It\’s not that glitz, glamour and secular themes at b\’nai mitzvah are inherently problematic, like in the soon-to-be-released one-upsmanship film, \”Keeping Up With the Steins,\” but when they\’re inadequately balanced with Jewish values we can be left with an empty shell of a party that undermines the entire point of these meaningful milestones.
Some 50 South Indian villagers are spread out along the sandy beach. Women clad in brightly colored saris converse in groups, while men repair fishing nets. Teenage boys playfully tackle each other.
Then, the residents of Vellakoil get some news from fellow clansmen: Dangerous weather is on the way.
A year ago, when the tsunami hit, 19 died in this village of less than 500; 14 were children. And everyone\’s house and belongings were washed away.
This time, they are ready.
I have plenty of friends who keep more strictly kosher than I do, but even some of them make exceptions — like bouillabaisse in France or lobster in Maine. I deviate when I\’m the guest in someone\’s home, and the options are slim — my rationale being that it\’s better to not shame a host than to stick to my half-baked rules.
\”You guys know I love Carrie very much, and I\’m going to ask her to marry me. I\’d like to get your blessing.\”
Following are pointers on livening up your Chanukah table from \”Kosher by Design\” by Susie Fishbein (Mesorah, 2003).
Just remember: The most important parts of planning an event is having fun and enjoying the benefits of all your hard work.
Lately it seems as if everyone I know is interested in me getting married. In fact, the person pressuring me the least is my girlfriend, Carrie.
Becoming a grandparent is a very exciting event.
After the high of the High Holidays, twice-a-year Jews hang up their kippot for another 354 days, or so, and in the process miss out on the lesser-known treat of Sukkot.
Sharon hopes to create sufficient motivation among settlers to evacuate their homes willingly in exchange for generous compensation packages, avoiding violent confrontations like those in Yamit.
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