NEW JERSEY JEWISH NEWS
JEWISH FEDERATION OF GREATER METROWEST NJ
Vol. LXVIII No. 44 | 6 Heshvan, 5775 October 30, 2014 | njjewishnews.com
Troubled
waters The search for sanctity in the wake of Washington’s mikva scandal 4
State&Local
28
Opinion
31
Life&Times
34
Calendar
34
Candlelighting
35
Community
38
LifeCycle
42
Classifieds
A GHOULISH SHABBAT?
7
4
31
BEFORE THE BALLOTS
MazelTov Entertaining with style while saving money
E Bat Mitzvah Girl
Trunk Show
ntertaining guests stylishly lends itself to simplicity, so throwing a party — even a Bar Mitzva — can be easy and relatively budget-friendly. Here are some tips for the party planner on a budget: *Divide and conquer: To stay relaxed and keep the budget in check, invite a group of friends to help coordinate the party. Splitting up decoration and food-preparation tasks will reduce costs and the
strain on the host. *Keep drinks simple. Instead of over-spending on ingredients for signature cocktails, consider offering just wine and beer. Believe it or not, even boxed wine has enjoyed increased popularity. Bota Box offers premium Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Malbec, Merlot, Moscato, Shiraz, RedVolution (red wine blend) and Old Vine Zinfandel in non-breakable packaging. Each box contains the equivalent of four bottles of wine and eliminates the need for a corkscrew. Boxed wine can also help to keep your party ecofriendly as well as budget-friendly. Bota Box labels are printed with soy-based inks on recycled paper that contains 100 percent post-consumer fiber and is 100 percent recyclable. *Keep the menu simple, fresh, and laid back. Let guests mingle and eat at their own pace by setting up a centrally located table displaying small bites and finger foods. Ideas include an antipasto platter with an array of cured meats, hummus and olives, sliced quesadillas, smoked salmon and dill on halved new potatoes, mini hamburger sliders, and chocolate chip cookies. *Keep decorations simple. Simple decor is most suitable for last-minute entertaining, but it can also be just as effective for parties planned well in advance. String twinkling white lights around the common or bar area for a subtle glow. Take a peek in your linen closets for table cloths and sheets that can serve double-duty, both at home and for the party. Mix and match various shapes and sizes of white or clear glass plates with a variety of fun, patterned cloth napkins to keep costs down, design simple, and everyone happy. — NewsUSA
Thursday November 6th through Sunday November 9th
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CELEBRATE YOUR BAR/BAT MITZVAH WITH A STRIKE! x x x
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MazelTov Table tops burst with color for pre- and post-mitzva entertaining
T
he autumn leaves bursting into vibrant reds, lively oranges, and brilliant yellows signal a new season for home entertaining, perfect for a Shabbat dinner or a Sunday brunch as part of a weekend-long mitzva celebration. If you need a little inspiration, look no further than your favorite outdoor spot to update your table setting with the
hottest colors for fall 2014. “Contemporary versions of classic colors are trending in the interior design realm this fall,” says John Griffith, visual merchandiser for dinnerware retailer Replacements, Ltd. “Rich deep Pantone colors including Sangria, Aurora Red, Cognac and Misted Yellow reflect the abundance of color you
Breathtaking
see outdoors. The new Fiesta color, Poppy, is perfect for autumn. Metallic finishes are also wildly popular, such as gold and copper.” Customers frequently ask Griffith and designer Julie Robbins for creative guidance to refresh their family heirloom pattern table settings when hosting special events at home. Pattern blending is a specialty of Robbins. “Vintage dinnerware continues to be one of the trendiest design elements in the tabletop industry and those patterns are some of our best sellers,” says Robbins. “Why buy a reproduction when the real thing is readily available? Search your mother or grandmother’s china cabinet to find some of the great retro patterns. Add your own point of view when you mix and match contemporary designs to create a modern look. It’s really simple to add an accent plate, or a stand-out charger in this season’s colors to update your table for fall entertaining.” Figural pieces, such as leaf shaped plates and serving pieces are very popular this fall. Many manufacturers are offering colorful accent pieces with favorites including fall leaves and pumpkin or gourd motifs. “You can use pumpkins as a strong design element through Thanksgiving,” Griffith suggests. “Pumpkins made of glass, ceramic, and lightweight resin are big sellers in the store as we head into the season. Mix with the real thing to easily create a great centerpiece.” When mixed with more traditionally Jewish or Shabbat-related décor, this adds a special, seasonal element to the table while keeping with tradition.
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Have your next celebration at a magnificent turn-of-the-century mansion designed by one of America’s most renowned architects. The Janoff family, owners and operators of the Crystal Plaza® for three generations, has upheld the spirit of Stanford White’s design in restoring the mansion’s original grace and splendor by hosting one affair at a time amongst enchanting gardens and beneath sparkling chandeliers. There is simply no setting more memorable.
®
305 West Northfield Road, Livingston, NJ • (973) 992-8100 www.crystalplaza.com
Kosher, Glatt Kosher and Off-Premise Catering available. 22 October 30, 2014
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MazelTov ‘Vintage dinnerware continues to be one of the trendiest design elements in the tabletop industry…. Why buy a reproduction when the real thing is readily available? Search your mother or grandmother’s china cabinet to find some of the great retro patterns.’
BAR/BAT MITZVAHS AT CHELSEA PIERS
Color from previous page “Appetizer size plates and individual dip bowls are great for finger foods and condiments,” says Robbins. “These smaller pieces are both popular and affordable. Plus it’s fun to mix shapes, colors, or motifs.” Particularly for a post-celebration brunch, more casual fare lends itself to less formal tableware. Serve bagels and fruit salad by mixing and matching different fall-colored plates and bowls for a fun, casual look. Coffee cups and saucers also can incorporate different colors and designs, all in keeping with an autumnal look. Still looking for more fall tabletop ideals? Help is just a click away. This team is now using Facebook to share decorating tips and solutions. “We love partnering with our customers to solve their design dilemmas,” says Robbins. “We’re thrilled when people reach out to us and ask questions on Replacements’ Facebook page. Our team is having a lot of fun connecting with our customers and we encourage people to visit our page, ask questions, like us, and share us with their friends; we get so many
great design challenges this way.” Once the team receives a question, they create multiple mix and match options, photograph these table settings, then post the images online for the public to see and share. — BPT
Chelsea Piers puts a Fresh Spin on Bar/Bat Mitzvah Celebrations. With a variety of sports facilities and reception spaces,
Tradition with a Twist !
Chelsea Piers puts a fresh spin on Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrations. Treat your guests to dinner and dancing with breathtaking views
Create a memory from your broken wedding glass. Seal the deal with a gorgeous Ketubah!
of the Hudson River at the Sunset Terrace. Enjoy rock climbing, batting cages, basketball and more during a fun-filled celebration at the Field House. Combine both options and experience the best of both worlds! Every party is customized, so you can be confident that Chelsea Piers will
Art • Crafts • Jewelry • Judaica • Furniture • Wearables • Framing • Bridal Registry
provide the perfect setting for your special day.
CBL FINE ART
“WoRTh ThE TRIp FRom ANyWhERE”
459 Pleasant Valley Way, West Orange, NJ ~ 973-736-7776 ~ www.cblfineart.com Mon - Fri 9:30 - 6 • Thurs 9:30 - 8 • Sat 10 - 5 • Sun 11 - 5
New York, NY 212.336.6777 chelseapiers.com/mitzvah Stamford, CT 203.989.1005 chelseapiersCT.com/mitzvah
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M I T Z VA H Ce l e b r ati o ns
L ’ cha i m
973.887.1414 birchwoodmanor.com
111 North Jefferson Road • Whippany, NJ 07981
MazelTov
Party trend: Accessorize your accessories
I
t’s not enough to have just any handbag if you want to keep up with the latest trends for fall events and parties. Now you need a handbag with bling, a scarf with a clip, a smartphone with a personalized cover, or a wallet designed to match the evening’s outfit. The latest in the fashion industry is all about accessories and how you accessorize the accessories. Here are some of the latest trends that can keep you on top of the latest in fashion accessories without breaking the bank: * Scarves: For women, scarves are being combined with neck jewelry for a unique new look. Try blending a single-colored scarf with a matching-colored clip at the throat, or you can thread a hoop around the scarf and hang a silver pendant like a necklace. Men are wearing scarves more frequently now to accentuate sports jackets, too, but they are not adding any additional decorations like women are. * Cellphones: Cellphone cases, headphones and power cords used to be merely practical add-ons for keeping your phone protected, charged, and playing your music. Now you can personalize your smartphone with colors, pictures, designs, or even a pattern that matches your tie, if you want. CellPhoneCases.com has the accessories you need to accessorize your phone for a special event — screen protectors, chargers, data cables, pouches, and cases — some of
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them suitable for a formal, evening event. With 10,000 cases available for all the latest cellphone models, you’ll be able to find exactly what you want at very reasonable prices. Plus, you can get a second phone charger with free shipping. * Wallets: Like cellphones, wallets and clutches are coming out in bright colors and featuring beautiful pictures and fun patterns to use for daytime or evening events. Black leather is always a classy option, of course, but if you’re into color, you may want to look for wallets and clutches to match your handbag, scarf, tie, eyeglasses, or even your shoes. Some people prefer wallets that depict images of a favorite pet, television show or flower, while others just want one that matches the colors of a special outfit. * Handbags: It seems busier is better when it comes to the look of handbags these days. Currently available handbag accessories include belts, hanging pendants, decorative handles, and even weighted hangers so the bag can hang from a table at a party. There is no set rule for what styles a woman must use and a unique look is preferred above all else. With these tips for accessorizing your accessories, you’ll be current with the latest fashion trends to show off your stylish look at any b’nei mitzva, wedding, or special party this fall. — BPT
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NEW YORK CITY’S
PREMIER
BAR & BAT MITZVAH VENUE
A fresh spin on bar/bat mitzvah celebrations IF YOU’RE LOOKING for a unique, riverside location for your son’s or daughter’s special celebration, look no further than Sunset Terrace at Chelsea Piers, a 3,400-square-foot reception space with panoramic views of the Hudson River. The stunning skyline becomes the backdrop for unforgettable mitzvah celebrations accommodating up to 150 guests for dinner and dancing. Enjoy fine food and service from our preferred caterers, including kosher options. Our caterers work with you to customize a menu to suit the tastes of all your guests. After a delicious meal, your guests can dance the night away as the sun sets over the Hudson River. Looking for more action and adventure for your child’s milestone event? The Field House at Chelsea Piers is the ideal location for an active, sports-filled party, featuring activities such as rock climbing, basketball, batting cages, soccer, and much more. Our state-of-the-art sports facility provides the canvas for your child’s favorite sports activities all in one location. Sports facilitators ensure that your child’s friends and guests are engaged throughout the party in a safe environment. With riverside reception spaces and a variety of activity options, Chelsea Piers is versatile enough to accommodate all of your event needs. Our experienced event managers will create a unique and memorable party that allows you to enjoy the event alongside your guests, while we take care of the details. Visit chelseapiers.com/mitzvah or call 212-3366777. For celebrations at Chelsea Piers Connecticut in Stamford, visit chelseapiersct.com/mitzvah or call 203-989-1005.
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54 WEST 21ST STREET (BTW 5TH & 6TH AVES) NEW YORK, NY 10010 (212) 989-0096 • WWW.SLATE-NY.COM @SlateNY
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photography by Natural Expressions NY
Northern Valley Affairs at Temple Emanu-El
Kosher and Glatt Kosher catering off premise catering available
www.northernvalleyaffairs.com 180 piermont road, closter nj 07624
T. 201.750.0333
F. 201.750.0334
Bernstein & Friedman Caterers Present
Three Fantastic Locations for Your Special Event Middlesex County
Bergen County
union County
Classical Caterers Inc.
Northern Valley Affairs
Exquisite Affairs
www.classicalcaterers.com
www.northernvalleyaffairs.com
Congregation B’nai tikvah 1001 Finnegan’s lane north Brunswick, nJ 08902 732-297-6444
at temple emanu-el 180 Piermont road Closter, nJ 07624 201-750-0333
at temple Beth Ahm yisrael 60 temple drive springfield, nJ 07081 973-258-0655 www.exquisite-affairs.com
Fine Kosher and Glatt Kosher Catering Our Service Will Delight... The Settings Will Dazzle... Our Cuisine Will Surpass... Your Every Expectation. now Available for off-Premises Catering ... Choose your Venue or ours