August 16th, 2015
The Kaufman family of Marlboro, New Jersey, celebrated son Brett’s Bar Mitzvah with the service and reception at Jumping Brook Country Club in Neptune City, New Jersey.
Brett’s celebration brought the sights, food and fun of the New Jersey boardwalk to his family and friends.
There were so many interactive entertainment choices, that guests really felt like they were on the boardwalk.
Pictured L-R: Bar Mitzvah Boy Brett, Mom Valerie, Dad EJ and Brother Ross.
The photography was Visual Image Video and Photography and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
The family worked with Chocolate Dreams & Wishes on the Boardwalk-themed edible chocolate invitation. There was a website included just in case of invitation disappearance!
Cookie place cards were made by The Fancy Lady Gourmet on Etsy.com. Guests got to eat their place cards after they found their table!
Parties with Pizazz created the great decor.
The adult centerpieces had a Star of David theme and were filled with candy kisses
The festive kids’ centerpieces were candy towers with balloons
Celebrity Entertainment provided great music and dancers. MC TJ was on the dance floor all night. – See more at: https://mitzvahmarket.com/mitzvah-spotlight/family/the-lindsey-goldstein-bat-mitzvah-family-spotlight/#sthash.zXL1yebe.dpuf
The sign-in was a bean bag chair that Mom Valerie ordered from Zazzle.com with custom logo.
Brett up on the chair for the Horah
The dance floor was packed featuring Xplosive Entertainment’s MC Jordan, dancers and DJ Valentine who all did an amazing job.
Dad EJ having fun on the dance floor
Xplosive Entertainment and Total Entertainment provided many interactive activities and fun food that you would find on the boardwalk.
A virtual roller coaster experience
NASCAR competition
Some hoop action
Pac Man Royale
Got to “Be in It to Win it! where guests had 1 minute to complete a task to win a $10 gift card
Photo candy boxes filled with candy
Custom picture flip-flops were a big hit
Brett lighting a candle with his parents
The candle lighting display with Brett’s name was created by Parties With Pizazz.
Candy sushi bar
The desserts were plentiful and included candy sushi, ice cream sundaes with lots of toppings, fried Oreos, Twinkies and a popcorn cart.
An ice cream bar with all the toppings
The favors, from Randi Goldberg of Clearly Branded, were duffel bags with pro kadima sets. The duffel bag customized with Brett’s Bar Mitzvah date on it
This replica of a 7-11 came stocked full of goodies for a great send-off.
Brett went to a 6-week training class at the Chabad Lubavich of West Monmouth County in Manalapan, New Jersey as a part of their MVP Program. He learned about children with disabilities and how he could volunteer to help them. He also had been involved with their annual fundraising “Walk with Friends” in Holmdel, New Jersey in May. His next volunteer assignment will be at a carnival for children with disabilities. These different activities really increased Brett’s awareness of different types of disabilities and children who need extra help to enjoy life.
Some advice from Mom Valerie:
“It’s a lot of planning for 5 hours. No matter how hard you work on every details, there will also be some things that do not happen as you planned. Try to focus on the positive and enjoy every minute of the party.”
Here is the list of vendors who made Brett’s party special. If you call any, please make sure you tell them that you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Jumping Brook Club, 732-922-8200
Party Planner: Mom Valerie
Music Entertainment: Owner/MC Jordan, Xplosive Entertainment, 732-866-1620
Photographer/Videographer: Visual Image Video and Photography, 732-679-9900
Videography: Jeff Tureaud Videography, 732-598-7907
Invitation: Chocolate Dreams and Wishes, 724-209-1159
Cookie Place Cards: The Fancy Lady Gourmet
Kadima set and Duffle favors: Randi Goldberg, 973-328-0160
Party entertainment: Xplosive Entertainment, 732-866-1620, Total Entertainment, 201-894-0055
Cake: Carousel Bakery, 732-888-9112
Décor/florist: Parties with Pizzaz, 917-903-0968
Sign-In bean bag: Zazzle.com
Mom Valerie’s gown: Jovani brand, Estelle’s Dressy Dresses, 631-420-0890
Suits for family members: Nordstrom
August 16th, 2015
When Mitzvah Market discovered Goodie Pails, we thought there were many Bar/Bat Mitzvah uses for these custom handmade gift pails which are personalized with photos of your choice.
It would be a great gift for a Bar Bat Mitzvah child, an adorable decor item for a Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration and can even be used to hold gifts!
Goodie Pails, conceived by best friends Robin Mallor and Heather Apfel, began by making “birthday projects” for each others daughters. Each Goodie Pail would capture the year of their daughters’ friendship with pictures of the two of them during special times together.
No two pails are the same, each pail is unique and made especially for the recipient.
Each picture is hand cut and decoupaged with CARE and LOVE
This pail was used as a toiletry pail in the venue bathroom
Perfect to hold kippot
Also good to hold socks!
The Goodie Pails come in a variety of sizes and are sold empty. After you purchase the size pail you want, you will be prompted to upload pictures to the secure DropBox site.
For more information, visit GoodiePails.com or contact Heather at heather@goodiepails.com or Robin at Robin@goodiepails.com. Let them know you saw their Goodie Pails on MitzvahMarket.com!
August 12th, 2015
Special Events Magazine recently featured a “Mission Impossible” themed Bar Mitzvah.
This mission was possible with a team of talented designers and input from the Bar Mitzvah family. The result was a sophisticated “Mission Impossible” Bar Mitzvah theme complete with a dramatic entrance. The colors of black, white, and red were carried throughout the event.
The photographer was John and Joseph.
The Mission Impossible theme was first introduced through the invitations created by Copper Willow
The place cards were displayed in briefcases
The white dance floor of the Beverly Hills Hotel featured a dangerous bullseye decal
Sebastian was suspended from the ceiling for a grande entrance landing right on the target in the middle of the dance floor ready to party
This cityscape backdrop set the mood with the Bar Mitzvah boy’s name in red acrylic letters
There were both round and long tables featuring an arch of red flowers which evoked the image of Mission Impossible hero Ethan Hunt’s incredible stunts
A view of the long tables displayed a palette of red and white predominates
Glowing tables lit up the lounge area
Venue: Beverly Hills Hotel; Photography: Photos by John and Joseph; Invitation: Cooper Willow; Event Planner: Shawna Yamamoto Event Design; and Details, Details; Rentals: Revelry Event Design; Lighting: Amber Event Production;
August 12th, 2015
Carlyle Catering boasts four exceptional Long Island venues that are sure to make your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah memorable: Temple Israel of Lawrence, Carlyle at the Palace, Carlyle at the Omni, and Carlyle on the Green at Bethpage State Park.
Carlyle at the Palace is a contemporary chic venue specifically designed to host Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations. Conveniently located off the Long Island Expressway in Plainview, New York, the professional staff at Carlyle at the Palace will cater to your every need and create an extraordinary custom event just for your child.
Carlyle at the Palace is fully equipped with the latest in wireless technology –including screens and lighting. The venue is meant to be transformed into whatever your imagination desires – from a lively sports bar, to a trendy lounge, to an enchanting gala – to create a truly unique and unforgettable party.
Same incredible space, four different looks:
Carlyle at the Palace features an incredible bar area with ambient lighting
Unique seating arrangements featuring custom built tables by Carlyle Designs
Carlyle at the Palace has ample space for lounge furniture and high top tables for the kids
Fully transformed ballroom with draped cabanas and custom tables and chairs by Carlyle Designs
To learn more about Carlyle Catering, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
August 12th, 2015
The Candy Isle is a unique concept that brings the candy store to your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah party.
This first of its kind “store” can serve as your Bar Bat Mitzvah candy buffet with 18-36 bins of your favorite candy.
The Candy Isle has different configurations (straight, square, triangle and rectangle) allowing accessibility to many guests at one time.
You can truly be “ like a kid in a candy store!”
The containers, which commemorate your event, can also be your guests’ favors
To learn more, visit their Website.
August 12th, 2015
Remember when?
As you are planning your own child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah, it’s only natural to think back when you were 13 years old and were going through the same rite of passage. Were you calm, nervous? Do you still remember your torah portion?
Was your celebration in the afternoon, night? At a Temple or club? Did you have a theme?
We thought it might be fun to have a “Bar Bat Mitzvah Throw Back” with our Mitzvah Market readers and vendors.
Please email us (info@mitzvahmarket.com) your Bar or Bat Mitzvah picture and we will add it to our story below. Please also share any memories from your Bar or Bat Mitzvah service/celebration.
David Greenhill standing in from of his sign-in board at his Bar Mitzvah in 1985
Gili Warsett shared her funny “peace” themed Bat Mitzvah with www.kveller.com
Cheryl Block, circa 1980 at Temple Beth Torah, Philadelphia, PA
“Pictured above are my brothers and sisters at my brother Paul’s Bar Mitzvah in 1972. He’s the tallest on the right. I’m the cute girl in the middle and almost 2 years old. I don’t personally have any memories because I think I went to sleep in my stroller shortly after this picture. The affair was at Temple Shaare Zion in Brooklyn. My mother chose this venue because it was the most beautiful synagogue she knew of in Brooklyn. She had the service and kiddush luncheon the week before at our local synagogue. Then a week later, the Saturday evening celebration with a fabulous candy cart and his theme was sports related. The gowns were purchased at Lester’s in Brooklyn. At that time, Lester’s sold gowns. They were hanging from almost the ceiling of the store.” — Reader Stephanie Masheb
TV Executive Jeff Zucker is featured in Jill Rappaport’s book, Mazel Tov: Celebrities’ Bar and Bat Mitzvah Memories. He says, “I have vivid memories of my Bar Mitzvah. I remember that I wasn’t at all intimidated by being in front of people, or scared of it. I enjoyed it. I assumed that’s what you did and that it was a normal way you have a Bar Mitzvah. It was a good experience. You know, my Mom planned the whole thing. It probably took a year to do that. I was happy with it, the service and the party. And I remember the party was afterward at the Starlight Roof of the Doral Hotel in Miami Beach.”
Melissa Schorr, author of Goy Crazy celebrated her Bat Mitzvah in 1985 in Riverdale, New York and at Tardi’s in the Bronx. She remembers, “I was determined to wear white, like my cool older cousin had for her Bat Mitzvah earlier that year, so here is the sad style result: I look like a lace doily. My main memory of that day: having a big zit on my cheek that was immune to any cover-up make-up we tried. The horror! My mother ended up having the photographer air brush it out of the final pictures”
Kids Mitzvah style then and now! On the left is Sheri Lapidus, founder of MitzvahMarket.com in a cranberry corderoy vest and skirt standing with her friend Randi Goldstricker on our way to a Bar or Bat Mitzvah in 1977. On the right, today’s 13 year olds going to a Mitzvah celebration! (L-R) Cassandra Heah, Carly Lapidus and Samara Chafitz. Oh how styles have changed!
Adam Cohen on his Bar Mitzvah day. Here is his memory, “What was the deal with Cross pen and pencil sets? Why do you need to give a 13 year old a pen and a pencil? I also remember some of the kids flipping butter from the forks onto the ceiling and the parents were not happy, but all and all I remember it being an amazing day!”
Marty Wohl’s Bar Mitzvah was in 1951 and he remembers being scared to death until those first words came out of his mouth!
Advertising guru and TV host Donny Deutsch celebrated his Bar Mitzvah in Queens in November, 1970. See more celebrity Bar/Bat Mitzvah pictures in Jill Rappaport’s book, Mazel Tov: Celebrities’ Bar and Bat Mitzvah Memories
Mike Greenspan remembers having far less kids at his Bar Mitzvah celebration than what his kids recently had at theirs!
Steven Gordon’s Mom remembers: My son’s Bar Mitvah was on a Sunday afternoon at Leonard’s in Great Neck. The suits were rented tuxedo’s. We didn’t want black and the tuxedo place in Bayside thought this was a good alternative. What did we know?! We had lots of fun. Viennese tables were all the rage, wheeled in after the dinner with great fanfare
Faron Greenfield from Low Schmaltz remembers, “While I wore the traditional suit and tie for the ceremony seen here, the party outfit was a Miami vice inspired pastel-colored suit, complete with the jacked sleeves pushed up. The evening’s entertainment was delivered by breakdancers and a DJ – who I still think has one of the best monikers for a Bar Mitzvah circuit DJ that I’ve ever heard – The Black Rabbi”
Roy Lapidus in his crushed blue velvet suit celebrated his Bar Mitzvah at Leonard’s in Great Neck on Halloween and remembers worrying about being egged!
Please email your picture to info@MitzvahMarket.com and let us know if you have any questions.
Thanks!
August 9th, 2015
Who better to find the latest and greatest for all-things Bar Bat Mitzvahs than our own Mitzvah Moms?
The Gordon family celebrated son Jack’s Bar Mitzvah on January 10, 2015, at Washington Hebrew Congregation, in Washington, DC.
Jack loves to ski and play tennis so when thinking about his Bar Mitzvah celebration, the family knew this themed event would be the perfect way to share his favorite hobbies with his favorite people.
There were some really unique pieces that were part of the day that added some love and fun including an 8 foot tall sign-in board covered in tennis balls in the shape of a “J” that was made by Jack and his grandfather Steve.
The amazing “J” sign-in was made of tennis balls created by Jack and his Grandpa. The family collected used tennis balls from several area tennis clubs and they spent several hours together sawing wood and attaching each tennis ball
Guests signed each tennis ball and this large “J” now hangs in Jacks’ room
To see the rest of this Mitzvah Family Spotlight, click here.
To see our past Mitzvah Mom Find, click here.
August 9th, 2015
The Notrica family from Cortlandt Manor, New York, celebrated their daughter Nyssa’s Bat Mitzvah at Temple Israel of Northern Westchester in Croton-on-Hudson, New York.
The celebration with close family and friends had an “Around the World” theme at Elevate Event Lounge in Yorktown Heights, New York.
Pictured L-R: Sister Lucy, Mom Stacey, Bat Mitzvah girl Nyssa, Dad Cory and Sister Hannah.
The photographer was H&H Photography and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.
The family worked with Invitations4less.com on the classic layered invitation. A chocolate brown and sky-blue ribbon completed the invitation.
Nyssa during her formal temple portraits
The family outside their synagogue
Elevate Event Lounge gave the family the atmosphere they wanted — a warm intimate feel with a “night club” vibe!
Nyssa has her sights set to travel to foreign countries and thought an “Around the World” theme would be fun. Nyssa’s dad Cory designed the logo.
Guests enjoyed an amazing array of food choices from “Around the World” such as sushi, Italian and Mexican buffets.
Pizza was a big hit!
Mexican tacos and chips with all the fixings
H&H Photography created the poster board of Nyssa.
Guests wrote notes to Nyssa
Suzie of Olden Designs on Etsy.com created world atlas bags to be used as table centerpieces.
The bags were beautiful luminaries
Nyssa made her entrance with one of the dancers
MC Dan and Double Image Event Production provided the music entertainment and did a great job. The dancers interacted with guests and kept the action going throughout the party.
Guests had fun on the dance floor
Nyssa front and center surrounded by her friends
Elevate Event Lounge also provided a photo booth and photo station.
The props were a big hit!
Nyssa and her friends were all smiles
There were many warm moments throughout the celebration.
Dad Cory spoke and toasted daughter Nyssa
They also shared a dance together
Homestyle Desserts Bakery created the delicious “Around the World” themed cake. The base was created to look like a suitcase with three tiers of delicious cake embellished with “Around the World” icons and landmarks
Nyssa posed in front of her cake
The family used MazelTovGear.com for the logo’d drawstring favor bags.
Elevate Lounge’s cubbies were a great spot for guests to store their favors and photos
Nyssa’s logo looked great
Flannel pajamas
Nyssa volunteered at an animal shelter called Pets Alive Westchester in Elmsford, New York. She played with the cats and walked the dogs.
Some advice from Mom Stacey:
“The first thing to book immediately is the venue, photographer and the DJ. Once that’s done, the rest falls into place. Use lots of checklists. The really do keep you organized and on top of things!”
The following vendors helped to make Nyssa’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com
Venue: Elevate Event Lounge, 914-352-6400
Music Entertainment/MC/Party Entertainment: Double Image Event Production, 914-773-1950
Invitation: Invitations4less.com
Photography/Sign-in board: Dan Fried, H&H Photographers, 914-591-4200
Favors: Eileen Bowden, MazelTovGear.com, 855-629-3543
Cake: Homestyle Desserts Bakery, 914-737-4659
Décor: Brian Williams Events, 845-628-0614
Florist: Cooke’s Little Shoppe of Flowers, 914-862-4558
Custom made Luminaries: Suzie, Olden Designs on etsy.com
Dresses for family members: Bloomingdales, Amazon.com, Neiman Marcus Last Call and Ruelala.com
Hair: Salon Alicia, 914-762-2007
August 5th, 2015
Are you looking for a Bat Mitzvah celebration filled with lots of color? The Celebration Society Website recently featured a Bat Mitzvah with a colorful theme that we wanted to share.
Tobi’s Bat Mitzvah celebration was held at Ivy Hall, an event venue in Roswell, Georgia. With lots of vibrant color, this fun event reflected the personality of the guest of honor herself. The theme was “Color the World Sweet with Tobi.”
The party was planned by Tammie Wilson of The Party Girl Events, the photographer was Jon Marks Photography.
As Tobi’s guests arrived they walked under an over-sized paint brush with the theme, “Color the World Sweet with Tobi” written on the brush
Pictures of the Bat Mitzvah girl growing up were spread out with blank spaces for guests to sign
The Bat Mitzvah girl with her family
The linens were really bold and vibrant and captured the colors of the rainbow
Each table was a different color and included paint cans and paint palate centerpieces
The colorful cans and palettes were placed on Lucite stands
The kids lounge included a colorful sofa and accent pieces and a large custom palette for the Bat Mitzvah girl
The dessert bar was a bright spectrum of sweet treats toppling from clear paint cans and wrapped Rice Krispie paint brush treats from Crazy Brain Chocolates
We thank The Celebration Society and Tammie Wilson of The Party Girl Events for sharing this sweet Bat Mitzvah with our readers.
Event Planner: The Party Girl Events; Photography: Jon Marks Photography; Venue: Ivy Hall; Catering: Events Catering; Decor: Let’s Celebrate; Entertainment: DJTOD; Photobooth: SocialBox; Lounge Furniture: AFR Event Furnishings; Stationery: Invitations by Roberta; Rice Krispie paint brush treats: Crazy Brain Chocolates; Videography: Blue Orchid Productions.
August 5th, 2015
Hart To Hart Entertainment is the longest running DJ Company in the New York area that has been performing at Bar Bat Mitzvah celebrations! Since 1981, they have amassed an outstanding reputation for service, sound system quality, and consistent DJ & MC excellence. The hundreds of fabulous customer evaluations they receive every year is a true testament to their outstanding quality and work ethic.
They are a One-Stop-Shop that offers all things entertainment for your Bar Bat Mitzvah Celebration!
Lounge Furniture and Lighted Bars: They are a premier furniture rental company and they service the entire New York and Tri-State area including Maryland, Boston, Baltimore, Providence, Michigan, Maine, and surrounding areas. Their extensive collection of lounge furniture rental inventory is among the highest quality in the industry.
Colorful kids’ lounge
Modern lounge with lighted pink accent tables
Lounge vignette with lighted tables and centerpiece
Unique lighted bar
Lighted Dance Floors: They offer the latest in designs and technology to create unique and colorful dance floors for non-stop dancing. They are happy to work with your Bar Bat Mitzvah theme and color scheme.
Changing colors are all the rage
Sleek dance floor to match your room decor
Guests of all ages love light-up dance stages
Interactive Games: Fun and games are a big part of your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah party. Hart to Hart Entertainment offers new interactive games such as Giant Light Brite and the Giant iPhone.
Imagine a giant Light Brite at your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah party
For interactive fun, the giant iPhone is the hit of the party
Live Musicians: Hart to Hart offers Event Entertainment and Bands, each with it’s own style and specialties.
Soloists/Harpists/Pianists: These versatile musicians can perform a diversified range of standards, Broadway show tunes, contemporary and classical music.
Live percussionist playing along with the DJ at a Bar Mitzvah
Live saxophone player at a Hart To Hart Live Bar Mitzvah. Hart to Hart Live is where we incorporate 3 or 4 musicians with a DJ package
For more information about Hart to Hart Entertainment, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
