July 21st, 2012
Jake Zorfas celebrated his Bar Mitzvah in January 2009 with a morning service at Temple Beth Torah in Westbury, New York followed by a black tie Saturday night celebration at Jericho Jewish Center in Jericho, New York.
For three years, this family planned on a Superbowl theme, but just one month before Jake’s celebration, he attended a friend’s Bar Mitzvah with the same theme. So with only weeks to make some quick changes, they decided to use their son’s initials JZ and created a celebration inspired by rap artist Jay Z.
We thank them for sharing their ideas with our readers.
All photography was provided by Ira Rosen and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom.
Pictured above L-R: Bar Mitzvah boy Jake, Dad Brad, Brother Sam and Mom Lisa
Jake’s invitation was created by Ellen Futterman at Proper Notice.
The invitation was a 3 layer custom invite with gold metallic paper, star dream paper and brown lizard paper with brown thermography
Spitz & Peck provided the decor and created Jake’s logo, which was used on elements throughout his celebration.
Jake welcomes his friends to JZ’s 13/13 Club – a play on the real Jay Z’s 40/40 club in NYC
A logo decal on the dance floor by Barmitzvahbackdrops.com
Spitz & Peck also created this light up sign
Spitz & Peck provided the decor and centerpieces for the ballroom at Jericho Jewish Center.
The ballroom is ready for guests
Silver table linens with royal blue napkins create a striking look
The kids lounge area
Entertainment Tonite provided the music entertainment with Carl as the MC.
Jake makes his entrance
Jake with the Entertainment Tonite crew
Guests having fun
The dance floor is full!
The Main Event provided casino tables, a fun karaoke booth, an X-box set up, photo favors and cubbies. The kids went home with a JZ logo disc.
Guests enjoying karaoke
Casino tables
Spitz & Peck created Jake’s sign-in poster.
Jake on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine!
Jake’s friends received a charcoal gray sweatshirt from GMG Custom Screen printing.
The front of the sweatshirt with Jake’s logo…
…and the back
JZ’s Crib was used in the kids cocktail area and then moved to a hallway when guests were leaving.
Lots of treats for their guests ride home
A coming attraction poster for young brother Sam’s upcoming Bar Mitzvah
The following vendors helped to make Jake’s celebration special. When you call, please tell them you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Jericho Jewish Center
Photographer/Videographer: Ira Rosen Studio, 516-679-1585
Invitations: Ellen Futterman, Proper Notice, 516-621-9523
Music Entertainment: MC Carl, Entertainment Tonite, 516-826-6900 x:115
Party Entertainment: The Main Event, 800-839-0918
Favors: GMG Custom Screen Printing, 516-358-9224
Decor/Florist/Sign-in: Spitz & Peck, 516-371-0600
Floor Decal: BarMitzvahbackdrops.com, 877-544-1054
Mom’s Dress: Filly’s, Williston Park, 516-739-9090
Hair: Yvonne, Salon Entourage, 516-496-1700
Makeup: Lori Berrin, 516-626-8358
July 21st, 2012
Bar Mitzvah boy Josh is very musical and loves to sing, so a Rock ‘n’ Roll theme was the perfect choice!
His celebration at Temple Chaverim in Plainview, New York was filled with great ideas and special touches by his mom Stephanie, an in house party planner at That’s Entertainment Concepts, a division of Party Harty Entertainment.
Party Harty Entertainment provided the music entertainment and That’s Entertainment Concepts provided all the additional special touches and extras for their guests to bring this Rock ‘n’ Roll theme to life!
Check it all out below:
Mom Stephanie sent out “save the date” CD’s filled with Josh’s favorite songs to all the adult guests. She sent artwork to Mimeo.com who sent her back blank CD’s with Josh’s photo on them
Their themed invitation was in the shape of a record. The envelope liner had guitars and different music groups
Centerpieces reflected the rock ‘n’ roll vibe of the room
The Party Harty Entertainment crew with Josh
Josh gets high fives from friends and family
Guests enjoying the Party Harty Entertainment
MC Howie having fun with Josh’s older brother Zach
Josh is a musician and to go along with his rock ‘n’ roll party, he sang two songs from the Beatles with Mike’s band. Mike is an MC/dancer from Party Harty Entertainment
Their candle lighting ceremony was a big hit at their party! Just as it started, the Party Harty Entertainment dancers handed all the guests a Safe Flame candle. As guests were called up, they first lit their candle (battery operated) and then came up to the cake for a picture. Everyone in the room was asked to come up at some point so the whole room was lit up by the end of the candle lighting
Josh and his friends in front of his logo’d step ‘n’ repeat
Foosball fun for the young guests
Pop A Shot was on hand too
There were fun custom green screen photo favors to match the theme
Mom Stephanie and Dad David
We thank Party Harty Entertainment for sharing this fun celebration with our readers. To learn more, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
July 19th, 2012
WANTED: Mitzvah Moms To Help Spread The Word About Celebrate! Party Showcase Presented By Mitzvah Market
PRIZE: Two Broadway Show Tickets, Jewelry, Spa Treatments, Date Nights and More!
Are you plugged in to the world of planning a Bar/Bat Mitzvah in your community? Do you know families who are also in the midst of planning? Tell your friends about Celebrate! Party Showcase and you can win. Keep reading for more information.
Celebrate! Party Showcase has been around for over 20 years with yearly events in New Jersey, Westchester, Connecticut and now Long Island. Mitzvah Market is now part of the company that owns Celebrate!
Celebrate! Party Showcase Presented By Mitzvah Market is coming to a Marriott near you. Here are our upcoming show dates:
New Jersey, Sunday, January 13, 2013 at the Park Ridge Marriott
Connecticut, Sunday, March 17, 2013 at the Stamford Marriott Hotel & Spa
We know our readers love the unique and creative ideas we bring them through our Mitzvah Market Mail newsletters and our Website, now you can meet these vendors and see these ideas brought to life.
At our upcoming showcases, visit with all the necessary vendors you need to hire in order to create a special celebration for your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
DJs, invitation makers, photographers, favors, caterers, Judaica and much more. Additionally, we are working hard to bring you the newest products and services available so your party can be different from the rest!
Watch this short video from a past showcase event here!
We are currently looking for Moms from Long Island, Northern New Jersey, New York City, Westchester, Rockland and Connecticut to tell their friends about our showcase.
If you can get 18 friends or more to register here and check-in on the day of the showcase, you can win two tickets to a Broadway Show, jewelry, spa treatments, date nights and much more. Just send us the list of friends you told and we will check if they attended.
To learn more, email us at info@MitzvahMarket.com and let us know your name and town.
July 16th, 2012
We don’t do this often, but we know there are families out there who might not be able to buy new centerpieces for their child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration.
We hope to help “do a Mitzvah” and connect families who can help each other.
There are 9 centerpieces from this “Movie Matinee” themed celebration and two additional large centerpieces that were used for decorations.
One of nine movie themed centerpieces
This one is Hunger Games themed
A large popcorn container can be filled with colored balloons as decor
If you are interested, please contact Leslie at 516-817-4291 or adoptionsocialwork@msn.com for more information.
July 15th, 2012
Looking for a unique sweet sendoff for your guests?
Papabubble NY creates cool handmade goodies for Bar/Bat Mitzvahs and special events. Not only are they available in over 40 flavors, but they can be customized to match your colors. These tiny handmade candies aren’t just fun to look at, they are delicious too.
Papabubble creates candies in all sorts of cool shapes.
Some of the most popular flavors include: Sour Apple, Raspberry, Chocolate Filled Lavender, Bergamot, Hot Cinnamon, Passion Fruit, Mango, Guava, Pink Grapefruit, Ginger Ale, Cherry Cola and Root Beer
The Papabubble owners started in Barcelona in 2004, and have since launched all over the world. If you are in New York City, visit their Soho store to watch them handcraft the candies- and then enjoy a sample!
The New York City store demonstrates the process of making candy for a customer while entertaining kids and adults alike. The shop’s design resembles a laboratory, and shows off the finely displayed handmade candies.
The hard candy is rich in color, beautiful to look at, and full of flavor. They make custom shapes, use custom colors, and even add custom names to the candy.
Customize your candy with a name!
The lollipops are extra large and thick and yummy!
Check them out at Papabubble.com or call them at 212-966-2599.
July 15th, 2012
Ceiling decor is becoming very popular!
We have found that almost anything can be hung from the ceiling and look good.
TIP: If you are planning on incorporating hanging decor make sure you check with your venue to ensure that they allow items to be hung from the ceiling. Also plan for more set-up time. You cannot have tables and chairs set up at the venue before or during the installation of hanging decor.
Check out some of these clever ceiling ideas including the picture above from event planner Andrea Solomon:
This Mitzvah celebration had a ceiling filled with sparkle organza and lights from Balloon Artistry
Jersey Street Furniture hung slinky’s from the ceiling for this Mitzvah
Themes & Dreams used balloon fish for this tropical themed Mitzvah
Kombert Caterers has built-in ceiling decor in their ballroom at Temple Avodah
White Feathers hung from the ceiling for this modern lounge created by Diana Gould
Two sports lovin’ brothers used their sports jerseys as ceiling decor by Your Party by Karen
A-BnC Parties and More supplied beach balls for this Bat Mitzvah beach theme
Linzi Events added colorful butterflies to this decor
Elegant Creations added balloons, fabric, streamers and lighting for this Bat Mitzvah
Luminaries filled with LED candles hung from an oval truss from Jes Gordon/proper Fun
From Gruber Photography, this Bat Mitzvah had lighting inside the colorful fabric and was elegantly draped across the ballroom ceiling
Did you have cool ceiling decor? Let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
July 8th, 2012
According to Hilary Feldman of RSVParties Inc, sometimes the hardest part about planning a client’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah is coming up with the theme.
Bat Mitzvah girl Saige always loved science and space and once they decided on the kaleidoscope invitation, the rest fell into place.
This celebration took place at the Ritz Carlton Golf resort in Naples, Florida.
The kaleidoscope invitations were designed by DM Designs and created by kaleidoscopestoyou.com
A custom kaliedscope is a very creative invitation
Saige is ready to party in her pretty pink dress
Check out the rest of the photos below:
Here’s a list of vendors who made Saige’s party special.
Party Planner: Rsvparties Inc
Photographer: Aimee Rossi Photography, LLC
Lounge Furniture: Galaxy Productions
Kaleidoscopes: kaleidoscopestoyou.com
Invitation: DM designs
July 7th, 2012
Evan Fleisig celebrated his Bar Mitzvah on May 12, 2012 at The Racquets Club of Short Hills in New Jersey.
Evan’s Mom, Sharon Klesse, is an interior designer, so she did not hire a party planner to help with his tropical theme.
Instead, she served as the party planner and put herself in charge of decorations, and together with her family created an island party to remember, complete with a luau, hammocks, and leis.
All photography was done by John Marelli Photography and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Pictured above L-R: Step Dad Tim, Bar Mitzvah boy Evan, Mom Sharon, Brother Harrison and big step Brother Timmy
The custom designed letter press invitation was created by Olive Branch Papery and utilized tropical colors: blue, aqua, orange, and yellow.
The invitation had an embossed palm tree next to the text and specified “Island Attire”
The stamps, from Zazzle, featured tropical parrots to go with the island theme, and the stamps Evan used for his thank you cards featured a monkey’s face and the words “thank you”
Evan’s Bar Mitzvah service was at Temple B’Nai Jeshurun in Short Hills, New Jersey.
Brother Harrison, Mom Sharon, and Bar Mitzvah boy Evan wearing a tallis from CBL Fine Art in West Orange, New Jersey
The Racquets Club of Short Hills was transformed for their tropical theme. The club was decorated with palm trees, and the centerpieces were palm fronds and other tropical leaves in vases filled with sea shells. For their cocktail hour, held downstairs in “the pub,” Sharon opted for hammocks with tropical colored throw pillows.
One hammock was placed near the tiki bar during the cocktail hour, and the other was placed near the dance floor
Even the tables were covered in island-inspired table skirts
A large stretched canvas displayed a painting of tropical flowers over the fireplace near the adult seating (and framed photographs depicting other island scenes were displayed on one wall)
Evan’s friends were greeted with LED leis and real coconut cups for their “cocktails,” distributed from the tiki bar Evan’s Mom and step Dad built and decorated.
Coconut cups with festive flowers
Colorful leis
The drinks menu
Evan chose a variety of kids entertainment including skee ball, domed hockey, and ping pong, as well as a magician and a green screen photo station
Pictures of Evan on different island vacations decorated tables and bars throughout the club.
Bijan from Unique Musique provided the musical entertainment for Evan’s tropical bash.
The men dancing the Horah
It looks like Evan enjoyed his party
Evan’s cake came from The Pink Cake Box and perfectly embodied his tropical island theme.
The cake was decorated to look like an island in the ocean, complete with waves and seashells
Wolf Head Athletic created the comfy hoodies that Evan gave his young guests as favors.
“It’s All Good”
The front of the hoodie included Evan’s name and the date of his celebration
Evan was all smiles for the evening, and no wonder. The party was filled with Kodak moments.
Evan and his friends pose around the cake
Evan and his Dad, Steven, share a big hug
Mom Sharon has some advice for all of us:
“I am an interior designer so the decorations were not only important to me, but fun for me to do! I did not use a party planner because being an interior designer and planning a Bar Mitzvah go hand in hand. My advice? Stay organized and create (and follow!) a project schedule. Specify what needs to be accomplished by what date and stick to it! You will avoid last minute headaches this way, and possible panic attacks!”
Mom Sharon, Evan, and Step Dad Tim
For Evan’s Mitzvah Project, he played his sax for the elderly in an assisted living facility nearby. He continues to do this now even though his Bar Mitzvah is over because it makes him happy to bring music and joy to people, some of whom don’t even leave the building any longer.
The following vendors helped to make Evan’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: The Racquets Club of Short Hills, 973-379-6080
Party Planner: Mom Sharon Klesse, Sharon Klesse Interiors, sharon@sharoninteriors.com
Music Entertainment: Larry Gold, Unique Musique, 732-431-4082
Favors: David Stern, Wolf Head Athletic, 973-376-1112
Games: The Main Event, 800-839-0918
Invitation: Christine Kosakowski, Olive Branch Papery, 973-722-2848
Cake: Anne Heap, The Pink Cake Box, 973-998-4445
Florist and Draped Fabric: Steve Novich, Jersey Street Furniture, 973-779-7444
Mom’s Dress: Roberto Cavalli gown from Neiman Marcus
Suits: Nordstrom, Express
Hair: Laura Sue Turano, 973-885-8767
Transportation: Pocono Progressive, 973-416-6800
Photography: John Marelli Photography, 862-204-9385
Video: Seth Elgart Professional Video, 973-292-6300
Bulk Candy: A Candy Store
Stamps: Zazzle
Kippot: Yarmulkes.com
Tallis: CBL Fine Art
Candles: CreativeCandles.com
Tropical Theme & Coconut Cups: Luau Express
LED Leis: CoolGlow.com
July 1st, 2012
Event planner Jeffrey Klein of East 7th Street Promotions impressed us with his candle lighting picture cubes and now he’s done it again.
We love this interpretation of a “fishing” themed Bar Mitzvah with another creative candle lighting display! There were many fishing details that related to the theme and the Bar Mitzvah boy’s passion.
All party photography was provided by Karen Farber of Karen Farber Photography.
Each child received a custom VIP fishing license pass they could wear throughout the event
Candles in illuminated mason jars holding live fish adorned each table
The adult area was elegant, but still had a feel for fishing; the centerpieces were wicker fishing creels filled with seasonal wildflowers and bamboo fishing poles with dangling votives
Sam, the Bar Mitzvah boy, performed his candle lighting at a “dock,” set up with logs and rope set up to give an authentic feel and the specially designed fishing logo on the front to make it personal
Mimicking the candles on the adult tables, the candle lighting display was made up of candles floating in illuminated vases
The whole party was bathed in blue, from the candles to the vaulted ceiling and walls, to enhance the ambiance
Each young guest went home with the above logo on a wearable favor so they could remember the “off the hook” fishing themed party
Thanks to East7thStreetPro for sharing this unique theme with our readers. It’s a great reminder that literally any interest or theme can be translated into a gorgeous party.
July 1st, 2012
As a Mitzvah Mom or Dad who has been through the planning process, I’m sure you have lots of wisdom to share with other families.
Mitzvah Market will be publishing a magazine this October and we would love to include your helpful advice. Please send us your thoughts to info@MitzvahMarket.com.
Here are some ideas to help you get started:
* What is the best thing you did during the planning process that helped the most?
* How did you make it a spiritual experience for your family?
* If there are younger siblings, what did you do to include them in the process?
* Is there something you did, ordered, bought that you could have lived without?
* Was there something you did special for out of town guests?
We will need your name, hometown and advice by August 1, 2012.
Thank you!
