July 28th, 2015
Sophia Benson of Goldens Bridge, New York is planning to celebrate her Bat Mitzvah October 11 – 12, 2015.
Her “Help Me Send a Kid to Camp” Mitzvah Project is through SCOPE (Summer Camp Opportunities Promote Education).
This non-profit organization provides children in need the edge to succeed in life through the summer camp experience. They provide camp scholarships for children in need to attend overnight summer camps.
They are also very involved in helping with Mitzvah Projects allowing Bar and Bat Mitzvah students to be directly responsible for giving to kids who otherwise couldn’t afford the chance to experience the magic of camp.
Pictured left: Sophia with her family at the bake sale.
MM: Can you give us details of your Mitzvah Project?
SB: For my Mitzvah Project, I decided to try and raise money to send a child in need to sleepaway camp. I decided to make s’mores on a stick and sell them with drinks at my softball games.
Sophia with her s’mores on a stick
MM: Does your project have a start and end date, if so what are they?
SB: I started my Mitzvah Project in May and sold the s’mores at all the games over two days. The Website is still open for more donations. I have already reached my goal which was $1300 for two weeks of camp, but would like to get more!
Sophia surrounded by her teammates
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project?
SB: I want to be able to give a child in need the opportunity to go to sleepaway camp and have the summer of their lives. It is important for kids to go to sleepaway camp so they can make everlasting friendships, and experience some fun, new activities. My camp, Camp Kinder Ring, means the world to me and I would love for someone else to have that experience as well. Camp is so special to me because every year I make so many new friends – it’s like magic. My hope is that other kids get to experience the greatness of camp through the help of my Mitzvah Project.
MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bat Mitzvah?
SB: To me it means to do something to help others. I feel so grateful I will be able to make someone else feel good and have fun because of my project.
MM: If it involves a donation, what are you doing to spreading the word:
SB: I have been telling my friends and family about the SCOPE site which is where people can donate online.
Sophia and her friends made huge posters and posted information on Instagram to get people to come to her games to purchase the s’mores
MM: For how long can people donate to this charity?
SB: You can donate to SCOPE at any time!
For more information about SCOPE (Summer Camp Opportunities Promote Education) or call them at 646-278-4558.
We thank Sophia for sharing her Mitzvah Project with our Mitzvah Market readers.
July 25th, 2015
The Krauss family celebrated son Preston’s Bar Mitzvah at The Chabad of Oceanside in Oceanside, New York. Following the evening service, there was a celebration at Warehouse 5 in Island Park, New York.
Since Preston is on the Oceanside High School Varsity golf team and a fan of the sport, golf became the theme of his celebration!
Pictured Top L-R: Mom Alison, (dog Kingsly), Bar Mitzvah boy Preston and Dad Michael. Bottom L-R: Grandfather Ira, Grandmother Robin and Sister Madison.
Aron Michael was the photographer and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Mitzvah Invitation & Service
The family worked with Linda of Balloons Unlimited on the golf ball shaped invitation and kippot basket.
The invitation and kippot set the tone for a great golf par-tee!
Preston's service was held at the Chabad of Oceanside
Mitzvah Style & Venue
Warehouse 5 is an event space on the South Shore of Long Island offering great water views. – See more at: https://mitzvahmarket.com/mitzvah-spotlight/family/the-selitto-bar-mitzvah-family-spotlight/#sthash.c6OVX3Y2.dpuf
Preston and his sister looked great for his celebration
Preston's celebration took place at Warehouse 5 in Island Park
Mitzvah Details
Linda from Balloons Unlimited coordinated much of the party details including the décor.
The sign-in book was created by Balloons Unlimited
As guests entered the room, they were greeted by festive balloons and a blow-up of Preston in his golf gear
For the adults, place cards were chocolate golfers
Centerpieces represented many of the golf courses that Preston has played on Long Island
Custom Step- N-Repeat of Preston was a fun background for photos
Preston’s name projected onto the wall
Music & Entertainment
MC Brian Howard from Brian Howard Entertainment and Talent provided the great music and dancing.
Mom Alison told us, “Brian (featured center) was so great; I’ve already booked him for daughter Madison’s celebration!”
Preston makes his grand entrance along with two dancers
Guests having fun on the dance floor
There were many interactive games from Balloons Unlimited for Preston’s guests to enjoy including Foosball and Pop A Shot
Mitzvah Favor & Exit Treats
The favors were also created by Balloons Unlimited.
Blue drawstring bags with Preston's logo contained...
... a yellow towel with Preston’s initials!
Everyone enjoyed the delicious cake pops that were wrapped in the party's colors
On the "19th hole" was a candy cart filled with goodies
There was a "Coming Attraction" poster for sister Madison's upcoming Bat Mitzvah in 2017
Mom to Mom
Advice from Mom Alison: “Enjoy every moment- it goes too quick! Started planning 2 years in advance so I wouldn’t be stressed.”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Spencer’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com. – See more at: https://mitzvahmarket.com/mitzvah-spotlight/family/the-gary-bar-mitzvah-family-spotlight/#sthash.Vudeb2yV.dpuf
The following vendors helped to make Preston’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
The following vendors helped to make Spencer’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com. – See more at: https://mitzvahmarket.com/mitzvah-spotlight/family/the-gary-bar-mitzvah-family-spotlight/#sthash.Vudeb2yV.dpuf
Venue: Warehouse 5, 516-432-2400
Photographer/Videographer: Aron Michael, 516-840-8620
Décor/Balloons/Invitation/Sign-in/Kippot basket: Linda Schneider, Balloons Unlimited, 516-593-0077
Music Entertainment: Brian Howard Entertainment & Talent, 347-675-5397
Zap Photography: Entertainment Tonite, 516-826-6900
Extra Entertainment/Towel favors & bags: Linda Schneider, Balloons Unlimited 516-593-0077
Chocolate golfer place cards/Cake pops: Linda Schneider, Balloons Unlimited 516-593-0077
July 25th, 2015
A Promos USA, aka The ImageMaker, wants to create the newest fashion apparel for your upcoming Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration. Your kids will love being one of the first to present these NEW fashion favors to their friends and your family.
Owner Mindy Younger, whose knowledge in design stems from previously owning one of the largest kids’ accessories companies, along with her team of artists, will create a favor that kids will be proud to present to their friends & family.
They will make it easy for you, providing you with art for your decorators and planners at no additional cost. Simple & easy!
NOW THEY HAVE TWO LOCATIONS: NORTH SHORE AND SOUTH SHORE OF LONG ISLAND
They are pleased to announce the opening of their new North Shore Showroom in Plainview, directly off the LIE exit 46 South, Sunnyside Blvd. exit
Visit by appointment only and check out the hundreds of items to choose from
If you would prefer to visit them at their South Shore Freeport Factory & Showroom location, please give them a call at 800-987-8766 to set up an appointment. Live outside the NY area? No problem, they ship anywhere!
To learn more about A Promos USA/The ImageMaker, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
July 22nd, 2015
The Engler family celebrated their daughter Victoria’s Bat Mitzvah at Woodfield Country Club in Boca Raton, Florida.
With Mitzvah Mom Stephanie in the invitation/favor business, this celebration was filled with terrific ideas!
As you will see below, Victoria’s Secret was the theme complete with comfy Pajamas for all the young guests!
We thank them for sharing their daughter’s special celebration with our readers.
New Image Photography took all of the pictures and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Pictured above: L-R: Dad Robert, Bat Mitzvah girl Victoria, brother Jake and Mom Stephanie
Mitzvah Mom Stephanie owns Pretty in Paper and was very clever and creative with her daughter’s “save the date” and invitation. The save the date was a Key to Victoria’s Bat Mitzvah. The invitation itself was a Diary that needed the save the date key in order to open it.
Guests were asked to “save the key”
The invitation arrived as “Victoria’s Secret Diary” and said “Secret Celebration” following services. Everyone wondered what the surprise could be!
All of Victoria’s friends in their comfy PJs and ready to party!
When the young guests arrived, the secret was revealed! They were directed to locker rooms and given overnight bags to store their clothes. They made a quick change into lounge pants and t-shirts. Victoria’s Secret Pajama Party could begin!
An adult lounge was set up on the stage of the ballroom. Victoria showing off the adult area!
Victoria made her entrance to her party in a large clear bubble. Since her theme was a pajama party her entrance video featured Victoria blowing bubbles and dreaming about her party.
Her entrance video was produced by Timeline Video Productions Inc.
Watch it here
Victoria rolled into her party in a large bubble!
The guests were entertained by Nikko Entertainment with Nikko as the MC. The DJ platform was in the center of the room and guests partied in the round.
Dad Robert singing Motown!
Nikko brought out Motown jackets and wigs and guests ham it up!
Victoria’s brother Jake being lifted during the Horah
Another surprise for all the guests and even for Victoria, was a Justin Bieber impersonator.
Watch the video here.
Victoria and her new BFF Justin Bieber (the impersonator)
Victoria spends her summers at Camp Robindel in New Hampshire. Fourteen of her summer camp friends came to South Florida to celebrate
In keeping with her theme, a sign-in book was created by New Image Photography.
Instead of a traditional candle lighting ceremony during the pajama party, they decided to make it part of their Friday night dinner. At the conclusion of the candle lighting ceremony, they left one candle unlit. The next night at the pajama party, the candle display was rolled into the room with 12 lit candles and then all of Victoria’s friends came up to light the last candle and take a group shot.
Their photographer and videographer were present Friday night to catch all the fun!
Many creative touches went into Victoria’s celebration. When guests left they not only were given the items below, but warm chocolate chip cookies and milk too!
Here is the back of the sweatshirt with her logo for the young guests
Guests were given sleeping masks to continue the pajama party theme
Door hangers were also given to young guests
Timeline Video Productions has put together a highlight reel from Victoria’s celebration.
Watch it here
Victoria and her Mom Stephanie
We asked Mitzvah Mom Stephanie for some advice, “Just have fun, do your homework, research and find the best prices and ideas before committing. Most importantly, start early.”
The following Mitzvah vendors made Victoria’s Bat Mitzvah celebration special. If you call any of them, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Woodfield Country Club, 561-994-1000
Party Planner: Angela Spera Event Studio Productions, 561-443-5553
Music Entertainment: DJ/MC Nikko Entertainment, 561-443-5553
Favors: Pretty in Paper, LLC, 561-998-3777
Party entertainment: Event Studio Productions, Matt LaVore Magician, Knuckleheads
Celeb Look-A-Like: Besser Entertainment for Justin Bieber
Save The Date/Invitations: Pretty in Paper, LLC, 561-998-3777
Décor/florist: Party Perfect, 561-994-8833
Sign-In board/Sign-in book: Rich Radice New Image Photography, 954-461-0084
Suits for family members: Jonathan Reed
Hair/makeup: Peter Coppola Salon, Angie Mamo, makeup 561-929-8567
Photographer: Rich Radice New Image Photography, 954-461-0084
Videographer: Chad Ehret Timeline Video Productions Inc. 561-998-3755
July 21st, 2015
Have you heard about MitzvahOrganizer.com created by the team at Mitzvah Market?
Mitzvah Organizer enables you to organize all the details of your celebration, guest lists, seating arrangements, invitations, favors, transportation, honors, candle lighting and more. Since it is in the cloud, you can use it from your office, tablet or phone. Your whole team can collaborate: party planners, grandparents, even your spouse.
This new tool truly Simplifies Your Simcha!
Everything you need is here! In one, well-organized planner, you will have access to a budget planner, guest list management system and your celebration details plus much more!
The team behind MitzvahMarket.com knows what’s involved when it comes to planning your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration. Many of us have been through it more than once or are in the throws of planning.
READ WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS HAD TO SAY ABOUT THEIR EXPERIENCE WITH
MITZVAH ORGANZIER:
“Thank you so much for creating this much needed service. It is helping me immensely. I love how it is assisting me in the organization and planning of our daughter’s upcoming Bat Mitzvah. I really appreciate that I can access it anywhere I go. It is very easy to use. I can toss out most of my notes and lists on paper I have been accumulating which is great. I am so impressed with the outstanding level of customer service. I had a few questions that your staff answered quickly and in a way that was so easy to understand and apply. Overall, I am truly enjoying using the organizer. Thank you!”
— Tracy Jankowitz, Chicago
“Having never planned a Bat Mitzvah before, your software was a true life saver. It helped me stay organized, generate lists for all of my vendors as well as monitor my budget. Our Bat Mitzvah was this past Saturday and I’m now onto the last stage with organizing the gifts for the thank you cards. Thank you, your program helped me stay sane!”
— Ellen L, Fairfield, Connecticut
“Mitzvah organizer was a huge help! The overall best feature is that I was able to access it from anywhere. I didn’t have to carry around papers with lists. The table seating feature was awesome. It helped me to make adult tables and move people around easily. I loved that I could print out lists of adults and kids that I was able to use for so many things. It kept an easy record of responses. I was surprised at the end when I entered in the gifts that it actually totaled the money as we entered. The budget planning and expense features were also really helpful. With all the money spent planning a Bar Mitzvah, this is a definite no brainer. Everyone should be using Mitzvah Organizer!”
— Heather H, – Jericho, New York
“I’ve just started using the Mitzvah Organizer for my sons bar mitzvah in May, 2015. Let me first tell you that this is not my first time hosting a Bar Mitzvah! Having done the first one the traditional way (3-ring binder and spreadsheets), the Mitzvah Organizer is great!! My favorite part is the guest coordination tools. I love that I can look at who is invited to what events!! It makes it so easy!! I’m looking forward to using it to manage my invitations and rsvp’s!”
— Lisa B, Doylestown, PA
“The Mitzvah Organizer has been such a great help in planning my son’s Bar Mitzvah. The reports have made it so easy to order everything from invitations to party favors. I love that the organizer asks what size party favors to order for each guest and also keeps track of the amount of each size party favor I need to order. Being able to access the organizer on the Web allows me to update what I need through my cell phone. Using the Mitzvah Organizer has kept me organized!”
— Robin G. Old Tappan, New Jersey
“When planning our older daughter’s Bat Mitzvah, I actually posted on Facebook asking if anyone knew of a Bat Mitzvah planning website. Most people laughed. Fast forward one year and I am enjoying using your Mitzvah Organizer for our younger daughter’s Bat Mitzvah. Thank you.”
— Dara C, Hollywood, FL
“Great system to get our event running smoothly.”
— Andy H, Chattanooga, Tennessee
“I couldn’t get through my planning without Mitzvah Organizer, I’m obsessed!”
— Carolyn S, New Rochelle, NY
Based on all the terrific feedback from MitzvahOrganizer.com users, here are some improvements we have made to our system:
– Improved table assignments so now when you hover over a name it will show up fully in a bubble, allowing you to get a complete sense of who is sitting where.
– Improved labels for invitations. Line them up however you like. Whether it’s left justified, centered or all the way right.
– Added Canadian provinces to the “State” selection dropdown on all pages.
– Speed improvements for Invitations, RSVP, and Gifts worksheet pages.
– Added addresses to Thank You Owed report.
– Added total breakdown by guest type to RSVP Who is coming for each event report.
– Added ability to select Children, Adults, or all guests to the RSVP Who is coming for each event report.
– Added total breakdown by guest type to the Who has not RSVP’d yet report.
– Revised Password Reset process for easier resets.
– Added internal security enhancements.
– Fixed other minor bugs.
Check out MitzvahOrganizer.com, get your $10 off coupon and order today!
July 18th, 2015
Joie Elie Photography recently photographed a creative twist on a Harry Potter themed Bat Mitzvah. The Stephens’ family celebrated daughter Josie’s Bat Mitzvah at Har Sinai Temple in Pennington, New Jersey, and the reception at The Event Center by Cornerstone in New Hope, Pennsylvania.
Josie is passionate about Harry Potter and her service and reception had many creative elements incorporating the theme.
The candle lighting ceremony was a science experiment and as Josie waved her wand fire came up and excited all the guests!
At the conclusion of the service, guests threw marshmallows wrapped in gold foil and feather wings at Josie. The Rabbi doesn’t usually let guests throw things, but agreed as long as it was something soft. This was a special memory from Mom Merri’s own Bat Mitzvah
Marshmallows wrapped in gold foil to be snitches, a Harry Potter reference!
The family made the wand place cards using plastic chop sticks, hot glue, paint pens, beads and glitter. Every month, friends and family came over to help and this became known as Josie’s Decorating Committee
The Stephens family looked very stylish for the celebration and we love Josie’s sunny yellow cocktail dress
A little photo magic or is Josie just casting a spell over big brother Isaac?
The Marauder’s Map sign-in board was Mom Merri’s idea. In the Harry Potter series, a secret map exists that has secret tunnels and passageways and shows moving footprints. The top of the map reads, “I solemnly swear I am up to no good”
Josie’s friends sat at the four long tables just like the ones that the Hogwarts students sit at in the Great Hall. Josie had a seat reserved for her at all four so she could spend some time with all of her friends
The adults all sat at round tables, each one named for a Hogwarts professor. The different decorations represented that particular professor and had lanterns and/or candelabras
Custom pencils with a quote from the movie, “I must not tell lies” with Josie’s Bat Mitzvah date
The men’s bathroom was set up with signs, “This Way to the Ministry of Magic.” Guests loved the signs inside on how to use the toilet to transport yourself to the Ministry
When the family was announced and walked in the DJ asked all of the guests to come to the dance floor with their magic wands and to make an arch for them to walk through. Mom and Dad dressed up as Professor Dumbledore and
Professor McGonagall
Josie didn’t know Mom had asked the DJ to do this so she was so surprised!
A birdcage served as the gift drop
For the candle lighting each family member that Josie called up added an ingredient to create a special potion. Josie added the last one and then asked everyone to help her say the magic word “Incendio” which is the fire-making spell from Harry Potter, to get the potion to work. This was led by family friend Matt Davis, who is a chemistry teacher who practiced with Josie a few times in advance
After Josie had her guests say the magic words, she lit a candle and held it up at the end of her “magic wand” and to her guests’ surprise, flames shot out of the container and a loud noise too!
Josie up for the Horah with a selfie stick
Beanie hats with Josie’s custom logo
Some more magic from Joie Elie Photography
We thank the Stephen’s family and Joie Elie Photography for sharing this magical Bat Mitzvah.
Photography: Joie Elie Photography; Venue: The Event Center by Cornerstone; Sign-In Map: Nancy Levitt, Sweet Pea Studios; Caterer: Jamie Hollander, J Hollander Gourmet; Decorator, Danielle Gleason; DJ Entertainment:
Ian, Pulse Entertainment; Custom Beanie Hats; JM3 Screenprinting; Custom sunglasses: TOC Promotions; Custom pencils: Oriental Trading; Photo Booth: Anne Bradley, Tapsnap.net; Talit: Sharon Gellerman, Color Vibe Designs
July 18th, 2015
Treat House, billed as the first shop in the city dedicated to gourmet marshmallow-and-crisped-rice just opened its doors to rave reviews.
Located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, owners Chris and Jennifer Russell came up with the idea for the store after helping their kids make Rice Krispies Treats for a charity bake sale. People started asking where they could buy them and a delicious idea was baked.
The gourmet treats are always made with the customer’s health in mind. Unless specified, all treats are Kosher, dairy-free, nut-free and some gluten-free.
They also give a portion of each purchase to the Food Bank for NYC, so you can really enjoy each delicious bite!
There are 12 original flavors at all times and 4 flavors that rotate seasonally. We think you need to treat your guests to these!
These are chocolate pretzels mixed with dark chocolate and caramel
Chocolate Mint mixed with chocolate chips and mint marshmallow, topped with chocolate ganache and a mint patty
How about some blueberry pie?
Toasted vanilla marshmallows are mixed into this s’mores-topped treat
They deliver both locally nationwide. Find out more about Treat House on their Website or by calling them at 212-799-7779.
July 18th, 2015
Hi Tech Photography Events is a family business dedicated to making your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah unique and memorable. They offer a wide variety of services including photography/videography, montages, photo favors, party décor, entertainment, and everything in-between.
Hi Tech will be there for you from the moment you create your invitations, until the time you design your keepsake album to reflect on your event; treating every client’s party as if it was their own family occasion.
Hi Tech Photography Events – For All Your Bar & Bat Mitzvah Needs
Hi Tech is continually evolving as a family-owned and operated business since 1984. They pride themselves on their elite and creative team of professionals that produce unique, one-of-a-kind Bar Bat Mitzvah celebrations.
They recreated the Nike Store for this Bar Mitzvah celebration
A cool vibe for a Basketball themed Bar Mitzvah celebration
Elegant floral decor graced the tables for a B’nai Mitzvah in NYC
Rest assured, their staff of talented and artistic photographers and videographers will capture the special moments and preserve the memories, of your family’s special day, for years to come.
A moment with this beautiful Bat Mitzvah girl on the streets of NYC
Their clientele continues to return time after time to celebrate life’s important family milestones
From designing your invitations to your personalized keepsake album, Hi Tech’s in-house departments and state-of-the-art equipment allow them to take care of all your party needs without any elements of your event leaving their hands. Hi Tech understands that every family is exceptional and they treat every affair with the personalized and individual attention it deserves.
Your priorities are important to them. Choose all of their services or just select the most important ones to you. This allows Hi Tech to work with any budget and any size party; no event is too big or too small! Share your dreams and visions with Hi Tech Photography Events and they will bring to life a day you will never forget!
For more information about Hi Tech Photography Events, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
July 15th, 2015
Lulu & Lattes, a popular blog by Amy Selling recently featured, Lulu’s Ultimate Camp Visiting Day Guide 2015, which included some of the “hot” items that parents can bring to their kids who are at sleep-away camp.
We think there are some unique Mitzvah Finds that can be used as save-the dates, place cards, favors and/or Mitzvah Exit treats and would be a great addition to any Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration.
StickerGum is a family-owned company that customizes gum with edible full-color images. It’s layered with edible wafer paper made from all natural ingredients and then customized with FDA approved edible ink. When you chew StickerGum, the novelty paper disappears! Minimum order quantity is only 20 pieces.
Pretty Please nail polish offers custom name nail polishes. There are over 26 colors to choose from. First you choose a shade of color, then you name the polish, then you pick the amount of bottles you would like. Nail polishes are $12 a bottle, but they drop in price if you order more than one.
Candy with a Twist is an online sweets boutique that specializes in custom candy designs and one of a kind edible favors and gift items. This S’mores kit is $6.75.
To see Lulu and Lattes complete Ultimate Camp Visiting Day Guide 2015, click here.
July 11th, 2015
Some families have been using large letters representing their child’s name as their sign-in board.
When we discovered CraftCuts.com, a craft company specializing in painted or unpainted wood lettering, we wanted to share!
Their products would be great to use as a sign-in, decor element or cake topper. They have a huge selection of styles, shapes and designs.
The custom design application is simple to use. Select letters, then a font style, choose a thickness of the letters and a finish, with very affordable pricing.
Standing letters come in different heights and thickness
Letters are available unpainted
Or painted, in a variety of colors and patterns
Custom made and hand painted wooden letters in any font and size
Visit their online store at CraftCuts.com
