April 28th, 2013
The Siegel family from Richboro, Pennsylvania had their daughter Lauren’s Bat Mitzvah on September 29, 2012 at Shir Ami in Bucks County, Pennsylvania followed by an evening reception at the Jericho National Golf Club in New Hope, Pennsylvania.
Lauren has a passion for fashion and the color purple which were incorporated into her celebration.
Photography was by Impressions Photo and Video and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
Pictured above (L-R): Bat Mitzvah girl Lauren, Mom Dana, Brother Jeremy and Dad Craig
Let’s Design Invitations and Stationery created this silver metallic sparkle invitation with purple script font.
The Siegel family looks great in their service attire. Bat Mitzvah girl Lauren’s dress is from Bala Girls and Mom Dana’s is from Geries Girls.
Everyone in the family wore a touch of purple
Lauren is ready for her party and looked beautiful in her cream colored ball gown which she designed and had made in the Ukraine from VIP Fashion
Natalie Kremsky of Do Me A Favor created the decor incorporating purple and fashion. Bat Mitzvah girl Lauren designed her own place card to look like a credit card.
The purple place cards were displayed on a shimmery silver cloth
The place cards were personalized with each guests’ name and table number
The ballroom of the Jericho National Golf Club looked great with pops of purple
Some of the centerpieces looked like framed mirrors with an “L” for Lauren
Other centerpieces were chiffon purple dresses on wire mannequins
“Mirror Mirror On The Wall”…this was Lauren’s sign-in board created by Do Me A Favor which included a customized logo Lauren designed!
Lauren’s sign-in mirror featuring her beautiful logo is now hanging in her bedroom
Lauren is making her way into the ballroom on the shoulders of two strong Unique Musique dancers.
Ready to party
Unique Musique with MC Johnny provided great fun and dancing all night long.
The Siegel family enjoying a dance together
Lauren having fun with her friends
Lauren’s guests had fun with the confetti cannon during the party.
Festive and fun
The favors from Show Me The Favor and More were grey hooded sweatshirts with Lauren’s logo.
All wrapped up, sealed with a purple ribbon and ready to hand out!
Bat Mitzvah girl Lauren posing with her friends and their new sweatshirts
Lauren sharing the candles with her family during the candle lighting ceremony.
Lauren’s purple cake was from Cramer’s Bakery
Beautiful and delicious
Lauren’s Mitzvah Project was Project Night Night. This organization provides Night Night Packages, free of charge, to homeless children from birth to pre-teen who need essentials to feel secure, cozy, ready to learn, and significant.
Lauren collected new stuffed animals, blankets and gently used and new books to place in bags and distribute to homeless children in a nearby shelter.
Some advice from Mom Dana:
“Don’t stress over anything! I let my daughter help with most of the details of the day since it was “her” special moment…all her dad and I wanted was for her to be happy and by the smile on her face we knew she was. Enjoy the planning, the appointments, and most important watching as your child leads a service as they enter young adulthood. Everything was wonderful and these moments are captured on both video and photographs….both a must have!”
The following vendors helped to make Lauren’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Jericho National Golf Club 215-862-8800
Service: Shir ami Synagogue, 215-968-3400
Party Decorator: Natalie Kremsky, Do Me A Favor
Photographer: Impressions Photo and Video, 732-566-0065
Videography: Luria Visuals, 215-934-7247
Music Entertainment: MC Johnny, Unique Musique, 732-431-4082
Favor/Sign-in Mirror: Natalie, Show Me the Favors and More, 856-905-1101
Invitation: Marla, Let’s Design Invitations, 267-303-4569
Cake: Cramer’s Bakery 215-493-2760
Lauren’s Service Dress: Bala Girls, 610-668-1088
Mom’s Service Dress: Geries Girls, 215-938-1473
Mom’s reception dress: Sposabella Bridal, 215-953-5818
Lauren’s reception dress: VIP Fashions, 215-364-0222
Hair/makeup: Fringe Salon, 215-354-4420
April 24th, 2013
Simon Elliot Events is a New York based event production company that specializes in state of the art digital media. They live outside the box and welcome you to explore their constantly evolving services.
They recently moved to their new full-service production studio located at 38 West Mall in Plainview, New York.
Simon Miller is the owner of Simon Elliot Studios and is giving a tour to the Mitzvah Market readers. Enjoy!
Watch the video here
To learn more about Simon Elliot Events, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
April 24th, 2013
Kids Star in One-of-a-Kind Bar/Bat Mitzvah Musical Experience
Every kid deserves to be a star on their Bar or Bat Mitzvah day and families looking for an unparalleled musical experience will find it in Rockmitzvah—a band that truly puts the B’nai Mitzvah kid in the spotlight on their very special day.
“We provide a hands-on rock-star experience as the child is surrounded by people who are active working rock musicians,” says Marc Jacoby, founding partner in Rockmitzvah, Columbia Recording Artist and music educator. “Our musicians have all recorded albums, toured around the country, and toured around the world.” Rockmitzvah’s talented group of performers have toured with the likes of Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Hornsby, the Blues Brothers and more. The band customizes the music to match the needs and tastes of those in attendance and offers a variety of options ranging from pop music, to rock, R&B, Broadway, well-known Jewish music, and classics appealing to older generations.
If the child is an active music student, the Rockmitzvah band members can act as a liaison with the child’s current music instructor in preparation for the big day. Recently, Adam Zerman, a drummer and guitarist who trains regularly with Rockmitzvah co-founder Cliff Mays completely wowed his guests by performing an entire set of songs at his Bar Mitzvah.
Adam practices with Rockmitzvah before Bar Mitzvah celebration
Photo credit: Jen Parente
His proud mom Amy said her son’s performance was absolutely incredible. While she had watched her son’s rehearsal a few weeks ago at Life, The Place to Be (in Ardsley, New York), she was totally surprised when her son performed, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” just for his parents.
Adam performs with Rockmitzvah at his Bar Mitzvah celebration
“He literally blew us away,” Zerman said of her son’s performance. “We listen to him take his lessons every week with Cliff but it was a totally different thing than what we saw at the rehearsal and at the party. Our jaws were on the floor,” she added.
Adam, who plays the bass guitar and the drums, also got the chance to perform with his older brother Mitchell, a guitar player and songwriter who performed with Rockmitzvah a few years ago at his Bar Mitzvah. Mitchell and Adam entertained family and friends with a performance of “Scarlet Begonias,” by the Grateful Dead.
While Mitchell and Adam are two incredibly talented brothers, you don’t have to be a child phenom to be a star at your Bar or Bat Mitzvah. The band works closely with every kid to help showcase their talents and are able to accommodate groups singing today’s popular music as well. The band also encourages kids and even adults to strap on the band’s instruments and perform right alongside the veteran rockers. “We find that the best events are when multiple guests are coming on and off the stage throughout the entire party,” says Jim Weingast, founding partner in Rockmitzvah, drummer, musical instructor and producer.
Zerman says that she was pleasantly surprised to see her guests getting in on the act. “A bunch of his friends got up there to perform, they were really into it. Three to four girls got up there and did a couple numbers. Two different guys came up and sang a song and another kid played the drums. There was a ton of participation.” She adds that even adults took the stage. “One guy played guitar and there were a couple of adults who performed but we really wanted to keep it focused on Adam and the kids and it was a perfect mix of that.”
Rockmitzvah engages partygoers through music-inspired games including air guitar contests, percussion jams, and more. Additionally, depending upon the request of the family, Rockmitzvah is able to add a DJ so guests can enjoy the unique mix of music and traditional games along with the distinct elements of a rock band. At Adam’s Bar Mitzvah, his mom says the band “brought an iPod to play the rap kind of stuff that I hate and the kids love during a couple of the breaks.” Rockmitzvah’s goal is to get everyone involved in the musical fun, making for a one of a kind B’nai Mitzvah experience.
Now that both of her sons have been through the Rockmitzvah experience, Zerman says she was really impressed by how the band has grown since her older son’s big day. “We couldn’t have asked for anything better and it’s interesting because we were one of the first families to hire Rockmitzvah when they started out. And with Mitchell, they were fabulous and they’ve also progressed in how they manage the kids and the party. It was definitely as good as Mitchell’s was and this was even better and it was just because of the band.”
To learn more about Rockmitzvah, visit our extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
April 24th, 2013
Maxwell Miller is from East Hills, New York and has created a Mitzvah Project called, Max ¢ent$ 4 $unrise (M¢4$).
This project will benefit Sunrise Day Camp, the first dedicated day camp in the United States for children with cancer, and their siblings, which is completely free of charge.
Max hopes his Mitzvah Project idea can spread to other towns and we hope so too!
We asked him some questions to learn more:
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project?
MM: My family has been involved with helping Sunrise Day Camp since it’s inception. My parents are chairpersons of “Friends of Sunrise,” an organization that plans events and fundraises for Sunrise. In addition, my father also plans and participates in volunteer days during the summer at the camp. As a family, we go every year to plant flowers on the campgrounds, and participate in the annual Sunrise Walkathon. I’m also excited to have my Bar Mitzvah Havdalah service and celebration at the newly built Sunrise Day Camp Pavilion. When I was in first grade, one of my friends was diagnosed with cancer. He and his brother were both given the opportunity to go to Sunrise Day Camp, which gave me an even more personal connection to the camp.
MM: Can you give us details of your Mitzvah Project?
MM: “Max ¢ent$ for Sunrise” (M¢4$) is a recycling program that turns trash into cash for Sunrise Day Camp, while at the same time helping our environment. We are currently collecting recyclable bottles and cans from over 50 homes in my neighborhood, as well as several local office buildings and public venues. We have partnered with a recycling company that picks up the bottles and cans, and donates the money from the deposits to Sunrise Day Camp.
MM: Does your project have a start and end date, if so what are they?
MM: I started my project in February, 2013 by launching a home pick up service in my neighborhood. The best part about my project is it will continue to help Sunrise Day Camp long after my Bar Mitzvah has passed. There is no end date for my project.
MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bar Mitzvah?
MM: My Mitzvah Project is like answering the extra credit question on a test. Becoming a Bar Mitzvah is about dedicating yourself to the principles of the Jewish religion. By working hard at making my Mitzvah Project a success and helping children with cancer, I’m showing my commitment to try to be a better person and a better Jew. Which is what I think a Bar Mitzvah is really all about.
MM: What are you doing to spread the word?
MM: To get my project started, I sent letters and emails to friends and neighbors, encouraging them to collect cans and bottles for Sunrise Day Camp. My dad and I drove around and supplied them with plastic bags to use to collect bottles and cans. We have continued to spread the word in our community by word of mouth. Wherever we go, we speak to our friends and family and try to bring this program to their schools, businesses and organizations.
MM: For how long can people donate to this charity?
MM: This charity is set up to keep going for as long as I can run it. People can continue to support Max ¢ents For Sunrise long after the date of my Bar Mitzvah. If you want to bring MC4S to your business, school or organization, we can arrange to provide clear plastic bags and pick up service. We also have the ability to organize a joint fundraiser with other charities using our pick up service. For more information contact my Dad, David Miller at pizzabagel@aol.com.
People can also make direct cash donations to Sunrise by contacting Beth Fetner at 516-634-4196 or at bfetner@FriedbergJCC.org.
We would like to thank Max for sharing his terrific Mitzvah Project with our readers. We hope it inspires you to start something similar in your hometown.
To learn more about the work at Sunrise Day Camp, visit their Website.
April 24th, 2013
Eventastic Parties is a full service event planning company that provides personalized attention to each client.
Most of their customers are through referrals and their goal is to ensure that your event is stress free and enjoyable as they handle all the details, phone calls and coordination of your event.
Their creative style combined with their business savvy allows them to offer out of the box thinking– not out of the box pricing.
They recently planned a Bar Mitzvah celebration at the Renaissance Westchester Hotel for Noah. He loves college sports (especially the University of Michigan) and wanted a Bar Mitzvah celebration filled with lots of college spirit. Eventastic Parties delivered exactly want this Bar Mitzvah boy wanted!
Check out the below:
The party room is all set up for a touch down event. Decor by Diana Gould
All of Noah’s favorite college teams were represented at the candle lighting. His favorite team took center cake– Go Blue!
Cake by Lu Lu’s in Scarsdale, New York
Noah’s Party in the Big House set the mood for a really spirited night!
College themed pillows carried the theme all the way through
College logos on the coffee tables put everyone in a real party zone!
The theme was all lit up in the end zone for all the guests to see
The centerpieces represented each of Noah’s favorite college teams. Wheat grass, college logos and a giant acrylic football player were a real hit at every table
Pre-gaming was fun with these great college themed centerpieces placed on the cocktail tables
A glowing ping pong table with custom Michigan paddles from Interactive Parties kept the young guests busy
Noah “shot out” custom t-shirts to all the guests during his grand entrance which really set the stage for a fun night!
To learn more about Eventastic Parties, visit their profile page in our Vendor Directory.
April 23rd, 2013
Mitchell Abes celebrated his Bar Mitzvah on August 25, 2012 at Camp Barney Medintz in Cleveland, Georgia, about 90 miles north of Atlanta. This is where he spends his summers so the theme was appropriately, Camp Mitchell! Their “Camp Mitchell” theme kicked off when guests arrived. Waiting in their cabin was a “care package” filled with items they would need for the weekend (flashlights, bug spray, sunscreen, Mad Libs, granola bars, etc.).
Pictured L-R: Sister Amanda, Mom Julie, Bar Mitzvah boy Mitchell and Dad David.
A welcome sign greeted guests as they arrived
The sign-in flag! It flew all weekend long, then guests signed it at the party
The Abes know how to have fun!
The centerpieces above and below were used at the Kiddish lunch
Creative signage all over
Amy Wohl of FabuDesigns.com created the invitation, website and logo
There were many friends and family who joined them for a weekend of fun! After lunch, camp was open for tie dying “Camp Mitchell” shirts at arts and crafts
The lake activities were in full gear with paddle boarding
The inflatable iceberg
Rock wall and water slides
Place cards were placed on little tree stumps found on Etsy
Above was a laundry line of photos of Mitchell through the years
After guests showered and “dressed” up for the camp dance, the Saturday night party began! The adults had a cocktail hour followed by a seated dinner.
Table decor from the evening party included lanterns, burlap, and candles
Guests enjoyed a green screen photo booth with fun signs
Mitchell makes an entrance
Vibe Entertainment provided the music entertainment
Up on the chair!
The horah gets crazy!
They had a video montage that used the theme of the Muppet Show that ended with people in Mitchell’s life singing “mahna mana”
The “canteen” was open to all so you could take home candy treats
Dessert was from a local frozen yogurt shop with plenty of toppings
Wide World Shirts created the T-shirt favors with Mitchell’s logo
A great idea! Mom Julie had postcards made for their guests. They asked that everyone surprise Mitchell with a note after the weekend. He loved getting the postcards for weeks after his Bar Mitzvah
Drop in box for special meesages
Some Planning Advice from Mom Julie
“Planning a Bar Mitzvah can be completely overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! The best advice is to start early by researching reliable, amazing vendors in your area. Then, find ideas to execute your theme and talk to your friends who have been through it before. I also found it best to stay organized by keeping a notebook with contracts, invoices, pictures of my ideas, and contact information of all my vendors. There was also a Bar Mitzvah computer program that kept my database of guests, their addresses, gifts, and to do lists. It was invaluable! I happen to love party planning and love all of the details that can go into a Bar Mitzvah. Keep in mind, if you can’t do it all, hire a party planner to help you along. Our son’s weekend was really something different, having to plan an entire weekend as a ”destination” Bar Mitzvah. It made it extremely special as it was at a place he feels so connected. I feel with each Bar/Bat Mitzvah you have to know your child and know how they want to celebrate. The best part is stepping back during the service and the party and taking it all in. It is one of the few times everyone you love is in the same place dancing, smiling and celebrating your child’s big day!”
Bar Mitzvah Project
Our whole family has been involved with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) since Mitchell was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 2. Mitchell spearheaded our family team for the annual Walk to Cure Diabetes, raising $55,000 last October.
In addition, Mitchell volunteered his time as a Junior Volunteer at the JDRF Black tie gala in Atlanta. He spoke to the 700 attendees about having type 1 diabetes and helped kick off their fundraising part of the evening. The entire event raised $1.6 million for diabetes research.
Vendor Directory
The following vendors made Mitchell’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Camp Barney Medintz
Caterer: Goldfish
Music Entertainment: Vibe Entertainment
Favors: World Wide Shirts, 404-875-1291
Green screen photo booth: Scenesations Photography, 770-616-0553
Photographer: Patti Covert, Scenesations Photography
Videographer/Montage: Blue Orchid Productions, 404-275-2290
Invitation/Logo/Website: Amy Wohl, FabuDesigns.com, 312-513-1698
Décor/florist: Lorena Rothfarb Events and The Flower Buds
Sign-In flag: NorthStar Flags
Dresses: Mom, Milly (boutique in Memphis) and Amanda, Free People (boutique in Boston)
Suits: Nordstrom
Hair/makeup: Jocelyn Ryan, Structure Hair Studio, 706-867-6320
Transportation: Atlantic Limousine & Transportation 770-751-7078, Crown Mountain Limo
Place cards stands: Etsy
April 20th, 2013
The Portrait Shoppe has been providing the highest level of photographic service for over 30 years. In that time, they have photographed the life events of many generations in the same family, from weddings to Bar Bat Mitzvahs, newborns, anniversaries, retirements and even Sweet 16s.
Recently they were the photographer at a Bar Mitzvah celebrated at Temple Or Elohim in Jericho, New York. See the details below:
Richie Hart Events provided the music entertainment, United Floral provided the decor and The Main Event added some extra entertainment! Family and friends got into the dress code and had a great time at this sports themed party!
Every event begins with the invitation. This one is by Debbi Lee of Invitation House
United Floral provided the decor which included various jerseys hanging from the ceiling
The ballroom at Temple Or Elohim is ready for Eli’s family and friends
Cool lamp shade centerpieces from United Floral
Eli’s immediate family all wore referee shirts from Woodbury Sports complete with their names on the back!
Mr. Met made an appearance and posed for a picture with Bar Mitzvah boy Eli
Richie Hart from Richie Hart Events provided the music entertainment and Dancing Larry from the NY Rangers helped celebrate with everyone
Eli’s friends, all wearing jerseys, surround Eli and his cake created by Hasson Caterers
The Portrait Shoppe created Eli’s sign-in board featuring various pictures of him
Guests enjoyed magician Henry Carlyle, a photo booth by The Main Event and games like Foosball above
Eli’s friends received their favors in matching drawstring bags by Best Express
These Jerseys were created by a family friend for Eli’s friends
Mazel Tov to Eli and his family!
We thank The Portrait Shoppe for sharing this celebration with our readers. To learn more about them, please visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
April 20th, 2013
Many of the Bar Bat Mitzvah’s we have been attending lately include a program or booklet for the child’s service.
It is a personal decision whether or not to provide a program to your guests when they arrive. Many families choose to do this when they have a number of non-Jewish guests who may need a program to enhance their understanding of the service and what the prayers mean.
Or, you may want to create a program to help participating guests follow your temple’s particular type of service.
The program to the left is by Invitationsbyana.com.
Information that can be included is:
- A brief paragraph explaining the meaning of becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah
- An outline of the service: order of events and a sentence or two of what to expect
- List of the alliyahs (honors) and who will be doing them
- Remembering those family and friends who can’t be there on this special day
- Optional: a brief paragraph about your child’s Torah reading and a brief paragraph about your child’s Mitzvah Project.
We think a program may be a nice, decorative keepsake and your child can even create the cover or be involved in the writing. You can either create your own cover or check out some companies that do it for you.
We have gathered a few examples from the Internet to get you going.
CustomSiddur.com makes real prayer books with the entire service,
in Hebrew and English, for any denomination and can also make a cover design to fit any taste, from classic to modern
Mitzvah Artistree program covers arrive flat, but pre-scored for easy folding, with tassel included. You will need to print your own program insert yourself, which can be done
easily on an inkjet or laser printer on the 8.5 x 11″ paper of your choice
From Evy Jacob this program looked just like the invitation
This program is from It Events by Julie
J. Levine & Co Books Judaica can produce a prayer book that can be a keepsake for people to take home and will include: speeches, Dvar Torah, a custom cover and torah portion
Did you use a program for your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah? We would love to see it. Please let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
April 16th, 2013
Our previous story, Where Should I Put My Stuff? was such a hit, we decided to round up more ideas.
Below are additional creative ways for Bar Bat Mitzvah young guests to keep their shoes, bags, giveaways and favors organized!
Most entertainment and decor companies can supply a variety of cubbies. They can be stacked, customized and personalized depending on budget and theme.
The cubbies above are from Creative Games for a New York themed Bat Mitzvah.
Pat Glenn Productions created these cubbies that included a personalized name card for each young guest
A wire cubbie set up from Sarah Merians Photography & Video was used to hold the favor bags
Favors were displayed on the netting at a Chelsea Piers Bat Mitzvah by Little Miss Party
NY Lounge Decor can provide light up options
Carlyle At The Palace cubbies and eco-friendly totes are a great way for kids to store their stuff the entire night
Creative Games spray painted lockers with a huge logo for this football themed Bar Mitzvah
Ruth Ridgeway Designs created a sports themed locker room using cubbies and also projected a logo onto the floor to add to the effect
Perfectly Planned by Shari Events created cubbies for kids to check their gear and their shoes
These blue and green water bottles really pop on the white cubbies from event planners Evoke DC
Club Vibe, located in New Jersey already has cubbies at their venue
These lockers were used as part of the decor from East St. Promotions
Did you have cubbies at your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
April 12th, 2013
New Jersey Mom Laurie Zucker created a unique candylicious business called Covered in Candy.
She creates edible, impressive candy gifts which have been used as Bar/Bat Mitzvah decor, centerpieces and/or on any type of candy buffet.
Look at some of her recent creations below:
A menorah for Hannukah
Score a goal with this candy soccer ball
Your child’s initial
For a fashionista’s Bat Mitzvah
This is was one of the nicest bunks we have ever seen!
Laurie Zucker can be reached at 646-234-9635 or by email at Laurie@CoveredInCandy.com.
