Singles boogie all night with focus on tzedakah at annual Latke Ball

Tradition has it that in order to point out to their non-Jewish neighbors that Christmas meant nothing to them, the most devout Eastern European Jews would gamble over cards on Christmas Eve.

By dabbling in questionable pursuits on the Christians' holiest day, the Jews sent a clear message to the greater community: "Who cares!"

Perhaps something of that spirit has descended over the Jewish Bay Area, where suddenly Christmastime has become high season for serious socializing.

And once again, the biggest, sexiest, most undeniably questionable event of them all was the annual Latke Ball, produced by the Young Adult Division of the Jewish Community Federation.

The Latke Ball seems to be the social event of the year for the region's young Jews, and it is a certifiable singles scene. This year the event landed on Christmas Eve itself. So while most of young San Francisco worried who'd been good or bad this year, 1,000 revelers came out to the YAD event ready to be wicked. Highlights included the cover band Notorious, hot wax from top DJs, a throbbing crowd and a crack security squad.

All right, it wasn't all wickedness and sin. YAD once again made sure philanthropy had a place at the party table. But we'll get to that later.

A long line in the cold outside Factory 525 on Harrison Street and no-nonsense handling from the mostly Israeli security team got things started for most. But once inside, a cocktail and a few minutes in the crowd helped to heat things up.

Up on the second floor, a chill-out lounge and a VIP room opened up more space for socializing. Low-cut dresses for women and leather jackets for men seemed de rigueur, as was a healthy appreciation for sly looks and witty repartee.

According to Jessica Mullen, who co-chaired the event with Jeff Maltz, ensuring a hip scene is an important part of planning.

"Jeff and I worked to create an event that was fun enough to be regarded as a great night out, regardless of the fact that it's a 'Jewish' event," said Mullen. "We really wanted to put on a party that even the cool kids would enjoy."

Part of the fun this year was an icebreaker that matched partygoers with names of members of the opposite sex. Prizes were given out to those who could locate their matches before the night was through.

Rob, an actor at the American Conservatory Theater who had just arrived, wasn't so sure. Though he's lived in the Bay Area for the past year and a half, his busy schedule has kept him from socializing much.

"It's a lot harder to do this if you don't know anybody," he said, looking across the room. "I mean, it's already really difficult to get exposed to the Jewish community here to begin with."

But others were having a blast.

In the main room Notorius banged out an energetic version of "We Got the Beat," and revelers shook their hips. Loal Isaacs, a JCF staffer who worked closely with the host committee to make the ball happen, held a clipboard and wore a headset. At times people would materialize out of the crowd to congratulate him, but his eyes were on the band.

"I heard them on the radio three months ago -- they're fantastic," said Isaacs, gesturing at the stage. "They knew about us from last year and already wanted to play the ball."

Jay, a singer in Notorious, confirmed the good vibe during a set break. "We wish we were just going on now, instead of already being halfway through. You can tell the crowd is just getting warmed up," he said.

OK, about the philanthropy. As usual with a YAD shindig, fun was just one focus; another was the spirit of giving. This year ball attendees were invited to donate old eyeglasses. Others gave cash.

Some of the largest donors congregated in the upstairs VIP lounge, where a stylish crowd bumped to reggae and dancehall. A nearby table held a lavish spread of finger foods.

Howard Metzenberg, a fortysomething Internet consultant, pointed out that tzedakah is one of life's pleasures. As he put it, life has taught him to give -- and give well.

"I try to do what I can," he said, breaking away for a moment from two Lithuanian women he had been standing with. "The Internet was very good to me. This is the least I can do."

But for many at the Latke Ball, the main goal was to be social in a Jewish environment, make new friends, and maybe even find someone "special," as it's referred to these days.

Later on, out in the cool air, Isaacs was taking a much-needed break. He looked beat but happy. In an era of uncertainty for Jews even in America, the big event went off without a hitch.

"Everyone was very safe tonight," he smiled. "And the girls liked the Israelis on the security team too."