Archive for November, 2015
November 11th, 2015
Incorporating Gobos at your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration is a fun and creative way to add a decor element that guests love.
While many Gobos are placed on the dance floor, a little creativity can go a long way.
A personalized Gobo can be placed inside or outside your venue, on the walls or ceiling, in colors, patterns or shapes that reflect your child’s theme.
Here are a few of our favorites that we have featured on Mitzvah Market:
Hi-Tech Photography Events announced the Bat Mitzvah girl’s name at the venue entrance
Jimmy Dee Entertainment created a Gobo in block letters for the dance floor
This “Best of Blake” wall Gobo was a great design element for this Hollywood themed Bar Mitzvah
The Event Of A Lifetime planned a Bar Mitzvah for a boy with the initials J.K. and a tagline, Just Kidding, which was projected onto the wall
Stephen Andrews Studio designed a baseball Gobo to complement a baseball themed Bar Mitzvah
We love the font for this dance floor Gobo for the upcoming Alexa Silver Family spotlight
For the Halloween themed Steinberg Bat Mitzvah celebration, special revolving bat Gobos were projected on the walls
Beth Fink Events was the party planner for this celebration. Guests knew who the guest of honor was as soon as they drove up to the venue
The Parisian themed Bat Mitzvah had an over-sized Gobo on the wall with Bat Mitzvah girl, Esme’s name
Did you have a Gobo at your Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
November 8th, 2015
The Creative Route on Etsy has fun photo booth props that are great for a Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration.
These DIY printable props are sure to get you and your guests to strike a creative pose.
The printable kit includes 10 different signs and photo props. The photo props are an instant download that includes multiple pages in PDF files.
You will receive the full set of pictured photo props in a high resolution design. The design file will be ready to use with any home printer.
If you are into large funny DIY photo booth props for your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration, check out The Creative Route.
November 8th, 2015
The Lantzman Family of Livingston, New Jersey, celebrated son Zane’s Bar Mitzvah with a Rosh Chodesh service at Temple Beth Shalom in Livingston, New Jersey, and a party following at Lucky Strike New York in the West Nyack, New York.
The theme was ESPN ZONE-inspired: ESPN ZANE. It included all of Zane’s favorite sports with a special nod to his favorite team the Green Bay Packers which was incorporated into the logo colors, decor, horah chair and tallit.
Pictured L-R: Dad Scott, Sister Macen, Bar Mitzvah boy Zane, Mom Zanna, Front row: Brother Kai and sister Hunter.
Tim Camuso of Timothy Glenn Photography was the photographer and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.
The Lantzman family worked with All The Best Invitations on the bronze classic invitation which had a pop of orange.
The Sunday service, called Rosh Chodesh, was held at Temple Beth Shalom. Both Zane and his Dad Scott showed off their individual team pride during the service
Zane’s Grandmother Joyce Lantzman created this amazing tallis and also crocheted his tallis bag
Bowling shirts with Zane’s logo were a big hit. Dad Scott ordered the shirts from the promotional products retailer, 4imprint. The family wore the shirts over their party clothes while making their entrance
Dad Scott created Zane’s logo which is similar to the ESPN Zone logo. Zane used the official colors of the Green Bay Packers, which are Dark Green, Gold and White
Lucky Strike New York in West Nyack, New York, was the venue and the family had exclusive use of the whole space which included the ultramodern bowling area, pool tables and arcade games to entertain kids of all ages.
The logo was placed all around the venue adding lots of color. Mom Zanna created additional decor elements using sports signs and inspirational quotes from sports legends.
Mom Zanna found the quotes and created the concept and then Dead Scott arranged it and had a sign company print them.
The horah chair was made by a very crafty friend, Cricket Snearing.
The seat of the chair was decorated with Green Bay Packers paraphernalia
The back of the chair with Zane’s Bar Mitzvah date
The cake was created by Cake & Co. and highlighted all of Zane’s favorite sports.
The Lantzman family posed during the candle lighting ceremony.
Zane surrounded by his friends 
There were many great desserts for guests to enjoy at the end of the evening including warm and delicious Sweet Dreams Mini Donuts made right in front of their guests!
Sweet Dream Mini Donuts were a big hit!
A popcorn bar created by Nanci SIlver of Parties with Pizazz
Mom Zanna and Sister Hunter enjoy their goodies in custom bags
The party favors were from Marquee Screen Printing. The boys received basketball shorts in Zane’s favorite color, green. The custom logo was placed at the bottom left corner
These were the girls shorts, both logo’d and the darker ones were for the younger girls’
Zane had a great Bar Mitzvah Project helping the Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter in East Hanover, New Jersey. He knew about the shelter because the family had recently adopted dog Oakley from there. The shelter needed paper towels. We featured this special project on Mitzvah Market. Click here to read all about it.
The information on Zane’s Mitzvah Project was proudly displayed at his party
Some advice from Mom Zanna:
“I recommend starting preparations early and keeping ahead of the typical planning deadlines. A lot of the planning cannot be done until the last few weeks, so it is better to complete everything else that you can ahead of time. I also suggest making a checklist of everything you need to order, plan, organize, purchase, etc. early on and add to the list as you think of something else along the way. Despite all the planning, on the day of the event you should just enjoy it and let any missed details or mishaps go and not let them upset you! Chances are your guests will have no idea that anything was not according to plan.”
The following vendors helped to make Zane’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue/Catering: Carol Castrillon, Lucky Strike New York, 845-358-1602
Photographer: Tim Camuso of Timothy Glenn Photography, 973-887-0625
Videographer: Timothy Glenn Photography, 973-887-0625
Party Decor/Inspirational Signage: Mom Zanna
Invitation: All the Best Invitations, 973-992-4033
Music Entertainment: Powerhouse Studios and Entertainment, 973-560-9560
Photo Booth: Picture This, 610-416-4507
Favor Design: Dad Scott, Printed by: Marquee Screen Printing, 516-640-0855
Security: Bar Mitzvah Bouncer, 631-367-1519
Custom Tallit: Grandma Joyce Lantzman
Decorated Horah Chair: Family friend, Cricket Snearing, 610-715-5438
Custom bowling shirts: 4imprint.com
Donuts: Eric, Sweet Dream Mini Donuts, 917-995-5490
Popcorn bar: Nancy, Parties with Pizazz, 516-365-5064
Cake: Krystina, Cake & Co., 201-530-7555
Custom logo’d stickers on treat bags: Stickermule.com
November 4th, 2015
Melisa Imberman of The Event of a Lifetime Inc., recently planned an outRACHeous Bat Mitzvah for a girl named Rachel at the CV Rich Mansion in White Plains, New York.
The Event Of A Lifetime worked with X-Quisite Flowers & Events to ensure that the colors & logo were woven throughout the party.
From the purple and turquoise color scheme, to the outRACHeous logo used on water bottles, napkins, pillows, and even the delicious cookies, there were many great decor details we couldn’t wait to share.
Peter Oberc Photography was the photographer.
Guests picked up their logo’d place cards on a desk which held a striking floral arrangement structure that featured Rachel’s logo above
The ballroom ceiling was decorated with turquoise and purple balloons, a great decor accent
Elegant floating orchids in clear vases were part of the centerpiece
Each vase was placed on top of a base with Rachel’s logo on each side
The lounge area had alternating turquoise and purple furniture with purple uplighting
Custom pillows
The turquoise linen had an elegant scroll design and the custom menu was placed on purple napkins
Custom cocktail napkins
Custom water bottles
There were lots of fun games as the DJ played old favorites like ‘Coke & Pepsi’ trivia and a scavenger hunt. To complement this vibe, Melisa Imberman brought in a giant version of Connect Four
Custom cookie stickers looked great on the dessert
We would like to thank Melisa Imberman for sharing this outRACHeous Bat Mitzvah with our readers.
Event Planner/All branded items: Melisa Imberman, The Event of a Lifetime Inc., Photographer: Peter Oberc Photography;
Venue: CV Rich Mansion; Floral & Event Decor: X-Quisite Flowers and Events Inc.; Caterer: Caperberry Events;
Music Entertainment: Starlight Express Entertainment.
November 4th, 2015
Amanda and Ryan Caress (pictured left) will be celebrating their B’nai Mitzvah December, 2015, in New York City and have been hard at work on their Mitzvah Project.
They have worked together on various fundraisers to raise over $2,000 for an organization dear to their hearts, www.DebbiesDream.org.
We asked them some questions to learn more about their Mitzvah Project which is raising money and awareness for this organization.
MM: Can you give us details of your B’nai Mitzvah Project?
Amanda & Ryan: Our goal was to raise money and awareness about stomach cancer specifically for www.DebbiesDream.org, which was started by our Aunt Debbie. We have organized multiple promotions for Lemonade stands and are selling tickets to a NYC event, Night of Laughter.
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project?
Amanda & Ryan: We took on this project because it is a cause that touches home for us as our Aunt has stage 4 stomach cancer and started this organization.
MM: Does your Mitzvah Project have a start and end date, if so what are they?
Amanda & Ryan: We focused on two fundraisers, the first was an all-day lemonade stand and for the second one, we are involved in the planning of the NYC event, Night of Laughter at the Gotham Comedy Club.
Ryan working the booth
In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your B’nai Mitzvah?
Amanda & Ryan: We couldn’t think of a more meaningful B’nai Mitzvah Project than raising money and donating our time to our Aunt Debbie’s charity. We have found it very rewarding to dedicate our time to helping others. We have done many fundraisers, lemonade stands, shopping events and are helping to run and promote the NYC Night of Laughter benefiting stomach cancer.
Amanda baking the cookies they sold
If it involves a donation, what are you doing to spread the word?
Amanda & Ryan: For our second fundraiser, the NYC Night of Laughter, we have helped spread the word by giving out flyers, sending emails and advertising on various social media sites.
Flyer promoting Night of Laughter
How long can people donate to this charity?
Amanda & Ryan: Feel free to donate directly to the charity www.DebbiesDream.org and indicate it’s in honor of Amanda & Ryan’s B’nai Mitzvah Project.
Anything else we should know about your B’nai Mitzvah Project?
Amanda & Ryan: We know how difficult it is to live with cancer. We hope our efforts inspire others. We have been raising money for this charity for years and will continue to do so in the future.
We thank Amanda & Ryan for sharing their Mitzvah Project with our readers. If you are interested in making a donation, please visit www.DebbiesDream.org.
November 4th, 2015
Balloon Artistry is a full-service Bar Bat Mitzvah party decorating company, famous for transforming parties into magical, unforgettable memories. Balloon Artistry’s legendary balloon creations, personalized themes and breathtaking centerpieces capture the exact mood you desire. Their experienced staff will make your party room feel fun, festive and youthful. They create an environment for your party that will put a smile on your face and make your guests excited to celebrate with you and your family.
Mitzvah Market sat down with Shaina from Balloon Artistry to learn how they design logos for Bar Bat Mitzvah themes:
MM: Please tell us about your logo designs and Bar Bat Mitzvah themes.
BA: Many Bar & Bat Mitzvah kids don’t have specific interests that they want to feature at their party. To remove the pressure of coming up with a theme, we create a customized logo using their initials, names, dates & colors and focus the decor on that design. Logos are a trendy, modern way to pull the entire “look” of the child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah together. It’s basically “branding” your child in every aspect of the decor.
MM: What is the process for creating a logo?
BA: We have hundreds of logos we’ve designed, as well as a library of ideas that we use for inspiration. When the Bar Bat Mitzvah child chooses a style/design they are drawn to, we start the design process. We review fonts, colors and layouts to customize the logo specifically for that child. One of our customers’ favorite things about using us to design their logo is that we invite them to come into our office to design with us. They get to see the process first hand — they watch us work, they ask questions, offer suggestions and see all of our color choices at once.
MM: How do you incorporate the final Bar Bat Mitzvah logo into the party decor?
BA: We use the logo on everything from party favors, centerpieces, place cards to sign-in boards and room signage. We usually design secondary logos, so the look of the theme doesn’t get too repetitive. For different areas of the party, will use two versions of a logo that work well together.
To learn more about Balloon Artistry, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
November 1st, 2015
By Bari Diamond from Teaneck, New Jersey
People who know me know that I LOVE animals. So for my Bat Mitzvah project I wanted to do something that combined
two things I love — horses, and my friend and neighbor, Kayla.
Kayla is a sweet and smiley three-and–a-half-year-old girl with Angelman Syndrome, a rare neurogenetic disorder. Kayla can’t talk
and can only walk with the help of a special walker, but when she rides Butter, a tan colored pony every Sunday through the
Pony Power program, she’s SO happy. I’ve seen how amazing the program is for her. Kayla smiles and laughs and loves her time with the horses.
I first visited Pony Power Therapies in Mahwah, NJ, with Kayla because I wanted to watch her ride and I wanted a chance to see the horses in action. I was so amazed at how much Kayla gained from riding the horses. All the kids I saw on my visits were so happy and it made me feel so good to see how beneficial therapeutic horses can be for kids. I chose this organization as my Bat Mitzvah project because I’d love to give other special needs children the opportunity to ride as well.
Pony Power Therapies is a nonprofit organization that gives children and adults with a broad spectrum of developmental and physical disabilities a unique opportunity to ride, care for and interact with horses. All the activities there enhance their physical, social and emotional well-being in a safe, nurturing farm environment.
During each 30-minute session, riders are paired with one Pony Power instructor and two trained volunteers. The therapeutic
riding focuses on teaching each child to ride a horse within his or her ability. Many kids can get better focus, flexibility, balance and
motor skills from riding. But most importantly, all riders leave with a smile.
I think everyone should be able to live their life to the fullest, regardless of their abilities, and Pony Power helps make that happen. I wanted to do anything I could to help as many other children like Kayla get the benefits from this great organization.
Kayla rides her horse with the Pony Power Program
So far I’ve raised more than $3,000 – more than $500 over my initial goal. I raised it by creating an online fundraising page that I emailed to my friends and family, telling them all about Pony Power and asking them to support my project. I also donated most of my babysitting and dog-sitting money.
The money I raised is enough to send two children to Pony Power for a semester each. Because therapy is not done in one session,
but rather 10-12 week semesters, the money I raise can really make a difference in a few kids’ lives. I’m working with Chai Lifeline and i-Shine to identify kids who could really benefit. Once they start, I hope to attend a few of their sessions so I can see how the money I’ve raised is helping them. There’s also some extra money that will go to send nearly 100 autistic children on interactive field trips where they will meet and groom Pony Power horses.
Helping others is definitely a good way to celebrate becoming a Bat Mitzvah. A Bat Mitzvah project is so meaningful because it makes you feel like you accomplished something to make other people’s lives better. As a result, I have learned not to take anything for granted and to appreciate everything that I have.
This project is just one way I have interacted with animals. I have always known I wanted to do something with animals. Even as
a baby I loved going to the zoo and I love learning about animals. For my birthdays when I was younger I asked people to sponsor
animals from the World Wildlife Foundation instead of buying me presents, and I am sad to learn about those animals that are
endangered. When I grow up I’d love to work with animals, either as a veterinarian, a trainer, or even a marine biologist or scuba
diver, which sounds awesome.
Bari and Kayla
I plan to continue to raise money for Pony Power and can’t wait to see how Kayla progresses in life and grows up. I wouldn’t miss it!
Bari Diamond is in 7th grade at Yeshivat Noam in Paramus, NJ. To donate to her project, visit her website. To learn more about Pony Power Therapies visit their website.
This story is from new 2015 Mitzvah Market Magazine. If you would like to request a free copy, click here.
November 1st, 2015
The Brown family of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, celebrated son Joshua’s Bar Mitzvah at Temple Judea of Bucks County in Furlong, Pennsylvania.
Josh didn’t want the traditional luncheon or dinner celebration that his brother Evan had, so the family compromised with a sit down luncheon after the service at Caleb’s American Kitchen. Later that evening, there was a big kids’ party at Back Steps, part of Beat Street event venue, with a “JCB Stadium” theme.
Pictured L-R: Dad Howard, Brother Evan, Bar Mitzvah boy Josh and Mom Lisa.
The photographer was Hy Paul and the rest of the vendor information is listed a the bottom of the spotlight.
Mitzvah Invitation
The family worked with Melissa Berk of By Invitation Only. The navy blue and apple green color palette set the tone for the entire party.
The RSVP and luncheon card
Mitzvah Service
The service was held at Temple Judea of Bucks County where Josh did a beautiful job reciting his prayers and reading from the Torah.
Josh at the Bimah during his formal portraits
After the service, there was a Kiddush luncheon at Caleb’s American Kitchen
Cupcake Fantasy created the cupcakes in the party colors with an edible chocolate “J” on top
Mitzvah Style
The Brown family looked great in their casual outfits and were ready to party.
Mitzvah Décor
The kids party was at Back Steps at Beat Street, an eclectic industrial type room. Event planner Valerie Felgoise of Let’s Party with Valerie created most of the decor elements using a navy and green apple color scheme. Lounge Around provided the lounge furniture which also incorporated Josh’s colors.
LED high-top tables added color
The lounge decor looked great and was comfortable for guests
The pillows added to the color scheme
Custom signage was created to incorporate many of Josh’s favorite things including his camp and favorite college team, Ohio State
The Gobo on the dance floor was Josh’s logo
Signage for the kids lounge
Navy blue and green custom cocktail napkins
Mitzvah Sign-In
The family used a sign-in locker with a custom logo from Let’s Party with Valerie.
It’s now in Josh’s room
Mitzvah Music
EBE Events and Entertainment with MC Everett Jackson kept everything moving on the dance floor.
Josh making his entrance in a big way
Josh posing with the Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders
There was lots of action on the dance floor
And lots of high energy in the room, thanks to MC Everett
Mitzvah Cake
Randi Leese of RL Cake Designs created the amazing JCB Stadium cake, a replica of Ohio State’s stadium. It also included some of Josh’s other favorite things like a pretzel, popcorn and a Sprite!
The view of the stadium cake from above
Mitzvah Candle Lighting
Josh was surrounded by his friends during his candle lighting ceremony.
Mitzvah Dessert
There were many great dessert choices such as cotton candy.
Mitzvah Favors
The favors were logo’d sweatpants by Let’s Party with Valerie.
Each was presented in clear wrapping to see the great logo
The sweatpants were a big hit
Mitzvah Project
Josh worked with the Simons Fund, which is an amazing organization that promotes the heart screening of all kids and young athletes to detect undiagnosed heart defects.
Mom to Mom Advice
Some advice from Mom Lisa:
“Stay organized! I used a giant three ring binder, with dividers for each vendor. Book as much as you can, as early as you can. Also, let your child guide you. Let them be a part of the planning, since it is their day!”
Vendor Directory:
The following vendors helped to make Josh’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Service: Temple Judea of Bucks County, 215-348-5022
Luncheon venue: Caleb’s American Kitchen, 215-794-8588
Evening venue: Back Steps at Beat Street, 215-364-1844
Photographer/Videographer: HyPaul Studio, 215-364-4144
Music Entertainment: MC Everett Jackson, EBE Events and Entertainment, 215-634-7700
Décor/Florist/Sign-In/Signage/Favors: Valerie Felgiose, Let’s Party with Valerie, 610-213-5675
Photo favors: Hour Entertainment, Shannon Shields, 215-355-3755
Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders, 215-339-6700
Invitation: By Invitation Only, Melissa Berk, 215-654-1601
Cake: Randi Leese, RL Cake Designs, 215-364-4842
Sneaker socks: Mitzvahsocks.com
Lounge furniture: Lounge Around, 215-355-6552
Cupcakes at luncheon: Cupcake Fantasy, 267-481-5026
Custom water bottles: Eagles Peak 215-345-6069
Individual popcorn bags: Clusters Bucks County Caramel Corn, 215-693-1137
Cotton candy: Gourmet Vendor, 215-396-7000
Mom’s service dress/party dress: Nordstrom/ Flirt Women’s Boutique
Suits for boys suits/night clothes: Schweons, 215-357-0600
Dad’s service suit: Ventresca’s 215-348-3139/Party clothes: Nordstrom
Hair/makeup: Suzanne Munshower, Beauty Marx, 215-422-3690
