chuppah (wedding canopy) with the Choson (groom), Yosef Rivkin, steadfast to her left.

Wedding rituals tie us to our cultures. And tying the knot in any culture comes with an extensive list of traditions and rituals integral to the marriage ceremony. These rites and customs serve as opportunities to celebrate origins, ancestors and faith, often using clothing, objects and food as symbolic reminders.

In the Jewish tradition the bride is a queen and the groom a king.

On a chilly, but clear evening, poolside at the South Point Hotel in Las Vegas, more than 700 guests came to witness and rejoice in Yosef and Binie’s traditional Chassidic wedding.

Binie is the daughter of Rabbi Shea and Dina Harlig, considered by many to be Chabad royalty in the greater Las Vegas Jewish com-

munity. Officially, Rabbi Harlig is the regional director of Chabad in Southern Nevada.

Similarly, Yosef is the son of Rabbi Zelig and Bluma Rivkin, the director of Chabad of Louisiana and the royalty equivalent of New Orleans.

Founded in Russia in 1775, upon the teachings of Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov, the Chabad Chassidic movement adheres to the Orthodox practices of Judaism while embracing the texts of the Zohar, a book containing Jewish mystical thought known as Kabbalah.

Today, Chabad is the largest Jewish religious organization in the world, with its official headquarters in Crown Heights, N.Y. Rabbi Harlig was 25, newly married, when he and Dina moved to Las Vegas to open Chabad in 1990. He was the only yarmulkewearing Jew out of a population of 30,000 Jews at that time … a status he relished.

“For some, that might seem like lousy odds,” he says, “but it’s just

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Above: Newly weds, Binie and Yosef greet their guests after the Chuppah, Right: Binie and her mother Dina Harlig dancing as they enter the reception.

what I wanted - a place where I could make things happen.”

Fast forward to their daughter’s wedding and so many goals realized. Rabbi Harlig took in the bittersweet moment as his beautiful Binie was escorted down the aisle by her mother and mother-in-law to the Chuppah where her new life with Yosef awaited. She would no longer live in the home that he and Dina conscientiously built for their family. The procession marked the passing of the torch of Chassidic traditions to Binie and Yosef to fulfill on their own.

“It was a highlight for me to have merited this moment …to have properly fulfilled my obligation and responsibility as a father and husband,” Rabbi Harlig says, “to have successfully raised and prepared Binie for this occasion.”

The process that brought Binie and Yosef together is also a Chassidic tradition. It’s customary for parents in the Chassidic community to begin the search for a suitable mate for their son or daughter once the children are 18 to 22 years old.

“There is no dating in the religious community in the usual sense,” Dina says. “Once a young person is eligible to marry, it’s time to find a suitable mate.”

What might have seemed like irony for a Chassidic boy from New Orleans to marry a Chassidic girl from Las Vegas was actually the result of deliberate and extensive inquiry on the part of both families.

“The decision to introduce them was well thought out,” Rabbi Harlig says. “But once they met each other, it was up to them as to whether they wanted to move forward or not.”

The union excited Rabbi Mendel Rivkin, the groom’s brother.

“Here is a boy who grew up in a Chabad House, within earshot of Mardi Gras on Bourbon Street, and a girl who grew up in a Chabad House in the shadow of the neon glitz of the Las Vegas Strip,” Rivkin says. “Neither city is known for holiness, yet Binie and Yosef are fine, upstanding Jews committed to the Chabad way of life, infused with Torah and mitzvot (commandments).”

Dina says that, in addition to growing up in “less than holy” cities, both were raised by Chabad parents who are community leaders involved in outreach; and both went to Chabad Day Schools offering a

50/50 curriculum between religious and secular studies, as opposed to Yeshiva learning that can be anywhere from 100 percent religious study to a 70/30 religious-secular split.

The rabbi says that, while some in the secular community find this apparent lack of freedom to be objectionable, many have expressed admiration, wishing they could influence their children to choose a suitable, let alone Jewish, mate. All too often their children choose a mate for the wrong reasons or outside of the faith, and the marriages don’t last.

According to the late Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the Lubavitcher Rebbe and the leader of the Chabad Lubavitch movement, a Jewish marriage is called a binyan adei ad — an everlasting edifice. The building of any structure requires crucial measures to ensure the integrity and durability of the foundation, without which the walls, roof and decorations likely would collapse. Similarly, if the marital foundation is unsound structurally, trouble could result. A Chassidic Jewish marriage thus is based on the rock-solid fundamentals of the Torah.

It’s customary for the bride and groom to refrain from seeing each other the week before the wedding.

The morning of the wedding begins with the bride and groom fasting until the conclusion of the ceremony. As with Yom Kippur, the fast is an effort in earnest to erase all previous transgressions, as the couple begin their new life together.

A number of rituals take place at the wedding site before the ceremony under the Chuppah. The first, Kabbalas Ponim (greeting the bride and groom), are separate receptions for the man and woman.

Family and friends bless them and extend their heartfelt wishes.

Women visit the bride, men the groom.

The groom recites a Chassidic discourse to his guests on the significance of marriage according to Jewish mysticism. The Maamar Lecha Dodi describes how the bride and groom together attain a level of spirituality higher than when they were separate.

The signing of the Ketubah (Jewish marriage contract) by the two male witnesses occurs next. Despite its testimony that the groom

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Left: Binie dancing with her new mother-in-law, Bluma Rivkin, Above: Yosef and his new father-in-law, Rabbi Shea Harlig dance with the men.

has “acquired” the bride, the Ketubah is about the bride’s rights, her willingness to take part in the marriage and the groom’s responsibilities to her under Jewish law.

As guests head to their seats under the stars for the main event, the groom visits his bride for the first time in a week for the Bedeken (veiling of the bride). Reminiscent of the biblical story in which Jacob did not see his bride’s face beforehand, and was tricked into marrying the wrong sister, the groom lowers the veil covering her face, symbolizing the modesty, dignity and chastity that characterizes the Jewish woman. The bride remains veiled until the ceremony ends.

The groom unties all knots on his garments, including his shoelaces, representing premarital bonds that are now null and void. He dons a white robe called a Kittel, traditionally worn on Yom Kippur to recall the purity of the occasion, and begins his journey to the Chuppah escorted by his father and father-in-law.

The Chuppah is intentionally located outside, to remind those present of G-d’s blessing to Abraham that his seed will multiply and be as numerous as the stars, and of Abraham’s renowned hospitality. Like Abraham’s tent, the Chuppah welcomes “visitors” from all four sides, including the souls of the couple’s ancestors who are believed to descend upon the ceremony from the “world of truth” to attend the wedding.

Yosef and his entourage are now in place for the dramatic moment guests have been patiently awaiting. Binie appears at the end of the aisle — a vision in white and her face hidden by the veil. She glides down the aisle toward her beshert (destiny), guided by her mother and mother-in-law, as traditional Jewish music fills the air.

Once under the Chuppah, the bride and her family circle the groom seven times. Many explanations are offered for this ritual – in particular, as the Earth was created in seven days, marriage is a re-enactment of the creative process.

The Kiddushin (betrothal ceremony) begins with a blessing over wine that bride and groom sip. The groom recites an ancient Aramaic phrase as he places a simple solid gold wedding band on his bride’s right index finger — the finger believed to be connected to the heart directly. The Ketubah is then read aloud in English and Aramaic, fol-

lowed by the Sheva B’rachot (seven blessings), consisting of praise for God, peace in Jerusalem and good wishes for the couple.

Nothing says Jewish wedding more than the sound of breaking glass.

The groom concludes the ceremony by smashing a wine glass with his left foot – a reminder of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem.

It’s also the official signal to shout “Mazel Tov!” and get the party started. Joy, revelry and abundance follow, with music, dance, food, drink, speeches and blessings that carry on well into the wee hours. And it’s all done with a Mehitzah (barrier) separating the men from the women.

In the meantime, the newlyweds retreat to a private room for 15 minutes of alone time. Called Yihud (seclusion), the ritual allows them to briefly escape the maddening crowd as they break their fast for the first time as husband and wife.

“You have to be there to appreciate it,” said wedding guest Orly Sinai. “There’s something to be said for the kind of fun you have when you let loose with the girls. The same goes for the guys,” she adds.

“Yes, it’s fun,” said wedding guest Rabbi Kalman Shor. “But it’s more a matter of following the Halacha (Jewish law) of Tznuis (modest dress and behavior). All that merrymaking can lead to inappropriate behavior in mixed company. Why ruin a good time if it can be avoided?”

Dr. Lloyd Newell, author, and Marriage, Family and Human Development expert, notes in his research that: “Like Tevye’s world in Fiddler on the Roof, traditions and rituals serve individuals, families and communities as a source of strength, identity, and faith; they provide stability in times of uncertainty; they offer a sense of belonging to a group of people and not being alone in the world; they are the cement that keeps it all together.”

Weddings are one of the most universally celebrated of all traditions in the world. Despite the different ritual expressions and practices of each culture in accordance with their religious and social mores, the intention is the same … the corporal, emotional and spiritual fusion of the bride and groom.

Binie and Yosef’s marriage, forged by rich and enduring traditions and honored through ritual, not only promises but demands by their example a better world. www.davidlv.com | FEBRUARY 2014

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Let’s get Dressed

think

Unveiling the Hot Trends in Spring/Summer Wedding Gowns.

By Marisa Finetti

Lucky brides will be melting hearts and making memories in a year that wedding experts say is primed for true romance. Not only are weddings going softer, sweeter, lusher and more heartfelt in 2014, bridal gowns will mirror those sentiments — with a few exceptions!

First, there’s the return of the pink dress. She’ll be blushing in more ways than one when she takes the aisle. While blush and bashful keep with this soft-color trend, more saturated shades of deep pink and fuchsia offer some heart-racing options. Jessica Biel and Reese Witherspoon were pretty in pink on their wedding days.

A wave of new fabrics takes center stage, with hand-painted silk, gold and color-flecked lace and detailing, and sparkly tulle and feathers. Still, beaded dresses are desirable for some serious Gatsbylike glam. The look is sophisticated, yet flirty and begs for a cocktail style reception with a champagne tower.

Low backs are even lower, with more attention to detail. As she softly intones her “I do’s,” her back will be as lovely as she is once she turns to face family and friends as a brand new bride.

Short and sweet dresses on 2014 bridal runways will reflect the hottest trend for the spring and summer wedding set. Though truncated, they’re not necessarily casual. Cocktail-style dresses

by Carolina Herrera, Monique Lhuillier and Marchesa that graced the catwalks were feathered, embroidered and jeweled — nothing less than luxe. Now, they present a perfect opportunity to show off a girl’s wedding shoes, and a chance to dance the night away.

The bridal jumpsuit may entice the less-mainstream bride. J. Crew features the eyelash lace jumpsuit, complete with pockets, sheer andWexler a deep V neckline – a one-piece wonder and rather Bysleeves Lynn affordable option at $750.

The little bolero offers another way to chase the chill or add a dash of adornment. The wedding ensemble always looks completed with embellished, feathered and embroidered cover-ups, with long sleeves. And, finally, Kate Middleton made a stylish statement with her full-length gown and threequarter, lace-covered sleeves.

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“Emile” by Rosa Clara features a Point D’Esprit natural waist ball gown with ruffle skirt and beaded embellishment detail on the side waist. $1,840. Couture Bride, 950 S. Durango Drive, Las Vegas. 702-647-7778.

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Fueled by waves of a bygone era and the romantic notions of the roaring 20s, is the luxe charmeuse mermaid silhouette featuring a Sabrina neckline and a pleated cummerbund. Cowl back is adorned with beading at the shoulder. Gown is finished with luxe charmeuse and beaded buttons over the back zipper that trail down the chapel length train. Under $1,600. Bowties Tuxedo & Bridal 3844 E Sunset, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89120. (702)456-5688

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Possessing unrivaled beauty, the mermaidfit gown made with embroidery and metallic accents, rhinestones, crystal beading, and sequins is seductive and charming. Net and summer organza skirt with vertical rows of ruffled organza flow to a chapel train.

Strapless sweetheart neckline also comes with optional spaghetti straps. $1,399.00.

Alfred Angelo Bridal, 2120 N. Rainbow Drive Las Vegas. (702) 648-6838.

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Blushing with a hint of rose and breathtakingly romantic is the strapless corset gown with rose appliqué detail in whisper pink, by Oleg Cassini Collection (CWG614) exclusively at David’s Bridal. $1,250.00. David’s Bridal, 2600 West Sahara Avenue, Ste 109, Las Vegas. 702-367-4779.

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Beaded, embroidered and corded lace tulle

ball gown by Justin Alexander (style 8726) features a Sabrina illusion neckline. Style has a high-beaded illusion back with regal satin buttons and a chapel length train. Bowties Bridal Boutique and Tuxedo Rentals, 3899 E. Sunset Road, #105, Las Vegas. 702-456-5688.

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think

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Getting Carded for Love Valentine’s Day Cards Get to the Heart of the Matter

By Valerie Miller

F

eb. 14 is upon us — and no other holiday, perhaps, puts so much importance on receiving a card as Valentine’s Day. Christmas? Sure, more cards are sold then than on Valentine’s Day (though it’s the runner-up with about 150 million card sales a year, according to History.com). But it’s all about the presents at Christmas time, not the cards.

And consider television’s example. Remember “A Charlie Brown Valentine”? Poor ol’ Chuck gets nothing but heartbreak from the Little Red Haired Girl (and everyone else) when it comes to receiving a sentimental sentiment. Snoopy does present a Valentine to Charlie at the end of the animated special, but the identity of young Brown’s secret admirer is never revealed.

www.davidlv.com | FEBRUARY 2014

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School kids aren’t the only ones facing the annual angst of “Will I be asked?” – in writing – to be somebody’s Valentine. Some adults know just how Charlie Brown feels. This Valentine’s Day thing has been around a long time, centuries in fact. No one knows for sure how it got started, but there are plenty of theories, dating back to ancient Rome.

Public television’s “Downton Abbey” tackled the Valentine’s Day card issue recently. (The woman running the kitchen at Downton worried that a younger, single female charge wouldn’t receive a card and stepped in to remedy the situation. When the younger woman found out her card wasn’t really from a secret admirer, that it was from her salty, well-meaning supervisor instead, the on-screen pain was palpable.)

“I think there is peer pressure, and an expectation in society” surrounding Valentine’s Day cards, says Dina Proto, owner of Las Vegas-based Teazled greeting cards. “Nobody wants to be the person who forgets Valentine’s Day.” Teazled, which specializes in greeting cards designed for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transsexual community, also produces a line of general interest cards, including Valentine’s Day offerings suitable for anyone. Valentine’s Day is also the second-biggest card-selling holiday for Teazled, Proto says.

“Besides the peer pressure, I think people are hopeless romantics,” she says, a reference to the enduring nature of the annual holiday card exchange.

“Christmas cards are reminders to family, often far away. But Valentine’s cards are one-on-one,” Proto notes. “They say things that we don’t say enough to each other, or don’t know how to say.”

“St. Valentine’s Day” is named after either one of a couple of early martyrs named “Valentine” or “Valentinus.” One legend, cited by History.com, purports that in third-century Rome the Emperor Claudius II decided single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, and outlawed marriage for young men. But Valentine supposedly recognized the injustice and continued to marry couples. Claudius had Valentine put to death for it.

Another story that History.com cites holds that Valentine may have been killed for trying to help early Christians escape persecution and imprisonment by the Romans. As the account goes, St. Valentine sent the very first “Valentine greeting,” possibly to a young girl who visited him and may have been his jailer’s daughter.

“Before his death, he wrote her a letter signed, ‘From your Valentine,’” the History.com account goes. “(That) expression is still with us today.”

The expression of love on Valentine’s Day means big money, of course. In 2011, Valentine’s Day spending totaled $18.6 billion, according to Nikoleta Panteva, a senior analyst at IBISWorld. Most of the money went for gifts and cards, Panteva reports.

But Cupid’s bow isn’t the only reason to drop dough on Feb. 14.

While “significant others” account for the majority of Valentine’s Day spending, friends are often the beneficiaries of an average of $6 of spending, with classmates in line for $5 in largesse, according 54 FEBRUARY 2014 | www.davidlv.com

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to South University professor Kemberly King. And don’t forget pets ($5) and co-workers ($3.50). Men spend about twice as much on Valentine’s Day as women, King reports.

Nick, a sales associate at a major southern Nevada card shop, has observed that men go for cards with long, heartfelt messages.

Women like the card designs.

“I just look for the message in (the card),” consumer Brandon Easton says. “I don’t look for what’s on the card’s cover. What’s important (are) the contents of the card.”

Nick says guys generally procrastinate when it comes to finding a card for their soul mates.

“On Valentine’s Day, and the days right before, a lot of men will be cramming into these aisles to pick up cards, and a lot also pick up roses while they are here,” he says.

The unusual Valentine’s cards – including those to stepparents and godchildren – sell the quickest. Some of the Valentine’s Day card offerings can even come from your pets. A cat version reads, in part: “… For a regular human, you are really quite smart. No wonder you won my heart! Happy Valentine’s Day!” “Valentine’s cards for husbands and wives sell the most,” Nick says. “And after that, we sell a lot of Valentines for grandchildren.”

He asked that his shop not be named, due to corporate communications policies.

Las Vegan Ben Callison made and gave Valentine’s Day cards to

his late wife Caryn, and the two of them ran a local business called Caryn’s Cards for a number of years.

“I used to leave Valentine’s cards for her all over the house – by the bathroom, by the nightstand, by dining room,” he recalls.

“A good Valentine’s Day card,” Callison says, “is something that catches the person’s attention. It’s trying to say, ‘What is love to you?’ ” Valentine’s Day is obviously a huge sales period for greeting card stores and other shops that sell cards. And Las Vegas, with its legacy of wedding chapels and a romantic aura, is certainly a great place to sell Valentine-related items.

Alligator Soup has been around Las Vegas for 32 years now, owner Helen Edell says. The store, at 9350 W. Sahara Ave., starts putting Valentine’s Day cards up in early January.

“People spend money on Valentine’s Day,” she says. “Most cards (are) about $4 … the exquisite, hand-made cards can cost $15 to $18, but they sell well.” At her store, men and women spend at about the same rate, Edell says.

“Valentine’s for ‘significant others’ sell best, followed by Valentine’s cards for friends,” she says.

Maybe there’s some hope for Charlie Brown, after all.

www.davidlv.com | FEBRUARY 2014

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grill

Jamie Bernstein Children’s Music Advocate

Steven J. Sherman

Jamie Bernstein, daughter of the conductor/ composer/pianist Leonard Bernstein, has charted a career as a writer, broadcaster, concert producer and narrator. She has traveled extensively, presenting and narrating programs of her late father’s music. She is an ardent advocate for El Sistema, the amazing youth music program that maestro José Antonio Abreu launched for underprivileged youngsters in Venezuela. It now includes more than 400,000 students.

She’ll be in Las Vegas to support the “Violins for Kids” program sponsored by the Foundation to Assist Young Musicians (FAYM; www. thefaym.org). The foundation was established in 2007 by Harold Weller, founding music director and conductor laureate of the Las Vegas Philharmonic. Bernstein will get together with the V4K youngsters and greet the public at a free “Conversation with the Maestro’s Daughter” at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 8, at the Flamingo Public Library, 1401 E. Flamingo Road. She will share anecdotes and remembrances of her famous father.

DAVID: What was it like being Leonard Bernstein’s daughter?

BERNSTEIN: Life at home was never boring! The house was filled with fascinating people, much laughter and vivacity. My dad was affectionate and funny and loved spending time with his three kids — my brother Alexander, sister Nina and me.

DAVID: Did you study music or play an instrument as a youngster?

BERNSTEIN: I studied piano but never practiced and was a lousy student. When I quit my lessons at 16, I started playing for fun and writing songs.

Now that I’ve seen El Sistema in action, I wish I’d had a musical experience like that, striving with a community of pals. Piano lessons are lonely! I always felt discouraged.

DAVID: Did you ever consider a career in music?

BERNSTEIN: I majored in English lit at Harvard (1974). I pursued a career as a singer-songwriter for about 10 years, but I always felt insecure as a musician. So it was kind of a relief when I put it aside to raise my kids.

DAVID: What prompted your career as a writer, broadcaster, concert narrator and producer?

BERNSTEIN: I fell into my current “career” quite by accident. I began by developing an educational concert about my dad’s music, then I wound up narrating it myself and taking it all over the world. Since then, I’ve written and presented

many, many educational concerts on all sorts of topics. I also discovered a solution to my problem about being too shy to perform music: I’m not at all shy about TALKING about music!

DAVID: How did you become interested in El Sistema and how did you connect with maestro Abreu?

BERNSTEIN: I saw a YouTube video of a curlyheaded conductor, Gustavo Dudamel (a product of the El Sistema program), who’s now music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, leading an enormous orchestra of kids playing the “Mambo” from West Side Story, for which my father wrote the music. It was so exciting and brilliant that I just had to find out who these kids were. I even went down to Venezuela to see for myself where all this exuberant, superb music making was coming from. What I saw down there blew me away. It pretty much changed my life. I was lucky enough to first meet maestro Abreu at a concert in Los Angeles. When I told him who my father was, to my surprise he immediately grabbed me by the hand and took me straight over to meet Gustavo Dudamel. It turned out they were both huge Bernstein fans!

DAVID: You’re now producing El Sistema USA, a documentary about a music program for kids in West Philadelphia. How did that come about? (http://jamiebernstein.net/el_sistema_usa.html) BERNSTEIN: Stan f o rd T ho mpso n , d i rec to r o f Play On, Philly, spen t a year as an A breu F el l o w at the N ew E n g l an d C o n serv ato ry l earn i n g al l abo u t E l Si stema. B ef o re the year w as o u t, he w as al read y o rg an i z i n g the l au n c h o f a Si stema- i n spi red , af tersc ho o l mu si c pro g ram i n W est P hi l ad el phi a. I met Stan at the N ew E n g l an d C o n serv ato ry. M y c o pro d u c er E l i z abeth K l i n g an d I d ec i d ed to f o l l o w Stan an d hi s Play On, Philly pro g ram. ( El Sistema USA i s n o w bei n g ed i ted . ) DAVID: You’re in Las Vegas this month to support Hal Weller’s “Violins for Kids.” Why? BERNSTEIN: I met H al l ast J u n e at the C o mpo sers G u i l d c o n f eren c e i n St L o u i s. I c ame to L as V eg as bec au se I rel i sh ev ery o ppo rtu n i ty to i n tro d u c e peo pl e to the i d eas an d ac hi ev emen ts o f E l Si stema, an d to en c o u rag e n ew c o mmu n i ti es to start thei r o w n pro g rams. M y messag e to yo u n g peo pl e i s: l i sten to mu si c , l o v e i t, o w n i t, pl ay i t!

A n d yo u c an u se yo u r mu si c - mak i n g to c han g e the w o rl d . E v ery pro g ram ( su c h as V i o l i n s f o r K i d s) that u ses mu si c f o r so c i al tran sf o rmati o n i s a pro g ram w o rth ad v o c ati n g f o r! — ML

58 FEBRUARY 2014 | www.davidlv.com

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