February 6th, 2013
We found a great Mitzvah Find called, Logo Lenses. They supply party sunglasses with your custom logo printed directly on the lens.
These glasses make a great fashion statement and you can use them for dance floor giveaways or favors.
Their Website features an easy-to-navigate customization tool which helps you customize your shades or you can pick one of the many styles they offer.
A collection of their popular lenses
Part of the Neon Collection
For NY Giants fans!
Printing on the arm of the glasses is also available
Visit Logo Lenses or call them at: 727-674-1465. Tell them Mitzvah Market sent you.
February 5th, 2013
The Riech family of Woodbury, New York celebrated their daughter Jenna’s Bat Mitzvah on May 24, 2012 at Congregation Simchat HaLev in Syosset, New York. Their evening reception was held at Engineers Country Club in Roslyn, New York.
Jenna had a club theme and incorporated lots of pink and some special Yankee touches, a passion she shares with her dad.
Among many special details for this celebration were the beautiful hand made invitations that Jenna’s grandmother created for Jenna’s guests!
Jeffrey Studios was the photographer and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Pictured L-R: Mom Stacey, Sister Alexa, Dad Frank and Bat Mitzvah girl Jenna.
Each of Jenna’s beautiful chocolate brown and pink invitations were hand cut, hand stamped and printed for Jenna by her Grandma Norma! She is an avid stamper and wanted to give her granddaughter something special and different for her invitations! It took her months to accomplish because each invitation had to dry individually.
Grandma Norma’s husband Emmet helped design a plate to hand cut each invitation to the precise measurements
The R.S.V.P. card and stamp below coordinated beautifully
The invitation was beautifully displayed in the yarmulke basket which offered both hot pink kippot from A1 Skullcap and from Pro-Kippah, official N.Y. Yankee uniform mesh kippot.
Jenna’s white gown embellished with gold accents is from Outrageous Boutique.
Jenna wanted a club feel for her celebration. Scott Neglia of DanceJock Productions/Atmosphere Lounge Dezinz created her sophisticated lounge. Charles from United Floral created the amazing floral centerpieces using Jenna’s favorite color hot pink with a modern flair.
United Floral designed a sophisticated entrance table adorned with pictures of the guest of honor
Bat Mitzvah girl Jenna enjoying her beautifully decorated room before anyone arrives
The kids area had communal tables lit up in neon pink and the white leather couches that created a seating area right near the dance floor
This fun pink crystal centerpiece was on the tables during the cocktail hour
These perfectly round pom pom centerpieces were placed atop clear vases surrounded by pink petals
The cocktail napkins were done by Theresa Gordon of Sealed With A Kiss
Growing up with a father who works for Majestic Sportswear, the company that is the uniform provider for Major League Baseball and going to all the New York Yankee games since she was very young made Jenna an avid Yankee fan.
Bat Mitzvah girl Jenna posing next to her sign-in New York Yankees jersey
Jenna makes her entrance with the help of the DanceJock Productions.
The team from DanceJock and MC George kept the adults and kids entertained all evening and kept everyone on their feet!
Jenna poses with the DanceJock Production crew
MC George hopes Jenna will sing
Dortoni Bakery created this pink and silver cake with the design of Grandma Norma’s beautiful invitation as inspiration.
The Riech Family enjoying their candle
A beautiful crystal “J” at the top of the cake
Since Dad Frank works for Majestic Sportswear, Jenna’s friends received some great favors.
The girls received a “J Lounge” pinnie with pink writing and the boys received the “Property of JBR” in grey
Everyone also got one of these sweatshirts
When Jenna’s guests left for the evening they were treated to churros and pretzels and water bottles with custom labels.
Some advice from Mom Stacey:
“Be organized, stay calm, make a list and get everything done in advance. Relax and have fun doing everything! Try to do something a little different. I had my Mom make all the invitations, so it was very special because no two were exactly the same. It meant a lot to Jenna and everyone thought they were so beautiful because they were hand done. It all works out in the end.”
The following vendors helped to make Jenna’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Ben, Engineers Country Club, 516-621-5350
Temple: Rabbi Jay, Congregation Simchat HaLev, 516-922-4224
Party Planner: Scott, DanceJock Productions, 631-242-0042
Photographer: Jeffrey Studio provided by DanceJock Productions
Décor/florist: Charles, United Floral Events, 516-829-8890
Lounge Furniture and Lighting: Scott, Atmosphere Lounge Dezinz 631-595-2511
Favors: Dad Frank
Party entertainment: DanceJock Productions
Invitations: Grandma Norma Miller
Cake and crystal initial: Dortoni Bakery, 516-796-3033
Sign-in shirt: Mom Stacey, Majestic Sportswear
Jenna’s Dress: Outrageous Boutique
Dresses for family members: Mom Stacey, Cache, Sister Alexa, Bloomingdales
Custom Napkins: Theresa, Sealed With A Kiss, 516-921-7227
Hair/makeup: Dianna Honeycutt, Saks Fifth Avenue
NY Yankee Kippot: Pro-Kippah, 972-248-1909
Pink Kippot: A1 Skullcap, 718-633-9333
Exit Treats: Engineers Club
Water Bottle Labels: Mom Stacey
February 1st, 2013
Space, located inside Space Odyssey in Engelwood, New Jersey is a unique party venue used exclusively for Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. It features all high tech games, extravagant entertainment, unique decor and customized menus.
Owner Elvira Grau served as the event designer & planner for this Winter Wonderland themed Bat Mitzvah. For this magical Bat Mitzvah, guests arrived and immediately saw a white carpet runner with fake snow and twinkle lights leading them inside where 300 white roses were arranged into small arrangements and used throughout Space.
See all the details below:
This custom stamp was used on Chloe’s Bat Mitzvah invitation and became the inspiration for all party details including the custom gobo projected on the wall, custom pillows for the couches in the lounge area, custom blankets as favors, custom labels on Chinese take out boxes used for the candy table and for custom cups with hot chocolate that guests received as they were leaving
The invitation served as the inspiration for custom created table linens (see below)
Inspired by the invitation, Elvira bought a beautiful roll of blue fabric, cut it into overlays, then used bling by the yard to frame the linen
Each table had a different tall clear glass vase filled with fake snow, snowflakes, white & silver branches & lots of bling
Lighting sets the mood for this celebration with round and square tables
Mom Tracy shows off the custom sign-in book. Guests wrote their special message to Chloe after taking their picture in the photo booth nearby
She told Elvira, “Everyone that came had a blast! Thank you for all your kindness and help planning my daughter’s Bat Mitzvah. The party was inconceivably over the top in every detail and beyond our expectations. You took Chloe’s vision and made a true fantasy Winter Wonderland!”
Chloe with Elvira and one of her custom pillows
A custom candelabra “CHLOE” for the candle lighting ceremony
Delicious custom cake designed by Elvira to match the theme
Of course there were cupcakes too!
Chloe next to her candy bar
Fuzzy custom blankets were the favors for Chloe’s friends
To learn more about Space, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
February 1st, 2013
We read about a Hollywood art trend: celeb silhouettes and thought it was Mitzvah-worthy!
Jennifer Lopez and Reese Witherspoon have sat for master scissor artist Karl Johnson from Cutarts.com to have their silhouettes created. We checked him out and love it! Especially one of the ideas written about on his blog.
Although this example was used for a Wedding, you can have a custom silhouette done of your Bar/Bat Mitzvah child to use as the sticker on favors, place cards or even thank you notes. Karl can work by email, just send him a photo of your child and he will send back the art work.
Based in California, Karl is also available to come to your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah and create silhouette’s of the guests. He does travel and will be appearing at a Mitzvah in New York next month!
February 1st, 2013
A signature mock-cocktail is a great way to incorporate your theme or child’s name into your celebration. We’ve seen some clever drink names!
Pictured above: Bat Mitzvah guests enjoying flavored drinks from Maui Wowi.
So drink up some of these non-alcoholic ideas and cheers!
Sometimes the signage is just as fun as the drinks from Simple Details Events
Hudson Terrace loves creating mock-tails to match the Bar Bat Mitzvah theme or likes of the child like these: “The Bieber-Tini” – ½ lemonade, ½ iced tea over crushed ice, the “1D (One Direction) Daiquiri” made from strawberry puree, lemon-lime Soda, or the “The Gangnam Style” chilled lychee juice a splash of Ginger Ale and a pink sugar rim
The Goldstein Family spotlight featured a special drink just for their celebration called, “Bat-tini,” and it was served in martini style glasses but was completely kid-friendly and alcohol-free
At Ryder’s Bar Mitzvah, The Garden City Hotel featured a cucumber martini on the rocks for their adult guests
Carlyle Catering creates a “Mock-tail Juice Bar” for Bar Bat Mitzvahs. The Juice Bar contains all difference Juices and Drinks such as our Ruby Red Grapefruit and Pear with Cucumber, Blueberry Pomegranate Juice and a Lemonade with White Grape, Rosemary and Lavender. Carlyle serves the Juices in Mason Jars with colored paper Straws. This Juice bar is very trendy and the Mason Jars are great for kids to drink out of all night long!
It’s fun to tie your beverages into your theme like they did at this “Science inspired” Bat Mitzvah from Cait & Jules
Justin Bieber isn’t even old enough to drink in many states, but he already has his own cocktail, the Biebertini!
Tropical mock drinks were offered at the Fleisig-Klesse Bar Mitzvah
Sandra Downie Events paired up the Zoe-tini design with the table numbers
This bar set up for the kids looks appealing and tasty from Naturally Delicious Catering
Root beer floats in champagne glasses for kids…and grownups from Southern Weddings
Philip Stone Caterers’ Minted Lemon Fizz made with fresh lemonade, fresh mint leaves, Sprite and sparkling water. Zesty!
Beautiful Blooms created a travel vignette by the bar offering “Specialty Sips”
Magic Perrier is a fabulous and fun non-alcoholic signature drink which makes it especially perfect as a Mitzvah mocktail from Party Favorites
The signage here is simple but framed, and makes a statement from Karen Ard Photography
Lemonade drinks were delivered to guests in test tubes, at this outdoor cocktail party from Kracke Photography
Here is another Party Favorites drink idea and really, is there a more perfect way to end a party than with a s’moretini shooter?
Did you include a delicious mock-tail at your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
January 30th, 2013
Pro-Kippah has now made it possible to show off your favorite baseball teams on your child’s important day.
Pro-Kippah is from The Emblem Source, a family-run company out of Dallas, Texas that has been providing licensed logos for sports teams since 2004. They are the Official Licensee for Major League Baseball & College Bowl Retail Emblems. The Emblem Source now makes the official yarmulkes of Major League Baseball and the NBA.
These emblems are the officially licensed replicas of the actual on-field emblems worn by the players and are made from the same pro-mesh polyester as sports jerseys.
You are sure to score points with these kippot!
Major League Baseball New York Mets Pro-Kippah
The inside of the Pro-Kippah will remain on with clips
Major League Baseball Chicago Cubs Pro-Kippah comes to you packaged
For additional information on Pro-Kippah you can email them at info@theemblemsource.com or call them at 972-248-1909.
January 29th, 2013
The Rosh-Gorsky family from Manalapan, New Jersey celebrated their daughter Avery’s Bat Mitzvah on her 13th birthday, March 17, 2012. Her service was held at the Perrineville Jewish Center in New Jersey and their evening celebration for friends and family took place later that evening at the Encore Event Center in Freehold, New Jersey.
Independent-minded Avery contacted Mitzvah Market herself and provided the information for this spotlight! We know you will love all the details from her “Avery’s Fantasea” themed Bat Mitzvah.
Pictured above (L-R): Dad Ira, Bat Mitzvah girl Avery, Sisters Logan, Drew and Mom Jen.
All photography was provided by Adena of Studio A Images and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom.
Mitzvah Invitation & Style
Below, you will see Avery’s original invitation from by dana peeking through the top. It shows the pearl detail and sandpaper lining with ocean blue writing.
The change-of-venue card was sent three weeks after the invitation, as the original venue the family booked needed to be changed
Avery showing off her chic custom high top converse sneakers
Mitzvah Mom Jen showing off her heart and soles while screaming on the Horah chair
Mitzvah Details
A lover of mermaids and the ocean, Avery’s theme was “Avery’s Fantasea,” with a beautiful turquoise palette and a very cool mermaid logo incorporating her initials created by graphic designer, by dana. As guests entered the ballroom, they felt as though they were entering an underwater paradise, created by Marquis Florals with soft blue up lighting and beautiful linens.
Posing with her friends, in front of the step and repeat, Avery wore an ivory satin cocktail dress for the first part of her celebration
The ballroom decor looked like an underwater castle
The centerpieces were made of different shades of blue, purple and white and featured beads and feathers for a beautiful effect
Every table was set up with ocean themed decorations. Each adult couple received a glittered box of handmade chocolate bon bons made and boxed by Mom Jen
Each place setting had a candle for the candle lighting ceremony
To hold and display the place cards, there was a beautiful crystal tree with place card necklaces hanging on the branches
The menu card featured Avery's logo and was placed beside beautiful flowers and pearls
The kids' area with modern furniture
Avery's great dance floor logo
Music & Entertainment
MC Eddie and the entire Noble Productions crew had everyone at the party dancing and partying hard!
Avery enthusiastically enters into the ballroom to the lyrics, "When I arrive," from "Let it Rock
Avery’s friends enjoying
MC Eddie with Avery and her friends
A collection of giveaways that guests received from the DJ
Avery's friends enjoying the music
Guests really enjoyed the Shutter Booth Philadelphia photo booth
Avery and her father surprised their guests by doing a choreographed dance together. One of the songs Bat Mitzvah girl Avery and her dad danced to was Taylor Hick's "Do I Make You Proud?"
Avery and her Dad's special dance picks up speed as they dance to "Everybody Dance Now"
This family decided to do an "inclusive" candle lighting ceremony
The three sisters pose for the candle lighting ceremony
The last candle was for every person at the party. Everyone lit a candle left for them at the table
Mitzvah Favor & Exit Treats
The sweatshirts incorporated her logo too
Guests had the option of many treats from the food truck after the party
A sweet note from Avery was included
Mitzvah Project
For her Mitzvah Project, Avery was part of “The Wish Dance” for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Jersey. This event was attended by over 100 people and raised $5,050 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and sent a 3-year-old boy to Disney World.
The poster to promote the dance
Over 100 guests enjoyed the music and dancing during The Wish Dance event
Mom to Mom
Advice from Mom Jen:
“The party is about recognizing your child’s accomplishments and celebrating her for them. Have fun and don’t sweat the small stuff. Trust your vendors. No matter how crazy and stressful the planning period may seem, everything does come together in the end.”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Avery’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com
Venue/Caterer: Encore Event Center, 732-577-0495
Decor: Marquis Florals and Event Design By Kim, 732-441-4800
Photographer: Adena, Studio A Images, 201-222-6964
Invitation/logo/place cards: Dana Kaufman, by dana, 732-625-1471
Party Entertainment/Sign-In: Shutter Booth Philadelphia, 215-627-4000
Music Entertainment: MC Eddie, Noble Productions, 732-972-6944
Favors: by dana
Candy Truck: Marquis Florals and Events by Kim
Dresses for Party: Diane & Co. 732-625-8001
Mom’s Shoes: Zappos, Luichiny Brand
Transportation: Concorde Worldwide, 732-577-0023
Party Security: Jennifer, Encore Event Center
January 29th, 2013
We wrote recently about our newest craze: Pinterest.com and all the great ideas we are finding on this new social platform.
Here’s something we recently found on the boards of someone we’ve been following. It’s from Creative Party Buzz and we think it’s a great idea!
Many of us decide to create custom labels for water bottles to give our guests at our child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration.
If you don’t want to spend the time and money creating labels, just use the newest duct tape that you can find in all the craft stores.
We found these designs by “googling” designer duct tape!
Your water bottles will look great and you don’t have to worry about the ink running!
If you try this out, send us a picture at info@MitzvahMarket.com so we can share it with our readers.
January 29th, 2013
Tobo Foods provides the perfect ending to your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah and of course can service Weddings, Sweet 16′s, confirmations and all other occasions as well.
Your guests will long remember the unique and thoughtful way that you said “Goodbye and thank you for coming.”
They now offer a breakfast package as well! This can be served at the end of your party or as a Kiddush after your service.
The “basic” breakfast package includes:
* Tropicana orange juice
* Miniature bagels
* Individual portion of Philadelphia Cream Cheese
* A few pieces of miniature danish
* Hot beverage
* Paper napkin and plastic knife
* Presented in a paper bag to which a colorful ribbon has been attached
* Package can be modified to include full size bagel
Price available upon request. Call 516-623-4624.
To learn more about Tobo Foods, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
January 28th, 2013
Alana Segelman of Randolph, New Jersey became a Bat Mitzvah on December 1, 2012. For her Bat Mitzvah project she chose an organization called, Lev Lalev Fund which benefits The Rubin Zeffren Children’s Home in Netanya, Israel. The home was founded in 1962 by the late revered Rebbe of Sanz-Klausenburg when, one evening, a desperate widower abandoned his five small children at the Rebbe’s doorstep.
The Lev LaLev Fund was established in August 2006, with the mission to nurture and care for Jewish girls in need throughout Israel. Lev LaLev has a special Bat Mitzvah Project program. They help girls design a Bat Mitzvah project that will raise funds for a “twin” orphaned girl in Israel. The donations help each girl’s twin and enjoy the extra fun things that go along with a Bat Mitzvah — hair, make-up, a new dress, a trip to the Kotel (Western Wall), photo album, and party.
Alana chose to raise money for her Mitzvah twin named Mazal by organizing a Day of Beauty at The Artistic Academy, a local cosmetology school. We think that Alana is beautiful both inside and out.
We asked her some questions to learn more about this special project:
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project?
AS: I decided to take on a Lev LaLev project because I’m so thankful that I could have such an amazing Bat Mitzvah, and I wanted to make another girl feel as happy and lucky as I do. Lev Lalev means “Heart to Heart,” and is an organization to care for Jewish girls in need throughout Israel.
Here is a picture of some of the girls who can be helped by a donation
MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bat Mitzvah?
AS: To me, doing a Mitzvah project means taking on the responsibility to help a girl less fortunate than me, and helping her feel just as thankful as I am.
MM: Can you give us details of your Mitzvah Project?
AS: My aunt Sherri told me about an organization in Israel called the Lev LaLev Fund, which means “Heart to Heart.” It benefits orphaned girls at the Rubin Zeffren Children’s Home in Netanya Israel, which was founded by Rabbi Halberstam in 1962. Rabbi Halberstam lost his wife and 11 children in the Holocaust and spent the rest of his life doing good for others. I decided to set up a Lev LaLev fundraiser for a girl at the home named Mazal. We kind of look alike. The money I raised went towards the extras for Mazal’s Bat Mitzvah —- hair, makeup, a new dress, photos, and for Mazal to visit the Kotel (Western Wall.) The Artistic Academy, a local cosmetology school in Morris Plains, New Jersey that was started by DePasquale Spa, agreed to sponsor my “Day of Beauty” this past spring. They were so generous. The school committed to donating 100% of the fees for services we raised during my Day of Beauty to the Lev LaLev Fund for the orphaned girls. We raised a lot of money for Mazal and I know we helped to make her Bat Mitzvah extra special.
Alana talks Essie nail polish colors with her Mom’s friends Karen, a chef (www.azestforlife.com) who made her Tiffany turquoise Bat Mitzvah cake, and Esther, a religious school teacher, comedienne and Bar/Bat Mitzvah tutor
This beautiful collage displayed at Alana’s Bat Mitzvah service and reception celebrates both Alana and Mazal. It reads, “Mazel Tov Alana” under Alana’s picture, and “Mazel Tov Mazal” under Mazal’s picture
MM: How did you spread the word about your Mitzvah Project?
AS: I invited all my friends and my Mom’s friends to my Day of Beauty and asked those who couldn’t attend on April 9, to give a donation. I also put out flyers at my synagogue and got some beauty clients and donations through that connection. I liked that people weren’t just writing a check, but enjoying something fun while still feeling good about donating.
MM: For how long can people donate to this charity?
AS: There will always be orphaned girls, and there will always be a need for support at The Rubin Zeffren Children’s Home. I will always be taking donations for Lev LaLev or people can donate on the Lev LaLev Website, For more information they can contact: Sheena Levi, Director of Outreach, sheena@levlalev.com, 845-367-7130
We want to thank Alana for sharing this great idea with our Mitzvah Market readers.
Please note: Lev LaLev plans to celebrate the Bat Mitzvah of 17 orphaned girls in Israel on February 18th. If you, or anyone you know, would be interested in helping fund and/or attending the event please go to www.levlalev.com/gala
