July 1st, 2014
Our Mitzvah Family Spotlight stories are very popular among our readers.
We find that everyone likes to see how other families celebrate their son or daughter’s milestone event. Our readers see great ideas and then make them their own.
We’ve shared Spotlight stories on more than 200 families and we receive emails regularly from readers who would like to be featured. It’s a great way to thank your vendors with additional press!
There are many creative and unique ideas within each story from families across the country. As we come to the close of another year, let’s look back on some of the wonderful ways these families have inspired us all:
Your Bar/Bat Mitzvah invitation usually sets the tone for your upcoming event. Here are a few from our past Mitzvah Family Spotlight stories:
This Bat Mitzvah celebration was held at an airplane hangar in Ft. Lauderdale! Their custom invitation was a pop-up of Brittany as a flight attendant. See more from the Gendler Bat Mitzvah Family Spotlight here
Olivia’s mirrored invitation arrived in a gift box. See more from the Kortick Bat Mitzvah Family Spotlight here
The Miller family decided to make every invitation by hand! Each guest received an iPad (look-a-like) and pen set!
The outside of the box mimicked the packaging for an iPad, complete with images of an iPad featuring apps that represented Max’s hobbies and interests (i.e. iDrum, iSki, iDJ, etc). Inside the box, the invitation was wrapped in paper with Matrix code designed with the date of the Bar Mitzvah (05182013), sealed with a round “Max’s Genius Bar Mitzvah” sticker, and a combination pen/stylus/flashlight attached, which was custom imprinted with the iMax logo
See more from the Max Miller Bar Mitzvah Family Spotlight here
For Raquel’s celebration, which took place at an art gallery, the custom invitations were cleverly created out of paint kits!
See more from the Dunoff Bat Mitzvah Family Spotlight here
For this celebration, the invitation included a classic letterpress for the services with Madison’s name foiled in silver and a viewfinder for the party invitation. See more from the Goldberg Bat Mitzvah Family Spotlight here
Here are some cool style moments within our Mitzvah Family Spotlight stories.
For this WWE themed Bar Mitzvah, Zach made his grand entrance in his robe, all ready for a “match.” He entered the ring (we mean room!) to ESPN’s Jock Jams “Let’s Get Ready to Rumble.” See more from the Lipson Bar Mitzvah Family Spotlight here
The entire Imberman family got into the zebra print themed celebration. See more of the Imberman Bat Mitzvah Family Spotlight here
Comfortable silvery glitter sneakers finished the look for Melissa’s short Bat Mitzvah dress. See more of the Tucker Bat Mitzvah Family Spotlight here
Rebecca chose a short off the rack dress. A removable organza skirt was created so it appeared as if Rebecca wore two dresses to her Bat Mitzvah. See more from the Rebecca Silverman Bat Mitzvah Family Spotlight here
Many families get creative with their theme and logo. Check out some of the ones featured this past year:
The Malavsky’s celebrated with an action packed basketball party at Chickie’s & Pete’s Play2 in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Read more about the Malavsky Bar Mitzvah Family Spotlight here
The theme was “Jessiegram,” inspired by Instagram, for this sophisticated and fun party utilizing many of the popular symbols that all the kids and adults are familiar with. See more from the Weinberg Bat Mitzvah Family Spotlight here
For Sarah’s Bat Mitzvah the theme was “Sarah and the City!” See more from the Teich Bat Mitzvah Family Spotlight here
The slogan “Instant Fun….Just Add Water” with Harrison’s name, was the theme for this Bar Mitzvah that took place at the Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Water Park in Lake George, New York. Read more about the Weiss Bar Mitzvah Family Spotlight here
Everyone seems to have a way for their guests to sign-in and leave a memory/sentiment for their Bar Bat Mitzvah child. Families are getting very creative in this area!
It was a sign-in pillow that looked like their invitation for Jack. Read more from the Breitowich Bar Mitzvah Family Spotlight here
In keeping with Rachel’s Runway theme, her Mom found this dress form from Pier One. Read more from the Greenblatt Bat Mitzvah Family Spotlight here
Dani’s celebration weekend took place at Trails End Camp. For her sign-in, guests wrote special messages on postcards which were placed in a custom mailbox. Read more from the Dani Golden Bat Mitzvah Family Spotlight here
Camp Mitchell took place in Georgia and guests signed their sign-in flag all weekend long. See more from the Abes Bar Mitzvah Family Spotlight here
Friends signed this custom football helmet at Sam’s football themed Bar Mitzvah. Read more from the Feldman Bar Mitzvah Family Spotlight here
Here are some creative ways to let your guests know where they are sitting.
Pennant place cards for each guest were placed on turf for an authentic look. Read more from the Zapken Bar Mitzvah Family Spotlight here
This unique seating card board featured a picture of the guest of honor cut into individual squares with the guest’s name and table number on the square. When each piece was taken by a guest, the same picture of Jason was revealed underneath
Read more from the Jason Levy Bar Mitzvah Family Spotlight here
For this New York themed Bat Mitzvah, guests received Metro Cards, which were place cards. Read more from the Lasky Bat Mitzvah Family Spotlight here
Bowling pin flashlights were used as lane assignment holders for Bryan’s Bowling Bash at 300 Long Island. See more of the Bryan Hirsch Bar Mitzvah Family Spotlight here
Who doesn’t love the Mitzvah cake! Check out these great ideas from our past Mitzvah Family Spotlights.
Cutout silhouettes of each sport that Alex plays decorated his Bar Mitzvah cake. Read more about the Ackerman Bar Mitzvah Family Spotlight here
This glamorous cake tied in with Danielle’s Bat Mitzvah theme. Read more from the Ron Bat Mitzvah Family Spotlight here
Splashes of color on Matthew’s cake looked great at his Paintball themed celebration. Read more from the Bennet Bar Mitzvah Family Spotlight here
Mikayla’s colorful Bat Mitzvah cake. Read more from the Meltser Bat Mitzvah Family Spotlight here
Sometimes it’s the special touches your guests remember the most!
This “live” candy girl was a big hit at this Bat Mitzvah celebration in Florida. Read more from the Brodsky Bat Mitzvah Family Spotlight here
The Bat Mitzvah girl spray-mounted photos to the inside of each thank you card so every guest received a photo of themselves at the celebration! Read more from the Segelman Bat Mitzvah Family Spotlight here
At the end of this Bat Mitzvah celebration, guests were surprised with a dessert waiting for them outside. A cupcake truck handed out cupcakes named after famous tennis players – in keeping with the theme! Read more from the Laff Bat Mitzvah Family Spotlight here
Once again we thank all of the families for allowing us to share their ideas with our readers. Many of you have written in to say how helpful they have been.
If you would like your child’s celebration to be spotlighted, please contact us at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
To see all of our Mitzvah Family Spotlights archived on MitzvahMarket.com, click here.
June 29th, 2014
The USA-Portugal soccer game that ended in a tie was the most watched soccer game in American History. Soccer is on everyone’s mind during this 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Soccer is one of many popular themes at today’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebrations. If you are a soccer fan, here are some ways to add a “soccer” touch to your celebration.
Check out these ideas below and see how others add soccer to their Bar Bat Mitzvah theme:
EK Productions offers a virtual sports arena! There are five different games in one system, (including soccer), and it’s so compact, it can be used anywhere
Simon Elliot Events captured this Bat Mitzvah girl’s love of the game during her pre-Bat Mitzvah shoot
The Event Of A Lifetime produced this World Cup Soccer theme for Harris’ Bar Mitzvah celebration
Sarah Merians Photography & Video shot this giant Soccer ball sign-in
Soccer themed Candle Lighting display from Balloon Artistry
Leonardo Vatkin Photography created this Website for a B’nai Mitzvah. After shooting clips of the Bat Mitzvah girl on the soccer field, they were incorporated into this B’nai Mitzvah Website and celebration. See more here
Jersey Street Furniture decorated a sports themed Bar Mitzvah with high top tables covered in a soccer pattern and soccer balls as the base
thecoolestgiveaways.com has many great soccer favor options from head to toe!
AJH Entertainment provided the music at this “World Cup” themed Bar Mitzvah which included “soccer” touches throughout the event including this creative place card/seating chart
A Promos USA/ImageMaker can design a great soccer logo for your wearable favor
Stephen Andrews Studios created this poster for a Bar Mitzvah boy who had soccer as his theme
From Impressions Photo & Video, this candle lighting display was clearly soccer themed!
The Pieced Palette creates Bar Bat Mitzvah sign-in pillows like the one above. This one featured the girls’ name, Sloane, on the back
Hi Tech Photography Events not only photographed this Bar Mitzvah celebration, but also provided the decor
Parker’s Crazy Cookies takes a photo and then creates a cookie in that image. This Bat Mitzvah girl loves soccer!
With Low Schmaltz Invitations you can choose the theme, customize the design, select paper, and order your invitations online. They’re printed and shipped in about 24 hours. The above Bat Mitzvah invitation has a classic trading card feel and showcases this sports star. There’s a wide range of pieces available – from reply cards, stamps, and thank you notes, to posters and save the dates
From MakeABall.com, your favorite Bar Bat Mitzvah kid (and their info!) can be on a regulation size soccer ball.
A great gift, centerpiece or decor piece
Behr Pops creates delicious treats in soccer ball themes
Flower Power Designs created this oversized soccer sign-in board
This soccer themed Bat Mitzvah invite with a cleverly worded RSVP is from Invitations4less.com
This chocolate soccer plaque from Enjou Chocolat is a great way to say, “Thanks for Sharing My World Cup Day” as a thank you gift for your Bar or Bat Mitzvah guests
The theme for this event from Nancy Swiezy Events was red, soccer and candy! The tables featured grey pintuck linens and sporty grey seat backs. Candy apples were added in to the monochromatic flowers of red gerber’s roses and carnation pom poms topped with a soccer guy sculpture. Table numbers were created from college sweater numbers
From Evantine Design, this cake was created by Truli Confectionary Arts and was a replica of the Bar Mitzvah boy’s soccer bag
To see the rest of this story, click here
From The Party Girl Events the favors for this soccer themed Bat Mitzvah were Personalized Soccer Balls with the Bat Mitzvah girl’s name and date of event
Did you have a soccer theme for your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
June 25th, 2014
Who better to find the latest and greatest for all things Bar Bat Mitzvahs than our own Mitzvah Moms!
We have spotlighted over 200 families and we thought it would be fun to call out some of the “Mom Finds” that you might have missed.
The Goldberg family from Rye Brook, New York, had lots of special touches at their daughter Madison’s Bat Mitzvah because Mom Leslie owns Out of the Box NY, an invitation and accessories company.
When it came time for her sign-in, she created something very unique!
It was an acrylic ticket box. Guests wrote their messages to Madison on neon acrylic “tickets” and put them in the box
To see the rest of the Goldberg Mitzvah Family Spotlight, click here.
To see the last Mom Find, click here.
June 25th, 2014
Elvira Grau, owner of SPACE in Engelwood, New Jersey, has seen it all!
She has successfully acted as the party planner for 3-4 Bar Bat Mitzvahs a weekend at her unique party space with high tech games, extravagant entertainment, unique decor and customized menus.
In April 2014, Elvira planned her own daughter Leanna’s Bat Mitzvah. The theme was an easy choice as Leanna’s birthstone is the diamond. “Shine Bright Like A Diamond” was the theme and it was carried out in all areas of this celebration.
As with all parties Elvira plans, she approached her own daughter’s celebration with the five principles of party planning: VENUE, MENU, ENTERTAINMENT, DECOR AND STAFF.
Below are pictures from Leanna’s celebration including Elvira’s secrets to a successful party and the ideas behind each creative element she dreamed up!
Mazel Tov to the Grau family and thanks for sharing your ideas with our readers!
Most invitations are thrown away after a Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration is over. Elvira wanted something unique, that would stand out, set the tone for the entire celebration and most importantly be useful!
After much research, Elvira found a source in China to engrave on a diamond shaped paperweight and another to supply the red box which looked like something you would get from Cartier – Leanna’s favorite. Each boxed invitation was hand delivered to guests. The Grau’s picked one town a day and delivered them in person – they say of the experience, “It was very exciting to see everyone’s reaction, they flipped out!”
To save money on paper and stamps, a Website was created for the RSVPs. Check it out here
Leanna and her parents Elvira and Jim all looked great! Leanna and Elvira found their long gowns at Jacqueline and Jim’s suit is Versace
Leanna changed into a short Jovani dress midway through the party
Each and every Bar Bat Mitzvah that Elvira plans is unique and different in look and feel. Prior to Leanna’s celebration, SPACE received a renovation. Everything from new walls, LEDs, carpeting, dance floor and furniture. The newly decorated SPACE debuted with her daughter’s celebration. Before guests entered SPACE, they were greet by large vinyl blow-ups of Leanna
Leanna’s pre-party photo shoot included poses with diamonds
Elvira wanted a magical feeling when guests arrived. She lined the entrance of SPACE with white astro turf and trees with twinkle lights for a “Tavern on the Green” feel. Leanna’s step and repeat was front and center for photo ops as guests arrived
Elvira feels a step and repeat is a must-have for a party. This one featured Leanna’s logo
Elvira knows from experience that your child’s gifts are the last thing you need to deal with the night of your party. She creates custom gift boxes, like the one above for Leanna. They are both convenient and safe!
Elvira wanted Leanna’s name in lights, so in-house they built each letter from wood, sprinkled it with glitter and attached light bulbs. It hung over the bar, the hub of the party
Unique entertainment is part of Elvira’s secrets to a successful party. Guests were greeted by aerialists who were hanging from the ceiling serving wine!
Other “atmosphere” girls performed as guests enjoyed the cocktail hour
Part of the renovation included a new white dance floor, new white leather furniture and 20 foot custom built cabanas with sheer white curtains which created a VIP area for guests. SPACE can also add a gobo in the center of the room like this one for Leanna with her name projected within a diamond shape
Elvira says it’s all about the details! Notice the high tufted white leather couches and crystals hanging along the walls
Elvira decided against traditional seating for this celebration. There were only two formal tables for family which featured crystal chandeliers, candles and flowers. For this big social cocktail party, it was open seating
It was hard for Elvira to be a guest at her daughter’s celebration. She checked and re-checked every detail including the “Reserved for Family” signs on the only two tables
Crystals also hung from the ceiling
Crystals, giving the look of diamonds, of all sizes were everywhere, including inside these highboy table tops!
This was a unique entrance! For weeks, Leanna practiced at “circus school” for her grand entrance. Everything was safely rigged and thoroughly checked.
This was possible due to the high ceilings at SPACE
Practice paid off as Leanna was lifted up and zip lined across the dance floor to her destination as impressed guests looked on and recorded this entrance on their smart phones
Watch Frank Duca’s highlights video of this terrific celebration!
As Elvira explains, “I’m Russian, so we had to have a Vodka luge for the adult guests!”
SPACE’s arcade provided all types of fun games for young guests
And the older ones!
Leanna jumps for joy!
Elvira wanted to do something unique for Leanna’s sign-in that didn’t cost a lot of money. She’s a big Home Goods shopper and found a large piece of art work in the clearance center that she felt would be perfect! Elvira “blinged” the edges, added sharpies and asked guests to sign-in!
Elvira feels nothing is more elegant and simple for a candle lighting than different height vases with orchids and floating candles. Crystals were scattered on the table top for added shine!
The family is all smiles during the candle lighting ceremony
All food stations were fun and interactive. On one side, they had “live” sushi and on the other side was a Peking duck station and a wok station. Posters of Leanna hung above the stations for personalization and drama!
Dessert was covered in silver food glitter and looked very glamorous
The dessert bar featured Leanna’s name
Too pretty to eat!
Check out these strawberries
A vanilla fountain was on hand for guests to enjoy
Leanna’s friends all received J America sweatshirts. Crystals were ironed on the back of each one
As guests left, they could grab and go from a candy bar. Candies matched the decor!
The following vendors worked with Elvira at SPACE for Leanna’s celebration:
Photographer: Chris Herder, 917-689-6463
Videographer: Frank Duca, 908-715-2187
Music Entertainment: In-house DJ, MC Charlie
Favors: Hyman & Harry Inc.
Dresses: Jacqueline, 973-992-3535
Hair: Fredrick Fekkai
Make-up: MAC Loida Soriano, 201-362-2029 and Khuraira, 201-227-1135
June 25th, 2014
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. Their services are constantly evolving and they are now introducing something new called, Behind the Screens™.
With Behind the Screens™, guests participate in silk screening a custom garment to take home. Part favor, part entertainment activity, guests will learn the art of screen printing while choosing from an array of customizing options. Garment options include T-shirts, Sweatshirts, Sweatpants, Pinnie Jerseys, and more.
Their creative team will work with your child to design six custom screens that can incorporate their logo, interests, and color scheme. The Behind the Screens™ setup displays all of the garments and customizing options in a mall style kiosk.
Once guests choose their garment, they will be escorted to the printing press where they can participate in screen printing their favor. Finished garments will be bagged, tagged by name, and ready for pick up.
Use Behind the Screens™ for your dance floor giveaways as well. They can screen any number of items to be given out on the dance floor or even shot out of their T-shirt canons by the guest of honor.
Already planning a sweatshirt giveaway? They can pre-screen an elaborate design on one side of the garment and allow guests to customize the reverse side, live at the party!
To learn more about Simon Elliot Events, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
You can also reach Simon Elliot Events at 516-586-6822 or info@SimonElliotEvents.com.
June 24th, 2014
The Fault in Our Stars is the fifth novel by award-winning author John Green and is currently playing in a movie theater near you!
The story is narrated by a sixteen-year-old cancer patient named Hazel, who is forced by her parents to attend a support group, where she subsequently meets and falls in love with the seventeen-year-old Augustus Waters, who is also battling cancer.
One might wonder how this could possibly be a theme for a Bat Mitzvah celebration, but for super fan Chloe Werner there was no other option. She tells Mitzvah Market why she HAD TO HAVE The Fault In Our Stars (TFIOS) as her Bat Mitzvah theme.
Enjoy her first-hand account below:
“My Bat Mitzvah was themed after the book, The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. I have always loved John Green and his books. They have been a huge inspiration in my life ever since I read the first one about a year and a half ago. I then became fascinated with him and his books and writing. TFIOS was one of my favorites and I obsessed over it (and I still am today).”
I found my Bat Mitzvah dress at The Best Dressed Of Westchester
“I have thought about every possible way to incorporate TFIOS into my life because it had made such a great impact on me. I fell in love with the book the way you fall asleep slowly then all at once (except the slowly part).
When the time came to choose a theme for my Bat Mitzvah, of course “The Fault…” popped into my mind immediately. Even though it had been about 8 or 9 months since I had first read the book, that did not lessen my affection for it. I chose the theme to be “The Fault…” and haven’t regretted anything although people have said I will later.
For my invitation, I had to incorporate colors of “The Fault…” and of course a spoof on one of the quotes.”
Paper Dolls helped with the custom invitation. We used the saying, “That’s The Thing About Bat Mitzvahs, They Demand To Be Celebrated” inside two bubbles similar to the actual book cover
“As time went by, TFIOS became more important and I idolized John Green more and more. I was deciding on how to incorporate TFIOS more and more into my Bat Mitzvah.”
Decor at The Davenport Beach Club matched the colors of the book
My cake (by Enchanted Icing) and cake pops (by Behr Pops) had the same colors from the book!
Even the cake pops tied into the theme and looked like clouds!
My parents and me during my candle lighting ceremony
TFIOS themed pinnies (by Corbinstyle) were the favor for all my friends!
Even my yarmulkes were the same color as the book!
“My friends who I introduced the book to, loved it and said that usually themes aren’t pulled off, but in this case it was different. I also inspired many of the guests to read the book. My love of the book still hasn’t stopped growing since then and even though John Green doesn’t know who I am, he was a big part of my celebration. It has all been an amazing experience connecting my Bat Mitzvah and the book because it was great to have something I love to have been the theme of the party!”
The following vendors helped to make Chloe’s The Fault In Our Stars themed Bat Mitzvah special.
Photographer: Liz Hartzman Photography, 914-636-7618
Venue: The Davenport Beach Club, 914-632-7800
Invitations: Lauren Mandelbaum, Paper Dolls, 914-393-1310
Chloe’s dress: The Best Dressed of Westchester, 914-723-2244
Favors/Pinnies: Suzanne Corbin, Corbinstyle, 914-834-6627
Cake: Nancy Moloff, Enchanted Icing – Custom Celebration Cakes, 917-822-4058
Cake Pops: Beth Behr, Behr Pops, 914-656-1900
Logos: Tom Hall, Design It Creative, 914-413-1445
Yarmulkes: Kippot.com
June 22nd, 2014
One way to make sure your guests enjoy their Bar Bat Mitzvah favors, is to make them edible!
There are plenty of ways to add a memorable and unique touch when choosing a food favor.
They can be designed with various colors and themes.
Below are some great edible favors we found and had to share.
Favor It Things creates custom chocolate favors like these entirely edible frames and photos!
We found these “look too good to eat” favors on Biz Bash. Creme Delicious henna-inspired cakes are miniature works of art and one of Oprah’s favorite things!
Send your child’s photo or logo to Manjar Sweets and the bakery can turn them into edible Instagram sugar cookies frosted to look like the popular social media company’s camera icon
Another Biz Bash find, Fred’s Marshmallows gives the artisanal treatment to the campfire favorite, with flavors such as key lime and apple pie. The company is available to cater events and can even create edible marshmallow centerpieces
Good Karmal offers handcrafted flavored and salted caramel gifts that are wrapped in positive quotations. These bite-sized flavorful gems deliver a positive message to your guests with every sweet bite
Candy With a Twist creates personalized smores kits with custom logo’d marshmallows
Parker’s Crazy Cookies takes photos and turns them into little caricatures which are baked fresh for each online order
Sweeties by Kim creates decorative oreos in many designs
Did you have an edible favor at your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
June 21st, 2014
Max Wallack celebrated his Bar Mitzvah in 2008, but his Mitzvah Project is unique in that it’s a “project” that has continued on long after his Bar Mitzvah.
He is the founder of PuzzlesToRemember, a non-profit organization that provides puzzles to nursing homes, veterans facilities, and other facilities that care for Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. His great grandmother, Gertrude, suffered from Alzheimer’s disease and Max recognized the calming effect puzzles had on people suffering from this disease.
Max is currently a student at Boston University and a Research Intern in the Molecular Psychiatry and Aging Laboratory in the Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics at Boston University School of Medicine.
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project?
MW: My great grandmother who lived with my family suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. I wanted to do something to help this population.
MM: Please provide the details about your Mitzvah Project.
MW: I began by collecting jigsaw puzzles and delivering them to facilities that had helped care for my great grandmother. My local Rabbi put me in touch with Naomi Eisenberger, Executive Director of The Good People Fund, an organization that identifies good people doing great work-on a personal scale-and connect them with donors seeking creative ways to help those in need. Mrs. Eisenberger has been a mentor to me, as well as a shining example of what community service really means. She was a tremendous help to me when I wanted to have PuzzlesToRemember become a non-profit organization. At the time I was 12 years old and had no funding to pay for a lawyer’s help. I don’t know if I could have done this without Mrs. Eisenberger’s help.
Max enjoying puzzles with residents at a memory care center
MM: What did it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bar Mitzvah?
MW: It meant a great deal to me to think up a project that could make a real difference in the lives of Alzheimer’s patients. Since then, I have also given many presentations to help other young people find projects where they can make a difference. Sometimes, I have also helped them locate funding.
MM: Please describe what are you doing to spread the word?
MW: I maintain my website where I accept charitable contributions and I spread the word through my Facebook page. I’ve also coauthored a book explaining Alzheimer’s disease to children, “Why Did Grandma Put Her Underwear in the Refrigerator? An Explanation of Alzheimer’s Disease for Children.” Fifty percent of the profits from my book goes to various Alzheimer’s causes. The book is now available in English, German, Polish, Italian, French, Norwegian, Polish, Spanish, and Chinese. It is also being translated into Hebrew, Welsh, Arabic, and Sinhala.
Max at the Alzheimer’s Association’s international conference where he gave a presentation about his current research
MM: How long can people donate to this charity?
MW: There is no time limit.
MM: Is there anything else you would like readers to know about your Mitzvah Project?
MW: I have been able to team up with Springbok Puzzles to create Springbok PuzzlesToRemember, puzzles made specifically to meet the needs of Alzheimer’s patients. They can be seen here. My work on behalf of Alzheimer’s patients led me to the Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Center. For the past 3 years, I have worked at a Molecular Psychiatry in Aging Lab at Boston University School of Medicine. My work has resulted in several publications in peer-reviewed scientific journals. Here is a link to an article about my work.
Max and his mentor Dr. Qiu, in the Molecular Psychiatry in Aging Lab at Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Center, where he’s been doing research for over three years
PuzzlesToRemember has now distributed over 32,000 puzzles to over 2430 nursing facilities. This includes facilities in every state, six Canadian provinces, plus Aruba, Australia, Colombia, England, France, Germany, Hungary, Mexico, Poland, Singapore, and South Africa.
There are currently 12 different images available, and new images are being planned for this summer, including Max’s favorite, the Kitten Puzzle
We thank Max for sharing his incredible Mitzvah Project with Mitzvah Market.
June 21st, 2014
Samantha Collins celebrated her Bat Mitzvah on the Wednesday night before Thanksgiving 2013 at Temple Or Elohim in Jericho, New York.
Her mom Michelle, who works at Simon Elliot Events, pulled out all the stops for her daughter’s “Sam I Am” themed Bat Mitzvah.
Simon Elliot Events was the photographer and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Pictured above L-R: Dad Brian, Brother Alex, Bat Mitzvah girl Samantha and Mom Michelle
Mitzvah Invitation, Style & Venue
Young guests received a postcard leading them to a Website created by Simon Elliot Events and adult guests received an acrylic invitation created by Darlene Barzilay. Their Wednesday night celebration took place at Temple Or Elohim in Jericho, New York.
www.PartyWithSammi.com had details about the celebration, RSVPs, her Mitzvah Project, directions and more!
The red acrylic invitation featured white lettering and trim. All guests were asked to RSVP on the Website
Guests were asked to wear black attire which looked great against Mom Michelle and Sammi who wore white. Sammi's long white gown with crystals was from It's Simply For You and Michelle's custom dress was designed by Runway Couture
Simon Elliot Events created large posters of Sammi that fit over the front glass doors
Sammi posed in front of the doors before guests arrived
Mitzvah Details
Metropolitan Events By Reuven did a great job on the red, black and silver decor.
A tall tower, created by Simon Elliot Events and designed to match her theme, listed guests' names and table numbers
As guests entered, they were greeted by a glittery canopy in the center of the lobby
Party Harty Entertainment designed custom light-up cubes
Tables featured beautiful red linens from The Finishing Touch, with rose appliques and Sammi's picture for the table numbers
Each table had a different centerpiece designed by Metropolitan Events By Reuven
Tables were different shapes and sizes including this long rectangle
The menu card resembled an iPhone created by Simon Elliot Events
The large bar created a striking look. The bar was provided by Hasson Catering, the back wall by Party Harty Entertainment and the design on the bar by Simon Elliot Events
Guests wrote special messages on the custom iSign kiosk. Messages and photos from each guest were compiled into a custom hard cover keepsake book
Music & Entertainment
Entertainment Tonite provided the music with Carl as the MC. There were many fun extra forms of entertainment provided by Simon Elliot Events.
Entertainment Tonite provided the cages and LED staging
Mom Michelle with the ET crew
For her entrance, Sammi planned a surprise performance with some of her talented friends
Sammi and her friends performed a dance
Sammi's friends enjoyed the The Selfie Booth™ which allowed them to snap pictures at their own pace in front of a custom backdrop, with a wireless remote. Then they viewed, selected, and added cool filters using the touch screen. They also enjoyed sending their "Selfie" photos via email, text, tweet and uploading them to Facebook
The Superstar Photo Booth was customized with Sammi's logo
Friends also had fun at the customizable portable speaker station. They were able to choose their color of speaker and customize it with graphics
Additionally, guests could participate in Behind The Screens creating their own silk screen garment based on a variety of designs Sammi created before her celebration
Sammi created her own t-shirt!
For her candle lighting ceremony, Hasson Caterers created her logo'd cake and provided the red candle holders
Mitzvah Favor & Exit Treats
Amy Richards from And That created the sweatshirt favors. As guests said good-bye, there were lots of additional surprises and treats.
There was a zip-up version for the girls (left) and one for the boys (right)
A custom-wrapped US Mailbox was by the entrance/exit with a note asking guests to place their gifts here
Hasson Catering provided a bagel and donut bar
Guests were able to grab delicious Mac & Cheese to go!
Mitzvah Project
Sammi’s Mitzvah Project raised money and awareness for texting and driving. Sammi sold the DNT TXT N DRV key chains as part of her project and the “eye” magnets were on each car as guests left her celebration
Mom to Mom
After helping to plan hundreds of clients’ Bar Bat Mitzvahs, Michelle has this Mom-to-Mom advice:
“Although this is what I do for a living, it’s so important to stay organized and focused. My lists had lists! In the end, when all your family and friends are together, it’s worth all the work and worry.”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Sammi’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Service/Temple: Jewish Congregation of Brookville
Caterer/Cake: Hasson Caterers at Temple Or Elohim, Shawn Farber, 516-937-1020
Music Entertainment: MC Carl, Entertainment Tonite, 516-826-6900
Photography/Videographer/Extra Entertainment/Website invite: Simon Elliot Events, 516-586-6822
Back Bar/Light Up Cubes: Party Harty Entertainment, 516-845-8585
Invitations: Darlene Barzilay, 516-681-4602, notesetc1@verizon.net
Decor: Reuven, Metropolitan Events By Reuven, 917-453-0862
Linens: The Finishing Touch, 516-827-7433
Sammi’s Dress: Rachel, It’s Simply For You, 516-921-2863
Michelle’s Dress: Kimberly, Runway Couture, 516-308-4639
Favors: Amy Richards, And That, 516-364-9222
Hair/Make-up: Salon 230 West
Mac and cheese truck: Dom, Mac Truck, 718-702-4734
Mitzvah Exit Treat: Pies in each car from Mrs. Baking/Steve Borg, 718-460-6700
June 18th, 2014
We are seeing many, many “signs” at Bar Bat Mitzvah celebrations. Is “signage” a trend?
There are so many uses for signs, you can take helpful information and express it in a creative way. There’s even room for you to be unique and create something on your own.
If you’re looking to add some creativity and visual pop with some special messages, here’s a few ideas to get you started:
Julie Cohen from It Events by Julie, created a fun Bar Mitzvah based on the book, Diary Of A Wimpy Kid featuring clever signage. See more of this story here
Brian Ambrose Photography shot Max’s Baseball themed Bar Mitzvah that included fun signage!
Alice in Wonderland theme from Ann Marie Casey Photography featured “Alice” themed signage
At Jasper’s Bar Mitzvah there was a sign explaining that the napkin rings were made out of Jasper Stone and doubled as bracelets for the ladies to take home. From Party Planner Melisa Imberman, The Event of A Lifetime, Inc.
Stacey Kesselman of Exceptional-Events transformed a ballroom into “Goldy’s Backyard Barbecue,” the Bar Mitzvah boy’s nickname. See the rest of this story here
Magnolia West Events created the “campy” signage for the Beinhaker Family Spotlight story which took place at a sleepaway camp
It’s dessert time, Dig In! Photographed by Sterling Tyler Photography
“Live Your Goals” for a soccer themed Mitzvah from Munoz Photography
Simcha’s Events created this Beach Bummin’ theme for Blake’s Bar Mitzvah. See the rest of this story here
For this “dog” themed Bat Mitzvah, many signs were used including Sit!, Treats, and Drop It. To see the rest of this Mitzvah Inspire story, click here
Did you have unique signage at your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah? Let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
