March 31st, 2013
The Bar and Bat Mitzvah: A Family Event
By Rabbi Debra Bennet, Temple Chaverim, Plainview, New York
Our Jewish tradition has always emphasized the importance of education. In fact, in the verse above, the Talmud teaches that a parent was obligated to teach a child the words of Torah to ensure that Judaism would be passed from one generation to another. Clearly, teaching our children about our past, our heritage and our traditions remains a value we share today; a value emphasized as you and your family approach the day of your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah.
This special day provides an opportunity to look at the teaching of the Talmud in a different way. When our child becomes a Bat Mitzvah, she spends years learning and practicing. We expect this level of dedication in order for our child to lead the community in prayer. However, the ritual of Bar Mitzvah should not serve as a Jewish experience solely for our children. It is an opportunity for us and for our families as well not only to teach our child as our tradition suggests, but to learn from our child and in moving forward, to create new Jewish rituals for our family.
Here are three questions you can use to guide you in this process:
1. What can my child teach me? Your child has spent months and months preparing and has invested a great deal of time and energy in this process of learning. Become a part of this experience by speaking with your child about what she has discovered. Moreover, take this opportunity to ask your child a subject about which you are curious. Your child will understand that you are not only interested in Jewish learning—a key factor in sparking his own interest—but that you acknowledge his hard work and trust in his knowledge.
2. What does this day mean to me? It is important that you know the answer to this question and that you articulate that answer to your child. If you wanted your child to have this experience for the learning, let her know. If you wanted your child to have this experience to pass on his Jewish roots to his children, let him know. If you wanted your child to have this experience to begin to understand what it means to work hard for something and then succeed, let her know. If you wanted your child to have this experience to learn how to stand proudly as Jew, let him know. Whatever your reasons, do not assume your child already knows the answer. Until you articulate the response to this question, the answer(s) may not even be clear to you.
3. How can we, as a family, mark this day as we move forward? The Bar Mitzvah is not an isolated event; it represents the beginning of life as a Jewish adult. Truly understanding what that concept means is difficult not only for our children, but often times for us as well. To assist in making this concept more tangible, discuss with your family ways you plan to make Jewish changes in your life. What you choose to do is up to you, but do something differently after the Bat Mitzvah than you did before. Here are a few examples:
* On Friday afternoon, have each member of the family contribute tzedakah and decide as a family where to donate the money.
* Give your Bar Mitzvah child the opportunity to lead the Shabbat blessings on Friday night.
* On Saturday, create a few hours of family time away from the television or computer and play a board game, read together or go for a family walk.
* Using a plethora of online resources, discuss the weekly Torah portions. A great site to visit is Family Shabbat Table Talk, which has archives for each of the parshiyot and suggestions for conversation starters.
The Bar Mitzvah is not just a day for your child. It is a day for your entire family. Our sages taught the importance of ensuring our children’s learning, but the bat mitzvah provides an opportunity not only for their learning, but for our learning as well. Moreover, it gives parents a chance to take the time for our children to teach us—a special gift for us and for them.
This story is from the 2012 Mitzvah Market magazine. If you would like a complimentary copy of our magazine, click here.
March 30th, 2013
Impress your guests with Dana’s Bakery classic macarons with an American twist!
Dana Loia is the creative force behind Dana’s Bakery. She melds the traditional Parisian macaron with an artisanal line of American flavors.
Your Bar Bat Mitzvah guests will love this Mitzvah treat which can be created in custom colors and flavors.
All of Dana’s macarons are gluten free, kosher, made with almond flour, and can be shipped nationwide.
A variety pack costs $30. Some of the wide selection of flavors include: S’mores, Thin Mint, Cookie Dough, Key Lime Pie, Orange Creamsicle and PB&J!
Here’s the delicious looking chocolate molten and chocolate strawberry
Customize your own assortment!
Visit their Website to learn more or call 800-477-1816.
March 30th, 2013
The Dershowitz family from Plainview, New York celebrated their daughter Bari’s Bat Mitzvah on May 19, 2012 at the Plainview Jewish Center with a reception the following day at East Meadow Jewish Center in East Meadow, New York.
Knowing Bari’s passion for reading and all things “Harry Potter,” the Dershowitz family created a magical Harry Potter themed Bat Mitzvah.
Salzman & Ashley Studios was the photographer and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Pictured above (L-R): Big brother Matt, Mom Eileen, Bat Mitzvah girl Bari and Dad Steve
Taking a page from the Harry Potter series, Bari and Mom Eileen designed the invitations to give a hint of the theme. They created the concepts for a tri-fold invitation with a Jewish star seal, featuring red and gold colors and the “Harry Potter” font. Cyperus Fine Paper Invitations printed the invitation.
The tri-fold opened like a Hogwarts school letter and it featured Gryffindor’s red and gold colors used as inspiration
Bari’s name in a “Harry Potter” font
Although Bari didn’t plan on coordinating her dress with her theme, when she tried on this green & gold cocktail dress from It’s Simply for You, it was magical!
It was even adorned with “phoenix feathers”
An avid Harry Potter fan, Bari’s theme “Bari Potter & The Most Magical Bat Mitzvah” was obvious as the guests began their journey when they entered the reception.
Adult guests found their seats from the Hedwig the Owl place cards and the kids dais seating was created on a poster in the shape of a scroll
Lighter Than Air created a magical place of “Witchcraft and Wizardry” transforming the inside of the East Meadow Jewish Center.
Bari’s “Sorting Hat,” a Potter “must have,” was a fun element at the place card table
Bari’s sign-in book was also created by Lighter Than Air and featured a picture of her as Bari Potter
This centerpiece features Bari dressed in her Hogwarts school robe
Bertie Botts Every-Flavored Beans were placed on the adult tables and in the kids bags along with their t-shirts
The “Three Broomsticks Food Court” signage added to the fun
The Dershowitz family got into the action when it was time to make their entrance. Bat Mitzvah girl Bari was carried in by two DanceJock Productions’ dancers while “riding” on a broom. MC Rick announced Bari’s entrance as the “Guest of Honor and Head of Ravenclaw House.”
The guests loved Bari’s entrance!
Big Brother Matt entering as the “Head of Slytherin House”
When Mom and Dad entered, they wore robes & scarves and were announced as “Your host and hostess and the heads of Hufflepuff & Gryffindor Houses.” Mom was the Gryffindor & Dad was the Hufflepuff
The music entertainment was provided by DanceJock Productions and an enchanting DJ Rick quickly got into the Harry Potter theme and worked his music magic on the dance floor.
Bat Mitzvah girl Bari front and center leading her friends in a dance move
Bari and her friends having fun
Bari’s Bat Mitzvah cake was created by President Caterers. The text is “Draco Dormiens Nunquam Titillandus,” which of course is the motto of the Hogwarts and means, “Never tickle a sleeping dragon!”
Bari’s cake featured the same logo as her t-shirt favors
Bari’s second love is musical theater and Bari was the lead in her play, “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” so her candle lighting ceremony featured songs from Broadway musicals. Bari also organized a flash mob to recreate a big dance number from the school musical that she had appeared in.
Bari surrounded by her drama friends
Mom Eileen and Bat Mitzvah girl Bari conceived the idea for the themed black t-shirt favors, which was then designed and custom made by Lori Goldstein of Jaylor Party Favors.
The front and back of the t-shirts
The Dershowitz Family modeling the t-shirt favors
Bari volunteered with the Challenger Division of Plainview Baseball. Challenger Baseball is an important part of the Plainview Little League. Challenger provides a baseball environment for children with Special Needs. She spent Sunday mornings helping players with disabilities enjoy playing baseball, which she enjoyed as much as she enjoys playing softball. She continues to volunteer with this organization.
Mom Eileen has some Mitzvah advice to share.
“Don’t forget to have fun. Have clear ideas, but listen to what the Mitzvah child wants. And if you’re not used to wearing high heels, make sure you have a pair of sneakers in your bag for the trip home.”
The following vendors helped to make Bari’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: East Meadow Jewish Center, 516-483-4991
Caterer/Cake: President Caterers, 516-483-4991
Photographer/Videography: Brian, Salzman & Ashley Studio
Party Planner: Mom Eileen Dershowitz
Decor/Florist/Sign-in Book: Lighter Than Air, 516-933-3210
Music Entertainment: MC Rick, DanceJock Productions, 631,242-0042
Extra Entertainment: NYC Photobooth, 800-531-3727
Favors: Lori, Jaylor Party Favors, 516-496-4607
Invitation: Cyperus Fine Paper Invitations, 516- 496-7116
Bat Mitzvah Dress: It’s Simply For You
Men’s Suits: Effie LerMan’s, 516-586-6949
Hair/Makeup: Lorraine, Raves Salon 931-3939
March 25th, 2013
We hope by spotlighting this Mitzvah Family, you will be inspired to take some of their ideas and make them your own.
This Bat Mitzvah was for the Nussbaum’s second child and they wanted something completely different than their son’s Bar Mitzvah in 2006. Carlee loves texting and circles and they were able to incorporate both into their theme, “LOL With Carlee.” Their celebration was held at the Glen Sanders Mansion in Scotia, New York. Creative Mitzvah Mom Tracey was able to come up with many unique Mitzvah Finds for Carlee’s party.
We want to thank all the Nussbaum’s for sharing their party photos and ideas with Mitzvah Market. We can’t wait to see what you come up with for Brett in 2018! (All Vendor information is listed at the bottom).
The entire Nussbaum Family looked great for Carlee’s big day. Carlee’s chocolate brown dress was found at a Jessica McClintock store and then embellished by an FIT student/family friend (see below). Tracey’s dress was from a store called Fancy Schmacy and all the guys wore ties with circles to match the theme.
L-R Big brother Jake, Tracey, little brother Brett, Bat Mitzvah girl Carlee and Keith Nussbaum
FIT fashion student Erika Schuster went shopping with Carlee and added embellishments so her dress would match the theme! A very creative and inexpensive way to have a customized dress!
The room at the Glen Sanders Mansion was transformed by Total Events. Turquoise tableclothes with pink bows on each chair made the room bright and colorful. Texting symbols identified each table. All party photography was done by Elwise Noisette.
Carlee ready for her guests to arrive
A close-up of Carlee’s texting centerpieces
The kids sat at these long tables
For additional room decor, Tracey found these cardboard cell phones online, that were actually costumes! She hung some from the ceiling and placed a few on easels at the entrance to the room
Mitzvah Mom Tracey came up with many creative ideas for her daughter’s celebration. She shared a few below:
Tracey got this idea from Mitzvah Market and used Big Huge Labs to create a “Coming Soon” poster for little brother Brett
Tracey found this cell phone chair online and used it as Carlee’s sign-in board. It nows sits proudly in her room!
To keep with the theme, the kids placecards were these soft squeezable mini computers on the left and the adults got cell phones on the right. All had name and seating info written on the screens. Tracey found these thru Albany Clothing & Promotion
Another great idea: instead of a cake, Tracey found these “round” (of course) candles online that were used for the reverse candlelighting ceremony. After Carlee introduced each candlelighting participant via reading a text message to them, each guest was able to say a little bit about Carlee
The Nussbaum’s used Shwamy Creations for Carlee’s Bat Mitzvah invitations. The entire ensemble featured circle paper which was hand-cut and beautifully set the stage for the theme of her party.
The Nussbaum’s used Hart To Hart for their entertainment with Arthur as the MC. Before Carlee entered her party, an entrance video was shown that had been previously taped at their home. All videography as done by Joe Anthony.
Carlee “Made her entrance” doing her favorite thing….IM’ing!
MC Arthur got the crowd going…
The girl guests received pink sweatshirts pictured below and the boys received a different design in grey. The sweatshirts were presented in drawstring bags and hung on the backs of the chairs in the kids seating area.
These sweatshirt favors were created by Rusty Gallagher from Albany Clothing & Promotion
Drawstring bags, also found at Albany Clothing & Promotion with the kids favors were hung on the backs of each chair
Mitzvah Mom Tracey has this advice for our readers after completing Mitzvah #2 for the Nussbaum Family:
She says, “We all get caught up in the planning of the party and celebration, but need to remember the real reason for the celebration and what your child has accomplished at the actual Bar or Bat Mitzvah service. There is nothing like that moment when you see and hear your child read from the Torah for the first time. You need to savor that moment. Then after…you can celebrate and party.”
Thanks Tracey! That is great advice.
Here is a list of the Vendor’s who helped make Carlee’s day so special. If you call any of them, please let them know you read about them on Mitzvah Market! Thanks.
Entertainment: Hart to Hart, 800-541-HART
Venue: Glen Sanders Mansion, 518-374-7262
Coming Attraction Poster: Big Huge Labs
FIT Student: Erika Schuster
Fashion: Fancy Schmancy, 518-452-1269
Favors/Placecards: Albanypromo.com
Sign-In Chair: Artistic Sensations
Room Decor: Total Events. 518-383-8602
Cardboard cell phone: Shindigz.com
Candles: Candles4light.com
March 25th, 2013
Many families have become very creative with the way their guests leave sentimental messages for their child at his or her Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration.
Rarely do you see a large blow-up photo of the guest of honor. These new “sign-ins” are more practical and can be used in your home in a variety of ways as a daily reminder of your child’s milestone event.
Whether it’s a piece of furniture, wall hanging or even a door, here are some great options to offer your guests as a place to sign-in. Now where is the sharpie?
Check it out below:
This high heel shoe chair from Artistic Sensations would be a great sign-in and can also be used as your Horah chair!
For the “foodie” child, also from Artistic Sensations are these cheeseburger storage chest and stools
The Miller Family had a basketball theme and used the above locker as their “sign-in” from One Way Furniture
The Event Of A Lifetime used this wall mirror as the sign in for a “chocolate” themed Bat Mitzvah
From the Erica Levy Family Spotlight, this mini-couch served as the sign-in
We found this basketball back board sign in on the Wendy Robinson Photography blog which can be hung in a basement!
Victoria Dubin Events created this baseball poster as the sign-in for a Bar Mitzvah at Yankee Stadium
The Pieced Palette can create a variety of sign-in pillows
This sign-in on a closet or bedroom door was from our very first Mitzvah Family Spotlight story and has been used by many Mitzvah Market readers! It’s one of our favorites!
Did you use a piece of furniture as your sign-in board? Let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
March 25th, 2013
Our timing could have been better! Our newly designed Website launched the day before Hurricane Sandy hit.
We haven’t had a chance to explain all the new features.
Please click around and let us know what you think at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
1. Party Ideas – Hover over this new title on our navigation bar and see our stories categorized into your favorites. (ie. Themes, favors, sign-in, montages, candle lighting and more!)
2. Mitzvah Projects – We now have a way for organizations to submit their Mitzvah Project ideas and a way for you to search this directory to find the perfect project for your child.
3. Vendor Directory – Now you can reach our vendors directly! Visit their profile page and fill out the Mitzvah Connect form.
4. Mitzvah Market Magazine – Would you like a copy? Click on the magazine icon on the Website’s homepage and let us know.
5. Profile stories – We are always looking for families to profile and children with great Mitzvah Projects.
As always, if you have a question, don’t hesitate to be in touch, we are here to help!
We can be reached at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
March 20th, 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 March 2nd, 2013 I attended Morgan’s Bat Mitzvah. Her theme was “Born To Be Wild” and monkeys. I found a lot of fun things and special touches and I loved everything about her celebration!
Morgan’s sign-in board was a tall bean bag chair with her logo on it, which I loved! It was pink and her guests signed in using black sharpies. Morgan will be able to sit on this and it’s so useful because it’s something so comfy too!
Morgan’s sign-in bean bag!
The other big thing I found at Morgan’s that was unique and new; was a nail station. You choose a nail design and that design is processed on the nails through a computer and given to you at the end or throughout the party. To put the nails on, you applied a sticker, then peeled off the sticker leaving a clear sticker for the plastic nail to stick to. You could file the nails down, and you then you have a cool look! I believe this was done by a company called NailPics. You can get these at www.diginailart.com!
Morgan’s party was wildly fun! I had an amazing time and I’m sure Morgan did too! Mazel Tov Morgan!
Read Molly’s third 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!
March 18th, 2013
New York City girl Anna loves sports and wanted her Bat Mitzvah reception to include lots of it!
Her Bat Mitzvah service was warm and elegant at the Carlyle Hotel in New York City followed by a party later that evening at Chelsea Piers Field House on the Hudson River and planned by Little Miss Party Planner.
Photographer, Evites and pinnies were by Raquel Bianca Creative and additional vendors are listed at the bottom of the story.
It all began with two custom Evite designs by Raquel Bianca. The Bat Mitzvah girl set up a Gmail account specifically for RSVP responses.
The service and Kiddush luncheon invitation
The party Evite
Anna’s service at the Carlyle Hotel was elegant and intimate
A birds eye view pre-party at the Chelsea Piers Field House
The lounge area was done by NY Lounge Decor
The pinnies were favors for Anna’s friends and were displayed for all to see
Famous Ray’s Pizza was served
Cool Haus features made-to-order ice cream sandwiches served in edible wrappers, with a choice of five artisan cookies and five homemade ice creams for guests to mix and match
We thank Little Miss Party Planner for sharing this great Bat Mitzvah celebration with our readers.
Additional vendors involved in this Bat Mitzvah include:
Generation Events, 212-505-7593
NY Lounge Decor, 516-921-2011
Ray’s Pizza
Wafels and Dinges, 646-257-2592
Coolhaus, 347-252-6660
March 18th, 2013
Scott Neglia of DanceJock Productions and Atmosphere Lounge Dezinz served as the party planner for Madison Beer’s 13th birthday celebration at The Sands Point Preserve in Sands Point, New York on April 20, 2012.
“Madison’s Square Garden” was the theme and the evening celebration included a special vocal performance by Madison herself.
Salzman & Ashley Studios provided the photography and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of this feature.
Check out all the photos below:
The Sands Point Preserve with pink uplighting
Madison’s Square Garden signage greet guests as they enter
Madison’s pretty pink dress is from Designing Dreams
The room is ready for guests before being lit up!
The beautiful transformation
L.E.D. dance floor by DanceJock Productions
High boy tables for additional seating
The bar area with curved couches
Lots of inviting seating for guests
Madison makes her entrance
Madison performs with a nitrogen blast to create a smoky effect
Madison performs like a pro!
Madison poses with her parents and her beautiful cake
Delicious food provided by Nisen Sushi
And That created the favors for the boys…
…and the girls
Guests enjoying the L.E.D. dance floor
The following vendors helped to make Madison’s celebration special. If you call any of them, please let them know that you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Sands Point Preserve, 516-571-7900
Party Planner: Scott Neglia, Dancejock Productions, 631-242-0042
Favors: Jen Stoler, And That, 516-364-9222
Performance: The Lost Studios, 323-933-6944
Invitations: Susan Lehroff, Ethan Niles, 516-626-3666
Cake: Dortoni Bakery, 516-796-3033
Décor: Atmosphere Lounge Dezinz, 631-595-2511
Madison’s Dress: Designing Dreams, 516-248-1988
Hair: Robert Kohler
Make Up: Denise, Ambiance, 516-484-0704
Photographer/Videographer: Salzman & Ashley Studios, 516-349-9500
L.E.D. Dancefloor: Dancejock Productions, 631-242-0042
Off Premise Catering: Nisen Sushi, Woodbury, 516-496-7000
Florist/Centerpiece Lamps: Artistry Flowers Ltd., 516-626-7673
Entrance Video: Ethan Kornfeld, 516-678-7180
March 16th, 2013
Luke Siegel loves music. He celebrated his Bar Mitzvah at the Hempstead House at Sands Point Preserve with a Rock Concert and special performance by Luke himself!
Denisimo Photography provided all the photos and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Pictured above L-R: Brother Jared, Mom Nancy, Bar Mitzvah boy Luke, Dad Herb and Brother Ethan
Greenstone Marketing created a unique poster invitation that arrived rolled up and let guests know they would be celebrating with the Siegel family at a concert
Their celebration took place at the Hempstead House at Sands Point Preserve
The Siegels are ready to rock!
Guests entered on a red carpet
Luke created his own pair of custom Nike sneakers just for this special occasion
The lounge furniture from Atmosphere Lounge Dezinz looked very cool all lit up!
Cool shaped couches
Plenty of seating for guests
High boy tables in the shape of an “x”
An LED dance floor is ready for guests
Additional light up furniture from Atmosphere Lounge Dezinz
High boy tables and stools
Lighting creates a rock concert feel
Luke makes an entrance with the DanceJock Production dancers
Luke with the DanceJock Production crew
Luke and his friends having fun
Guests were treated to a rock concert by Luke and his School of Rock band
Luke’s friends enjoyed the concert
Lighter Than Air provided the custom lamp shades
A tattoo artist from DanceJock Productions
Guests enjoyed the Incredibooths
Luke’s book was such a hit and was created by Mom Nancy
Cool logo on a destroyed black vintage t-shirt by Gotham T-shirts
The favors were bagged and ready for the young guests
Mark Of Excellence provided all the food including their creative cake
Here’s some advice from three-time Mitzvah planner Mom Nancy:
“The biggest difference from planning your first Mitzvah as opposed to your third is that it’s a lot less stressful and a lot more fun! If I have any advice to Moms planning a Mitzvah it would have to be to STOP STRESSING about fine details and to really focus on enjoying yourself because it comes and goes so quickly! The stress is so unnecessary because if you have the right personnel in place EVERYTHING goes accordingly!”
The following vendors helped to make Luke’s celebration special. If you give any a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Hempstead House, Sands Point, 516-571-7900
Party Planner/MC: Scott Neglia, Dancejock Productions, 631-242-0042
Favors: Gotham T-shirts, Howie Zwang, 516-676- 0900
Photo booth: Incredibooths, 631-320-8580
Invitations: Greenstone Marketing, 631-617-6300
Cake: Mark of Excellence, 516-767-3663
Décor: Atmosphere Lounge Dezinz, 631-595-2511
Sign-in Board: Mom Nancy
Mom’s Dress: Ray Leventhal, 516-931-2500
Suits for Family Members: Kenny’s Mens & Boyswear, 516-921-2660
Hair/Makeup: Peter and Trude, Cactus Hair Salon, 516-921-3468
Transportation: 110 Limo, 631-421-1118
Party Security: John Cerulli, 516-351-4913
Photographer/Videography: Denisimo Photography, 516-922-1100
L.E.D. Dancefloor: Dancejock Productions, 631-242-0042
Off Premise Catering: Mark of Excellence, 516-767-3663
Center Piece Lamps: Lighter Than Air, 516-933-3210
Band: Vocal Coach & Guitarist: Kyle Fitzpatrick, Bass: Matt O’Mara, Drums: Jesse Smith
Bus Company: First Student, 631-842-7620
Electric Generators: Peter, Location Power Source, 516-944-2241
