Mitzvah Inspire: A Hollywood Style Bar Bat Mitzvah Celebration

Hollywood is getting ready for the biggest party of the year and so are you!

In celebration of this year’s 86th Academy Awards, we bring you Hollywood-themed ideas!

From centerpieces to favors, there are plenty of ways to make your Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration unique and make your child feel like a star!

 Check out these ideas below:

 These “Walking to the Bimah” invitations from Low Schmaltz will make this Bar Mitzvah a premiere to remember

Your guests will feel like a star with these place cards from Balloon Artistry

Ann Marie Casey Photography took a picture of this great Gobo on the wall for Emily’s Bat Mitzvah

Exceptional Events created this movie reel centerpiece

Total-Party Events Hollywood inspired centerpiece created with balloons

Carolyn Dempsey Design worked with event planner Melisa Imberman of The Event of a Lifetime on creating this red carpet entrance to a Mitzvah celebration

Artwork for favors from MazelTovGear.com

Hollywood East Videos gives this Bat Mitzvah girl an authentic Hollywood experience on the red carpet as the paparazzi looks on

A Hollywood themed montage from Lafayette Hills Studios which brings the Bar Bat Mitzvah child into movies – fun to shoot and a real blockbuster at the party!

Casual Candids Photography created this sign-in board for the Bat Mitzvah girl

Picture Us Perfect can create an authentic Hollywood step and repeat – a great backdrop for photos with your guests

A collage of Hollywood ideas from TheCoolestGiveaways.com

Flower Power Designs created a scene with the Bat Mitzvah girl and blow-ups of Taylor Swift and Channing Tatum on the red carpet

From A Promos USA/Imagemaker, Hollywood shines in 2014 with new fabric that sparkles

Customized Hollywood Step and Repeat backdrop from Lighter Than Air

From Ruth Ridgeway Designs this Hollywood decor includes hanging “Walk of Fame” stars and Oscar colors in the lounge area for “The Brandon Awards” at The Bijou Theater

From Bluefin Works these tent style movie film place cards are perfect for a Hollywood themed celebration

Strolling Table has a Hollywood theme table to offer hors d’oeuvres, desserts, place cards, or party favors to your guests

 Did you have a Hollywood theme at your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.

The Weinstein Bat Mitzvah Family Spotlight

The Weinstein family celebrated daughter Eliana’s Bat Mitzvah on November 9, 2013 at Temple Beth Shalom in Lawrence, New York.

For a Bat Mitzvah girl who loves to act, the party theme was Holl”E”wood.

Lucky for Eliana her mom is a talented graphic artist who thoughtfully integrated the theme with amazing details. We loved the invitations, Website, decor and hysterical montage which deserves an Oscar!

Pictured L-R : Dad Jonathan, Bat Mitzvah girl Eliana, Mom Michal, Sisters Meira, Reva and Brother Jacob.

The photographer was Jerry Meyer Studio and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of the spotlight.

Since the family is Orthodox, there was no service, but the reception was held at Temple Beth Shalom.

The custom service program and kippot were red and black keeping with the party color palate

The invitation gives guests a hint of what’s to come at the celebration, so the Weinsteins chose to create a pop-up invite that definitely conveyed the theme of the party! Instead of response cards, they opted to create a Web­site, partywitheliana.com where guests could RSVP and get to know all about Eliana. It was cus­tomized to go with the invitations and theme. The Website and invitations were done by Mom Michal’s company MLW Design.

Mom Michal designed the pop-up invitations

Cus­tom stamps were used as a fin­ish­ing touch

 The Weinstein family looked very Hollywood chic. Eliana wore a custom Zoe Ltd. cocktail dress.

 Dad wore a custom David Lance New York Suit, Mom wore a beautiful Lavan couture dress. The girls are wearing Zoe Ltd Custom

Eliana was very much the star

Bat Mitzvah girl Eliana is into act­ing, so nat­u­rally it felt right to go with the Hol­ly­wood theme.

Eliana posing with some of her favorite life-size characters

Danielle of Party Excellence made the decor process easy using a color palate of red, black and gold. With the help of Dina from D Squared, the linens added a beautiful touch of glamour. They used gold and black vel­vet cloths as well as red leather cloths for the buf­fet.

No Hol­ly­wood theme is com­plete with­out a step and repeat background and a red carpet

“Wel­come to HollE­wood” signage and celebrity cut-outs greeted guests as they entered

There were black and red feath­ers in LED vases and cus­tom E! cen­ter­pieces  

Custom “E!”centerpieces

Eliana’s friends enjoyed their own lounge area

The sign-in was a gold mirror that now hangs in Eliana’s room.

 
Malka Entertainment provided the non-stop dancing and music entertainment.

Eliana and her dad both up in the air!

Making her way into the room for her entrance

The guest of honor with her parents 

Everyone was on the dance floor

Great polka-dot headband give-aways

Eliana’s parents created a clever song for their daughter that parodies the pop hit, “I Love It.”

This song was featured in her montage. Watch it here

The Weinstein family created a very funny and unique montage by going to a big Hollywood montage maker!
Watch their montage here

Eliana’s friends got a variety of favors…or “swag” as they called it.

Bloomingdale’s-inspired swag signage for the “little brown bag”

Each bag had a custom pencil case with ear buds 

Custom made with the “E” printed on each

 For Eliana’s Mitzvah Project, she invited over 20 of her friends who helped create beautiful necklaces. The family delivered these to children at a cancer ward on their trip to Israel for Sukkot holiday.

Eliana proudly showing her beautiful bracelets

Many different styles and colors were created

Some advice from Mom Michal:
“I started early booking the venue and DJ and started gathering pictures and videos for the montage early too. The earlier you start the less stressed you are. I also kept a notepad where anytime I saw a great idea I jotted it down. I used Pinterest to pin great Hollywood ideas.”

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

Venue: Beth Shalom of Lawrence, 516-569-3600
Party Planner/Pop-Up Invitation/Favors: Mom Michal Weinstein, MLW Design, 917-301-2584
Photographer/Videographer: The Jerry Meyer Studio, 516-688-7722
Music Entertainment: Malka Entertainment, 718-946-4441
Decor: Danielle, Party Excellence, 516-790-1361
Party entertainment photo booth: Naomi Cohen, 516-849-6047
Graffiti booth/Sign-In Board: Parties by Gail, 516-569-3962
Montage: Lenny Manzo Productions, 516-241-5036 and MLW Design
Linen: D Squared Events, 516-697-8949
Mom’s Dress: Lavan Couture, 347-374-1376
Bat Mitzvah girl dress: Blimi, Zoe Ltd. Custom, 516-857-1256
Dad’s Suit: David Lance New York Suit
Hair: Stacy, Elements Salon, 516-295-4900 x:537
Makeup: Elena from Makeup Essentials, Elements Salon 516-295-4900

The Bris Mitzvah Weekend

By Elyse Goldstein, www.parentingmovesu.com

To date, my family and I had the wonderful experience of planning two incredible Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah celebrations. Neither one was traditional.

For our older son Matthew, we chose to go to Israel to mark this milestone event. Matthew along with his best friend Sam became Bar Mitzvahs on Masada. My friend Debbie and I planned the trip and it was truly the experience of a lifetime. Twenty-six family members joined us, including grandparents! We hiked, participated in an archeological dig, and enjoyed each and every area that we explored. It was by far one of the most incredibly meaningful moments in all of our lives. The following year, Matthew reread his Torah parsha and we hosted a luncheon in his honor which included family and friends. We had a mentalist and magician working the room. He loved it, and so did the many kids, family and friends that attended. It was fun to do something different.

As incredible as Matthew’s Bar Mitzvah was, nothing could prepare us for what was coming next. On September 16, 2010 we celebrated another life enhancing event in our family, our youngest child Hank was born! Our daughter Emily’s Bat Mitzvah was scheduled for September 25, 2010, talk about blessings, this was one for the books! I had a really great pregnancy and our kids were so excited about the possible notion of having a Bris and a Bat Mitzvah in the same weekend. My husband and I laughed at the notion. We didn’t even know the sex of the baby and my amniotic fluid for some reason was high the whole pregnancy and the doctors thought I would deliver early. I didn’t even have a dress for myself. I refused to commit to wearing something maternity, adjustable or “tentish.” After-all, I figured that I would have a little time.

I guess we have to always believe in the power of prayer, and our kids must have prayed hard. Their WISH was ANSWERED! Our son Hank was born on the 16th with a little jaundice. As a result, the date of his bris was Sunday September 26th. Thus making this the “Bris Mitzvah” weekend.

The children who prayed hard for their Bris Mitzvah weekend!
Pictured clockwise: Bat Mitzvah girl Emily holding baby Hank, Matthew, Simon and Charlotte

Our family was thrilled, and Emily was beaming being photographed at her Bat Mitzvah with her less than two week old brother. I was in disbelief, excited, enthusiastic and recovering from a C-section. My friend Lisa suggested a personal shopper on the miracle mile for a dress and everything came together, I bought a dress off the rack and it was perfect.

The baby was only photographed with my immediate family at the synagogue, and then he was whisked away to the Lawrence Club, where Emily’s party took place. We were extremely comfortable with the nurse because we had her previously – that was a big load off of my head.

There were some mishaps that night and I was alternating between attending the party and nursing the baby (who remained upstairs in a bridal suite with the nurse) so there were some things that were out of my control. The evening was incredible and we arrived home at 2am, to get ready for our next event.

The bris took place at 9am in the morning, at our house and we used the fabulous balloon centerpieces from the night before, to give Hank’s day a festive flare. For months I heard that people were talking about our incredible weekend.

I am so glad to have shared this incredible story with Mitzvah Market, and remember, no matter how hard you plan, sometimes the unexpected happens. Ultimately, what’s important is that the people that matter are in the room to share in your celebration.

My father Hank Held, whom our son Hank was named for, always said, “Life is meant to be lived and enjoyed and sometimes what seems impossible to achieve becomes your finest hour.” I live by those words and cherish my 5 incredible children, my husband and our good friends and family.

Elyse and her husband Andrew with their 5 beautiful children

Mazel Tov to the entire Goldstein family and we thank them for sharing their special weekend with our readers.

Pretty Packaging

You put so much work into planning the most special Bar/Bat Mitzvah day for your child. We know how many details go into the planning.

That’s why we loved these products by Abbey & Izzie Designs on Etsy.

We think your guests will love the sophistication of these one of a kind party favors.

A cool custom lottery ticket holder for your guests!

Custom favor bags a la Tiffany & Co.

Give your guest a custom CD filled with your favorite music

To see the rest of their products, visit their Website.

The Rothenberg Bar Mitzvah Family Spotlight

The Rothenberg family celebrated son Daniel’s Bar Mitzvah on October 12, 2013, at B’nai Israel Congregation in Rockville, Maryland. The reception followed at Lakewood Country Club in Rockville, Maryland.

They had a four hour cocktail party with a hockey theme and a special Horah chair dad Steve made himself!

Pictured L-R: Dad Steve, Bar Mitzvah boy Daniel, Mom Shelley and younger brother Jack.

 The photographer was Images by Cathy and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.

Danny’s Bar Mitzvah was at B’nai Israel Congregation.

The family up on the Bimah

 The beautiful invitation, created by Sincerely Yours, was blue and silver.

Designed by Lisa Schneider of Party Favorites, Danny’s Stanley Cup hockey logo was used throughout the party.  

 Danny’s Mom Shelley and Dad Steve own Talk of the Town, a special event company in Rockville, Maryland, that provides interactive entertainment, props and decorations. Since it was a 4-hour cocktail party there was no formal seating arrangements, but lots of great lounge furniture, ottomans and LED cocktail tables for guests to enjoy.

  When guests walked into the lobby of Lakewood Country Club, they saw two hockey statues dressed with Danny’s hockey jerseys, ottomans decorated with custom logo throw pillows, and a step and repeat photo op background

Custom step & repeat with Danny’s logo

Guests could sit at LED lit tables or banquettes

Lots of great lounge seating was available

Cool ice sculpture centerpieces with Danny’s logo

“The Danny Cup” Gobo was projected on the main wall

For the sign-in, guests could sign-in on the replica Stanley Cup!

 Dad Steve created a special “hockey stick” Horah chair for this special occasion!

Created from old hockey sticks

This chair was a true labor of love from Dad to son!

 MC Spots and the entire Washington Talent team provided great music with guests dancing non-stop.

A Mitzvah mosh pit

MC Spots doing his thing with Danny on stage

The dance floor was packed

Talk of the Town provided amazing hockey entertainment including floor hockey, air hockey and dome stick hockey. There were also many interactive stations including green screen pictures that were instantly put on hockey pucks, tattoo artists and a photo and audio booth.  The kids also loved the signature drinks including the “Blue Line” Slushie.

Over-sized floor hockey

Some stick hockey fun

The photo and video booth was a big hit…

…especially when they got to see their photos on hockey pucks!

“Blue Line” slushies kept with the hockey theme

Danny’s guests showing off their tattoos

Adults entered the ballroom to begin the cocktail party which featured delicious buffets, passed appetizers and a large sushi station.

Everyone raved about the food

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

Venue/Caterer: Lakewood Country Club, 301-762-5430
Party Planner/Decor/Lounge Furniture: Shelley Rothenberg, Talk of the Town, 301-738-9500
Extra Entertainment: Video/Photo Booth, large floor hockey, stick hockey, tattoos: Talk of the Town
Photographer: Cathy Gorey, Images By Cathy, 703-655-9613
Invitation: Sincerely Yours, 301-340-1989
Signage, Gobo, and Stickers: Talk of the Town
Music Entertainment: MC Spots, Washington Talent, 301-762-1800
Logo/cocktail napkins/favor: Lisa Schneider, Party Favorites
Sign-In NHL Stanley Cup: Amazon.com
Ice sculptures: Hot Ice, Inc., 301-464-4558
Linens: Choice Linens, 800-546-3678
Mom Shelly’s dress: Nordstrom
Suits for family members: Nordstrom
Hair: Paula, Salon 4, 301-984-1177
Makeup: Stacy Ferguson, stacybrobbins@gmail.com
Party security: Diverse Services, 301-412-0376

Mitzvah Inspire: Valentine Day Elements

Does your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah date fall out around Valentine’s Day? Do you just want to add some creative ways to incorporate hearts, love, or chocolates into your celebration?

We have gathered some great options to show your family and friends how much you love them.

Pictured Left: From Just A Bite Desserts

Fabu Designs created this invitation suite cleverly incorporating the last name of the Bat Mitzvah child into the logo

Kippahs Your Way has many different styles to choose from including hearts!

From an upcoming Mitzvah Family Spotlight, this Bat Mitzvah girl dazzled in her beautiful red gown from It’s Simply for You, Photo Credit: Art Photography

A classic tie in navy with white hearts tie from Vineyard Vines

This LOVE logo from a recent Bat Mitzvah is from Jordan Elyse Photography who also creates Bar Bat Mitzvah logos

Jersey Street Furniture created the logo “Liv.Love.Dance” for the dance floor at a recent Bat Mitzvah

Pink up lighting and a XOXO theme is the perfect combination from Dazzling Parties

Balloon Artistry celebrates “Live, Love, Leora” using a heart in her logo

 A heart shaped piece of chocolate from Chocolate Promises, with any image encased in a gold or silver box and clear case would make a delicious favor

MazelTovGear.com created this artwork incorporating the name and date for a wearable Bat Mitzvah favor

“iheart” place cards from Andrea Polito Photography

A Promos USA/ImageMaker offers many heartfelt options

From our story Mitzvah Inspire: Circus of Love, there are many great decor elements to inspire

Petals Premier/Adam Leffel Productions created this beautiful Bat Mitzvah escort table using a rose wall centerpiece with escort cards on top of roses

Leopard animal print heart Bat Mitzvah logo from Cutie Patootie Creations 

TheCoolestGiveaways.com can create a variety of “love” logos for blankets, shirts, sweatshirts and more

From Guitars for Parties, they use a red glitter heart and guitars for an awesome sign-in board

A pretty in pink candle lighting display with red roses from Linzi Events

Magnolia Bluebird Events created heart shaped labels for cubbies

Cards by Gaynor has handmade 3D Bat Mitzvah Cards that are truly hearfelt

Purple themed Bat Mitzvah cake with hearts to match the invitation design by Sweet Lisa’s Exquisite Cakes

From Paper Style, this chic cup is a great idea for your coffee and hot chocolate Mitzvah Exit treats

 Did you incorporate any heartfelt ideas into your celebration? Let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com.

Planning A Bar Bat Mitzvah In Israel

By Melissa Stoller

“Welcome Home.” That’s the message we got throughout our two trips to Israel to celebrate our two daughters’ Bat Mitzvahs. It’s a poignant message that resonated strongly with us as we were being welcomed to our Jewish homeland and land of our ancestors.

The Israel Ministry of Tourism welcomes visitors on its website and encourages Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrations there. “No one belongs here more than you,” it states. And that is just how we felt when we decided to travel to Israel in honor of our daughters’ accomplishments and to forge deeper connections to Israel, our religion, our family and our Jewish community.

Many families decide to make this trip before or after their child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah service at their home synagogue to make the mitzvah year more meaningful. Others travel there to actually conduct the service in Israel and there are many ways to accomplish this long-distance event by participating in a specialized Bar/Bat Mitzvah tour, working with a private guide or even planning it yourself.

However you do it, the welcoming spirit of the country makes it a special place to celebrate. Here are some tips on how to have a great trip:

The Ceremony, Celebration and Tour – With a Group, a Private Tour, or Do It Yourself

When you are traveling to Israel for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony or just to celebrate your child’s milestone, you can choose to take a group tour, use a private guide or plan it yourself. There are pros and cons for each choice. Here’s what you need to know to make the decision.

With a group tour and Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony, everything is taken care of for you from the travel arrangements, touring options and enrichment, many meals and the actual service and festivities. Such groups usually consist of families with children the same ages so there will be much bonding over shared experiences. These trips can also be intergenerational, so parents, grandparents, and even siblings can potentially meet peers with whom they can form friendships. The tour company will take care of all logistics and will arrange for the rabbi, the Bar/Bat Mitzvah service and the celebration afterwards. Usually with a group, all your airfare and hotels will be included in the price, and many tour companies offer a fully complimentary tour for the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child.

On a private tour a qualified Israeli tour guide will handle all the logistics and can customize the tour to your exact specifications. A private guide can also handle all the Bar/Bat Mitzvah service and party details. You have maximum input on the type and location of the ceremony as well as the sites you will explore, and complete flexibility on travel dates. Also, the tour guide will accommodate all reasonable requests about touring options, hotels, restaurants, and timing of each day. (If you are late risers this might be very helpful and if you’d rather have a less regimented schedule, this allows you to dictate the pace of the day.) Also, if you are traveling with elderly grandparents who might need extra assistance, or with very young children, a private tour might allow you to best accommodate their needs. Further, on a private tour, you can really maintain an in-depth dialogue with your tour guide about your personal interests including historical, biblical, political and current events. If you have a large family group, this is a wonderful option, but with a smaller group, your child might prefer being with other same-aged children on the journey. On a private tour, you will likely plan your own flight and hotel arrangements, although many tour companies do offer these services.

For a Do-It-Yourself Tour you need to do thorough research yourself regarding the Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony, celebration, plus all your day trips. This is the ultimate in flexibility and it works very well if you have family in Israel that you are visiting or if you have been to Israel before and know exactly what you want to see and do.

The Israel Ministry of Tourism can help with logistical details including providing names of rabbis and suggestions about where to hold the service, party locations and accommodations. Go to: www.goisrael.com and search “Jewish themes” under “tourist information.”

Your hometown rabbi and/or a Bar/Bat Mitzvah tutor may also be able to assist you in gathering the appropriate materials, Torah portion and prayers to include in your own special service.

 Bar/Bat Mitzvah Ceremony Sites

The Israel Ministry of Tourism offers a comprehensive website of ideas and resources to plan bar/bat mitzvah services and celebrations in many locations. Go to: www.bar-and-bat-mitzvah-in-israel.com. The most popular locations include The Kotel (Western Wall), Masada, Neot Kedumim (a nature preserve between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem), Safed, and the Jerusalem Archaeological Park/Davidson Center. The most popular days for services are Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays (although the Davidson Center is closed on Saturdays).

For specific information about having a Bar Mitzvah at the Kotel, visit www.barmitzva.thekotel.org/en. Bar Mitzvah services are held on Monday and Thursday mornings when the Torah portions are read. Note that services are held in the Orthodox tradition, so if you choose a Bar Mitzvah at The Kotel, men and women will have separate prayer areas and female relatives will not be able to stand with the Bar Mitzvah boy. It is recommended to coordinate the details at least a month in advance, and six months in advance if you are interested in also touring the Western Wall Tunnels or other areas of interest. Note that Orthodox ceremonies are also conducted in the Western Wall Tunnels. At this point, girls are not permitted to have a Bat Mitzvah at The Kotel, although the Israeli Government is studying the issue. For further information about Bar and Bat Mitzvah ceremonies at The Kotel and the Jerusalem Archaeological Park, see http://www.jewishjournal.com/bar_and_bat_mitzvahs/article/bat_mitzvah_at_the_kotel_is_it_possible.

The Jerusalem Archaeological Park is also a good choice for Bar and Bat mitzvahs. Families may celebrate together as the service is conducted according to the family’s religious affiliation. The ceremony may take place at Robinson’s Arch adjacent to the Western Wall prayer area. During ceremonies at the Southern Wall, the guests and congregation sit on the Hulda Steps, which are the ancient stone steps that led up to the Second Temple.

There are also many other sites throughout Israel that are conducive to ceremonies such as the Tower of David Museum, the Hurva Synagogue and other synagogues throughout the country (several are listed on the Israel Ministry of Tourism site).

Planning for an Israeli Bar/Bat Mitzvah Service

Age of the Celebrant
According to the Israel Ministry of Tourism, it is customary for a Bar Mitzvah boy to be at least 13 years and a day old, according to the Hebrew calendar. For a girl, it is customary to be at least 12.

Bar/Bat Mitzvah Certificate
The Israel Ministry of Tourism will provide a beautiful Bar/Bat Mitzvah certificate. Contact them at least 21 days in advance of the ceremony and fill out the online form on their website. If you are participating in a group or private tour, the tour operator will arrange for a certificate.

Learning a Torah Portion
Once you finalize your travel dates, the rabbi you work with in Israel, either through your tour or privately, will coordinate your Torah portion and study materials based on the date of the service. You will have time before the ceremony to become familiar with the materials and to be fully prepared for the special day.

Travel Tips

When to Go
If you are working with a tour group, the most popular times to go are summer vacation or in December during winter break. If you are doing a private tour or DIY, you have more flexibility in timing.

Also, consider the weather when planning the service. Most tour companies recommend that if the service is in December, plan for Masada or another southern location rather than Jerusalem as it can get too cold there for an outdoor service. Conversely, the summer heat can be very intense, so if you plan to hold the service in Masada or another outdoor destination especially in the southern parts of the country, secure a shady spot in advance.

Essentials to Pack
If you are traveling in the spring or summer, pack lots of sunblock, hats and long skirts and shawls for girls and women to preserve modesty when going to The Kotel. Also, make sure you carry lots of water. In winter, a light jacket and sweaters are recommended. An adapter is essential for plugging in American appliances.

You can bring your own tallit, but if you wish to buy one when you are in Israel you’ll find many specialized shops such as the famous Gabrieli Talit Shop located in Old Jaffa in Tel Aviv and in Jerusalem. www.gabrielirubin.co.il.

Flights
Flight time is approximately 11 hours with many different carriers available. We have flown El Al, where you feel an immediate connection with Israel as you start eating hummus en route. Take advantage of the long flight by reading about the history of Israel and sharing Jewish-themed children’s books with any younger family members.

Length of Trip and Destinations
The Bar/Bat Mitzvah trip can be any length that suits your family’s timeframe and budget. If you plan to tour Israel along with conducting a ceremony, stay at least 8 nights if possible, although 10-12 nights, or even 15 nights, is really ideal. A longer trip will allow for more in depth travel throughout the country.

On our first trip, we stayed 10 nights; two nights in Tel Aviv, three in Tiberias/Golan Heights, and five in Jerusalem (with a day trip to Masada and the Dead Sea). With eight nights on our second trip, we stayed two in Tel Aviv; then we went south with our guide and stopped for lunch and a camel ride at a Bedouin tent and for a drive through the Makhtesh Ramon; then three nights in Eilat (with a day in Petra, Jordan), and three nights in Jerusalem, stopping for a swim at the Dead Sea and hiking at Ein Gedi along the drive north. On both trips, we enjoyed Shabbat dinners in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, truly highlights of our experiences.

I am already planning another trip to celebrate my third daughter’s simcha in 2018!

Making it Fun for Siblings and Family

Make sure you include activities and sights that the whole family will enjoy. Of course the focus is on the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child but also consider the interests of older or younger siblings, as well as any grandparents. Either before or after the ceremony, add activities such as river rafting, camel riding, participating in an archaeological dig, doing a scavenger hunt or other wonderful enrichment opportunities.

Activities to consider:
In and Around Jerusalem:
*The Israel Museum and the Scroll of the Book
*The Tower of David Museum
*Walking the Old City Ramparts in Jerusalem
*Jerusalem Scavenger Hunt with Ross Culiner in Jerusalem (they are working on a Bar/Bat Mitzvah scavenger hunt)
*Western Wall Tunnels
*Hezekiah’s Water Tunnels in Jerusalem
*Machane Yehuda market in Jerusalem
*Yad Vashem
*Chagall Windows at the Hadassah Medical Center
*Archaeological Dig at Beit Guvrin Caves at Tel Maresha with “Dig for a Day Archaeological Seminars”

In and Around Tel Aviv:
*Independence Hall
*The Ayalon Institute
*The Palmach Museum (for ages 6 and over)
*Nachalat Binyamin Arts and Crafts Market
*Carmel Market (Shuk Ha’Carmel)
*The Tel Aviv Museum of Art
*Tel Aviv Port
*Swimming in the Mediterranean Sea

In the North:
*Jeep Ride in the Golan Heights
*Rafting on the Jordan River
*Lunch or overnight at a Kibbutz
*Boat ride and dinner at Decks on Lake Kinneret
*Tree planting at a Jewish National Fund site

In the South:
*Bedouin Tent experience
*Touring The Makhtesh Ramon in the Negev Desert
*Touring Masada
*Swimming in the Dead Sea
*Hiking and swimming in a waterfall at Ein Gedi
*Coral World Underwater Observatory and Marine Park in Eilat
*Boat ride on the Red Sea

 Other Overseas Locations for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah

 On our trip to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, this past December, we toured The Hebrew Congregation of Saint Thomas Synagogue, and happened to witness two girls from the United States preparing for their b’nai mitzvah ceremony. To find out more go to: www.synagogue.vi. Also, Touro Synagogue in Newport, Rhode Island, which is American’s oldest synagogue, is available for Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremonies. Go to: www.tourosynagogue.org.Totally Jewish Travel offers Bar/Bat Mitzvah trips to Israel, Hungary and London. www.totallyjewishtravel.com/bar_bat_mitzvah/.

Melissa Stoller is the co-author of The Parent-Child Book Club: Connecting With Your Kids Through Reading (HorizonLine Publishing, 2009), and the author of numerous articles about family-related topics.

 This story is from the 2013 Mitzvah Market Magazine. If you would like to request a free copy, click here. 

Mitzvah Inspire: “Miracles On Ice”

As a story teller, Todd Shapera Photography captures a child’s inner beauty and close family connections with relaxed, lifestyle images, and beautiful lighting. He is a calm, unobtrusive artist.

He was the photographer for Ryan & Brody’s recent B’nai Mitzvah and put us in touch with their Mom to hear more about their special “Miracles On Ice” themed celebration.

Meet Ryan (left) and Brody (right)

Ryan and Brody were born at 25 weeks, 15 weeks early and they were each a pound and a half at birth. They were at Englewood Hospital in New Jersey for 4 1/2 long months with many ups and downs. Their older brother was very into hockey and they taped hockey sticks inside the Ryan and Brody’s isolates.

At one point, they needed a blood transfusion and one of their parents friends, who played for the New Jersey Devils, donated. The boys love to tell everyone that they have hockey player blood in them! Today, these brothers play on a travel hockey team. Ryan is a goalie and Brody is a forward.

When they were strong enough to go out, most of their outings were to numerous hockey rinks to watch their older brother play. Before they even began to walk they would crawl around with mini hockey sticks. Brody’s first word was “score” and Ryan’s was “goal.” They were on skates as soon as they could walk and would even walk around the house with all of their hockey gear on.

Their “Miracles On Ice” logo

From the moment they were born, this family knew they were their “Miracles.” Their B’nai Mitzvah theme was easy to decide, “Miracles On Ice” was beyond perfect because not only were they Miracles, but their all time favorite movie is “Miracle on Ice.”

As proud Mom and Dad tell Mitzvah Market, “We never knew 13 years prior if we would ever get to this day or what the outcome would be with their lives…so this to us was the most unbelievable milestone and event in their lives!”

Todd Shapera Photography provided the pictures below and we hope you enjoy seeing some of this special celebration.

This party took place at Seasons, in Washington Township conveniently located near Westchester where the family resides. Alexa Maniaci from Anna Rose Floral in North Haledon created a Winter Olympics feel for the ballroom

The room was decorated in red, white and blue with Ryan and Brody’s names in lights

Red and blue hockey players were part of the decor

Pure Energy Entertainment provided the music entertainment with Brian as the MC

 Each of the boys had their own cake for the candle lighting ceremony

Dad gives the boys a special toast

Mom shares a dance with Brody

They had an ice sculpture featuring their logo

Their entrance video included part of Herb Brooks’ speech featured in the movie Miracle On Ice. The family was announced the way a hockey team is announced and also included the grandparents

The entire family

Mom Jules said it best, “It was a night filled with so much love, happiness and joy. Not just because they became a Bar Mitzvah but because they truly are our Miracles.”

We thank Todd Shapera Photography for sharing this special B’nai Mitzvah celebration with our readers.

Pop! Gourmet Popcorn

As many of you have experienced when attending a Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration, there is usually a Mitzvah Exit treat!

MM.com founder Sheri Lapidus recently attended Julia’s Bat Mitzvah and had to share her latest find.

Waiting in the car for the drive home was a delicious bag of white truffle bliss POP! Gourmet Popcorn. We later learned this is Oprah’s favorite flavor and we understand why! 

Although based in Seattle, Pop! Gourmet Popcorn can ship anywhere and they have over 30 flavors to choose from.

Their Popcornologists strive to create the most innovative flavors and the most ultra premium product. They are popped in small batches using only the purest and freshest ingredients. They offer all natural, gluten free and GMO free popcorn.

Julia’s family used her logo on colorful labels and gave the bags above to guests

Here’s another option: We found this adorable party favor on Pinterest.com and thought these tags could work on your Pop! Gourmet Popcorn!

These free printable labels are available here

To learn more, visit Pop! Gourmet Popcorn.

Customizing A Creative Cake

Mitzvah Inspire: Cakes was such a hit, we’ve decided to share cakes again!

A fun custom-themed cake can become part of the decor at a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Guests might not remember what you served for lunch or dinner, but they might remember the special cake!

You can also use your Bar Bat Mitzvah cake to show off your child’s interests and personality.

Above is a cake created by Cake Fiction for a Bar Mitzvah boy. The design is based on his own surfboard logo.

Here are some great cakes that have the wow factor and are delicious too!

This Bar Mitzvah boy wanted his favorite TV show on his cake from Amelie’s House 

Tory Burch themed cake from Truly Custom Cakery

This cake was created for a french fry fan from Pink House Events

LaBella Cakery created a Katebook cake for a Facebook fan

A candy cake from Basketworks

For a Phillies fan, this cake says it all from Bredenbeck’s Bakery

Sweets By Alissa is the creator of this unique Bat Mitzvah memory cake where you can list names and other special things important to the guest of honor!

Mario’s Bakery created this basketball jersey cake for a “Bar Knicksvah” theme

Cake Boss Buddy Valastro of Carlo’s Bakery designed this intricate cake for a Las Vegas Bar Mitzvah with a working slot machine!

There is more cake when you have triplets from Enchanted Icing Celebration cakes

For a fashionista from Truly Custom Cakery

For a B’not Mitzvah this cake from Gateaux incorporated each of their favorite colors, their love of music, their Russian heritage, and all things New York for a Minneapolis party!

For this preppy Bar Mitzvah boy, his cake showcased his love of lacrosse from Sweet Grace Cake Designs

For a Bat Mitzvah girl who loves makeup created by Caked by Goldie

 
Yes, this is a guitar cake! From cakeandconj.com

Did you have a unique Bar Bat Mitzvah cake? Send us a photo at info@MitzvahMarket.com so we can share it with our readers.