All About Cakes, Dessert & Candy – Yum!

Why is it that we all eat so much at Bar Bat Mitzvah celebrations, but always have room for the delicious dessert, candy and cake?

Whether you’re thinking about a single plated dessert for your party or an elaborate sweet table, there are so many choices for you to consider. You can even bring in outside companies who specialize in one or more delectable delights. We’ve gathered some great choices for you to sample. Dig in below!

Enjoy…

Pinkberry
Contact: Giordana Sobel, 646-430-3056, gsobel@4sunkids.com

Let us help you celebrate! Pinkberry now delivers its one of a kind, crave-able treat to any corporate or social occasion, especially for Bar & Bat Mitzvahs! Surprise and delight your guests with the swirly goodness of our full service catering that includes our delicious frozen yogurt, fresh, high quality toppings and outstanding customer service. Each order is fully customizable by choosing from a variety of our refreshing yogurt flavors, toppings and sizes that will make all of your special occasions that much swirlier!  Ask about our Bar/Bat Mitzvah packages and renting one of our machines for that extra special touch. And we are Kosher!

 Our full service catering set-up with optional backdrop

Cake & Co.
Contact: Krystina Gianaris, 201-530-7555, info@cakeandconj.com

Cake & Co. is your destination for show stopping specialty cakes for any occasion. We create the perfect accompaniment to your theme which will surely wow your guests. Cake & Co. is a custom cake boutique, designed especially for the show-stopping cake that is not only unimaginable, but also great-tasting.

We also make sweet accents for your special day like custom cookies, cake pops and cupcakes. The sky’s the limit at Cake & Co.! We are a custom order bakery which means everything is by appointment and requires a minimum two week order time, so be sure to call ahead and reserve your spot today. We are Kosher as well! R.C.B.C.

Pictured left: Yellow and orange fun flower cake
Upper right: Pink bow with cheetah print
Bottom right: Zebra with green orchids and accents

Parker’s Crazy Cookies
Contact: Dave Parker, 510-847-2634, info@parkerscrazycookies.com

We are a San Francisco Bay Area boutique bakery committed to dazzling your guests and making them giggle with delight. Our hand-tailored designs make unforgettable favors, the ultimate personalized gifts, great surprises, and delicious, low-fat desserts. It is no surprise that Parker’s Crazy Cookies has become the leader in unique Bar/Bat Mitzvah edible favors. We ship nationwide.

 Custom edible Bar or Bat Mitzvah favors are an unforgettable way to commemorate your big day

NY Dippin’ Dots
Contact: Brad Maslan, 973-478-3687, dippindots07644@yahoo.com

We generate Smiles With The Coolest Dessert Around! 

Dippin’ Dots is fresh ice cream that has been chilled to -40 degrees to provide a unique taste experience. And, because Dippin’ Dots is not available at traditional retail outlets, offering it will create a great deal of excitement amongst your guests. All flavors are certified Kosher, with select flavors Pareve and Gluten Free. Set up includes a uniformed server, branded Dippin’ Dots freezer, Dippin’ Dots umbrella, Dippin’ Dots cups and spoons and a large choice of favorite flavors to satisfy everyone. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @NYDippinDots.

Dippin’ Dots can be set up as a standalone dessert offering or part of a dessert table

Bar Bat Mitzvah At Any Age

We have heard from several MM readers that they have chosen to be “Mitzvah’ed” despite being in their 30s, 40s, 50s or beyond. It seems that this is a growing trend…. Kara Woldar is one MM reader who, from experience, would agree. We are thankful to Kara for letting us share her story with you!

For the past two years, Kara Woldar has participated in an adult education program at her synagogue, The Woodbury Jewish Center in Woodbury, NY. The class included 11 women ranging in ages from 20-something to 70-something. These women are educators, executives, doctors, administrators, homemakers and retirees in all various stages of life. The group was “Mitzvah’ed” on May 30, 2009. Congratulations to all!

Here are more details about the experience, in Kara’s own words…

MM: Why did you decide to become a Bat Mitzvah at this point in your life?
CW: It is something I always wanted to do and felt that I was missing something spiritually. I did not attend Hebrew school as a child and I wanted to feel comfortable when attending services. Also, when my daughter Alyssa began Hebrew school several years ago, I was unable to help her with with her homework or answer certain questions. She actually inspired me to do it and along with my husband, they were extremely supportive and very proud. I wanted to be able to be part of and contribute to my children’s Hebrew education. Now I am able to help my younger daughter, Nikki, as she participates in Hebrew school.

MM: We understand this was a class offered through your temple. Can you please give us some information about the program?
CW: The name of the class is simply Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah program. The class is offerred every two years, and participants study the observance of Jewish holidays and Jewish prayers. It teaches the skills of reading Hebrew and learning a Haftorah portion and culminates in a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Our teacher was Cantor Aaron Cohen, our congregations’s Cantor. He is an amazing man and an extremely patient teacher.

MM: How much time is involved and do you get homework?
CW: It is a big commitment and you must study outside of the hour-long class each week. Four months prior to our Bat Mitzvah date, we met for even longer. We would meet in the sanctuary where we not only practiced our prayers but rehearsed the actual Shabbat morning service. Our homework was to study in between classes and to practice, practice, practice!

MM: Now that you have celebrated your Bat Mitzvah, would you do it all over again?
CW: Absolutely! It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I experienced a sense of accomplishment that cannot be put into words. It is such an amazing feeling to stand in synagogue along side my family and be able to participate. I feel a sense of belonging and a sense that I am part of something that makes me feel so complete and proud. Now I feel that WJC is truly my spiritual home.

Congrats again to Kara, Cantor Aaron Cohen and his entire Bat Mitzvah class! You are all very inspiring!

Mitzvah Project: Hoops For Israel

Daniel Klosk of New York City, combined his love of basketball and Israel, and decided to donate all of his Bar Mitzvah gifts towards a basketball project for kids his age in Israel. The wonderful project came to our attention from the “Give a Mitzvah–Do a Mitzvah” program of the UJA-Federation of New York.

The Klosk family along with 40 other New Yorkers flew to Israel this past December where they attended a dedication ceremony for the new basketball court. The court was built in the “Yud Alef” neighborhood of Beersheba, a neighborhood that is mainly home to immigrants from Ethiopia and the former Soviet Union.

The new basketball court will offer free lessons by seasoned basketball coaches twice a week to the neighborhood kids and new basketball team uniforms

Asked why he wanted to donate all of his money Daniel said, “I thought it’s important to give the kids in the neighborhood not only a new basketball court, but also the opportunity to enjoy the experience of learning and playing competitively on a real basketball team, with a real basketball coach, and to give them the same kind of opportunity that was given to me.” Klosk continues, “I hope that this basketball training will give the kids the inspiration, ability, and motivation to successfully overcome their daily challenges.”

Daniel is a major basketball lover, and today he plays for New Renaissance, a nationally ranked team of the Amateur Athletic Union in New York. Last August, he won the title of Most Valuable Player of the 6th-Grade Game at the J.E.M. All Star Classic. He also plays on the New Renaissance Team of New York, a nationally ranked Division One team of the American Athletic Union.

“The Give a Mitzvah–Do a Mitzvah program of the UJA-Federation of New York enables Bar and Bat Mitzvah students to create their own unique Mitzvah project that connects their interests and hobbies,” said Sheila Devore, the Director of the Center for Youth Philanthropy and Leadership at UJA-Federation.

Mitzvah Find: Custom Sports Cards

Custom Sports Cards creates high-quality trading cards that can be used in a variety of ways at your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration.

The company uses the photograph you send them and creates Save-the-Date cards, invitations or place card seating among other things.

Custom Sports Cards has been the official commemorative card of the fantasy camps of several MLB teams including the Dodgers, Reds, Yankees, Cubs, Pirates and White Sox. Since 2007 Custom Sports Cards has been providing limited edition sets of cards for both the New York Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame and the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame.

Within 5-7 business days after placing your order on line you will receive Jpeg proofs of your cards via email. You will be able to review the images and make whatever changes you like.

To contact Custom Sports Cards call them at 1-877-385-0060.

The Ron Bat Mitzvah Family Spotlight

On Saturday, June 2, 2012 the Ron family of Paramus, New Jersey celebrated their daughter Danielle’s Bat Mitzvah at Temple Israel in Ridgewood, New Jersey followed by a festive brunch immediately following the service. On Sunday there was a celebration fit for a fashionista, with family and friends at Seasons of Washington Township, New Jersey.

All party photography was done by Lior Elkayam of Prestige Photography & Video. The rest of the Mitzvah vendor information is listed at the bottom of the spotlight.

Pictured L-R: Dad Dave, Bat Mitzvah girl Danielle, Mom Sigal and Brother Adam.

Danielle did a great job reading her Torah and Parsha portion at temple.

Danielle at the Bimah

Danielle’s invitation was in her theme colors of pale pink, fuchsia black, and lime green with a fuchsia ribbon and a crystal embellishment in the middle created for her by Make an Impression.

The Ron family looked very fashionable for Danielle’s fashion themed Bat Mitzvah. Danielle got her hot pink dress from Party Girl.

 Brother Adam and Dad Dave look great in their suits and matching ties from Macy’s. Mom Sigal wore a chic black dress from David’s Bridal

Camille of Floral Sentiments created great party ambiance with feather centerpieces, colorful balloons and a very chic place card table which set the tone for the party.

Sprinkles of crystals and boas accented the place card table

Trendy pink and black purse place card holders

Lots of shine, sparkle and shimmer on this place card table

A marquee that hung in the ballroom with all of Danielle’s favorite things

 The ballroom was all lit up in pink and green up lighting as guests walked in

These sweeping ostrich feather centerpieces in Danielle’s color palette really make a statement

 The black linens with neon napkins really popped at the kids tables

  Seasons Catering is known for their great cocktail hour. There was plenty of good food.

 Lior of Prestige Photography created a unique sign-in book for Danielle using pictures of her along with her interests.

 MC Gil of Jewish DJ provided the music for this celebration. He kept everyone on the dance floor! 

Time for the horah

Danielle is up in the chair

Bat Mitzvah girl Danielle, Mom Sigal and her Savta (grandmother in Hebrew) all dancing together

Now it’s time for the men

Danielle and her friends sharing the spotlight
 

Danielle and her Dad had their special dance to Marc Anthony’s “My Baby You.”

 Palermo’s Bakery created a glamorous cake to tie in with her theme. It was not only gorgeous to look at but delicious too!

Danielle starts the candle lighting ceremony reading poems that It Could Be Verse helped her write

Danielle and her friends lighting their candle

Prestige Photography had an airbrush station and each of Danielle’s guests received a t-shirt that they customized.

and this was on the back of the t-shirts
 

For her Bat Mitzvah project, Danielle decided to sell books for an organization called, Larger than Life. They are a non-profit organization that strives to help Jewish and Israeli children, who are sick with cancer, cope with their fears, treatment and isolation by providing support and life-saving medications. Each $25.00 donation “buys” a book for a sick child. With the help of family, friends and her Temple community, she was able to raise more than $1400 in donations and provide over 50 sick children with books.

 Danielle was awarded a plaque from Larger Than Life in honor of her Bat Mitzvah project

 
Advice from Mom Sigal:

 Here is a list of the Mitzvah Vendors who helped make Danielle’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you call any of them, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.

Venue: Seasons Catering, 201-664-6141
Party Planner: Mom Sigal Ron
Decor/Floral: Camille, Floral Sentiments, 732-851-6687
Music Entertainment: MC, Gil,  JewishDJ/Productions by Gilad, 516-358-0800
Photographer/Videographer: Lior, Prestige Photography & Video, 917-544-4987
Extra Entertainment: Air brushing and photo booth, Prestige Photo & Video, 917-544-4987
Place card holders: Favor Warehouse, 914-514-3244
Invitations: Stacy, Make an Impression, 201-261-2777
Cake: Palermo Bakery, 201-641-1654
Candle Lighting Poem: Claudia or Marcia, It Could Be Verse, 732-679-8093
Bat Mitzvah girl dress: Party Girl, 201-568-8804
Mom’s dress: David’s Bridal, 201-587-9774
Suits for men: Macy’s
Hair/makeup: Tara, 973-934-9617

Mitzvah Find: Project Repat

Before, during and after your child’s 7th-8th grade party circuit, their drawers and closets are overflowing with t-shirts and sweatshirts that were collected at parties, promotions, event giveaways and of course Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations.

What do you do with all those great t-shirts and sweatshirts? Project Repat has the answer! 

Started by Nathan Rothstein and Ross Lohr, Project Repat makes it fun and easy for you to upcycle your old t-shirts and other clothing into fashionable and functional new products like bags, scarves, ties, and blankets. All Repat products are made by someone making a fair and living wage in the USA.

It’s very easy to order. Once your order is placed, a box will arrive with a pre-paid envelope. Just send them your shirts and 4-6 weeks later, a new, one-of-a-kind product will return to your house made out of your clothing!

 We thought this was a great gift idea for all types of occasions!

 The blankets come in two sizes

They are made out of up to 20 of your t-shirts with a fleece back

For more information, visit www.projectrepat.com or email them at madeinusa@projectrepat.com.

Mitzvah Inspire: Creative Place Cards

We have found some of the most interesting and fun place card ideas as inspiration. 

There are so many ways to get creative in showing your guests where they are seated.

The place cards to the left are from Event planner Mindy Weiss who incorporated place cards within team sweat bands.

Chanel theme escort card display by Extraordinary Productions

From Balloon Artistry, Pez dispensers were attached to place cards showing guests where they were seated

Creative Events Charlotte incorporated flashlights for a camp theme

Why not take the digital route like they did at this Bar Mitzvah from LuxeFinds that we found on Pinterest.com

 For the Haber Bar Mitzvah, party planner Dayna Platnick hand painted each silk leaf and attached them to the trees

From Simon Elliot Events, this is a place card puzzle. As each piece is pulled off, another picture of the Bar Mitzvah boy is revealed underneath

One of a Kind Party Design used high heel shoes to display the table numbers and seating arrangements

Evie Steinberg of Be Our Guest cleverly created place cards with the guests of honor holding a sign for the place seating

From The Balloon People, this Bat Mitzvah girl was an aspiring model so they picked specific photos of supermodels and then did a photo shoot with May Photography in all different outfits and poses to match the photos. Those shots were then photoshopped with the model so it looked like she and the model were posing together

Pat and Glenn Productions hung place cards on purple beads

The Prop Factory created a large board for this golf themed Bar Mitzvah

With the Bar Mitzvah boy known to be a whiz, Rubik cubes held the place cards welcoming guests for a Hanukah themed Bar Mitzvah from Bluming Creativity

 Fabu Designs created these place cards fashioned after a folded menu for Emily’s Eatery Bat Mitzvah

Tantawan Bloom created a dramatic place card wall for a Bat Mitzvah with a flower holding each name

SRO Events created a baseball motiff and the guests picked up their place cards which were inserted into the fence

For a fashion themed Bat Mitzvah, spools of different colors held the place cards from Max Aureli Photography

From Bob Gail Events, the place cards were attached to the masks so all the guests could participate in the Carnivale spirit

For a Bruce Springsteen theme, each guests’ place card was an over-sized guitar pick with the corresponding album cover from The Party Events Girl

Boxes of custom M&M’s were used ironically by M&M The Special Event Company for this Chicago Bat Mitzvah. Notice the boxes feature the Bat Mitzvah girl’s initials “MrM”

Did you have unique place cards for your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah? Let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com.

Pull Elements Of Your Bar Bat Mitzvah Together With A Promos USA/ImageMaker

Are you looking to pull all your Bar Bat Mitzvah elements together?

You can work directly with A Promos USA, cut out the middle man, and save money on your fashion-forward screen printing, embroidery and promotional products.

We know you have seen their sweatshirts, t-shirts, pinnies, PJs, shorts, sweatpants and other wearables, but are you aware of all the other items they can customize for your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration? They can use your logo to pull all the element of your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah together.

Please look below to see other Bar Bat Mitzvahs families that they have worked with:

To see more ways this logo was used, read Emily’s Eatery Mitzvah Family Spotlight

To see more using their OutRACHeous logo, read the Brenner Mitzvah Family Spotlight

To see more about this Phoebelicious celebration, read the NJ Brenner Mitzvah Family Spotlight

 To learn more about A Promos USA/ImageMaker, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.

Mitzvah Find: The Cookie Joint

Cookies and french fries…we can’t think of a better combination and neither can The Cookie Joint, creators of  “cookie fries.”

Based just outside Chicago, the artistic co-founders and bakers behind this great idea are Jill Balick and Susie Schuster. Their goal was to put a new twist on the cookie and ended up with crinkle-cut french fries with fun dipping sauces.

These festive treats come in five varieties — original, chocolate chip, double chocolate chip, cinnamon spice and chocolate toffee crunch. The sauces that put them over the top include tangy raspberry, peanut butter, salted caramel, hazelnut, chocolate and marshmallow.

The duo bakes out of a kosher kitchen under the supervision of the Chicago Rabbinical Council.

Cookie fries come packaged two ways: in cute fry cartons or served in a 50’s diner basket

Pass them out at dessert time

Perfect as a treat for the ride home

Great packaging options

Orders can be placed online at thecookiejoint.com or by phone at 847-461-3068.

The Reiner Bat Mitzvah Family Spotlight

The Reiner family of Briarcliff Manor, New York celebrated their daughter Jill’s Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, October 13, 2012 at the Congregation Sons of Israel in Briarcliff Manor. A reception followed at the Doubletree Hotel in Tarrytown, New York.

Jill has been an NHL expert for at least 5 years. She has a complete working encyclopedic knowledge of the entire league but adores the Pittsburgh Penguins. When it was time to choose her theme, hockey was the perfect choice, but with a twist — she chose a Winter Classic theme. The NHL Winter Classic is an outdoor annual event held by the National Hockey League and so we bring you…the Bat Mitzvah version…Jill’s Winter Classic.

Featured above L-R: dad Michael, older sister Brooke, Bat Mitzvah girl Jill and mom Melissa.

Alison Bert was the photographer and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of this spotlight. 

Janet at Papyrus created a checkerboard invitation with shimmery blues, whites, and silver to create a winter feel

The R.S.V.P. cards sported Jill’s Winter Classic logo 

Jill (left) and her friends getting off the bus ready to party

A model of the Stanley Cup with Jill’s name greeted guests at the reception

Chocolate hockey pucks from the Chocolate Butterfly were used as place cards

Mom Melissa’s company, MLR Events, created lamp shades with crystals featuring Jill’s favorite hockey teams

Clear crystals accented this cocktail table centerpiece with Jill’s name in script

The ballroom looked great with icy blue linens and white chair covers
 

Jill’s cousins had lots of fun with “snow” which looked beautiful against the linens

Mom Melissa created Jill’s sign-in board; the vases held cream colored roses

ESP Productions and MC Eric kept the party rockin’ and the dancers wore ref shirts

If you can’t have “ice” hockey, air hockey is fun

The kids had a blast playing Foosball

Jill and friends enjoyed their mocktails

Jill with big sister Brooke

The cake, by Homestyle Bakery, was topped with bling and a picture of the Stanley Cup

Bat Mitzvah girl Jill surrounded by her friends

The Reiners worked with Sue of thecoolestgiveaways.com to create Winter Classic giveaways

Jill and friends model the back of their sweatshirts

The kids also received this royal blue drawstring bag to carry their sweatshirts home

Jill’s friends made a presentation and scrapbook for her

An iridescent candy kiss greeted guests at the candy buffet

A sweet ending to a cool party

For Jill’s Mitzvah Project, she volunteered at the Westchester Food Bank in Elmsford, NY where she organized food to be distributed throughout the county to families in need. This great organization serves more than 220 local hunger-relief programs throughout Westchester County including food pantries, soup kitchens, child and adult day-care centers and shelters.

Some advice from Mom Melissa who is a party planner: “Allow people to help you when they offer, because they mean it!”

The following vendors helped to make Jill’s celebration special. If you call them, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.

Venue: The DoubleTree Tarrytown, 914-631-5700
Party Planner/Decor: MLR Events, 914-941-2119
Music Entertainment: MC Eric Schiff, ESP Productions, 516-484-8377
Photographer/Videographer: Alison Bert Photography, 914-231-6146
Chocolate Place cards: Shawn, The Chocolate Butterfly, 877- 246 7497
Favors: Sue, thecoolestgiveaways.com, 516-466-5728
Sign-In board: MLR Events
Party entertainment (Photo booth, air hockey, foosball and hoops): ESP Productions
Invitation: Janet, Papyrus
Cake: Homestyle Bakery, 914-737-4659
Dresses: Lord & Taylor
Transportation:Briarcliff Bus Company, 914-941-5139