May 15th, 2013
By Molly Alexander
Hi! My name is Mölly. I’ve recently started going to Bar/Bat Mitzvahs and I’m so excited to start writing about them.
I love attending Bar/Bat Mitzvah parties because I feel like each celebration has a unique touch, and I love finding out what it is!
I’m excited to bring my perspective to MitzvahMarket.com.
On April 20th, I attended Jason’s Bar Mitzvah. I had a lot of fun at his celebration and enjoyed being there. I definitely found something cool and unique at Jason’s party!
Jason’s theme was hockey. He plays hockey, and his logo was just like the New York Rangers logo. I loved his theme because it was interesting and the logo was new and unique.
Jason’s logo
By far the best thing about Jason’s party was the celebrity guest appearance. Carl Hagelin, a player on the New York Rangers came in and surprised everyone – including Jason – at his Bar Mitzvah! Carl also signed hockey pucks and his trading cards. Jason got a picture with Carl and even got the jersey Carl was wearing when he came to the Bar Mitzvah!
Jason with Carl Hagelin of the NY Rangers
I certainly hope Jason had an amazing time, and I’m sure he did! I had a great time and loved his party. The celebrity guest appearance was cool and it was the first time I saw that at any of the Bar & Bat Mitzvahs I’ve attended!
Read Molly’s last post here.
About Molly Alexander
I’m in 7th grade at Seven Bridges Middle School in Chappaqua and I love to write. Every summer since 2010, I’ve been writing a summer column in my local newspaper. I also do Bat/Bar Mitzvah reports on Instagram. Follow me @mitzvahgirl!
I will mostly likely attend 60-80 Bat/Bar Mitzvah celebrations before I finish eighth grade. I am so excited to be writing for Mitzvah Market!
May 14th, 2013
The Schneider family from Solon, Ohio celebrated son Josh’s Bar Mitzvah on September, 29, 2012. The service was held at Temple Emanu El and the beach themed party followed at The Bertram Inn in Aurora, Ohio.
There were many creative “beachy” details in this party. We thank the Schneiders for sharing them with our readers.
Elizabeth Pruitt was the photographer and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Pictured L-R: Dad Randy, Bar Mitzvah boy Josh, Mom Melissa and younger sister Leah
Josh did a great job at his service at Temple Emanu El which was followed by a Kiddush luncheon hosted by his grandparents. For one of his two Mitzvah Projects, Josh coordinated with the National Council of Jewish Women of Cleveland to collect new and gently used books.
Josh smiling on his big day
Books that Josh collected were beautifully wrapped and used as centerpieces for the luncheon and then distributed to local schools
Mitzvah Mom Melissa worked with Save The Date! Invitations & More to create Josh’s invitation. The invitation featured a layer of champagne colored cover stock on top of a layer of dark brown suede-like material with touches of aqua.
Josh and his sister Leah looked great waiting for guests to arrive.
Sister Leah in a dress from Two Sisters Boutique and Josh in a suit from Nordstrom
The beach theme that Josh chose reflected the Schneiders’ many wonderful summers at the Delaware beaches and other beach vacations.
The logo was Josh’s initials in an oval, similar to the magnets you find in many beach towns
Tariko Kendall of Whimzey Event Design brought the look and feel of the beach to the ballroom of the Bertram Inn for the ultimate beach bash.
Place cards for the adults were vintage-inspired postcards. Each postcard represented a different beach that Josh has visited
Vintage beach signage was next to the place card table
There was a beach cabana set up in the kids area
The linens in the ballroom were navy and orange, and beach balls hung from the ceiling
The centerpieces on the adult tables included sand, candles, and shells. The vintage postcards were also incorporated into the centerpieces to designate the table’s name
The centerpiece on the kids table included Josh’s name
Custom pillows completed the beachy look.
Photos of Josh at the beach
There were two different sign-in options for Josh’s guests.
Josh’s friends signed-in on a skim board
At each table, there was a card asking the adults to write Josh a postcard filled with good wishes
There was also a special mailbox for adults to “return” the postcards
The music entertainment was provided by Terry Macklin Entertainment and they kept everyone on the dance floor all night.
Josh is up so high he can touch the beach balls!
Photobooth Cleveland provided an old fashioned photo booth just like the ones you find on the boardwalk.
Guests using the touchscreen photobooth
Sister Leah and her cousin
Bar Mitzvah boy Josh and two friends
Each strip was then placed in a special scrapbook for Josh and his family to enjoy
Whimzey Event Design also set up a custom t-shirt shop so guests could customize a shirt.
The Schneider t-shirt shop logo
Mitzvah Mom Melissa designed several beach-inspired logos and shirts were created on site
The finished product!
When the guests left, they received bags of saltwater taffy, flip-flop shaped lollipops and more!
Also available were water bottles with Josh’s logo and a thank you message
Six months before his actual Bar Mitzvah, Josh played the role of Evan, a Bar Mitzvah boy in “13 The Musical” for a local community theater production. Josh used this opportunity to kick-off his Mitzvah Project. He raised money and awareness about Myasthenia Gravis, a neuromuscular disease that his grandfather has. (Coincidentally, one of the characters in this musical also suffers from a neuromuscular disease). During one of the weekends of the show’s run, friends and family helped out and ran the concession stand with all proceeds being split between University Hospital Neuro-muscular Center and the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation.
Team Schneider
Josh contacted the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation and the first ever Ohio MG Walk was held on September 23rd, the week before Josh’s Bar Mitzvah. Josh has also been selling special bracelets with the word, “Purpose,” as that is the name of a song that Josh sang in another show, and he felt that doing this Mitzvah Project helped to give him a real “purpose” or mission. In total, Josh raised over $3000 and was the top fundraiser for the State of Ohio.
Some advice from Mom Melissa:
“My biggest regret is that I did not hire an event coordinator to represent me on the night of Josh’s party. You really do need someone there to represent you and your child’s wishes for the evening. Otherwise, you may end up wasting time working with your DJ, photographer, caterer, etc. instead of enjoying time with your guests! That being said, one important lesson that I learned is that the Mitzvah family sets the tone. If you are having fun and able to overlook the little things that might not go your way, then your guests will definitely have fun too!”
The following vendors helped to make Josh’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: The Bertram Inn, 330-995-0200
Music Entertainment: Terry Macklin, Sounds of Entertainment, 216-464-9002
Photo Booth: Photobooth Cleveland, 888-767-0559
Caricature Artist: Larry Weber, Flower Entertainment, 440-934-3157
Invitations: Rachel, Save The Date! Invitations and More, 734- 995-9361
Décor/T-shirt Shop: Tariko Kendall, Whimzey Event Design, 216-245-5355
Cabana Lounge/Chair and Table Linens: Lasting Impressions Event Rentals, 216-591-1177
Men’s Service Suits: Nordstrom
Leah’s Service Outfit: Fancy Pants, 440-498-1121
Party Dress for Leah: Two Sisters Boutique, 302-543-7532
May 11th, 2013
Event planner Kristin Barse of Bel Momento Weddings & Special Events along with decor and event company Beautiful Blooms recently collaborated on a Bat Mitzvah celebration for a girl who has two passions: travel and fashion.
This celebration took place at One Atlantic on the Atlantic City boardwalk which boasts spectacular views. Photos by Marie Labbancz Photography.
Bat Mitzvah girl Shayna makes her entrance on the boardwalk in Atlantic City
The beautiful invitation by Bailey Viola of Just Be set the tone for a very fashionable and chic party
The underlying color palette was shades of pink that looked beautiful on this mirrored place card table
The chic place cards were fashion illustrations done by artist Brooke Hagel and printed by Bailey Viola
The cocktail hour had a modern feel with white furniture and pink accents
The menu was a sketch of the guest of honor also done by Brooke Hagel and printed by Bailey Viola
Guests enjoyed unique entertainment in the form of a personal custom sketch!
One Atlantic is a venue right on the Atlantic City boardwalk with beautiful views of the beach
Near the bar area, a travel vignette offered “Specialty Sips”
Beautiful Blooms created colorful centerpieces atop shoe boxes
The centerpiece above was of the Eiffel Tower
This celebration featured a Joan Rivers look-a-like who interviewed the guest of honor and her parents
We thank Beautiful Blooms and the rest of the vendors for sharing this very fashionable Bat Mitzvah with our readers.
Some of the vendors were included:
Venue: One Atlantic
Invitations and Printed Items: Bailey Viola, Just Be
Fashion Sketch Artist: Brooke Hagel
Photography: Marie Labbancz, Marie Labbancz Photography
May 11th, 2013
Lots of detail goes into the theme of a Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration- colors, a phrase, or even initials have been used to set the tone of an event.
Many times, custom logos are used throughout the decor of the party. We’ve recently seen them on t-shirts for the DJ dancers, which adds a fun touch and brings the theme of your party onto the dance floor!
You can also give these t-shirts out to your guests as favors.
Check out the t-shirts on these dancers:
The DanceJock Productions dancers get into this Bar Mitzvah theme wearing jerseys with the number 13
The dancers from Entertainment Tonite Events wore a t-shirt with the Bat Mitzvah girl’s logo, which was her name Chelsea incorporated into a heart
Sarah Merians Photography & Video reminds us that sometimes the Bar Bat Mitzvah child’s name is perfect for a theme! Bar Mitzvah boy JAGGER had his DJ dancers wear t-shirts with his name on the front and “Moves Like…” on the back
The Party Harty Entertainment dancers are wearing “Spencer Night Live” shirts to go with this SNL Bar Mitzvah theme
At Mallory’s Bat Mitzvah, Jordan Elyse Photography captured her brother making his entrance escorted by two Todd Yahney Music & Entertainment dancers wearing t-shirts with the Bat Mitzvah girl’s logo
EJ The DJ dancers are wearing “Air Max” t-shirts which ties in with the Bar Mitzvah theme
MC Adam J of AJH Entertainment and his dancers pose for a quick shot at Sam’s Superbowl Sunday Bar Mitzvah. AJH Entertainment customized Sam’s logo which was incorporated throughout the whole event
Unique Musique provided the music entertainment for Jason’s NYC Bar Mitzvah Bash at the Crystal Plaza. This celebration was all about New York City and included breakdancers, his name in lights on their LED Matrix Stage and dancers wearing shirts with his logo
From Dance Time Entertainment, this dancer’s t-shirt is from Elena and Vanessa’s B’nai Mitzvah. These girls are into everything pop culture and the MTV logo was a good way to incorporate what they love
The Richie Hart Events crew were decked out in blue and orange for a Syracuse themed Bar Mitzvah
From Christine Foster Photo, Bat Mitzvah girl Chloe entered the ballroom at Sherman Mills with dancers from All Around Entertainment. Their t-shirts featured her logo which was also on the back wall of the room
From Love Shack Photo, these dancers are wearing Bar Mitzvah boy Maxx’s logo on their shirts
thecoolestgiveaways.com created a custom logo and the t-shirts that the Party Harty dancers wore at Sydney’s celebration
MC Julian and Aaron of Flare Event Group and their dancers pose for a quick shot at Lexi’s Bat Mitzvah. Flare Event Group wore Lexi’s logo on their chests all evening. This logo was incorporated throughout the whole event from the t-shirts to the customized lighting and plasma screen images
From Yahney Entertainment Group Inc, DJ Jeff Yahney’s dancers wore FAO Sarah t-shirts created by Dazzling Parties
Did you have dancer t-shirts at your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
May 8th, 2013
Jaylor Party Favors has over 20 years of experience creating and printing custom theme favors with memories to last a lifetime.
Their specialty items include hooded sweatshirts, zip-up sweatshirts, sweatpants, T-shirts, blankets, mesh jerseys, tank tops, shorts, flannel PJ’s, sport bags and more. They specialize in silk screening and embroidery on brand names such as American Apparel, Gildan, Jersees, Sofees, Bella, Boxercraft, Champion or any other style you select. They can also add bling to your order.
Special Summer Offer: Now thru the end of August: Reversible lacrosse pinnies & basketball jerseys available in micromesh and eyelet mesh – $13.75 each. They have over 500 of the newest and neon colors available. One screen free with order – minimum 50 pieces.
To learn more, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
May 8th, 2013
Many families celebrating their child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah like to give their guests water bottles with a custom label.
Enter Bottle Your Brand.
This Website is a great resource for custom label bottled water, personalized wine labels, stickers, and more. The labels come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.
The ink does not bleed, the colors are vibrant, and you can upload your own designs.
You can apply the labels yourself, but they also offer a service where they will actually apply the labels to your water bottles and your water will arrive on your doorstep perfectly labeled and ready to go!
Waterproof labels for the water bottles, which are all completely self-adhesive
Customized stickers in many different colors and styles
Many different types of favor containers are also available
Custom labels for favor boxes
Check out their Website for more information.
May 7th, 2013
The Levy family from Jericho, New York celebrated their son Jason’s Bar Mitzvah on October 6, 2012 with a service at Temple Or Elohim in Jericho and an evening party at Temple Judea of Manhasset, New York.
Jason’s celebration was held over Columbus Day weekend and his party had an urban feel that combined his love of music with his love for the LA Lakers.
Simon Elliot Events was the photographer and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Pictured (L-R): Older Brother Ben, Dad Adam, Bar Mitzvah boy Jason, Mom Caroline, and younger brother Casey.
Susan Lehrhoff for Ethan Niles created Jason’s black and gold invitation.
The invitation was sealed with a matching round sticker
Jason looks handsome in his suit from Nordstrom.
Jason chillin’ pre-party
Simon Elliot Events created a very unique seating card board. It featured a picture of Jason cut into individual squares with the guest’s name and table number on the square.
When each piece was taken by a guest, the same picture of Jason was revealed underneath
Charles from United Floral created a room with an edgy and urban feel, yet still modern and sophisticated in shades of silver and grey.
Grey couches were set up by the dance floor as part of the kids lounge area
The Manzanita branches along with the silver spray cans added to the urban feel
The silver tablecloths shimmered and looked elegant
Cool lamp shade centerpieces were used on some of the tables
These great blow-up shots of Jason were hung from the ceiling and added to the urban, LA Lakers theme
Jason had a unique sign-in board designed just for him by Simon Elliot Events.
In the middle was a digital screen where guests could write him a special message
EJ The DJ Entertainment provided the music entertainment with CL as the MC.
Jason makes his entrance with the EJ The DJ dancers
Jason posing with the EJ The DJ crew
The Levy boys having fun on stage with CL
CL handing out giveaways to the young guests
The girls were doing their thing
There were lots of fun, interactive entertainment from Simon Elliot Events including Mitzvah Madness during the cocktail hour, Stick-A-Pic photo favors and a custom headphone station during the party.
Mitzvah Madness was popular during the cocktail hour
The kids looking for their Stick-A-Pic photo favors
Each young guest designed their headphones and went home with their design in a custom box with Jason’s picture
Jason had a delicious cake baked by Newman and Leventhal Caterers.
Jason starting his candle lighting ceremony
Jason surrounded by his family
Jason’s home friends
Celebrating with his camp friends
And That…Gift Boutique created Jason’s hooded sweatshirt incorporating all of his favorite things.
Jason helped prepare baskets to sit on the Bimah during his service that were donated to the Pediatric Oncology unit at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore where his dad works. The baskets contained art supplies, books, and video games that patients could use to make their stay at the hospital during treatment more fun.
Advice from Mom Caroline:
“This was my second time planning a Bar Mitzvah – and I have one more to go! I tried to listen to what my son wanted – from the invitations to the party favors – so that the party really captured his personality rather than mine. I also thought about the guests, and since the kids are not big dancers, I made sure there were some other options available to keep them entertained.”
The following vendors helped to make Jason’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Temple Judea of Manhasset, 516-621-8049
Caterer: Howard Braverman, Newman & Leventhal, 516-621-8049
Décor/florist: Charles, United Floral Events, 516-829-8890
Music Entertainment: MC CL, EJ The DJ, 631-348-7848
Photographer/Videographer: Simon Elliot Events, 516-586-6822
Favors: Jen, And That…Gift Boutique, 516-364-9222
Party entertainment: Simon Elliot Events: Mitzvah Madness, Custom Headphones,
Stick-A-Pic Photo Favors
Invitation: Susan Lehrhoff for Ethan Niles 516-626-3666
Seating Chart/Sign-In board: Simon Elliot Events
Dress for Mom Caroline: Tadashi Shoji
Suits for Men: Nordstrom
Hair/makeup: Amanda Evans, 516-932-8592
May 7th, 2013
We must give credit to Liz and Lex Events for this Mitzvah Find.
They wrote about these personalized “face” stamps from Etsy and we had to learn more!
We contacted the creator Lise Grossmann and found out that in addition to couples, she is also hand carving her stamp with a single face. Imagine all the ways you could use this stamp for your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah! This personal touch can be used on invitations, envelopes, place cards, favor tags, thank you notes, and much more.
If you would like to stamp your face, just send Lise your picture, she will draw and then carve it. Her stamps are mounted on wood and you can purchase the ink pad for an additional $5.00. The stamp itself is $40.00.
She’s based in Normandy, so you must allow a few weeks.
Learn more here.
May 5th, 2013
Bar Mitzvah Bouncer, Inc. is a full service professional chaperone company specializing in the supervision of children at Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Sweet 16s, Graduations and Birthday Parties. Parents can relax and enjoy the big day while we supervise the children. Our services include the supervision of the children at the party as well as the Temple services and transportation to and from the party.
Bar Mitzvah Bouncer continues to go above and beyond in service!
In order to keep kids safe and the celebration running smoothly, Bar Mitzvah Bouncer must keep up with the latest trends. When kids “Mosh Pit” or jump in the air and knock chest to chest, our bouncers are right there to engage and divert their energy into something less dangerous.
Last month, Bar Mitzvah Bouncer went beyond the call of duty, truly caring about the safety and welfare of the children. They accompanied a busload of teenagers to the celebration venue, and then later that evening accompanied the kids back to a parking lot for parent pick-up at 12:30am. The parents of two teenage girls were delayed due to a flat tire and were 45 minutes late.
Our bouncers did not hesitate to wait with them until their parents arrived at 2:15 am, keeping the girls safe and their parents worry-free.
BAR MITZVAH BOUNCER WILL ALWAYS GO THE EXTRA MILE AND WILL NOT DISAPPOINT!
To learn more, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
May 5th, 2013
Seri Roth and Arielle Joselson are high school students already making a difference in the world!
Meeting as freshmen in high school, they realized they shared a common interest to seek a cure for pediatric cancer. They decided to create a charity that everyone could be a part of and they made their dream a reality by co-founding the charity, “A Dollar Campaign.” All they ask of donors is for one dollar so everyone can be a part of finding the cure.
Pictured L-R: Seri Roth and Arielle Joselson
We got the chance to ask them a few questions and learn more about this Mitzvah Project.
MM: Can you give us details of your Mitzvah Project?
SR: Very early on in my life, I knew that I wanted to make a difference in the world. I would always hear my friends say “when I grow up I’m going to do this.” This frustrated me. I didn’t want to wait until I was a “grown-up.” I wanted to make a difference now! I didn’t want my age to stop me from doing amazing things in the world. When I was a freshmen in high school I met my soon-to-be best friend, Arielle Joselson. We realized we shared a common interest to seek a cure for pediatric cancer. Our hope is also to inspire others to make a difference, and to create a chain reaction of giving.
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project?
SR/AJ: Every four hours a child dies from cancer. There is nothing worse than a parent losing a child. At A Dollar Campaign, we believe that no child should ever have their life taken away from them due to cancer. Cancer is one of those things that you can’t control. Parents do not want to believe that it could happen to their child, when in fact it could happen to anyone at any time. Take action. Every dollar makes a difference. Join us. Together, let’s find a cure for pediatric cancer.
MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bat Mitzvah?
SR/AJ: To us, a Mitzvah Project means that you have now reached an age that you can truly understand the meaning of giving back and what a Mitzvah truly is all about. We believe that a Mitzvah Project doesn’t end after your Bat Mitzvah is over, but is a message that travels with you for the rest of your life.
MM: What are you doing to spread the word?
SR/AJ: To get the word out we are using our Website: www.Adollarcampaign.org and through social media, events, and fundraising.
MM: For how long can people donate to this charity?
SR/AJ: Forever!
MM: Anything else we need to know about your Mitzvah Project?
SR/AJ: No matter what age, no matter what the circumstances, everyone can make a difference. We never turn away a person who wants to help. We offer many volunteer opportunities that you can even do from your own home!
Wow! You girls are amazing. Thank you for sharing your Mitzvah Project with our readers. I know you have inspired others.
