492 Ave. P Brooklyn, NY • 718-998-9111 492

Transcription

492 Ave. P Brooklyn, NY • 718-998-9111 492
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Custom
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IMAGE  FEBRUARY 2008  81
Largest Selection of Single Malt Scotches and Kosher Wines
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W E D D I N G
Let Them...
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Continued from page 80
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• Wedding Gifts
• Baby Gifts
• Bar & Bat
Mitzvah Gifts
• Birthday Gifts
IMAGE  FEBRUARY 2008  83
PHONE ORDERS ACCEPTED
251 Avenue U, Brooklyn, NY 11223 (718) 333-1000
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R E V I E W
Marriage MANUALS
Randi Shomer
ho said marriage is easy?
Many of us entered into it
not really knowing what to
expect. Given the countless
ups and downs couples experience,
there are many books available that
offer sound advice and ideas that
could be implemented into one's
daily life. Many of the books suggested below can be found in our
local Jewish book stores.
marriage. Rabbi Twerski explains at
the outset that every couple needs
to understand the mechanisms of
adjustment and change and that
they must be aware of the differences in their upbringings and
expectations.
These life experiences are neither right nor wrong, but require
honest discussion as the marriage
takes root and differences surface.
stories that will inevitably have a
positive influence on one's marriage.
The stories in this book are true.
They are drawn from hundreds of
interviews, and will show you how
others have dealt with the challenges of life and marriage. Learn
from their strengths and wisdom.
Develop an awareness of common
mistakes and errors.
The First Year of Marriage
Rabbi Dr. Abraham J. Twerski
Marriage
Rabbi Zelig Pliskin
The Committed Marriage
Esther Jungreis
Rabbi
Twerski’s
powerful
insights and skilled practicality are
very clear, as he speaks to couples
embarking on their first year of marriage. How strange it is, he remarks
in his introduction, that countless
hours are spent making arrangements for the wedding and so little
time is spent preparing for the marriage itself!
Most young couples, the author
boldly asserts, will not believe they
need a book like this as they contemplate their upcoming perfect
At each Torah wedding, the
newly married couple is blessed
with the joy of the Garden of Eden.
The choices of words and actions in
one's marriage will either be consistent with the path of this blessing, or
the opposite. This volume is a guide
to making wiser choices. Each marriage is unique and presents the
husband and wife with challenges
that enable them to keep growing.
Marriage is an insightful and comprehensive treasury, replete with
Torah wisdom and contemporary
84  FEBRUARY 2008 
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W
In our turbulent world, it sometimes seems difficult to forge and
maintain the bonds of a committed,
loving relationship.
In The Committed Marriage,
Rebbetzin
Esther
Jungreis,
esteemed teacher, counselor, and
matchmaker, helps even the most
pressured modern couples find harmony and unity, guided by the timeless wisdom of the Torah. From her
first match, made at the age of 16,
the Rebbetzin has helped innumerable singles find their soul mates,
Continued on page 88
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Breakthrough Technology
Relieves Back Pain
By Dr. Melinda Keller
W
ITH NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART
MACHINES in place, the offices of
Dr. Melinda Keller in Boro Park,
Williamsburg, and Bayside Queens has
expanded her practice to accommodate more
chronic back pain sufferers needing spinal
decompression therapy-an acclaimed state-ofthe-art healing technique that remedies two
leading causes of back pain.
Doctors across the country are hailing the 86
percent success rate of the spinal decompression procedure, which they see as a cost-effective, non-surgical treatment, for herniated and
degenerative spinal disc disease.
Dr. Keller was the first chiropractor in the area
to have the DRX9000 machine, which makes
spinal decompression possible. But as word circulated about the procedure’s success rate, more
patients flocked to her practice, creating the
need for an additional machine.
The DRX9000 machine offers patients relief
from herniated or bulging discs, degenerative
discs, sciatica and acute and chronic low back
pain. “There are no other machines like it in
the borough,” Dr. Keller said. “Before these
machines were created, patients had the
choice of living with the pain or undergoing
surgery. They had no other place to turn.”
While disc degeneration is part of the natural process of aging, the condition causes
chronic low back pain in many adults.
According to statistics, approximately 30 percent of 30-year-olds show signs of disc degeneration on MRI scans. As the population ages,
it is even more common for people to have
signs of disc degeneration. By the time a person reaches 60 years old, disc generation is
expected, according to most
doctors.
D i s c
degeneration and
herniated discs, when the disc extrudes into
the spine and puts direct pressure on the
nerves, causing chronic low back pain, is the
most expensive benign condition medically
treated in most countries. It is also the number
one cause of disability in people under 45,
according to medical studies. After 45, chronic back pain is the third-leading cause of disability, which costs this country's health care
system more than $50 billion a year to treat.
Utilizing the spinal decompression technique, doctors are able take all forces and
stressors off the affected spot while healing
and re-nourishing the area, bringing it as close
to its original condition as possible. The procedure usually takes a series of three weekly
treatments for four to six weeks, depending on
how severe the condition is.
Currently, Dr. Keller is offering a free consultation to see if a patient will benefit from
spinal decompression therapy.
Dr. Keller has built her extensive chiropractic medical career on finding new health-oriented, non-invasive methods and procedures
that will not only aid her patients, but actually
treat them as well.
“We try to get the root of the problem, find
out what’s causing the condition and correct it
rather than treating the symptoms,” said
Keller, who believes that drugs and pain medications merely cover up the problem and do
not treat what caused the pain or discomfort in
the first place.
“Anytime you introduce a foreign substance
into the body, there will undoubtedly be side
effects,” she added. “If you take drugs to cure
the problem, you could end up being drowsy
all the time, suffer from weight loss or weight
gain...when it comes to side effects, the list are
a mile long.”
“Many times, all they {drug treatments}
do is mask the symptoms, whereas we
try to go to the root of the problem and correct
it as best we can, “Keller said. Dr. Keller and
her skilled staff offer a number of revolutionary noninvasive treatments.
Anyone wishing to learn more about spinal
decompression or to set up an appointment for
a free consultation, contact Dr. Keller’s
Brooklyn office at (718) 854-8979 and
Queens office at (718) 279-8319. Check out
their website at www.brooklynspinecenter.com
and www.queensspinecenter.com.
To get your free copy of Dr. Keller’s
revolutionary new report, “How Space
Age Technology is Solving Back Pain
Without Drugs or Surgery!” Just
call toll free 1-800-747-6417
and listen to a recorded
message, anytime 24 hours
a day. Or visit
w.NYdiscPainInfo.com.
Call now Supplies
Are Limited!
BAYSIDE OFFICE
Now Serving The Great
Neck Community
718-279-8319
www.QueensSpineCenter.com
IMAGE  FEBRUARY 2008  85
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J E W E L R Y
What You Should Know
Before Buying Pearls
iamonds may get the credit
for being ‘a girl’s best friend,’
but humanity’s love affair with
pearls has been going on for
4,000 years— about a millennium
longer than we’ve been digging diamonds out of the dirt.
What’s more, pearls are the only
‘green’ natural gemstone; they are a
renewable resource and are harvested, rather than mined.
While you may have heard
about the basics of diamond buying,
few consumers are as educated
about the nuances of pearl purchasing. “As with any other purchase,
consumers should educate themselves before buying pearls,” says
Jeremy
Shepherd,
jeweler.
“Knowledge can mean the difference between buying a lackluster
D
strand of overpriced imitations and
getting quality pearls at competitive
prices.”
Before you buy pearls, here’s
what you should know:
Types and Sources of Pearls
Four types of pearls are available today and they come from all
over the world.
* Freshwater pearls, known for
their off-round shapes, fancy colors
and affordability, are almost exclusively produced in China. Prices
range from as little as $20 for a
strand of low-grade freshwater
pearls up to several thousands for
gem-grade freshadama pearls.
* First cultured and sold in
Japan nearly 100 years ago, akoya
pearls are the type most people
think of when talking about pearls.
While China and Japan are the two
largest producers of akoya pearls,
Vietnam, Korea and Australia also
produce limited quantities.
* Although they’re also known
as ‘black pearls,’ Tahitian pearls
actually come in every color of the
rainbow. They are prized for their
large size and exotic colors. The
Tahitian Islands are the main producers, but some production also
occurs in the Cook Islands, Fiji,
Micronesia and parts of southern
Japan.
* The most valuable of all cultured pearls, South Sea pearls are
renowned for their large size and
satiny luster. A large perfect strand
of these white, golden or silver
pearls can cost millions of dollars.
Australia is the primary producer of
the white and silver pearls, while the
Philippines and Indonesia produce
golden pearls.
86  FEBRUARY 2008 
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How to Evaluate a Pearl’s Quality
Just as you would look at the
clarity, cut and carat of a diamond to
determine its worth, pearls have
value indicators as well: luster, surface, nacre, matching, color and
shape.
* Luster – When dealers price
pearls, the single most important
factor in their decision is the luster.
Pearls should have a sharp, reflective quality. You should be able to
see your reflection in a high-quality
strand of pearls.
Continued on page 88
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R E V I E W
Marriage...
J E W E L R Y
What You...
Continued from page 86
Continued from page 84
and even more married couples strengthen their commitment, start families, and find renewed joy and meaning in their lives. Each chapter focuses on a specific
dilemma or challenge that the Rebbetzin has helped
couples to solve or overcome so that they emerge with
a stronger relationship and a deeper faith. Starting with
the first stages of finding a soul mate, through the challenges of communicating with compassion and understanding, from debates over parenthood, to growing old
in harmony, these real-life success stories reflect the
practicality and endurance of traditional values.
Ten Minutes a Day to a Better Marriage
Dr. Meir Wikler
* Surface – The pearls should be free of marks,
abrasions, cracks, pits or any other imperfections that
mar the surface of the gemstone.
* Nacre – This is the natural, iridescent material produced by some mollusks, that forms the actual pearl.
When a bead is inserted into the oyster, the oyster will
release and coat the bead with nacre. The thickness of
this coating is important when dealing with saltwater
pearls, especially akoya pearls. If the coating is too thin,
the pearls will be chalky and will not last more than a few
months to a year. If the pearls are chalky, or you can
see a bead through the surface, the nacre is too thin.
88  FEBRUARY 2008 
IMAGE
* Matching – Whether you are buying a strand of
pearls, a pair of earrings, a bracelet, or an earring and
necklace set, each pearl in the set should match in size,
color and luster. For a set of earrings, the size should
match within a tenth of a millimeter; for strands, pearls
should match in size between half a millimeter to two millimeters. If you’re buying a strand, the pearls should also
be matched from either side of the strand as it drapes.
Even if your marriage is great, it can be better. And
working on it 10 minutes a day is all it takes. Improving
communication between you and your spouse is the key
to enhancing your relationship. Dr. Meir Wikler, one of
the Orthodox community’s leading family counselors,
shows how effective communication skills can help us
deal with issues as minor as setting the thermostat temperature or as critical as what schools the children will
attend. Based on his extensive experience in counseling
and replete with case history examples, this marriage
manual is for every couple.‰
Randi Shomer is a community member, mother of four children, and a
freelance writer for IMAGE Magazine.
* Color – Another important value factor, color is
heavily dependent on preference. While classic white
pearls will always be prized, some colors are more commonly preferred than others, such as peacock-color
Tahitian pearls or rose-overtone akoya. These colors
will often cost more than others.
* Shape – Pearls come in many different shapes,
from wings and potato to rice crispie (or baroque) and
round. The more perfectly round a pearl is, the more
valuable the strand is if all other value factors are equal.
For more pearl-buying advice, visit www.pearlguide.com, or go to www.pearlparadise.com, where you
can learn more about the stones and their history.‰
Courtesy of ARA Content.
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IMAGE  FEBRUARY 2008  89
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.rantar.com
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J E W E L R Y
Which Ring is YOU?
D
o you know what
shape you want
your engagement
ring to be? What
kind of setting do you like? Do
you want baguettes? Do you
like a modern or antique looking ring? You should probably
Emerald cut
drop a few hints to the man
who’s going to buy it for you.
There’s nothing worse than
Pear shaped
having your heart set on a
pear-shaped
diamond and
getting a square one! The
choices are numerous, decide
carefully so you can enjoy
your ring forever.
Square cut
Marquise
90  FEBRUARY 2008 
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Princess cut
Round solitaire
Tiffany solitaire
Oval
Continued on page 92
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Pick Up & Delivery Available
718-946-6219
AUTO DETAILING BY APPOINTMENT
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J E W E L R Y
Which Ring...
Continued from page 90
Classic 14k white gold diamond ring
with 4 pave set round side stones
Antique style three stone oval and trillion ring set in solid white gold
14K white gold antique style diamond
engagement ring with a six-prong head
that is holding an oval shaped diamond
Antique Victorian solitaire ring
14K yellow gold half carat marquise cut
diamond engagement ring. Additionally,
there are 0.30 carat total weight in
channel set round brilliant diamonds
Pave-set diamond accents on either side
of center diamond
Heart shaped diamond set between two
hearts
Platinum engraved engagement ring
with channel set diamond side stones
92  FEBRUARY 2008 
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Flat edge 14k white gold princess
three stone ring
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J E W E L R Y
Gold Prices Are on The Rise
old has a long and complex
history. From gold’s first discovery, it has symbolized
wealth
and
guaranteed
power. It has been both a prized and
heavily traded commodity. The reason for this is because gold is a stable investment—unlike stocks which
are erratic—and its malleability and
non-corrosive properties make it the
perfect medium from which to make
jewelry.
During the frontier days of the
United States news of the discovery
of gold in a region could result in
thousands of new settlers, many
risking their lives to find gold. Gold
rushes occurred in many of the
Western States, the most famous
occurring in California at Sutter’s
Mill in 1848. Elsewhere, gold rushes
happened in Australia in 1851,
South Africa in 1884 and in Canada
in 1897.
The rise of a gold standard was
meant to stabilize the global economy, dictating that a nation must limit
its issued currency to the amount of
gold it held in reserve. Great Britain
was the first to adopt the gold standard in 1821, followed, in the 1870s,
by the rest of Europe. The system
remained in effect until the end of
the first world war, after which the
US was the only country still honoring the Gold Standard. After the war,
other countries were allowed to
keep reserves of major currencies
instead of gold. The arrival of the
great depression marked the end of
the US export of gold. By mid 20th
century, the US dollar had replaced
gold in international trade.
In recent years, gold prices
have soared to record highs and
many question what is driving this
aggressive market?
Many immediately point to the
tried but true answer of supply and
demand— with less gold on the mar-
94  FEBRUARY 2008 
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ket, a high demand dictates high
price–— but if the market is flooded
with gold then the price will fall. Yet,
it is not that simple. Gold prices
have more to do with national and
private reserve hoarding than many
are led to believe. These reserves
are held by many nations, America
holds 16% of its national reserve in
gold. The Central Banks and other
reserves hold 19% of all mined gold
circa 2004. In 1999 the Washington
Agreement on Gold limited its members, which include Europe, the
United States, Japan, Australia, The
International Monetary Fund, and
The
Bank
for
International
Settlements to 440 tons annually.
Most of the reserve gold entered
into the market comes from both the
Bank of England and the Swiss
National Bank.
Of the 728 million US dollars of
gold traded last year, almost 177
million dollars was sold recycled
scrap. 624 million dollars of traded
gold is bought by the jewelry
industry.
The recent rise in price can be
linked to Russia's announcement in
2005 and China's announcement in
2006 that they were going to start
increasing their gold reserves; bulls
in the market began buying gold in
record amounts, further driving up
the price. The creation of the Gold
Trade Exchange Fund in 2005 jolted
gold demand to 29% mid year. Gold
demand also jumped amongst jewelers by 19%. This recent rise in
price has led many stock analysts to
place gold as their top stock pick.
Gold, for the present time, is an
ever growing investment.There are
no guarantees that the price will stay
at this record high. It is the assumption of both gold traders and jewelers alike that there has never been a
greater time in the market’s history
to sell old or scrap jewelry. At these
trading prices, jewelry collecting
dust in a safe deposit box can be
traded for new contemporary pieces
on par with the condition and value
of the traded piece.
Now is a great time to tap into
your hidden assets and turn gold
into cash!‰
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Unique & Beautiful
Arrangements
FLOWERS
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462 Ave. P
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18th ANNIVERSARY  IMAGE  JANUARY 2008  95
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P O L I T I C S
Our Community
Needs Your Vote!
You Can Register With The Form in This Magazine
nside this month's edition of IMAGE
Magazine you will find a voter registration
form. Before you think about turning the page
and leaving the voter registration form
behind, it is important to remember one critical
point— that form is the key to the future of our
community.
Voting is a fundamental right that we enjoy
as American citizens. It is a way for us to positively impact our community, our schools and
our families. Yet, for all it virtues, voting has
never been a priority of our community— until
now.
Recently, the Sephardic Community
Federation, the umbrella government relations
and public policy organization of the Sephardic
community, formed an independent voter registration arm, called SCF-Vote. Over the next several months, SCF-Vote will be working closely
96  FEBRUARY 2008 
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I
with our entire community including our shuls,
yeshivahs and community organizations to sign
up new voters throughout our community. This
unprecedented voter registration effort will
establish our community as a powerful voting
force.
In addition to registering voters, SCF-Vote is
educating our community about the myths and
benefits of voting. For example, how many people do you know that don't want to register to
vote because they think that they will be selected for jury duty? The truth is, people are on the
jury lists once they have a driver's license, pay
taxes, or even if they have a credit card. SCFVote is working to dispel the myths about voting
and to inform our community members how they
can positively impact our community with their
votes.
We should not fool ourselves. Our elected
officials watch very closely to see who votes,
and more importantly, who does not vote. If our
community stays home on Election Day, they
notice. We need to assert our collective power
and show our elected officials that we matter.
Voter registration is where it all begins. You can't
vote if you're not registered.
Our community needs to stand together and
make a difference. Your vote can bring change
to our community, to our schools and to our families. By filling out the voter registration form in
this magazine and registering to vote, you can
help shape our community's future. Please take
a few moments right now to fill out the form and
drop it in the mail today.
If you have any questions or need any help,
please call the voter-registration experts at SCFVote at 718-258-8900. Also, feel free to visit their
website at www.scfvote.org, if you prefer to fill
out the voter registration form online or if you
need more forms.
Thank you for helping shape the future of
our community.‰
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J E W E L R Y
Buying The Perfect
Engagement Ring
here are many things to
consider when buying an
engagement ring. Does
your fiance-to-be want a
pear-shaped
diamond,
a
princess cut, marquise, oval, or
a different shape? How much
money should you spend?
Platinum or gold?
Here are six tips to help you
find the right ring.
98  FEBRUARY 2008 
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T
1. Do Some Detective Work:
Chances are your girlfriend has
an idea that you’re going to pop
the question soon and if she
hasn’t told you, she’s certainly
told a friend what shape diamond she likes. Some girls like
round, others like square. The
most classic shape is a round
solitaire, but each girl is different. It’s important to know what
you’re looking for. It will make
narrowing down the choices
much simpler. Talk to her
friends.
Also, look at the jewelry that
she wears. Is it gold? Is it silver? If
it’s gold, go with a gold setting. If it’s
silver, you may want to buy platinum.
If you can, bring your sweetheart's best friend or mom along to
help you choose. You can even consider bringing your wife-to-be with
you. You'll lose the element of surprise, but you'll be sure that she
loves her engagement ring.
2. Don’t Spend More Than You
Can Afford: Figure out how much
you have to spend before you go to
the jewelery store. The standard
rule is two month’s salary.
5. Plan Ahead: You may not
be able to just walk out of a
jewelry store with a ring.
Depending on what you order,
it could take a couple weeks for
the jeweler to set the stone or
custom design your ring. So if
you want to propose on a certain date, make sure you visit
the jewelry store with plenty of
time to spare.
3. Buy the Stone and Setting
Separately: You can often get a
better deal if you choose the diamond separately. Make sure you
look at the stone with a jeweler's
loupe, to see for yourself that the
diamond
is
flawless.
4. Choose a Reputable Jeweler:
(You can find many jewelers’ advertisements right here in IMAGE
Magazine.) Ask for recommendations from friends and family. Make
sure the store is accredited by the
Jewelers of America or is a member
of the Gemological Institute of
America (GIA). Before you buy, find
out what the return policy is so that
you can exchange it, if need be.
6. Know the Four Cs: Anyone
shopping for a diamond
engagement
ring
should
acquaint themselves with the
four Cs— color, cut, clarity and
carat.
Color: The more colorless a
diamond is, the more valuable it is. Cut: Many people
make the mistake of thinking
that cut means the shape of
the diamond. It actually
means the way the diamond
was faceted to allow light to reflect
from it. In a well-cut diamond, light
enters the diamond and reflects
straight back to the viewer's eye.
Clarity: Diamonds frequently have
small flaws, air bubbles, scratches
or other minerals inside the diamond. The fewer flaws a diamond
has, the more valuable it is, and the
more beautiful it is.
Carat: This refers to the size of the
stone. While some value carat
above all, others prefer a small ring
regardless of budget. If you're buying a ring as a surprise for someone, consider the many settings
available. Let’s face it, diamonds
are a girl’s best friend, and bigger is
usually better!‰
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Manhattan Beach Speech Language
Reading Center, LLC
Barbara Levine Offenbacher MS CCC-SLP
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IMAGE  FEBRUARY 2008  99
Fast ForWord
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E V E N T S
The SCC Welcomes Soldiers of
the Israel Defense Forces
Randi Shomer
n the last night of Hanukah the Sephardic
Community Center warmly welcomed Israeli
combat soldiers, both men and woman, who are
themselves children and/or siblings of fallen soldiers; people who have made the ultimate sacrifice for
Israel and Jews all over the world. This event was part
of The Friends of Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) Legacy
Program, which the community supported so generously this past summer.
When the soldiers first arrived at the center, they
were quiet, somewhat shy and reserved. After all, they
were in a new environment with people they had never
met. They sat at tables talking amongst themselves,
sharing a wonderful buffet dinner and desserts that our
dedicated volunteers had prepared for them. Our members went from table to table greeting and getting to
know our guests to make them feel at home.
A short welcoming speech was made by Jack
Cayre, President of the SCC, “I am very grateful to people like yourselves that give to your country. I welcome
you and thank you for coming.” A presentation was
made of a FIDF plaque to the SCC and a special thanks
was given to Barbara Beyda for organizing this extraordinary evening.
This exceptional group is unique. Each soldier
serves Israel even though they have lost a loved one in
100  FEBRUARY 2008 
IMAGE
O
war. On that condition an Israeli citizen is exempt from
serving, but this dedicated and outstanding group has
chosen to serve in combat groups anyway.
When the Hanukah candles were lit, suddenly their
beautiful Israeli faces began to glow. We all stood
respectfully to sing the American National Anthem, led
by lovely singer Danielle Bitton. When Hatikvah was
sung, the thrill of standing side by side, our voices mingling with those of these passionate heroic soldiers was
overwhelming. However, it was when the dancing
began to the music our DJ Rickey Esses arranged, our
young adults, coupling and grouping (some of us older
folk, too) held hands, arms around arms, snaking
through the space, the love we felt for our beautiful soldiers and their respect and gratitude towards us, which
they kept repeating over and over again, was incredibly
binding. From out of nowhere cameras, theirs and ours,
appeared. Everyone joyfully began taking pictures of
each other. “Come, stand with us! Let's take pictures
together!” Us with them, them with us. By this time we
knew each other’s names. Indeed, how blessed we felt
to have made these new found friends. Laughter filled
the air as we continued dancing all night.
Many of them took the time, then and there, to sit
down and write warm and loving notes to some of us.
Continued on page 102
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C O M M U N I T Y
E V E N T S
The SCC...
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E V E N T S
The SCC...
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“You are such warmhearted people. As a soldier who
lost a brother in the last war, and now as a combat fighter, I can't tell you how much this trip means— so much
more than words can say. I say this from the bottom of
my heart” said one of the visiting soldiers.
Saying goodbye, after the few short hours we spent
with them, knowing that they are going to the front to do
battle again, was very difficult. They are so young. As
for our young adults—seeing these soldiers, the same
age as they, putting their life on hold, putting on uniforms and serving in the army, was indeed an inspiration for them as well as a profound learning experience.
Our thanks to the SCC, the volunteers, and the
donors for their generosity of spirit for this reception,
which they were proud and honored to host. It was an
opportunity, in a small way, to celebrate those who
defend our history and heritage, honoring those who
defend the existence and territorial integrity of the State
of Israel.
Through its expanded range of social, educational
and recreational programs, the FIDF helps ease some
of the daily tensions and burdens faced by soldiers and
their families. Anyone that would like to make a donation can call the New York branch at (212) 244-3118 or
email [email protected].‰
Randi Shomer is a community member, mother of four children, and a
freelance writer for IMAGE Magazine.
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B E A U T Y
BRIDAL FASHION &
MAKE-UP CONSULTATION
Debby Grossman
ou're engaged! Where do you
begin? Planning a wedding
can be extremely overwhelming. So many details go into
the preparations for your wedding
day. Being organized is a definitely
a must.
Whether you're the bride or
mother of the bride, you will be paying extra attention to the make-up
and clothes you wear for your simcha. It's a good time to get into
shape, and evaluate what type of
clothes are most flattering.
106  FEBRUARY 2008 
IMAGE
Y
Bridal Fashion
A lot of thought will go into the
clothes you choose for your wedding day. Bridal fashion has never
been so exciting. The selection is
huge when it comes to bridal jewelry. From a delicate rhinestone earring on the ear, to a small dangle, to
the very newest look of a hanging
chandelier type, choose the style
that compliments your personality
and makes you feel beautiful.
Tiaras have been worn for centuries. They give an air of royalty,
and evoke a princess feeling.
Whether incorporated into an up-do,
down or partially down hairstyle, a
tiara will make the bride feel glamorous.
Bridal gowns are being shown
from very simply A-line to a full ballroom gown. From no beading at all,
to beading from head to toe, the
choices of wedding gowns are endless.
The newest look starting to gain
popularity is a mantea veil, trimmed
in delicate lace, worn either to the
hip or floor length. Check it out!
Here is guide to what type of
wedding gowns will flatter your figure.
To Camouflage:
Broad shoulders: Aim for a
straighter gown with a flare at the
bottom. This shape will create balance.
Full figure: A drop waist,
princess cut, or A-line dress will be
extremely flattering.
Bottom heavy: Avoid dresses
that have pleats and bunches of fabric gathered at the waist. This type
of detail will only add volume to the
hip area.
Petite: An A-line or empire style
is a great choice, because it elongates the body.
Bridal Make-Up
Now is the time to update your
makeup look since many girls and
mothers are still wearing the same
make-up colors they wore in high
school! Arrange a make-up consultation with a professional make-up
artist, so that she can guide you into
your perfect look by accentuating
and complementing your best features. And since spring is right
around the corner, you will want her
to provide you with the right makeup colors so that you will look gorgeous throughout Sheva Brochos
(the week after the wedding) and
after.
Bridal Consultation
At your consultation your makeup artist will take into consideration,
your best features, and your personality. Now is the time to discuss any
problems you may have with your
skin with your consultant.
Continued on page 108
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718-676-1648
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Corner of East 5th
Hours:
Sunday-Thursday 10-7
Friday 10-3
Evening, Weekend & In-Home
Appointments Available
APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE TO CUSTOM SIZE
AND OUTFIT YOU OR YOUR CHILD
IMAGE  FEBRUARY 2008  107
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B E A U T Y
BRIDAL...
Continued from page 106
Here is a list of the most frequently asked questions and concerns at a make-up consultation:
Q: My make-up never lasts. By
the time I walk out the door my
make-up is all faded.
A: There are many new products on the market today that have
great staying power. Try the new
Artistry by Debby Cheek Stains,
which ensure your blush stays put
all day. Also, waterproof eyeliners
and lip liners are great when you
want to look your best all day. They
come in great eyeliner colors like
plum, brown, navy, black, teal and
evergreen. New custom waterproof
foundations are now available
which are great for Shabbat and
everyday wear (especially through
the spring and summer months).
108  FEBRUARY 2008 
IMAGE
Q: I have always used soap to
wash my face. It sometimes makes
my skin feel dry and itchy. I would
like to make sure that my skin is nice
on my wedding day.
A: It sounds like your skin is dry,
and the soap is too harsh for your
skin type. I always recommend
using a gentle deep cleanser/lotion,
like Deep Cleanser, which is suitable for all skin types. It won't strip
your skin of its natural oils, and will
keep your skin soft.
Q: I have very dry sensitive skin
that flakes. What can I do? It will
probably show in photography!
A: Avoid using alcohol-based
products. They tend to aggravate
the skin. After cleansing with a gentle cleanser, use a moisturizer like
Fundamental Multi-task Day Cream
on damp skin. You should see great
results in a short time.
Q: I have oily skin, even with oilfree make-up my skin gets oily after
an hour. How will I manage on my
wedding day?
A: Your problem might be your
moisturizer, and /or your foundation.
Try an oil-free moisturizer. It will
make your skin soft but not oily, and
help your foundation go on smoothly.
Also check out the liquid powders,
they are great! On your wedding day,
make sure to discuss this problem
with your make-up artist, so she will
choose the proper make-up for you.
A: A consultation with a reputable electrologist early on will
ensure lasting results.
Q: How do I tone down freckles
on very light skin?
A: If you want to camouflage
you freckles, choose a foundation a
shade darker than your skin and
blend carefully at the jaw line.
Personally, I think freckles add character and are adorable.
Q: I always look like I have a
black eye an hour after I applied my
make-up, why?
A: The problem is your concealer. It's way too oily, causing your
mascara to run.
Concealers come in many different consistencies. They come in
a wand, pot, pencil, or stick. Test the
concealer before purchasing it to
make sure it's blendable but not oily.
These are just a few of the many
concerns brides have when it comes
to looking great on their wedding day.
Just remember, at no other time
will you be photographed as much
as on your wedding day. Your photos will be a lifetime memory for you
and your family so you want to make
sure your look your very best.
And most of all, may preparations for your wedding day be joyous
and memorable!
Mazal tov!‰
Q: I have a problem with
unwanted hair on my face? Please
help!
Debby Grossman is a professional make-up
artist, beauty and fashion editor. As a makeup
educator, she is known nationwide for her
makeup artist courses teaching classic looks
to the latest trends.
Q: My skin always get flushed
when I dance. What should I do?
A: Applying a very thin layer of
mint concealer will counteract the
redness and even out your skin
tone. You many also try using a stick
foundation, which will provide you
with better coverage and looks natural if applied correctly.
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E V E N T S
Magen David Yeshivah’s
Annual Carnival
Randi Shomer
agen David Yeshivah recently held its annual
Hanukah carnival. While enjoying Hanukah, the
students were treated to a well deserved day
off, and what better way to spend the day than
at a fun-filled carnival! The children were treated to two
floors of fun and games. Carnival rides, arts and crafts,
mosaic making, laser tag, a mad scientist show and
face painting, are just some of the highlights that excited the children all day.
The carnival prizes were graciously sponsored by
Brielle and Steven Elbaz and Sakar International, and
Magen David would like to thank them for their continuous support. The carnival would not have been successful without the hard work and dedication of the PTA
Presidents, Michelle Gindi and Emily Massry. Carnival
chairman Maggie Mosseri and her dedicated volunteers
gave it their all. Special thanks to Ruthy Mann and
Shirley Barnathan, for supplying all the pictures.‰
110  FEBRUARY 2008 
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M
Randi Shomer is a community member, mother of four children, and a
freelance writer for IMAGE Magazine.
Continued on page 112
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E V E N T S
Magen David...
Continued from page 110
112  FEBRUARY 2008 
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Kids Having Fun
Continued on page 114