May 23rd, 2012
We hear about the great swag celebrities receive at all the major awards shows (i.e. CMA’s, SAG Awards, Golden Globes, Oscars).
When you think about it, guests at a Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrations receive lots of loot too! From the wearable favors, DJ tchotchke and photo favors, to the dual purpose place cards and Mitzvah Exit treats, our arms are also full when leaving a party.
A group of young guests leaving a Bat Mitzvah celebration with all their swag!
Here’s some ideas of the swag we’ve been seeing at Bar/Bat Mitzvahs around the country:
From SoBe (South Beach Photo Booth Company) comes SoBe Ice! These fine crystal pieces give their portraits an especially unique presentation. They are available in all sorts of custom sizes and shapes
Silicone bracelets from Balloon Artistry come in all colors and can be personalized with your special message
From the Dukofsky Bat Mitzvah and Interactive Entertainment Concepts the swag bags featured kids sweatshirts, t-shirts and jewelry favors
A “swag” draw string bag for your guests loot from thecoolestgiveaways.com
From Candy Depot, their chocolate covered pretzels are embellished with edible glitter and packaged with a bow. These are available in one or two pieces and come in a variety of colors to match your decor
From Alfa Card, customized iTunes download cards for your guests
Funtastic Photo Favors creates permanent heat transfer pictures on high gloss dog tags, key chains, luggage tags, cell phone cases, iPhone cases and dry erase boards!
Entertainment Tonite gives guests a variety of items on the dance floor. From top left clockwise: light up fan, mohawk hair, flashing dome ring, fedora hat, LED mouthpiece, arm sleeve tattoos
The Main Event’s Mobile Flip Book Studio sets up a backdrop at your event and records a short video of your guests hamming it up and having fun with themed props and custom signs. In under two minutes, these video clips are then translated into still images and bound in a professionally designed custom cover featuring your event theme, party date and photo or logo of your choice
Did your guests receive lots of swag at your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration? Let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
May 21st, 2012
Davler Media Group Acquires MitzvahMarket.com
— Mitzvah Market Founder Sheri Lapidus Named Vice President Bar Bat Mitzvah Division, Davler Media Group —
May 21, 2012, New York, N.Y. – David L. Miller, CEO of Davler Media Group announced today that they acquired MitzvahMarket.com, a digital resource for Bar/Bat Mitzvah planning families from Media Moms LLC. Additionally, Sheri Lapidus, founder of MitzvahMarket.com was named Vice President, Bar Bat Mitzvah Division. This new division will be the largest and most authoritative resource dedicated to providing invaluable information to Bar/Bat Mitzvah planning families.
Lapidus will be responsible for overseeing an integrated multi-media advertising platform which will include an annual magazine, MitzvahMarket.com, Celebrate! Party Showcase events, email newsletters and social media.
“The combination of MitzvahMarket.com with our recent acquisition of the Celebrate! Party Showcase, a 20 year old event business, and our Bar Bat Mitzvah Book firmly establishes our position as the leading information resource for this specialty area. We offer Mitzvah vendors a one stop source for reaching the families in the metropolitan New York area who are planning their celebrations,” says David L. Miller, CEO of Davler Media Group. “In just three years, Sheri has built a site filled with useful ideas that speaks to the Moms our advertisers are trying to reach. She has also attracted a loyal base of clients and we are excited to have her join our team.”
Lapidus is a public relations executive with over 20 years experience. She has worked in various publicity roles at NBC-TV, CBS-TV, In Style magazine, Kaplow Communications, Elle Magazine and for the past 3 years at MitzvahMarket.com, which she founded in November 2008.
In addition to the acquisition of MitzvahMarket.com, other changes are being announced. Celebrate! Party Showcase will enter a fourth market, Long Island, in October 2012. This event is in addition to the already existing annual showcases in Westchester (November 2012), New Jersey (January 2013), and Connecticut (March 2013).
The Bar Bat Mitzvah Book is expanding beyond Westchester, Rockland and Fairfield to service families from Long Island, New York City and New Jersey. It will continue to be published annually, with the first edition in October 2012.
ABOUT DAVLER MEDIA GROUP
Davler Media Group (www.davlermedia.com) was founded in 2004 by publishing entrepreneur David L. Miller and a leading private equity firm specializing in media and communications, Alta Communications. Davler creates print and online publications that help New York Metropolitan-area residents and visitors make superior choices about how to spend their time and money. Their publications offer targeted guides, listings, directories, and award-winning editorial content that are both timely and comprehensive serving three distinct markets: the visitor market, the parenting market and the luxury market. City Guide magazine and CityGuideNY.com are the largest circulation visitor media in Manhattan. NYMetroParents’ print and online media reach approximately 1,000,000 parents a month. Promenade and its sister Website, NYLuxury.com introduce New York City’s affluent residents and visitors to the latest trends in the city.
Contact: Sheri Lapidus
sheri@mitzvahmarket.com
516-445-2394
May 19th, 2012
Seventh-grader Elora Rosedale from Canton, Connecticut did not have to think hard about what to do for her Mitzvah Project.
Her Mom Aileen has been battling cancer and it was important to her to contribute to a cause that not only affects her Mother, but many others in her community.
Pictured left: Elora and her Mom Aileen
We spoke with Elora to learn more about her Mitzvah Project that brought healing to her community:
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project?
ER: I really wanted to help people out that have cancer because my Mom has been battling breast cancer for most of my life.
MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bat Mitzvah?
ER: It means that I get to help out people that are less fortunate than others.
MM: Can you give us details of your Mitzvah Project?
ER: In honor of my Mom who has been going through chemotherapy treatments and has battled breast cancer since February 2003, I organized some fund raising at Canton Middle School. For Pajama Day, kids could wear pajamas to school with a $2 donation and teachers could wear jeans or pajamas by contributing at least $5. I raised almost $1100! I also sent out an email to my friends and family and raised $1500. A group of women from our sisterhood formed a knitting group and are making chemo shawls that are being donated to the place where my Mom gets her chemotherapy treatments. We are also making 50 chemo companion bags that will be donated to the Partnership for Breast Care at Hartford Hospital to fund 30 bed jackets that are given to women who are newly diagnosed with Breast Cancer. We are also donating gift cards to the sisterhood knitting group because they are going to keep knitting even after my Bat Mitzvah.
On Pajama Day, from left, are Aime Freedenberg, Sam Cabeceiras, English teacher Sarah Foster, Emily Mitchell, Caitlyn Love, Meg Callahan, Maddie Brown and Maggie Coleman
MM: How are you getting the word out about Healing Prayer Shawls?
ER: My English teacher, Sarah Foster helped me put together a video using my thoughts and personal story about why the effort was so important. The video uses images of a cross-section of society to show that the disease affects everyone.
Elora would like to keep the momentum going. Anyone interested in helping with raising funds or in knitting prayer shawls is welcome to contact Aileen at hseinwoods@comcast.net.
We thank Elora and her Mom Aileen for sharing their story and Mitzvah Project with our readers.
May 19th, 2012
David Cohen celebrated his Bar Mitzvah on September 24, 2011 at Palm Beach Ice Works…yes on the ice!
Mom Julie is an event planner and runs “it Events by Julie.” She had a dance floor on the ice, created a cool lounge area and made it very easy and comfortable for the young guests (and adults if willing) to skate and dance all night.
Munoz Photography was on hand to capture all the fun and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Pictured L-R: Brother Ryan, Bar Mitzvah boy David, Mom Julie, Dad Jeff and Sister Hannah
The Cohens took a summer family trip to Israel where David became a Bar Mitzvah at the Wailing Wall.
David at the Wailing Wall
Their invitation by Spotlight was created by Sincerely Yours, Diane. There were 2 versions – one for kids and one for adults. The back pocket had “hockey words” with very thick heather grey paper stock, navy writing and a touch of red.
As seen above, David’s Save the Date was the “puckman.” This symbol came to life with a facebook page and friends and family taking pictures of puckman all over – he even went to Israel and a few other countries. Puckman could be seen on many party elements including the sweatshirts, hats and scarfs
A nice special touch was the RedCap service offered to guests who might want a ride home
David’s celebration took place at the Palm Beach Ice Works.
Signage outside let guests know they have arrived at David’s celebration
Young guests arrived by bus and were greeted by the Icee To Go Machine. They were directed to their locker rooms where they found a bag with their sweatshirt (which they could personalize with their name and number during the party) and their skates (they were asked their size on the RSVP card). The boys received slides and the girls received booties so they didn’t have to keep putting their skates on and off. There were also plenty of gloves, scarfs, snuggies and fuzzy socks for anyone who was still cold
Timeline Video Productions provided all the video services including this teaser video about the event. All vendors wore hockey jerseys themed for their specialty and the party.
Watch this video to see what this fun ice hockey celebration was all about here
Timeline Video Productions had a full crew (on skates!) to make sure they caught all the action. They also supplied all the screens and video clips throughout the night. They even had “puckman” pictures as well as special ads on the screens inside the rink
Timeline Video Productions also produced this clever entrance video!
Watch it here
Ice Baby…what else! Dalsimer dropped a dance floor on the ice with dance cages as well as a “cooling area” on the ice where you could sit and watch the kids/adults skate or dance. They also created all the signage and pictures throughout the rink.
The ice rink is ready for guests. Above is the lounge area
David with his brother and sister pose on the dance floor created by Dalsimer
Dalsimer also created these cages
Guests enjoyed skating
A game of mini hockey!
Food was displayed in unique ways throughout the ice rink
All the food stations had custom signs using David’s pictures
Pure Energy provided the music entertainment with Alberto as the MC. They used a raised lit DJ booth to make sure the DJ was not only seen but also heard throughout the Olympic size ice rink. The dancers were so talented both on the dance floor and on the ice!
David makes his entrance as Puckman after the video plays!
During the celebration, South Beach Photo Booth Company provided additional entertainment with their new touch screen photo booth, flip pictures and Skins for everyone.
The new touch screen photo favor from South Beach Photo Booth Company featured the Puckman logo!
Mom Julie designed the sweatshirt favors for the young guests.
As people left the party, adult guests received a Puckman survival box which included “Puckcorn,” Peppermint Patties, melted ice (water), Ice gum and a small survival kit including aspirin and a few other goodies. The young guests enjoyed an extreme candy bar. Additionally, there was a Fire truck serving hot pizza to everyone as they were boarding the buses back to the hotel.
Fire truck pizza
Puckman survival kit with a note from the family to their guests
The following vendors helped make David’s party special. If you give any of them a call, please tell them you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Palm Beach Ice Works
Caterer: Chez Gourmet
Party Planner: Mom Julie, it Events by Julie, iteventplanning@gmail.com
Bars and Ice Bars: Potions in Motions
Decor: Dalsimer
Photographer: Munoz Photography
Music Entertainment: MC, Alberto, Pure Energy
Photo Favors: South Beach Photo Booth Company
Favors: it Events by Julie
Invitations: Sincerely Yours, Diane
Montage: Timeline Video Productions
Coffee Cart: Café Ala Carte
Food Truck: Fire Truck Pizza
Ice Machine: Icee To Go Machine
Dresses/suits for family members: Lois Tonkin, Nordstrom
Party security: Protection & Tactical Group
Transportation: Corporate Coaches – Double Decker Bus
Guests Transportation: RedCap Transportation
May 16th, 2012
YouCake adds a personal touch to top desserts for your special occasion like a Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration.
They create 100% edible designs using special frosting sheets and an edible/food grade printer. The edible designs are applied as custom dessert toppings for special occasion cakes and cupcakes as well as cookies for fun party favors and gifts.
They can also add a more interactive treat by adding an edible QR code.
Your guests can scan their cookie with a smart phone, view your Web page, Facebook page or event photo site and then enjoy a cookie!
Additionally, for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration, they can personalize cakes, cupcakes, cookie pops and cookies:
Just send them your photo, inscription and theme idea. They will send a preview of the design to review. Their cookies are easy to ship and they can arrange delivery of cakes and cupcakes. Pick up is also available in Long Island City.
Kosher/Parve cookies are available upon request and each cookie comes individually sealed. Other packaging options include cello bag with ribbon and clear gift boxes.
For more information, visit YouCake.com.
May 16th, 2012
This Bar Mitzvah boy from Bloomfield, Michigan is a rock fan. The only location he wanted for his Bar Mitzvah celebration was the historic live-music venue, The Crofoot located in the heart of downtown Pontiac, Michigan. The Crofoot is a full-service professional event space providing all the services necessary for the creation of a Rock n Roll Mitzvah!
Andrea Solomon was the event planner and Bob DiTommaso was the photographer.
Check out all the photos below:
An outdoor entrance sign made it look just like there was a real concert being held
Posters were put on the front windows of The Crofoot
The Crofoot created posters with 4 different designs
Michael Mcfeaters Designs created the large sign with a sketch of the Bar Mitzvah boy
Guests found their place cards at Will Call
Guests received backstage passes that a friend of the Mitzvah family designed
The savvy Mitzvah Dad found a great deal on lanyards on Ebay
Real record albums were hung from the ceiling on the patio area of the venue
Old record albums with candles made up the centerpieces
The view from the DJ booth
Andrea the event planner provided the acrylic candle lighting sign, and a candle with his name on it
We thank both Andrea and Robert for allowing us to share this celebration with our readers.
May 12th, 2012
This Atlanta family held a great laid back Bat Mitzvah in their backyard for their daughter Kyra in August 2011. Flips flops were the theme and they had lots of clever touches.
Photographer Chuck Robertson caught all the action.
The Bat Mitzvah girl’s logo on the service program
This table displays the yarmulkes, programs and pictures of the Bat Mitzvah girl’s parents at their Bar/Bat Mitzvahs.
The logo for the Kiddush lunch centerpieces
Great signage leading guests to the Flip Flop celebration
The pool was decorated with fun flip flop balloons
Cheerful and creative flip flop flowers made from actual flip flops!
When the sun went down the dancing started
Love the outdoor screen for watching the montage
The dance floor
Gotta love the horah in a bathing suit!
You need to cool off after all that dancing
Sweet dessert to a great party
We thank Chuck Robertson for sharing this fun Bat Mitzvah with our readers.
May 12th, 2012
According to The Perfect Setting, everyone has a piece of jewelry sitting in their jewelry box unworn collecting dust.
Maybe it was a gift from a parent from your teenage years or an inheritance or keepsake from a beloved grandparent.
If you would prefer to reset a special keepsake for your child’s upcoming Bar/Bat Mitzvah, but don’t know where to go or who to trust, look no further than The Perfect Setting and it’s owner, Amy Certilman.
See some samples of her work:
Do you have a ring similar to the band on the left? A Bat Mitzvah Mom decided it was time to reuse the diamonds and make a necklace for herself, her upcoming Bat Mitzvah girl and her soon-to-be 16 year old daughter
Unworn for decades, Amy converted Grandma’s pin into a pendant with enhancer — shown on a woven leather cord with gold clasp for safety
Combining unworn pearls and small studs, Amy made the perfect pair of earrings – suitable for both the Bat Mitzvah girl or Mom!
Diamond studs get dressed up for the day
A gift from her husband shortly after they were married, this beautiful strand of Akoya 7mm pearls (left) sat unworn for years, now too conservative for her current lifestyle. Amy crafted a sterling and onyx center piece and restrung the necklace into a day to dinner bracelet (with three pearls to spare)
This client didn’t know what to do with her unworn wedding rings since her divorce, so the two rings were combined to make this versatile pendant. With it’s hinged enhancer, this piece can be worn on everything from pearls to a leather cord
Amy is a personal jeweler and designer. She has a genuine passion for jewelry of all periods and styles. Inspired by her grandmother, Amy believes that jewelry should be worn and enjoyed and that any piece can be reinvented to suit a particular event and your current lifestyle. While her company is a full service jewelry firm, her passion and heart holds a special place for resettings.
Amy says, “I love resettings because each stone has a story.” She continues, “Whether it belonged to a grandparent, family member, or in many cases divorced women who want to create something new for their new lives, all the way around everyone is really happy.”
In addition to the sentimental value of a resetting, with gold and platinum prices so high it makes economic sense as well as esthetic sense to reuse and reset diamonds and other semi-precious stones.
So dig out your jewelry box and call Amy today at 516-422-1220 or email her at Amy@ThePerfectSetting.com for a COST-FREE consultation to Re-Style, Re-Set, Re-Juvenate your jewelry!
Amy meets with clients in the heart of New York City’s Diamond District and throughout the Tri-State area by appointment. She also frequently works with clients too far to travel and in Europe via the internet, email, video chats and postal services. In-office and in-home appointments are also available upon request.
For more information visit their profile page and Website.
If you want to see Amy’s work in progress start following The Perfect Setting on Facebook or check out Amy’s Blog for other tips and ideas.
May 9th, 2012
When Kelsey Hirsch of Schwenksville, Pennsylvania heard about the Jerry Sandusky Penn State abuse case, she realized this could be the perfect opportunity to fulfill her dream of helping others and help prevent child abuse.
Since Kelsey’s Dad is an active alumni of Penn State, he suggested that Kelsey work with Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN), an organization against sexual violence. Kelsey decided to design and sell wristbands using the RAINN slogan: “HOPE. COURAGE. STRENGTH.” She has named her Mitzvah Project Bands4RAINN.
We spoke with Kelsey to learn more:
MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bat Mitzvah?
KH: I think it means that everyone should help someone or something to make the world a better place.
MM: Can you give us details of your Mitzvah Project?
KH: I am taking donations and selling wristbands that say “HOPE. COURAGE. STRENGTH.” This is RAINN’s slogan and I’m raising money to help survivors to have these qualities. I am selling the bracelets for $3 each. They can be bought online at www.store.rainn.org.
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project?
KH: My parents explained everything about the Sandusky scandal at Penn State University and my first response was to ask how I could help. This project is my answer.
MM: If it involves a donation, what are you doing to spreading the word?
LH: I have setup a twitter account @bands4RAINN and also a Facebook page at facebook.com/bands4rainn. Each day we give a quote regarding “HOPE. COURAGE. STRENGTH.” We also post pictures and give information regarding survivor support and other areas that mirror my message.
MM: Does your project have a start and end date, if so what are they?:
KH: I started the project in November 2011, when I heard about the Sandusky scandal. While it officially ends on September 8, 2012, I hope it will continue until after I go to college (or longer).
MM: Anything else we need to know about your Mitzvah Project?
KH: I would really like to have everyone wearing a Bands4RAINN bracelet and hope that I can build this to a national level. While I have been featured in the Penn State “Daily Collegian” and on WPSU’s “Centre County Report,” I would like to see this grow to a more national level. Kelsey’s Bands4RAINN, her total raised has passed $5,500 and still growing.
We would like to thank Kelsey and her family for sharing her special Mitzvah Project with our readers.
Read an update about Kelsey’s Mitzvah Project here.
May 8th, 2012
Ryan Adelman celebrated his Bar Mitzvah in December 2011. They had a luncheon for the adults following Ryan’s service at Congregation B’nai Israel in Millburn, New Jersey.
Later that evening, there was a kids party at Mountain Ridge Country Club in West Caldwell, New Jersey.
Jesse Hernandez was the photographer and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Pictured above (L-R): Mom Heather, Sister Hilary, Bar Mitzvah boy Ryan, Brother Tyler and Dad Marc
Both Ryan’s luncheon and kids party featured a sports theme including his love of the Mets and golf.
Ryan’s invitation by Paper Capers and his kippahs were displayed in a “sporty” way in baskets along with clips on an orange shoe lace
For the luncheon following Ryan’s service, the Emerald Garden dressed up golf equipment donations that were used for centerpieces during the luncheon. Junior golf clubs were purchased to adorn the bimah and then were donated
Mom Heather put together orange table card boxes filled with grass and blue chocolate kisses directing guests to their “hole” (table)
We are impressed! Mom Heather used her needle pointing skills to create Ryan’s custom kippah.
The kippah included his logo!
Mom also created a needle point talis bag and Ryan’s grandparents gave him the talis as a gift
Party planner Dayna Platnick pulled the “sports” elements together for Ryan’s celebration with his friends.
Ryan’s game jerseys decorated the entrance to his celebration – an idea adopted from a Mitzvah Market family spotlight
The table cards were orange and blue golf ball keychains with guests first names attached on the key holder
The orange flowers by Emerald Garden subtly carried the theme into the adults’ tables
Oversized logo on the dance floor displaying Ryan’s logo was designed by Adam Padilla, a marketing design consultant who works with Ryan’s Dad at The 100 Mile Man Group. The decal was made by LTLPrints
Jersey Street Furniture provided the lounge furniture and metal figures who were dressed up in more of Ryan’s uniforms
One of the metal figures
Mom Heather used photos of the Bar Mitzvah boy at various ages to number the tables (also an idea from Mitzvah Market)
Shine Events provided the music entertainment with Jamel as the MC.
Ryan makes his entrance
Ryan’s friends help with a “stage dive”
Guests having fun
There were many creative touches that added an element of fun to Ryan’s celebration.
After reading about Picture This Nashville on MitzvahMarket.com, Mom Heather called and booked this unique photo favor booth
Ryan’s sister, Hilary, loved using the photo booth all night long
Hamming it up for the camera
Love Peace Paint created temporary tatoos on guests
Send In The Clowns provided games
Party Planner Dayna Platnick created the sign-in board using the table number pictures.
Mr. G provided logo’d napkins and cups.
Baked By Melissa cupcakes spelled out “Play Ball!”
Mr. G also created the shirts for the young guests.
Mom Heather has this advice for us:
“Enjoy the planning process of your child’s Mitzvah because the actual day goes by in a flash. Take pleasure in working on every detail and then remember on the actual day to live in the moment, savor the service, revel in being surrounded by your friends and family and appreciate the fact that the most fun moments are the ones you did NOT plan, ie. the stage dive at the end!”
For his Mitzvah Project, Ryan collected golf clubs, bags, shoes and balls to benefit The First Tee.
The First Tee is a national organization that introduces kids to golf and provides an opportunity for them to develop life-enhancing skills, such as confidence, perseverance and good judgment.
They wrote about Ryan’s Mitzvah Project here.
The following vendors helped to make Ryan’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you heard about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Service/Luncheon: Congregation B’nai Israel
Venue: Mountain Ridge Country Club
Party Planner: Dayna Platnick, dakamiel@aol.com, 973-945-0884
Music Entertainment: MC Jamel, Shine Events, 845-525-3100
Photographer: Jesse Hernandez Photography, 732-781-5935
Décor/Florist: Jimmy, The Emerald Garden, Millburn, NJ, 973-564-9519
Favors (shirts, cups, napkins): Mr. G’s Embroidery, 908-432-9246
Photo Booth: Elaine Pardo Ingram, Picture this Nashville, 615-352-0024
Tattoo artist: Shayna Craig, Love, Peace and Paint, 908-768-7687
Invitation: Paper Capers, Livingston, NJ
Cupcakes: Baked By Melissa
Sign-In board: Dayna Platnick
Place cards and table numbers: Mitzvah Mom Heather
Hair/makeup: Anne Sussman, 973-985-9850
Videographer: Kristen, Lasting Memories Productions, Kristen.ogorman@gmail.com
Games: Gary, Send in the Clowns, 516-354-1515
Décor/furniture: Jersey Street Furniture, 973-779-7444
Decal floor logo: LTL Prints, 800-672-6741
Kosher Caterer for Temple luncheon: Chaya, Pomp Caterers, 973-539-4314 ext. 112
Acappella Group at luncheon: Princeton Tigertones
