CELEBRATE! Generosity Yields Beautiful Brides PEARL SALKIN Special to the Jewish News y wedding gown hangs on the rod in the corner of my closet. Although it's sealed in cellophane, the once winter-white dress has lost its luster. After multiple moves and 28 years in cramped quarters, its previ- ously pristine layers of bright lace have turned dingy and dim. I lovingly looked at that size 6 dress on each of my first few wedding anniversaries and relived a little of one of life's happiest moments. I remi- nisced about one of the greatest joys of Judaism — standing under the chup- pah and saying, "I am my beloved's." But now that so many years have passed, seeing that gown makes me sigh — I can't believe I was ever that thin. A recent trip to the mall, which included trying on bathing suits, was enough to convince me that my girlish figure is gone forever. As a public serv- ice, I will never again wear a bikini on the beach. _ It's likely that some of today's scrawny brides will eventually face that same situation that strikes many of us in middle age. But if you or the brides-to-be in your life want to avoid a future confrontation in the closet with a wispy wedding gown, do a mitzvah and donate it to charity. The practice of providing assistance to needy brides has its roots in the Torah. Traditionally, Jewish women in the bride's extended family and in the community have offered support for all aspects of wedding preparation, cel- ebration and the establishment of a new Jewish home. But before the food for the festivities can be prepared and a place for the newlyweds to live can be located, find- ing a wedding dress for the bride is a top priority. Iff Lunch and dinner served daily • Catering for all events Introducing Michigan's First Ei Finest Mid-Eastern LUNCH BUFFET Mon. - Fri. 11-4 WEST BLOOMFIELD 6123 Haggerty Road West Bloomfield 248.668.1800 LATHRUP VILLAGE 27060 Evergreen Road (at 11 Mile & 1-696) Lathrup Village 248.559.9099 Temple Israel Sisterhood GIFT SHOP Laiv<., Selection ().1 Jud aic(' itiehictIng : Kippot ptint,th Tallit 4eztizot. Cry Scrolls Crty (e Shal31)at Candies 13ersotialized Bo()Lts= Tapes ClYs ti Wide N'arietV Of 4fts for all occasions Mention this ad for 20% off on ■ &ected item!) Cash. refunds Visa & Mastercard Accepted Gift Registry Available WE ARE OPEN DAILY Call Temple office for information: 248-661-5700 5725 Walnut Lake Road • West Bloomfield