Weddings - The Canadian Jewish News

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Weddings
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THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS
MAY 19, 2016
Save-the-date cards allow
guests to plan ahead
Anita Szabadi-Gottesman
Special to The CJN
L
ike many young couples, Rebecca
Sadana and James Wizenberg were
born in one city, finished higher education in another and relocated
once again following job opportunities
out west.
Newly engaged, they planned their
wedding for late fall in Montreal where
many family members and friends still
lived. A preliminary wedding list reflected their multiple moves with many
invitees living across Canada, Europe
and various far-flung locations.
While a save-the-date card may not
always be necessary, it serves as the
first formal announcement for wedding
guests as to the important details of the
wedding such as the date and location.
“With so many out-of-towners on our
list, we really felt that we had to send
save-the-date cards as quickly as possible to give our guests the heads up
about our wedding,” says Rebecca.
“We were excited, and wanted to let
everyone know we were engaged and
that we hoped they could join us on our
wedding day!”
This information is equally important
for local guests looking to plan ahead. If
the nuptials are held on a busy holiday
weekend or peak periods throughout
the spring and summer, they too need
to plan to be in town to attend. “Sending
out the cards also forced us to create a
database of addresses and do a dry run
sending the cards,” Rebecca says.
“We received several back with address
changes, which we will add to our master list. The cards became an essential
part of pre-planning the event.”
Guests began responding almost immediately by phone, email and on social
media, congratulating the couple and
confirming their attendance. “We were
contacted by many guests who shared
in our excitement, and were pleased that
we had let them know so that they could
begin planning their itineraries and join
us for our special day.”
Wedding website, The Knot, suggests
that while there are no hard and fast
rules about when to send save-the-date
cards, timing should be approximately
six months prior for a local wedding or
eight months ahead of time for a destination wedding. Only basic information
is needed including name of the bride
and groom, the date, location and wedding website address.
Type and style of save-the-dates vary
according to the taste of the couple.
Anita Szabadi-Gottesman photo
With so many out-oftowners on our list,
we really felt that we
had to send save-thedate cards as quickly
as possible to give our
guests the heads up
about our wedding.
An engagement photo on a postcard is
one simple design. A photo or saying on
a fridge magnet makes for a practical
keepsake.
Rebecca and James chose a cork coaster to announce their wedding day. “We
wanted something interesting and different,” says Rebecca. “We thought a
coaster would serve a dual purpose and
not be a throw-away item.”
Creativity is left to the imagination
of the bride and groom and a graphic designer. Save the date cards can be
printed locally in many big box and office supply stores or more conveniently
online where choices abound. Graphics
are most often included and costs are
low, generally around $1 per piece. Pinterest and Etsy are good places to start
searching. “We had fun researching and
designing a memorable save-the-date
card together and set the tone for our
wedding,” says Rebecca. n
THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS MAY 19, 2016
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[ WEDDINGS ]
The Forest and Stream Club
Hosting memorable weddings for 130 years!

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minutes from Montreal-Trudeau Airport

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
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
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
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1800 Lakeshore Drive, Dorval, Quebec H9S 2E6
Tel.: (514) 631-7101 | Fax: (514) 631-3239
info@forestandstream.ca
www.forestandstream.ca
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THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS
MAY 19, 2016
Betrothal practices
in ancient and modern
Jewish communities
e voyage
qu
my magnifi
ELAINE COHEN
SUPPLEMENTS CO-ORDINATOR
M
Make your wedding magnifique.
Sofitel Montreal brings elegance and beauty to your wedding day.
More than just a stunning setting, Sofitel offers personal service,
so your wedding will be a delight to the senses that is truly an
occasion to remember.
Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile
1155 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, qc h3a 2n3, Canada
Tel: 514-285-9000
sofitel.montreal@sofitel.com | www.sofitel.com
follow us on
any Jewish wedding traditions
stem from biblical times.
The Jewish Home, a Guide for
Jewish Living by Rabbi Daniel Syme and
Mazal Tov, the Rituals and Customs of a
Jewish Wedding by Rabbi Michael Shire
elaborate on the significance of Jewish
customs and ceremonies.
Rabbi Syme, the spiritual leader of Temple
Beth El in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., devoted
his book to lifecycle events concerned with
Jewish family life, but focused one chapter
on betrothal and marriage.
Rabbi Shire, an ordained rabbi, who
attended university in his native Britain
as well as the United States, focused his
book solely on weddings. Both authors
offer clear explanations and present well
documented information.
Of the 613 mitzvot found in the Torah,
the Bible (Genesis 1:28) declares, “Be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth,”
Rabbi Syme explains, alluding to the value
placed upon bearing and raising children
after marriage.
In talmudic times, rabbis stressed the
importance of a Jew’s responsibility to
marry and raise a family. Legal status was
associated with marriage. The ketubah
served as the marriage contract attesting
to the couple’s marriage and stipulating
the bride’s rights in case the marriage ended due to death of a partner, incompatibility or other reasons.
At one time, fathers arranged their children’s marriage. In subsequent years, a
shadchan/shadchanit carried out the arrangements. These matchmakers looked
for compatibility first, rather than attractions based on love when arranging
a match. As for the groom, if he was a
scholar, he had a good chance of being
sought after as the mate for a bride from
a well-off family. Her family’s wealth enabled him to pursue his studies without
financial concerns.
The bride also had a price. The groom
gave money or gifts, or in some cases
worked for the bride’s father. The bride’s
parents provided a dowry – possessions
and money for the groom. The community would often pay for a poor bride’s
dowry.
By the 18th century, love entered the
equation. Before a couple stood under the
chupah to exchange vows, preparations
had to be make.
Couples should study the Jewish calendar
before setting a date. Marriage ceremonies are forbidden at certain times, such as
Shabbat, festivals, and 41 days between the
second night of Pesach and Shavuot, with
the exception of Lag b’Omer, the 33rd day.
As well, there are no marriages on the intermediate days of Pesach and Sukkot, and the
period between two fast days during summer months, the Seventeenth of Tammuz
and the Ninth of Av. ■
THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS MAY 19, 2016
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On board with a
honeymoon cruise
Ellen Lechter Green
Special to The CJN
C
ruising is an efficient way to see
the world, and has been growing
in popularity the past few decades.
In 2014, 22.1 million passengers cruised
globally and the number continues to
grow. By 2018, cruising passengers are
expected to exceed 24 million a year.
What is the attraction, particularly for a
special occasion like a honeymoon? Lana
and Jesse Kroft just disembarked from a
western Caribbean cruise following their
wedding in Pittsburgh.
Lana’s idea of a perfect vacation is
lounging in the sun with a good book.
Jesse, a self-proclaimed adrenaline junkie, prefers staying active, whether its
jet-skiing, snorkeling or mountain biking, depending on weather and location.
“We wanted to go somewhere warm
that offered plenty to do even if it
rained,” says Lana. “We’ve been to all-inclusive resorts that were boring when the
weather didn’t co-operate.”
Luckily, this couple’s recent seven-day
cruise remained cloud-free. “But even if
it had been bad weather we weren’t concerned,” says Jesse. “For us, the boat was
a vacation on the way to the vacation. We
were as busy as we wanted to be.”
“Plus there’s all the food,” laughs Lana.
She adds that what she loved most
about the ship was the room service, and
of course no cell phones. “After planning
a large wedding, we needed to get away,”
she says. “I wanted a honeymoon where
no one could reach us.”
“I have to agree,” admits Jesse. “The
weeks leading up to the wedding were
stressful. It was nice to decompress and
not worry about anything else.”
Cruise ship at Alaskan port.
Birds landing on the balcony in Alaska.
Marnie and David Harris often cruise
to celebrate their wedding anniversary,
and are currently planning a Baltic Sea
cruise. “We’ve been married 30 years and
we’ve celebrated 15 of those years with a
cruise vacation,” says Marnie, a teacher
from Winnipeg. “I guess you could say
that we’re avid cruisers.
“The ones that stand out most are
[what we call] our adventure cruises. A
few years ago we went to Alaska in the
spring, which was incredible. And then
there was a Mediterranean cruise for our
20th. I’d never been to Europe, and it
was a great way to see a few countries at
once,” she says.
“We aren’t the types to lie in the sun.
Even on our most recent cruise to Mexico, we planned excursions at each port.”
Marnie suggests booking well in advance and letting the cruise line know
if you’re celebrating a special occasion.
“Many lines offer certain amenities, such
as spa treatments or dinners at a specialty restaurant, to guests celebrating an
anniversary or are on their honeymoon.
I find that if you book far enough in advance you get the best deal,” she says.
She and her husband like planning
a vacation where all major decisions
are made in advance. “We find cruising
easy,” she says. “All you really have to do
is show up and enjoy.” n
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THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS
MAY 19, 2016
SPONSOR CONTENT
Crème de la crème services offered at upscale boutique
Ellen Lechter Green
Special to The CJN
Beginning your journey
When you walk into La Crème de la crème
formal wear boutique at 4375 Blvd. Notre-Dame #101 in Laval, expect to be wowed
by the large selection of prom, gala, evening,
bridesmaid and cocktail dresses. Qualified
staff will help you discover the perfect dress
for any celebration. “We want your shopping experience to be relaxed, welcoming
and successful,” says Christina Pastras,
co-owner of the boutique with sister Valerie.
“We offer personalized service to ensure
you find just what you’re looking for.”
Expect the unexpected
Over a cup of coffee, you can discuss your
wants and needs with staff, and peruse
the vast assortment of exclusive lines from
Canada, United States and Europe. Sizes
range from 00 upwards. Staff can offer suggestions, perhaps introducing you to a particular line or style that you may not have
previously considered. “Sometimes our
clients have something in their minds that
doesn’t translate itself quite like they hope
once they have it on,” says Pastras. “Often
clients try on a particular cut or style they
never considered before and that is the
dress they purchase. We always say, ‘expect
the unexpected’!”
Princess for the day
There’s something special about the ambiance offered in an upscale boutique and La
Crème de la Crème is no exception. When
you shop for formal wear, Pastras wants
your experience to be tailored specific-
ally for you. “You should take the time you
need,” she says. “Once you make your decision, we can help you complete the look
with our lines of jewelry, evening bags, hair
accessories and even shawls.” An in-house
seamstress is also available for alterations.
“Besides personalized service and a onestop-shop environment, we also offer a wide
selection of lines.” says Pastras. “When you
shop here you’re sure to find something you
won’t find in other stores. The dress should
be as special as the woman wearing it.”
What’s new for spring
Although spring feels like it’s far away, the
fashion industry looks ahead. Pastras says
she continues to see several lace and jersey
fabrics, while some popular colours will be
blushes and red. “Lengths continue to vary,
depending on the occasion.”
The boutique carries an extensive selection
of designer bridesmaid and wedding party
dresses. Groups should make an appointment in advance.
After the purchase
Pastras’ goal is to ensure that each client is
happy with her purchase. “From the first
visit to the moment you walk out with your
dress, La Crème de la Crème emphasizes
customer satisfaction,” she says.
She suggests shopping at least two months
prior to the event in case of alterations or
the need to order a different size. n
Unique purchase
Please call 450-934-9318 for more
information, store hours, or to set up an
appointment.
A Shaar Wedding
The Ultimate Blend of Tradition
and Modern Elegance
Breathtakingly Beautiful.
Surprisingly Affordable.
514.937.9474, ext. 169
shaarhashomayim.org/weddings
weddings@theshaar.org
THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS MAY 19, 2016
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[ WEDDINGS ]
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THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS
MAY 19, 2016
Community connection enhances 56 years of marriage
ELAINE COHEN
Supplements Co-ordinator
W
hen Nancy (née Gilman), 74,
and Jack Cooperberg, 79, celebrate their 56th wedding anniversary on June 5, they will recall how
their commitment to the Jewish community sparked romance in the ’50s, and
flourishes today.
“It wasn’t love at first sight,” Nancy says,
noting as a teenager someone 4½ years
older seemed ancient.
“After our first date, I told my mother,
Jack is nice but too old.” Nevertheless,
they continued to interact through volunteer posts at BBYO where they had met.
Nancy was a group adviser and Jack was
athletic director. Determined to develop
a relationship, Jack found an excuse to
visit Nancy. As the outgoing BBYO queen,
she was preparing for a gala to crown the
incoming queen. When Jack turned up at
Nancy’s house to take photos, her mother
was delighted, and visits continued. By
the time Nancy was 17, Jack proposed.
The couple was married at Congregation
Shomrim Laboker in 1960. Before starting
a family, Nancy worked at the Shaare Zion
Congregation. Jack went to work after
high school but soon opted for university
and earned his bachelor of commerce. After a stint in the family business, he carved
his niche in textiles and presided over the
firm for close to 40 years. Once their children were in school, Nancy joined Jack at
the company full time.
The couple is blessed with two children
and eight grandchildren. Community
spirit runs in the family. Elana teaches
at Vanier College and is vice-president of
Congregation Dorshei Emet. Derek is in
the textile business, was active at Congregation Beth Tikvah and coaches hockey in
Dollard des Ormeaux.
Throughout their marriage, Nancy and
Jack have enriched their lifestyle through
community work. Lifelong B’nai Brith devotees, they assumed high-profile roles.
Lynn Gordon, director of volunteer services at Cummings Centre, has fond memories of them from her days at BBYO. “Nancy and Jack were my mentors when I was a
teenager at BBYO, so I have always admired
their commitment to our community.”
Over the years, Nancy served as president
of B’nai Brith Women of Canada, president
of Jewish National Fund (Montreal) and
Nancy and Jack Cooperberg celebrate
56 years of marriage and community
commitment. Photo courtesy of Cummings Centre
Just because we are
retired from work
doesn’t mean we are
retired from life.
president of the Jewish General Hospital
Auxiliary. This is her third consecutive year
chairing program services at Cummings
Centre. In November 2015, Nancy became
the first woman elected president of Congregation Shaare Zedek. Jack also presided over his B’nai Brith
Lodge. Recently, he was asked to serve
on B’nai Brith’s Montreal board. After retirement, he followed Nancy’s lead and
joined Cummings Centre. When Jack isn’t
greeting people at the entrance, chances
are he is in a meeting as vice-chairman
of the volunteer council. Twice a month,
Nancy and Jack serve meals to those in
need at Le Café and they pursue courses
at Cummings Centre.
The solution to retirement woes isn’t
simply finding things to do, Jack says.
“Just because we are retired from work
doesn’t mean we are retired from life.”
The trick is to stay connected with the
community, and that’s why he treasures
the Cummings connection.
“It’s exciting to help people and plan
innovative ventures,” Nancy said. “We
always have something new to discuss.”
They stress that marriage involves tolerance on both sides and must be nurtured. n
We are especially excited about
the beautiful new renovations
in place for this summer!
Call Sara Miller to find the right
solution for you!
514-482-3366 ext.: 224
sara.miller@thechevra.ca
THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS
MAY 19, 2016
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Wedding decor and culinary tips embrace modern ideas
ELAINE COHEN
Burnt leek parcels with romesco sauce
SUPPLEMENTS CO-ORDINATOR
W
hen friends or colleagues become engaged, their family and
friends are apt to host wedding
showers or gatherings. If the wedding date
is a year away, the bride is honoured at
numerous gatherings before the big day.
Guests invited to a few of these events,
may run out of gift ideas.
Books chock full of colourful photographs and information serve as appropriate choices. Weddings in Color by Vané
Broussard and Minhee Cho and Rachel
Khoo’s Kitchen Notebook are both distributed by Raincoast Books in Canada.
Broussard and Cho chose a modern approach, when they wrote Weddings in Color,
a picturesque hardcover book. Broussard,
an interior designer, is a seasoned contributor to bridal magazines and the founder of
Brooklyn Bride, a popular blog. Co-author
Cho, along with her husband, Truman, own
Paper + Cup Design in New York City.
The authors found a void in the market when planning their own weddings.
Everything was vintage, and although they
appreciated the traditional touches, they
sought something innovative. Weddings
in Color is the result of their efforts. The
authors created 500 diverse palettes for
modern weddings.
Each of the eight chapters includes
topics devoted to florals, fashions, invitations, food, styling and beauty tips. The
colour palettes illustrate hues ranging
from soft and light to bold and bright. For
starters, they introduce red and pink, noting no colour combination symbolizes
love and affection more than poppy or
fire engine red, romantic light girly pink or
energetic hot pink. Focusing on each colour scheme, they present exquisite bouquets, wedding day makeup, invitations,
seating charts, hors d’oeuvres, desserts,
centrepieces, attire and accessories.
❏ 3 bell peppers halved and seeded
❏ ½ cup pine nuts
❏ 1 clove of garlic, peeled
❏ 4 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
❏ 1/3 c. fresh bread crumbs
❏ ½ tsp. sweet smoked paprika
❏ 1 tbsp. sherry vinegar
❏ sea salt
❏ juice of ½ a lemon
❏ 12 leeks
Preheat the broiler. Place bell peppers
skin-side up on oiled baking sheet
and broil for three-five minutes or
until black and tender. Place in plastic bag and let steam for 20 minutes.
When cool enough to handle, remove
and discard the skins and set flesh
aside.
Toss pine nuts in small frying pan
over medium heat, shaking for three
minutes or until golden. Tip onto a
PHOTOS COURTESY OF RAINCOAST BOOKS
Rachel Khoo’s Kitchen Notebook exemplifies the modern maven’s flair for multi-ethnic menu components. An avid traveller,
Khoo offers clear-cut explanations for recipes she discovered in different locales.
The diverse recipes run the gamut from
comfort foods to fancy feasts, but every
one of the entries features some inventive
ingredients. Among the palate pleasers are
Burnt Leek Parcels with Romesco Sauce for
starters; puff pastry pies for a main or a side
dish; and Lemon Lava Cakes for dessert.
plate to cool. When cool, place in a
blender or food processor with broiled
peppers, garlic, olive oil, and bread
crumbs. Pulse until smooth, then add
paprika, garlic, olive oil and bread
crumbs. Pulse until smooth then add
paprika and sherry vinegar. Season the
romesco with salt and lemon juice.
Lay leeks 1/2-in. apart on baking
sheet. Broil until blackened turning
every couple of minutes (takes about
six minutes for whole process). Wrap
3 leeks in newspaper to make a parcel,
and then repeat with remaining leeks,
so you have four bundles. They will
steam in paper until ready to serve.
Place romesco in a bowl and let
everyone open up their parcel, peeling away the burnt outer leaves, then
dunking the soft sweet interior straight
into the sauce. Tip: The sauce keeps in
refrigerator for three days. Serves 4. ■
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THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS
MAY 19, 2016
Choose one special item
ANITA SZABADI-GOTTESMAN
SPECIAL TO THE CJN
I
spotted the tapestry rose-patterned
porcelain teacup across a long table at
a summer antique flea market. The intricate gilded ear-handle complemented
the delicate floral pattern of both the cup
and saucer.
The griffon seal and stamp from the
Foley Bone China Company in England
reflected the storied history of the cup,
dating it to the early to mid-20th century.
The paint colours had not faded and the
gilded accents were not chipped. It was
very pretty, and for some reason I had to
have it.
After a bit of bartering back and forth,
the vendor wrapped my $12 treasure in
old newspaper, and I carefully placed it
in my bag on top of the farm fresh lettuce
and carrots that would accompany my
dinner that night. I did not know at the
time that my impulse purchase would
soon become a meaningful décor item in
my home.
We planned a bridal shower tea party
for one of my daughters-in-law and I
used my teacup for the afternoon’s festiv-
ities. Once washed I did not want to lose
sight of it and I added it to my living room
display unit, which was already chock-ablock with other items. How better could I
showcase this beautiful teacup?
The most important thing was that I
loved the item. It really did not match
the contemporary style of my home but
by combing through home decorating
magazines and pouring over Houzz designer website, I discovered that it can be
creatively challenging and fun to plan and
decorate a room around one special piece.
The reading nook part of my master
bedroom needed a pick-me-up and the
beautiful teacup was a perfect way to start.
Just like a favourite work of art, travel memento, decorative pillow or throw, starting with one anchoring piece and building
around it can easily change up a room.
Interior designer, Jennifer Myers reports
on the Home Tips for Women website that
she has been working with the ‘just one
thing’ concept for much of her career. Clients will present her with a favourite work
of art or family heirloom and Myers will
get to work pulling out a colour scheme or
building a room around the theme of one
unique item.
If homeowners
express concern
that their favoured
piece doesn’t jive
with their preferred style of
decorating, Myers
asks if they could
picture the room
in question without
this item and still be
happy. If not, she sets
her sights on creating
an eclectic look her clients
love.
Part of mixing and matching
often marries the old and the new. The
anchor item can serve as a base for any
choices moving forward in paint colours,
hardware, floor finishing, carpets or rugs,
throw pillows and other room elements.
Finding an inspirational item or wanting
to incorporate a meaningful family heirloom lends a special character to a room.
My teacup would find its perfect home in
my bedroom. I scoured the city for a gilded mirrored tray to highlight the teacup.
Now I needed something to put the tray
on. A new tufted ottoman fit the bill. ■
It can be creatively
challenging and fun
to plan and decorate
a room around one
special piece.
THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS MAY 19, 2016
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Stand apart from the crowd
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[ WEDDINGS ]
Families pleased when
newlyweds reciprocate
❏ 1 tbsp. lemon juice
❏ 1 tbsp. minced onion
❏ few grains salt
❏ ½ cup butter or margarine, softened
❏ l square-loaf of challah, sliced with
crusts removed
❏ 1 lb. asparagus spears (blanched
and drained)
SUPPLEMENTS CO-ORDINATOR
W
Honey berry muffins
Mix lemon juice and onion into butter, season with salt. Roll bread slices
flat with rolling pin, spread 1 tsp. of
butter mixture on one side of bread.
Place asparagus spear on one end
and roll up tightly.
Brush rolls with melted butter and
place on ungreased baking sheet.
Bake rolls at 350 for 40 minutes. Turn
every 10 minutes to brown evenly.
❏ ¼ cup butter
❏ ¼ cup sugar
❏ ¼ cup honey
❏ 1 egg
❏ 1/3 cup milk
❏ 1 ½ cups flour
❏ 2 tsp. baking powder
❏ ¼ tsp. salt
❏ 1 cup fresh blueberries or blackberries
In a large bowl, cream together butter
and sugar. Add honey and egg, stir in
milk. Mix in the flour, baking powder
and salt. Fold in berries. Fill greased
muffin tins 1/3 full. Bake at 350 for
30-35 minutes. Yield: 12 muffins
French toast challah
Watermelon salad and
light whipped dip
Pecan citrus salad
❏ 6 large McIntosh apples (rinse but
don’t peel), core and cut in cubes
❏ 1 fresh squeezed lemon
❏ ½ cup raisins
❏ grated zest of 3 oranges
❏ 2 tbsp. fresh orange juice
❏ 2 ribs celery,
❏ finely chopped 1 cup pecans
❏ ¾ cup mayonnaise
❏ 1 cup vanilla yogurt
Combine all the ingredients in a glass
salad bowl and chill for a few hours
before serving. Yield: 8 portions.
THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS
MAY 19, 2016
Asparagus wraps
ELAINE COHEN
hen a couple becomes engaged,
family and friends invariably
host parties in their honour.
After being the focus of nuptial events,
couples are eager to reciprocate. It doesn’t
have to be a lavish spread, and loved ones
don’t expect epicurean wonders. However,
everyone enjoys gathering for a casual
brunch.
Some couples are reticent to entertain.
They fret over time constraints or tend to
procrastinate. “My husband and I keep
putting it off,” Brenda Schwartz said, “and
I know others do, too.”
Schwartz realizes her family will be
pleased with whatever she serves but she
wants to offer something homemade.
Furthermore, she knows bagels, cream
cheese and lox are readily available to embellish a menu.
Here are some simple suggestions for Sunday brunch. For starters, welcome guests
with the aroma of fresh coffee brewing in
the background. Begin with schnapps, juice,
and other refreshing beverages. Invite everyone to gather around the table and sample
the following assortment.
M
The recipe turns out regardless of
which fruit is used, therefore, take advantage of what’s in season. The array
may include watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe, honeydew, pineapple, pears, apples, kiwi, oranges,
grapes, blueberries and blackberries.
Scoop out half of a large watermelon
(cut lengthwise). Fill the shell with a
colourful potpourri of fruit cut in bitesize pieces.
For the dip: Whip 1 cup of whipping
cream, add 4 ounces of softened cream
cheese and beat together until smooth.
Fold in 1 tbsp. of lemon juice, 1/3 cup
of sugar, and one tsp. of vanilla.
❏ 8 cups challah, crusts removed, cut
into 1-in. cubes
❏ 6 oz. cream cheese, cut into small
cubes
❏ 6 eggs, well-beaten
❏ 1 cup milk
❏ ½ tsp. cinnamon
❏ ¾ cup maple syrup
Place half the bread in a greased 8-in.x
8-in. pan. Top with cubes of cheese.
Cover with remaining bread. Combine
and pour the remainder of the ingredients over everything. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. In
the morning, remove plastic and bake
in preheated 375 degree oven for 4550 minutes. It will be puffy and golden
brown. Serve topped with fresh fruit, yogurt or additional maple syrup. Serves 8.
THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS MAY 19, 2016
B13
[ WEDDINGS ]
M
Newlyweds pick up
baking tips from mavens
ELAINE COHEN
Supplements Co-ordinator
M
any newlyweds are eager to
bake, but rely on guidance from
experienced bakers. Simple suggestions, ingredient substitutions and
snippets of information can make a big
difference. Time, energy, money, and ingredients are too precious to waste. Hence
it pays to heed advice from the pros. French chef Jacques Pepin, a celebrated
TV personality and author, talked about
recipes on a recent PBS NewsHour feature.
“There’s a paradox between the written recipe and the creation of taste. When writing it, one records a moment in time that
can’t be duplicated,” Pepin explained.
He illustrated how variables in the
food and conditions affect taste and results. Pepin regards a recipe as a teaching
tool, a guide, and a point of departure.
“You have to follow it exactly the first time
you make the dish. But as you make it
again and again, you will change it.”
Hence, fledgling cooks should be wary
of recipes that require guesswork. For example, a recipe that calls for two sticks of
butter or half a bottle of ketchup is ambiguous. Two sticks of butter usually equal
half a pound or one cup but it depends on
the size of the sticks. Similarly, ketchup
bottles differ in size and contents, therefore, half a bottle is confusing. A bunch
of carrots, unless a weight and measure
is indicated, is another vague directive.
Hence the novice is wise to opt for recipes with precise measurements and clear
instructions.
Fortunately, numerous community organizations, commercial establishments
and culinary experts publish splendid
cookbooks with well-tested recipes. Novices will be rewarded by reading carefully
and following each step. If a recipe calls
for eggs or butter at room temperature,
be grateful the writer has provided the
hint. Similarly, mix, fold, beat and whip
ingredients as directed to ensure success.
If instructed not to overwork the dough or
conversely to whip egg whites until stiff,
comply. Little hints also save cleanup
time. For example, mavens recommend
using parchment paper to line bake ware. For optimum results, purists believe in
using the designated product, but in a pinch
substitutes suffice. If the muffin or dessert
listings call for buttermilk, cake flour or
baker’s unsweetened chocolate, bakers can
still proceed with household staples such as
whole milk, all-purpose flour, cornstarch,
cocoa and butter/margarine.
For one cup of cake flour, measure a
cup of all-purpose flour, minus two tablespoons and then add two tablespoons of
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cornstarch. To substitute whole milk for
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mixture a few minutes to settle.
Cocoa also suffices if unsweetened
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Use three level tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder plus one tablespoon
of butter or margarine for every ounce of
unsweetened baking chocolate. Melt butter and mix with cocoa before adding to
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M
THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS
MAY 19, 2016
Summer sizzles in Montreal for out-of-town wedding
ELAINE COHEN
Supplements Co-ordinator
S
ummer is an exciting season in
Montreal because the city is buzzing with festivals, shows, sites and
activities for all age and interest groups.
Therefore, out-of-town wedding guests
tend to extend their visit to seek culture
and entertainment in this charming
cosmopolitan milieu. Here is a sampling
of what’s in store this season.
Pointe- à -Callière Museum of Archeology and History is located on an archeological site in Old Montreal. From May 20
to mid-October, visitors have an opportunity to trace the history of the horse through
the eye of Emile Hermès. This travelling
exhibition hails from France. In addition,
the museum houses permanent exhibits
and activities for all members of the family.
Multimedia shows bring a bygone era to
life. Pirates or Privateers is among the enlightening attractions. For information on
buying passes that are accepted here and
at 38 Montreal museums, contact 514-8729150 or visit www.pacmusee.qc.ca
IMAX Telus Montreal Science Centre is
located at 2 Rue de La Commune 514-4964629. Families can discover everything
from Star Wars to Wild Africa screened in
3D on a giant screen.
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, 1380 rue
Sherbrooke St. W., presents permanent
and temporary exhibits. Moreover, the
complex houses a library theatre, auditorium, restaurant and garden. Visitors in
town any time from now until September
will be able to view the largest exhibit on
Pompeii presented in Quebec. More than
220 archeological artifacts are showcased
in a multidimensional environment. Mosaics, statues, frescoes, decorative objects,
utensils and personal accessories illustrate life that was frozen in time by the
eruption of Mount Vesuvius in this provincial colony of the Roman Empire. For
details visit www.mbam.qc.ca
McCordellen
Museum,
Sherbrooke
E.,PM Page 1
ad_ellen 690
ad.qxd
10/10/2013St.
8:13
presents permanent exhibits that provide a social history of Montreal, as well
as travelling exhibits. For example, this ellen ad_ellen ad.qxd 10/10/2013 8:13 PM Page 1
summer, the Haida art exhibit will attract
art lovers interested in mapping ancient Pointe- à -Callière exhibit
languages. From May 26-Sept. 25, stunning attire and information on the cre- Canadian Centre for Architecture The Segal Centre for the Performing
ators responsible come to light with the (CCA), 1920 rue Baile in downtown Arts, 5170 chemin Cote Ste. Catherine,
exhibition Eleganza: Italian Fashion from Montreal, is an exemplary museum and is a multidisciplinary arts institution.
ellen ad_ellen ad.qxd 10/10/2013
PM Page
1
research8:13
centre
devoted
to architecture, Montreal’s home for English theatre of
1945 to Today.
In the 1920s and 1930s, many affluent past and present. The international edu- many genres, the Segal Centre houses the
Canadians resided in stately mansions. cational centre and museum was founded award-winning Segal Theatre, the AcadBy 1974, the inheritors of their estates by Phyllis Lambert in 1979. Her commit- emy of Performing Arts, CinemaSpace
were getting ready to sell and move on. ment rested on the belief that architec- Studio, Dora Wasserman Yiddish Theatre,
Architect Charles Gurd’s black and white ture is a public concern. The edifice was as well as jazz and musical concerts. Here
photographs capture the beauty of these designed by Peter Rose with consulting is a sample of the high calibre entertaingorgeous edifices in an exhibit on display architect Phyllis Lambert and associate ment. The Centre in conjunction with the
until well into the fall. Another exhibition architect Erol Argun in 1989. The CCA Consulate General of Israel, will present
to be sure and see is A Summer Holiday, Garden was designed by Montreal archi- the Mattan Klein Quartet on June 19. For
ad_ellen
ad.qxdCharney.
10/10/2013 8:13
PM was
Page 1integrated
information, phone the box office at 514tect
Melvin
CCA
The McGill College Avenue Exhibition Pro- ellen
ject from June 10-Oct.16, For informa- with the historically classified Shaugh- 739-7944 or visit www.segalcentre.org
tion, phone 514-398-7100 or visit www. nessy House (1874). For information on
exhibits and events, visit www.cca.qc.ca
musee-mccord.qc.ca
Continued on next page
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THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS MAY 19, 2016
M
to join musical greats from June 29-July
9 for a host of events set in the heart of
the Quartier des spectacles in downtown
Montreal. For details visit www.montrealjazzfestcom. Two-thirds of the concerts and activities are free. The events
are presented in 15 concert halls and on
eight outdoor stages. Among the interactive popular shows is the eighth annual
Battle of the Bands. The 2016 performance
on July 9 at Maison Symphonique features
the Glenn Miller Orchestra versus the Cab
Calloway Orchestra.
Montreal International Jazz Festival
Montreal Holocaust Memorial Centre
(MHMC), 5151 chemin Cote Ste. Catherine, serves as an eye-opener for youth
and adults of all denominations. Through
guided tours and exhibits, visitors learn
about the Holocaust and are sensitized
to the perils of prejudice, anti-Semitism,
racism, hate, apathy and man’s inhumanity to man. For information, visit www.
mhmc.ca
Montreal International Jazz Festival
The 37th edition beckons jazz enthusiasts
B15
[ WEDDINGS ]
Just for Laughs Montreal is another annual international festival. The 2016 events
take place from July 13-28. For details on
performance dates and tickets, phone
514-845-2322 or visit www.hahaha.com.
Botanical Gardens, rue 4101 Sherbrooke Est, blossoms with foliage and
floral beauty in the midst of Montreal’s
urban milieu. Visitors are invited to explore 75 hectares of thematic gardens and
greenhouses. Similarly, its sister centre,
the Insectarium de Montreal at 4581 rue
Sherbrooke Est, is equally fascinating. For
information on exhibitions, special guided activities and interactive programs,
phone 514-872-1400.
The Biodome, 4777 avenue Pierre de
Coubertin, 514-868-3000, invites visitors of
all ages to tour the facility’s ecosystems of
the Americas, tropical rainforests, Laurentian maple forests, the Gulf of the St. Lawrence, the Labrador coast and the Antarctic
Islands. Discover 4,800 animals and numerous plant species under one roof.
The Planetarium Rio Tinto Alcan, 4801
ave Pierre de Coubertin, features permanent exhibits, films and guided activities.
Dark Universe (outer space) and Asteroid:
Mission Extreme are slated to start June 14.
For information visit www.espacepourlavie.ca or phone 514-868-3000.
Chateau Ramezay, 280 Notre Dame East,
relives more than 500 years of history
through its exhibits and guided tours. The
Governor’s Garden was built in 1705 as the
residence of Claude de Ramezay, governor of Montreal. Subsequently, the building
became an army headquarters and in 1776
Benjamin Franklin stayed there overnight.
Chateau Ramezay was designated a national historical site in 1949. The current
exhibit of interest, open to visitors until
Oct. 10, highlights the 350th anniversary
of the arrival of Carignan-Salieres. It traces
the lives of officers and soldiers from the
regiment, who set out to carve a nation. Objects from the War of 1812 are also on
display. For information, phone 514-861-
3708 or visit www.chateauramezay.qc.ca
Maison Saint-Gabriel, 2146 Place Dublin
in Pointe St-Charles, provides history buffs
with a cornucopia of knowledge. Visitors
will discover a multitude of items throughout the building, including the cellar and
the attic. Maison Saint-Gabriel was purchased by Marguerite Bourgeoys in 1668
to house the king of France’s wards. It also
served as a school and a farmhouse. In
1965, the building was restored, declared a
monument of national interest, and transformed into a museum in 1966. The fieldstone barn was restored in 1992. For information, phone 514-935-8136 or visit www.
maisonsaint-gabriel.qc.ca
Mount Royal Park, 1260 Remembrance
Road, provides a four-season urban oasis
for Montrealers of all ages. Every visitor
and citizen can reach this mountain paradise through public transit. Motorists will
find ample parking and hikers will enjoy
the walking trails. Beaver Lake Pavilion
built in 1956 was recently refurbished. The
city park was initially designed by Frederick Law Olmstead in 1876. Olmstead
also designed Central Park in New York
City. With 494 acres of trails, a lookout,
concerts, and picnic grounds there is lots
to see and do. For information, phone
514-843-8240. n
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THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS
MAY 19, 2016
Matches involve more than a swipe of the screen
ELAINE COHEN
SUPPLEMENTS CO-ORDINATOR
D
igital technology may open doors
for singles seeking lifelong partners, however, personal interaction and guidance serve as key components in the matchmaking process.
Danny Lazar met his bashert on a blind
date 17 years ago. “Orly and I have been
happily married for 15 years and we have
two sons,” Lazar said, alluding to their
meeting as a shidduch arranged by family.
Lazar is grateful, and he enjoys helping
others in their quest for happiness.
Singles today are plugged into social
media and use online apps as a dating
vehicle, he says.
It’s a valuable component, he says, but
it takes more than a swipe of the screen
to make a meaningful match. In his
management position, Lazar has worked
with colleagues who share his view. Recently, Lazar and career professionals,
Cynthia Lavoie and Vanessa Strzelecki
conceived Mingl Speed Dating (minglnow.com), a viable solution that combines the best of digital and personal
input. A key element of the site is speed
dating and Lazar notes its Jewish roots.
In 1999, Rabbi Yaacov Deyo devised
a game to match up Jewish singles at a
Celebrate your special day at
Shaare Zion Congregation
Mavens, from left, Cynthia Lavoie, Danny Lazar and Vanessa Strzelecki brainstorm for singles.
Gorgeous sanctuary
Amazing clergy team
Two beautiful social halls
Centrally located
Strictly Kosher (mk)
Rabbi Lionel Moses, Cantor Adam Stotland, Reverend Asher Tannenbaum, Exec. Dir. David Moscovitch
Musical Director Shimon Radu and the Shaare Zion Choir, full professional staff
Contact David Moscovitch 514.481.7727 x 227
info@shaarezion.org
www.shaarezion.org
gathering in Berkeley, Calif. He twirled a
Purim gregger to signal when it was time
for participants to switch partners.
The strategy enabled every man and
woman present to be seated at a table
and converse one-on-one for 10 or fewer
minutes. To bolster the concept, Rabbi
Deyo and associates at Aish HaTorah, a
non-profit group, used an Excel spreadsheet to keep track of singles and their responses on feedback cards. Within a year
the speed dating phenomenon went viral.
Lazar, Lavoie and Strzelecki are Concordia University graduates with strong
business backgrounds and diverse community interests. Lavoie and Strzelecki,
both in their late 20s, aim to counter dating struggles.
Their brainchild, Mingl, doesn’t cost
anything to visit the website, fill in a
personal profile and upload a couple of
photos. Privacy is respected and information is never posted or shared.
After studying the persona of each man
and woman, they narrow it down to about
40 attendees in all. That way instead of
just meeting one person, participants
purchase a ticket and attend an event at a
trending spot with several singles together
at once. Participants chat one-on-one for
seven minutes with a minimum of seven
people of the opposite sex. Attendees take
notes as the evening progresses and no
one sees the cards indicating whether or
not they want to see the respective person
again.
Cards are collected and everyone receives feedback. “We can either set up a
meeting for those wishing to meet again
A viable solution that
combines the best of
digital and personal
input
or let them arrange it,” Lavoie said.
“The whole premise is that we review,
screen and provide followup for our candidates. We have two age divisions: roughly 25-35 and 35-45. Our profiles include
a high proportion of Jewish singles who
want to meet other Jewish singles.
The next event is May 26 from 7-9 p.m.
at Doca, a trendy spot in Griffintown. The
ticket price includes a cocktail, canapés
and supervised speed-dating in a friendly,
comfortable setting.
“If we don’t find a suitable match in the
pre-qualification process, candidates do
not receive a ticket to the event,” Lavoie
pointed out. “We can still keep their
profile in our database for one-on-one
matchmaking. Furthermore, we urge
them to try again.” ■
THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS
MAY 19, 2016
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Flatware 101: Grasping a handle on tableware utensils
the same care as sterling. They both require the
occasional polish.
Once or
twice a year
m a y
suffice,
provided silverware is kept in a tarnish-free, flatware chest or covered
with flannel and placed in air-tight plastic bags or a felt-backed drawer. Some
silverware mavens prescribe tucking a
block of camphor in the silverware cabinet to retard tarnish.
Stainless steel flatware is easy to maintain and replace, and is cost effective.
It is an alloy of steel, with other metals added for functional and aesthetic
purposes. Therefore, not all stainless is
created equal and that’s why it varies in
quality and price. The main ingredients
in stainless flatware are chromium and nickel,
which have been
added to provide resistance
to corrosion. Before making a purchase, take note of
the following specs: 18/10 indicates 18
per cent chromium and 10 per cent nickel. This is considered top of the line and
18/8 is second-highest followed by 18/0.
The latter may be more prone to damage
over time because it lacks nickel. ■
Today forks come in many shapes and forms. ELAINE COHEN PHOTO
ELAINE COHEN
SUPPLEMENTS CO-ORDINATOR
F
latware is a significant element of
every table setting, therefore it is a
popular wedding or shower present.
Moreover, couples keeping a kosher
home want diverse tableware utensils
for dairy, meat, Passover as well as for informal and formal dining.
Engaged couples opening bridal registries and guests purchasing gifts are
likely to benefit from a briefing on the
subject before heading to the store. With
so many types of tableware available today, it’s hard to believe dinner forks were
not part of the standard tableware set in
North American homes until the early
19th century.
Nevertheless, by Edwardian times (1901
to 1914) mealtime tools proliferated for
every imaginable use. Furthermore, silver plate, which originated during the
18th century in Sheffield, England, had
an immediate impact and spurred a
whole new industry.
Consumers tend to use the terms flatware, cutlery, tableware, and silverware
interchangeably, however, some purists
categorize cutlery as knives and cutting
utensils. In addition, they consider table-
ware and silverware as broad terms associated with eating, serving and decorative
pieces gracing a tea or mealtime table.
Different schools of thought also prevail about using the dishwasher for sterling and silver plate items.
Although many consumers resort to the
dishwasher and attest to sparkling results, others are wary. Carole Hoffman’s
holiday dinner tables sparkle with gleaming sterling and Sheffield silver. “I’ve been
putting my silverware in the dishwasher
for years,” the savvy grandmother said.
The king of flatware is sterling and to
be considered authentic, it should contain 925 parts per 1,000 of fine silver. The
remaining 75 parts can be base metal,
usually copper. According to the Precious
Metals Marking Act, the quality marks of
Sterling Silver, Sterling, or Silver on the
underside of items indicate the grade.
Conversely, it’s not compulsory to place
a quality mark on silver-plated knives,
forks and spoons unless the base metal
contains less than 10 per cent nickel.
Silver plate flatware, a less costly alternative to sterling is composed of a thin
layer of silver coating and a body made
of another metal such as brass, nickel or
stainless steel. The thickness of silver is
measured in microns. Silver plate merits
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THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS
MAY 19, 2016
Exhibit signifies an ode to joy laced with love
ELAINE COHEN
Supplements Co-ordinator
The paintings
illustrated distinct
aspects, such as the
back, bodice, sleeves
and skirt of the dress
and vision of the dress.
Mimi Kitner brought in her ivory moiré
wedding gown and her husband donated
a mannequin. Kitner was married in the
’80s and her lace-enhanced gown embraces the world famous styling of the exquisite gown Lady Diana Spencer wore when
she wed Charles, Prince of Wales in 1981.
Continued on next page
Photos courtesy of The Wedding Dress exhibitors
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W
hen art teacher Suzy Levy announced her son, Michael’s engagement in 2014, her students
at the ACC (Aquatic Community Centre)
wished her mazel tov and proceeded to
reminisce about their own weddings and
their shopping for attire.
Fast forward to spring 2016. Michael
and Shiran Levy have been married since
August 2015. Moreover, the earlier announcement of their betrothal prompted
the Wedding Dress project followed by
an exhibition of students’ paintings from
Feb. 2 to March 20 at Espace D’art, a section in the Eleanor London Cote Saint-Luc
Public Library devoted to community art.
Levy elaborated on distinctive features
and colour schemes captivated by each
of the 14 exhibitors. Despite working
from the same model, each artist offered unique interpretations. The paintings illustrated distinct aspects, such
as the back, bodice, sleeves and skirt of
the dress, or accentuated gold, pink and
various hues adapted for the background
THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS MAY 19, 2016
M
“Mimi has been with me for a few years
now,” Levy said, and initially she was a
novice eager to paint. Levy admires Kitner,
along with all her students, and is grateful
for their enthusiasm and extraordinary
work. In addition, to the gowns, a number
of students painted accessories, such as
shoes or purses. One painting highlights
a gracious bride beside a handsome tuxedo-clad groom.
“We use acrylics for our paintings and
the medium presents a challenge because no pencils, erasers or rulers are
permitted in these classes,” Levy said.
The preliminary work is completed on
brown paper. The makeup of the class is diverse. Among the painters are seasoned professional artists who exhibit and sell their
work, fledglings, as well as artists accomplished in one medium but inexperi-
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enced in others. The students’ ages and
lifestyles differ but they share a passion
for painting. The following artists had paintings
on display at the The Wedding Dress exhibition: Miriam Bowen, Suzy Charto,
Sandy Cytrynbaum, Maria Deich, Phyllis Deitcher, Fran Gutman, Renee Italia,
Mimi Kitner, Niecie Levi, Carol Rabinovitch, Jackie Tabac, Bernice Shaposnick,
Marlyn Silverstone and Sandra Wollow.
Levy has supervised community-based
art programs throughout the province for
more than a decade. She holds a degree
in bachelor of fine arts from Concordia
University, and additional accreditations. An eclectic artist in her own right, Levy’s
solo show Dreams of Evangeline was held
last summer in the gallery of the GrandPré National Historic Site of Canada, near
Wolfville, N.S. n
IONA KLIOT
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514-737-9180
email: provincialh@bellnet.ca
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THE CANADIAN JEWISH NEWS
MAY 19, 2016