5TJT simcha2011_low by Mike Kurov

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES SIMCHA SUPPLEMENT

September 16, 2011

1 © Brocha Teichman, Art Studio of the Five Towns, BrochaTeichman.com

September 16, 2011

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES SIMCHA SUPPLEMENT

September 16, 2011

Editor’s Note BY LARRY GORDON P.O. BOX 690 LAWRENCE, NY 11559 516-984-0079 editor@5TJT.com • ads@5TJT.com LARRY GORDON ESTA J. GORDON Publisher/Editor Managing Editor YOSSI GORDON, YOCHANAN GORDON Sales Managers CHANA ROCHEL ROSS Editorial Assistant SIDI BARON DAVID FOX DOV GORDON YAKOV SERLE Sales Representatives SHMUEL GERBER Chief Copy Editor

MICHELE JUSTIC Copy Editor

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Hannah Reich Berman, Anessa V. Cohen Rabbi Aryeh Z. Ginzberg, Yoni Glatt, Toby Klein Greenwald, Rabbi Yair Hoffman Ron Jager, Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky Dr. Bernie Kastner, Shmuel Katz, Phyllis J. Lubin Esther Mann, Rochelle Miller, Rabbi Meir Orlian Elke Probkevitz, Dr. Rachael Schindler Rabbi Avrohom Sebrow, David J. Seidemann Rabbi Ben Tzion Shafier, Rabbi Avi Shafran Eli Shapiro, Dr. Ari Sher, Samuel Sokol, Chanita Teitz ELISHEVA ELEFANT Staff Graphic Artist

“Celebration.” That has to be one of the

with, and now any time of year seems exact-

happiest words in the English language. Who

ly like the right time for a celebration, whether

doesn’t like a celebration or an event or oc-

it’s a wedding, a bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah,

casion to celebrate? And this is particularly

or related life-cycle events.

so in these challenging times. At the same

And so it is that as the yomim tovim and fall

time, as the seasons change and the weath-

approached, it seemed like as good a time

er changes, it seems that somehow we are

as any to assemble this magazine to serve

more geared up and ready to share good

as a guide on the subject of the simchas we

news and help family, friends, and neighbors

make, attend, and play a vital role in. And

by participating in and enhancing their sim-

along with some wonderfully insightful arti-

chas and special events.

cles that look at our happiest occasions from

Many are enchanted at some point in their

a variety of angles, we also feature some ad-

IVAN NORMAN, IRA THOMAS Staﬀ Photographers

life by the idea of a summer wedding. But to-

vertisements from the leaders in the simcha

DESIGN BY DESIGN2PRO.COM Design & Production MICHAEL KUROV Art Director

day the parameters of our imaginations have

industry.

The Five Towns Jewish Times is an independent weekly newspaper. Opinions expressed by writers and columnists are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher. We are not responsible for the kashrus or hashgachah of any product or establishment advertised in the Five Towns Jewish Times.

A Time To Celebrate

September 16, 2011

been stretched with the notion that any time

I hope you enjoy this supplement of the

of year is indeed an appropriate one to enjoy

Five Towns Jewish Times and that you agree

and take part in one of these great events.

that it is always a good time for a celebra-

In a way, the seasons have been dispensed

tion. 

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES SIMCHA SUPPLEMENT

September 16, 2011

Songs From The Heart: Up Front And Personal With Benny Friedman BY ROCHELLE MARUCH MILLER If you were at this summer’s Concert on the Lawn in Lawrence, you know

what it’s like to experience an enchanted evening under the stars as Benny Friedman, the headliner of that muchanticipated event, wove a web of musical magic.

Blessed with a gorgeous voice and an abundance of talent, Benny is a gifted link in a celebrated musical dynasty and is one of the fastest-rising starts in the Jewish music arena. His uncle is the legendary Avraham Fried, and although there are subtle similarities that exist, Benny is a distinctively different type of performer, bringing his own style and interpretation to Jewish music. Always reaching for the gold and constantly setting his standards higher still, Benny has earned a sterling reputation as a multitalented, versatile, and unpretentious performer. Truly, this personable young man is one of the nicest individuals you will meet in the industry. Benny’s musical acumen was evident even during his formative years, but his professional musical career began at age 13. Performing at local venues, young Benny already had the ability to mesmerize his audiences with his beautiful voice. Equally passionate about his singing and his ability to inspire people through music, Benny spent four years following yeshiva studying with world-renowned vocal coach Seth Riggs. Soon the young talent with the golden voice was generating interest among music aficionados the world over. “I divided my time between recording my debut album, Taamu, with Svi Newmark, who is an absolutely incredible producer, and making appearances around the country,” Benny told the 5TJT. Although Benny is a ben Torah who is not seeking self-aggrandizement, we will tell you that Taamu was the most highly anticipated debut album in the history of Jewish music and was hailed as both the best-produced debut album and 2009’s Album of the Year, affirming Benny’s position as one of Jewish music’s premier performers. Since then, Benny has been in great demand, with performances at concerts, weddings, and other celebratory events the world over. Recent concert

Continued on p. 27 6

September 16, 2011

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September 16, 2011

Love, Honor, And Financially Protect BY MONTE ROSENZWEIG

ally 10, 20, or 30 years. This type of life insurance provides the lowest cost life insurance protection available, with monthly premiums that can be affordable for most families. Also, some term life policies can be converted to permanent policies during the policy period— without the need to re-qualify. Tax-Deferred Savings. Permanent life insurance (like whole life or universal life) can provide life insurance coverage for the insured’s lifetime. Permanent life insurance also accumulates cash value on a tax-deferred basis, which can be an important part of a family’s savings plan. Universal policies may allow insureds to adjust the death benefit or payment schedule to meet changing circumstances or to keep up with inflation. Disability Protection. Some life insurance policies have an option that will pay the insured’s premiums and keeps the coverage in force if the policyholder

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becomes disabled and can’t work. Emergency Funds. In a financial hardship, permanent life insurance policyholders can often borrow money against their life insurance policy. If a permanent life insurance policy has an accelerated death benefit option, it also can make funds available for critical needs in accordance with its provisions.  For more information about life insurance, please visit www.allstate.com/lifeinsurance or contact Monte Rosenzweig at 516-374-7700, ext 12. Now celebrating its 80th anniversary as an insurer, the Allstate Corporation (NYSE:ALL) is reinventing protection and retirement to help nearly 16 million households insure what they have today and better prepare for tomorrow. Consumers access Allstate insurance products (auto, home, life, and retirement) and services through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive ﬁnancial representatives in the U.S. and Canada, as well as via www.allstate.com and 1-800-ALL-STATE.

Trends In The Orthodox Simcha World

THE WRITTEN WORD …can’t think of what to say by Laurie Golubtchik

Speeches

BY JEFF NECKONOFF

• Bar and Bat mitzvah speeches - $150 (includes consultation, writing, unlimited revisions, and a practice session)

Room perimeter-lighting, uplighting, photo booths, accent lighting, scented rooms, chocolate fountains, lighted facades, interactive games, monograms projected onto walls or dance floors . . . DJs and bands are offering you all the above and more to help you create the simcha of your dreams. As if you didn’t have enough choices to make already! While any of these things can certainly enhance your simcha, none of them are “make or break” items for the success of your party. Your guests might enjoy a chocolate fountain, but will anyone leave early if you don’t have one? Really? Studies and surveys done by event magazines like The Knot estimate as much as 80 percent of the success of a party is dependent on the quality of the entertainment. Leaders in the disc-jockey industry realize this and are out in front of a trend toward greater professionalism and customer service. Unfortunately, the lower cost of equipment and the availability of downloadable music (legal or otherwise) has lowered the “entry point” for the industry, creating an excess of DJs (as well as photographers and videographers) in the market. You should realize that the equipment is just a tool. It’s the talent of the DJ that makes all the difference.

• Wedding/Sheva Brachot and more - $100 (includes consultation, writing, unlimited revisions, and a practice session)

• Family speeches - $100 for parents and grandparents and $50 for siblings (includes consultation, writing, unlimited revisions, and a practice session)

Essays • College Application Essays- $100/hr (includes FREE consultation and price quote) • High School Application Essays- $50/hr (includes free consultation and price quote) • Writing Assignments- $50-$100/hr • Tutoring- $75-$100/hr

LMG1@optonline.net Call or text 516-658-2933

Continued on p. 10 5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES SIMCHA SUPPLEMENT

September 16, 2011

Simcha Trends Continued from p. 9 Perhaps you’ve heard horror stories about “cheesy” or inappropriate DJs. Perhaps you’ve experienced one yourself. You know the signs: inappropriately loud (or just inappropriate) music, a lack of organization or flow to the evening, a failure to have the needed parties ready for an event. Would you want your photographer missing a key moment because the DJ doesn’t have the experience and ability to coordinate with your other vendors? Baruch Hashem, there are DJs and other simcha professionals who care deeply about making your simcha perfect. How do you find them? Well, to be honest, it takes a little more work on your part, but the dividends are tremendous. 1. Look for DJs who are constantly striving to improve at their craft. Regardless of the title, they realize that a high-quality simcha entertainer is “more than just the music” and there are several positive signs you can look for.

2. Ask your friends, relatives, and acquaintances whom they have been impressed by or have heard of that does an amazing job. 3. Professional DJs belong to trade associations like the American Disc Jockey Association (ADJA) or the National Association of Mobile Entertainers (NAME). These provide education, support, and networking opportunities which help DJs improve their performance and their customer service. 4. Look for entertainment professionals who continue their education. They participate in workshops. They attend trade conferences and conventions and they network with their peers. They may belong to Toastmasters. They’ve taken acting, improv, and comedy classes. They may participate in community theater. It’s interesting, but you’ll find the better a simcha entertainer is, the more they continually strive to improve, and that is most definitely to your benefit as you plan the simcha of your dreams. 5. Look for DJs who will spend as much time with you as necessary to

make your event happen your way. They’ll have planning tools available to assist you. A professional disc jockey will always be willing to offer advice and allow you to take advantage of his or her experience. You’ll be amazed by how much stress they can take off your shoulders. Yet they realize the simcha is all about your family and not about them. Your DJ (and every other vendor) should be eager to take all the time needed to personalize your simcha. You’re spending a lot of money for this celebration. You do not need the extras mentioned in the beginning as long as your entertainment and other vendors are top-notch. You don’t really want it to be like every other event you’ve ever attended. A great entertainer knows how to help you make it special and create a party your guests will be reminiscing about for years!  Jeff Neckonoff is the owner and chief DJ entertainer at Azamra DJ. He has been playing music at simchas since the 1980s and looks forward to all the new people he’s still to meet at future simchas. For any questions, call 516771-9377 or visit www.AzamraDJ.com.

Focus On Fashion BY MIRI URBACH The Autumn/Fall 2011 fashion season—the final season for the first year of this new decade, and also the season that will go a long way to defining 2012’s fashion trends— is a crucial period for building your wardrobe and evolving your personal style. So what’s in store for the season? Longer hems and pretty details like bows and lace remain high on the list of carry-over trends; while on the funkier side, rich textiles follow through to the new season with edgy accessories like layered pearl and chain necklaces. Enjoy this exciting fashion season and indulge your inner fashionista with a trip to MIRI!

10 September 16, 2011

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES SIMCHA SUPPLEMENT

••• Q. I have the wedding of my second child coming up and I’m around a size 8. I would love to wear one of the new ball gowns they are showing! Is it appropriate? Or should I stick to straight? A. Traditionally, the mother of the bride or groom has a special place in a wedding, more so than all the other guests. While some think that to accommodate a bride’s color palette they are required to wear the same thing as everyone else in the wedding party, I disagree. As the mother you should stand out from the others, be it with a special detail on your dress, a different shade of color, or

Continued on p. 25

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September 16, 2011

Shir Soul: The “It” Factor Of Jewish Simcha Music BY ROCHELLE MARUCH MILLER It’s not surprising that Shir Soul has become one of the most sought-after bands on the New York simcha scene. Featuring an exciting, young, and fresh sound that is polished, professional, and peerless in performance, Shir Soul continues to raise the bar in Jewish music. Founded by renowned vocalist David Ross, Shir Soul affords clients superb musical quality and unsurpassed service while working within the parameters of any budget. Shir Soul’s entertaining a cappella singers and talented musicians transform any event into an unforgettable experience. Ask some of David’s hundreds of satisfied clients—many of whom have enjoyed Shir Soul for several family simchas—to describe their Shir Soul experience and you will undoubtedly elicit unabashed praise. • “I hired David Ross and Shir Soul to perform at my daughter’s wedding,” said Mrs. G. L. “I was so impressed with the music, professionalism, and spirit of the entire band. David was proactive in speaking with my daughter and her fianc about the type of music and sound

12 September 16, 2011

they wanted and made sure to include all the aspects that were discussed, and at a very reasonable price as well. The guests really enjoyed the music; my daughter and son-in-law were thrilled with Shir Soul and I would definitely recommend them for any occasion.” • My wife and I, our mechutanim, and the happy couple (and all the guests) were so amazed at the intensity and love that David and the entire band put into our simcha,” says R. F. “We are so appreciative of the way David picked up on the vibe of the crowd and played accordingly as the night progressed. We are so happy that our children made the right decision in choosing Shir Soul. I suggested the band, but the choice was ultimately theirs—and now they’re thrilled; people are still asking me for Shir Soul’s phone number! In the final analysis, I can’t imagine going to another simcha that will be as much fun as ours was—unless Shir Soul is the band! The love, the intensity, the energy, the caring, the attention to every detail—all examples of David’s total care and devotion to his clients.” Raised in a musical family, David Ross displayed an interest in music at a very early age. A talented performer who

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earned his BA with honors in music from Binghamton University and his MA in music education from Columbia University, David has performed at weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs, and concert events all over the world. Following the release of his first single, The Power To Be, on the all-star compilation album Voices for Israel, David went on to record two solo albums of original music before he decided to start Shir Soul. Having performed in nearly every major city in the Unites States and destinations abroad, including Aruba, Cancun, and Israel, David continues to captivate audiences with his infectious energy and charismatic stage presence. In this exclusive interview with the 5TJT, David discusses his unique band and how it is impacting Jewish music. R.M.M.: David, Shir Soul has been generating quite a buzz on the Jewish music scene. Your band performed at several weddings I attended last winter and spring. I enjoyed them all, but I also noticed that each wedding was very different. How do you manage to maintain the quality of the music while always keeping it so fresh and exciting?

Continued on p. 14

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September 16, 2011 13

Shir Soul Continued from p.12 D.R.: I’m so glad you asked that question first, because I think that’s one of the things that makes Shir Soul so unique. When I decided to start the band, I called on all of the best musicians I’ve met over the past 10 years. The nice thing about our band is that we rehearse together and we perform together, and all of my musicians are exclusive to Shir Soul. We’ve been very fortunate to build up a great chemistry as a group because we’ve played together so much. When it comes to each wedding, we prepare different music, different arrangements, and different requests, but our musicians are always the same, so we are able to maintain a consistent sound. For us, it’s never “just another wedding”; every single wedding is the only one for us, and each one of our clients is our only client. R.M.M.: What else can you tell us about your musicians? D.R.: I can honestly say that these

14 September 16, 2011

guys are the best musicians I have ever played with. I had played with all of them before on other projects and in other bands, but, having put them all together in the same room as we sought to create Shir Soul, it’s really been such a blast. Aside from my musicians being highly trained professionals, they are also all full-time musicians who continue to develop their skills by day, in addition to regular performances with the band

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at simchas, concerts, and corporate events. I am very thankful that they share my energy and commitment to creating a high-quality musical product at an affordable price. We work hard in rehearsals, and we hope it shows. We try to take every client’s requests to heart, which is why every wedding comes out so different. That’s what makes it special for the couple and the family. From the feedback we’ve received, our clients really

seem to appreciate this attention to detail. For us, it’s also a lot of fun, and I think that enjoyment comes across to our clients and guests as well. R.M.M.: People often complain about the volume of the band at weddings. Have you experienced this and how do you address it? D.R.: When people complain about the band being too loud at a wedding, they are often responding to distortion, not volume. Allow me to explain. Sometimes the band is just too loud, and that’s definitely a problem. But sometimes bands bring out cheap sound equipment and try to make it sound “expensive” by turning up the overall volume level. The problem is that the gear was not designed to handle these levels, which ultimately leads to distortion (that “noisy” sound we’ve all become so accustomed to) and fatigue for the listeners. My band brings out professional sound and a dedicated audio engineer to every simcha, whether it’s a oneman-band or a 24-piece orchestra. We do an extensive sound check in the room, and the audio engineer is in charge of monitoring the mix and the overall volume level throughout the evening. With the combination of ultra-highquality sound equipment and a dedicated audio engineer, we are able to get a sound that is full and rich, without being too loud or noisy. R.M.M.: A lot of the Jewish wedding bands in New York book several simchas per night, especially on busy Sundays. Is this something you aspire to with Shir Soul? D.R.: To be totally honest,

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September 16, 2011 15

Shir Soul Continued from p.15 no. I’m well aware that I could make more money by sending out several groups on the same night, but this has always been about the music for me. We book one simcha per night, and we wouldn’t have it any other way. I make sure that I am personally on every job, singing, conducting the band, and also making sure everything runs smoothly throughout. R.M.M.: So, if you had to sum it up, what is it that Shir Soul brings to the Jewish music and simcha arena? D.R.: Shir Soul brings something fresh and different to the table. Our sound is exciting, fun, and full of personality without sacrificing any of the quality of the other great bands out there. Most of our clients come to us because we are different, and we’re proud of that. R.M.M.: Shir Soul has come to be known for exemplary customer service. In your experience, what is it that makes

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a satisfied customer in Jewish simcha music? D.R.: When we book a simcha, the process begins right away, often months before the event, with an in-person meeting with the chasan and kallah. This meeting lasts anywhere between 20 minutes and two hours, depending on the couple, and we go through all of the music for the big day. We go through the chuppah, dancing, and dinner music, and this is also a great opportunity for clients to ask questions and give us their musical requests. More importantly, perhaps, this is often the couple’s first opportunity to really envision their big day and to begin to make some decisions together. At the end of the meeting, we have a custom playlist which reflects the musical tastes of the groom and the bride, both families, and the guests as well. We then take this list into rehearsal to prepare the client’s requests, while we also try to keep this playlist fluid and varied, as we ensure that everyone is having a good time and enjoying the music throughout the night. R.M.M.: What is the most rewarding aspect of your profession? D.R.: For me, it’s definitely being charged with the responsibility of realizing my clients’ musical dreams. From that perfect entrance song to that beauti-

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ful melody during the chuppah to that rocking tune at the end of the night, it’s the most important day of their lives, so they’re always brimming with excitement and energy. Sometimes even they have trouble explaining exactly what they’re looking for, but that’s what I enjoy most—trying to figure it out together with them and then making it happen. It’s really such a rush. And when things go well and you’ve made so many people happy, it’s really such a big mitzvah. I guess the best part of my job is always getting to be a part of the simcha—the joy. R.M.M.: What message would you like to convey to our readers? D.R.: It’s easy for a bandleader to say nice things about his own band, but I would love for our readers to formulate their own opinions about Shir Soul. I’d like to invite everyone to visit our newly updated website [www.ShirSoul.com], look around, watch a few videos, check out some pictures, read a few client testimonials, and let us know what you think. We know there are a lot of options out there when it comes to Jewish simcha music, so we just feel fortunate to be able to offer something a little different to our clients. I’m not a salesman or a businessman—I’m a musician, and I love talking about music. So please feel free to give us a call to discuss your special event. Mazel tov upon your upcoming simcha; we look forward to enhancing your special day!  For further information, visit www.ShirSoul. com. To schedule a consultation, please contact David Ross at 917-817-2897.

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M’zamrim Choir:

Harmonizing Your Simcha On The Perfect Note BY ROCHELLE MARUCH MILLER Chilu Posen was raised with the sound of beautiful music and heartfelt niggunim. His grandfather was an excellent ba’al tefillah whose soul-stirring niggunim touched people’s hearts. Shabbos and yom tov were very special times, with the sound of beautiful niggunim permeating throughout the Posen home. Inspired by his beloved Zaydeh, Chilu discovered his own musical talents. His love and appreciation of music had already taken root. “I’d gather a group of bachurim and together we would sing niggunim and zemiros on Shabbos and on yomim tovim,” he recalls. “We were a group of friends—bachurim who enjoyed singing—and our families and friends enjoyed listening to us.” One day, Chilu received a phone call from a prominent personality in the Jewish music arena who had seen Chilu and his group perform. “He was making a simcha and wanted us to perform. This was our first professional performance; we had never done anything like this before,” Chilu explains. “At the end of the event, the ba’al simcha came over to me. He thanked me profusely for the great job my guys and I had done and handed me an envelope. When I paid my guys, I said, ‘There comes a time when we have to be ready to take the next step and move up to the next level; I’m serious about opening up a business.’ I put an ad in a paper about our singing group, and received a response. That was how M’zamrim Choir began.” Since its inception and under the superb direction of Chilu Posen, M’zamrim Choir has performed the world over, eliciting unabashed praise from such distant venues as Israel and Russia. Indeed, performing for Chabad of Russia has become somewhat of a tradition, with another scheduled performance in

18 September 16, 2011

the near future. Arguably one of the most sought-after choirs in the simcha arena, M’zamrim Choir captivates the ba’alei simcha and guests with their infectious high energy and charisma. Whether they are performing Avraham Fried’s Vaydeber Moshe, composed by Yossi Green, or Lashem Haaretz Umloah by Yitzchak Fuchs at a wedding, or enhancing the

“What makes us unique is that we don’t just sing at a simcha; we are there to energize the crowd.” simcha at a bar mitzvah, M’zamrim Choir is your guarantee a simcha with musical memories to be cherished for a lifetime. Chilu Posen’s clients attest that he is a pleasure to deal with, from the initial booking and throughout the event, so it’s not surprising that M’zamrim is in demand at virtually every type of simcha. “What makes us unique is that we don’t just sing at a simcha; we are there to energize the crowd,” says Chilu. “When we perform at a Shabbos bar mitzvah, we eliminate the need for the ba’al simcha to run around in search of someone to sing Koh Ribbon or Kel Adon. You can always find some guests

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who are able to sing but may be apprehensive about taking the initiative to participate. M’zamrim Choir brings simcha to every simcha. We ignite the ‘oilam’ with our enthusiasm and energy and get everyone singing, all throughout Shabbos—from the Shabbos seudos, oneg, shalosh seudos, and a beautiful Havdalah.” Each member of M’zamrim Choir is carefully selected by Chilu. “I look at several important factors: singing ability, professionalism, as well as personality. He should have a sterling reputation and be a personable, charismatic individual who shares my commitment to M’zamrim Choir’s clients. We’re devoted to providing quality and service to our clients and to infusing every event with pure simcha and excitement. It’s all about the client and creating a simcha that is customized to the ba’alei simcha’s requests. We meet with them and go over every detail to ensure a flawless event. We have the expertise and the experience to take care of every detail of a simcha. If there is anything that has to do with a simcha, we will deliver. We give our utmost attention to honoring special requests and we pride ourselves on our outstanding service as well as our standard of excellence.” For Chilu, the most rewarding aspect of his business is the ability to enhance his clients’ simchas and being an integral part of that special day in their lives. “I’m grateful to be able to use the talent that Hashem has blessed me with to contribute to their simcha. And it is especially meaningful for me to be able to perform the mitzvah of bikur cholim when we perform for children and patients who are hospitalized and infirm. There’s no greater feeling than making a sick child happy, making him feel like a child and inspiring him to sing with you.”  To book M’zamrim Choir for your simcha, please call Chilu Posen at 347-489-7061.

Inviting Invitations: The Latest Trends BY BECKY AMSTER Family simchas are the milestones, the highlights of our lives. We dream about our son’s bar mitzvah from the day he’s born, and recall the pride we

ored guests will have to your affair will be your invitation. With it you’ll set the tone that will define your vision of your simcha. Vibrant or traditional, casual or elegant, the invitation you choose is an integral part of the ambiance you

Imagine gold peeking through a papercut of the Jerusalem skyline above your son’s name. felt for many years after. Every little girl fantasizes about her perfect wedding— her princess wedding gown, the bouquets of flowers, and walking down to the chuppah. When the time for a simcha finally arrives, the first introduction your hon-

choose for your affair. And the choices are getting broader and more alluring every day.

Colors And Textures

pers have been joined by equally affordable pale blues, classy gaey-flecked whites, and iridescents. For more heft and a touch more style in a bar or bas mitzvah invitation, layering a colored backer behind a white or off-white paper to provide a thin border of color is the most popular way to go. Continuing the motif on reception cards and envelope liners elevates this choice to the professional look of an ensemble. Today, even the simple addition of a backer can become an exciting and personal statement, because of the vast number of new colors and textures to choose from. Beyond the traditional matte navy or brown cardstock, dazzling metallics in onyx, bronze, topaz, midnight blue, aquamarine, emerald forest, azalea, and hundreds of other colors add gleam and interest.

Even for the most traditional tastes, options abound. White and cream pa-

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Continued on p. 20

September 16, 2011 19

Inviting Invitations Continued from p.19 This year, new technologies have brought us papers with a color range and depth that are startlingly beautiful. Because the selection has become so vast, one can create a unique work of art by printing directly on a colored card, such as the new shimmery, silverblue “pearlized opal.” Pantone’s latest “colors of the year” are turquoise, a lively choice for bar or bas mitzvahs, and honeysuckle, a color-drenched, vibrant rosy pink perfect as the basis or embellishment for a bas mitzvah invitation or as an accent for an unusual wedding invitation. You’re likely to see these hues pop up in the patterns of imprintable cards (usually white cards with preprinted designs framing the space for your text) that are a beautiful and inexpensive base for bas mitzvah invitations. Geometrics, florals, abstracts—there are imprintables to please every preteen’s taste.

Good As Gold Gold is an “in” color that is appropriate for every occasion. You can use it sparingly, gluing gold or silver foil embellishments onto the corners of an invi-

tation. Or you can use gold as the primary card, the backer, or as an oh-so-thin border between your printed card and another colored backer. There is an astonishing variety of gold and silver papers, ranging from sun-bright and lustrous to subtle metallic undertones. For a truly majestic wedding invitation, consider wrapping a standard white folder inside a translucent folder embossed with a gold floral pattern. For an equally artistic bar mitzvah invitation, imagine gold peeking through a papercut of the Jerusalem skyline above your son’s name.

From Suede To Silk The latest textures too have opened new possibilities—from the suede feel of Plike and Curious Cosmic, to the silky surfaces of Esse and So Silk, to the stonewashed denim texture of So Jeans. You can print on them, use them as backers or folders, or combine a strip of one with another paper. Consider also the velveteens, the masculine monochrome pinstripes, or even wood veneers. Being faced with so many choices is no reason to throw up your hands because you can’t make up your mind. With the help of a professional, you can be guided to find just the right paper to

express yourself. Of course your personal style extends past the paper. Fonts in scripts or prints, or a combination of both, can make your invitation formal or whimsical. Laying out the text in an interesting format is today the most popular and cost-free technique to make an otherwise standard invitation outstanding. Colored inks used throughout the text or as a highlight is another low-cost option to add interest to the most inexpensive designs.

Creativity For The Kallah While wedding invitations are traditionally more standardized, kallahs too are finding more options for creativity. The new almost-white heavyweight cotton papers are the latest trend, whether used to letterpress the text, or for the more familiar and reasonably priced thermographic printing. Rounded edges, panels, and square invitations are also fresh alternatives to the traditional rectangular, square-edged folder. Monograms, whether blind-embossed, pearlized, or with a wash of color, are always a thing of beauty. You could use brown or gray, but there’s no reason to shy away from a splash of bright color, mirrored with a brightly colored ink or envelope liner. Gold or silver embossing, or the more affordable foil stamping, is another elegant option, particularly if reserved to highlight the names of the chasan and kallah. Ribbons, whether pure white or colorful, are excellent, trendy accessories to dress up not only bar or bas mitzvah invitations, but for weddings as well. Whatever you choose, don’t get lost in the stress of the decision. Keep in mind that you’re arranging a simcha; choosing a design and seeing it through to the finished product should be a joyful experience for you too. So choose a professional you are comfortable working with, and enjoy preparing for your simcha!  Becky Amster, the owner of Simply Elegant Invitations, designs custom invitations. She also offers a full line of affordable traditional invitations and informals, and selected catalog ensembles. She can be reached at 718-327-2643 or seinvites@aol.com.

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September 16, 2011 21

Unbounded Simcha BY MORDECHAI SCHMUTTER It’s been wedding season, apparently. I apologize for not telling you sooner, but I did not even know that there was a wedding season. I thought that people got married when they found someone they wanted to spend the rest of their lives with and told everyone they’d ever met and picked out matching china. (That’s what I did.) I got married in February. It was snowing during my chuppah. Actually, as I later found out from both my wife and my mother, it was snowing on my chuppah, through the little skylight overhead. I had no idea, because I was wearing a winter coat, under which I was wearing a kittel, under which I was wearing a suit jacket, under which I was wearing a tie (which had to be black and white, despite the fact that no one could see it), under which I was wearing a shirt, under which were my tzitzis, followed by my undershirt, followed by a massive layer of sweat. So I probably wouldn’t have noticed if the entire wedding hall blew away in a tornado, leaving me standing there, hatless, trying to finish that long list of names in my pocket. But now a lot of the people on that list are getting married, apparently, which I guess makes it wedding season, and so we urge all of the chasanim and kallos out there to remember that, although you have been looking forward to this day ever since you were four years old and people asked you what you wanted to be when you grew up, and you said, “a kallah,” you still have to remember that the wedding day is not actually the be-all and end-all of your life. In fact, life continues long after the wedding, and in the case of some couples, it may seem even longer. It’s like when we go on vacation, and we spend months planning every last detail, and when the vacation is finally over we take off our sunglasses and our digital cameras and our pedometers and we realize that we have not planned

22 September 16, 2011

one moment of our lives past the vacation. Where do we go from there? Fortunately, in my case, I could go on to write articles about it. But what do most people do? If your parents spend all of their money on a big fancy wedding, what will they have left for you to schnor afterwards? It’s crazy these days, the things people are spending money on for their simchas. For instance, some people try to forgo the traditional bentcher souvenir, and instead hand out a leather-bound Tefillas HaDerech. Who takes a leather-bound Tefillas HaDerech with them onto the plane? Do they have to put it in a one-quart Ziploc bag? Why not give out a Tefillas HaDerech that hangs on a wall, while you’re at it? And then there are ice sculptures. It’s one thing if the guests are allowed to chip away at the sculptures and put slivers into their drinks, but most caterers frown on that, because someone spent hours and hours carving that thing from a big imported iceberg, rather than just pour ice into a huge plastic mold, which is what you or I would have done. And it’s not like everyone can afford to make simchas like this, and more and more parents are finding themselves selling their spare organs to pay for weddings. There are definitely areas in which we can cut back. For instance, we can cut back on some of the food. The average wedding today serves enough food to render every single new suit and rented gown at the hall at least three sizes too small. In general, the meal should probably consist of the five basic Jewish food groups, which are challah, fish, soup, chicken, and dessert. There can also be a modest “smorg,” by which we mean a smorg that does not feature people in funny hats who seem to have forgotten to make their food before the actual wedding began, because they are clearly making it right there at the smorg, and have a long line of people clutching their plates and making

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES SIMCHA SUPPLEMENT

awkward conversation with the people behind them who they don’t plan on speaking to until at least the next simcha. And there is definitely no need for a Viennese table, because even though everyone attacks it like it’s the last bus out of the Catskills, the truth is that tomorrow morning they’re going to resent you for providing the temptation. Another example is bands. A lot of people like to go with big bands in huge orchestra pits, with trombones and cymbals and one guy who makes his entire living sitting in the corner with a triangle. But the truth is that every chasunah band since the beginning of time has played the same five songs, and it doesn’t really matter if it’s a one-man band, so long as his amplifier is loud enough to cover for it. Also, you want to make sure that your one man is a keyboard player, rather than the triangle guy. In fact, sometimes it doesn’t even matter if there is a band, because at various times the chasan’s friends, who are much louder than the band once they’ve hit the open bar (another bad idea), will start singing an entirely different song than the band is playing, and by the time the band has caught up, they will have moved on to yet a different song. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule. For instance, sometimes it is not a waste of money to have a Viennese table, because the chasan is in fact Viennese, and if you don’t have a Viennese table, you will not have any table at all. Or maybe the mechutanim have come to the agreement that they’d just have a Viennese table instead of a main course. After all, candy is cheaper than meat. And sometimes you can get a really huge band from a band gemach or something. But everyone should definitely keep one eye on their bank accounts. But none of this has anything to do with the chasan. I remember that before

Continued on p. 24

5TJT Celebrations Puzzle: Bar Mitzvahs

BY YONI GLATT

26 33

38 41

48 49 52

50 54

37 40

Across 1. Surly muppet 6. Beer, basically 9. Green monster 13. Country house 14. Carry-on item 15. Like many bathroom ﬂoors 16. Leaning 17. Early Hanks hit 18. Escape 19. A bar mitzvah boy might do this 22. Start of the work wk. 23. Flight letters 24. Mimic 26. Dine by 29. Find 33. A bar mitzvah boy might do this 37. Last judge before King Saul 38. Howard or Paul 39. Aladdin monkey 40. A bar mitzvah boy might do this 47. Steroid alcohol 48. Gets close 49. There you __ 50. Shalom, in street slang 51. Car need 54. A bar mitzvah boy

might do this 61. Shalom, in Oahu 63. Holiday, e.g. 64. ___-___-la 65. Part of the title for 37-Across 66. It can be dry or quick 67. Exam part, perhaps 68. HURRY! 69. They’re needed for flights 70. Believes Down 1. Possible office shape 2. “Please ___ down for ___ minute” 3. 152, to some 4. That’s ___ I ___ (and I’m satisfied) 5. Drum sound, maybe 6. Avraham to Yitzchak 7. A villain might have one 8. They’re eaten a lot on Pesach 9. Hiddur mitzvah item for Chanukah 10. Sad 11. Try again 12. First home? 15. Stout item in nursery rhyme

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES SIMCHA SUPPLEMENT

20. Jersey’s subway 21. 50% 25. ___ friendly 27. Dynamic preceder 28. Rose woe 30. Padan follower 31. Forbidden 32. Barak of politics 33. Baseball’s oldest team 34. Israeli resort city (alt. spelling) 35. ___ place ___ never been to 36. Start a poker game 41. Time 42. Standard 43. Market choice 44. Kind of avocado 45. Made like Vesuvius 46. Spread false rumors 51. Baby word 52. Woe 53. Pop 55. Furry fruit 56. Geraint’s wife in literature 57. Strong crawlers 58. With the greatest of ___ 59. Treif seafood item 60. Horse foods and primetime with ‘day’ 62. Make like a rabbit

September 16, 2011 23

THE

Unbounded Simcha

Čą

Continued from p.22

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my wedding, the one job that I had, aside from keeping my parents and in-laws apart, was figuring out the kibbudimâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;whom to give which berachos to and so on. This took me the entire engagement period. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m still not sure why. Which brings me to my own money-saving idea, which is that the chasan does all of the planning himself. The kallah can have whatever jobs the chasan had previously, such as remembering to get dressed up and figuring out the kibbudim. And both sets of parents can help her with that. But everything else must be left to the chasan. If the chasan plans the wedding himself, there will be nothing there that cannot actually be eaten, such as cen-

Mordechai Schmutter is a weekly humor columnist for Hamodia and has written three books, published by Israel Book Shop. He also does freelance writing for hire. You can send any questions, comments, or ideas to MSchmutter@gmail.com.

Puzzle Solution 1

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terpieces, or even necessarily place cards, and some people will inadvertently not make it to the guest list, such as the kallahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s grandparents, and there most probably will not be any napkins. Or tablecloths, for that matter. If this plan is put into effect, people would save a whole lot of money, and weddings will be less about agonizing over what you cannot afford and more about laughing over what the chasan forgot this time. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Is there a hall? We have 400 people sitting out in the street! Where do they go?â&#x20AC;? This is why we have to get married. ď ś

A B U

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24 September 16, 2011

5 TOWNS JEWISH TIMES SIMCHA SUPPLEMENT

M A K E A S P E E C H

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G A D O L

Ĺ&#x2DC;Ĺ&#x161;Ĺ&#x2013;ČąÂ Â&#x17D;Â&#x153;Â?ČąĹ&#x161;Ĺ?Â?Â&#x2018; Â?Â&#x203A;Â&#x17D;Â&#x17D;Â? Â&#x2018;Â&#x17D;Čą Â&#x17D;Â&#x160;Â&#x203A;Â?ČąÂ&#x2DC;Â?Čą Â&#x2019;Â?Â?Â&#x2DC;Â Â&#x2014;Čą Â&#x160;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2018;Â&#x160;Â?Â?Â&#x160;Â&#x2014;

S U P

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Puzzle appears on Page 23

Focus On Fashion Continued from p.10 even a ball gown silhouette. There are some beautiful inspirations on the runway this season from Dior that will really get you in the mood for a full skirt. As long as you don’t outshine the bride, anything goes! ••• Q. My son’s bar mitzvah is right before Rosh Hashanah. Is it too early to wear velvet or fur-trimmed clothes or accessories? A. There are some beautiful creations this season with fur and velvet. I especially love the whimsy of Alexander McQueen’s line. If you are going to wear this hot trend now there are definitely beautiful pieces out there, but ultimately you should let the weather decide. You don’t want to be wearing fur in the middle of an “Indian summer.” Christian Louboutin’s velvet shoes with chunky wooden heels are a great alternative to a full-on velvet ensemble. Still, for a fashion-savvy woman, the main points to take away are in the styling details. For example, a black velvet tunic with ribbed tights and jeweled shoes. To dress it up, what’s required is the icing on the cake, preferably plenty of pendant jewelry and chain necklaces. Ultimately, if the weather keeps your richer textiles held captive in your closet, never fear, Sukkos is around the corner! ••• Q. A friend of mine is getting remarried! It’s a small second wedding, with only close friends. Do I wear a wedding outfit or more dressy day wear? What’s appropriate?

A. Appropriate attire for a second wedding will generally depend on the age of the bride. Under 30, most second-time brides will usually want to experience the entire wedding fantasy all over again, and so will go with the more formal dress code. In fact I believe most women would love the opportunity to have another fabulous party with the excuse to put on a gown! However, if the bride is more mature she will most likely opt for a toned-down

event that is more about the celebration of her union than the celebration of clothing, and so you should dress accordingly. A beaded-trim coatdress with an eye-catching necklace will do the job just fine without making you stand out; all the more important when the bride herself may be wearing a simple sheath or even a short dress. Miri Urbach is a renowned designer from Lawrence. Her creations have graced fashion’s

elite from Manhattan, L.A., London, Paris, and more for the last 20 years. From custom designs to off-the-rack, MIRI is at the cutting edge in bringing fashionforward looks to the observant world. MIRI is second to none in customer care and her personal touch is felt in all her stores. Send your questions and comments to info@miricouture.com. MIRI has retail locations in Cedarhurst (515 Central Avenue), Brooklyn, and Lakewood and has three locations in Israel as well. To reach the Cedarhurst boutique and bridal salon, call 516.374.1095. For other locations and additional information, visit MIRI on the Web at www.miricouture.com.

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September 16, 2011 25

Photo Prose BY GARY RABENKO Finding The Right Photographer For You You may think there is not much to being a photographer. Many pros think that themselves because their clientele are satisfied with the basic skills they have. Depending on how important the photos will be to you later, you may want to ask the right questions now. Don’t ask the questions you read in advice articles! Every photographer has read those articles, and will tell you what

you expect to hear. Do you care about photography? Then you need a special photographer. Writers who interview a number of photographers consider the popular answers to be the right ones. This contradicts the fact that if you want something special, you need more than just “average.” Articles that discuss albums, prints, packages, and policies will often emphasize the unimportant, the tangibles, rather than what will be more important later—the feeling. Maybe how you will look, or the feeling that you will get, is simply unimportant to you. Then

Five Towns Simcha PHOTO BY JEFF NECKONOFF

The Bar Mitzvah of Ikey Rothman, son of Martin and Debbie Rothman of Woodmere, was celebrated on Monday, September 5. Ikey is a student at South Shore. Mazal Tov to siblings Daniella, Gabriel, and Shayna and the entire family! The event took place at the Hewlett-East Rockaway Jewish Center, with catering by Culinary Concepts, DJ Entertainment by Jeff Neckonoff of Azamra DJ, and photography and video by Hello Video.

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perhaps snapshots, surveillance coverage, or people lined up and photocopied might suffice. Instead of asking photographers meaningless questions, ask yourself some important questions before, during, and after your visit with photographers. What will be important later? Do subjects look exceptionally good in the photos? How will you want to feel when you view the photos? Would these photos do it for you?

Continued on p. 30

Benny Friedman Continued from p. 6 appearances include Chelsea Unplugged in Manhattan, Kutscher’s Summer Series in Monticello, the South Florida Chassidic Chanukah Festival, and a show-stopping duet with Avraham Fried that was the highlight of the Annual HASC Concert. Working toward his goal of inspiring people through music, Benny has devoted many hours to making music that

Benny Friedman

is more meaningful. He performed at Nariman House on the first anniversary of the Mumbai Massacre. For the sixth consecutive year, Benny is resuming his “Songs and Stories of Judaism” concert series, exploring fundamental concepts of Judaism through music and lore with Jews all across the country. Benny’s second album is currently in production and fans everywhere are eagerly awaiting its release. 

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September 16, 2011 27

Requesting The Pleasure Of Your Company: Aaron Teitelbaum Productions To Debut New Album B Y 5 TJ T S TA F F Please consider this your personal invitation to attend what promises to be the simcha of the year. Aaron Teitelbaum Productions cordially invites you to a very special celebtration—and you don’t even have to RSVP! It’s a highly anticipated event—the upcoming release of Aaron Teitelbaum Orchestras’ new album, and the excitement is palpable! Devoid of any pressure and requiring little preparation from honored guests, this is a musical celebration that is well worth waiting for, infused with true simcha. Just bring your dancing shoes and be prepared to experience a high level of energy and ruach that is sure to set your spirit soaring! In their signature style, Aaron Teitelbaum Orchestras has created a musical masterpiece. Produced to perfection by Mr. Teitelbaum, whose attention to detail and pursuit of excellence are evident throughout, this album represents Jewish music at its finest. Arranged by the legendary Yisroel Lamm, the album features ten stand-out tracks. “Our album features all of our musicians and the sets that we play live. All of the people you hear on this album are the authentic Aaron Teitelbaum performers,” Yisroel Lamm told the 5TJT. Working in tandem, the indefatigable duo has brought this endeavor to flawless fruition. That they are proud of every aspect of the album is not surprising. For the wedding-type songs on the album, you’ll find the same high-octane energy and excitement pulsating throughout the album as you will feel at an Aaron Teitelbaum wedding, which is customized to every client’s unique tastes and needs. It is pure, unadulterated simcha bliss. From beautiful beginnings to happily-ever-afters, Aaron Teitelbaum Productions proudly presents the music of which lifetime memories are made. Acclaimed the world over for his gorgeous signature chuppahs, masterful-

28 September 16, 2011

ly arranged and orchestrated to perfection by the incomparable Yisroel Lamm, Aaron is himself a legend in the Jewish music industry. With nearly three decades of experience in Jewish music, he is arguably one of the most respected names in the industry. In the relatively short time since its debut, Aaron Teitelbaum Productions has become among the most sought-after Jewish orchestras. Teitelbaum and Lamm have hand-picked a dream team of world-class, high-caliber musicians

From the initial consultation to the last dance, Aaron Teitelbaum Productions brings every couple’s dreams to glorious fruition. With meticulous attention to detail, Aaron oversees every aspect of the event. Neither inclement weather nor earthquakes can deter him from taking a trip to the simcha venue to research the place in order to ascertain the best sound equipment for the location and simcha. And Aaron is just about the nicest person to deal with—a sea of tranquility to alleviate any stress.

From beautiful beginnings to happily-ever-afters, Aaron Teitelbaum Productions proudly presents the music of which lifetime memories are made. that comprise the superb set orchestra that makes Aaron Teitelbaum Productions truly unique. Mesmerizing guests as they weave their web of musical magic at every celebratory event are the incomparable Yisroel Lamm as conductor and arranger, Sergei, Matt Hill, Chaim Golynsky, Eli Cohen, Joseph Deninzon, and Eli Joseph. Your simcha deserves the best—which is precisely what this premium orchestra is all about. Chances are, you have already experienced the breathtaking beauty of an Aaron Teitelbaum chuppah and have been inspired as never before. Featuring the gorgeous voices of Shloimie Daskal, Yumi Lowy, and many more of the youngest and brightest stars in today’s Jewish-music industry, this is a musical experience exclusive to Aaron Teitelbaum Orchestra. What Aaron and Yisroel have done is raise the bar of Jewish music.

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Providing every client with impeccable, customized service is a hallmark of Aaron Teitelbaum Productions. He forms a close bond with every client and “goes over and beyond” to make every event unique. You can attend three weddings in one week featuring Aaron Teitelbaum Productions— each will be a distinctively different, magnificent musical experience. And what about the sound level and how it impacts honored guests of a certain age? You need not worry. Master sound engineers Baba and Stas expertly customize the sound levels to every client’s specifications, without compromising any aspect of the concert quality.  Aaron Teitelbaum Productions cordially invites you to experience Jewish music at its ﬁnest. For further information, call 718-256-7200 or 917-335-4144, or e-mail aarontproductions@ gmail.com, and let them bring your dreams to fruition.

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September 16, 2011 29

Photo Prose Continued from p. 26 Are you a sensitive person? Should portraits merely show appearance, or must they convey personality? Are fake expressions OK? Why did the person become a photographer? Was he born into it, or is it in his heart? Does he sound like an artist, or is he a salesperson or student? Does he have strong technical and artistic skills? Does he have a special vision? Special talent? Or is he only a few steps ahead

of you in photography? Could today’s consumer-level cameras (you probably have one) “take pictures” similar to his? Is there some style and skill that is obvious in the majority of his work? Do they look natural, or awkward? Was there attention to detail, in both the subject and backgrounds? Does the album add meaning to the photos, or does it distract? Is it corny, gimmicky? Could a kid do it, or did it involve thought? Real thought takes time. Lots of time. Is the album merely a holding place

for photos, or does it go beyond that with a ﬂow and storyline? What was the photographer’s role in the finished product? Were skills and talent involved? What did the photographer do just before the shot to make it what it is? I refer to light, camera settings, angle … that is what is valuable. Are you looking for photojournalism, natural imagery? It could be great photography, when done by a great photographer. Otherwise it’s just snapshots. Is there depth, shape, and emotion to the shot? If not, it is just a snapshot. Anyone can talk about photojournalism, but consistently producing meaningful imagery that does justice to the event, its participants, and the craft of photography is certainly not easy. Cost. Paying little for photography is fine—if you understand you are not getting a real photographer, just a cameraclicker. Paying much more is OK, if you are investing in the skill, technique, and talent that will make a huge difference between a shot that conveys emotion, making you feel it, and merely one that shows an emotional moment. Maybe this will be important later when your family is involved. Beauty can be in the eye of the beholder. What will you be looking for then? Light. Anyone can talk about light. But it takes very many years of the right experience to instantaneously and instinctively be able to slim, shape, and style using light in the rapid way it must be used at a fast-paced event, or even in any portrait session that is not labored. That is why many are disappointed later, even when they paid a lot more. And that is why I care that you look at photography the right way now. Are candids unaware of the camera? Do portraits say more than how a person looks? Do the subjects actually have depth, or do they seem flat like when you take pictures indoors with flash? Great imagery is rare. It is up to you to ask for it!  Rabenko Photography and Video Arts is located at 1001 Broadway in Woodmere. Gary Rabenko is available for meaningful dialogue with concerned artists and the interested public.

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Action Studios Photography & Video Ronen Riskovich 516 295 3400 actionstudiosonline.com

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September 16, 2011 31

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32 September 16, 2011

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