Tov Maod Events

Hi everyone!

Well, we’ve been rather busy lately. Planning the opening of a new boutique in a brand new building.

So many details, so many decisions. Just like coordinating a wedding but on an even grander scale!

It is very exciting!

We are waiting to hear about our loan application, so if you all don’t mind, we could use some prayer and good thoughts from all of you.

Since a good portion of our work and sales go to Tzadaka (charity), if you wish to, you could donate to our Hachnasat Kallah Program Fund (go to our website, click “services”, click “Hachnasat Kallah”, click “Donate”.

This will help use the loan funds for actual building and set up, not for item acquisitions.

If you’ve received even a small bit of useful information from this site, please consider a donation. Any amount is a much appreciated mitzvah!

Kol Tuv,

Miryam

This is a truly BEAUTIFUL piece. It was sent to me via e-mail and I wanted to share this with you.
Please read this at a slow pace, digesting every word and in leisure..
do not hurry….this is a treasure…
For those lucky to still be blessed with your Mom, this is beautiful.
For those of us who aren’t, this is even more beautiful.
For those of you who are moms, you’ll love this.
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The young mother set her foot on the path of life.
‘Is this the long way?’ she asked.
And the guide said: ‘Yes, and the way is hard.
And you will be old before you reach the end of it..
But the end will be better than the beginning.’

But the young mother was happy, and she would not
believe that anything could be better than these years.
So she played with her children, and gathered flowers for
them along the way, and bathed them in the clear streams;
and the sun shone on them, and the young Mother cried,
‘Nothing will ever be lovelier than this.’

Then the night came, and the storm, and the path was dark,
and the children shook with fear and cold, and the mother drew them close
and covered them with her mantle, and the children said,
‘Mother, we are not afraid, for you are near, and no harm can come.’

And the morning came, and there was a hill ahead, and the children climbed
and grew weary,
and the mother was weary. But at all times she said to the children,
‘A little patience and we are there.’ So the children climbed, and when they
reached the top
they said, ‘Mother, we would not have done it without you.’

And the mother, when she lay down at night looked up at the stars and said,
‘This is a better day than the last, for my children have learned fortitude
in the face of hardness. Yesterday I gave them courage. Today, I’ve given
them strength.’

And the next day came strange clouds which darkened the earth,
clouds of war and hate and evil, and the children groped and stumbled,
and the mother said: ‘Look up. Lift your eyes to the light.’
And the children looked and saw above the clouds an everlasting glory,
and it guided them beyond the darkness.
And that night the Mother said, ‘This is the best day of all, for I have
shown my children G-d.’

And the days went on, and the weeks and the months
and the years, and the mother grew old
and she was little and bent.
But her children were tall and strong,
and walked with courage.
And when the way was rough, they lifted her,
for she was as light as a feather;
and at last they came to a hill, and beyond
they could see a shining road and golden gates flung wide.
And mother said, ‘I have reached the end of my journey.
And now I know the end is better than the beginning,
for my children can walk alone, and their children after them.’

And the children said, ‘You will always walk with us, Mother,
even when you have gone through the gates.’
And they stood and watched her as she went on alone,
and the gates closed after her. And they said: ‘We cannot see her but she is
with us still.
A Mother like ours is more than a memory. She is a living presence…….’

Your Mother is always with you….
She’s the whisper of the leaves as you walk down the street;
she’s the smell of bleach in your freshly laundered socks;
she’s the cool hand on your brow when you’re not well.
Your Mother lives inside your laughter.
And she’s crystallized in every tear drop.
She’s the place you came from, your first home;
and she’s the map you follow with every step you take.
She’s your first love and your first heartbreak,
and nothing on earth can separate you.
Not time, not space… not even death!

PASS THIS ON TO ALL THE MOTHERS & CHILDREN YOU KNOW.
MAY WE NEVER TAKE OUR MOTHERS FOR GRANTED…
Pass it on to the men… because they have mothers, too.

TOV MAOD EVENTS is happy to announce plans for expansion.

Hopefully with G-D’s help, we will be adding Wedding gowns, Mother and Sister Evening wear, full accessories plus jewelry for rental or sale. We will also have a small gift shop and housewares to help the Bride and Groom set up their 1st home.

Awhile back, I posted information about “Hachnasat Kallah” services. “Helping the Bride”. The housewares and gently used furniture fit in this category. This will be a big asset to the Binyamin Region where we intend to be located. (just north of Jerusalem).

I’ll keep you posted on our progress. Pray that things go as planned!

Kol Tuv,

Miryam

“LETTERS, WE GET LETTERS”

KUDOS KORNER

“Our wedding was a dream! Everything was put together so beautifully. The whole thing ran so smoothly, if there were any glitches, no one noticed! You did a great job. I know you put your heart and soul into it. Thanks for everything” – DA, Baltimore

“Miryam, what an incredible job you did for our organization’s fundraising banquet. All the elements flowed so smoothly. The food was excellent, the entertainment brilliant and the auction was very successful. The decor and style were perfect. All the quests remarked how much they enjoyed themselves and we didn’t have to do anything but schmooze with them! We’ll never forget and we’ll recommend you to everyone. Thanks again!” – MB, Washington D.C.

“Tov Maod over and over again! I was skeptical at first because I didn’t think it could be done in such a short period of time. You assured me that my extra-special day would be extraordinary. I was not disappointed! Everything was beautiful, and my hand made bouquet was gorgeous.

Toda rabba!” – P & P, Baltimore

“You were really pushed to the limits at our son’s wedding! We kept wanting more and more and you showed us what would work and what could not. You came through for us in an amazing way. From dressing up a very simple and small room and turning it into ‘Gan Eden’. We were very delighted that our daughter-in-law ‘just ran into you’ when she needed some help. Hashgafa Pratis. May HaShem bless you.”- Rabbi and Rebbitzen D, Baltimore

“Wow! Our son’s Bar Mitzvah was amazing. You arranged everything for us and we weren’t even in Israel yet! The event was tastefully done and respectful of our wishes. You handled all the details so we could just sit back and ‘shep nachas’. We highly recommend you to others”. - T.O., North Jerusalem

“I can’t believe you did all this! You’re so creative and talented. The buffet table was beautiful and bounteous! – RA, Jerusalem

“Miryam, you are so totally awesome! I love you! I still can’t believe you did all this for me on only 2 weeks notice! It was a whirlwind for all of us. You gave me everything I dreamed of and more, in good taste and flair! I loved my bouquet and afterward, gave it to my friend for a segulah that she should experience the joy that I did. When she’s ready, I know you’ll be doing her Chassanah too! All the guests are still commenting on the beauty of it all and I still have my memories and photos and my wonderful new husband! May Tov Maod Events be blessed with many, many clients. Hatzlacha!” TG- Kochav Yaakov, Israel

“Thank you for designing that exquisite floral arrangement! It really dressed up the podium and gave the seminar an extra special touch. ”Rav BK and PT, Jerusalem

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A GREAT BIG THANK YOU TO ALL MY CLIENTS! I loved working with you to help make your dreams come true. - MH

“OH, NO! WE HAVE A LITTLE PROBLEM! WHAT DO I DO NOW??”

NOT TO FEAR, Tov Maod EMERGENCY KIT IS HERE!

Sounds silly but things do happen, especially behind the scenes. Tov Maod Events is quick at hand to bring a special kit to every event, just in case! “Always be prepared”

If you’re doing it yourself, prepare in advance and bring it along (or assign someone ). A clear plastic pouch or shoe box style container works fine. Add some or all of the following:

Small sewing kit, safety pins, scissors, small stapler, scotch tape or masking tape, straight pins, crazy glue, white chalk, pre-packaged stain wipes
Tissues, lipstick, compact powder case, perfume, spare pantyhose, clear nail polish, compact mirror, comb and brush, dental floss, toothpicks, bottled water, drinking straws (so you don’t mess up the lipstick)

Barrettes and/or bobby pins, hair spray, deodorant, eye drops, saline solution if you use contact lenses, aspirin or Tylenol or Ibuprofen, non-drowsy allergy medication, antacids, adhesive bandages, any prescription medications for you and your intended

Breath mints, smelling salts, snack food, cell phone and charger, pen and small note pad, list and phone numbers of all wedding day vendors

You may have some other specific items that must be included, we tried to come up with a pretty comprehensive list.

Let us know if you can think of additional items!

May your Marriage be blessed always,

Miryam

Thanks to Phillip Birnbaum for this research and information

A step by step outline:

In talmudic times, the usual age of the bridegroom was eighteen to twenty. Girls were treated as marriageable from the beginning of their thirteenth year. A Jewish court would often compel a man to take a wife; such pressure, however, was not applied in the case of students. A contemporary of Rabbi Akiva, Simeon ben Azzai was never married, because he was enamored of the Torah; he said: “The population of the world can be kept up by others.”[1]

Twelve months was the normal interval between the betrothal (erusin) and the marriage (nissu’in), when the bride was taken to her husband’s house..”[2] Since the sixteenth century the two ceremonies of betrothal and marriage have been performed on the same day. The talmudic term shiddukhin refers to the arrangements preliminary to the legal betrothal, which has been gradually replaced by the engagement.

The performance of a wedding includes the use of a ring and a canopy (huppah), the breaking of a glass, the reading of a marriage contract (ketubbah), and the recital of the seven benedictions. The ring is said to have been introduced in the seventh century; it replaced the ancient gift of money or an article of value. It need not be of gold, but must not contain gems; it is put on the forefinger of the bride’s right hand; afterwards she places it on the customary finger of the left hand.

Originally, the huppah was the marriage chamber, into which the bridal couple were conducted after a procession; but now it is merely symbolic. A regular preliminary of the marriage ceremony is the bridegroom’s signing of the ketubbah, which sets forth the amount payable to the wife in the case of the husband’s death or the wife’s divorce. The ketubbah was designed to protect the rights of the wife and her personal property; it was also intended as a strong restraint against rash divorces. The ketubbah is still retained, though it hardly has any legal significance. It is carefully preserved by the bride, and was often engrossed in parchment with illuminated borders. [In recent decades, couples have been writing egalitarian (usually illuminated) ketubbot in which they express their commitments and promises one to the other.]

The bridegroom breaks a glass as a symbol of the mourning for Zion, which is frequently recalled in the Hebrew wedding hymns. The Talmud relates: “When the son of Ravina was married, the father took a costly vase of white crystal, worth four hundred zuzim, and broke it before the rabbis present, who were in an uproarious mood, in order to curb their spirits.”.”[3] The custom, then, arose from a desire to keep men’s joys tempered by serious thoughts and the memory of Zion.

The term for the betrothal ceremony is kiddushin (consecration), indicating the religious significance of Jewish marriages which are described as a divine covenant..”[4] Hence the ceremony is usually conducted in the synagogue and is hallowed by the seven blessings, which are recited when a quorum of ten (minyan) is present. They are quoted in the Talmud as birkat hatanim (nuptial blessing).”[5]

The fourth benediction refers to the perpetual renewal of the human being in the divine form. In the last three benedictions a prayer is uttered that God may comfort Zion, cause happiness to the young couple, and bring about complete exultation in a restored Judea and Jerusalem.

Since the betrothal ceremony is now combined with the wedding ceremony, two glasses of wine are used. The blessing for the betrothal reads: “Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who has sanctified us with your commandments, and prohibited illicit relations; You have forbidden the cohabitation of those who are merely betrothed, permitting it to those who are married through consecrated wedlock. Blessed art You, O Lord, who sanctifies Your people Israel by consecrated wedlock.” This is followed by the groom’s placing the ring, symbolic of attachment and fidelity, on the forefinger of the bride’s right hand, and saying: “With this ring you are wedded to me in accordance with the law of Moses and Israel.” [In egalitarian ceremonies, the woman places a ring on the groom's finger as well, as recites a verse from the prophets or other Jewish sources.]

The phrase “in accordance with the law of Moses and Israel” signifies the traditional interpretation of the laws of Moses, since the regulations of betrothal (erusin) are not directly biblical. After the reading of the ketubbah, the aforementioned seven blessings are chanted over a second cup of wine. Then comes the groom’s breaking of the glass in memory of unrestored Jerusalem. The two cups of wine are said to represent cups of joy and sorrow; the bride and groom drink of both, expressing their intention to share one another’s joys and sorrows. The plain ring of pure gold is symbolic of the purity of marital fidelity. Since the fourteenth century the wedding ceremony has been conducted, as a rule, by a rabbi, although any Jew is qualified to perform a wedding.

The term tenaim (conditions) signifies the engagement, which consists of certain conditions entered into by the parents of the couple as to the dowry (nedunya) and other details stipulated in a written document. This contract includes a provision that the party withdrawing from the agreement before marriage must pay to the other party a fine (kenas); hence, the Yiddish word farkenast denoting engaged, It is customary to break a dish at this engagement ceremony (tenaim) for the reason given above, or else: to warn the guests against excessive hilarity.

It is good manners that everyone who partakes of a wedding feast should give a present to the young couple.[6]

Footnotes:

[1] BT Yevamot 63b
[2] BT Ketubbot 5:2
[3] BT Berakhot 30b
[4] Proverbs 2:17
[5] BT Ketubbot 8a
[6] Zohar, i,149a

Excerpt From: Encyclopedia of Jewish Concepts, “Marriage” 243-245, by: Philip Birnbaum NY 1998, Hebrew Publishing

 I hope you enjoyed this article,

Miryam

printed in MODERN BRIDE Magazine in September 2005

(PRICES QUOTED ARE USD $$)

There are many ways budget-conscious brides can save money on their invitations.

Assembly: Instead of having your stationer assemble your invitations, gather your bridesmaids to help you tie, stuff, and seal them at home. Try to use self-adhesive stamps and a sealer sponger or glue stick to seal the envelopes.

Calligraphy: Professional calligraphers will address your invitations, but the cost for this service quickly adds up. Instead, do them yourself or ask a friend with beautiful handwriting to help you out. Computer calligraphy is also an economical choice at $.75 to $1.25 an envelope. (In America)

Extra Envelopes: You should order 25 extra envelopes in the event there is an error while addressing so you don’t have to rush a small order to your door.

Ink Colors: Keep budget-friendly with non-metallic inks. Most invitation companies charge a standard fee for black, gray and colored inks. Inks with hints of silver, gold and bronze are more expensive.

Printing Options: Engraving and letterpress are the most expensive printing options. Other, more economical, printing methods include thermography (raised lettering that gives the illusion of engraving), flat printing, offset printing, laser printing, and lithography.

Simplicity: Skip the engraved doves, hearts and flowers, and show off your refined style with a clean border or beveled edge. Select the heaviest, most luxurious cardstock you can afford, and finish off your look with a simple typeface in black or gray ink.

Standard Sizes: If your invitations are extra long, extra wide, extra thick, extra heavy, or extra small — make sure you have the post office determine the proper postage. Getting the postage wrong means invitations might be returned to the sender.

Hatzlacha!

Miryam

What is the difference between a Consultant and a Coordinator?

A consultant advises you beforehand on particular facets of the process, such as which vendors to use, how to structure the timing of the event and even how to deal with difficult relatives.

What does a Professional Wedding Coordinator Do?

A coordinator will be your advocate, confidant, friend, and ally. There are so many people, events, and details involved in your wedding event and we will be there to make them all come together. Your coordinator will hold your hand and hand you the tissues. From the very beginning to the joyfully teary end, from “I Will” (Marry You) to Breaking the glass and shouting “Mazel Tov”!

She answers the questions: “How do we start?” “Where will it take place?” “What kind of flowers will work?” “How do we address the invitations?” “Where are the candles?” “My hem fell out!” “What an amazing day!”

Tov Maod Events does the footwork for your venue selection, wedding/floral design and decor, coordination of the vendors, etiquette advice, problem solving, budgeting, scheduling and organization. We do this so you don’t have to. You concentrate on you and your Chasson and your wonderful future together.

Can I afford to hire a Professional Wedding Coordinator?

Yes! A Professional Wedding Coordinator is going to save you money and most of all, time. Every Kallah deserves the wedding of her dreams within her budget. Browse through the Wedding Services and find the plan that best matches your needs. What she will save you in costs will more than cover her fees plus all the work!

Will a Wedding Coordinator “take over” the wedding?

No. We will help you make your wedding uniquely yours. After all, it is your wedding and it should have your own personal style. The only thing that she will “take over” are the tasks that you ask her to do.

I have friends and family that have offered to help on the wedding day.

Terrific! It’s such an asset to have family and friends to support you. However, they can not take the place of a personal Professional Wedding Coordinator. You want everyone to have a great time at your wedding - yourself included. We will take the burden off you, your friends and family to ensure that everything runs smoothly and stress-free, just as we have planned it.

The reception site is providing a coordinator. Isn’t that enough?

Probably not. Reception site coordinators are likely to be very good at their jobs. However, there are many things left out of their service provisions. Your personal Professional Wedding Coordinator will assist in so many aspects of your wedding that the reception site coordinators simply don’t have time to do. Also, keep in mind that we hold allegiance to you - and you only.

Will you be bringing an assistant?

Yes, it’s impossible for someone to be in two or three places at one time. Our assistants are there to help throughout the event and serve you and your family throughout the day.

How will you be dressed for the wedding day?

We try to be on the same level of dress as the guests, while setting ourselves apart from them. Our team will also be wearing attractive name badges so that guests can easily identify us.

What are your fees? How do you price your services?

We know that this is an important question for any couple who needs to keep to their budget. All fees are a flat rate per package option - no percentages!

After your complimentary introductory consultation we will send a detailed proposal. That proposal will include several service options that are custom designed to your needs and desires. You simply choose the service and fee schedule that matches your requirements and your budget. The contract will only change if more services are added and a new contract signed.

What kind of packages do you offer?

• Individual Consultation
• Wedding Day Services
• Wedding Consulting, Design and Coordination
• Comprehensive Wedding Consulting, Design and Coordination

Can you accommodate my particular religious traditions?

Absolutely, however because part of our Code of Ethics states that we are guided by Torah; we will not work on Shabbat. There may be other restrictions depending on the nature of a particular issue.

Kol Tuv!

Miryam