Kylie Mittler from Woodbury, New York, celebrated her Bat Mitzvah on March 28, 2014, and decided on very special Mitzvah Project to honor her late grandmother, Shelly. She calls her project, “Kylie Celebrates Our Grandmas.”
Her project will benefit Dementia Research with funds donated to several Dementia organizations.
We spoke with Kylie to learn more about her special Mitzvah Project:
MM: Can you please give us details about your Mitzvah Project? KM: For my Mitzvah Project, I enclosed two cards along with my Bat Mitzvah invitation and response card. One of the cards explained what I was doing:
The other card was blank, but at the top it read, KYLIE CELEBRATES Our Grandmas.
I asked everyone to send back their cards with memories of their grandmothers. We had them all posted at the party for everyone to share.
Since Kylie’s Bat Mitzvah theme was, “Kylie Paints The Town Red,” all cards were strung together and hung off paint brushes
This helped my friends and family to recognize how important it is to cherish these memories and to remind us that people with Dementia may not remember us, but we remember them. This made my project extra special because it also allowed the other kids whose grandparents had Dementia, or other illnesses, the chance to share as well. I was able to share how much I missed having my grandma there and also to raise money for this cause.
MM: Does your project have a start and end date, if so, what are they? KM: My project was originally for the night of my party. But since then I have continued to get cards and donations. This project will continue to grow.
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project? KM: My grandma Shelly was only 71 years old when she died. She had Dementia; a disease that causes you to lose your memory so that you often don’t even recognize family members. While she was not able to remember me, and was unable to do many of the things she used to do, I will ALWAYS remember many amazing things about her. I decided to make Dementia research the beneficiary of my Mitzvah Project because I was so sad that my grandma would not be able to come to my Bat Mitzvah and be a part of this special time. She has been a huge part of my life and has been there for everything I do. Even though she lived in Florida, she always made sure to come to all my parties, dance recitals and sports games.
It is sad that this disease occurs and takes even young people. I want to raise money to help others so that it doesn’t happen to their family. I also wanted my other friends to share their own memories. I think it is important to remember to take the time to share our memories to keep the important people who we love, alive. I found it so helpful to learn that some of my own friends had the same experience as me. I didn’t know that before this and it allowed us to form a new bond. I believe it touched so many people and I hope this made my grandma proud.
MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bat Mitzvah? KM: I think it is important to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bat Mitzvah. I think part of becoming an adult is being responsible and showing that you know what it means to be a role model and give back. I think it is important to share this with others and remind them that everyone should be doing things to help other people. I think that while it is fun to have a party, we need to remember others that may be less fortunate and who could benefit from our help.
MM: If it involves a donation, what are you doing to spreading the word? KM: I have continued to let people know that I am raising money for Dementia research and also want to make people take the time to think about their Grandmas and cherish the memories. My mom put it on Facebook, my grandpa is starting a website, and we are working on a book to honor my Grandma and raise more money.
MM: Is there anything else we need to know about your Mitzvah Project? KM: I just want everyone to know how much I will always cherish my Grandma Shelly. She was an incredible grandma with so much love to offer. She was generous, caring, kind, considerate, funny and the best grandma in the world. I want her to be proud of all the things I do and I will never forget her. I want people to continue to tell stories to their friends and families and keep all of our families memories alive.
Also, it is the best feeling when you do a Mitzvah Project that is close to your heart. I really looked forward to getting the responses, reading the messages, bonding with my friends and knowing I did something great.
We thank Kylie for sharing her Mitzvah Project with our readers.
This story is from new 2014 Mitzvah Market Magazine. If you would like to request a free copy, click here.
Your Broadway Song creates an original, one-of-a-kind Broadway Style Song all about the honored Bar Bat Mitzvah child! The songs are written by professional composers/lyricists in New York City and are then performed at the Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration by Broadway singers.
Something New: Your Broadway Song Presents: Candle Lighting Ceremony Songs!
Candle Lighting ceremony songs are the perfect addition for a Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration. Whether it is for a Broadway themed party or you are just looking for one of the most unique Candle Lighting options out there, this will WOW your guests!
Your Broadway Song writes custom music & lyrics for each candle. They are original mini songs written by professional composers and lyricists from New York City. No more trying to figure out rhymes about your family and friends. Let them do the creative work for you! The best part is that the Bar or Bat Mitzvah child sings the songs!
We asked Your Broadway Song to explain more:
MM: How does it work? YBS: You give us the list of the family and friends you want included in the candle lighting ceremony. We then set up an interview to learn about all the names on the list. We find out a bit about them and their relationship with the Bar Bat Mitzvah boy or girl. We ask for adjectives about them as well as fun and special facts about them. Then we get to work.
We write original music and lyrics for each candle. When we are done and it is approved, the Bar Bat Mitzvah boy or girl (or family member) sings this one-of-a-kind Candle Lighting Ceremony. We provide a piano track on an mp3 that accompanies them while it’s being presented.
Listen to a sample of the Candle Lighting songs here
MM: What if the Bar Bat Mitzvah child isn’t a singer? YBS: If the boy/girl isn’t singer there are a couple of options: they can have a family member sing it for them or with them, we can pre-record it for them with one of our singers, Or, if they are in NYC, we could arrange to have it pre-recorded with the boy or girl.
MM: How much does it cost? YBS: The price: $495. You should also ask us about our combo packages where we combine the Candle Lighting songs with a custom song all about the Bar Bat Mitzvah child!
To learn more about Your Broadway Song, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
Party Art, LLC., a custom party, decor and event planning company in New Jersey, created a hauntingly fun Bat Mitzvah celebration. The Victory Sports Bar and Grill located within the Meadowlands Racing and Entertainment Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey, was transformed into the ultimate “Boo Mitzvah.”
Carol Berman and Esther Kartus of Party Art knew their client loved Halloween and although her Bat Mitzvah was in March, they thought it would be a great theme, any time of year.
They cast their spell, and together with their graphic artist, created a great logo and invitation along with “spook-tacular” decor, entertainment and favors.
A wicked good time was had by all.
The photographer was Sasha Israel Photography.
The pocket fold invitation was sealed with Hannah’s name in a “scary” font
The creative invitation had a refined look in a Gothic font with clever wording
Hannah’s logo was used throughout the party
One of the entertainers “scared” guests as they entered the reception
A costumed entertainer captured the spirit of the party
Haunted decor and entertainment lurked around
Votive candles, zombies and witches decorated the candle lighting display
Artfully placed skulls, cobwebs and creepy crawlers
Hannah’s logo was projected on a large screen with scary movies playing
Take a napkin…if you dare!
The sign-in door with Hannah’s logo
Bone-chilling tattoos for the guests along with wax hands, hearts and eye balls
Make-your-own Wax Hands was the perfect Halloween-themed interactive entertainment
Party favors for the adult guests were lanterns with an LED candle inside
The bewitching party favor for the kids was a black blanket with Hannah’s logo and a thank you card attached
We thank Party Art, LLC for sharing this frightful and delightful Bat Mitzvah celebration. Happy Halloween!
The Goldfine family of Wayne, New Jersey, celebrated daughter Melissa’s Bat Mitzvah at Shomrei Torah in Wayne, New Jersey. The reception followed at Smoke Rise Village Inn, Kinnelon, New Jersey.
Melissa loves Broadway and wanted a “Broadway Bash.” As a special surprise much of the decor used for the party is now in her newly decorated bedroom, a perfect production!
Pictured L-R: Mom Hali, Brother Spencer, Bat Mitzvah girl Melissa and Dad Marc.
The photographer was Gary Flom Photography and the rest of the vendor information is at the end of the spotlight.
Melissa’s Torah invitation suite was from Invitation Consultants. The shimmering white invitation featured an illustrated pink Torah motif and it all fit in a shimmering black pocket. Melissa’s name was featured in a scripted font
The custom stamp from Zazzle.com hinted at her theme
The day began with a customized, intimate ceremony that led into a wonderful celebration with Melissa’s closest friends and family. Having a child with special needs, a Bat Mitzvah wasn’t something the family was planning, but a wonderful Hebrew school principal and Rabbi who has known Melissa since birth, made them re-think it. A simpler service, Rosh Chodesh, was presented as an option and one of the available dates turned out to be June 29. The family felt it was beshert, Yiddish for “meant to be,” as June 29th was also mom Hali’s Bat Mitzvah date!
Melissa wanted a beautiful pink tallit and she got it
Rabbi Randall Mark, who also did Melissa’s baby naming, was at her side
The service program
The party could only have a Broadway theme as Melissa lives, loves and breathes all-things stage musicals.
Dad Marc does special effects and graphics for a video company and one of his colleagues created “Melissa’s Broadway Bash” logo. From the stamps, to the centerpieces and the sign-in door, the logo tied the whole theme together.
No table numbers were needed, as each table was one of the shows Melissa saw and loved. The centerpieces, under the art direction of Dad Marc, were created by Party Art. As they made their way into the reception guests picked up their place cards
Playbill inspired place cards
The tables looked awesome
Each table centerpiece was a favorite Broadway show of Melissa’s
The tables were draped in black and accented beautifully with pink napkins
The montage was set to the song “For Good” from Wicked and served as Melissa’s introduction. She then danced onto the dance floor after it ended to the song “You Can’t Stop the Beat” from Hairspray. Melissa was so happy making her entrance
More Than Music with MC Jared, provided great entertainment and the dancers kept guests on the dance floor the whole time! It was a great afternoon and Melissa was all smiles!
Dad Marc and Melissa danced to “Sunrise, Sunset” from Fiddler on the Roof…of course!
A beautiful moment
A cake topper and delicious cupcakes from the Pink Cake Box.
The candle lighting ceremony, in keeping with the theme, was The Tony Awards. “Best Grandma and Grandpa,” “Best Uncle,” etc… Each recipient was given a 5″x 7″ frame with their Tony Award. They sent the “winners” photos of them lighting their candle with Melissa to put in the frame. All the candle lighting songs and intro songs were from Broadway shows.
Melissa and Brother Spencer with all the candles lit
Melissa’s sign-in door is now her “stage door” in her bedroom. Dad Marc re-created the logo out of wood, changing the word “bash” to “room” and made a stand with locking wheels so the door could be transported to the different rooms at Smoke Rise to be signed throughout the day. Guests signed special notes to Melissa on her door
A star-worthy door!
We love how Mom Hali incorporated the room decor from the Bat Mitzvah into Melissa’s bedroom.
This bedroom is worthy of a Tony Award for sure!
For an end of June party the favors were beach towels, perfect for boys and girls. Everything was labeled with a logo’d “Thank you” sticker and name
Beautiful black beach towels with pink and white embroidery
The adults received chocolate comedy/tragedy masks
Looks like there is another performer in the family!
Since the family was not allowed to take photos during Melissa’s Mitzvah project here is part of her very meaningful speech:
So many of you have helped my family and I raise money for the March of Dimes as an Ambassador family for the past 13 years and giving back to others has become second nature for me. I strive to make a difference whenever and wherever I can so for my Mitzvah Project I wanted to do something special. I hope to work with children when I grow up and I enjoy reading to them so I have been spending time at The Wanaque Center where 72 children live because of their fragile medical conditions. Many of them are in wheelchairs and dependent on ventilators like I had when I was born. They don’t get a lot of visitors during the week so they are always happy when they see me. For me, the Mitzvah Project did not seem like a sacrifice and I plan to continue going as long as I can. My parents have taught me to always be grateful for the blessings I have and I will carry this forward long after my Bat Mitzvah day.
Some advice from Mom Hali:
“Don’t over think things. I was told that over and over throughout the year and it was great advice. So many specifics that seemed important during the planning stages really get lost in the noise and excitement of the day. The DJ you choose absolutely sets the tone for your party so make sure you choose one who understands what you are looking for, allowing you to just enjoy the party with your guests. Everyone was up and enjoying themselves from start to finish. More than one guest commented on how no one left early! We made the decision to not have games and lounge furniture that would take the kids away from the dance floor which worked out for our party. We also did not want to incorporate the theme for the service. The day is about your child having this rite of passage and all of the work, Hebrew School, tutoring, etc…, that goes in to that. The reception is than an opportunity to celebrate all that your child has accomplished. One of our greatest takeaways is that more than 99% of our guests were at the synagogue to see Melissa up on the bimah.”
The following vendors helped to make Melissa’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
We welcome the first post from our newest teen blogger Chloe Cornell. In case you missed it, read about how Chloe “crashed” Fashion Week here.
By Chloe Cornell
Recently I went to my friend Alexa’s Bat Mitzvah. Her theme was “sparkle,” and everything from her dress, to the tables, to the dance floor reflected the theme. The party took place on the stage at the Performing Arts Center at SUNY Purchase. Adult guests received a giant monogrammed “diamond” with a pouch to identify their table assignment. I’m glad that my parents were at the party, as I will love using this as a paperweight on my desk!
For the cocktail hour, the kids were directed to a kids’ room, which had a lot of great games including a giant video game station on TVs that we all loved.
The party room was gorgeous. There was sparkle everywhere in the room. Tables had sequin tablecloths and mirrored vases.
After dinner, tons of disco balls descended over the dance floor, which got everyone dancing!
They gave out a lot of gorgeous jewelry on the dance floor so that all the guests sparkled too. I tried to get one of everything!
One of the best giveaways on the dance floor was a fan that featured a message when you turned it on. We got so hot from dancing that we were thrilled to use them!
The kids’ dessert also descended from the ceiling in giant silver cans. I scored a lot of goodies in addition to a yard long box of cookies!
Yard long box of cookies!
The party not only looked amazing, but it was so much fun and everyone had the best time. Lawrence Scott Events was the party planner.
About Chloe
I’m a 7th grader and live in Westchester, NY. I love tennis, soul cycle, fashion, hanging with my friends, and traveling around the world. Camp Vega is my summer home and my favorite place on earth! I founded the company #Kindnessistherealcool for my Mitzvah Project, and invite everyone to visit us on Instagram @kindnessistherealcool and join the movement. I am very excited to celebrate my Bat Mitzvah in March, 2015.
Event veteran Jennifer Barry Watkins of Tie A Bow in Dallas, Texas, created the ultimate pajama party Bat Mitzvah that we just had to share!
From the fun dress code to the very creative decor and centerpieces, this Bat Mitzvah girl and all her guests had nothing but sweet dreams after this reception.
The reception took place at Bent Tree Country Club in Dallas, Texas.
Photography by Katie Crumpton with Just Have Fun Photography.
The Bennett family in their monogrammed bathrobes ready to party!
The place card display
“Donuts” confetti on the cocktail tables
Bloody Mary cocktails and Mimosas for the adults
How cute is the milk bottle centerpiece?
The adult tables featured a different cereal for each table
Kids’ tables were morning/breakfast themes
Sydney’s “Breakfast Club” table
The signature drinks incorporated the family’s names
Guests enjoyed the buffet of eggs, waffles and hash browns
DJ Haze got into the spirit
The focal point with Sydney’s theme made a great statement
The Bat Mitzvah girl in her PJs
LED bow tie headbands were a big hit, even with the boys!
A party… a pajama party, that is!
A live event artist was on hand to capture the evening. The family kept the one-of-a-kind creation as a keepsake, and the guests enjoyed watching the artist at work
A Mitzvah moment
Sydney’s guests all came in the proper dress code…pajamas!
A Mitzvah treat for guests, donuts of course
“Good night”
We thank Jennifer Barry Watkins and Tie a Bow Events for sharing this great Bat Mitzvah with our readers.
Did you know that October is one of the sweetest months on the calendar?
Halloween aside, it’s also time to celebrate National Dessert Month, National Cookie Month and National Caramel Month.
The fact is, October is one of the most decadent months of the year, so if you are looking for sweet treats for your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration, we’ve got your sweet tooth covered.
Their specialty is making delicious mini donuts at your event, right in front of your guests. These delicious non-stop, no limit donuts also come in a custom bag with your child’s name or logo on it!
“The Donutologist” can make and serve fresh, warm mini donuts at your event
Amy’s is famous for their homemade caramel apples which are absolutely the best caramel apples according to Martha Stewart and The Wall Street Journal.
The apples are dipped in all-natural caramel and then covered in Belgian Chocolate and other toppings
These adorable Take-n-Bake Molten Chocolate Cakes from Seattle’s beloved Hot Cakes Cakery, need just 15 to 20 minutes in the oven to achieve a perfectly moist outer shell and an ultra rich, gooey center.
The cake is so decadent it can easily be shared by two
The Treats Truck can make a stop at the end of your celebration for delicious freshly baked cookies, brownies, macaroons, cakes, and donuts. Choose from desserts such as The Brown Sugar Sandwich Cookie, The Butterscotch Pecan Bar, or sweet inventions like The Oatmeal Jammy, an oatmeal cookie with a jam center.
Award-winning The Treats Truck is ready for your event
They make a wonderful selection of unique and delicious treats
Pretty Posh specializes in chic, stylish and sophisticated event design that will awe your guests and keep them talking from the moment they step into your event space. Whether it’s a small celebration or large event, they aim to make every aspect of the event spectacular.
These french macaroons in copper color with a hint of pumpkin, were part of an extensive fall dessert table. Created by Homemade by TZ
Did you have a wonderful dessert, cookie or caramel treat at your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration? Share it with readers in our Mom-To-Mom Advice Forum here.
Kevin Lubera is a location photographer based in Los Angeles, California. We found this adorable Peace, Love and Happiness themed Bat Mitzvah on his blog. We thank him for allowing us to share these photos with our readers.
Many Mitzvah kids are into Peace, Love, “fill in the blank.” Here are some photos to inspire you for your child’s Mitzvah theme!
Bat Mitzvah girl Sami had a two-day event. During the first day, guests participated in The Make It Count Project. To learn more about this wonderful idea, click here
Guests made these stuffed animals to be donated to a worthy cause!
Each guest received this silver box at their place setting
Inside was a special message thanking guests for sharing Sami’s special day with her
Day two of Sami’s celebration included this Peace, Love, Happiness themed room ready for guests
The kids’ lounge area
A large floral “S” sat in the lounge area
Beautiful centerpieces above and below
Colorful peace sign place cards
The Untouchables of Untouchables Entertainment wowed the guests!
Guests received a delicious treat as they left the celebration
Here are some of the Vendors used to make Sami’s day special:
Location & Catering: Wolfgang Puck Catering at Spectra Event Design/Coordination: Gilded Events Entertainment: The Untouchables of Untouchable Entertainment Mitzvah Project: The Make It Count Project Photographer: Kevin Lubera
The Engel family of Manalapan, New Jersey, celebrated the Bat Mitzvah service and reception of daughter Delaney at Congregation B’nai Tikvah in North Brunswick, New Jersey.
Using Delaney’s favorite color, Tiffany blue with polka dot accent designs, this party had a great logo, fun decor and lots of amazing energy!
Pictured L-R: Dad Spencer, Mitzvah girl Delaney, Brother Harrison and Mom Leslie.
El-Co Color Labs was the photographer and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
The party theme was subtly launched by the invitation. The Engel family worked with It’s Your Party who created this polka-dot envelope that held the invitation card. The front with the shimmery bow.
In Tiffany blue and silver glitter border
A great picture of Delaney at Congregation B’nai Tikvah. Delaney looked beautiful standing in front of the stained glass at the synagogue
Delaney’s gorgeous party dress had beautiful appliques and an accent ribbon and broach which tied the whole look together.
Mom Leslie and Delaney purchased their dresses at Castle Couture and the men’s suits were from Nordstom
Using Tiffany blue (Delaney’s favorite color) and black polka dots, a creative logo was designed by Dana Kaufman of By Dana.
Marquis Floral and Event Design by Kim transformed the temple ballroom into a modern and stylish reception incorporating Tiffany blue accents and polka dots.
For the adult tables, there were blue linens with crisp white napkins and colorful tall centerpieces
The room had white and Tiffany blue draping. On the kids’ tables there were fun polka dot lamp shades which added just the right pop to the tables
A beautiful enlarged picture of Delaney and Scarlett wearing Delaney’s favorite color
The sign-in book was embellished with Tiffany blue and silver bling on the cover along with a big “D.”
Pure Energy Entertainment and MC Robby provided the amazing music and dancers. The room was high energy! Delaney made her entrance with the Pure Energy dancers
Delaney was all smiles up in the chair
and so was Dad Spencer!
Delaney had a great time!
The kids took over the DJ area
Classical Caterers created a great cake and awesome polka dot cupcakes for guests to enjoy at the end of the party. Pretty blue bows dressed up the candles.
Delaney had her friends come up to light one of the candles
The cupcakes were colorful and delicious
Apparel Zone created the white sweatshirt favors for Delaney’s friends. Shimmery silver favor bags with custom aqua and black polka dot labels.
The front of the white sweatshirt
The back with that great logo
Delaney donated many dresses to Cinderella’s Closet of Monmouth County. Through donations of new and gently used formal dresses and accessories, they “Turn Dresses Into Dreams” for juniors and seniors referred to the organization by their school, community organization or social care agency.
Cinderella’s Closet has helped hundreds of students in need and now possesses an inventory of over 1,200 dresses. Students from across Southern New Jersey have been an integral part of the organization’s success with current students eager to carry on its mission for years to come.
The following vendors helped make Delaney’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services in Mitzvah Market.com.
The following vendors helped to make Gabby’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com. – See more at: https://mitzvahmarket.com/mitzvah-spotlight/family/the-gornitsky-bat-mitzvah-family-spotlight/#sthash.QiNIvSYe.dpuf
The following vendors helped to make Gabby’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com. – See more at: https://mitzvahmarket.com/mitzvah-spotlight/family/the-gornitsky-bat-mitzvah-family-spotlight/#sthash.QiNIvSYe.dpuf
For years and years, Bar and Bat Mitzvah families have LOVED the inclusive packages at SPACE in Englewood, New Jersey. Now, you can take your party “to-go” and get the same services offered by party guru Elvira, but at the location of your choice.
Space Events Off Premise is a new full-service entertainment and production company. They do everything – MC’s, DJ’s, dancers, lounge furniture, décor, centerpieces, graphic design, LED lighting, photo booths, unique entertainers and more. And best of all, they bring their services wherever the party is – family house parties, backyard barbeques, or the Bar Bat Mitzvah venue that you choose! Space Events Off Premise offers Event Planning & Production, Event Design, and Event Entertainment. With Space Events Off Premise, you and your guests can enjoy the “SPACE” experience anywhere you want.
Event Planning & Production
Get LED lighting, sound equipment, a dance floor, timelines, floor plans and a personal event coordinator.
Event Design
They also provide graphic design, decor, centerpieces and floral arrangements.
Event Entertainment
Their services include MCs, DJs, dancers and unique entertainer.s
To learn more about Space Off Premise, visit their profile page in our Vendor Directory.
