January 17th, 2012
DanceJock Productions is a full time, highly professional, DJ entertainment company who can also design your entire event.
Recently they designed the interior of a football themed Bar Mitzvah at Temple Beth Torah in Melville, New York. Atmosphere Lounge Dezinz, a division of DanceJock Productions created the lounge area. Additionally, the celebration included Sports Frenzy, a football themed game, a yo-yo artist and a Sport trivia expert walking around!
All pictures are from Ira Rosen Photography. Check it all out below:
Numerous lighting heads and plasmas featuring JETS highlight reels surround the space
A 42 x 20 foot box truss was installed to give the room a stadium look
The kids lounge area featured a football chair for the “Bar Mitzvah star”
The lounge area was filled with all white furniture, JETS pillows, light up tables and a football field mural
The hallway decor and centerpieces were done by United Floral
This celebration also included a Logan tailgate party in the parking lot!
The tailgate party also featured five different food trucks and a classic rock jazz trio
Another food truck for the tailgate party
Back inside, the room is ready for guests
DanceJock Productions installed a white dance floor and had it striped like a football field with a LOGAN logo in the center
Bar Mitzvah boy Logan on the football dance floor
MC Scott Neglia and DanceJock Crew
Logan’s logo up close
The caterer at Temple Beth Torah created this football themed cake
We thank DanceJock Productions for sharing this great football themed celebration with Mitzvah Market. For more information on how they can design your party, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
January 15th, 2012
We found this terrific Mitzvah Project in the Boston Globe.
Isy Mekler is a 7th grader at the Solomon Schechter Day School of Greater Boston. When it came time to decide on a Mitzvah Project, he was inspired by his favorite children’s book, Shel Silverstein’s “The Giving Tree,’’ and its message about generosity.
He came up an ambitious fund-raising idea, he wanted to buy books for needy children. He decided to reach out to various artists across the country and asked them to create a work of art that could be auctioned off. The money raised would give him enough money to buy books.
He sent emails to 300 artists and illustrators and asked them to paint or illustrate a three-dimensional cardboard tree, which he had manufactured in Colombia. According to Isy, it was cheaper to make them there.
These cardboard “kits” were sent to artists/illustrators
Through referrals from the organization Reach Out and Read, who will also benefit from this project, 35 artists did respond. Those trees will be exhibited at the Danforth Museum and School of Art’s Children’s Gallery in Framingham, beginning in May with an online auction being held at the same time.
Artist and teacher Jean Wallace covered her tree in tiny slips of shredded paper containing letters, numbers, and symbols “to inspire the viewer to conduct word searches”
Kate Cosgrove Art & Illustration created this owl infested tree
Congratulations to Isy on a terrific Mitzvah Project. We hope these “tree” works of art raise lots of money for you to purchase those books!
January 15th, 2012
Once you get your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah date, you think about the venue and DJ. There are many details that come next, but one of the most challenging will hit you only a few weeks before your event…
The seating chart! Keeping peace among family and friends could be challenging.
Enter SocialTables.com. This Website enables the user to make the creation of seating charts as painless as possible – and did we mention it’s FREE!
You can use their Website just to create seating charts or you can build an active community for your guests. They will be encouraged to tell stories about the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child and share pictures before youre event. Your Social Tables event stays open even after your real-life event occurs, allowing guests to follow-up with one another.
You will find an unlimited number of round tables with 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 seats.
Just drag and drop names onto the squares around the tables – it’s simple!
For more information, visit their Website.
January 15th, 2012
It was double the fun at Lucky Strike Lanes in New York City for the B’not Mitzvah of Sidney & Amanda!
Photographer Jesse Hernandez caught all the action at this bowling alley/club venue. The party was jam packed with many of their friends and family who came to eat, bowl and dance the night away!
Their theme was “sisters” with adorable cute touches including the nicest bowling attire we have ever seen!
We also love the McDonald’s logo using their name
The bowling area features cool lighting and white lounge furniture
Having fun bowling…
The theme “sisters” as a gobo on the floor
The bar area awaits guests
Photos of the girls were used around the venue
Even their drink menu was a play on the “sisters” theme – including Sister Twister Mix and other name appropriate drinks
Guests danced the night away
Family and friends watched the montage at the end of the alley
The “sisters” logo was a take-off on Ed Hardy and was used in many places at the reception
The black napkins with gray ink
The logo was also featured on the plasma screens around the room
We want to thank Jesse Hernandez Photography and Lucky Strike Lanes for sharing this B’not Mitzvah with our readers.
January 14th, 2012
Many of our readers followed our guest blogger Stephanie Kepke Kaplan’s series, On A Wing And A Prayer. We read about her quest for a dress on a budget of under $100 and her son’s desire for a lounge area and dancers!
Now we are excited to share the Kaplan’s Bar Mitzvah celebration with our readers and find out exactly what happened!
Stephanie and her family had a Sunday afternoon party at North Shore Synagogue with family and friends. The traditional affair, with a shorter (1/2 hour) cocktail hour, to keep costs down featured a baseball theme.
Pictured above (L-R): Mom Stephanie, brother Joshua, Bar Mitzvah boy Drew, Dad Jeff and youngest brother Aidan
Jason from Neal Bloom was the photographer and all the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
Congratulations to the Kaplan family – looks like Drew had a terrific party to celebrate his Bar Mitzvah!
Mom Stephanie found her invitations at an unlikely place: Party City. She was thrilled with how they turned out and loved all the positive comments from family and friends.
If you are on a budget, Party City is a great place to find invitations
Stephanie talked a lot about her search for a dress in her Mitzvah Market blog series, On A Wing And A Prayer.
Stephanie in her beautiful “bargain dress” from Lord & Taylor with her son Drew
Party Excellence provided the highboy tables, centerpieces for the adult tables and the lounge area all to match their baseball theme. The décor also included a full lounge, provided by Party Interiors with tables that lit up in colors that matched the centerpieces.
Each table was a different team
Mom Stephanie saved money by buying large glass vases at TJ Maxx and filling them with new baseballs. The centerpieces created by Party Excellence fit right on top
Although not originally in the budget, Stephanie was able to negotiate with Paul from Party Interiors & My Glow Party and surprise her son with the lounge set-up
Mom Stephanie created the place cards and holder by gluing artificial turf on foam board.
Entertainment Tonite provided the music with Mike D. as the MC.
Drew with the ET crew. Not only did he get the one dancer he wanted to have at his celebration, but two!
Drew played the drums for family and friends. After his initial performance of an original musical piece he had composed, he played along with a few of the songs the DJ played.
Mom Stephanie created the sign-in book and now you can order one just like it! Stephanie has since started a Facebook business called Wishes Inc.
Drew holding up his sign-in book
Sayings For You provided the “Drew’s Grand Slam” T-shirts for the young guests.
The back of the shirt…
and the front!
Mom Stephanie created the matching labels on the favor bags herself
Mom Stephanie and her guests raved about the food provided by Del Mir Caterers who also created Drew’s cake below.
Guests also enjoyed an ice cream bar
Guests could enjoy a variety of delicious treats on their way out of Drew’s celebration.
A candy bar
Hot pretzels to go
Mom Stephanie has this advice for our readers:
“You can have a great party and stick to a budget – it just takes a bit more work, some ingenuity and the ability to be flexible. I made the place cards and the place card display, the sign in book and the favor bag labels. I also printed the addresses on the invitation envelopes. I placed organza bags filled with chocolate baseballs (purchased online at a bulk rate) for guests to take home on their way out in a wooden tray I embellished with baseball ribbon. Doing these things myself not only saved money, but made the day more special.”
She adds, “My son had begged us for dancers and a lounge, but neither was in our budget – until we were able to add them at the very last minute at a savings. (You can read my last Mitzvah Diaries post for all of my other last minute changes.) Everything fell into place and by being flexible the party was better than I could have ever imagined. One last bit of advice – the party goes by very quickly. Pause and take in everyone around you having a wonderful time and enjoying the fruits of your labor. It is an ephemeral moment, but it will live in your memory forever.”
Drew and his family love animals, especially dogs. His Mitzvah Project was called, “Pennies for Puppies” and he collected change for Island Dog and The Town of Oyster Bay Animal Shelter. He also sold refrigerator and car magnets to raise funds for Island Dog and collected blankets, towels and other items for the Town of Oyster Bay Animal Shelter.
Drew raised additional money through the facebook page he created. He found out that his donation would rescue and transport a dog named “Hobie” to New York. He has three legs and was rescued when he was found running in traffic in Puerto Rico.
Hobie’s new name is Scruffy
The Kaplan family is excited to report that Drew’s Mitzvah Project turned into a Mitzvah for his family. Their beloved dog Sadie recently passed away and although not looking to adopt this soon, “Hobie,” who will have a new name, is now living with the Kaplans.
The following vendor’s helped to make Drew’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: North Shore Synagogue 516-802-5492
Party Planner: “Mitzvah Mom” Stephanie
Music Entertainment: MC: Mike D, Entertainment Tonite 516-826-6900
Favors: Sayings for You 845-639-9700
Party Entertainment: Photo favors, The Main Event 800-839-0918
Invitations: Party City, Woodbury 516-692-4378
Cake: Del Mir Caterers At North Shore Synagogue
Décor: Party Excellence 516-586-5252
Lounge Area: Party Interiors and My Glow Party 516-586-5492
Sign-In Book: Mom Stephanie, Wishes Inc.
Chocolate baseballs: Candy.com
Mom’s Dress: Lord and Taylor, Walt Whitman Mall
Dress Alterations: Neddy Alterations, 516-359-9600
Suits for family members: Effie LerMan’s, 516-586-6949
Hair: Janine Roberti, jroberti01@gmail.com, 516-815-9147
Photographer: Jason, Neal Bloom Photography, 631-754-7442
Videographer: Rainbow Video and Photography, 516-796-6081
January 10th, 2012
Cory Herschkowitz celebrated his Bar Mitzvah in October, 2011 with a service at Midway Jewish Center in Syosset, New York followed by a Kiddush luncheon catered by Del Mir Caterers. The celebration continued that evening at Or Elohim in Jericho, New York.
The Herschkowitz family have been cruising for many years and it’s their favorite vacation. They used this as their theme and invited their guests to sail on the Royal Corybbean that evening.
Visions Fine Photography took all the pictures and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Pictured above (L-R): Dad Steve, Mom Malky, younger brother Blake and Bar Mitzvah boy Cory
Dara, Dear Friends created Cory’s sleek invitation.
The textured invitation panel card with die cut navy diagonal pocket was embellished with gold
As guests walked into the lobby at Temple Or Elohim, they were greeted by the life like Royal Corybbean Cruise ship designed by Dazzling Parties.
Cory’s guests walked across the gang plank, which was a ramp with rope on the sides as they entered the ballroom of Temple Or Elohim
Guests were greeted by a Welcome Aboard sign and table with their Royal Corybbean Key cards.
Guests place cards
Guests had an opportunity to sign Cory’s 3D sign in book, which was located above 3 lifelike colorful suitcases.
Once you entered the ballroom, Dazzling Parties created bright decor to transport guests onto a beautiful cruise ship. The tables represented the various island stops, such as Jamaica, Dolphin Adventure and some of Cory’s favorite activities aboard.
The room had alternating centerpieces with table names that were titled with different island stops
There were palm trees surrounded by carribbean flowers
Jewel colored spandex chair covers were used
One table had a casino themed centerpiece with a lifelike slot machine
The lounge area had activities for the young guests
Blow-ups of Cory were also used as part of the decor
Starlight brought in casino tables with black jack, poker, roulette and a money wheel.
They also had boccerball
The Herschkowitz family wanted to tie every party element into their theme including their entrances! Lisa Gurtman made up T-shirts for the family, which they wore as each member was introduced.
Mom and Dad enter wearing their Royal Corybbean shirts. The back read, Cruise Directors
Cory’s younger brother Blake was the Athletic Director
Cory was the Captain and had Captain’s patches on his shirt sleeves
Cory’s Royal Corybbean cruise ship cake was created by Dortonis.
Michelle Weisman created the favors for Cory’s friends.
The grey sweatshirt had an island on the back with all of Cory’s favorite items and cruise activities
The party came to an end with amazing desserts like twinkies and ring dings followed by a bakery with donuts, bagels and grilled cheese.
The night would not have been complete without the Mr. Softie truck that was awaiting everyone as they walked out
Here’s some Mom-to-Mom advice:
“The best advice I can give is to include your child in the decision making. It is their party and the party should be representative of who he/she is.”
Cory was diagnosed with a heart condition this year and had to have a surgical procedure to correct it.
Cory will be spending time with other children with heart conditions at St. Francis.
The following vendors helped to make Cory’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Service: Midway Jewish Center
Kiddush Caterer: Del Mir Caterers
Venue: Temple Or Elohim, 516-937-0120
Music Entertainment/Videographer: MC Howie, Party Harty, 516-845-8585
Favors: Michelle Weissman, Creative Specialties, 516-637-0493
Entrance T-shirts: Lisa Gurtman, 516-680-8615
Casino Games: Starlight, 516-764-2061
Invitation: Dara, Dear Friends, 516-367-7877
Cake: Dortonis, 516-796-3033
Décor/Florist: Dazzling Parties, 516-766-1471
Sign-In board: Dazzling Parties
Truck: Mr. Softie, 718-551-1502
Mom’s Dress: Mieka, 516-367-8755
Suits: Kenny’s, 516-921-2660
Hair: Salon O, 516-935-7777
Make up: Maryann 631-944-6184
Photographer: David Conn, Visions Fine Photography, 516-377-0449
January 9th, 2012
Most Bat Mitzvah girls want to think of themselves as the star of their special day.
Leslie Price of In Any Event was hired to direct this production and gave this special Bat Mitzvah girl her own movie premiere!
Leslie along with an array of top-notch vendors, transformed the New York City Hyatt Hotel’s Ballroom into a movie themed celebration. Instead of playing the montage in the middle of the party, Leslie suggested creating a movie premiere and getting the speeches and candle lighting out of the way early in the celebration so everyone could just enjoy the party without the pressure. It was a huge success, and the montage evolved into a film premiere.
With the help of some fabulous vendors this movie premiere was a hit!
David Nicolas of 5th Avenue Digital was the photographer. The rest of the vendors are listed below.
A step and repeat featured Emma’s logo with the E! looking just like the logo for E! Entertainment Television. The ticket booth sat at the end of the red carpet directly behind a room where the film “Emma Star is Born” was showing!
The menus doubled as place cards and each guests found a Groucho Marx disguise
Instead of showing the montage in the middle of the party, Leslie suggested creating a movie theater to present the montage and candle lighting first so everyone could just enjoy the party without the pressure
Tables were only 48″ instead of 60″, so each table seated 6 and created a supper club feel
Each centerpiece had a movie name
The gobo image of a chandelier was just one of many touches in a room set for a star
Ron Ben-Israel cake maker to stars created this beautiful and delicious movie themed cake
The following vendors made Emma’s party special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
January 5th, 2012
By Tara Silberg
It’s Tara, telling YOU what’s happening on the Bar/Bat Mitzvah circuit today. Last time my post was about the candle lighting ceremony and today it is all about photo favors!
Although many of the Bar/Bat Mitzvahs I’ve been attending have a photographer taking pictures of the guests in front of a screen, many of the parties have had other ideas too.
I thought I would share two that I thought were very cool!
Last year, I attended a Bat Mitzvah that appeared to have a normal photo booth. When you entered, there were 2 screens. On one of the screens, you could see yourself about to take a photo. On the screen below that, the character of your choice would suggest poses to do. In addition to all that, wind was blown throughout the booth so your hair would look, well, windblown.
More on this booth here
Another common “photobooth” is in fact no booth at all. Instead of looking straight ahead at the camera, you look up. So far, I’ve seen a custom bed that went along with the theme of the party and also a couch in the shape of a “T” for the girl’s name.
Coco Events provided the photo booth area for this Bat Mitzvah. M Studio Events set up the couch in the shape of a “T” for the Bat Mitzvah girl’s first name with a camera set up above – a big hit!
I feel that these two are great choices if you are looking to wow your guests. There are so many creative ways to incorporate photos into your own party.
That’s all for this post. 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.
January 5th, 2012
The Brenner family felt that most Bar/Bat Mitzvahs were routine parties and do not reflect the personality of the child. They decided to think way outside of the box and have their son Stanley’s Bar Mitzvah on ice!
With the help of Linzi Events, in Boca Raton, Florida, Stanley Brenner, who plays ice hockey celebrated his Bar Mitzvah in January of 2009 at a skating rink in Florida!
Check out all their ideas below:
The Brenners sent out a “postcard” to their guests stating the event type, place, and date and everyone was directed to a Website that Stanley and his Mom created for further details. You can see it here
The thank you notes were also done on the computer and personalized to each guest. They used stationary already in the computer and Stanley wrote a note to each person. On the front of the thank you card, he put 5 pictures from the Bar Mitzvah, with at least 2 of that particular guest
Before the service began, Stanley skated in with the Torah. The congregation was sitting on the bleachers like they were watching a game
For the service, Stanley, their Rabbi and Cantor were all on center ice, but not on skates!
Place cards for guests reflected tables named after NHL teams
Simple centerpieces and ice blue linens created a “cool” look
An overall view of the event space
They had Cameron Barratt from the Florida Panthers play games with the kids on the ice but without ice skates
Stanley poses with his DJ dancers wearing hockey jerseys of course!
Thanks to Linzi Events for sharing these pictures from Stanley’s Bar Mitzvah with Mitzvah Market. For more information on Linzi Events, please visit their Website.
January 5th, 2012
Many Mitzvahs like to end with something sweet!
Enter Hewlee Truck: Frozen Yogurt – available for your next special event.
They have shakes, smoothies, iced coffee, cones, cold drinks, cups and fresh fruit toppings. They have several pricing packages available. You can customize your own menu by choosing from hundreds of flavors and toppings.
They can also provide cupcakes, black & whites, muffins, brownies, ice cream and Italian ices. For more information, visit them on Facebook or call 516-220-1022.
For other “after party” trucks, read about Tobo Foods, Gorilla Cheese NYC, The Frying Dutchman, and NYC Sweetery.
