December 1st, 2012
David Tell celebrated his Bar Mitzvah on May, 5th 2012, at North Shore Synagogue with a Havdalah service followed by his celebration.
This family worked Cinco de Mayo and his love of hockey into his theme for a very colorful celebration!
Jo Von was the photographer and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
Pictured L-R: Mom Cindy, younger brother Sam, Dad Larry, Bar Mitzvah boy David and older brother Henry
Mom Cindy wanted to do something original for David’s invitation so she called Michelle Farber of M. Studio Events. Ethan Kornfeld took the pictures and Michelle designed the creative invite to reflect David’s love of hockey.
M. Studio Events created this invitation and special cover wrap for the current issue of Sports Illustrated
David’s service took place at North Shore Synagogue.
The colors for the kippot were picked specifically to be bright and fun for their Cinco de Mayo celebration. They were arranged into a peace sign by David’s cousins
The Tell family looked great!
The boys suits were from Kenny’s Boys & Menswear
Mom Cindy had her dress custom made by Kimberly at Runway Couture, each red rose was hand sewn on the back
The room at North Shore Synagogue was set for a real Cinco De Mayo celebration thanks to Dazzling Parties and party planner Debbie Hart. As guests entered the cocktail hour, they were greeted by a Marachi Band where the food served matched the theme.
All the tables were decorated with Mexican blankets and old fashioned bottles that had Mexican sayings on them, as well as centerpieces with flowers
Dazzling Parties created the lounge area for the young guests
Colorful spandex chair covers added to the decor and theme
Lamp shades reflected David’s love of hockey
Some of the tables had umbrellas with pinatas and donkeys
About 45 minutes before David’s celebration ended, the young guests were led into David’s Cinco de Mayo private party separate from the adults giving the kids a chance to let loose without the adults. Richie Hart brought in a separate DJ and Dazzling Parties decorated the room for a real rockin’ kids party
RH Events with Richie Hart as the MC provided the music entertainment.
David makes his entrance
David poses with the RH Events crew
The DJ set-up included light up platforms and multiple screens
As a surprise to guests, Richie Hart brought in a confetti gun that really set the mood
David with two of the dancers in festive Cinco de Mayo fashion
All their guests got into the theme as did the entire staff who were wearing Mexican ponchos & moustaches
The favors were created by Michelle Weissman. The boys received hockey sweatshirts and the girls received zip-ups. All were personalized with each child’s name!
David models the hockey sweatshirt
They also gave out T-shirts and hats during the party that said, “puck it “‘
Great advice from Mom Cindy: “Just enjoy every minute of your child’s celebration because it’s fun…….and you should feel lucky that you have the opportunity to throw such a special party.”
The following vendors helped to make David’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com
Venue: Keith Senzer, Del Mir Caterers, North Shore Synogague
Party Planner: Debbie Hart, RH Entertainment
Decor: Barbara Becker, Dazzling Parties
Invitation: Michelle Farber, M. Studio Events
Photo Shoot for Invite: Ethan Kornfeld
Music Entertainment/Videography: MC Richie Hart, RH Entertainment
Photographer: Jo Von Photography
Favors: Michelle Weissman, Creative Specialities, 516-637-0493
Party Entertainment: The Main Event, games and photo booth
Mom Cindy’s dress: Kimberly, Runway Couture, 516-308-4639
Boy’s Suits: Kenny’s Boys & Menswear, 516-921-2660
November 27th, 2012
As you all know, there is a lot of planning that goes into your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah service and celebration. We all hope everything goes as planned and we aren’t thrown a curve ball!
We recently brought you an inspirational story from one family called, From The Hospital Bed To The Horah Chair. Thankfully, they were still able to celebrate and now have a great story to tell.
We recently heard from three other families with stories of Mitzvah Mishaps that we wanted to share. It is a reminder to keep things in perspective and how mind over matter can conquer all.
Family One:
Mitzvah Mom Deena celebrated her daughter’s Bat Mitzvah at Woodbury Jewish Center. Like most Moms and Dads, they wanted their family and friends to have a terrific time celebrating with them. At one point during the celebration, after the candle lighting, but before the montage, Deena’s husband lifted one of their female friends onto the dance floor platform. As he put her down, her high heel shoe got stuck and she started to fall back. Unfortunately Mom Deena was right behind her and she fell on top of her.
Deena immediately knew her face would be bloody and was very grateful to an employee who was standing by and witnessed everything. He quickly grabbed napkins so not a drop of blood got on her dress and whisked her away to a nearby room. Deena was able to tell her MC to keep the music playing and instructed her husband to keep the party going. Thankfully a physician guest was able to stop her nose from bleeding and she eventually went back to the party as if nothing happened. Two weeks later, when her nose was not healing, she found out it was broken and needed surgery to correct it. Guests had no idea this happened and looking back, she thinks she was able to will away the pain and still enjoy.
Family Two:
Like many of us, Mitzvah Mom Stephanie wore high heeled shoes at her son’s Bar Mitzvah. Even though her feet hurt, she continued dancing. Toward the end of the night, she switched into matching flip flops and at some point on the dance floor, she remembers rolling her foot. She felt it happen and knew something bad happened, but wouldn’t let that stop her from enjoying the rest of her son’s celebration. The next day she and her family hosted a brunch and her foot did look swollen and black and blue.
By Monday she needed to see a doctor and learned she did in fact break her foot. She spent 6 weeks walking around with a boot and now feels the moral of the story is to keep on your high heels, no matter how much your feet hurt!
Family Three:
Being lifted in the chair is part of the Horah tradition. Mitzvah Mom Reina tells us she was simply lifted up in the chair and all felt normal until she started to notice that she was tilting forward a bit.
The next thing she knew, she was literally being “ejected from the chair.” She thinks back in retrospect and has this to say, “Being lifted by men, is a no, no! They have no idea how to delicately balance a woman sitting in a chair and why do they find it necessary to go up and down? That is when I went flying!”
Luckily, Reina landed on her feet and was not wearing 5 inch heels. She adds, “It really could have been a disaster, but I got up, fixed myself and continued dancing. It was one of the best nights of my life and I can now look back and laugh.”
Did you have a Mitzvah Mishap at your child’s celebration? Let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
Please see additional Mitzvah Mishaps sent in by our readers:
“At my younger son’s Bar Mitzvah about five years ago, my mother tripped coming down the steps from the bimah after her aliyah. At the lunch reception, we asked one of our guests, who’s an ER physician, to take a quick look at her. He told us to take her directly to the ER after the reception. It turned out she had a fractured arm. She was such a trooper – she must’ve been in a great deal of pain, but she didn’t want to ruin my son’s day.”
— Darcy Silvers, Pennsylvania
“I had a client that has a set of twins – one boy and one girl. They were having their party at a place in Chicago that is a furniture store with three floors. To make their grand entrance, the son was going to rappel down from the top and the daughter was to come into the event on the back of a motorcycle. Unfortunately that afternoon, the weather was inclement and the rider could not drive in from where he lived – so they made a quick change and she was brought into the event on a chaise like Cleopatra.”
— Cindy Rudman from NoteworthyNotes in Chicago, IL
“As a party planner, I get to see it all. Here are some of the Mitzvah Mishaps I can report on:
* The bus getting lost, delayed by traffic, stuck going up a hill to the Mitzvah celebration
* The DJ gave out beach balls & one hit a chandelier & pieces came off & hit someone & cut them
* People got carried away during the horah & flung someone into the band & she tore her dress
* Someone stepped on the Bat Mitzvah girls gown & it ripped
* The father of the Bar Mitzvah boy had a little too much to drink & started crying during his speech
* I have had a Bat Mitzvah girl have to find a new dress 2 weeks before her Bar Mitzvah due to a growth spurt (have experienced this with a boy as well, however it much easier to get a new suit)
* When they lifted the mother of the Bat Mitzvah girl up in a chair during the horah her bra pad insert (not sure what you call them) came out!
* The fire alarm, followed by the sprinklers went off during a party”
— Melisa Imberman, The Event Of A Lifetime Inc.
November 25th, 2012
The sad news is that the party is over, the good news is that you can send guests home with delicious treats that will make them say, “Wow!”
Check out the great ideas below and for more, revisit: Mitzvah Exit: Something Delicious For The Ride Home.
Left: MK Photography took a picture of this Candy Shoppe Wall.
Event planner Julie Cohen of It Events by Julie presented chocolate babka cake to guests with a custom label
Evoke DC created a wall of donuts
A New York Newsstand from Creative Games giving away candy, magazines and more to guests as they leave
Included in this year’s Grammy swag bag, Mouth Party Caramels offers delicious flavors: Cappuccino, Cinnamon, and OMG! (a chocolate caramel) plus great packaging options
New York City Event Planner Marcy Blum created a “breakfast to go” bakery for her client
This Bar Mitzvah boy treated everyone to his own Dunkin’ Donuts from Pink House Events
Did you have a creative treat for your guests to take home? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
November 25th, 2012
Thank you for the “likes” on Facebook, the “tweets” on Twitter and the “pins” on Pinterest.com. Now there is a new way for our readers to connect with us!
Check us out on Instragram @MitzvahMarket.
We add photos daily and will be posting “live” from Bar Bat Mitzvahs. You can too! Just post a photo to instagram and use the hashtag #mitzvahmarket. We will follow you back and like or comment the photo!
Any questions just reach out to us at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
November 23rd, 2012
Gabrielle “Gabby” Gornitsky celebrated her Bat Mitzvah on May 26, 2012 at the Hampshire Country Club in Mamaroneck, New York.
Her celebration was themed “Club GRG” for Gabby Rose Gornitsky and this club featured something no other nightclub ever will: there were literally thousands of balloons covering the ceiling at both the service and the party. Talk about a popping celebration!
All photography was provided by Liz Steger of Liz Photo and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom.
Pictured L-R: Mom Dina, Bat Mitzvah girl Gabby, Dad Lorne, Sister Sasha
Pretty Paper and Polka Dots created the unique invitations that could be worn around guests’ necks, like a VIP pass to a club.
The invitations were printed on plastic plexiglass and asked guests to wear “cocktail chic” attire
Gabby had her service at Synagogue Hatikvah in the Bronx.
The synagogue ceiling was filled with balloons
The decor in the synagogue put the guests in a celebratory mood right away
Gabby’s dress was a gorgeous bright pink Betsey Johnson creation.
Later in the night she made her grand entrance through this arch of iridescent balloons
Balloon Artistry provided the place card tins, which had a special surprise inside: kids got gumballs, and adults got mints (and a table number).
The kids’ place card tins had gumballs inside — they had an open seating area, so there was no need for table numbers
In addition to a sign-in board, Gabby had a book near the place card tins in which friends and family could leave messages
Mom Dina and Dad Lorne worked on the decor with Balloon Artistry to create a club atmosphere.
Brightly colored palm trees were at the center of each table
The colorful Club GRG logo
It seemed as though there was an endless amount of balloons
Gabby made her grand entrance through the striking balloon arch.
She wore an EJ the DJ shirt and was carried in by two dancers
EJ The DJ provided the music for the celebration with Kershel as the MC.
One of the dancers made sure Gabby got a birds eye view of the crowd
The DJ and MC hyped up the guests for a club-like dance party
Gabby was fearless on the chair, grinning and clapping her hands
Liz of Liz Photo, the event photographer, made the sign-in board too.
The board was a collage of photos of Gabby and her friends
The rose in Gabby’s hair on the sign-in board matched the color of her dress
To add an extra bit of pizzazz, Balloon Artistry made a life-size cut-out of Gabby for the party.
It’s like seeing double
A group shot of all the kids at Club GRG
Brightly colored leopard print socks were available for girls who wanted to take off their shoes
Balloon Artistry provided the favors: reversible sports pinnies with the Club GRG logo.
The girls had white and black pinnies
This was the logo on the boys’ pinnies
Instead of a cake, Gabby had a stand-alone candle lighting ceremony featuring clever poems written by It Could Be Verse.
Her candles stood behind a sparkly pink sign featuring her name, Gabby
Gabby’s mom Dina planned the party with her husband Lorne, and with help from EJ the DJ and Balloon Artistry, and her advice for other moms is short and sweet:
“Start very early, save as much money as you can, and try to be calm and organized.”
The Gornitskys, posing with Gabby’s unique candle arrangement
Through girl scouts Gabby visited Dumont nursing home and organized art projects and events for patients. She also visited the New Rochelle Soup Kitchen many times and made sandwiches and served the clients.
The following vendors helped to make Gabby’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Hampshire Country Club, 914-698-4610
Party Planner: Dina and Lorne Gornitsky, with help from EJ The DJ and Balloon Artistry
Favor person: Balloon Artistry, 845-352-2828
Party entertainment: MC Hershel, EJ The DJ, 631-348-7848
Invitation: Michelle Schwartz, Pretty Paper and Polka Dots, 914-576-6920
Décor: Balloon Artistry, 845-352-2828
Candle Lighting Poems: Claudia, It Could Be Verse, 732-679-8093
Sign-In board: Liz Photo, 914-636-7618
Life Size Cut-Out: Balloon Artistry, 845-352-2828
Dresses for family members: Pamela Robins, All Dressed Up, 914-690-1593
Suits for family members: Rothman’s
Party security: Bouncer from Hampshire Country Club, 914-698-4610
Photographer: Liz Photo, 914-636-7618
Videographer: EJ The DJ, 631-348-7848
November 20th, 2012
Our readers often ask us for ideas in how to pick colors for B’nai Mitzvahs – especially when the celebration is for a boy and a girl. Well we found two event planners in So Cal who put together a hip and modern B’nai Mitzvah while incorporating the personalities of both kids.
Brad Austin Imaginative Florists is one of L.A.’s leading floral designers and event planner Evie Steinberg of Be Out Guests worked together at Temple Judea in Tarzana, Ca.
Photography by Susan Bordelon Photography.
These yarmulkes are cool and set the tone for the party colors
Very modern place card set up
How cute and unique is this?
The table linens were alternating turquoise and orange
Brad Austin created two different styles of centerpieces, and all vases of tropical Heliconias and orchids, filled with tinted water, soared above the table
Lime green Kermit mums formed a floral collar to support the kids’ logo
The kids’ logo was embossed on the custom designed white dance floor to look just like the invitation
Picture of the two guests of honor and their “sweet life” candy bags
We want to thank Brad Austin for sharing this great B’nai Mitzvah with our readers.
November 19th, 2012
Tyler Berger celebrated his Bar Mitzvah in May, 2012 at the Old Westbury Golf and Country Club in Old Westbury, New York.
This was the second Mitzvah for this family of five. Jordyn’s Bat Mitzvah celebration was held at the same venue two years earlier and with the help of Pat Glenn Productions the room looked completely different for Tyler’s party.
Simon Elliot Events was the photographer and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Pictured above L-R: Dad Steven, Sister Jordyn, Bar Mitzvah boy Tyler, Sister Alexa and Mom Nicole
Tyler’s invitation was created by Ellen Futterman from Proper Notice.
The 2 sided metal invite featured rounded corners with silk screen prints and came with custom black envelopes with white foil stamping and a custom response set
Old Westbury Golf and Country Club was the location of this celebration.
Guests enjoyed an outdoor cocktail hour
Pat Glenn Productions transformed the ballroom at the Old Westbury Country Club. The Bergers wanted a modern, sleek, handsome look using black, silver and green accents in the flowers and lighting.
The room was filled with square and rectangular tables, silver chairs and linens
Some tables featured mirrored tops
Beautiful flowers with black chargers and stemware complete the look
Tyler shows off the kids lounge area with black couches, silver ottomans and custom pillows
Young guests enjoyed lighted highboy tables
Blow-ups of Tyler from a photo shoot with Simon Elliot Events were around the room and added to the sleek look
Simon Elliot Events conceived, shot and produced Tyler’s entrance video featuring many of his friends on a fun adventure in various locations throughout NYC.
The Bar Mitzvah boy escapes studying for “one crazy night” in New York City with all of his friends
Watch it here
The graffiti wall created in Tyler’s video was used as a photo backdrop at his celebration
Pat Glenn Productions provided the music entertainment with Geo as the MC.
Tyler makes his entrance wearing a handsome white dinner jacket from Victor Talbots
Tyler poses with MC Geo and the rest of the crew
Tyler with his friends having fun and wearing pinnies that were given out on the dance floor
Pat Glenn Productions provided lots of extra fun for all of the Berger’s guests.
Multiple pop-a-shot basketball games
Blackjack tables
Airbrush artist
Tattoo artist
Tyler’s candle lighting featured tall vases with floating candles.
And That designed the sweatshirt favors, pinnies, drawstring bags and fluorescent glasses for Tyler’s friends.
Pat Glenn Productions provided cubbies to hold the favors
A cool graffiti design created by And That was on the back of each sweatshirt
As guests left Tyler’s celebration, an Eddie’s Pizza truck was waiting outside.
Pat Glenn Productions made sure the pizza boxes featured Tyler’s logo
Mom Nicole has this advice for our readers now that two of her three children’s Mitzvahs have happened.
“Although I’m a last minute person, I would recommend to start early in your planning to alleviate the pressure! You might want to think about encouraging your child to start writing their “thank you” notes in advance – at least to those you know will be attending. I’ve been thinking about my kid’s montages since they were born and made sure to get just the right picture at every stage of their childhood which was a big help when pulling pictures. It can all be very overwhelming, but it’s a milestone event you will never forget.”
Here is a list of the Mitzvah Vendors who helped make Tyler’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you call any of them, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Old Westbury Golf and Country Club, 516-626-1810
Party Planner: Pat Glenn Productions, 631-642-9222 or 212-337-1911
Music Entertainment: MC Geo, Pat Glenn Productions
Favors: Jen Stoler, And That, 516-364-9222
Photographer: Michelle Collins, Simon Elliot Events, 516-586-6822
Entrance Video: Simon Elliot Events, 516-586-6822
Invitation: Ellen Futterman, Proper Notice, 516-621-9523
Décor/florist: Pat Glenn Productions
Dresses girls: Designing Dreams
Mom’s Dress: Designer Christina Makowsky
Suits for family members: Kenny’s Mens & Boys Wear, 516-921-2660
Tuxedos: Victor Talbots
Hair/makeup: Alexis, Shelly & Victoria, Salon Mayne, 516-750-5005
November 18th, 2012
Zachary Lipson from New City, New York will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah on November 18, 2012 but has already began his Mitzvah Project.
The first “Laps For Legs” Swim-A-Thon took place in April 2012 to benefit Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP). Zachary was diagnosed with this disease that causes progressive spastic weakness of the legs.
We asked Zachary some questions to learn more about his Mitzvah Project:
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular Mitzvah Project?
ZL: When I found out that I had Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia, I wanted to help find a cure for me and for other people who have it.
MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bar Mitzvah?
ZL: My Mitzvah Project means so much to me. When I found out I had Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia, I started researching all about the disorder online. The SPF foundation said they needed to raise money for research and to help find a cure. I wanted to make a difference in helping people around the world so I decided to start a fundraiser and raise money by having a Swim-A-Thon. Swimming is my favorite sport. I thought if we all stick together we will get one step closer toward finding a cure!
MM: Please give us details of your Mitzvah Project?
ZL: Before the Swim-A-Thon, I went around to many stores and restaurants asking them if they wanted to make a donation for a great cause. We also posted flyers all over town. My best friend, Eylon came with me and he helped me so much with raising money. We raised $200.00 our very first day! From that day on, I became more confident and really enjoyed telling my story to other people. Our local newspaper, the Journal News found out about my mission and featured an article on the front page of the Journal News!
MM: How did the Swim-A-Thon go?
ZL: My goal was to swim 100 laps and I did it! My friends swam with me and even people I didn’t know came to swim and show their support. It was a huge success! I raised almost $6,000 for the SPF foundation.
MM: What are you doing to spread the word about your Mitzvah Project?
ZL: We had T-shirts made and we gave T-shirts to all who swam. We also gave T-shirts to the kids in my school that made a donation. We also had wristbands made and I gave them out to many kids in school.
MM: For how long can people donate to this charity?
ZL: Whenever they want, it is ongoing. It is not going to stop here. I am thinking about starting a support group in Rockland County.
Great job Zachary! One person can make a difference. Thank you for sharing your Mitzvah Project with our readers and Mazel Tov on your Bar Mitzvah!
