Archive for October, 2012
October 12th, 2012
Photographer Sterling Tyler captured this sweet treat B’not Mitzvah!
The sisters shined during their service at Temple Beth El in Aliso Viejo and the festivities were double delicious at a candy-themed reception held at Celebrations by Turnip Rose in Costa Mesa, CA.
Gail Peter of Formal Impressions created the turquoise and pink decor overflowing with candy everywhere.
Each sister picked their favorite color for the kippot
Place cards had a different candy attached to each one
The sisters adorned the walls on large movie posters that were custom-made from a special pre-party décor photo shoot
The cocktail centerpieces had a touch of sweetness in them
The napkins and signage also reflected each girl’s favorite colors
The large dance floor had both girls names with gobo flowers
The adult tables with the candy theme
The kids lounge area
The girls strike a pose next to their favorite candy
We thank Sterling Tyler Photography for sharing these great pictures with our readers.
October 12th, 2012
By Jeffrey Lowell, Long Island
I love birthday parties. I have had twelve in my life and I will soon celebrate my 13th. I can’t imagine being unable to celebrate the day I was born, but many homeless kids aren’t so lucky to have the opportunity to celebrate something as simple as their birthdays each year.
That’s why, for my mitzvah project I chose to participate in the Birthday Wishes organization.
Birthday Wishes is a non-profit that helps underprivileged, homeless children have the birthday party of a lifetime by bringing the excitement of a party to them in the shelters where they are living.
Birthday Wishes was founded in 2002 by three friends who wanted to help homeless children build self-esteem. While volunteering in several homeless shelters, they noticed that children’s birthdays would often be overlooked. Parents there were embarrassed that they didn’t have enough money to buy a cake or presents so they didn’t even tell their children that they had a birthday. The three women thought this was unacceptable and started throwing birthday parties at the shelters for all the children. The first parties were held at the Second Step shelter in Newton, MA. Today, the volunteer organization serves more than 165 homeless shelters and thousands of homeless children in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and on Long Island.
Through this group I will be able to make several kids’ dreams come true and help them feel special on their special day by bringing party favors and gifts (all donated) for them. I have been collecting gifts, games and party favors from my friends and family. I’ve already collected some board games, super hero action figures, stuffed animals, and my favorite – Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots! I will be getting many more the weekend of my Bar Mitzvah and I will be buying more. I am truly excited to present the children with these gifts they would never have had the chance to receive otherwise.
I like that I will be able to be involved firsthand and I can’t wait to see the smiles on their faces when they see what we have planned for them. I may even bake them a cake!
Choosing this mitzvah project makes me think how fortunate I am to not only have a home and everyday luxuries, but to be able to celebrate my birthday each year and to also have a Bar Mitzvah. I never even thought about not having a party or even a cake and it makes me sad to realize not everyone is as lucky as I am.
Next month, I become a Bar Mitzvah. It is very important for me to make smart decisions and feel good about myself. My feelings of pride and accomplishment in learning to think about others and their life challenges have made me a more compassionate person. This mitzvah project has really changed my outlook on the world. I will no longer take things for granted. These kids have a tough life that hopefully I will never have to experience personally. I am glad I’m able to help make them feel special for at least one day. And I hope it will be a day they will remember forever. I can’t wait to spread the birthday cheer! I know it will be a humbling and rewarding experience.
Jeffrey Lowell is an 8th grader at Merrick Avenue Middle School on Long Island. Mazel Tov on your upcoming Bar Mitzvah!
October 10th, 2012
We spend a lot of time on the Mitzvah girls. Did you read our previous story What The Girls Are Wearing? There’s a lot to say!
But now we are asking about the boys. Although suits, slacks and shirts come in a variety of colors and patterns, we usually don’t focus much on them, but today’s story will.
These boys have dressed very creatively for their Bar Mitzvah celebration!
Check it out below:
For his 007 theme, Garrett Jochnau entered looking sharp in a white tuxedo. Check it all out in his Mitzvah Family Spotlight
From the Mendelsohn spotlight, these brothers created custom sneakers for their Bar Mitzvah celebration
For his Jeans, Jewels and Jersey theme, Tyler Gersten wore a jersey with the number 13
Zach Keller wore a baseball shirt custom created for his celebration at the Yogi Bear Museum
For a Dylan’s Playboy Club theme from East 7th Street Promotions
Did your son dress creatively for his Bar Mitzvah? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
October 7th, 2012
Sports themed Bar/Bat Mitzvahs are a favorite of so many of our readers. We love finding popular themes with original presentation and that look fun for both adult and young guests.
This Mitzvah Inspire comes from Abby Rose Photography in Michigan. As you will see, Bar Mitzvah boy Josh is a big hockey fan. We love how this sport was incorporated into this Bar Mitzvah celebration.
See highlights from this celebration below:
The Bar Mitzvah boy wore a Red Wings jersey that was specially made for him with his last name and the number 13 on the back
Barb Mandell from Mandell Display Design created all the decorations, place cards, and centerpieces. Using Josh’s picture on the place cards made it personal while keeping with the hockey theme
The large ballroom at the Diamond Center looks great in the red and brown color scheme
Hockey team pennants hung around the room
Hockey skates and sticks were part of the centerpieces
Of course Josh made his “entrance” on skates and high-fived his guests as he circled the room
Being lifted up by family and friends
The mechanical bull was a big hit with all the partygoers!
The cake from Baked Impressions was so awesome that most people didn’t even realize it was a cake
These tote bags were given to Josh’s friends
We thank Abby Rose Photography for sharing this celebration with our readers.
Check out some other Abby Rose Mitzvah Inspire stories: Grant’s Got Game and Saturday Nat Live!
October 3rd, 2012
Are you looking for wearable Bar/Bat Mitzvah favors?
Work Factory-Direct with A Promos USA. Not only do they cater to the Bar and Bat Mitzvah party market, they also provide screen printing, embroidery and promotional products for camps, businesses, concerts, schools and teams, fire departments, anniversaries, fundraisers and more. They have hundreds of thousands of promotional items to choose from and they ship nationwide.
Here’s something new!
These sunglasses can be imprinted with any saying or logo in any color. They are a great inexpensive favor for your adult and young guests.
Call A Promos USA/Imagemaker at 800-987-8766 to learn more or visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
October 3rd, 2012
Camryn Glick celebrated her Bat Mitzvah on February 4, 2012 at Carlyle On The Green.
This family went with pink and white decor along with a chic club vibe. We thank them for sharing all their ideas with Mitzvah Market.
Hi-Tech Photography provided the photography services.
Pictured above: Brother Austin, Mom Andrea, Bat Mitzvah girl Camryn and Dad Larry
Theresa from Sealed With A Kiss created the invitation using layers of shimmer paper.
A crystal under Camryn’s name added a touch of sparkle
Camryn’s pretty dress was from It’s Simply For You.
Camryn shows off her pink gown with crystals on top
Mom Andrea’s pretty long gown in deep blue was from Runway Couture
Bestkippah.com supplied the yarmulkes for their service with Camryn’s name in silver foil.
Steve Carl from Carlyle on the Green transformed the ballroom for this celebration.
Her name lit up the floor with pink up lighting
White lounge furniture provided additional seating for young guests
Tables are set and ready for guests
Hi-Tech Photography Events provided blow-ups of Camryn
Entertainment Tonite with Carl as the MC provided the music entertainment.
Camryn makes her entrance
Camryn with the ET crew
Guests enjoying the party
Hi Tech Photography Events created her sign-in book.
Carlyle on the Green created her pretty cake.
Camryn with all her friends
There were many special moments during Camryn’s celebration.
Camryn and her Dad Larry share a special dance
Camryn poses with special guest Johnny Damon formerly of the NY Yankees
Long sleeve off the shoulder t-shirts created by Michelle Weissman was the favor for the girls and autographed Jets t-shirts were the favor for the boys.
This dark grey off the shoulder top featured a design on back of shirt & on the sleeve
The boys t-shirts were autographed by Mark Sanchez & Nick Mangold
As guests left Camryn’s celebration they were treated to donut zeppoles to go and a little gift!
Guests enjoy zeppoles
The box read, “Every party girl needs her Beauty Sleep. Here’s a little gift for you to keep! XO Camryn”
Here’s some Mom to Mom advice from Mom Andrea:
“Using most of the same vendors that we used for my son’s Bar Mitzvah really made the party planning for Camryn’s Bat Mitzvah much less stressful. They were all very experienced and were very familiar with our family. I think it is extremely important to ask around and get as much information from other moms who have already gone through the planning process. Also, try to take in everything and really enjoy the day. In the blink of an eye it is over!”
The following vendors helped to make Camryn’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Steve Carl, Carlyle On The Green, 516-501-9700
Music Entertainment: MC, Carl, Entertainment Tonite, 516-826-6900
Photography/Videography: Laura, Hi-Tech Photography Events
Invitation: Theresa Gordan, SWAK, 516-921-7227
Decor/Cake: Steve Carl, Carlyle On The Green, 516-501-9700
Favor/Adult giveaway: Michelle Weissman, Creative Specialties, 516-637-0493
Kippot: BestKippah.com
Camryn’s Dress: It’s Simply For You
Mom Andrea’s Dress: Runway Couture, 516-308-4639
Suits for family members: Jack Victor, 212-399-0020
Hair: Anna, ID Salon, 516-921-5541
Make-up: Krystal, ID Salon, 516-921-5541
October 3rd, 2012
Austin is from Ohio and celebrated his Bar Mitzvah in August, 2012. He worked on his Mitzvah Project, which benefitted Happy Trails Farms with both his grandmothers.
Pictured left: Austin and a horse at the Happy Trails Farm
We asked them some questions to learn more about this project:
MM: Can you give us details about your Mitzvah Project?
Austin, along with Grandma Sandy and Grandma Carole held a garage sale at Carole’s house for 3 days. Neighbors, friends and other family members helped to donate and set up for this sale. Austin’s sister (who is 16 years old) baked cupcakes to sell. We were able to raise $460. After the sale, the rest was donated to the Salvation Army.
Austin makes his donation to Happy Trails Farm
MM: We asked Austin what it meant to him to do a Mitzvah Project for his Bar Mitzvah?
It means that I will take on more responsibility and I’m now aware that help is needed in the world. My grandmother and I visited Happy Trails Farm last year and saw the extent of abuse and neglect some farm animals endure. Pigs, sheep, roosters, ducks, mini horses, and full size horses are among those that are re-habilitated and put up for adoption as pets. The farm exists on the generosity of others and volunteers.
MM: What are you doing to spread the word about the work at Happy Trails Farm?
We hope to get articles in Mitzvah publications. We also passed out the “Farm’s newsletter” to those interested at our garage sale. We publicize by talking about it to others.
MM: How long can people donate?
People can donate all the time, since there are on-going needs for food, shelter and treatment.
We thank Austin and his grandmothers for sharing this Mitzvah Project with our readers. To learn more about Happy Trails Farm, visit their Website.
