BOOK REVIEWS - RETURN

Jewish Media Review
Tuesday, May 11, 2004

By Dov Peretz Elkins

It takes a cookbook author and event planner to team up and put together an excellent collection such as this. The book covers everything "you always wanted to know about bar/bat mitzvah and were afraid to ask." Including: tips on menu planning, hiring a caterer, how to "dazzlingly decorate," pick the right flowers, provide the right entertainment for the kids, budget guidelines, etc. etc. etc.

While most of the book is about the party, there is a significant amount of material on the meaning, rituals and traditions of the religious occasion. For example, the authors mention that Rabbi Nancy Fuchs Kreimer made a family history book for her daughter's simcha, with material about each grandparent and other ancestors. Copies of the book were displayed at the reception, and guests could find out more of the family's history. "Each family member was given a copy to take home." A lovely touch! The authors encourage families to include Havdalah in their evening parties. There are many such "Jewish" suggestions.

Overall, this book complements the basic text on the ceremony, Jeffrey Salkin's Putting God on the Guest… For one who wants to give this important life cycle milestone full attention, this is a very useful addition.