September 19th, 2011
Guitar Hero and Rock Band have nothing on Rockmitzvah. Why stand in front of your television set when you can rock out for real – at your own Bar/Bat Mitzvah!
We first learned about this real-life group of musicians who let you your child be the star at their celebration when we launched Mitzvah Market.
We caught up with one of the Rockmitzvah founders, Marc Jacoby, to bring you more information.
MM: What is Rockmitzvah?
MJ: Rockmitzvah, a live band, is a ‘school of rock’ which allows your child to be a ‘star’ for a day. The Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrant, and musical friends and family members have the opportunity to perform on stage with a band of seasoned rock and roll industry veterans, in front of a captured crowd of adoring fans! Rockmitzvah also provides full musical and entertainment services seen at most celebrations, from MC’ing, to DJ’ing, the hora, dancers and motivators and customized give-aways.
MM: Who is the perfect family for this type of entertainment?
MJ: The ideal family for Rockmitzvah has a son or daughter who is passionate about music, preferably a student of an instrument or a vocalist, though this is not required. The celebrant ideally has other musical friends and family members who will be gently guided into participating on stage during the celebration, individually or in small groups. The perfect Rockmitzvah family is looking for a unique event which is both refreshing and engaging relative to the DJ driven events that dominate the landscape of the Bar and Bat Mitzvah ‘scene.’
MM: What locations do you service?
MJ: Rockmitzvah will travel anywhere, and maintains a roster of professional touring and recording musicians.
MM: How does it work (rehearsals etc.)?
MJ: Rockmitzvah assigns a ‘point person’ to the family, essentially a personal party planner/music director. The point person works closely with the celebrant to zoom in on songs which will be performed with the band. The family and point person also create a list of potential participants at the event in addition to the celebrant. A week or two before the party, the family and the band gather to rehearse, and discuss the finer points of the customized evening.
MM: What can families expect from Rockmitzvah at their child’s celebration?
MJ: First and foremost, families can expect that a Rockmitzvah celebration will compliment the ‘right of passage’ that characterizes this momentous occasion in the life of the Jewish family. Performing in front of loving family and friends, and your spiritual community, is essentially a leap of faith, and a sharing of one’s passionate self with those who mean the most to you. It is in many ways similar to reading the torah…it just rocks a little more!
MM: Do you still need to hire a DJ/MC?
MJ: Rockmitzvah feels that it is not necessary to hire a DJ or MC. We can provide full MC services, and a more ‘light’ DJ service if needed. It is our feeling that people don’t need to be overwhelmed with directives and volume in order to celebrate together. However, many families still feel a need to have a DJ, particularly in situations where there are more than 60 children invited. In those circumstances, we work closely with a number of DJ’s who understand our concept.
For more information on Rockmitzvah, please visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
Check out their promotion video here and our Mitzvah Minute video too!
September 18th, 2011
When we learned about “Mitzvah On The Hudson” this past August, we couldn’t wait to share this special Mitzvah Project with our readers. This story is not just about doing a Mitzvah Project, it’s also about the meaning of friendship.
Thirteen-year-old Ally Witt chose AHRC Nassau (Association Help for Retarded Children) as a beneficiary of her Bat Mitzvah project. She wanted to help raise money to furnish an AHRC home which provides a place for those who can not live on their own, at times when their families and guardians can not care for them.
Ally has chosen this project because her Uncle Jeffrey and his wife Maryann live in an AHRC Nassau residence. Since Jeffrey and Maryann have thrived in large part because of AHRC, Ally feels it is completely appropriate to give the honor of her Mitzvah to the AHRC. “They have made a big difference in my family’s life,” says Ally. “My motto is: One piece of furniture at a time.”
Ally had raised almost $7,000 through social media, family and friends when her friend, 11-year old Aaron Perl and his Dad Mitch decided to give her a special Bat Mitzvah gift. They would swim the Hudson River from West 99th Street to 79th Street with proceeds from their swim going towards Ally’s Mitzvah Project.
What’s even more amazing is that Aaron has overcome his own disability. He endured excruciatingly painful surgeries to lengthen his leg after being born with a shortened femur. At 8 years old, Aaron and his Dad started competing in triathlons. He’s now completed 13!
Aaron and Dad Mitch after the swim
Ally with her friend Aaron
Aaron and Ally with Uncle Jeffrey
Ally’s project drew lots of media attention including an interview on WNBC-TV with Chuck Scarborough.
Watch segment here.
If you would like to donate to Ally Witt’s Mitzvah Project please click here to visit her Website.
We thank Ally for sharing her unbelievable project with our readers.
September 16th, 2011
Annie Aiello celebrated her Bat Mitzvah with an evening party at the Tonga Room in The Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco.
For her Polynesian theme, this cool venue fit perfectly and featured a pool right in the middle of the restaurant! Keep reading below for all their great ideas.
All party photography was done by Jennifer Paschal at Bruce Forrester Photography and the rest of the vendors are listed below.
Pictured above (L-R): Dad Steve, Bat Mitzvah girl Annie, Mom Alyson and sister Samantha
Annie’s colorful invitation was created by Folio. The envelope liner featured her name!
Jayne Greenberg from Just Jayne Events and Passiflora Designs pulled together all the details for Annie’s celebration at The Tonga Room
A pool is at the center of this restaurant and it’s where the band played for their cocktail hour
Intermittent “rain showers” added to the mood
As you can see above, the restaurant had Polynesian artifacts which fit in perfectly with their theme
The Tonga Room features wood tables and did not require table cloths but they added a floral runner down the center of the table
Centerpieces were vases filled with floating orchids and beta fish
To let guests know which table they were seated at, sand dollars with name cards were displayed on a table of sand
Cookies by Felix The Cook were placed at each guests’ place setting indicating their seat. The men received tiki mask cookies
The ladies received Orchid cookies
The restaurant provided fun glassware including tiki mask cups, scorpion bowls and coconuts with umbrellas
Annie’s Tiki Shack logo was used throughout the decor
Check out the table signs, made with a bamboo stick and replicated a tiki hut
Handouts included grass skirts and leis worn by partygoers in addition to sunglasses and hats
Young guests having fun!
Custom cocktail menus were created by Ram Print
Denon & Doyle provided the music entertainment for Annie’s party with Mark Addington as the MC
A tattoo artist
Green screen photo booth by Denon & Doyle
Magician Jay Alexander
An airbrush artist was on hand as well
The following vendors made Annie’s celebration special. If you call any of them, please let them know you heard about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: The Tonga Room in The Fairmont, San Francisco
Party Planner: Jayne Greenberg, Just Jayne Events
Music Entertainment: MC Mark Addington Denon & Doyle
Cookie Place Cards: Felix The Cook 415-424-9415
Invitations: Folio
Florist: Passiflora Designs
Party Entertainment: Just Jayne Events
Photographer: Jennifer Paschal at Bruce Forrester Photography
Videographer: Jonathan Metcalf
Hair/makeup: Cooper Alley
Magician: Jay Alexander
Printing: Ram Print & Communications
September 14th, 2011
Does your child have a sweet tooth?
We all want candy! So if you are looking for ideas for a candy themed Bar/Bat Mitzvah, we’ve got everything you need right here.
Please scroll down and enjoy the eye candy!
From the Lee Bat Mitzvah Family Spotlight, Alison’s invitation was printed on a real box of gobstopper candy!
From Pinnacle Production Group, a great way to display your place cards using candy necklaces
Another cute place card table by Event Planner Karen Segal of Your Party by Karen
A candy themed Bat Mitzvah cake created by Cake Boss
Retro candy is very popular at Candy Favorites. Choose from any decade from the 20’s to the 70’s
DIY place cards from the Lapidus Bat Mitzvah Family Spotlight featured M&M labels for Mr. and Mrs. and were tins filled with M&Ms in colors to match the decor
Make it Snappy offers “Million Dollar Candy Drop,” a great game where contestants man the 4 slots to answer questions (that can be customized) and possibly win money and/or candy.
To see the game in action, click here
From Plan It Parties this “candy store” was brought in using furniture
Michelle Farber from M. Studio Events created a candy for her son’s Adamcrombie theme.
Primetime Events creates a candy sushi bar
Choco Rocks from Unique Accents looks like rocks from a garden but it’s chocolate
A candy cake from Sweet Candy Cakes (formerly Tiff’s Candy Cakes) from the Adler Bat Mitzvah Family Spotlight
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
Tobo Foods will provide a shiny truck filled with every candy you can think of!
If you have a fun candy idea, let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
September 14th, 2011
The Dropkin family from Cortlandt Manor, New York celebrated their son David’s Bar Mitzvah on May 14, 2011.
The service took place at Temple Israel of Northern Westchester and then they had an evening party at Bounce, The Party Place in Yorktown Heights, New York.
David is a geography buff and someone who likes to travel. “Where in the world is David Dropkin?” was their clever theme!
Formal photos taken at their temple were by photographer Alan Weiss. The party zap shots were done by the DoubleImage/Bounce staff and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Pictured above (L-R): Mom Suzanne, Sister Eliana, Bar Mitzvah Boy David and Dad Joe.
The traditional invitation with a intricate laser paper cut insert was sapphire in color on silver metallic paper from Paper Orchid.
Passports were used as place cards for different “country” tables which Mom Suzanne made from a template she got online.
Mitzvah Mom Suzanne found the template for the passports online at Aylee Bits
Featured below are David’s sign-in book, program and yarmulkes with palm trees!
Mitzvah Mom Suzanne made the service program which had 12 photos of David around the outside circle, one for each year leading up to the Bar Mitzvah.
The center picture is the most current taken place a week before his Bar Mitzvah.
The theme for this celebration was “Where in the World is David Dropkin?” David loves to travel and eat all sorts of exotic foods and enjoys different cuisines.
Each table had a matching flag table runner so guests could match the flag on the passport with the table. Check out those worldly balloons
Lemurs are primates found in Madagascar, thankfully this one was stuffed but added some authenticity to the decor!
Mitzvah Mom Suzanne made a board of all the places David has visited. Brian William Events printed it and decorated the outside edges
David made his entrance on the arms of two dancers from Double Image Sounds and Entertainment.
There was lots of dancing, game playing and fun at this party!
Bar Mitzvah boy David surrounded by his friends
The room is set up for a fun game show
The question is….
“I know the answer, pick me, pick me!” One of the guests is wearing the party favor bag from It’s My Mitzvah
Young guests getting ready for their photos
The food picked up the travel theme as well. Colonial Terrace put together a delicious array of international food offerings with Eastern European, Indian, Italian, and Caribbean stations, plus internationally-themed passed hors d’oeuvres and drinks.
The young guests are enjoying the dessert stations
The cake and desserts were created by the Mansion at Colonial Terrace.
Here is the list of vendors who made David’s party special. If you call any, please make sure you tell them that you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com
Venue: Bounce The Party Place 914-302-2403
Caterer: The Mansion at Colonial Terrace 914-737-0400
Music Entertainment: Double Image Sounds and Entertainment 914-773-1950
Decor: BrianWilliam Event Decorators845-628-0614
Sign-In Board: Brian Williams Events
Passport place card template: Aylee Bits
Favors: It’s My Mitzvah
Invitations: Paper Orchid866-280-2125
Photographer: Alan Weiss Photography 914-739-8888
Videographer: Andrew Stein Drew Video 914-788-4678
Tallis: The Aesthetic Sense 914-244-4429
September 9th, 2011
It’s Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York and while magazine editors, stylists and reporters are catching a preview of Spring fashion, we are bringing fashion inspiration to all our budding fashionistas who are planning their Mitzvah’s.
A fashion theme Bat Mitzvah with designer shoe centerpieces, fabric swatch seating charts and a dramatic runway entrance, means the party will be one stylish celebration!
Check out these ideas below and get inspired!
For a “Lex And The City” theme, M. Studio Events created “Manolo Blahnik” shoe boxes to hold young guests t-shirt favors
Close-up of the shoe boxes, we mean favors, on display from M. Studio Events
Rik Piks by Erica Shapiro created this logo for “Francine’s French Boutique”
Fashion themed blanket favor from A Promos USA/Imagemaker
The place cards above were fashion illustrations by the Bat Mitzvah girl. To see more of this Project Runway Mitzvah Inspire, click here
Sayings For You designed this sweatshirt giveaway for a Bat Mitzvah girl who wanted to list different fashion designer’s names within the picture of the mannequin
Custom fashion girl stamp from Zazzle
If your daughter is into fashion and makeup, check out this invite from BarMitzvahCards.net
Lighter Than Air added a hot pink base to this mannequin form for a unique “fashion” inspired centerpiece
For this Juicy Couture party from It’s A Wrap, these place cards were mini purse frames that were very “couture” like
These adorable place card bags with the table number card and candy inside from Paper Crew on Etsy
Design consultants from Creative Games Inc. will sketch your young guests clothing at your event
Party Excellence created these “high fashion” centerpieces
And for a Bat Mitzvah girl with a fashion theme, Party Excellence created this red carpet entrance!
This centerpiece was created by Spitz & Peck Florist
A makeup bar was set up at this fashionista’s Bat Mitzvah from Rogers and Gala
From Hey Cookie, this cake was designed around New York Fashion Week. It included a Prada handbag, a Louboutin shoe with a red sole of course, a Tiffany box and hot dog vendor!
Balloon Artistry created these place cards to look like American Express cards
Balloon Artistry also designed these “fashion” centerpieces
For more great fashion ideas, check out these stories archived on MitzvahMarket.com:
Wear Today, Gone Tomorrow
Bag, Borrow Or Steal
I’m Over It: Lease, Wear, Return
Mitzvah Style From The Red Carpet
Louboutin Inspired DIY Shoes
September 9th, 2011
By Stephanie Kepke Kaplan, Boys, Dogs And Chaos
I was meeting with a party decorator a few days ago, when she told me that the bug behind me wasn’t “a biting mosquito.” When I looked up and saw a crane fly on the wall, I got chills. The night that my father passed away we were saying Kaddish outside on my parents’ deck when I noticed a crane fly on the rail. It just sat there through the entire minyan and then appeared in the kitchen. My brother killed it – much to my dismay – but when another one appeared in the same spot moments later, I couldn’t help but believe that it was my father. I know that sounds odd, but after my father passed away, I became a believer in a different kind of “spirituality” (for lack of a better term). And, when I saw that crane fly above me, I couldn’t help but believe that my father wanted to be a part of my Bar Mitzvah planning.
Before you dismiss my words as a bunch of new age hoo-ha, I need to explain that I am not the type that ever believed in hearing from those beyond the grave. Before my father passed away, I figured, “when you’re dead, you’re dead.” But, so many things happened (more on one amazing experience at my niece’s Bat Mitzvah in a bit) and so many people have shared their stories with me of departed loved ones who appeared in the most unexpected ways, that I had to believe that the spirit hangs around for a while.
Back to that crane fly: my father played a huge part in planning my niece’s Bat Mitzvah, which took place four weeks after his death. He went to every vendor with my sister and helped stuff envelopes. He shopped for dresses and put together the women’s head coverings. He had suffered a stroke several months before and all of this kept him busy and engaged. My mother and my sister had met me at the decorator’s and a moment after they left, the crane fly appeared. When I explained its significance to the decorator, she believed me and even shared her own similar experience.
Whether I’m right or wrong, it was comforting to feel that he was there, just like he was for my sister. No doubt, he was giving his opinion – I was hoping to make my own centerpieces (read DIY or Not to learn about my grand plans for craftiness and how most of them fell apart), but I am running out of time and the logistics are just too daunting – how can I possibly set up centerpieces the morning of the party? Honestly, I have no idea. I think my father was telling me to just let go of the stress and use a professional decorator, budget be damned.
So, if my father made an appearance during the planning stages, I am sure he will be at the party. That brings me to that amazing experience that I mentioned earlier. My niece lit a candle for my father at her Bat Mitzvah – after she blew out all of the candles, my father’s candle relit. A guest at the party recorded the candle lighting ceremony and caught the moment on tape. It is truly extraordinary to watch and is proof that he was there in spirit. Since my own son’s Bar Mitzvah is only 6 weeks away, I have been thinking of ways to incorporate my father’s memory, as well. D will wear my father’s tallit. My mother was planning on burying my father in it, but right before the funeral, we decided that not only would he want D to wear it, but this way a piece of him will be on the bimah with D. D will also light a candle and we can only hope for a repeat of my niece’s Bat Mitzvah.
Based on my informal facebook poll, lighting a candle and reciting a poem ranks among one of the most popular ways to commemorate a loved one – for good reason; it’s simple and it lets all of the guests reflect for a moment, as well. Other ideas mentioned include wearing the loved one’s tefillin (small black leather boxes containing parchment inscribed with verses from the Torah and worn during weekday morning prayers) the week before the Bar Mitzvah; incorporating a loved one’s favorite food or color during the celebration; playing a loved one’s favorite song; holding a moment of silence in remembrance and my favorite – including pictures in the montage of the Bar Mitzvah boy / Bat Mitzvah girl with a loved one who has passed away.
I have already collected many pictures of D and his grandfather for the montage. I know that when it plays there won’t be a dry eye in the house. I know this, because I, along with many other guests, cried our eyes out during my niece’s montage, featuring pictures of her and my father. Our grief was raw, because it was only a month after my father’s passing. Even six months later though at D’s Bar Mitzvah, it will still elicit a tear. But, that’s a good thing – having a simcha after a tragedy is always bittersweet and by letting our tears flow and taking a moment out of the celebration to honor those who have passed away, we keep them present not only in the moment, but in our hearts always.
A special thank you to Janine W; Sandey P; Amy M and Chari N for sharing your ideas.
A Reader Responds
“I just wanted to respond to this week Mitzvah Diaires, a biting mosquito. I was reading it with tears in my eyes thinking of my father. He passed away three months to the day before my wedding. And just like Stephanie, there were signs he was with us. During the wedding ceremony, a big pot of flowers fell over. I didn’t even realize but my aunt told me later, it was my father showing his presence.
I had moved into a new apartment before he passed away, but he never got to see it. Well one day i was doing dishes and there was one bubble that wouldn’t go away. It floated thru every room of that apartment. I always felt it was him coming to see the apartment. We also had a small mat by the kitchen sink with a picture of cactus. My husband and I did not notice until after my dad was gone that the cactus were shaped like letters of his name JAY. He was watching over us.
My youngest daughter’s Bat Mitzvah is just 5 weeks away and although she did not know her grandfather, I know we will feel him looking down on us and watching.”
–Renee
About Stephanie Kepke Kaplan
Stephanie Kepke Kaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. Before kids she was an arts reporter, covering the Boston music and cultural scene (even though she is a born and bred Long Islander, she lived in Boston for nine years and her first son was born there). Now, she blogs at Boys, Dogs and Chaos (about life with – you guessed it – three boys and two dogs) and Mitzvah Mom. She is also working on a novel about a PTA mom. She has also written for Long Island Parent magazine.
Catch up on Stephanie’s previous posts:
Post 1
Post 2
September 7th, 2011
Many of our readers have been enjoying the US Open, which means tennis on the mind!
We got an email this week from Mitzvah Mom Jane who asked, “My son loves tennis and would like to include elements of this sport into his Bar Mitzvah invitation. Any ideas?”
We went to Proper Notice, who for over 19 years has been a leading creative force in the invitation industry, continuously bringing fresh and exciting ideas – perfectly executed – to a growing, discriminating clientele.
Here are some samples that they sent to us, we hope they give you inspiration!
We love the tennis ball letter “o”
Another play on the ball and net!
A small tennis touch
A RSVP that includes tennis lingo!
Please feel free to send us an email to info@MitzvahMarket.com if you need some help with your Mitzvah planning. We are not party planners, but will go to our roster of experts and get back to you asap!
September 7th, 2011
We know our Mitzvah Market readers love the Mitzvah Family Spotlight features, but we didn’t realize they noticed every single detail!
We recently ran The Dukofsky Bat Mitzvah Family Spotlight story and received this question from an observant reader.
“I was reading your most recent post about the Dukofsky Bat Mitzvah – wow, what an evening that must have been. My friend’s daughter is doing a “peace theme” and I noticed she had kippot peace sign clips – can I find out where she got those?”
Follow the arrow above to see the peace sign clips
We checked with the Dukofsky family and learned that they found those cute clips at Star Tracks in Farmingdale, New York.
If you have a question for us, don’t hesitate to ask. Just send us an email at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
September 7th, 2011
Sterling Tyler, a photographer from California recently photographed a special Bat Mitzvah girl named Nicole who used her Mitzvah Project, “Pennies For Peace” as her theme. Please read below all about this special organization.
Her service was held at Temple Kehillat Israel in Pacific Palisades, California. Then it was onto to the Brentwood Country Club in Brentwood, California for her celebration.
The invitation incorporated the peace sign beautifully in lime green and purple and was created by Candi Stern Stationers.
Although it’s sometimes hard to come up with a theme, we love how Nicole combined her Mitzvah Project into the elements of her Bat Mitzvah celebration.
For her Bat Mitzvah project, Nicole participated in Pennies for Peace, a fund raising program dedicated to improving education in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Following that theme, the room decor featured peace signs and colorful florals. McCann Florist designed many of the wonderful decor elements along with Nicole’s mom.
The place card table had a beautiful arrangement and a letter from the Bat Mitzvah girl about her project.
The colors through the reception were purple and lime green. The “peace” sign centerpieces were made out of twigs
Bat Mitzvah girl Nicole showing off her decor
The Party Photo Studio was a hit, parents and kids decked themselves out with props for some fun, wacky photos.
Guests went home with 5×7 keepsakes that were instantly retouched and printed on-site
Nicole and all her friends
Purple and green florals decorate the candy table
Nicole had the opportunity to meet author Greg Mortenson who wrote, “Three Cups of Tea.” She was very inspired by his passion and cause. Pennies For Peace builds all girls’ schools in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Nicole attends The Archer School for Girls, an all girls school in Los Angeles, which makes this cause more meaningful to her. She feels very fortunate to live in a free country and have the opportunity to go to a private school in Los Angeles. Raising money for this organization is a way for her to give back. She made and sold organic chocolate covered pretzels to raise money for Pennies For Peace. The money Nicole made will fund the schools with supplies, books and teacher salaries. The girls who attend these schools have the opportunity to become leaders, doctors, lawyers because people donate money which gives them the opportunity to be educated.
Thank you for sharing your celebration and terrific Mitzvah Project with our readers.
