December 7th, 2013
If you like candy and you’re a basketball fan, you’ll love the Sports Candy Store!
They are a confectionery and candy company specializing in licensed and entertainment brands. They offer a wide selection of high quality confections and candy, branded with NBA teams and players. The Sports Candy Store has the capability of customizing and designing a full assortment of candy and delivering the product within 7 days.
Candy filled cylinders, customized with your favorite NBA Team. Available in gum balls, gummy bears and sour gummy candy
NBA Tins are available in your choice of mints, jelly beans or chocolate buttons
For more information about the Sports Candy Store, visit their Website.
December 4th, 2013
By Ema Schumer, New York City
From an early age, basketball has been my passion; whether it was working on the fundamentals of the game until I mastered them, or watching and rooting from the sidelines for my favorite team, the Knicks. As the time came for my Bat Mitzvah — a time when the B’nai Mitzvah assumes new responsibilities as an adult under the laws of Judaism — I wanted to apply the principles of tzedakah that had been discussed and practiced for years in Hebrew school. To me, this meant giving on two levels: the donation of money to further a cause, and volunteering to make a difference somewhere where it would be appreciated. Given that basketball has been a huge part of my life, I wanted to be involved in a mitzvah project that related to it. However, I struggled with the idea of how I, Ema Schumer, a 7th grade girl living in Manhattan, could help people who do not have the same opportunities as I. What could I do to make a difference?
Pictured left: NY Knicks MVP Carmelo Anthony presenting Ema Schumer with a customized jersey in thanks for her work volunteering and donating to the Garden of Dreams Foundation
After much consideration, I decided that the Garden of Dreams Foundation was the perfect organization to become involved with. Garden of Dreams is a charity associated with Madison Square Garden. Its mission is to help inner city kids and kids who have life threatening diseases. The foundation does this, in part, by organizing activities for them to participate with professional athletes, entertainers, coaches and others who are part of the Madison Square Garden community.
In addition to requesting that my friends and family donate to Garden of Dreams, I was mindful of the second level of tzedakah, which is giving of your own time in furtherance of a cause. And so, last August, I spent a week volunteering at the Garden of Dreams summer camp known as “Dream Week.” During this week, the participating kids played basketball with Knicks players and coaches at the Knicks training facility, played hockey with some of the Rangers, and danced with the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall.
One of the main objectives of Dream Week is to expose the participating kids to a positive, caring environment away from the struggles that they are so often faced with in their daily lives. Another goal is to make these kids see that there is hope in life, and that many people are rooting for them to succeed, even though it may not seem like it at times. After Dream Week, volunteers, staff members, and some of the athletes involved told me how great it was what I was doing for the foundation, and even though I might not realize it, I am helping to make a difference in these kids’ lives.
My experience at Garden of Dreams was enlightening in several respects. First, until that very moment when members of the Garden of Dreams community thanked me for my support of the foundation, I had not realized that I could contribute in a meaningful way to the lives of so many children. Individually, my mitzvah project may not be of such a force to shake the world, but if every B’nai mitzvah contributes in his or her own personal way to improving the lives around them, this combined impact will certainly serve to make this world a better place. Second, even though I have heard people say how great it is to participate in charity work, the satisfaction I felt helping others was more rewarding than I had imagined. And while I had decided to completely forego bat mitzvah gifts in favor of contributing to a charity, I must confess that at the time I did have mixed emotions. Some of my friends talked about how excited they were for their Bat Mitzvahs; however, what they were excited for was not the religious part of it, but the huge parties that they would have, and of course, the numerous gifts that they would receive. This is completely understandable. Who doesn’t love gifts and parties? I could say that I did not care about these things, but that would be a lie. However, from a young age I knew that when my day came to read from the Torah and assume my adult responsibilities, I wanted to have earned the title of becoming a B’nai mitzvah.
At the end of my volunteering, I left the foundation pleased with my work, because not only was I happy with the difference I was making in the Garden of Dreams community, but I realized that I had earned the title of becoming a B’nai mitzvah. I also realized that my participation in this mitzvah project created a lasting memory of helping others that will live on far longer than any gift I would have received. This confirmed that my decision to engage in a mitzvah project in lieu of gifts was the right one.
Ema Schumer, 13, is an 8th grader at The Dalton School in Manhattan. She raised $36,000 for the Garden of Dreams. For more information about the organization, go to www.gardenofdreamsfoundation.org, or call 212-465-4170.
This story is from the 2013 Mitzvah Market Magazine. If you would like to request a free copy, click here.
December 4th, 2013
Candy and dessert buffets are very popular at Bar Bat Mitzvah celebrations.
There are many little details that go into the placement of the desserts and goodies, including colors and party theme.
The “dessert designers” showcased below know how to design and style delicious dessert tables.
Here are some sweet dessert display ideas to enhance your celebration. Yum!
Balloon Artistry created this candy buffet setup with custom-designed signage
A Bat Mitzvah dessert table in East Hampton included the cake, cake pops, mini cupcakes, sugar cookies, chocolate covered strawberries and chocolate covered Oreos, by
Dina’s Delights
Owner Qudsia of
Q’s Extravaganza included vintage jewelry in this elegant dessert display
This candy display by Treat Me Sweet features bright colored candy and great signage
COVERED IN CANDY created this beautiful candy buffet
December 2nd, 2013
Occasions Online featured this nature lover’s Bat Mitzvah. There were so many nice touches, we just had to share.
The Bat Mitzvah girl loves flowers and wanted to include elements of nature and her Maine summer camp into her theme. The only problem was her February Bat Mitzvah date was too cold for an outdoor celebration.
Event planner Sharon Fisher, of Sharon Fisher Events and Tulip Blooming Creations incorporated the Bat Mitzvah girl’s favorite color, orange, into the decor. The result was a Bat Mitzvah filled with flowers, natural elements and whimsical touches.
Photography by Ric Mershon Photography.
A beautifully detailed orange peony on the invitation was a symbol of the Bat Mitzvah theme
Candy-filled mason jars indicating table assignments
Moss and extra large pillows served as seating for the kids
Centerpieces filled with flowers and natural elements
The elegant orange linens had the same scroll used in the invitation
The bar with lots of orange soda, of course. Notice the tree silhouette projected behind the bar
Custom cocktail napkins in an elegant moss green font
For an added touch, the Bat Mitzvah girl’s specialty drink had green straws with her name and a peony graphic used on the invitation
Beautiful flower-shaped cake pops
Favor bags with a peony logo sticker
Eco-friendly tote bags as favors
Event Planner: Sharon Fisher Events
Venue: The Temple
Photography: Ric Mershon Photography
Decor: Tulip Blooming Creations
Invitation: Luxe Expressions
We thank Occasions Online and Sharon Fisher Events for sharing this Bat Mitzvah with our readers.
December 1st, 2013
Simon Elliot Events is a New York based event production company that specializes in state of the art digital media. The Simon Elliot creative team is dedicated to providing innovative services and productions that inspire.
Learn about their newest attraction: The Selfie Booth
The selfie craze is in full force, amplified by the popularity of Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and more. If you’re wondering, a selfie is a self portrait taken on a smart phone or digital camera. Friends love to send photo updates throughout the day that show where they’ve been, what they’ve eaten, and who they’re with.
The Selfie Booth™ by Simon Elliot Events enables guests to snap pictures at their own pace with a wireless remote. From there, guests view, select, and add cool filters on an ultra-smooth touch screen.
The booth features unlimited prints, text messaging photos, emailing photos, sharing online to sites like Facebook and Twitter, and optional editing capabilities via our ultra popular Strolling Photos™ iPad editing suite. The touch screen software and prints are customized to match the theme and branding of the affair.
Additionally, the Selfie kiosk is LED lit and can be customized to match the theme and branding of your affair. Optionally each guest can take home a customized personal photo album filled with all of their Selfie Prints!
Recent Client Testimonials:
“The Selfie Booth was a huge hit for not only the kids but the adults as well. The images truly capture the energy at your party and everyone loved being able to take home an album of their selfies. The funniest part is that so many of the selfies are now profile pictures all over Instagram and Facebook.”
The Krell Family
“The Selfie Booth was amazing!!! The kids and adults couldn’t get enough of the great snap shots of themselves. They loved posting pictures right on Facebook and having it texted to their phones as well. Booking it for our next Mitzvah!!”
Jill and Kenny Rosenberg
Want to learn even more!….
Watch this short video where Eric explains what the Selfie Booth can do and why his sister loves it here
To learn more about Simon Elliot Events, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
December 1st, 2013
The Hard Rock Cafe Times Square is a full service restaurant and bar, complete with a retail Rock Shop located on street level. Consider this venue for your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration.
Here is more information about this unique NYC venue:
Events That Rock!
Sophistication infused with funk, the Hard Rock Cafe Times Square offers stellar service and modern elegance. Come experience the cuisine, music and distinctive design. Day or night there is something to fit every mood and satisfy every impulse. Whether it is an intimate gathering of 20 or a full venue buyout of 1,200 guests…no need to wait in line, you’re on the list.
Events, like great music, are borne of inspiration.
Our banquet chef has over 20 years’ experience, has catered backstage affairs for the likes of Ozzy Osbourne, Bon Jovi, Willie Nelson and Justin Bieber and has delighted the guests of some of the biggest Fortune 500 companies with his imaginative event menus. We serve it up with the dramatic flair, only reserved for rock royalty.
Love All. Serve All.
That’s the mantra of Hard Rock and its team. Consumed with treating guests like rock stars, the ultimate VIPs, Hard Rock has an entourage of staff determined to spoil them rotten. From the moment guests arrive to the second the last limousine leaves, our staff will be on hand to anticipate and fill every need.
Current Special We are Running For Mitzvah Market Readers
Please mention you saw us on Mitzvah Market and receive our red carpet package. You will have a Red Carpet Entrance into your event space, as well as your child’s name will be put up in lights on our famous Marquee overlooking Times Square.
We are unique!
We have one of the largest music memorabilia collections in the world, for your guests to enjoy.
To learn more about Hard Rock Cafe New York, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
December 1st, 2013
Table numbers can be a small, but impactful detail at your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration. We have written about Creative Table Numbers in the past, and we now have a new batch to share!
BizBash, the leading trade magazine and Website for the special events industry, did a feature on unique table number displays.
They gathered simple and creative ways to make sure your guests find their tables. Scroll down and get inspired to number your tables in your own unique way.
Using an X-Acto knife, these table numbers pop out of the pages of open books
Large graphic table numbers were the centerpieces at this reception, perfect for an art themed Bar or Bat Mitzvah
Playful centerpieces included table numbers imprinted on silver paint cans
Using florescent duct tape these table numbers really make a statement
This celebration used oversized guitar picks displaying table numbers
To add an enchanted-forest feel to the dining table centerpieces, table numbers were spray-painted on wood slabs
Plexiglass table number displays added a reflective element to this setting
These table numbers were printed on faux passports for a travel themed party
Did you have a unique way to display your table numbers at your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah? Send it to us at
info@mitzvahmarket.com.
December 1st, 2013
The Berger family of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, celebrated daughter Sydney’s Bat Mitzvah on September 8, 2012. The service and reception were held at the Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
This family knows how to pick great venues. We did a Mitzvah Inspire story on Brother Jacob’s Bar Mitzvah held at the National Constitution Center, also in Philadelphia.
Sydney is a “techy” girl so her “iBerger” theme was perfect for an evening of fun.
Pictured L-R: Dad Eric, Bat Mitzvah girl Sydney, Mom Lynda and brother Jacob
Ann Marie Casey Photography was the photographer and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Sydney’s iBerger theme started with the Save the Date sent out 6 months before her Bat Mitzvah. In the shape of an iPhone, it requested guests to go online to a Website which had all the information about her Bat Mitzvah and Mitzvah Project. The invitation was a laptop computer with removable discs.
Sydney’s Website included info about her Bat Mitzvah Project, movies that she made with friends, venue directions and out of town information
Sydney’s invitation was modeled after a laptop computer! The discs served as the RSVP and direction cards
Sydney’s Bat Mitzvah service was held in the Grand Lobby of the Please Touch Museum.
60 foot ceilings with a beautiful and majestic dome
Sydney reading from the Torah
Sydney’s Bat Mitzvah dress and service dress were custom designs by Boston dressmaker, Sondra Celli.
After the service, guests made their way to the Carousel House for the adult cocktail hour and the East Gallery for the kids’ cocktail hour. The East Gallery houses some of the coolest exhibits such as the Alice in Wonderland exhibit where Sydney and her friends had a blast hanging with the Mad Hatter and exploring the many different exhibits.
Sydney and her brother in the Wonderland exhibit filled with optical illusions
At the Carousel House guests could take a ride on the indoor carousel
Sydney’s guests enjoying the super-sized musical keyboards
The iBerger theme was easy to achieve as this creative family owns Color Reflections, a graphics and digital printing company. All the great details were produced in-house.
Guests matched their iPhone seating cards with the corresponding texting acronym centerpiece on each table
Sydney’s sign-in was a beautiful photo book.
Photographer Ann Marie Casey created the sign-in book for Sydney’s guests.The book included pictures of Sydney’s pre-shoot taken at The Please Touch Museum weeks before
Mom Lynda collaborated with Judith Campbell of Campbell Studios on the theme and decor.
The beautiful ballroom all lit up
A texting dictionary on each table
Photofetti of Sydney adorned each table
Centerpiece names were texting lingo
The kids were seated at long tables with names like LOL and BFF
Sydney’s humorous entrance video was created by Cinema Cake. The video cleverly incorporates Sydney’s iBerger theme with the whole family getting in on the action.
Check it out here
Dance Adelphia provided the music with Jason Douglas as the MC.
Sydney with her friends
The girls taking over the microphone
Sydney’s friends wrote messages to her on the iPhone chair.
Bredenbeck’s Bakery created this beautiful cake.
The cake was decorated with all of the popular texting icons
Mirrored candle lighting display
The favors were purple sweatshirts with Sydney’s iBerger logo on it.
Sydney sneaks in the picture with her friends wearing their iBerger sweatshirts
Guests were treated to Rita’s Italian ice and custards.
Guests receiving their Rita’s
Custom water bottles with a personalized “thank you”
Sydney’s Bat Mitzvah project was with Operation Ava and the Bryn Mawr Veterinary. She loves animals and thought it would be a great idea helping those who did not have a home. Operation Ava saves animals from shelters nationwide. They receive the care and medical treatment they need prior to adoption. At the Bryn Mawr Veterinary Sydney spent time with the cats, teaching them to socialize, making it easier to get adopted.
A sign at Sydney’s service explaining her two wonderful Mitzvah projects
Mom Lynda had some advice to share:
“I tried to keep it about Sydney and what she’s into. She loves the technology thing. That’s why I tied everything in together with the Website, computer invitations, Save the dates and place cards and Entrance video with the Magic Dance Application. Even the Centerpieces were about texting. It was a very cool and very different theme. It was made for the kids not the adults .. I think that’s how it should be.”
The following vendors helped to make Sydney’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Please Touch Museum, 215-581-3181
Party Planner: Mom Lynda Berger, Color-Reflections, 215-627-4686
Catering: Brulee Catering, 215-923-6000
Décor/florist: Campbell Studios, 610-517-4483
Photographer: Ann Marie Casey Photography, 610-519-1980
Music Entertainment/MC: Danceadelphia, Jason Douglas, 215-467-9551
Invitation/Save the date/Website: Clayton Slook, CHS Designs, 215-272-3613
Favors: Color-Reflections
Graphic Design: Color-Reflections
Cake: Bredenbeck’s Bakery, 215-247-7374
Sign-In book: Ann Marie Casey Photography
Cardboard Cut Outs: Color Reflections
Entrance Reveal: Cinema Cake, 610-989-0158
Mitzvah Exit: Rita’s Ices
Sydney’s Custom Service and Bat Mitzvah dress: Sondra Celli
November 23rd, 2013
The Greenberg family from Roslyn, New York, celebrated their son Drew’s Bar Mitzvah on May 30, 2013, at Temple Beth Sholom in Roslyn Heights, New York. The party was the following day at the Village Club at Sands Point, in Sands Point, New York.
Mom Amy is an event planner for Bon Chic Events and this family is all about creativity. After she planned daughter Hannah’s carnival themed party, also featured on Mitzvah Market, she went right into planning Drew’s less formal kids party with a Hawaiian luau theme.
Pictured L-R: Dad Evan, Sister Hannah, Mom Amy and Bar Mitzvah Boy Drew
Jack Roman from the The Echo Agency was the photographer. All of the vendors are listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Drew’s Bar Mitzvah service was at Temple Beth Sholom. A Kiddush luncheon followed services.
The day before his service Drew posed next to the announcement of his Bar Mitzvah
Drew and sister Hannah during the luncheon
There were two versions of Drew’s preppy chic custom invitation. One for the service and kiddush luncheon and one for the kids party. They were both created by Julie Hanan Designs.
Included on the invitation for the kids party was, “Wear florals or khakis, but not too tacky!”
The party took place at The Village Club of Sands Point. This beautiful mansion sits on a golf course overlooking the Long Island Sound.
Guests drove up to this wonderful entrance
The beautiful outdoor courtyard saw lots of action during the party
Mom Amy went all out with her decorating ideas for a tropical themed party, including beach chairs and tiki statues. Balloons by Angie created part of the centerpieces.
A surfboard placed at the entrance
This colorful mask added to the decor details
Balloons by Angie supplied the balloons and palm tree centerpieces
During the cocktail hour NY Party Works set up many activities, including: a fun game of volleyball in the center of the courtyard, Pop-a-Shot, and for the girls, make-your-own flip flops.
Volleyball set up in the courtyard before dancing
Pop-a-Shot during the cocktail hour
The girls got to “bling up” flip flops
Drew made his way into the reception with a big smile on his face.
The dancers wearing “Just Drew It” t-shirts designed by Drew as part of his Mitzvah Project
Echo Entertainment supplied the music entertainment with MC 2Nice. The dancers and entertainers got into the spirit wearing “Just Drew It” shirts and fun Aloha shirts, skirts and leis.
The Echo crew getting into the Hawaiian spirit
“Yup, it’s my party!”
Great outdoor space for the DJ area and dancing
Drew surrounded by his dance and music team
The entire family poses with the Echo Entertainment team
The family had a customized montage that was written and produced by GiftRapped.com, who Mom Amy found on MitzvahMarket.com.
Drew’s guests watching the video
Watch here
Drew chose cupcakes and candles with a Hawaiian feel.
Drew starting his candle lighting ceremony
At the end of the evening guests took home fabulous bright orange stadium chairs and enjoyed Dunkin’ Donuts in “to go” cups, and Go Greenly “to go” frozen yogurt cups.
The stadium chair with Drew’s logo on it
Dancers brought around little stuffed animals for the kids
“Just Drew It” shirts worn by the MC and dancers were created by Drew and Spectrum Designs Foundation, a Port Washington, New York, based company that only employs teens and individuals with Autism. Drew’s sister has autism and the family is very involved with supporting the Autism population. Drew’s other Mitzvah Project involved working with his sister and other children with Autism on Saturday mornings at a special needs soccer program.
The entire entertainment team wore Drew’s awesome shirt
Advice from Mom Amy:
“Don’t be afraid to think out of the box when it comes to decorating and entertainment. Rely on experienced vendors to help make your party a success and involve your child in the planning process.”
The following vendors helped to make Drew’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 Village Club of Sands Point, 516-944-7400
Party Planner: Mom Amy Greenberg, Bon Chic Events, 516-860-7826
Photography: Jack Roman for The Echo Agency, 516-935-3246
Invitations: Julia Hanan Designs, 815-260-9786
Music Entertainment: MC 2Nice, The Echo Agency
Entrance Video: Jim, GiftRapped, 347-480-9445
Video Montage: Rachel Byer, 516-713-9690
Extra Entertainment: NY Party Works, 800-469-3866
Balloons: Angie’s Party Designs, 631-623-6496
Favors: Shirts, Spectrum Designs, 516-767-7187, Stadium chairs, 4Imprint
Bar Mitzvah boy Drew’s party clothes: Kenny’s Men and Boys Wear, 516-921-2660
Mom Amy and sister Hannah’s dresses: Nikki’s Dressing Room
November 23rd, 2013
Jeremy Jason wanted his Bar Mitzvah project to have an impact on his community.
The 12-year-old from Braes Heights, Texas, collected more than 800 pairs of socks to be donated to the homeless through his “A Thousand Socks” campaign.
As part of his Bar Mitzvah preparation, Jeremy’s idea for the project grew out of the family’s involvement with the volunteer organization, Food Not Bombs.
The initial goal was 1,000 socks or 500 pair. Now that he already surpassed that number, Jeremy has elevated his goal to collect 1,000 pair of socks to donate to Houston’s homeless before his Bar Mitzvah on February 22, 2014.
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project/charity?
JJ: I decided to take on this project, A Thousand Socks campaign because I feel the homeless are marginalized from society, and do not feel appreciated. I thought that I could help out by giving socks to them so they would change their opinion about themselves and society.
MM: Can you give us details of your Mitzvah Project?
JJ: My Mitzvah Project started when I began volunteering, at Food Not Bombs in Houston, Texas. We share vegetarian meals with the homeless who are in the downtown area. I learned that the people who we share food with have to walk a lot. So, I decided to give nice, clean socks to help them out. We take for granted that we have a house to live in, a vehicle to use, a shower, or clean clothes. I realized that those people probably have to walk a lot and need comfortable shoes and socks to wear. So I thought I could help out by getting lots of clean, comfortable socks for them to wear to soothe their tired and hurt feet, and maybe make their lives a little bit better.
MM: Does your project have a start and end date?
JJ: I started in May 2013 and will end my campaign in February 2014.
MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bar Mitzvah?
JJ: It means that I, being a Bar Mitzvah, am obliged to make a difference and that I have certain responsibilities to my community. What I’ve learned is anyone or anything, now matter how small, can make a difference, even a 12-year-old boy collecting socks.
MM: What are you doing to spreading the word?
JJ: I have been giving brief presentations at a few churches. I have put donation boxes in many friendly areas including the Unitarian Fellowship of Houston Church, Three Brothers Bakery, Belden’s Supermarket, and Congregation Brith Shalom. I also receive money donations through my website, A Thousand Socks. Word really spread when I was featured in some local newspapers including the Houston Chronicle, the Examiner, the Village News, and The Jewish Herald.
MM: For how long can people donate to this charity?
JJ: I am intending to keep collecting socks until my Bar Mitzvah, so people can donate to a box as long as the box stays in that area.
MM: Anything else we need to know about your Mitzvah Project?
JJ: If anyone wants to donate this is what I need:
1. Socks can be any color or style
2. Socks must be clean
3. Sock must not have holes
4. Socks must be adult size
5. Socks can be for men or women
We thank Jeremy and the Jason family for sharing this incredible Mitzvah Project with our readers.
