December 10th, 2011
Our Mitzvah Family Spotlight stories are very popular among our readers. We find that everyone likes to see how other families celebrated their son or daughter’s milestone event. Our readers get great ideas and then make them their own.
We have run spotlight stories on over 75 families and receive emails regularly from readers who would love to be profiled. It’s a great way to thank your vendors with additional press!
There have been many great ideas within each story from families around the country. As we come to the close of another year, let’s look back on some of the creative ways these families have inspired us all:
Your Bar/Bat Mitzvah invitation usually sets the tone for your party. Here are a few from our Mitzvah Family Spotlight stories:
The Lee Family sent their guests an invitation on a box of gobstoppers letting them know it would be a candy theme
The Weingast Family used invitations from JNF. At the bottom of each invitation it said, “A contribution toward water resource development in Israel has been made in honor of Jacob becoming a Bar Mitzvah”
This invitation arrived as “Victoria’s Secret Diary” and said “Secret Celebration” following services. Everyone wondered what the surprise could be. Check out the Engler Family Spotlight to learn the secret!
Adam arrived in a shopping cart for his “Adamcrombie” theme from the Farber Bar Mitzvah Family Spotlight
The Milbauer Family had Mitchell’s hockey team friends line up so he could enter under a tunnel of sticks!
For the Dukofsky Family, the paparazzi greets Arielle as she arrives for her “A-List” party
From the Imberman Bar Mitzvah Family Spotlight, Alex surprised his guests by breaking through a white screen
In keeping with their hotel theme, the upcoming Babbush Family spotlight had their daughter enter on a hotel rolling luggage rack
Everyone seems to have a way for their guests to sign-in and leave a memory/sentiment for their Bar/Bat Mitzvah child. Families are getting very creative in this area.
The Siegel Family got their idea to use their son’s closet door from Mitzvah Market!
For their “Miami Beach” theme, the Cohen Family used a surfboard from Surfboard Beach Art
The Udell Family used a guitar case for their guests to sign-in
The Imberman Family used the digital iSign from Simon Elliot Events
Here are some creative ways to let your guests know where they are sitting.
The Goldenberg Family used place cards resembling iTune cards.
They look like the real thing, and notice the price of $10. 23 (Jared’s Bar Mitzvah date)
The Ryder Family used an actual pen with a gerber daisy glued on top for their place cards. The pen said “Melanie’s Enchanted Evening”
The Sorting Hat, made by the Robinson Family for their Harry Potter theme, was at the center of the place card table. It magically roared, “You are Gryffindor!” and other phrases, thanks to an ipod underneath the brim. So clever!
Guests grabbed their “records” placed in guitar holders at the Lowinger Family celebration to see where they were sitting. They had a Beatles theme!
Who doesn’t love the Mitzvah cake! Check out these great ideas from our past Mitzvah Family Spotlights.
From the Rofe Family Spotlight, a Tiff Candy Cake
The Schuster Family had a shopping bag cake for their daughter’s fashion themed Bat Mitzvah
The Silverman Family had a beautiful red and white cake (camp colors) for their daughter’s Camp Pontiac weekend Bat Mitzvah
From the Lorry Family, a cake in the shape of a soccer field
Here are some cool style moments within our Mitzvah Family Spotlight stories.
From the Imberman Family spotlight, father and son wore matching baseball cuff links from Paul Fredrick. These are made from actual game used baseballs. There’s a number engraved on the back which you enter into their Website to find out information about the game they were used in!
From the upcoming Backalar spotlight, the Bat Mitzvah girl, who is into tennis, changed into her Nike sneakers
For a March Madness theme, the Miller Family females dressed the part with Mom in a white leather dress with royal blue suede panels to look like a jersey and sister Ali in a basketball jersey dress
Many Bat Mitzvah girls (and her sister and Mom) are wearing white! Here’s a trio of white from the Karen Family spotlight
For his 007 theme, Garrett Jochnau did his best James Bond impression – white tux and all. See more in the Jochnau Bar Mitzvah Family spotlight
It’s “Jeans, Jewels and Jerseys” for the upcoming Gersten Family spotlight
While some families decide not to have a theme, plenty have come up with very creative ones!
The Wyner Family celebrated on October 31 and went with an Adam’s Family theme for their Boo Mitzvah
The Aiello Family had a polynesian theme in a restaurant featuring a pool in the center
It was a play on Sex in the City for the Jacobs Family
It was a “Hats Off To Ross” by Dazzling Parties for the Talarico Family spotlight
It was the “Wizard of Oz” and an Emerald City theme for the Senzer Family!
As if we don’t eat enough at Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrations, here are some delicious treats families serve their guests for the ride home!
As guests left the Karen Family party, they found a waffle truck!
As guests left the Udell Family celebration they were given to-go cups of Dunkin Munchkin Donuts along with coffee, tea, hot cocoa and assorted cookies
The Halperin Family gave out bags of “blue” cotton candy with a label that said, “We’re BLUE this day is through…thank you for joining us!”
Many families like to add their own special touch. Here are a few stand-outs!
The Grossman Family had an ice skating rink!
The Ryder Family found these cute flower hair bands that guests could keep and used them for napkin rings. Mom Jill wore her hair band that night as a bracelet!
The Dieber Family had special B&W cookies made with the Bar Mitzvah boy’s nickname D-BO
Once again we thank all the families for allowing us to share their ideas with our readers. Many of you have written in to say how helpful they have been. If you would like your child’s celebration to be spotlighted, please let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com. We will send back all you need to know so we can get started!
To see all our Mitzvah Family Spotlights archived on MitzvahMarket.com, click here.
December 7th, 2011
We’ve been seeing customized ping pong tables at Bar/Bat Mitzvahs and wanted to fill our readers in!
Interactive Entertainment Concepts provides ping pong tables with chasing lights featuring a glass surface with 100’s of ping pong balls inside.
They also have cool metal trusses for legs.
Many people are pairing the table with a ping pong expert to amaze their guests. IEC can provide that person too.
Your guests will be talking about this attraction well after the party is over.
Please click here to see more about this ping pong table
Special offer from IEC, book by December 31, 2011, and receive $100.00 off when you mention Mitzvah Market.
Learn more about IEC by visiting their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
December 7th, 2011
Displaying yarmulkes for your guests at your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah service can be a creative project for you and your child or another detail that can be handled by your florist and/or party planner.
It’s easy to do yourself, if you can find the time!
Many families find a cute chest, basket or box and attach their child’s invitation. This is especially important if you are sharing your service with another family. Your guests will know which basket to grab a yarmulke from.
You can decorate the basket with colors to coordinate with your invitation. The basket is usually placed in the lobby convenient to all your guests as they enter the sanctuary.
Don’t forget the bobby pins and/or clips!
Here are some examples below:
From the Goldenberg Bar Mitzvah, this family framed their invitation and placed it along side their custom made service programs, yarmulkes and ladies head coverings
Ivory flowers with ribbon adorned this basket of gold yarmulkes from Simply Invitations and Party Planning
If you don’t want to “do it yourself,” here’s a great basket from That One Special Touch
The Rofe Family did a beautiful job displaying their yarmulkes along with the invitation and giving a bit of a hint on Kara’s art theme
A close friend of the family created this display for the Davidovich Family. It included a selection of yarmulkes in a Fall motif basket along with the invitation
Custom white linen yarmulkes with orange trim on a silver tray from Linzi Events
A nice presentation of the yarmulkes, programs and a collage of old photos showing the Bat Mitzvah girl’s parents when they celebrated their Bar/Bat Mitzvahs from Chuck Robertson Photography
Did you have a creative way to display your yarmulkes? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
December 6th, 2011
The Weinberg family celebrated their son Evan’s Bar Mitzvah in June 2011, with their service at The Hamlet, Plainview, New York followed immediately by a party at The Carlyle At The Palace, also in Plainview.
Evan is not only an ice hockey player, but also a fan – thus the theme!
Pictured L-R: Dad Ian, younger brother Ben, Bar Mitzvah boy Evan and Mom Stephanie
All party photography was done by Simon Elliot Events.
Evan’s invitations, created by Dara Grunberg were made from a heavy plastic. Block letter font was used in navy and white
Stephanie looked great in her dress from Melony in Williston Park, New York. Evan’s suit was from Kenny’s in Woodbury. Notice Mom Stephanie’s matching gold shoes!
Hi-Tech Party Photography did a great job creating centerpieces from hockey equipment
Lighting sets the mood for this celebration
Centerpieces were created from hockey equipment
There were many creative touches using “hockey” as the inspiration at this party. Hockey pucks featured Evan’s logo: The E Train
A life-size blow-up was on hand for photo ops with guests
Evan’s celebration fell on Father’s Day weekend, so a sign was created for all the Dads!
Evan’s younger brother Ben will be celebrating his Bar Mitzvah in 2014 and had a “coming attraction” poster
The above photo is of Evan’s team at the Jericho Middle School winning the Nassau County Championship game
As a surprise for Evan, the real “NY Islander Ice Girls” helped him make his entrance
The music entertainment was provided by Entertainment Tonite with Nori as their MC
Getting a lift from the ET crew
For Evan’s sign-in board, a hockey jersey with his last name was used
Evan’s hockey cake was created by Carlyle At The Palace
When guests got back in their car after the celebration, the key chains above were waiting. These were created by Michelle Collins/Brace Yourself, who is Stephanie’s sister
The boys received the T-shirt above, each personalized with their last name on the back. The girls received a similar version in a burn-out style. These wearable favors were created by Pam Robbins, 4 The Love of Peace
Mitzvah Mom Stephanie has this advice:
“Don’t sweat the small stuff. I definitely stressed myself out. In the end, no matter what happens, everything gets done. Everything about Evan’s party… the décor, the music, the energy in the room, the food… far exceeded my expectations! So if one or two things turned out to be less than 100% perfect, the night would have still been FABULOUS! It’s about celebrating a Mitzvah with all of your family and special friends.”
Mitzvah Project:
Since Evan’s theme was hockey, and he loves the sport, the Weinberg family decided to donate the hockey sticks that were in his centerpieces to Long Island Blues, a hockey team for children with developmental delays, including children with autism, emotional and physical challenges.
The following vendors helped to make Evan’s celebration special. If you give any a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Steve Kirschbaum, Carlyle At The Palace, 516-756-1600
Music Entertainment: MC Nore, Entertainment Tonite
Favors: Pam Robbins, 4 the love of peace, therobbins5@mac.com
Invitation: Dear Grunberg, Dear Friends, 516-456-2514
Décor: Emily Willens, Hi Tech Party Productions 631-923-2260
Sign-In Board: Hi Tech Party Productions
Yalmulkes: Randi Lehman, That One Special Touch
Stephanie’s Dress: Melony 516-742-4679 melonymazz@yahoo.com
Evan’s Suit: Kenny’s Mens and Boys Wear 516-921-2660
Evan’s Party Shirt: Mr’tique
Ben’s Suit/Shirt: Lester’s
Hair: John, The Salon at 230 West 516-921-2017
Makeup: Nicole Gallo, About Face 516-348-5292
Photographer/Videographer: Simon Miller, Simon Elliot Events, 516-586-6822
Key Chain Favor: Brace Yourself Now, Michelle Collins 516-459-6495
Montage/entrance video: Jen Favorito, jennifer.favorito@gmail.com
December 3rd, 2011
By Tara Silberg
It’s Tara, telling YOU what’s happening on the Bar/Bat Mitzvah circuit today.
Last time my “On The Circuit” was all about incorporating your talents into your party and today’s post is all about the candle lighting ceremony.
In the beginning of the month, I attended one of my good friend’s Bat Mitzvah. A little while after she entered, we all sat down for the candle lighting. To my surprise, there were only 3 candles, instead of 13.
She had decided to do a “Past, Present, and Future” candle lighting ceremony. The past candle was for her grandparents and those who had passed away. The present candle called up her family. The last candle, future, called upon all her current friends and those she would hope to get closer to.
The “Past, Present and Future” candle lighting ceremony only needs 3 candles
If you don’t like the thought of doing a traditional candle lighting, maybe you can incorporate this idea into your party with your own twist.
That’s all for this time. More to come on the circuit soon!
About Tara Silberg
I’m in 7th grade at Jericho Middle School and I love art. When I say art, I’m talking about photography, painting, and drawing. I also love music. When I feel stressed, I listen to my iPod to calm down. I will most likely attend between 60-70 Bar/Bat Mitzvahs before I finish 8th grade. I’m excited to be reporting from “The Bar/Bat Mitzvah Circuit” for Mitzvah Market.com.
December 3rd, 2011
We are excited to bring you this “Spur Her On” Bat Mitzvah and introduce our readers to Cheryl Style.
Not only will you find all types of amazing party ideas, but CEO and Creative Catalyst (Event Planner) Cheryl Najafi gives you the template and instructions on how to do it yourself!
This was a show-stopping Bat Mitzvah celebration with equestrian decor, a themed buffet and an opportunity for guests to share their “blue ribbon” wishes for the guest of honor. The party featured a color palate of khaki, ruby red, navy blue and hunter green.
This was a wonderful party with lots of horsing around!
This 3-D invitation features a real English-riding spur hot-glued onto the card
For the place cards, Cheryl used small stop signs that said, “WHOA” and each guests’ name. We also love the fabulous plates!
These miniature boots with a few roses served as centerpieces
Look how creatively the crudite was displayed
Show ribbons, a trophy and plaid table cloth really add to the decor
Guests wrote down their good wishes for the Bat Mitzvah girl on these blue ribbon wish cards attached to a saddle
We want to thank Cheryl Style for sharing these ideas from this Bat Mitzvah. If you would like to create the invitation, place cards or sign in, just visit Cheryl Style and download the templates!
December 3rd, 2011
Many families are having one service and one celebration for their twins or siblings close in age.
What to do when it comes to planning for two? Whether it’s twins, sisters, brothers or one of each, many are holding double simchas!
We have gathered many great ideas from a variety of Mitzvah vendors who have come up with clever ways to make each child feel special.
It might be daunting to figure out how to put two names on an invitation in a creative way. We hope the examples below will give you some inspiration!
Real Card Studio gives each child has their own invitation side by side with a center pocket for all the related details. Yellow and silver is a great gender-neutral color combination for a B’nai Mitzvah
Proper Notice created a beautiful invitation for a boy and girl
Also from Proper Notice, a two sided invite
Also a great color combination for a boy and girl from Write Next Door
Write Next Door also created this “circus” theme invite for a brother/sister
It’s hard enough to find one Mitzvah outfit, but when there’s two, it can be even more difficult. Check out how these twosomes coordinated below!
The Weilheimer Family wore beautiful coordinating custom dresses from Diane & Co.
From Karen Ard Photography, here’s a Bnai Mitzvah for first cousins
These sisters wore coordinating dresses from 2 Be Seen for their celebration coordinated by DJS Events
From photographer Wendy Robinson, these twins are celebrating “Lucky 13” with different shirts and ties
Here are some ideas for letting your guests know where to sit!
The Krantz Family used a cute picture of the boys taken when they were younger for the place card table
The Weilheimer Family had backstage passes printed up for their rock theme using both girls names
Sometimes it’s the special touches that are the most clever!
We love this iTwins theme from Mitzvah Event Productions
The party sign for these twins Rachel and Adam read,”Twin Bottling Company” from La Soiree Chic
Balloon Artistry created picture cube centerpieces for the Horowitz Triplets
A clever way to have guests sign-in for both guests of honor!
From Balloon Artistry a movie poster theme sign-in for two!
The Kratz Family used two lockers as the sign-in board for their twin boys
A unique and clever favor idea when the giveaway is from two!
Why not have each child design one side of a reversible sweatshirt! The black side says, “Think We Not Me” and the gray side says, “Peace In Our World” from Steffsstuff2@aol.com
The cakes below were all created for B’nai Mitzvahs. Whether it’s two boys, two girls or one of each, their likes and interests were well represented!
Pink Cake Box created this cake for a B’nai Mitzvah of twin boys. Their theme was Ben’s and Oliver’s world and the cake represented their respective interests
Carlo’s Bakery aka the Cake Boss created this beautiful cake for twin girls. He even captured their Mitzvah dresses as the toppers!
This amazing ski slope birthday cake was made by Angie Hough
The Cake Boss was asked to make a cake that had a hockey table with figures that could actually be played!
Here are a few Mitzvah Project ideas from twins, a brother/sister and triplets!
Check out Dear Soldier
Check out Reaching Out To Help Out
Check out Blythedale Hospital
Did you throw a celebration for twins and/or siblings and have a great idea? Let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
November 30th, 2011
Garrett Jochnau celebrated his Bar Mitzvah in May, 2010 with his service at Temple Har Shalom in Warren, New Jersey followed by an afternoon celebration at Westminster Hotel in Livingston, New Jersey.
Mom Sharon explains that Garrett is an avid James Bond fan, so there was never any question that he was going to make this his theme! He kept his theme a secret from everyone until his Bar Mitzvah day, which only enhanced his friends’ anticipation, who were convinced that he was going with his other love, basketball!
We thank them for sharing all their great ideas with Mitzvah Market.
Party photography was by Avi Photography and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom.
Pictured above (L-R): Sister Emery, Bar Mitzvah boy Garrett, Mom Sharon and Dad Stephen
All The Best Invitations created Garrett’s invitation in using black, red, white and silver to create a sleek look.
The color scheme of the invitations coordinated with the colors of their celebration
The stamp used on Garrett’s invitation was a picture of him at 1½ years old, decked out in a tuxedo. This was intended to foreshadow his theme without giving it away!
Garrett was very involved in the planning process and even had a hand in selecting his venue, Westminster Hotel. Since this hotel is home to the well-known Strip House steak restaurant, the food was exceptional.
The banquet manager provided a custom menu that was elegant and fit right in with their theme
Kim from Marquis Florals created all the terrific decor including these place cards.
The adults each received a miniature movie poster place card with their name indicating where to sit
The kids seating arrangements were indicated on a large “seating” board
Garrett’s sign-in board was a photo lineup of all of the past and present actors who have played James Bond (with their heights indicated above them) in their best action pose.
Garrett was photo shopped into the lineup between them and the result was great
Kim decorated the room in black, white and red. The floral arrangements for the adult tables were an assortment of red flowers in giant martini glasses.
The adults’ tables had a mini movie poster identifying the name of the table. There was also small glass containers that contained individually wrapped pairs of ear plugs for each person. On each wrapper, there was a label with Garrett’s 007 logo and the words “Hearing Protection Device” encircling the logo
Black tablecloths, red napkins, and black chair covers with white sashes set the mood in the kids area
For the kids’ tables Kim created themed centerpieces for each of Garrett’s favorite Bond movies. Each centerpiece was modeled around a movie poster and contained 3-D elements that pertained to that particular movie
Part of the decor included a 10 foot light-up sign that was designed to be a movie strip, with each of the movie posters appearing in each frame
Other decorations included a large light-up sign (about 8 feet long) with Garrett’s name and the 007 logo
Party Harty provided the music entertainment with Howie as the MC.
Garrett with the Party Harty crew
Garrett and his friends enjoying the music!
While Mom, Dad & Garrett all color coordinated their clothes, sister Emery could pick a dress in any color she wanted, so she could stand out on her own. We think she did a great job!
Garrett surprised his guests and changed his clothes after the cocktail hour, making his entrance in the signature white dinner jacket and bow tie, flanked by his Bond girl dancers!
All their guests gasped as he walked in looking as dapper as any of the Bonds who have preceded him!
Garrett poses with his Bond girls
Garrett shows off his moves!
Garrett’s tuxedo cake was created by Westminster Hotel.
Garrett helped with the design of his logos, which incorporated his initials and Bar Mitzvah date into the iconic images that make the James Bond 007 brand so easily identifiable.
Each of Garrett’s friends received a sweatshirt with Garrett’s logos packaged in a reusable environment-friendly tote bag
At the end of the party, all guests received custom water bottles and chocolate dipped rice treats
Garrett volunteers his time assisting with special needs children through a local program called Hop, Skip & a Jump!
Additionally, he participated in the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Twinning program through the NCOEJ (North American Conference on Ethiopian Jewry)
Mitzvah Mom Sharon is giving us some advice:
“Lists, lists, lists…make them early and check them often! It’s your child’s day, so let him/her take a strong role in the planning. Find a way to make younger siblings feel important, as they often feel neglected with all of the attention dedicated to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child. Finally, remember to take TWO copies of your child’s speeches and candlelighting ceremony poems with you, giving one to your husband to keep in his breast pocket. Somehow, we inadvertently left Garrett’s in the car, which was with the valet, and we had to scramble to grab it at the very last minute!”
The following vendors helped to make Garrett’s party special. If you give any a call, please let them know you heard about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Westminster Hotel, 973-548-0045
Party Planner: Mom Sharon & Bar Mitzvah boy Garrett
Music Entertainment: MC Howie, Party Harty, 516-845-8585
Favor person: Robin Swerdloff, Corporate Creations, 610-633-5453
Invitations: All The Best Invitations, 973-992-4033
Cake: Tuxedo Cake, Westminster Hotel
Décor/Florist: Kim, Marquis Florals, 732-441-4800
Sign-In board: Kim, Marquis Florals
Chocolate Rice Crispy Treats: Brummer’s Chocolates, 908-232-1904
Mom’s dress: Hartly Fashions, Westwood, NJ 201-664-3111
Sister’s dress: Princess Charming, West Orange, NJ 973-325-1419
Dad & Bar Mitzvah boy: The Clothing Center, 732-254-0870
Hair: The Beauty Company, Martinsville, NJ 732-560-8898
Transportation: Vogel Bus Company, 908-298-0045
Party security: Westminster Hotel
Photographer: David, AVI Photography 908-526-8116
Videographer & Montage: Party Harty 516-845-8585
Logo Design: Sheri Finver, sfinverdesign@verizon.net
November 26th, 2011
We found a new party trend that we are happy to report on. Warning: Don’t read if you are hungry!
Go Cakes! NYC are the push pop cakes you can eat on the go.
They are perfect for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration and can be served instead of or in addition to your Bar/Bat Mitzvah cake.
You choose from a variety of flavors, icings and toppings.
They can also come with a personalized label featuring your photo, text and/or logo.
The best part is that they ship anywhere in the U.S. and only need 2 weeks notice.
There are a variety of party packages that include renting one of their displays.
Go Green: Save your Go Cakes! containers from your party, to be recycled, and receive a $25 Go Cakes gift certificate!
For more information, visit their Website.
November 26th, 2011
GiftRapped.com creates completely personalized songs with accompanying slide shows for any celebratory occasion like a Bar/Bat Mitzvah. This also makes a great gift for a 40th, 50th or anniversary celebration.
Some families have used their GiftRapped as their child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah montage and/or entrance video.
It’s so easy and turnaround time is 3-5 days! Just give them some suggestions for lyrics, a few pictures, and they will create a gift that you will never forget.
Watch this Bar Mitzvah rap for Luke here
Watch this birthday rap for Lenny here
See all the other GiftRapped samples here.
GiftRapped is offering a 25% discount to all Mitzvah Market readers. Use the code MitzvahMarket (one word) to redeem the discount.
