March 16th, 2013
We found this “at home” Bat Mitzvah service and celebration on event planner Sasha Souza’s fun site Sparkliatti and had to share.
The Bat Mitzvah took place in Atherton, California and used pink and gray as the color palette. They used informal seating arrangements to create a contemporary, hip and beautiful backyard celebration.
The event started with a pre-cocktail party in the front of the house, and then moved to the beautiful backyard for the service and party.
All photography done by Damion Hamilton.
The Bat Mitzvah girl standing under her name, which was created from carnations
Lounge vignettes for the pre-ceremony cocktail party
Guests were offered pashminas with the Bat Mitzvah girl’s logo – just in case it got cool
At the service, there were kippahs, bracelets, M&M’s, and a sign-in frame
The service was held in the backyard
White and pink decor seating area
Pink sequin cloths & silver deco chairs
Tall tables, rounds, and cocktail tables were used for the dinner
Dinner service by Someone’s in The Kitchen Catering & Event Planning
The servers wore customized shirts which featured the Bat Mitzvah girl’s logo and cute phrases on the back
The cake and dance floor area in the background
All lit up at night
We want to thank Sasha Souza for sharing this backyard celebration with our readers.
March 16th, 2013
We have written about the new trend of Bar/Bat Mitzvah entrance videos and we know our readers loved watching these creative productions.
Now it’s time to concentrate on the decor. We have found unique ways families are decorating their Bar/Bat Mitzvah entrance way.
Check these out:
Tennis anyone? FOS Designs swagged the entrance to the grand dining room of this tennis party with giant tennis rackets
For a Bat Mitzvah girl with a fashion theme, Party Excellence created this red carpet entrance!
Caplan Miller Events designed this arch of balloons for a circus themed Bat Mitzvah
Evantine Design created this entry way for a camp themed Bat Mitzvah
Shindigz Party Supplies features many different entrance archways like the one above
The entrance said “The Kratz Bowl” for the Kratz twins sports theme B’nai Mitzvah and created by Brian William Event Decorators
Design By Larissa created this book to greet guests for a true fairy tale Bat Mitzvah
Setting the Mood by Jamee created this arch for a Facebook themed Bat Mitzvah
For a cowboy theme…we love this entrance from Bill Angelini Enterprises
A castle entrance inside your ballroom from Adams Creative Images
From Linzi Events: Royce’s Japanese garden themed Bat Mitzvah
Did your Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration have creative entrance decor? Let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
March 16th, 2013
Ariana DeMattei, a 7th grader at the Westhampton Beach Middle School in Westhampton, New York is organizing many community fundraisers to help reach her goal of filling 150 backpacks with school supplies.
Her “Spring Splash at Rogers Beach Pavilion” fundraiser is coming up on Sunday, April 7, 2013 and is the first of many fundraisers she is planning. Ariana is hoping that these backpacks will then be distributed to local elementary school students in need by September.
Take “the plunge” with Ariana and read more about her great Bat Mitzvah project.
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project?
AD: My project Backpacks For Fellow Students (BFFS) was started with the purpose of providing elementary school children, whose families have been affected by today’s difficult economy, the basic school supplies they need to start off the school year. Imagine these children’s faces when they are able to walk through the doors of their school in September, confident and equipped with the same supplies as their friends. Imagine how happy their parents are when their child is given the same chance at success as those children who surround them.
MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bat Mitzvah?
AD: As part of preparing for becoming a Bat Mitzvah, one is encouraged to do a Mitzvah Project (a charitable act of human kindness). A successful Mitzvah Project should have a profound effect on people. For my Mitzvah Project, I am combining two things that are very important to me: children and education. I’m grateful to everyone in the community who has supported BFFS and all of their efforts in helping me achieve my goal.
MM: Can you give us details of your Mitzvah Project?
AD: The event, which is co-sponsored by Human Understanding & Growth Services, Inc. (HUGS) of Westhampton is called, “Spring Splash at Rogers Pavilion Beach” and takes place on April 7, 2013. HUGS is an organization that helps empower communities, especially kids, to lead healthier, fuller, substance free lives. There is a $25 participation fee and spectators will be charged $10 for adults and $5 for children. Steeldrumania, a steel drum band, will be performing. There will also be beverages donated by Hampton Coffee, face painting, and fire trucks for the kids to explore. Prizes will be awarded for “First In The Water” and “Best Costume.” Each “Splasher” that registers with a minimum of $25.00 in donations will receive a drawstring backpack.
MM: How did you spread the word about your Mitzvah Project?
AD: There are many ways I am promoting this project. I am asking people to:
SPREAD THE WORD: Forward this Mitzvah Market feature to your friends, coworkers and family members who you think may be interested in supporting my efforts.
CONNECT: While you’re surfing the web, stop by our Wish List Registry on Amazon.com. You will find a complete list of school supplies needed to fill the backpacks.
DONATE: Make a tax deductible donation. Checks can be made out to JCOH, a 501 (c) (3). Earmark the check for BFFS. 100% of all donations will be utilized for school supplies.
PARTICIPATE: Look for upcoming fundraisers including sports clinics, bake sales and a movie night!
MM: For how long can people donate to this charity?
AD: People can support BFFS by participating in these fun events over the next few months and through the summer.
We wish Ariana much luck with her Mitzvah Project and we thank her and her family for sharing this great idea with our Mitzvah Market readers.
March 15th, 2013
Emily Silverstein celebrated her Bat Mitzvah on April 21, 2012 at Central Synagogue in New York City followed by a celebration at the Eventi Hotel.
Her theme was a combination of her middle name Rose, her love of purple and baking!
You might recognize Emily’s mom who is Sarah Merians of Sarah Merians Photography & Video Company. It’s always fun bringing our readers the Mitzvah Family Spotlight stories of our own experts!
Pictured left L-R: Mom Sarah Merians, Dad Marc Silverstein, Bat Mitzvah girl Emily, and Brother Max
Mitzvah Invitation & Service
The "Save the Date" was designed by Sarah's Studio and Judy Paulen Designs created Emily's invitation
The "Emily Rose" invitation gave guests a sneak peak at her upcoming purple themed celebration
Emily's service was held at Central Synagogue on 55th and Lexington Avenue in New York City
Emily's purple dress was from All Dressed Up and Sarah found hers at Bergdorf Goodman
After Emily's service, guests headed over to the Eventi Hotel
Mitzvah Details
Emily combined her middle name Rose, the color purple and her love of baking to create the perfect logo that was not only used on her invitation, but on many elements throughout her celebration. Her theme was “Sweet Emily’s.” Diana Gould Ltd. did a great job transforming the ballroom at the Eventi Hotel using lots of purple.
Sarah Merians Photography created Emily's sign-in book
Mom Sarah Merians and her design team created the logo and Diana Gould fine tuned it
This version was used for her "Sweet Table"
Photos of a young Emily baking tied in with the theme and were on display around the room
Sarah Merians Photography & Video created this logo for Emily’s celebration where the theme combined her middle name Rose, and her love of baking and purple. Read more about this celebration
here
The ballroom is ready for guests!
The kids lounge area with light up furniture and fun pieces of oversized cake!
Simple centerpieces on the adult tables
Cupcakes and slices of cake were included in the décor
A gobo of Emily's name was featured on the wall and dance floor
It doesn't feel like an afternoon celebration!
Martin Harding was on hand for his "live" event painting
Photofetti was sprinkled on the tables featuring pictures of Emily at various ages with friends and family
Custom M & Ms in Emily's colors
Cake pops to match the color scheme
Colorful socks for the kids when their feet needed a break from their high heels
Cocktail napkins featuring Emily's logo
Music & Entertainment
E Three Productions provided the music entertainment with Evan as the MC. Guests could enjoy many forms of extra entertainment at this celebration.
The E Three Productions crew poses with Emily
Emily's friends having fun
Emily’s up!
Sylvia Weinstock created a delicious cake to match Emily's theme
The family poses with the Bat Mitzvah cake
Emily and her friends during her candle lighting
One of the many services of Sarah Merians Photography & Video Company is to create a collage of photos from the photo booth after the celebration
Young guests enjoying foosball
Mitzvah Favors & Exit Treats
Emily’s friends received a selection of favors at her celebration. Emily worked with TLC’s Next Great Baker runner up, Nadine Reibeling, to create a special cake which was also used on her thank you notes.
A "Lids" station where Emily's friends could create custom hats
Cubbies were brought in by Diana Gould to keep all the favors and giveaways organized
Lisa Berg from LPB Graphics created purple zip-up sweatshirt favors with Emily's logo
The special cake they baked was also photographed and used on this thank you note
Emily in her surprise candy bar area complete with custom labeled water bottles
Emily's "Thank You" cake that she created with Nadine before her celebration
Mom to Mom
Some advice from Mom (and photographer) Sarah:
“My two big pieces of advice are: 1. Make lists and due dates for yourself. Should a vendor tell you that you have plenty of time, I may suggest you follow your own timeline and do what’s best for you. Planning a Mitzvah can be very stressful, but also a lot of fun if you position yourself with professionals. You’ll be in good hands.
2. Enjoy the planning process because it’s half the fun! The day flies by…so enjoy every moment.”
Mitzvah Project
For Emily’s Mitzvah project, she helped raise money for diabetes awareness and research. DRI, The Diabetes Research Institute, is dedicated and devoted to finding a cure for diabetes.
Emily helped volunteer her time at their annual Carnival for a Cure event, benefiting the cure-focused work of the Diabetes Research Institute.
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Emily’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue/Party Security: Eventi Hotel, 212-564-4567
Photographer/Videography: Sarah Merians Photography & Video Company, 212-633-0502
Photobooth/Sign-in Book: Sarah Merians Photography & Video Company, 212-633-0502
Music Entertainment: MC Evan Tyler, E Three Productions, 212-354-6460
Favors: Lisa Berg, LPB Graphics, 732-283-4333
Invitation: Judy Paulen Designs, 201-871-1335
Cake: Sylvia Weinstock Cakes, 212-925-6698
Décor/florist: Diana Gould, Ltd., 212-629-6993
Special Touches: Photofetti and Custom M&Ms
Event Painter: Martin Harding
Emily’s Dress: All Dressed Up, 914-690-1593
Sarah’s Dress: Bergdorf Goodman
Hair/makeup: Laura Geller Makeup, 212-570-5477
Transportation: Matrix Mario, 917-939-8552
March 13th, 2013
Carlyle At The Palace brings together two of the most powerful forces in social and corporate occasions—famed caterer and restaurateur Mr. Steve Carl and one of the metropolitan area’s most legendary facilities.
Carlyle Catering offers a wide variety of “To-Go” stations for guests as they are leaving your Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration. Choose from many different “To-Go” station options, such as an elaborate candy station, a homemade milk shake station, a hot pizza station, just to name a few.
These unique stations are a huge hit with guests, including their Carnival Station which includes Hot Pretzels, Churros, Cotton Candy, Popcorn and Candy Apples. This station has traditional Carnival décor to tie it all together.
Carnival Station
Elaborate Candy Bars
Carlyle’s Breakfast to go station is always a favorite for the end of the night. This includes Mini Egg & Cheese Biscuits, Mini Bacon Egg and Cheese Biscuits and French Toast Sticks with Maple Syrup. Our most popular station is our “Ultimate Tail Gate”, this includes Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Condiments, Gatorade and Bottled Water. This station is set up outside with your own personal Tailgating chef and includes a full Tail Gate Set up with Signage and Fencing. Book an event with Carlyle Catering to see our full list of “To-Go” Stations!
Cookie Station
Donut Station
Ultimate Tail Gate!
Mention Mitzvah Market when you book your party and get a “to-go” station for your guests as they are leaving your celebration.
To learn more visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
March 13th, 2013
As soon as we saw these photographs and theme, a take off on North Face, we had to bring you Fisher’s Mountain ski-themed Bar Mitzvah!
This fabulous event took place at Green Valley Country Club in Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania.
The invitation really set the tone and included a fabulous logo which was designed by Leigh Karsch and her team from La Petite Fleur.
The reception was styled by Kim Rosen of Kim Rosen Events. The amazing flowers and decor were by Penncora Productions.
Look at the amazing details below:
La Petite Fleur designed a monogram with the Bar Mitzvah boy’s initials and a “North Fisher” logo, wrapped in a custom made scarf!
La Petite Fleur also created this antler monogram
The “Apres-Ski” information
The RSVP card was a post card
The amazing decor, along with dramatic lighting add to the remarkable feel of a ski lodge
The place card table fit right in with mini skis!
A closer look at the Bar Mitzvah antler monogram and mini ski place cards with each guests name and table number
The long communal tables added to the rustic ski lodge atmosphere
The beautiful menu with a rustic feel
Green Valley Country Club catered the food and brought in amazing details like the steak seared with the Bar Mitzvah boy’s monogram
The sign-in board
Lots of goodies for guests including thermals, gloves and even tooth brushes…everything you would need at a ski lodge
We thank Leigh of La Petite Fleur and the rest of the vendors listed for sharing this creative Bar Mitzvah with our Mitzvah Market readers.
March 9th, 2013
Mitzvah Mom Jennifer told us about Logo Tournament, a Website where she had her son’s Bar Mitzvah logo designed for a very reasonable price.
Since many Bar/Bat Mitzvahs incorporate logos into their theme, we knew you would want to know more.
Here’s how it works: This online logo design Website uses designers from all over the world to submit to you their designs for your logo.
As a “contest holder,” you fill out a simple creative brief with easy-to-follow prompts. You indicate general ideas about the look and feel of the logo and what you want the logo to communicate (ie. masculine vs. feminine, trendy vs. vintage and many more).
In a short amount of time, you will have 30 or more graphic artists starting to create a logo for you. There is a $275 minimum contest fee. The site will tell you how many submissions you can likely expect from various prize levels.
Then graphic artists from around the world start posting ideas for your logo. You give feedback and start to rank the logos. At the end of the contest (just a matter of days), you select a winner and the logo is yours and the developer wins the contest money you put up through the Website.
Their designer tab shows you what countries the designers are from and their portfolio tab will show you some of their work. Although most of the designs seem corporate in nature, this is a great resource if you are in need of a design.
Learn more by visiting their Website.
March 8th, 2013
The Segelman family from Randolph, New Jersey had a three-day celebration for their daughter Alana’s Bat Mitzvah. From the Friday night service on November 30th, to the Saturday service and Shabbat dinner on December 1st, to the reception on Sunday, December 2nd there were many wonderful traditional aspects incorporated into this modern Bat Mitzvah — we can’t wait to share them with you.
All photography was provided by Mike Leta Photography and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom.
Pictured above L-R: Dad David, Mom Lisa, Bat Mitzvah girl Alana, Eddie the family dog, older Sister Talia and older Brother Brett.
Both Friday night services and Saturday morning services were held at Adath Shalom in Morris Plains, New Jersey. After the Friday evening service, there was a dinner in the synagogue ballroom for family and out-of-town-guests. On the morning of December 1, 2012 Alana participated in the service with her Bar Mitzvah partner.
Alana did a magnificent job with her prayers, Torah and Haftorah readings as well as her d’var Torah
Alana’s grandfather, who is 87 years-old, illustrated the booklet for the service as he did for Alana’s siblings B’nai Mitzvahs
Alana chose a C’est Papier invitation from Ruth Dykman of Buy Invitation which had an icy blue feel.
The texture and shimmery glitter set the tone for the winter wonderland reception to come
Alana’s “Save The Date” is a picture of her made from iPhoto and was mailed out six months in advance
The Segelman family looked great as they stand at the steps of the grand staircase at Meadow Wood. Alana looks beautiful in her iridescent purple gown from Princess Charming.
Sister Talia’s dress is from Saks Fifth Avenue, Mom Lisa’s dress is Kay Unger from Nordstrom, the men’s suits from Lord & Taylor
A Touch of Elegance created the decor using flowers and balloons with a strong color palette of deep purple, turquoise and white.
Alana shows off the beautiful ballroom while her guests are at the cocktail hour
The centerpieces on the adult tables had tall silver vases with silver manzanita branches and turquoise candles and hanging crystals added warmth and elegance without the use of flowers
Artist Christina Poplawski painted a great picture of Alana and all her favorite things on the cover of a sketch book that became her sign-in book.
The personalized sign-in book was on display at the celebration. The cover includes all of Alana’s favorite things: her dog Eddie, cheerleading, InstaGram and manicures!
A look inside the book includes pictures of Alana at different stages and her invitation
Mom Lisa used overstock from her former hand-decorated picture frame business to make all the place cards unique, different and something her guests would want to take home.
She also created a beautiful collage of Alana’s favorite memories growing up
Mom Lisa and Alana pose with their handiwork–handmade place card frames for all
The food at Meadow Wood Manor was not only delicious but presented beautifully.
The Segelman family has a candle lighting tradition: they include all their guests in the last candle lit during the candle lighting ceremony. Each guest lights their own small candle from the votives on their tables.
Guests raising their candles
Big brother Brett enjoying the moment with Alana. Brett has a videography business and created the montage for the party as a gift to his sister
The Segelman family enjoying their candle lighting moment
MC Brian Rosenbaum of The Entertainment Company played great music for kids and adults alike which kept everyone on the dance floor.
Alana is lifted up in the chair for the Horah
Alana enjoying herself with her friends
Catering by Karen created the beautiful turquoise cake adorned with snowflakes.
Alana pointing to her custom made cake.
Alana’s purple zip-up hooded sweatshirt favors were from Louie Max, design by Eliot Weinstein of EW
Advertising.
The front had her initials, tiny snowflakes and Jewish stars, along with her Bat Mitzvah date
The back confirmed her snowflake theme in a big way
We love this idea that Alana had for her thank you cards. She included photos of each guest in their individual thank-you note-a very special personal touch!
The Bat Mitzvah girl spray-mounted photos to the inside of the card so each guest received a photo of themselves at the celebration!
A special moment for the Segelman Family when all 200 guests posed for a picture…together.
Alana did her Mitzvah Project to benefit the Lev LaLev Fund. The name means “heart to heart” and this special organization serves orphaned girls at the Rubin Zeffren Childrens’ Home in Netanya Israel. Alana set up a Lev LaLev fundraiser for a girl named Mazal. The money raised went towards the extras for Mazal’s Bat Mitzvah —- hair, makeup, a new dress, photos, and visit to the Kotel, or Western Wall. The Artistic Academy, a local cosmetology school, agreed to sponsor her “Day of Beauty” this past spring. Alana raised a significant amount of money that helped with Mazal’s Bat Mitzvah and the orphanage. To read more about Alana’s Bat Mitzvah project on Mitzvah Market click here.
This beautiful collage was displayed at Alana’s Bat Mitzvah service and reception and celebrates both Alana and Mazal reading “Mazel Tov Alana” and “Mazel Tov Mazal”
Alana and her friends enjoying their day of beauty to benefit Lev LaLev
Mitzvah Mom Lisa offers her Top 5 Tips:
1. Stay focused on the studying and the D’Var Torah (child’s explantion of the Torah portion) — the best the child can do is what you’re celebrating. 2. Enjoy the unlikely party planning team of Mom/Dad and your pre-teen. It’s a special year with so much time spent together. Listen to that one thing the kid really wants to have, even if it sounds crazy to you. 3. Stretch out the celebration with a Shabbat dinner on Friday night, a meal for hotel guests at some point, or a Sunday brunch after it’s all over. You’ll add in some real visiting time with guests and won’t feel like it all went by in a blink 4. Even if you use a party planner, try and add personal touches that are meaningful to your child or your family. That’s what people will remember. My mom reciting prayers in Yiddish, my father’s paintings for the cover of my kids’ service booklets, my nieces and sister-inlaws making b’sameem (spice) packets for Havdalah, my husband’s attempts to entertain during his speech– are now part of our family history.” 5. In retrospect, no matter what went wrong or right, “it’s all even better than good. It’s a memory for a lifetime.”
The following vendors helped to make Alana’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Meadow Wood Manor, 973-537-5454
Photographer: Mike Leta Photography, 973-625-1378
Videographer: Certner Video Editing, zachary.certner@gmail.com, 973-886-1869
Party Planner: Mom Lisa
Music Entertainment: MC, Brian Rosenbaum, The Entertainment Company, 973-598-1249
Décor: A Touch of Elegance, 973-584-8300
Montage: Brett Segelman, SegStudio Productions, 973-525-3955 bsegelman@gmail.com
Favors: Louie Max, 888-824-2674
Logo Design: Eliot Weinstein Designs, 212-799-7456
Candle lighting: Lisa Segelman, Lisa’s Lyrics, 973-214-1699, redshoeslzs@gmail.com
Cake: Karen Sheer, Catering by Karen, 201-580-0259
Invitation: Ruth Dkyman, Buy Invitation, 973-992-8880
Computer Calligraphy: Cindy Spiesbach, 973-992-0178
Sign-In board: Christine Poplawski, 484-432-8225
Save the Date: iPhoto
Bat Mitzvah girl Alana’s 3 dresses: Princess Charming, 973-325-1419
Mom and Sister dresses: Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue
Men’s Suits: Lord & Taylor
March 6th, 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 February 2nd, 2013 I attended Carly’s Bat Mitzvah. It was an eventful celebration with many surprises and unique ideas.
After Carly’s service, her friends were taken to the party in limos! In the lobby of the temple, there was a board listing the limo number and each one of Carly’s friends names. Everybody was excited to get in the limos and eager to get to Carly’s party! This was fun and definitely unique. It was a great ride too!
Carly’s theme was Club 13. Her sign-in board, also bright and cute, was a giant pillow from The Pieced Palette. Her guests signed with sharpies. I love this idea because a pillow is definitely useful and Carly can sleep on it and use it forever.
Carly’s room decor color was blue. The room was nice and bright, and lively and colorful.
I had an amazing time at Carly’s and I loved everything about her party! Mazel Tov to Carly & her family.
Read Molly’s second 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 6th, 2013
Sara Renee, an event planner from South Florida and owner of Sara Renee Events recently had the challenge of planning a non-traditional, but fun ski lodge themed Bar Mitzvah in South Florida.
She pulled it off with help from Xquisite Events for a party that was so “chill,” the guests forgot that it was 80 degrees in Florida!
Ricardo Serpa was the photographer.
There are so many great decor and party ideas! Grab your hot chocolate and enjoy.
The moment guests arrived they walked along the entrance surrounded by snow capped evergreens
Signage added to the decor
Guests were greeted by dancers who placed ski pass lift tickets around their necks
The rustic guest list was on a framed chalkboard featuring names and table numbers
This was a unique touch we haven’t seen before. A sign telling guests to “Grab a bag and write your name, then you will leave with goodies you’ve claimed.” Great idea!
A table scape of lanterns, pine cones and bark added to the rustic lodge decor
Farm house tables and murals filled the space to create a warm ski lodge feeling
The adult tables also had the rustic charm with table numbers made of twigs
A nice custom printed thank you was at each place setting from the guest of honor
The Bar Mitzvah boy made his entrance with dancers dressed in flannel shirts and fuzzy hats
Confetti canons made it feel like it was snowing
“Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!”
We thank Sara Renee Events for sharing this ski lodge themed Mitzvah with our readers.
