As I neared the 12th birthday of my oldest daughter’s life, I sought ways to imbue this milestone with more meaning than what has become of our traditional parties. That’s not to say that these things aren’t fun or memorable; they are. I certainly remember my own bat mitzvah, especially how my mother actually let me miss a

Was it only a decade ago that “high tech wedding” referred to scanning items to add to a registry? Over the past few years, there has been a proliferation of programs and apps, both free and fee-based, to help couples plan their big day.

Do these services really help? Or do they

New York – NCSY, the international youth movement of the Orthodox Union, announced at Yarchei Kallah (NCSY’s winter retreat for public school students) that the NCSY Bencher app has hit both the Apple iTunes and Google Play stores. This intuitive new app offers users a digital prayerbook with the Grace After Meals,

Are you hosting a holiday party this year? Hosting has its share of anxieties: Will everyone have a good time? Will I be able to enjoy the event? Will the kids behave? Will the food be good?

It is always a lot of pressure to host a family get-together, especially when it’s your first

(State Point)Hosting a party this Chanukah? These days, there are new and innovative ways to set the tone for festive holiday cheer.

High-Tech Lighting

Holiday decorations aren’t what they used to be. Now you can control your decorative

When you think about it, the idea of a gemach is quite unique, though within the Jewish communities it is something everyone takes for granted. Volunteers run these organizations, using their own time and houses, calling in favors and often using their own money to provide a service to the community.

Planning a simcha is expensive. Planning a simcha on a budget can be difficult. Families go to great lengths to put together affairs that are classy and elegant, yet affordable. And it all starts with the venue.

Fortunately, Congregation B’nai

Teaneck—For anyone who feels like gift giving can be a trial, the staff at The Purple Bow of Teaneck offered some suggestions. While “everything emoji is so hot” (pajamas, earmuffs, stationery and more), for anyone looking for gifts that transcend the still popular and

Mazel tov! They’re engaged! Simchas give people a new horizon to explore and many new things to learn. Newly engaged couples discuss where to live, what shuls they want to try out and even what China patterns to register for. There is another serious discussion that needs to happen, but according to financial planner Cindy Day of

There is nothing more meaningful than having a family event in the home of the forefathers. Hosting family and friends for a bar mitzvah or wedding in Israel strengthens the bond between them and the country and adds a Zionist element that can only be felt there. The mere beauty and history of Israel guests will experience is

(BPT)Traditional wedding rules have fallen by the wayside—food trucks are in, having a hashtag is a must, bridesmaids no longer wear the same dress and groomsmen are sometimes in sneakers. Couples are actively seeking ways to differentiate themselves and get creative. All that aside, there is one thing that

There is so much work that goes into the event before the band even shows up to the simcha. Playing an instrument or singing a song is different from writing an arrangement. Not everyone can arrange music—which includes harmonies, melodies and parts for the various instruments. The arrangements can take a great