December 2nd, 2009
If you are thinking about airbrushing, Can Art, photo favors or bottle cap jewelry for your Mitzvah, reach out to Make It Snappy!.
They set themselves apart from the competition by hiring the best airbrush artists in the area and having very unique favors.
To learn more visit their extended Vendor Directory profile page and watch our Vendor Video Series video here.
Contact: Sol Pearlman
Phone: 888-7-SNAPPY or 718-876-9305
Email: mispartycentral@aol.com
December 2nd, 2009
We love to pass along great ideas and information, especially when the organization has a special and meaningful Mitzvah Project idea for our kids!
We caught up with Silvana Gullo, the Director of Development for the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County to learn more about this great organization and a special upcoming event.
MM: Please tell us about the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center and your mission.
SG: The Center’s mission is to teach the lessons of the Holocaust to fight intolerance in our schools, in workplaces and throughout the community. By examining the roles of individuals in the Holocaust – the victims, the perpetrators, the bystanders, and the up standers – we inspire students and adults to examine the roles they play when witnessing intolerance.
The Holocaust as a lesson is powerful enough to give you a window of opportunity to reach into a person’s soul. Haven’t we all fallen victim to intolerance at some point in our lives? What would you want someone to do if you were the victim? Our programs inspire people to recognize their responsibility to choose the role they play when faced with intolerance and encourage them to be an up stander.
MM: Please explain what your upcoming event, A Walk To Remember, is all about.
SG: A Walk To Remember is an annual event to honor the memory of the children killed during the Holocaust and raise funds for the Children’s Memorial Garden at the Center. This year the event will be held on April 25, 2010, and ties in to JServe’s National Community Service day.
Welwyn Preserve in Glen Cove, NY provided the perfect setting for last year’s A Walk To Remember
The event includes an educational experience while the participants enjoy a leisurely walk on the beautiful grounds of the Welwyn Preserve, a 247-acre preserve in Glen Cove, NY. Walkers will learn specifically about children’s personal experiences during the Holocaust at five checkpoints along the walk.
Each participant and their sponsors will receive the name and bio of a Holocaust child they will be walking in memory of. Paper butterflies in the participants’ and sponsors’ names will be posted on a butterfly wall commemorating the event.
Each butterfly represents a Holocaust child
Participants can benefit by:
– Earning community service credits for participating in a hands-on planting project the morning of the Walk in the Garden, and by helping to raise funds for and build awareness of the Center by engaging sponsors.
– Earning permanent recognition in the Garden by generating contributions for the Walk of $1,000 and above for an engraved plaque in the garden.
– Having the opportunity to meet a Holocaust survivor who will describe their own experience
MM: Can you please explain what the Children’s Memorial Garden is all about.
SG: The Children’s Memorial Garden is the only living memorial to Holocaust children in New York State. Approximately $250,000 was invested to reestablish the existing Garden planted by the original owners of the 100-year-old estate. Monies raised by the Walk help cover the cost of maintaining the garden annually.
The Children’s Choir remembers those lost in the Holocaust with song at last year’s event, A Walk To Remember
MM: What are the various ways people can get involved?
SG: The Center provides many community service opportunities for youth groups and adults to become involved in its work. Volunteers make up 85% of the Center’s staff.
Youth opportunities include acting as the Center’s Ambassador by hosting a tolerance workshop for their Hebrew class, Temple or school or doing some hands-on work in the Center’s garden.
Adult opportunities include acting as Docents for the exhibit or working directly with the Center staff in our Education, Development, Public Relations and Administration Departments.
MM: How can participating in A Walk To Remember become a child’s Mitzvah Project?
SG: The Walk provides the perfect opportunity for children to complete their Mitzvah projects. Some ideas include:
* Hands-on participation in Garden project
* They can choose to adopt a section as their own personal Mitzvah project and engage others to help or join other youth groups the morning of the Walk.
* Introduce the Center’s unique education programs to others by asking them to support their efforts to raise funds for the Garden and to earn a permanent recognition plaque through sponsorships.
* They can include the Holocaust child they are honoring through the walk at their Bat/Bar Mitzvah (the Center’s partnership with Remember-us.org can provide the child an opportunity to include the Holocaust child in their Bat/Bar Mitzvah ceremony). Read more about Rememberus.org here.
MM: Anything else we should know about the Center?
SG: The Center’s new multi-media Holocaust exhibit opening this January will include testimony and artifacts from local survivors. Guided tours and compelling programs will be offered daily.
To sign up for the April 25, 2010, A Walk To Remember, contact Silvana Gullo at silvanagullo@holocaust-nassau.org.
December 2nd, 2009
Is your child looking for a meaningful Mitzvah Project? We were very touched to learn about Remember Us: The Holocaust Bnai Mitzvah Project. The idea is simple. The Remember Us Project invites every child who is preparing for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah to remember a child who was lost in the Holocaust. Thru this Website, your child is provided with the name of a lost child, info about him/her and suggestions for simple acts of remembrance.
Some suggestions include:
* Doing a Mitzvot b’shem (in the name of the child)
* Mentioning the child in a speech from the bimah
* Taking on the Mitzvah of saying Kaddish
* Lighting a yahrzeit candle yearly
The Website makes it easy to request a name. There is no charge to participate, but voluntary donations do sustain them so they can bring this opportunity to another child.
The Website also features touching stories from parents and children on how this program changed their lives and how it moved their guests when they learned about what their child had done. Read what they had to say here.
November 29th, 2009
Dessert is everyone’s favorite part of the meal and that can be difficult for those children and adults with nut allergies. Planning any type of party with that in mind can be tough – especially when it comes time to roll out the ice cream and candy bar. We found a great way to include those people in your Mitzvah celebration – Vermont Nut Free Chocolates.
This gourmet chocolate is a perfect option for those who are allergic to peanuts and tree nuts, coconut and sesame but can be enjoyed by anyone who loves fine chocolates. Their entire line of chocolate is totally free of contamination from peanuts, tree nuts, sesame and coconut products. Some of their top sellers are chocolate truffles, chocolate pretzels, mint creams, caramels, raisin clusters, chocolate bars and novelty items made for special occasions and party favors with or without personalized packaging.
The company understands nut and tree nut allergies. It was started by and is still owned by mom Gail Elvidge whose son has nut allergies. The company makes over 150 items, all of which can be ordered from their Website.
November 22nd, 2009
If you are like us, you sometimes forget to pick up a card for the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child. We thought this Mitzvah Find could not only solve that problem, but was a cost effective solution as well.
Customized gift cards from The Personalized Party are designed with a warm greeting on the front and a pre-printed personal message on the inside with your family name, child’s name or however you would like to sign. Sold in quanities of 25 and perfectly sized to insert a check. There are 12 designs to choose from all on their Website.
November 22nd, 2009
If you have a child with food allergies, then you know what a big deal it is. Even if you don’t have a child who suffers, you most likely know a friend of your child’s who needs to be careful about what he/she eats. Sometimes, even being near foods with peanuts, for example, can be a lethal risk for some children.
So how do you plan a Mitzvah to keep your child and/or your guests safe? To find out, we recently caught up with Einat Mazor, a certified chef from the Natural Gourmet Institute in New York City and the owner of Bliss Fine Foods, a catering company which specializes in alternative desserts and appetizers such as gluten, dairy, nut and eggs free. Here’s the scoop:
MM: Food allergies are a big concern for parents for obvious reasons. How can parents plan a Mitzvah that is allergy-aware?
EM: Meet ahead of time with your event planner and the chef and talk about menu options. Make sure that the cooks don’t use peanut oil for frying. (They like to use it because this oil does not burn so easily.) Instead, ask them to use vegetable oil like canola oil.
MM: What should parents consider when selecting a menu?
EM: Usually the main course is okay but if you choose an Asian-inspired menu (Chinese or Japanese) you need to make sure that no sesame seeds and oil are going to be used.
When it comes to desserts, you need to ask if they are making all their desserts from scratch. If not, the chef needs to make sure that the mixes do not contain and were not processed with nuts. Usually brownies can be a problem, but again if you go through the menu ahead of time and even put it in your contract you can feel safer. You can always ask for a Parve cheesecake or plain ice creams for desserts.
MM: How can parents let their guests know that the affair will be allergy-aware? Is it appropriate, for example, to put verbiage on the invitation?
EM: One way of letting concerned parents know that you are offering allergy-aware options is to add a simple request on the invitation. Ask parents to indicate that if their child has any food allergies, to please contact you by a certain date.
You can also try to accommodate these individuals by changing/adding items in the menu and informing them via phone.
Overall, going the extra mile will give your guests the feeling that they are welcome at your party and you will be the perfect host for all of your guests.
November 18th, 2009
Transform Your Room!
One of our Mitzvah Moms found this find on the internet and wanted to share. Thanks so much! Bar Mitzvah Backdrops can transform your room by creating awe-inspiring photographic backdrops and coordinating decor elements custom tailored from the group up to fit your theme. They have backdrops that make a room look like a sports stadium, a ski lodge, an amusement park and many, many more!
They can also produce cutouts, side panels, floor graphics, table numbers and place cards to complete the look of your party. Check them out here.
November 11th, 2009
Hello All!
Please enjoy our latest Mitzvah Family Spotlight. We hope it will inspire you to take some of their ideas and make them your own.
When the Schwartz Family started planning for their third and final Bat Mitzvah, they decided to do things a bit differently. They learned a lot along the way and were able to throw a beautiful and memorable affair in honor of their daughter Lauren’s Bat Mitzvah, but with cost-savings in mind.
We want to thank the Schwartz Family for sharing their creative party with our Mitzvah Market Mail readers. We think their ideas will inspire you for your own child’s Mitzvah! A reminder that all Vendor info is listed at the bottom.
The entire Schwartz Family looked great at Lauren’s Bat Mitzvah celebration at Temple Chaverim in Plainview, NY. (Pictured left to right: Samantha, Ilana, Bat Mitzvah girl Lauren, Carolyn and Paul).
Mitzvah Mom Carolyn tells us about her 3 daughter’s dress experience. “The first time I had a dress designed specially for my daughter and it cost A LOT, the second time I bought a dress and had it partially designed and changed to her liking so it was partially customized,” she explains. But for Lauren, I was thrilled when she fell in love with a beautiful blue gown with roses on it that matched her theme. It was from 2 Be Seen and was so reasonably priced.”
United Floral helped the Schwartz family be creative with their table decorations. In creating their beautiful centerpieces, they combined authentic fresh pink roses with a variety of decorative silk flowers for an overall exquisite look that smelled like a rose garden.
The Schwartz Family was very happy with the entertainment that was provided by Double G with Ricky G. as their MC. He adds a very warm and personal touch to parties, somehow memorizing all the kids names during the cocktail hour while interacting with them. Then he shows off his talent when the children are called up for the “friends” candle by reciting each ones name.
Lauren is all smiles during the Horah!
Brian Jackson Photo took all event photography
Since Bat Mitzvah girl Lauren’s middle name is Rose, the invitation below worked perfectly for her theme. and set the tone for the entire celebration. They found these at Proper Papers which unfortunately is no longer in business.
As a favor for her friends, Lauren designed these sweatpants with the help of Barbara Edelsen from Fine Designs. She had her initials and date of the party on the front and a rose on the back.
Clever candle lighting!
Lauren’s Mom has a business called Poetry Creations, so of course she had very clever rhymes which invited guests up for the lighting of a candle. Working with her daughter they discussed what each person meant to them and reminisced about special moments. Carolyn is able to express the sentiments in an interesting and concise way with humor to make it entertaining. Her specialty is working with each child so they can deliver their poems in a clear and confident way.
Poems By Carolyn suggest laminating copies of the poem for each guest as a special momento
Lauren is lucky enough to have a very creative sister. Using a photoshop program and then with the help of Hi-Tech, Ilana made this sign above which was part of the decor and a special sign-in board below
This was Mitzvah Mom Carolyn’s third Bat Mitzvah. She’s one of our experts and has this advice!
Relax and enjoy the whole Mitzvah celebration and try not to lose sight of what is important. Have faith that the experts you have hired will do a great job for you. Your celebration HAS TO BE wonderful because the people in the room are those closest to you; your family and friends that wish you well. Enjoy the process of watching your child reach a milestone. And celebrate by having fun and cherishing the moment….Like everything else, It goes by in the blink of an eye.
Here is a list of the Mitzvah Vendors who helped make Lauren’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you call any of them, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com. Thanks!
Venue: Temple Chaverim
Caterers: Hasson Caterers 516-367-1200
Florist: United Floral 516-829-8890
Entertainment: Double G 516-932-8342
Candle lighting Poems: PoemsbyCarolyn.com 516-312-0727
Favors: Barbara Edelstein Fine Designs 516-364-7644
Dress: 2 B Seen in Syosset 516-921-5777
Photography: Brian Jackson Photo 516-558-7013
Video: Li-Da Video Production 718-948-7319
Picture Booth: Parties by Gail 516-569-3962
Picture Blow-ups: Hi-Tech 516-681-0262
November 11th, 2009
Michael Spelfogel from Rockville Centre, NY selected a Mitzvah Project to support a cause that hits close to home. Mitzvah Market caught up with him to hear about his project first-hand.
MM: Why did you select this particular Mitzvah Project?
MS: One of my friends was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness when he was 7 years old. He and his family heroically battled this illness for several years. After receiving and recovering from treatments, my friend is finally able to enjoy a normal life.
MM: Tell us the details of your project?
MS: I’ve seen how hard it is for families to go through a trauma like this. That’s why I’ve chosen to collect donations for Sunrise Day Camp, run by the Friedberg JCC. Sunrise is a camp for children with cancer and their siblings – they know that along with a cancer patient comes a family. Sunrise makes it possible for these children to enjoy a summer filled with fun and friendships. And it’s offered at no cost to the families.
MM: Tell us more about Sunrise Day Camp.
MS: Some of the activities the kids enjoy at Sunrise include: board games, hand held games, model magic clay, teen books, card games, puppets, word search games, Magic Pen books, coloring books, crayons and markers. I asked friends and family to help put a smile on the faces of the Sunrise campers by donating an item from this list. They dropped items off at my house or brought them along the day of my Bar Mitzvah.
Thanks Michael for sharing your thoughtful project with our readers. In the past, we profiled another Mitzvah child who had a project that also benefitted Sunrise Day Camp. Read about her Mitzvah Project here.
November 7th, 2009
By Robyn Spizman, www.TheGiftionary.com
It’s Robyn to your rescue and TheGiftionary.com is ready to help you, so check us out. Here are a few tips when purchasing a gift for someone to take to heart. Begin by considering not just what you like to give – think about what a Bar or Bat Mitzvah recipient values including their likes and dislikes. Sports? Music? A particular hobby or interest? Remember, gift giving lives in the details.
Do ask what they really want – don’t assume anything! Clueless? Listen out for hints, and don’t believe them if she says she doesn’t want a thing. There’s a great gift for even the hard to please, and you’ll discover it if you consider the “benefit.” Gifts that make them smarter, gifts that contribute to a special collection or cash. My favorite Bar Mitzvah cash gift were these: A grandfather included a letter of wisdom for each of 13 years he had written in preparation for the child’s Bar Mitzvah. He included it along with the check but the letters became the most meaningful gift of all! Another gift for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah child was a check that had an additional $18.00 added to the amount…it said..you keep this amount, but please donate the $18.00 to a cause of your choice. That gift kept on giving and was definitely a mitzvah maker!
Ask and you shall receive! In other words, ask their sibling, parent, family member, friend for clues about what someone would want and become Sherlock Holmes. Observe the brands she loves and then check out your options. Can’t afford the pricey designer handbag? Check out the key ring and include one of your timeless keys to success!
Do keep in mind that a gift should be something that makes someone feel adored, treasured, and cared for. It’s not the amount you spend but the time you spend searching for the gift, but is a piece of you showing thought included!
Don’t ever forget that your presence is the best gift of all. Transform your gift into a treasured memory by adding your feelings and thoughts to tell someone how much they mean to you.
Lastly, to make sure your present is a good match, gifted givers include gift receipts in a sealed envelope. Write ‘Just In Case’ on the envelope, and tell them to use it in case it’s the wrong color or size. They’ll think you thought of everything!
Check out TheGiftionary.com for a galaxy of gifts from A to Z and follow Robyn Spizman, the country’s leading gift expert at www.twitter.com/TheGiftionary
