April 30th, 2011
Alec Rubin from Langhorne, PA will be celebrating his Bar Mitzvah in October, 2011 but has already started his Mitzvah Project called, “Discs For Dogs.”
Pictured left: Alec and his dog Lola.
He combined his two loves: Animals and movies into one terrific project. We got the chance to ask him some questions about his Mitzvah Project:
MM: Please describe your Mitzvah Project.
AR: I will be collecting used DVDs (CDs and video games are also acceptable). I’m going to sell the items at the second Annual Tail Waggers Strut at Shady Brook Farm in Yardley, PA. 100% of the proceeds from this sale will go to EASEL animal rescue league in Ewing, NJ.
EASEL Animal Rescue League is an all-volunteer, community-based 501(C)(3) action group dedicated to saving the lives of homeless animals in Mercer County, NJ. They work with the community to reduce the number of unwanted dogs, cats, and horses being euthanized and are working toward building and operating a state-of-the-art NO KILL shelter. They will house and care for homeless animals while striving to adopt them out to loving forever homes.
MM: Does your project have a start and end date, if so what are they?:
AR: The start date was March 27th, 2011. My goal is too have 300 DVDs by May 10th, but I will still accept donations after May 10th.
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project/charity?
AR: I’m an animal lover and I chose this charity because I don’t want animals to have a short life due to shelters not being able to afford to care for them. Since I love movies and I love dogs, I will use the money raised from selling the DVDs to save a dog’s life. The buyer of the disc gets to enjoy the movie and the money will help a dog enjoy life.
MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bar Mitzvah?
AR: I believe that when you become a Bar Mitzvah you’re becoming an adult. With the privileges of being an adult I think you should also hold the responsibilities of giving back to your community.
MM: If it involves a donation, what are you doing to spread the word?
AR: I am giving out flyers to my neighbors, my family and to my congregation at Shir Ami. I’ve also posted my project on Facebook and Craigslist and my mother has spread the word at work. The project has taken on a life of its own as my friends, family and neighbors continue to spread the word on my behalf.
MM: For how long can people donate to this charity?
AR: The Tail Waggers Strut is on May 15th, 2011. I would like to have 300 discs to sell that day. The proceeds will support the EASEL animal rescue league in Ewing, NJ.
Any discs I collect after that time will be shipped to a used CD/DVD shop in Kenmore, NY. This shop will sell the discs and give all proceeds to the ASPCA in Erie, PA. Their site is www.discsfordogs.org
MM: Anything else we need to know about your Mitzvah Project?
AR: If you have any spare DVDs please send them to: Hallie Rubin, D&B, 101 Lindenwood Dr # 430, Malvern, PA 19355-1769, 215-850-1553
Mitzvah Market would like to thank Alec for sharing his project with us. Let’s help Alec reach his goal, please send your used DVD’s, CD’s etc to the address above!
April 30th, 2011
After all the eating that goes on at Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrations, and then the elaborate desserts, we all still love to grab something for that car ride home!
Many families are creating their own candy bars and we have found a few other creative options that we wanted to share!
Bar/Bat Mitzvah families have thought outside the box for their “Mitzvah Exit” treat. Here are some we wanted to share. We hope they inspire you for your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration.
The Wabnik’s celebrated their son’s Bar Mitzvah in November, right before Thanksgiving. They live near an apple cider mill and purchased mini pies for all their guests
Each pie had a label thanking everyone for celebrating with them!
From the Tacher Bat Mitzvah family spotlight: Ralph’s Ices to go!
Kenny’s Krumbs, the most delicious part of the crumb cake!
These mini-cupcakes by Baked By Melissa were given out after Danielle Josephson’s Bat Mitzvah. The family created the custom “Sweet Dreams” label and Melissa put them on the boxes
From the Lapidus Bat Mitzvah family spotlight: A New York City pretzel vendor cart
Athough Party Favorites used these chocolate covered potato chips from Asher’s as an exit treat for a 40th birthday party, it works for Bar/Bat Mitzvahs too. We love the idea of a QR code on the label which could lead guests to a Website of photos from the event or other unique places!
From the Brett Bar Mitzvah family spotlight this celebration continued their urban theme with garbage pails filled with treats from Sweet City Candy. Guests scooped their own candy as they left the celebration
From the Alexander Bat Mitzvah family spotlight: Guests were offered custom mugs and donuts from Dunkin Donuts
Baked Sweet can assemble a 4×4 gift box filled with cookies, tied up with ribbons to match the color theme of the party or cello bags filled with cookies or platters filled with baked goods where guests help themselves
This Mitzvah family had jars filled with M&Ms in front of the Baked Sweet cookies to go
From the Pastolove Bat Mitzvah family spotlight a cupcake bar
Dunkin Munchkins in to-go cups along with coffee, tea, hot cocoa and assorted cookies from the Udell Mitzvah Family Spotlight
Did you give your guests a treat for the ride home? Please let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
April 30th, 2011
By Carolyn Schwartz, Poems By Carolyn
It’s a big day for your whole family when celebrating a milestone, such as your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Many parents are concerned about what to say when toasting their child in front of all their guests.
Here are some tips in writing a memorable toast:
Introduction – This is where you welcome everyone and thank them for celebrating with you and your family. You may want to acknowledge grandparents, a great-grandparent or family/friends that traveled great distances to attend.
Body Paragraph – Express the pride you feel for your child on becoming Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Share with your guests a short story about what makes him/her unique. I always find that speaking of your child’s character gives insight into who your child really is.
Conclusion – It is important to briefly acknowledge your spouse and other children in the family on this special day. In addition, this is the time to express your wishes for your child’s future as he/she moves toward adulthood. And of course, toast the moment with a big I LOVE YOU and MAZEL TOV!
Practice your speech several times before the big day. This will help you feel comfortable and confident.
Remember, everything you want to say comes straight from your heart. As long as it is genuine and heartfelt, your speech will be meaningful and memorable.
About Carolyn Schwartz
Carolyn Schwartz is a creative writer for special events and celebrations who has been providing personalized writing services for over the past 17 years.
She started writing poems and speeches for others when a friend asked her thirteen years ago to help with her daughter’s candle lighting for her Bat Mitzvah. She knew Carolyn was a great writer and poet, and Carolyn wrote something for each of the guests who were coming to light a candle at the Bat Mitzvah.
Carolyn’s special gift of putting others thoughts and feelings into words stems from working one-on-one with individuals to create a personal experience that develops the true connection of what they are trying to express.
Helping bring thousands of celebrations to life, Carolyn has been working with clients for more than 12 years to write speeches, toasts, roasts, poems and candle lighting ceremonies.
April 26th, 2011
The Caterer Conundrum
By Cindy Silvert, www.easybreezygourmet.com
It doesn’t take an MBA to know that “the customer knows best.” This formula for success varies from country to country. In Israel for example, there’s typically a slight twist. It’s more like: “You gonna buy it or not?” Back in the USA, the man at AT&T thanked me fourteen times for giving him my phone number and zip code. The lady at the post office welled up as she apologized for giving me a pen that didn’t work. The company that printed my business cards is going to print them all again for free, since I called them to say “hi.” (Okay, I also mentioned that the colors were off, but still…). In this economy, customer service can make or break you. Meanwhile, kosher caterers charge twice as much as their non-kosher counterparts and apparently make up the difference by not returning phone calls.
In my previous blog I declared that I would reach out to caterers, and I did. They just didn’t reach back. One outfit took six months to return my call. I do not exaggerate. (Fine, I always, always, always exaggerate, but I happen to be telling the truth this once.) The second time we spoke, she said she would send me an estimate within two weeks. I don’t like to be pushy, but I called her two months later to find out what was up. Her food is superb, otherwise I wouldn’t have put up with this, (and might have gotten the hint last Fall), but how can I be sure she’ll serve it on the right day?
Caterer #2 basically opened the conversation with “trust me” (case closed). He immediately told me how much better, classier and cheaper he is compared to the bigger caterers. He then suggested that a “light” afternoon snack for kids could include rib eye steak & cheese steaks, without the cheese, at $85 a pop. (At that price, I’ll take the cheese in a doggie bag please). As if that wasn’t bad enough, he asked me if I knew what “haimesh” meant. Sorry, but anyone who’s xenophobic and haughty enough to ask if you know what haimesh means, is not someone I can work with, or frankly, all that haimesh.
Caterer #3 said he wanted to speak to me again the very next day to make sure he understood exactly what I wanted. He also said he wanted to visit the Bar Mitzvah location to make sure everything would work out perfectly. I was impressed. I’m still waiting by the phone. Someone just asked me if the antics I share with you are based on actual events. Since reality is so much stranger than fiction, why would I make it up? (That’s a yes.) My friend who wants to cater the event from his kitchen over his wife’s dead body read my last blog and wants to have “the talk”. I’ve got no alibi, no caterer, no estimate, not even a phone call. Doesn’t he realize I have everything under control?
About Cindy Silvert
Cindy Lynn Silvert took the long route to the States from Canada via Israel, where she studied, worked and had her first two children. A lover of the Arts, Cindy is a professionally trained actor, prolific artist and writer. She has designed educational software, curricula and museums exhibits in addition to editing two books. She writes for a number of sites including easybreezygourmet.com where she shares culinary secrets, shortcuts and tips. She is also a featured chef and lead contributor of metroimma.com.
Follow Cindy’s new blog Eat Pray Save, right here on MitzvahMarket.com as she challenges the status quo all the way to the Bimah, while planning her son’s upcoming Bar Mitzvah. Eat Pray Save will be the place to get a fresh perspective and a classy, yet fun and affordable solution to the out of control phenomenon of the American Bar Mitzvah.
It’s funny stuff we know you will enjoy!
Share your thoughts by writing to us at Sheri@MitzvahMarket.com.
Catch up on what you missed!
Read Part 1
Read Part 2
Read Part 3
Read Part 4
Read Part 5
April 24th, 2011
We recently featured a terrific favor idea for a B’not Mitzvah or any family celebrating with siblings. That story was so popular, we wrote a Mitzvah Inspire about Bar/Bat Mitzvah invitation options for twins and/or siblings.
Here’s a great Bar/Bat Mitzvah theme idea because some things in life are very black and white. Especially in this case of a B’nai Mitzvah celebration.
Jersey Street Furniture collaborated with Judy Willsey’s Framings Event Design on this amazing theme. Together these event pros carried the black and white yin/yang symbol throughout the reception from the lounge furniture to the gobos to the beautiful flowers and decor.
All photography was taken by Mary Lou App of App Photography.
A gobo of the twins logo
The “yin/yang” is even built into the lounge furniture!
The same logo is used as a napkin ring
You can see the logo used on the plasma screens thru the doors
Check out the matching sign-in board
The shirt giveaways and the goody bags also incorporated this great logo
The Yin Yang symbols were a great visual to use to represent the perfect balance of these two special B’nai Mitzvahs. Thank you to Jersey Street Furniture for sharing this party with Mitzvah Market.
April 13th, 2011
The talented ladies from Levine & Fox did it again by producing a sophisticated Bar Mitzvah in Malibu, California. The service and celebration were held at the Malibu Jewish Center and Synagogue which was filled with fun, games, good food & festivities set against a sophisticated & dramatic Vegas lounge backdrop!
Utilizing sleek furniture groupings, striking banners, creative lighting techniques by Images By Lighting, streamlined floral accents from Mark’s Garden & tasteful linens, the Vegas Lounge environment came alive. And in this case, “What happens in Malibu doesn’t stay in Malibu,” we had to share!
All photography was taken by Elizabeth Solano at John Solano Photography.
Yamulkes beautifully presented
Welcome to Dylan’s Bar Mitzvah – banners surrounded by blinking lights!
As night approached the banner was dropped and Dylan’s video montage and a live feed of the party played
Deep tones of indigo blue and brown were used in the lounge with chic furniture groupings
After the cocktail hour came to a close, glamorous mirrored panels were added to the walls and the sanctuary was transformed into a chic Las Vegas restaurant with buffet and dining tables
covered in silver and blue linens
High styled mirrored DJ booth
Sleek lounge furniture, dozens of over sized pillows tossed about for kids to relax on, stunning lighting effects and sophisticated floral touches combined to provide an amazing ambiance and perfect backdrop for the festivities
We want to thank Levine & Fox for sharing this terrific Bar Mitzvah with our Mitzvah Market readers.
April 9th, 2011
Today’s Mitzvah Inspire comes to us from Person + Killian Photography located in Boston. Along with the innovative event planning company of Rafanelli Events. Their name could sound familiar, they did a little wedding for someone named Chelsea Clinton!
The reception took place at the Ritz-Carlton in Boston. The second floor was transformed into Bat Mitzvah girl Zoe’s favorite vacation destination, Cannes, France.
Seating cards hung from branches of a tree
Beautiful balls of light hung over guests tables
Cabana style curtains surround tables
Stunning floral table arrangement by Spruce Florals
Cotton Candy was given out to guests
The Bat Mitzvah girl and her guests were treated to a performance by “Status Quo” from MTV’s “Randy Jackson Presents America’s Best Dance Crew“
Thank you to Person + Killian Photography for sharing these photos with us. Looks like a great party!
April 9th, 2011
Digital media is such a big part of our daily lives, so it only seems natural that a Mitzvah vendor would produce a sign-in board keepsake in digital form!
After two years of experimenting with various touch screen technologies, Simon Elliot Events has brought the sign in board/book concept into the 21st century with the iSign. We asked them a few questions to learn more:
MM: Please describe this innovative and fun way to capture well wishes from friends and family.
SEE: At the heart of iSign is a modified ipad which is combined with our proprietary software to capture digital signatures using a stylus. The experience begins with a blank digital canvas. Your guests choose from custom backgrounds that are designed to correspond with the different groups of friends and family that will be present at your affair.
Guests use a stylus to write their wishes on a iPad
Young guests love using the iPad!
Typical backgrounds might include a camp scene for camp friends featuring their camp logo, or the school mascot for school friends. Once a background is chosen your guests select a digital ink color and begin writing their message. Finished messages are captured as a digital snapshot which is later used to create your iSign keepsake book.
MM: What is the keepsake book?
SEE: Every iSign package includes a hardcover keepsake book featuring all of the digital signatures captured during the party. The cover and page backgrounds are tailored to match the theme of the affair. The package also includes a disc containing all of the messages in digital format for upload to the web or emailing friends and family.
After your celebration, you will receive a custom book complete with all your guests special messages
MM: How do guests know how to use the iSign?
SEE: The iSign kiosk is sure to catch your guest’s attention. The iPad rests in a custom podium and is tethered to a large screen that displays your guests every stroke as its made for all to see. The entire kiosk can be graphically enhanced to match the theme and color scheme of your affair. For a recent basketball theme the podium was turned into a basketball and the large screen into a backboard.
Work hand in hand with the Simon Elliot design staff to create an iSign look to match your theme
MM: Do you provide staff for the iSign?
SEE: This might seem a little complicated but not to worry, a Simon Elliot staff member is on site for the entire party to assist your guests with their messages. Optionally the attendant can snap a portrait of your smiling guests that will be featured next to their message in the iSign book, put a face with the name!
This iSign was customized for Skylar’s “Sky Z100” theme
For more information about the iSign, call Simon Elliot Events at 516-586-6822 and visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
April 6th, 2011
This cool Bar Mitzvah comes to us from Jamee Bryant of Setting the Mood in Indianapolis.
Setting the Mood specializes in artsy centerpieces, placecards, party favors, signs and props. They make almost everything and love to customize their events.
Her most recent party was that of a Bar Mitzvah boy named Danny who is into all things architecture. Jamee says, “He has an incredible creative mind and I have no doubt he will do something great in his future. So, for his party he wanted to theme it after skyscrapers around the world.”
All photography was taken by Sue Huffer Photography.
The skyscraper place cards
The place cards were cut into various building silhouettes and placed in alphabetical order so it would look like a city skyline
Dog tags with skyscrapers for each guest with napkins folded like buildings
Chair sashes were used to create a criss-cross table topper on each table
Overall look of Danny’s party room
Check out these adult centerpieces. They were glass cylinders with Danny’s favorite skyscrapers around the glass and topped with a stainless steel globe. They were under lit with LED lighting
The kids centerpieces were laser cut Plexiglas buildings with a blue water base and up lit again with LED lighting
Black and white dance floor
These table numbers were super sleek and from a home improvement store
The Eiffel Tower had an elaborate fruit, cheese and bread display and was switched out later in the evening to a fabulous french pastry/dessert display
Classic Cakes made this amazing cake to match the theme
Thank you to Setting The Mood for sharing this terrific Bar Mitzvah celebration with MitzvahMarket.com.
Two other Mitzvah Inspire stories from Setting The Mood are archived on MitzvahMarket.com. Check out the Facebook theme and Tennis theme.
April 6th, 2011
As you know, most trends begin with our favorite celebrities and according to People magazine, there’s a hole new spin on Donuts!
Move over cupcakes, donuts are appearing with bacon toppings, new flavors and shapes.
Bakeries are reinventing this classic treat and you might see some stacked at a Bar/Bat Mitzvah near you soon!
Here’s the scoop:
NYC’s Doughnut Plant was taste tested by Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa. They ate the square shaped donuts filled with blackberry jam.
Doughnut Plant
Chicago’s Bleeding Heart Bakery have ingredients in their donuts like avocado, candied rose petals and wasabi peas. American Idol alum Crystal Bowersox is a fan.
The menu at Bleeding Heart Bakery include cinnamon donuts spirnked with coffee beans and sweet potato topped with cream cheese glaze
Voodoo Doughnuts is known to have “nonconformist” flavors at their locations in Portland Oregon.
This M&M topped donut looks like a sugary treat!
Randy’s Donuts is located in LA and was used in a scene for Iron Man 2.
They charge $8.95 per dozen and offer overnight shipping
Rihanna is a fan of a dessert called the Carnival, offered at NYC’s nightspot Abe & Arthur’s.
This dessert treat features ricotta donuts
Thanks People! Now we got the “hole” scoop on donuts.
