May 26th, 2014
FINDING OUT WHAT TYPE OF B’MITZVAH PLANNER YOU ARE
By Dr. and Mrs. Mitzvah (aka David and Danielle Ockman “Favor It Things“)
Our first B’mitzvah blog entry was well received and we appreciate all of the continued support we have received from Mitzvah Market and our FB group!
Did you all start identifying your B’mitzvah support network and your OWN personal BMBFF’s?
This week we surpassed 1600 members in our “South Florida Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah Planning Group” and we are planning and de-stressing all the way to the bima!
However, this psychologist and social worker couple, could not help but notice that B’mitzvah parents, our “BMBFF’s” (B’mitzvah Best Friends Forever-lol) and group members fell into two distinct categories.
1) Type A- “We are good, we planned the whole thing last week!”
and
2) Type B- “We will try to plan something but just not now…We have too much on our plate.”
We are Type A B’mitzvah planning parents but have empathy for our Type B counterparts who seem to become immobilized and overwhelmed. We have been motivating them to embrace the B’mitzvah experience fully. When it comes to planning the B’mitzvah reception, becoming overwhelmed is common. We used “radical acceptance” to overcome the irrational belief that we have to “have it all” for our reception to be just right.
Fully accepting that we can “have some things and not others” is part of “staying happy” in life and in B’mitzvah planning for sure!
In the midst of these therapeutic self interventions, a break to watch “Keeping Up With The Stein’s” really drove home the reason that parents become so anxious and want to avoid planning. Procrastination is a maladaptive pattern of behavior that takes away our power of choice. Remember, “if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”
Watching this classic B’mitzvah movie moved us back in time, where we thought of our own B’mitzvahs—Not just because the movie was about B’mitzvah planning, but because one of the families has a “Titanic” themed showboat reception, and despite having limited funds, this Dr. Mitzvah had his own on the MISS FLORIDA Yacht in 1984. My B’mitzvah was complete with T-shirts that read, “We Rocked the Boat at David’s Bar Mitzvah.” Now, the Mrs., on the other hand had a Bat Mitzvah in the 80’s as well, complete with a handmade rainbow posterboard sign-in and lucite candy boxes.
As parents, we find ourselves often deciding whether our kids deserve more than what we got as kids or less. In the end, we decided a “happy medium” between the MISS FLORIDA and the handmade poster boards was where we were headed. But we digress, the point of “radical acceptance” and the “Keeping Up With The Stein’s” movie was that we are not in competition with anyone and that we cannot allow ourselves to lose focus of the meaning behind the beautiful B’mitzvah experience and the celebration of choice!
Anyway, just like that B’mitzvah boat…we are “full steam ahead” in our planning.
With our hotel venue booked, we set out to draft the next set of B’mitzvah dream team professionals who soon joined the list of our “BMBFFs.”
Finding the right people is another way that we make sure stress is kept at bey.
We chose a decor company, “Dalsimer-Atlas Floral and Event Decorators.” They have been doing this for almost 100 years (for our Northerners Dalsimer, Spitz and Peck)! David Dalsimer was awesome and showed us how B’mitzvah decor can be a back drop for magical memories that last a lifetime—and with a name like David, we liked him already! Theme is in the works and all is on schedule making sure to “roll out the red carpet” for our guests.
Danielle with David Dalsimer
And one last recommendation for a sure fire way to delete stress from the equation…hire a “day of coordinator.”
All loose ends and coordination on our big day would distract from the pure joy. If your “day of coordinator” doesn’t become your BMBFF nobody will.
We found a true friend in transplanted New York dynamo, Bianca Cirillo of “Tied With a Bow” who does it all and knows the importance of details.
It looks like it is still smooth “sailing” in our quest for the least stressfull B’mitzvah planning ever.
Next time, a look at Blake’s B’Mitzvah project benefitting the Jewish Adoption and Foster Care Options, booking our entertainment and unexpected inspiration found in a BMBFF.
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!
May 25th, 2014
Melisa Imberman, founder of The Event of a Lifetime, a full service event planning company located in Westchester County, New York, recently created a neon Bar Mitzvah celebration.
The colors black, neon green and neon blue were used throughout the reception.
Jodi Buren of Tripp Street Studio was the photographer.
The logo was an actual neon sign
The neon green and black place cards really popped
The centerpieces were in modern glass tube vases
The tables were neon green spandex cutouts to reveal the black spandex underneath and the chairs were covered in neon blue spandex over the black
Fun beaded bracelets were used as a napkin ring
The sign explaining the meaning behind the napkin rings which were made from Jasper stones (Jasper is the Bar Mitzvah boy’s name) and doubled as bracelets for the ladies to take home
A caricature of the Bar Mitzvah boy was on display on the lampshade centerpieces
And on the cocktail napkins as well. Guests also had the opportunity to get their caricatures done at the party
Suspended neon hued Slinkys hung from the ceiling adding a great decor element
The lounge area for the kids included the same spandex cutouts used for the adults
The waitstaff wore neon green bow ties
The MC and dancers wore black, neon green and neon blue makeup
Neon candy buffet with custom labels
We thank Melisa Imberman, The Event of a Lifetime for sharing this great neon themed Bar Mitzvah with us.
May 25th, 2014
The Gravitch family from Staten Island, New York, celebrated son Kyle’s Bar Mitzvah on November 9, 2013, with a Havdalah service at Arden Heights Boulevard Jewish Center and a reception immediately following at Old Bermuda Inn, both in Staten Island, New York.
It was an “iMitzvah” theme which was incorporated into everything from the kippot and invitation to the party decor and favors!
Pictured L-R: Dad Dan, Bar Mitzvah boy Kyle, Sister Alexa and Mom Elisa.
The photographer was Pro Lux Studios and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
There was a beautiful Havdalah service at Arden Heights Boulevard Jewish Center
For a nice personal touch, frames displaying photographs titled “Kyle’s Smiles” were on the kippot table
The inside of the kippot had the inscription “Appy imitzvah” a great play on words given his theme
One proud Bar Mitzvah boy, we mean man, holding his certificate!
Nonni’s Inspirations by Rose created Kyle’s iPhone invitation which gave his guests a glimpse of the party theme
Everyone looked great in shades of blue. Mom Elisa and sister Alexa got their dresses at Ultimate Fashions and Bar Mitzvah boy Kyle and Dad Dan at The Clothing Center
The decor and centerpieces incorporated each of Kyle’s interests and were created by Nonni’s Inspiration by Rose. Here’s the place card table…
One of the centerpieces represented the Facebook table
The Netflix table
The sign-in photo scrapbook was created at the party from The Voto Booth and was a big hit! The booth produces both photos and videos that are put on a USB flash drive and given to the family after the party. Two sets of pictures printed out and the attendant put one set in the book and then the guests wrote a message to Kyle next to their pictures
Magic Touch Productions was a big hit and kept everyone on the dance floor and Al Rock and his partner John were the MC and DJ
Everyone had a great time on the dance floor
There were many fun give-aways
Kyle had some great dancing shoes
Nonni’s Inspirations by Rose made the display
The Old Bermuda Inn baked delicious cupcakes and desserts for guests to enjoy
Delicious chocolate iPhone favors from Doreen’s Creations were a big hit!
Mom Elisa made the out-of-town baskets and delivered them to the hotel the day before the guests checked in. A welcome note from Kyle was included along with: water bottles, toothpaste, mouthwash, floss, candy, pretzels and gum
Through the organization Remember Us, Kyle did remember a child from the Holocaust who did not get to have a Bar Mitzvah. The child’s name was Jacob Aiken. The Project provides the student and the Bar/Bat Mitzvah teacher with the name of a lost child, information about him/her, and suggestions for simple acts of remembrance.
Advice from Mom Elisa:
“Do not listen to other people when they tell you not to worry and that you have plenty of time to plan the event. Time goes very fast and you should pace yourself and get whatever you can done early so you are less stressed later on. And remember to enjoy the day!”
The following vendors made Kyle’s celebration very special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: The Old Bermuda Inn, 718-948-7600
Music Entertainment/MC: Magic Touch Productions, 347-210-2347
Photographer/Videographer: Pro Lux Studios, 718-946-4399
Décor/florist: Nonni’s Inspirations by Rose, 718-351-6676
Party entertainment: The Voto Booth, 718-967-2554
Invitation: Nonni’s Inspirations by Rose
Favors: Doreen’s Creations, 718-605-6797
Cupcakes: The Old Bermuda Inn
Sign-In book: The Voto Booth
Candle lighting display: Nonni’s Inspirations by Rose
Kyle’s Kippot: Best Kippah, 800-435-1621
Dresses for family members: Ultimate Fashions, 718-605-3274
Suits for family members: The Clothing Center, 732-254-0870
Hair/makeup: Makeovers Beauty Beat, 718-966-7677
Women’s Head Coverings: Alibaba.com
May 25th, 2014
Leonardo Vatkin Photography is a full service photography, video & event Website company that services the NY Tri-State area and Hudson Valley.
Leonardo Vatkin will follow you anywhere for your special pre-Bar Bat Mitzvah shoots!
Owner Leo likes to get out of the studio to photograph his subjects where they feel most comfortable and in the midst of what they are passionate about. Often, he is asked to shoot his young subjects several months before their Bar or Bat Mitzvah for “decor shoots” — to create images that will be used on invitations, Websites, posters, pillows, sign-in books and other items that will set the tone for their events. He feels it is most visually engaging to shoot on location.
“A lot of people think you need a white background for posters or sign-in books, but that is so not the case. I make these shoots fun. What kid does not want to feel like a model for a day?” says Leo Vatkin, owner. “Especially when we shoot in the city, the kids enjoy feeling like a celebrity with people looking on wondering who this is with their own paparazzi in tow. It really builds confidence and excitement which comes across in the images.”
While Leo enjoys shooting in urban locations around boroughs, he knows of several hidden gems in the ‘burbs, as well — and is happy to shoot at the beach or in a park or wherever his subjects feel most alive and happy.
View more images from recent shoots below and see how they were used here.
It’s also fun to watch a video from these shoots here.
Long Island City graffiti art is an engaging backdrop for urban-themed décor
Head to the Meatpacking District for that quintessential neighborhood vibe
Our subject surrounded by his passion. Music was at the forefront of this Bar Mitzvah event
Cover girl poses midtown for her fashion-themed shoot. Taxi!
Urban architecture creates drama for this décor shoot
It appears the whole world is in her hands at Rockefeller Center in NYC
Fun in the waves at this décor shoot for a beach-inspired Bat Mitzvah event
To learn more about Leonardo Vatkin Photography, visit their profile page in our Vendor Directory.
May 21st, 2014
Although a table number might seem like a small detail when planning a Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration, there are many creative ways to wow your guests and give your tables personality!
As you will see below, families have come up with creative ways to let guests know where to sit. No longer do you have to settle for a framed number!
Check out the way these table numbers are designed around Bar Bat Mitzvah themes:
For a Golf inspired theme, The Event of a Lifetime used flags to designate the table numbers
The Beinhaker family celebrated at a sleepaway camp. Magnolia West Events used sliced wood with numbers painted in red as the table numbers
Hi Tech Photography Events used black and white pictures of the Bat Mitzvah girl and colored numbers to coordinate with the color and theme
We found this creative table number on Pinterest. Kristin Newman Designs cleverly used CDs as table numbers
Sarah Merians Photography & Video Company photographed these Mitzvah celebration Theme Park signs as table numbers
Balloon Artistry created a Tiffany & Co. inspired centerpiece with a blinged table number
Julie Cohen of It Events by Julie created this Bar Mitzvah theme based on the popular book series by Jeff Kinney, Diary Of A Wimpy Kid complete with unique table numbers
Simcha Events and M Haley Design created “beach bummin'” decor using custom shells as the table number
From Marquis Florals & Event Design By Kim, a light-up table number which can be done in a variety of colors and themes
The More Than An Invitation: A Mitzvah By Jewish National Fund has many invitations and certificates that can be used as tables numbers for Bar Bat Mitzvah celebrations
From an upcoming Mitzvah Family Spotlight, here’s an art deco table number created by the mom and printed by Simon Elliot Events
Linda Morrow Photography took a great shot of this elegant table number for a “JULry Box” Bat Mitzvah theme
Grand Marquis set up table numbers for this celebration with a Cafe theme. Each table was based on a different pastry with actual samples!
Allyson of Bob Gail Special Events brought her creative talents to the table and dreamed up these carnival Bat Mitzvah themed table numbers
Did your child’s celebration have a creative table number? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
May 21st, 2014
Custom Discount Apparel (CDA) is a family-run business dedicated to the creation of unique Bar and Bat Mitzvah Favors. They have the knowledge to turn your party favors into instant hits! Design your own logo using their website or have one of their artists create a custom logo specifically for you!
CDA has served over 2,000 Bar and Bat Mitzvah families both locally and nationwide. CDA will help you create the perfect logo, select favors that will be seasonally appropriate and fashionably unique, assist you with accurate garment sizing for your guests, and finish it off with organized packaging to make distribution easy.
Lightweight Hooded Long Sleeve T-Shirts Are The Hot Item For Mitzvah Favors!
Perfect for every season and great for girls or boys, their comfortable lightweight hooded t-shirts come in every color. Great for Fall Bar or Bat Mitzvahs!
And, don’t forget that CDA can package and label all of your favors. They can put them in customized water bottles, sling bags, or simply roll and label them. CDA will be happy to provide you with a label file at no extra charge if you decide you would like to package the Bar Bat Mitzvah favors yourself.
Comfortable and lightweight
For boys and girls, they come in a variety of colors
To learn more about Custom Discount Apparel, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
May 21st, 2014
Twins Hallie and Jared celebrated their B’nai Mitzvah at the Marlboro Jewish Center in Marlboro, New Jersey, with a Havdallah service followed by a black tie celebration.
Mom Randee hand-made many of the party elements and says her family’s celebration was truly the, “Best Day Ever.”
Pictured L-R: Bat Mitzvah girl Hallie, Dad Joel, Mom Randee and Bar Mitzvah boy Jared
DonaLisa Photography took all of the pictures and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
A coordinating stamp was used on all invitations
First the ladies: Mom Randee’s long gown was from Castle Couture and Hallie’s hi-low dress was from Rue Royale Couture. Both Dad Joel and Jared wore tuxedos from Russell’s Tuxedo Court
Later in the evening, Hallie slipped into her blinged out sneakers that her mom bedazzled!
The Havdallah service was held at the Marlboro Jewish Center
Randee created the blinged holders for the yarmulkes, ladies head coverings and service programs
Mom Randee created Hallie and Jared’s logo with Inkwell. It was used on various elements throughout their celebration. Their initials and date of their B’nai Mitzvah were included in their custom logo
It was the BEST.DAY.EVER!
Guests took photos in front of their step n repeat banner produced at stickersbanners.com
The family worked with Dave Esquenazi on the food and Cindi Kaplin from Simply Invitations on the decor
Randee created this sign for the kids lounge area
White feather centerpieces were on each table
Randee created many special touches herself! Including the place cards, head coverings and basket, bathroom basket frame and sign, yarmulke baskets, service programs, table numbers, napkin rings, menu cards, cake topper, centerpiece for place card table, photo books and signage for sign-in, signage for kids lounge, step and repeat banner, goody bags and she still found time to bling up Hallie’s sneakers for the party!
Bathroom basket
Place card table and centerpiece
Place cards
Menu card
Music entertainment was provided by Noble Entertainment with twin MCs Phil and Andrew!
The dance floor was packed all night!
Jared up in the chair for the Horah!
Hallie’s turn
Randee danced with her guests
Dad Joel works for MSG as a video producer. He enjoyed creating their montage so much that he would like to start creating these special Bar Bat Mitzvah montages for other families too. The creative montage featured Joel’s “sports” friends from MSG and other video clips. It was a big hit with the crowd!
Like many of the other elements, Randee designed Hallie and Jared’s sign-in books and the sign! Each book had a picture of each guest!
Guests found their picture in each book and could sign their name and/or leave a special message
There was lots of extra entertainment for guests at this celebration. Hair bling was provided by Donna Belle Hair Jewels
Photo fun by The Main Event
Tattoos by Any Time Any Face
Mom Randee made the large initial cake topper and blinged the candles!
The entire family
Hallie and Jared’s friends posed for a photo
Inkwell Global Marketing created the sweatshirts, t-shirts and drawstring bags for guests
Guests also received water bottles with custom labels, a bag of chips, cookies, danish and comfy slippers for the ride home!
Favor bags for guests lined up and ready to go!
Check out the many treats for these guests….Snow cones
Chocolate fountains
Pucker Powder
The Best Day Ever left Jared, and especially Hallie, exhausted!
The family walked in the March Of Dimes, “March For Babies Walk” on April 27, 2014, in New York City to raise money to fund research that helps prevent premature births and promote healthy pregnancies. Hallie and Jared chose this Mitzvah Project in memory of their sister, Marni Joy, who was born premature at 26 weeks and only lived in the NICU for 11 days
Some Mom to Mom advice from Randee:
“1. Be organized and start early! Get creative, get involved, I was sketching logos, designing color combinations, attending Bar Mitzvah showcases and researching ideas at least a year before our B’nai Mitzvah.
2. Before affair: Get kids involved, let them have a say, give them choices and let them help out.
3. Day of affair: Take a moment or two and soak it all in, realize it was all worth it. Soak up all of the love and smiles, I did!!
4. Write thank you notes to Rabbi, Cantor and all vendors/people who helped make your affair the best one ever!”
The following vendors helped to make Hallie and Jared’s celebration special. If you call any of these vendors, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Marlboro Jewish Center, 732-536-2300
Caterer/Cake: Dave Esquenazi, Exquisite Caterers, 732-294-0032
Centerpieces and Invitations: Simply Invitations, Cindi Kaplin 732-617-7211
Stamps: Zazzle.com
Music Entertainment: Twin MC’s Phil/Andrew, Noble Productions 732-972-6944
Party Entertainment (Photo table, photo booth and cubbies): The Main Event, 1-800-839-0918
Photographer: DonaLisa Photography, 732-792-6801
Videographer: Kevin Hodapp Video Productions, 732-254-8352
Montage: Made with love by Dad Joel, 908-433-2246, greatmontage@gmail.com
Tattoos: Any Time Any Face, 732-619-6775
Hair Bling: Donna Bella Hair Jewels, 1-888-424-7548
Sign-in books: Made by Mom, www.mixbook.com
Party Favors (Drawstring bag, sweatshirt/t-shirts): Inkwell Global Marketing, 1-800-437-8518
Mom’s Dress: Castle Couture, 732-617-1414
Hallie’s Dress: Rue Royale Couture, 732-758-0224
Dad and Jared’s Tux: Russell’s Tuxedo Court, 732-972-3988
Make-Up: Brittney, 732-688-7396
Yarmulkes: www.kippah.com, 1-888-kippahs
Personalized Napkins: The Knot, 1-800-390-9784
Personalized Items: Vistaprint, 1-866-614-8002
Step N Repeat banner: Stickersbanners.com
May 18th, 2014
Since 1997, Eleni’s Cookies has been a must-see in Manhattan and since then has grown into a national business with their Website and shipping options.
In addition to her stores, Eleni’s signature cookies can be found in Whole Foods, Fairway, Zabars, and Dean & Deluca to name a few.
Her bakery is nut-free and kosher.
Eleni’s can customize the treats with Bar Bat Mitzvah logos and/or pictures and messages.
Check out some of their designs below:
Whether you are happy, sad, love struck or mad, you can have a sweet iCookie Conversation with these adorable smiley faces
OMG! Send a sweet text message to your BFF!
Lots of options for a fashion theme
There are more designs in their Bar Bat Mitzvah section
For more information on these cookies call Eleni’s cookies at 888-4-ELENIS or visit their Website.
May 18th, 2014
The Warter family from Livingston, New Jersey, celebrated son Ryan’s Bar Mitzvah on October 12, 2013, with a ceremony at Temple B’nai Abraham in Livingston, New Jersey, and the reception the next day at Cedar Hill Country Club also in Livingston, New Jersey.
As the family tells Mitzvah Market, they wanted to celebrate the miracle and blessing of Ryan turning 13. At first they were not sure how to create a Bar Mitzvah for a child with special needs, but once committed, they took it head on. They wanted Ryan to experience it all and he sure did!
Pictured L-R: Dad Oren, Brother Jake, Bar Mitzvah boy Ryan, Mom Barbara and Brother Zachary.
The photographer was Dina Bustin Photography and the rest of the vendor spotlight is listed at the end of the spotlight.
When Ryan was born he had many medical problems. While he continues to live with more challenges than most of us could imagine, nothing stops Ryan. He is a smart, funny kid who loves a good party, so that is exactly how they celebrated…with a great party!
The family had fun taking advantage of a photo op on the lawn of the golf course
To honor Ryan and celebrate their family, a small and intimate afternoon service was held at Temple B’nai Abraham. Rabbi Kulwin and Cantor Epstein worked incredibly well with Ryan to make his Bar Mitzvah a success. Since Ryan communicates in sign language, the Warters customized a one-of-a-kind service. Everything from signing and singing the blessings, to having a guitar player accompany the Cantor. All family members and many friends were included in the service.
Ryan held the torah
Julie Maloof Designs created this special invitation. The front had all of Ryan’s service and party information.
The flip side included all of Ryan’s interests and adjectives describing him
Ryan and his brothers were ready to party in their outfits from 580 South.
These handsome boys know how to work it!
The logo created by LikeWear, reflected Ryan’s lovable personality and payed homage to Ryan’s language, American Sign Language, by incorporating the “I Love You” hand sign in place of the “W” for his RWB logo.
One of the centerpieces that displayed Ryan’s cool logo
Personalized photo pillows from a pre-Bar Mitzvah photo shoot looked great on the white lounge furniture
Ryan made his grand entrance on the shoulders of the dancers.
Ryan and his guests were all smiles
Since Ryan loves dancing and being the center of attention, EJ the DJ, MC Kershel and his entire crew made that happen! Amazing music and positive vibes flowed all night long.
The family showed-off their dance moves
Ryan and brother Zachary
Ryan was the center of all the action
High-Fives for everyone
The family made a scrapbook so Ryan could match the personalized messages with pictures of guests.
Claudia from It Could Be Verse created the candle lighting puzzle which featured a younger photo of Ryan.
Ryan pictured with his candle lighting puzzle
Family and friends gathered around Ryan when he lit the candles
Ryan and Mom Barbara lit the candles
Ryan shared many special moments with his parents during the party.
A great hug from Mom
Always the jokester with dad
EJ the DJ provided the great photo favors.
Ryan loves seeing himself in pictures, he looked great!
Ryan and brother Zachary signing together
The favors from LikeWear were T-shirts with Ryan’s logo on the front and the words describing his likes and personality on the back.
Each favor bag had Ryan’s awesome logo
The back of the favors were just like the back of the invitations
Guests were treated to an awesome candy bar at the end of the evening.
The family formed Ryan’s Team and participated in the Friendship Circle Walk on October 21, 2013, to raise awareness and support for The Friendship Circle and Life Town, a community center being built for children with special needs in Livingston, New Jersey. In commemoration, something in the center will be named in honor of Ryan’s project. To read more about Ryan’s Mitzvah project, click here.
The Friendship Walk
Some advice from Mom Barbara:
“Don’t sweat the small stuff. It is important to think of a lot of details, but keep things in perspective. Think about your child and what they need or want, since after all, this celebration is for them! Celebrate with good friends. Love your family. Be in the moment. Count your blessings. At the end of the day, that’s all that matters.”
The following vendors helped to make Ryan’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you call any of them, please let them know you read about them on MitzvahMarket.com.
Temple: B’nai Abraham, 973-994-2290
Venue: Cedar Hill Country Club, 973-992-4700
Party Planners: Mom and brothers Zack and Jake
Music Entertainment/Videographer/Extra Entertainment: MC Kershel, EJ the DJ, 800-358-4335
Photographer: Dina Bustin Photography, 917-593-5165
Logo/Favor person: LikeWear, 973-535-5654
Invitation: Julie Maloof Designs, 973-615-6952
Candle Lighting puzzle board: Claudia, It Could be Verse, 732-679-8093
Candy Table: Mom Barbara
Dresses for family members: Bloomingdales and Nordstrom
Suits for family members: 580 South, 973-758-0580
Hair/makeup: Dieci Spa 973-716-0101
May 14th, 2014
The Rosenzweig family of Closter, New Jersey, celebrated son Jake’s Bar Mitzvah service and reception on January 25, 2014, at Powerhouse Studios and Entertainment in Paramus, New Jersey.
Jake, a Brooklyn Nets fan, decided on a “Jammin’ with Jake” theme and his celebration included a surprise guest who came to party with Jake and his friends.
Pictured L-R: Dad Todd, Mom Ilene, Bar Mitzvah boy Jake and Sister Camryn.
Photography was by Powerhouse Studios & Entertainment and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
Jake’s invitation was black card stock with white text in a modern font from Lori of All About Invitations
Powerhouse Studios is a unique 17,000 square foot event venue making it a perfect choice for the family who wants their service and party in one location. According to Mom Ilene, “Powerhouse Studios makes hosting a party fun and non-stressful!”
Jake’s logo was inspired by his favorite basketball team, the Brooklyn Nets, and was created by Lori of All About Invitations
Powerhouse Studios has built-in decor. Jake’s guests enjoyed looking at famous scenes from some of Hollywood’s most popular movies. Powerhouse Studios is a Hollywood themed venue that also boasts a night club environment with illuminated tables and lounge furniture
Jake posed with Marilyn Monroe before the party
The logo was on the lampshade centerpieces and the table linens were black with white napkins
Their huge 1,500 square foot dance floor, high-tech lighting effects and video walls, created the perfect atmosphere for a rockin’ party
Since the theme was “Jammin’ with Jake,” all of Jake’s friends, family and close family friends rocked the night away. MC Darrell and the dancers were amazing and interacted all night with guests. Jake up in the chair for the Horah
MC Darrell, the dancers and the Rosenzweig family with Jake
A perfect photo op for Jake’s friends with Godfrey, one of the dancers
And for Mom Ilene and her friends too!
The sign-in board was a huge poster of Jake featuring his logo
Powerhouse Studios has built-in interactive fun including great arcade games
And arm wrestling with Godfrey
On the Move Events and Entertainment provided a special surprise guest. Verbal Ace, a beat box sensation and contestant from “America’s Got Talent,” was a big hit among the kids
The family decided on a traditional candle lighting ceremony
The family made a wish together
Mitzvah Project:
Jake chose to do a food drive for the Closter Food Pantry in Closter, New Jersey. He collected 45 overflowing bags and delivered them to the pantry where he dated, sorted and stocked all the non-perishable food items he collected.
Jake felt a great sense of accomplishment and will be holding another food drive in the future
Some advice from Mom Ilene:
“I cannot believe I actually survived all the Bar Mitzvah planning. I would love to be able to give some Mom-to-Mom advice that I wish I had. I would have to say to relax and enjoy all of the planning. Make it a fun time. The celebration goes so fast that you might as well enjoy every moment planning and celebrating your child along the way. I would also say not to sweat the small stuff. All the little extras really don’t matter in the whole picture. It’s the special people and the love you feel in the room that makes the celebration a true success.”
The following vendors helped to make Jake’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue/Photography: Powerhouse Studios & Entertainment, Paramus, New Jersey location, 201-265-9060
Party Planner: Nicole Estrada, Powerhouse Studios & Entertainment
Music Entertainment: Powerhouse Studios & Entertainment, MC Darrell
Invitations/Logo/Favors: Lori, All About Invitations, 845-357-8070
Sign-in-board: Robert, Powerhouse Studios & Entertainment
Verbal Ace/Speciality Act: On The Move Events and Entertainment, 212-229-1009
Cake: Gourmet Desserts, 973-815-1111
Dress for Sister Camryn: Party Girl, 201-568-8804
Dress for Mom Ilene: Saks Fifth Avenue
Bar Mitzvah boy Jake’s suit: Sam’s Fine Men’s Clothing, 973-422-1000
Dad Todd suit: Tom James, 212-599-1650
Hair/makeup: Studio Nina, 201-767-0008
