June 18th, 2014
The Feinstein family of Montville, New Jersey, celebrated son Andrew’s Bar Mitzvah on March 23, 2013, at Pine Brook Jewish Center in Pine Brook, New Jersey. The reception following was held at the One & Only Westmount Country Club in Woodland Park, New Jersey.
Andrew’s Bar Mitzvah was close to the week of March Madness and basketball is his favorite sport. They wanted to find a way to make this theme unique. In between Mom’s busy work schedule, she selected some key vendors to pull the party together and make it special and fun.
Pictured above L-R: Dad Jon, Mom Shari, Bar Mitzvah boy Andrew and Brother Matthew.
Photography by Mario and Nina took care of the pictures and the rest of the vendors are at the end of the spotlight.
Andrew posed in front of the beautiful torahs wearing the tallit from his grandparents, Marvin and Marsha Serota
The classic invitation, navy blue and silver, was from Andrea Kronethal of Small Fry Press
Andrew’s love for college basketball was thoughtfully woven throughout the party. Mom Shari worked with Small Fry Press for awesome place cards. Joining the collaboration was Atlas Florists who created the centerpieces, sign-in board, background for the place cards and the archway sign that wowed guests when entering the ballroom
Basketball jersey shaped place cards were a real crowd-pleaser
A great decor element was custom signage with Andrew’s logo and lights that fit perfectly in the archway
Andrew standing in the ballroom before his guests arrived. The wall of windows were covered with blackout fabric by Atlas Florist to give a nighttime feel to a daytime party
The centerpieces were actual basketballs suspended in nets
The ballroom all decked out
Andrew and his friends really enjoyed the cocktail hour which took place in a heated tent outside the venue with pennants for every March Madness team
The basketball themed gift box
The dancers were dressed in referee uniforms
Andrew’s guests waving him into the room with custom printed rally towels
The dancers surrounded the guest of honor
Andrew up in the chair for the Horah
Andrew took over the MC duties from MC Gregg
The family incorporated a candle at each adult place setting and had each person light the candle with Andrew during his candle lighting
The Feinstein family took a minute for a great photo op
The desserts from The One and Only Westmount Country Club made a grand entrance with this flaming Baked Alaska to accompany a huge assortment of desserts and a sundae bar
Palermo’s Bakery scored big time with this custom cake for Andrew
Tying the March Madness theme together was Core Promotions who printed the sweatshirts, drawstring bags and the towels
Andrew and his closest friends kept the party going when they took a stretch limousine back to his house for a sleepover
…on their way to Andrew’s house
Drinks were given to guests as the party ended with custom labels from Small Fry Press
Mitzvah Project
Andrew teamed up with Nike’s Reuse-a-Shoe program and collected worn-out athletic shoes. Nike recycles them into material used in sports surfaces like basketball courts for kids around the world.
He collected hundreds of pairs of sneakers
Some advice from Mom Shari:
“Become important to a few vendors. Use their efficiencies and make it easier on yourself. For example, Small Fry Press not only created our invitations, they created the table place cards, name tags for the sweatshirts, water bottle labels and out of town guest cards. Atlas Florists created the centerpieces, but they also created the sign in board, created the scene for the place cards and the archway sign in the entrance to the ballroom. Pure Energy was the DJ for the evening but they supplied the photo bar, zap photos and plasma screens as well. Core Promotions printed the sweatshirts, drawstring bags and the napkins. Booking multiple tasks with these 4 vendors made my vendor list for the evening smaller than most affairs. Second Mom Advice: If you are a type A personality like me, leave it at home the day of the party. You hired your vendors to do their jobs, let them handle anything that comes up. Don’t get wrapped up in any issues and ENJOY the day/evening you worked so hard to plan.”
The following vendors helped to make Andrew’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com
Venue: Stephanie Del Gatto, One & Only Westmount Country Club, 973-256-2700
Photography/Videography: Mario, Photography by Mario and Nina, 973-696-2400
Decor: Matthew, Atlas Floral Decorators, 212-707-8355
Music Entertainment, plasma screens, zap Shots: MC Gregg, Pure Energy Entertainment, 800-419-5355
Invitation and place cards: Andrea, Small Fry Press, 914-747-6668
Sweatshirts, sports sack favors, towels napkins: Gerry, Core Promotions, 973-794-5355
Cake: Palermo’s Bakery, 201-614-1654
Card Box: Briana Deedmeyer, 908-692-5281
Name tags, water bottle labels, out of town guest cards: Small Fry Press, 914-747-6668
Mom’s dress: Coco’s Chateau, 973-812-8800
Men’s suits: Steve, The Clothing Center, 732-254-0870
Hair: Steven, Makeup: Kim, Bollo Salon, 973-402-3900
June 15th, 2014
OUR SON CHOOSES HIS MITZVAH PROJECT
By Dr. and Mrs. Mitzvah (aka David and Danielle Ockman “Favor It Things“)
As parents we struggle to give meaning to our children. We are always second guessing ourselves as to whether or not we have succeeded in teaching gratitude. We wonder if our children really “get it”- and if you are reading our blog, here on Mitzvah Market, you are a parent who cares about this.
Truth be told, we have to admit leaving a Bar Mitzvah Project up to our 12 year old son gave us a momentary relapse of anxiety. Will the project be meaningful to him? Will he follow through? Will he be motivated? Visions of former cookie dough sales and wrapping paper flashed before our eyes – after all he wasn’t going to win anything for this project…only pay it forward.
As any two self-respecting parents (who specialize in clinical counseling!) would do, we began to ask him questions. We asked Blake to tell us why the project was meaningful. Admittedly, it took some pushing to get him to truly reflect..and put it down on paper. This was NOT going to be a replay of those other fundraisers he’d done through the years. This was the first of many mitzvot he was promising to carry out as a Bar Mitzvah, and a real opportunity for him to grow into the man we envisioned. This was going to come from him.
Blake spoke of being grateful for having a family and for all the ways he has been provided for. He heard both of us speak of children we had met in our professional programs who were being helped and supported through the efforts of JAFCO (Jewish Adoption and Foster Care Options).
He understood that these children became a part of JAFCO’s program because they had no family or didn’t have a family who could care for them. It is a challenging conversation to explain to your young son that families cannot always care for their own children and that sometimes children are abused. These are thoughts that are beyond comprehension for children like ours. Blake took the initiative and contacted JAFCO to learn how he could help. They had many options and Blake chose to raise money to fill the Chanukkah wish lists of children in the program.
He was optimistic that he would raise enough money to fill many wish lists. Blake had written in his reflection, how grateful he was for the traditions and celebration of Chanukkah each year with our extended family. One thing he wrote was “how great it would be for the kids to know they are not forgotten at the holidays.” Danielle Swiss, an educator at the Arthur I. Meyer Jewish Academy, agreed to have her son join in on the Mitzvah Project with Blake and they have been collecting ever since.
They designed bracelets that read, “EVERY CHILD IS A GIFT” and Blake held a Valentine’s chocolate sale. To date they have collected $1200 which according to JAFCO will provide six children with their wish lists. With five months to go, they are working hard to collect more. This act of Tikkun Olam, Repairing the World has been far reaching and once again our BMBFF’s supported Blake’s project.
Using Social Media, we took to the airwaves and posted about his Mitzvah Project. Blake’s “giving back” brought out generosity and the true spirit of community, even in our Facebook Bar Mitzvah group. Parents and Vendors from our page sent checks ranging from $2 to $50, and the support was overwhelming. We want to extend our thanks to our friends who helped Blake and Brandon provide a “light” for the JAFCO children for this next holiday season. Their project set off a wave of human compassion on our Facebook page. Our very own “South Florida Bar and Bat Mitzvah Planning Group” witnessed a beautiful “pay it forward” moment when Chad Everett, owner of Galaxy Productions and nationally known producer of first rate corporate and social events, saw a post from a parent on a budget wanting inspiration for an art themed Bat Mitzvah.
Chad, was a young artist as well, so on our Facebook page announced that he wanted to create some centerpieces and décor as a gift for her daughter. The support, and “gift of giving,” is what community is all about, another life lesson for our son. Blake sees that giving, inspires others to give and really pay it forward in a meaningful way.
Make sure that your child finds inspiration, and takes ownership of his or her Mitzvah Project. Hopefully it will spark or provide a continued love for building community and repairing the world.
We are inspired by so many incredible vendors on a daily basis working their magic to make Bar and Bat Mitzvah dreams become a reality. Even the way each vendor works with the families in all budgets is amazing. We all have a vision of what we want for our child’s big day, no matter the budget. We are lucky to have some really great vendors on our dream team. Chad Everett has a few tricks up his sleeve for the celebration for Blake, adding a pop of WOW! Don’t be afraid to share your visions and dreams, you will find vendors who want to help you make it a reality.
One of us would like to give away all the details of our party before the big day, and one of us is tight lipped to keep some mystery for our guests, we won’t say who is who! We will share next time how we “built” the celebration with entertainment and who is helping us do it. We will also talk about the “sweet” touches that can be added, in our next blog, “Let them eat cake!”
ABOUT DAVID AND DANIELLE OCKMAN
David and Danielle Ockman love South Florida and reside in Deerfield Beach with their 12 year old son Blake, and 7 year old daughter, Skylar. Blake’s B’mitzvah is scheduled for October, 2014.
David is a licensed clinical psychologist practicing in the field of addictions for over 20 years and Danielle is a Social Worker and the Dean of Students at a private Jewish Day School. Danielle’s passion for making people treats lead her to preparing “specialty and custom” chocolate and edible B’mitzvah favors for “Favor It Things.” David and Danielle have become known in the B’mitzvah community of South Florida, as they host the Facebook group, “South Florida Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah Planning Group.” Some consider this group to be the B’mitzvah hub, bringing parents and vendors together for a “virtual B’mitzvah showcase” everyday. Since starting the FB page, David has been called “Dr. Mitzvah” and the couple continue to talk many B’mitzah parents down off the ledge!
Catch up on what you might have missed:
Blog post #1 here
Blog post #2 here
June 15th, 2014
The Schuster family from Commack, New York, celebrated son Evan’s Bar Mitzvah service on November 9, 2013, at Temple Beth David in Commack, New York, followed by a luncheon at Insignia Steakhouse in Smithtown, New York.
Back in 2011, we featured Sarah Schuster’s celebration with a fashion theme. Now it was her brother’s turn!
With a great logo using Evan’s nickname (“Schooz”) and his love of basketball, the party was exactly the way this family wanted to celebrate, low key and loads of fun.
Pictured above L-R: Dad David, Sister Sarah, Bar Mitzvah boy Evan and Mom Robin.
Studio J Photography was the photographer and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.
Evan was all smiles up at the Bimah
Evan welcomed his guests at the entrance of Insignia Steakhouse
Evan’s invitation, by Wow! Creations, incorporated the red accent color that was used throughout the reception. There was an email RSVP which worked out great
Evan looked so handsome in his suit from Nordstrom and shirt from Kenny’s Men’s and Boyswear
Suzy of Wow! Creations created his logo, incorporating Evan’s nickname. It was used throughout the party and for Evan’s party favors
A version of the logo used on the place cards
Evan’s favorite team is the New York Knicks. He especially loves listening to former NY Knick and television commentator Walt “Clyde” Frazier call the games. Using Evan’s logo, Lighter Than Air, designed Clyde’s famous quotes the focal point of the centerpieces
The signage directed Evan’s friends to their VIP booths
Evan proudly displayed his sign-in book and a poster about his Mitzvah project
Guests enjoyed the amazing food served at Insignia Steakhouse
MC Frankie and the dancers from Tommy Tunes played great music that everyone really enjoyed
Everyone followed MC Frankie’s lead
Tommy Tunes also brought in lots of fun games to entertain guests and a photo booth. Foosball and Pop a Shot were a big hit
Cute photo props
Mom and Dad’s turn in the photo booth
Lighter Than Air also created the sign-in book with this amazing picture of Evan on the cover
The cake, from Alpine Pastry Shoppe, incorporated Evan’s nickname (Schooz) and replicated a basketball sneaker and shoebox
Evan had a wonderful candle lighting ceremony honoring his family and friends
Surrounded by his friends
Wow! Creations created the design for the back of the black hoodies. We love how they tied each sweatshirt with a shoelace!
The logo was placed on the back of the sweatshirt
Evan worked with a charity called Stack the Caps which began in 2008 at Camp Starlight and was inspired by a camper who died from a rare form of cancer. In her memory, Camp Starlight organized Stack the Caps to provide baseball caps to children with cancer.
Evan collected over 100 caps for the children at the Stony Brook Children’s Cancer Center.
Advice from Mom Robin:
“Listen to your children and gauge what they want and don’t want for their special day. Planning a celebration for my son was very different than when I planned my daughter’s party. He wanted something more low-key, from the décor to his involvement in typical party moments. So I tried to respect his wishes and we came up with some amazing compromises. For example, Evan didn’t want pictures of himself all over the venue so we created a logo for him that combined his nickname (Shooz) with his love of basketball. Also, he doesn’t enjoy the spotlight so instead of a typical entrance, we moved the toast to the beginning and welcomed everyone to the party as a family. We also didn’t have a traditional mother/son dance. Instead, our MC Frankie invited all the couples to the dance floor and I dedicated the song “I Hope You Dance” to my son.”
The following vendors helped to make Evan’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Keri, Insignia Steakhouse, 631-656-8100
Photographer: Jodi, Studio J Photography, 631-560-1205
Music Entertainment: MC Frankie, Tommy’s Tunes, 631-732-5886
Décor/sign-in book: Arthur, Lighter Than Air, 516- 933-3210
Invitation/Place cards/Favors: Suzy, WOW! Creations, 516-997-0451
Party entertainment: Photo booth/games, Tommy’s Tunes, 631-732-5886
Cake: Alpine Pastry Shoppe, 631-265-5610
Dresses: To Be Seen, 516-921-5777
Suits for family members: Nordstrom, shirts and ties from Kenny’s Mens and Boyswear, 516-921-2660
Hair/makeup: Karen Meyers, 631-561-9172
Transportation: First Student Bus Company, 631-842-7620
Yarmulkes: Best Kippah, 800-435-1621
June 12th, 2014
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June 11th, 2014
In honor of the unofficial start of summer we can’t wait to share this amazing beach themed Bar Mitzvah from Simcha Lourie, owner of Simcha’s Events, a premier event planning company in St Louis, Missouri.
Simcha and her team created a beach themed Bar Mitzvah inside the Meadowbrook Country Club in Ballwin, Missouri.
With the tropical decor and beached themed details we are shore you will love this one!
Video Gate Studio was the photographer and the rest of the vendor information is listed below.
The surprise theme of “Beach Bummin’ with Blake” was revealed as guests entered the ballroom
Blake entered the room with his sisters and parents by his side
Guests looked at weathered boards to find out where they were seated
Exclusive Events custom-built this bar in the middle of the ballroom
For the tables on the adult side, simple but beautiful exotic flowers served as the floral element with raffia table cloths
Kids sat at custom surfboard tables designed by Exclusive Events
Blake’s Mitzvah “entrance style” included shorts and flip flops
Some of the adult guests were seated at elevated cabanas overlooking the party
A view from the cabana table
Young guests could ride a surf simulator with a custom designed game that featured Blake
“Mazel On The Beach” drinks were served to the adult guests
Signage for the Kids Bar were posted in the sand
Blake up in the chair during the Horah wearing a “Bite Me” shark fin hat
All the guests wanted to wear one too!
Favors were given out from the custom t-shirt shack
We thank Simcha Lourie and her team from Simcha’s Events for sharing this creative Bar Mitzvah with our readers.
Event Planner: Simcha Lourie, Simcha’s Events; Venue: Meadowbrook Country Club; Photography: Video Gate Studio; Decor: Exclusive Events
June 10th, 2014
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June 9th, 2014
*A message from our partner*
You can make a difference and change lives with your Mitzvah Project!
A Bat Mitzvah is an extraordinary milestone. Unfortunately, (thanks Covid!) the party you dreamed of until now isn’t happening, but you can still accomplish the “mitzvah” part of Bat Mitzvah – and turn it into something unique by helping orphaned girls in Israel.
If the word “orphanage” conjures up images of Orphan Annie scrubbing grimy, wooden floors while singing “It’s a Hard-Knock Life,” you need to visit Lev LaLev. Hopefully soon!
LevLaLev (Heart-to-Heart) is located in Netanya, Israel and since 1962, provides a warm and loving home to the 120 girls who reside here between the ages 8-24. Many girls are orphans, and were left without adequate food, clothing, and shelter. Most girls were suffering from neglect, abuse or worse.
Our girls are just like you. They love life. They love friendship and value friends like you who understand them and go beyond the call of duty to provide them with all the things they love and need.
Your Mitzvah Project ensures all their basic needs are met and they receive the gift of field trips, extra-curricular activities, gifts and so much more.
Inspired! Let’s get started! Call us today to start your mitzvah project. Our experienced Mitzvah Project Coordinator will provide ideas and tips to ensure your Mitzvah project is meaningful, memorable and everlasting.
Have an idea? We are excited to set up your unique fundraiser and have it include your hobbies and interests. Get in touch with us for more detail.
Call: 845-367-7130 ext. 102
Visit: www.levlalev.com/batmitzvah
Email: info@levlalev.com
You can make an orphan girl smile again – and make Bat Mitzvah even more meaningful.
Looking forward to celebrating together!
Chavi Weiss
Director of Development
Lev LaLev Girls Orphanage
chavi@levlalev.com
Girls Like You Who Have Made a Difference:
o Bella Silberstein, CA
“I never in my life thought that having my bat mitzvah would bring out this much joy because I got to make these special girls in Israel smile. “
o Margo Weinberger, NY
“Whatever I did for these girls makes me so happy. But I feel as though they did way more for me. We may be six thousand miles away but we really all are family.”
Get Started On Your Mitzvah Project Now!
