March 17th, 2015
This family celebrated their son’s Bar Mitzvah service at Temple Beth Torah in Jericho, New York, on September 20, 2014, followed by a party one week later on September 27, 2014 at Temple Avodah in Oceanside, New York.
Spencer celebrated with a combination theme which included all of his interests. The kids’ side featured a Penalty Box and other touches from his favorite hockey team, the New York Islanders, while the adult side of the room included centerpieces featuring movies and music.
Pictured (L-R): Mom Heather, younger brother Oliver, Bar Mitzvah boy Spencer, brother Dylan and Dad Andrew
Simon Elliot Events was the photographer and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of this story.
Mitzvah Invitation & Style
Simon Elliot Events created a custom Website and postcard that was mailed to each guest with the URL.
The custom Website featured information about his service, celebration, directions and a special RSVP for the young guests! They were asked to fill out a questionnaire and upload photos of themselves. This information was used to create a special step n repeat and custom bobbleheads (both shown later in the story)
Guests were mailed this postcard directing them to the Website
Mom Heather had her dress created by Kimberly at Runway Couture. The gown was midnight navy with black feather trim and horse hair
Mitzvah Details
Porta Decor created all of the decor for both the kids’ lounge area and the adult table centerpieces. Since Spencer’s friends were sending in their photo in advance of the party for their custom bobblehead, Portadecor created this step n repeat which was used as a background for many photos during the night.
There was a penalty box inspired by Spencer's love of hockey and the New York Islanders
A view from the other side
Movie themed centerpieces were on the adult tables
Other tables featured movie clapboards
These unique highboy tables were at the corner of the dance floor to hold the adult drinks while they danced
New York Islanders phrase "Believe" was used on hats and decor
Large blow-ups of Spencer, shot by Simon Elliott Events, were on display around the room
Mom Heather found director chairs online and had
A Promos USA/ImageMaker add their logo. These were used as Spencer's sign-in
This large step n repeat is now hanging in Spencer's room
A unique idea!
Music & Entertainment
Carl was the MC and Entertainment Tonite provided all the music for this rockin’ celebration.
Real New York Islander girls helped Spencer make his entrance
They took pictures with guests and helped with the candle lighting ceremony
Spencer had fun during the Horah!
Simon Elliot Events provided their Selfie Booth for photo fun!
Each guest received a photo album for their photo favors with Spencer's logo on the front
Mentalist Oz Pearlman amazing Spencer's friends
Temple Avodah provides so many desserts that this family decided against a traditional Bar Mitzvah cake. Instead they bought a mini drum set and surrounded it with candles for their candle lighting ceremony
Spencer planned to donate the drum set
Spencer wrote, shot and edited his own entrance video and montage, which included his camp friends!
Mitzvah Moment
Spencer attends the School of Rock and decided he would like to perform for family and friends at his celebration.
Spencer was ready for his performance
Spencer didn’t want to be in a suit all night, so for his performance he changed into jeans and a shirt made with his logo
DYAD Music (a drummer and guitarist) accompanied Spencer's performance and then played along with the DJ
Friends and family watched as Spencer performed
Mitzvah Favors & Exit Treats
Lucky for Spencer, one of his Dad’s businesses is Allbobbleheads.com. Each one of Spencer’s friends had a custom bobblehead created just for them! When sending in their RSVP, they chose their hair color, favorite hobby and answered other questions so each one could be personalized specifically for them.
Portadecor displayed the bobbleheads for each of Spencer's friends
Friends were excited to see their custom bobbleheads!
As if this wasn't enough, each young guest received a gift bag with their Bobblehead and a t-shirt with Spencer's logo!
Spencer's multiple bobbleheads on display
Mom to Mom
Advice from Mom Heather:
“I feel like I should have a shirt made that says, “I survived planning a Bar Mitzvah.” I did not have a party planner and I wanted it that way. I was very involved in every detail from logos, pictures, decor, entertainment, colors, music and custom bobbleheads for each child. Ask every vendor to do as much as possible before the last few weeks. No matter how hard you plan, they work week by week, and your party will be their main focus the week or two before. Expect to be extremely busy the two to three weeks before the party. Ask for all paper work early. Choose songs, deal with candle lighting, logos, any apparel and favors as early as possible. There is also a lot of things for the service that could be handled a long time in advance.”
Mitzvah Project
Spencer has been involved with RockCanRoll.org for years and helps out with many projects for teachers and other adults using his creativity, computer and movie making skills.
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.
Venue: Kenny Kombert, Temple Avodah, 516-678-6161
Music Entertainment: MC Carl, Entertainment Tonight, 516-826-6900
Cocktail Music: Krisitin and Corey, Jupiter Fell, 631-402-4284
Sweatshirt/Hat/Blanket Favor: Mindy Younger, A Promos USA/ImageMaker, 516-377-0186
Bobblehead Favors: Dad Andrew, Allbobbleheads.com
Photographer/Selfie Booth/Logo: Michelle Collins, Simon Elliot Events, 516-586-6822
Website invite/Postcard: Simon Elliot Events, 516-586-6822
Entrance video/Montage: Spencer
Magician/Mentalist: Oz Pearlman, 917-309-2533
Décor: Portadecor, 516-822-1180
Sign-In Chair: Two director chairs with logo printed by A Promos USA
Drummer and guitarist: Played along with DJ, DYAD Music, 631-842-DYAD
Custom Dress: Kimberly, Runway Couture, 516-308-4639
Suits for family members: Kenny’s Mens and Boys, 516-921-2660
Makeup: Krystale, Make-up, 631-655-5123
Hair: Salon O, Valentina, 516-935-7777
Transportation: Regal Limo, 516-234-7932
Party security: Hired by Temple Avodah
March 15th, 2015
Chloe Cornell is a 7th grader who lives in Armonk, New York and will be celebrating her Bat Mitzvah in March, 2015. She loves tennis, soul cycle, fashion and is also our teen blogger for Mitzvah Market.
Chloe and a friend founded the company #kindnessistherealcool for their Mitzvah Project, and invites everyone to visit them on Instagram @kindnessistherealcool and join the movement.
We spoke to Chloe to learn more about her Mitzvah Project that supports Stomp Out Bullying which is considered the most influential anti-bully and cyber bully organization in the United States.
MM: Can you give us details of your Mitzvah Project?
CC: It is a movement to promote and celebrate kindness and acceptance in our society. I created a trademarked logo and designed a product line to raise money for Stomp Out Bullying. We sell t-shirts, hats, bracelets, water bottles and stickers from the Website www.kindnessistherealcool.com. I also have an Instagram account where I post inspirational quotes about kindness, photos of products for sale, and suggestions of kind acts.
MM: Does your project have a start and end date, if so what are they?
CC: The project began in November 2014, and I hope to continue it for a long time.
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project?
CC: Middle School is known to be a difficult time in people’s lives and bullying is a hot topic for tweens and teens. In addition, there is a lot of hate around the world, so I thought that promoting kindness and helping people who suffered from bullying would be a timely and important cause.
MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bat Mitzvah?
CC: Becoming a Bat Mitzvah means becoming an adult in the Jewish religion. One of the most important parts of being a Jew is to do mitzvahs/give charity. To me, doing a Mitzvah Project shows that I am ready to be considered an “adult” in the Jewish community.
MM: If it involves a donation, what are you doing to spreading the word?
CC: I am sending an email out to our friends and neighbors and have friends and family helping to spread the word. People can go on my Website at www.kindnessistherealcool.com. I also have an instagram account @kindnessistherealcool.
MM: For how long can people donate to this charity?
CC: I hope to keep this ongoing as long as people will donate! I would love for other people to join as kindness ambassadors, to help sell our product, and spread the word.
We thank Chloe for sharing their Mitzvah Project with our readers.
March 11th, 2015
Where and Why to Have Your Celebration Out of Town
By Lori S. Robinson
Imagine a joyous parade that bursts with music, dance, song and the blowing of a shofar as it winds its way through the narrow cobblestoned streets of Tzfat, an ancient Galilee city of mysticism and Kabbalah. Your family, swept into the experience, sings, dances and swirls around your Bar or Bat Mitzvah child who is sheltered under a tallit chuppah. Together you travel through the old Jewish Quarter towards a gorgeous 16th century synagogue to celebrate your child’s coming of age.
Photo above: Courtesy Israel Tour Connection
There are many reasons to have a destination Bar or Bat Mitzvah. The most obvious place to celebrate is in Israel. Such a trip can be a wonderful family bonding experience. It may also be an option to consider for a shy student who would rather not chant on the bimah in front of hundreds of people in your home congregation. In Israel you can make it a more personalized, impactful experience on a smaller scale with just close family and friends. Whatever the case, celebrating in Israel can be an experience to last a lifetime.
After Eva Wisnik’s son David became a Bar Mitzvah in Israel, he continued studying at his synagogue’s Hebrew high school in Tarrytown, NY. He was one of only a handful of students who went all the way through high school to graduation. “The experience of being Bar Mitzvahed in Israel clearly solidified his Jewish identity,” says Wisnik. “What more could a parent ask for from that rite of passage?”
Should you be considering a Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration and tour in the Holy land, your very first stop should be at the Israel Ministry of Tourism website, http://www.goisrael.com, or call 1-888-77-ISRAEL, for an overview of your many options and a host of resources.
WHO “QUALIFIES” TO BE BAR/BAT MITZVAH IN ISRAEL?
According to an Israel Ministry of Tourism there is no educational requirement to fulfill to accept the responsibility of Jewish adulthood. A Bar/Bat Mitzvah simply needs to be Jewish. Traditionally, boys are at least 13 years old and girls, 12 or 13. Of course, celebrants well into legal adulthood can also be Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
The ceremony itself does call for the reading of a Torah portion related to the chosen date and this can be coordinated beforehand with the rabbi performing the ceremony. If the Bar/Bat Mitzvah has not attended religious school or learned
Hebrew, he or she may be tutored beforehand, in person or via Skype or Facetime.
Israel Ministry of Tourism
WHAT KIND OF TRIP IS RIGHT FOR YOUR FAMILY?
Once you have surfed the Internet and gotten a feel for where and when you want to go, it’s time to start making some
decisions.
Many organizations and travel companies offer group Bar/Bat Mitzvah tours in Israel where everything is arranged for you— from the rabbi to the ceremony site to the itinerary. Done! There are other advantages too: Other families with children the same ages are likely to share the trip with you, and many tour companies “comp” the tour for the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child.
If your synagogue is planning a trip to Israel, talk to your rabbi and see if he or she would perform a Bar/Bat Mitzvah while you arethere. Or, if you do the trip on your own, you can offer to invite your rabbi to come as your guest, so that the ceremony is further imbued with meaning.
Another type of trip is a customized private tour with a qualified tour guide who can arrange all the details of your Bar/Bat Mitzvah service, celebration and touring. This arrangement gives your family lots of flexibility — do you want to sleep late, go rafting, see historical sites or learn more about anything in-depth? Your guide will also have all the inside info on the best times and ways to get around. On this type of trip, you may have to plan your own flights and accommodations. Many of the same groups that offer group tours will also work with you to customize a private tour.
If you are visiting family in Israel, or if have been to the country before and know exactly what your family would like to do and see, you may want a do-it-yourself trip, where you do all the research and planning. Of course, the Israel Ministry of Tourism is there to fill in the blanks, providing everything from a list of rabbis to party locations. Go to www.goIsrael.com and search “Tourist Information” for “Jewish Themes.”
PLANNING CELEBRATIONS
Having a Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony in Israel does not mean you have to forgo the hoopla that usually comes with the event
at home. Your touring party can be as small or large as you’d like, with grandparents, cousins and friends all attending the ceremony, whether it’s being held in a hotel, a synagogue or at an historic site.
Most families dress less formally for the ceremony in Israel than they might have at home, mostly in deference to the heat. Wearing white clothing is a great choice and can give a coordinated look in photos. Do remember to check dress codes in some locations where women are expected to cover their arms and skimpy clothing is not acceptable.
While many families choose a casual post-cremony celebratory meal (perhaps in a Bedouin tent), or decide to continue touring, others work with a planner to produce a party that can rival any at home (fire-eaters, anyone?). The options are unlimited.
Many families choose to hire a professional photographer to record the ceremony and celebration in Israel – or even their entire trip because it is such a once-in-a-lifetime event.
WHERE SHOULD THE BAR BAT MITZVAH CEREMONY BE HELD?
There are a myriad of places to hold a ceremony in Israel, but the trick is finding the place that is right for you and your entire party of travelers. For instance, if your group includes young children or the elderly, you might want to avoid places that require a hike to reach, have no seating or are in unrelenting sun. Of course, if there is a will there’s a way to make almost any site work.
Additionally, while it’s true that in many locations you can hire a rabbi to perform the ceremony according to whatever Jewish tradition you adhere to, many sites, especially synagogues and a few sites of religious significance, require services be done only in their tradition, whether it’s reform, conservative or orthodox.
Keep in mind that the most popular days for Bar/Bat Mitzvah services in Israel are Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Rosh Chodesh (the first day of every month), and the most popular time is very early in the morning.
Have a spiritual, meaningful Bar Bat Mitzvah high above the desert or walk through an Israeli town under a chuppah to your celebration
TRADITIONAL CEREMONY SITES
These popular Bar/Bat Mitzvah sites are the ones most often included in group tours:
The Kotel (Western Wall)
The Kotel is perhaps the holiest site in Israel to hold a Bar Mitzvah. Bat Mitzvahs are not allowed at the Western Wall. All the services are Orthodox, and women do not stand up with their sons. Men and women are seated in separate sections (not necessarily with equal views or within equal earshot).
The Israel Ministry of Tourism points everyone to www.barmitzva.thekotel.org/en to plan ceremonies at the Wall. As the website explains, the Western Wall Heritage Center oversees all Bar Mitzvah proceedings, which are free. Bar Mitzvahs register one month in advance, and on arrival, will be assigned a Bar Mitzvah Guide to walk them through the process step by step. The center will provide a Sefer Torah, and a small table, and is happy to lend celebrants teffillin.
Other things to note: Entrance to the Western Wall Plaza requires walking through the Old City and going through airport-like security check (total time – 1 hour). In the fall and winter, and any time rain threatens, the Torah cannot be taken out, so Bar Mitzvahs take place under Wilson’s Arch.
To enhance your party’s experience, consider adding a tour of the adjacent “Generations” exhibit or of the Western Wall tunnels. With a little pre-planning and some tutorial, the Bar Mitzvah boy can actually lead the tour (with some help from a guide).
Robinson’s Arch and the Davidson Center
There are places along the Wall, no less holy, that do accommodate both Bar and Bat Mitzvah services.
“My favorite Bar/Bat Mitzvah location in Israel is Robinson’s Arch,” says Rabbi David Holtz, of Temple Beth Abraham in Tarrytown, NY. “We hold the ceremony at the southwest corner of the Temple Mount, standing on the very paving stones on which our ancestors walked. Facing us in front of the Wall is a jumbled pile of huge blocks, all that remains of the arch and of the Temple that stood above. In the year 70 A.D., Roman soldiers stood atop the Temple Mount and threw these very stones to the ground below, cracking the pavers.” He remains amazed that 2000 years later, Jews are still here, making this a very special place for a ceremony.
Ilona Marsh’s eldest daughter Sydney was Bat Mitzvahed under the arch. “During Sydney’s service, tourists stopped to watch. We ran into some of them later in the Old City and several women told Sydney how meaningful it was for them to watch a girl become a Bat Mitzvah.” She added that they even asked for her daughter’s name to record in their trip journals.
Robinson’s Arch, the Hulda Steps (a great place to sit or hold the ceremony when the shade leaves from Robinson’s Arch later in the day) and the Davidson Center are all part of the Jerusalem Archeological Park. The Davidson Center offers visitors an interactive, virtual-reality reconstruction of the Temple Mount and its environs. Note: The Davidson Center is closed on Saturdays.
Masada
An hour away from Jerusalem are the ruins of King Herod’s palace fortress on top of Mount Masada, a powerful symbol of Jewish resistance to foreign subjugation.
At 8 a.m., the first cable car climbs up the mount overlooking the Dead Sea to perhaps the world’s oldest synagogue still in use. By 8:30 a.m. it hosts Bar and Bat Mitzvahs in all traditions, Orthodox, Conservative, Reform or Reconstructionist. After the service, every Bar/Bat Mitzvah has the unique honor, under the tutelage of a Torah Scribe, of adding a single letter to the Masada Torah scroll.
Ceremonies must be arranged ahead of time by contacting the
Masada National Park (www.masada.org.il/en).
LESS TRADITIONAL, BUT FANTASTIC ISRAELI CEREMONY SITES
These sites can be as wonderful as the more traditional ones, but
may require an event planner to coordinate all events.
Tzfat (Safed)
Tzfat, to Israel’s north, is one of the country’s four holy cities. It is a picturesque city of spiritual people and artists, and a great place to hold a coming-of-age ceremony.
The musical parade, described earlier, leading to one of Tzfat’s four 16th century synagogues, can be arranged through the Tzfat Bar/Bat Mitzvah Center (http://www.bat-barmitzvah-tzfat.com/) or the Otzar Hastem of Tzfat (http://hastam.org/?page_id=52).
Besides the artist colony and the International Kabbalah Center, a must-see is the Otzar HaStem of Tzfat Experience (phone 011-972-4-691-2000), bringing the world of Scribes and the mystical secrets of Hebrew Letters to life. Built by the same people who design educational adventure rides at Epcot in Disney World, this adventure moves visitor’s seats into an immersive, multi-sensory, virtual reality world, complete with a holographic scribe.
Eretz Bereshit (Genesis Land)
Sarina Stein, of Irvington, NY, became Bat Mitzvah at Eretz Bereshit, on an overlook high over the Judean Desert. “We were a bit skeptical because it’s a place that’s known to be touristy; where people dress up in traditional garments and ride camels,” says her mother Ilona Marsh. “But we got there just after sunrise, before anything was open to the public. There was a beautiful bimah set up” and Sarina’s Bat Mitzvah felt very spiritual, connected to nature and to the history of the Jewish
people.
The “touristy” bit that the Steins were wary of could, in fact, be the very thing to enliven and enhance a family trip. Genesis Land, not far from Jerusalem, is more than a simple reenactment of biblical times; it is an interactive experience. The Patriarch Abraham’s servant meets your group and invites you to travel by camel to the Abraham’s tent. On the way, the caravan meets Joseph’s brothers, just before the siblings throw their brother into a pit. The servant continues to weave familiar tales. Once enjoying the hospitality of Abraham’s tent, families can join in on pita-making, parchment writing or pottery workshops.
Neot Kedumin
Nature lover? Neot Kedumin (http://www.neot-kedumim.org.il/), halfway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, is a large, biblical landscape reserve whose plant life and sweeping vistas are the setting of many popular bible stories. A Bar or Bat Mitzvah ceremony here, under a sukkah, draws on Bible references to nature and you can work with Neot Kedumin’s party planner to design a reception among the olive trees.
OTHER GREAT DESTINATIONS FOR BAR BAT MITZVAHS
While Israel will always be a popular choice for Bar/Bar Mitzvahs, an increasing number of families, perhaps influenced by the popularity of destination weddings, are seeking other locations in which to celebrate, including St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands, synagogues around the world and even out at sea. Here are some places to check out:
Historic St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
“We chose not to go to Israel because I never converted to Judaism, so I would not be allowed to be on the bimah with my kids at any of the temples there,” said Lisa Shiroff of Vorhees, NJ.
She organized a B’nai Mitzvah for her two kids (13 and 12) and her 12-year old niece at the historic St. Thomas Synagogue in St. Thomas, in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The synagogue, the longest in continuous use under the American flag, has become a popular destination ceremony site.
“The menorah dates to the 11th century, and there is a sand floor to represent the Conversos — Jews who were forced to convert to Catholicism in Europe and who covered the floors in their basements to muffle the sound of their Hebrew prayers when they observed their Jewish services in secret,” Explains Shiroff.
Madison Wynter, of Bucks County, PA, was also Bat Mitzvah at the historic synagogue, but her journey started on the Norwegian Epic cruise ship and included a Caribbeanthemed celebration. Her mom, Beth McDonnell, arranged it all because she happens to be a Tripguy.com travel agent specializing in organizing Bar/Bat Mitzvah tours. McDonnell has arranged Bar and Bat Mitzvahs at a wide array of places: a Curacao resort, synagogues in Puerto Rico, Aruba and Prague, in the Italian countryside and under a chuppah on a Mexican beach at sunset.
For a unique celebration, have a Bar Bat Mitzvah at sea
Photo courtesy Mitzvah At Sea
“Beautiful settings as the backdrop for an important event, such as a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, will always be remembered and talked about for a lifetime,” according to Rabbi Steven Westman, who officiates ceremonies organized by a popular concierge B’nai.
Mitzvah planning company, Mitzvah at Sea (www.mitzvahatsea.com), which partners with several cruise companies.
Mitzvah At Sea can conduct a ceremony on the beach at a cruise line’s private island, at a resort, on an excursion during a port of call, and even on board a ship prior to it setting sail. Also known as a “Day of Embarkation” ceremony, families are able to invite friends and family who are otherwise unable to cruise, to still attend the ceremony and celebration. When they disembark, those that remain can continue to celebrate throughout the cruise.
Marissa Nemes, one of the company’s coordinators, recalls a particularly moving Havdallah service on the deck of Majesty of the Seas: “As the sun set, a group of 48, with arms linked, swayed and sang along to the rabbi playing hymns on his guitar. I am always amazed at how family and friends, regardless of the group size or dynamics, bonds, unites, and comes together to celebrate.”
Beth McDonnell, echoed that sentiment: “Wherever your family chooses to mark and celebrate this important Jewish milestone, there is nothing like spending those days with the people who mean the most to you. Mazel Tov!”
Israel: Is it Safe?
Israel has arguably the best security forces and technology in the entire world. While there might always be some unrest in the region, the country’s level of preparedness for any problem is without equal, and Israelis are accustomed to unforeseen changes in plans. Rest assured that if the danger level is deemed too high, a travel alert would be issued. That being said, it is always a smart idea to ask your trip organizers and event planners about their cancellation policy, and to purchase trip cancellation insurance.
RESOURCES
Historic locations:
• The Kotel (Western Wall): www.barmitzva.thekotel.org/en
• Masada National Park: www.masada.org.il/en
• Tzfat Bar/Bat Mitzvah Center: www.bat-barmitzvah-tzfat.com
• Otzar Hastem of Tzfat: http://hastam.org/?page_id=52
• Neot Kedumin: www.neot-kedumim.org.il
Information and groups that organize Israel Bar/Bat Mitzvah trips:
• Israel Ministry of Tourism: www.goisrael.com, 1-888-77-ISRAEL
• Amit: https://amitchildren.org/visiting-israel/
• Emunah: http://www.emunah.org/project_batbarmitzvah.php
• UJA-Federation: www.ujafedny.org
• Ayelet Tours: www.ayelet.com
• Israeli Discovery Tours: www.israeldiscoverytours.com
• Jewish National Fund Travel and Tours: www.jnf.org/travel/BnaiMitzvah/
• Totally Jewish Travel: www.totallyjewishtravel.com/bar_bat_mitzvah/
• Israel Tour Connection: www.israeltour.com
Other destinations:
• Mitzvah at Sea: www.mitzvahatsea.com
• Beth McDonnell: Beth@tripguy.com
March 11th, 2015
The Dropkin family from Cortlandt Manor, New York, celebrated daughter Eliana’s Bat Mitzvah at Temple Israel of Northern Westchester in Croton-on-Hudson, New York and afterwards there was a luncheon reception at the Westchester Marriott in Tarrytown, New York.
Eliana is an animal lover so she decided on a “Rainbow Zebra Stripes” theme.
We also featured brother David’s clever geography/travel themed, click here to read about it.
Pictured above (L-R): Brother David, Dad Joseph, Bat Mitzvah girl Eliana, and Mom Suzanne.
The photographer was Alan Weiss Photography and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.
The invitation, which hinted at the theme, was in a teal blue and in a zebra striped design. The invitations were on a shimmer metallic paper so the printed “crystal” design caught the light better
Mom Suzanne created a Website page on Freeservers.com which included an email to RSVP, the dress attire, Temple and party directions as well as Eliana’s Mitzvah Project information
Eliana’s family and friends joined her in celebrating her Bat Mitzvah at Temple Israel of Westchester.
Here Eliana is surrounded by her grandparents up on the bimah
Eliana with her parents.
The whole family was included in the service with both her Dad and brother playing guitar
Eliana had two great looks. She started off the party in a floor-length silver and black Hailey Logan gown. Mom Suzanne got the tiara from from Amazon.com
After the cocktail hour, Eliana changed into a zebra print cocktail dress from Delia’s
A vibrant array of neon colors in a zebra pattern were part of the party decor. Neon zebra place cards tied-in with the theme
Zebra print balloons were on each table
Everything was in the zebra neon colors including the holographic foil zebra embossed kippot and the drawstring favor bags with Eliana’s logo.
Brian William Events created this great collage which had pictures of Eliana from the past 13 years. The board was designed by Mom Suzanne on Photoshop. The middle photo is of Eliana proudly holding her personalized prayer book with her name printed on the front. On the side of the board Eliana’s name is spelled out along with words describing her
Jimmy Dee Entertainment with MC Mike had so much energy and had guests of all ages on the dance floor. Here is Eliana making her entrance
Up in the chair for the Horah
Dad Joseph strutting his stuff
Everyone loved dancer Geronimo
Eliana and her friends know all the moves
The family is all smiles in front of the delicious cake.
The Westchester Marriott put the family up in their Presidential suite after the party. How often does a girl get to stay in the Presidential suite? A very happy Eliana after the party with her balloons.
Eliana worked at a soup kitchen with her friends from Young Judaea Camp Sprout Lake in Verbank, New York. She will be working on several more Mitzvah Projects with her Hebrew School class this year. She also has chosen to help support the non-profit chimpanzee sanctuary Save The Chimps, Inc.
Eliana hopes to hold a drive through Hebrew School to collect items for Save the Chimps. She also took some of her gift money to symbolically adopt Jaybee while supporting the sanctuary.
Some advice from Mom Suzanne:
“I loved using Pinterest to keep track of fun ideas and decorations for the ceremony and party. I pinned everything from dresses Eliana liked to tallis options to rainbow zebra grosgrain ribbon and themed balloons. I even found and pinned an idea for how to make place card stands out of paper clips – the idea worked great and we used it at the party!”
Here is the list of vendors who made Eliana’s party special. If you call any, please make sure you tell them that you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Yesenia “Jessie” Segura, Sr Event Manager, Westchester Marriott, 914-631-2200
Photographer: Alan Weiss Photography, 914-739-8888
Videographer: Andrew Stein Videography, 914-788-4678
Music/Photo Entertainment: MC Mike and dancer Geronimo, Jimmy Dee Music Productions, 914-428-9231
Personalized drawstring bags: Discount Mugs, 1-800-569-1980
Invitation, stamps, placecards: Zazzle, Inc.
Balloon Décor: Billy, Brian William Event Decorators, 845-628-0614
Website: Freeservers.com
Sign-In board: Designed by Mom, created by Brian William Event Decorators, 845-628-0614
Eliana’s gown: Hailey Logan
Cocktail dress: Delia’s
Transportation: Chappaqua Transportation, 914-238-4404
Eliana’s tiara: Amazon.com
Kippot: Mazel Skull Caps, 888-547-7247
Tallis: Shuki’s Judaica
March 10th, 2015
Banquets in the Part at Simplay, an upscale interactive venue located in Hauppauge, New York, has everything to create the most unique Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration all under one roof.
This versatile space has eight multi-sport/activity simulators, a fun lounge area and stylish ballroom. The 15,000 square foot facility is designed to host your event “and only your event.” Event coordinators work with you to plan all aspects of the celebration that will exceed your expectations. The lounge area is just steps away from the interactive simulators and can be enhanced with light up furniture, club lights, DJ and custom designed to your taste and theme for the day.
Special Offer From Banquets in the Park at Simplay: $150 off final balance with mention of Mitzvah Market!
Check out how Banquets in the Park at Simplay can be transformed into a fun club-theme:
Simplay can easily be transformed into a nightclub with LED Lucite furniture
There is a great area that can be used for the dance floor
Light capabilities, tables and linens are in-house
The kids lounge is packed with video games for PS4 and WiiU
Cool seating areas
A wide variety of favorite sports games for kids of all ages!
To learn more about Banquets in the Park at Simplay please visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
March 10th, 2015
“Mitzvah Mishaps” are those crazy things that happen that make you say, “Oy Vey!” but in the end, it all worked out.
There is a lot of planning that goes into your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah service and celebration. It is an unforgettable milestone, even if a curve ball was thrown your way.
The families and vendors below all survived their “mishap” and a result, have great stories to tell for years to come. We thank them for sharing them with Mitzvah Market.
The Wabnik Family were all smiles as they experienced a Mitzvah Mishap…their cake slid right off the table and onto the floor at Ultimate 575! Not missing a beat, they used this opportunity to take a photo that they will be talking about for years to come
When the Trichon family celebrated their daughter’s Bat Mitzvah, they chose blue sweatshirt favors for the kids. On Monday morning, Mom Patrice got a frantic call from her daughter at school. It appeared the blue dye came off on all the kids’ skin! Fortunately, the dye washed off easily and the favor company replaced all of their favors!
Rachel was enjoying being lifted in the chair during the horah, when suddenly she went flying up and out into the crowd. Luckily her Uncle Coby caught her, and returned her to the Horah chair safely. Everyone (including Rachel) had a good laugh!
When Bar Mitzvah boy Jake got ready for his candle lighting ceremony, he and his parents realized that his Dad had forgotten the candle lighting poems at home! Like a real trooper, he stood up there and did his best, trying to remember the poems, and adding in a few lines on the fly
Invitations By Ana designs many Bar and Bat Mitzvah menus. Sometimes there are changes to the food selections or the title headings. On one particular menu, the client had originally wanted “Carly’s Bat Mitzvah Salad.” She then decided the heading should just read “Carly’s Salad.” Just as the proof was about to be emailed back to the client, Ana realized she had changed it to “Carly’s Bat Salad.” She tells us, “I’m sure that would have been the first Bat Mitzvah dinner to serve bat!”
This pop-up invitation was a collaboration between 3 companies. When Snowflake Gift Company shipped the direction and RSVP cards to FabuDesigns.com, the package was lost. They did reprint the cards and resend them. Fortunately it only delayed mailing the invitations by 1 week!
Brett Levine’s (pictured left) Bar Mitzvah took place during a blizzard! The forecast was for two feet of snow, but the Levine’s family and friends planned ahead. At the Kiddush, which followed the morning service, the Levines’ friends informed them that they booked rooms at the hotel, where the party would be taking place, for themselves and extra rooms for the Bar Mitzvah boy’s friends. This way the parents didn’t have to drive in the snow. The party turned out fantastic and this family felt extremely lucky to be surrounded by such wonderful family and friends
The original cake for Emma Frankel’s Bat Mitzvah was dropped on the way into the venue so a new one had to be made and baked during the cocktail hour!
Did you experience a Mitzvah Mishap? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
March 8th, 2015
After you receive your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah date and start thinking about the type of celebration your family would like, it’s time to get to work on the details.
To have a theme or not is one of the big questions. Sometimes it’s hard to think of an appropriate theme or how you can turn one of your child’s interests into something clever and fun!
Take a look at these “not so common” themes and how these celebrations made it work. We hope they will inspire you!
This family celebrated with a “Party In Your PJs” theme
Check out the rest of this celebration here
Construction theme? Yes, this family used cranes, Bobcats, ladders, hard hats and safety glasses as part of the decor!
Check out the rest of this celebration here
This theme was a “Swim Meet” and even Michael Phelps made an appearance via a giant cardboard cut out at their “selfie station,” where guests could take a photo by his side
Check out the rest of this celebration here
For this Medieval themed Bat Mitzvah, even Grandpa dressed the part!
Check out the rest of this celebration here
A custom backdrop at the dessert table showcased a Sherlock Holmes style silhouette of the Bar Mitzvah boy who loves mysteries
Check out the rest of this celebration here
This Bat Mitzvah celebration was a “live” fairy tale. Talk about an entrance, the Bat Mitzvah girl “swung” in on a hanging chair!
Check out the rest of this celebration here
One might wonder how The Fault In Our Stars could possibly be a theme for a Bat Mitzvah celebration, but for super fan Chloe Werner there was no other option
Check out the rest of this celebration here
For this Dr. Seuss themed Bat Mitzvah, centerpieces were displayed with the famous hat from “Cat in the Hat”
Check out the rest of this celebration here
Great signage was just one part of this colorful and cheerful Bat Mitzvah celebration with a Lemonade Stand theme
Check out the rest of this celebration here
This celebration was a modern version of Alice in Wonderland. For “Abby in Wonderland,” characters from the book came to life
Check out the rest of this celebration here
It was a Super Hero themed Bat Mitzvah celebration with custom Kippot for “Lisa”
Check out the rest of this celebration here
Neon was the theme for Jasper’s Bar Mitzvah party
Check out the rest of this celebration here
Did your child celebrate with an “out of the box” Bar or Bat Mitzvah theme? Please let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
March 5th, 2015
Jillian Bernstein from Newtown, Pennsylvania will become a Bat Mitzvah on October 3, 2015.
For her Mitzvah Project she is raising funds and participating in the 2015 Walk for Hope on April 12, 2015. This walk will raise funds for Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
It is her hope that friends and family will come out and support her team named, “Jillian’s Journey.”
We caught up with Jillian to learn more:
MM: Can you give us details of your Mitzvah Project?
JB: I will be raising money for Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) research at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and walking on April 12, 2015 to raise awareness.
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project?
JB: I was recently diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. My doctor is at CHOP where I found out about this organization made up of parent volunteers for specific research in pediatric Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. I have chosen to share my diagnosis with friends and family to raise awareness about this disease. I will be walking in team “Jillian’s Journey” in the Walk for Hope to help find a cure and better medical treatments. I was diagnosed this year at age 12. I was not growing and lost weight which at first we thought was due to my participation in my favorite hobby…DANCE. After trying to increase calories in my diet and continued weight loss, my parents took me to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia where I was diagnosed.
MM: Does your project have a start and end date, if so what are they?:
JB: Now through April 12,2015 but raising funds for IBD research will be ongoing for me.
MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bat Mitzvah?
JB: I believe we all need to do nice things for others to become welcomed as a Jewish adult.
MM: If it involves a donation, what are you doing to spreading the word?
JB: So far, we have called and emailed friends and family and posted information on Facebook. There is a donation page on the Walk For Hope Website, click here. I will be making posters and will also “Can for Crohn’s” at our local supermarket to raise money and awareness. I also created an Instagram page Jillian.Journey. I was excited to see a news story about Philadelphia Phillies player Jake Diekman who also suffers from IBD. When I posted a message on my page he was the first to like the message!
The flyer that Jillian and her Dad created with information on how to donate or get involved in the Walk for Hope
MM:For how long can people donate to this charity?
JB: This charity accepts donations all year but the actual walk is April 12, 2015.
MM: Anything else we need to know about your Mitzvah Project?
JB:I have not only given money to help fund research, but I have given samples for medical research in hopes to find a cure or better treatments.
We thank Jillian and her family for sharing this wonderful Mitzvah project with our readers. Click here to find out more information on the Walk for Hope or to donate to Jillian’s Bat Mitzvah Project.
March 4th, 2015
The Lowenstein family of Hollywood, Florida, celebrated the B’nai Mitzvah of Jordyn and Joshua with a Havdallah service followed by reception at Temple Solel in Hollywood, Florida.
Both Jordyn and Joshua love the “The Food Network” and consider themselves “foodies,” so when it came time to choose a theme, they cooked up a great one!
Pictured L-R: Bar Mitzvah boy Joshua, Bat Mitzvah girl Jordyn, Mom Hollie and Dad Seth.
Allison Frank was the photographer and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.
The family worked with Ellen Futterman of Proper Notice on the sophisticated invitation which highlights each child separately and together. A pink font for Jordyn and blue font for Joshua on the invitation, RSVP and stamp
Sister and brother strike a pose during their formal temple pictures
The family looked great up on the bimah.
The black suede kippot from Kippot World had silver trim and were personalized with their “J&J” initials
Letters J & J in the party’s color palette were a nice touch on the kippot table
Amy Wohl of FabuDesigns.com created the logos used throughout the party. The logo on the left was the main logo of the event and the logo on the right was embroidered on a chef’s jacket used during some pre-party pictures and for the sign-in boards
One of A Kind Decor “whipped up” amazing decor. It was a club style party with no assigned table seating. There were tables and high tops available for guests who wanted to sit. Several Food Network show logos were showcased around the room with centerpieces on the high and low top tables. When guests entered on the red carpet, they saw pictures pictures of Jordyn and Joshua on flat screen televisions with the amazing logo illuminated with red up-lighting
The culinary duo in front of their illuminated sign in the kids’ lounge area.
Large television screens with pictures of Jordyn and Joshua sat on top of an illuminated platform on alternating tables
This centerpiece featured Jordyn
Mini lit up lamps like this one were dispersed throughout the party room
Some centerpieces were decorated in glitter and placed on high and low top tables
Essential cooking tools were used as added decor along with custom napkins ordered by Mom Hollie
The kids’ lounge included black leather couches with customized pillows designed by Mom Hollie and purchased on Zazzle.com. Illuminated Lucite cubes served as coffee tables adding pizazz to the set-up
This large poster of Jordyn and Joshua holding “The Food Network” magazine was placed over the DJ booth in
front of the dance floor
The sign-in chef coats were positioned in front of a poster of Joshua and Jordyn. This shot was taken during the pre-Mitzvah shoot in a kitchen showroom
“The Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” station was the slider station, serving mini hamburger sliders along with a hot dog cart, delicious fries, lots of toppings for the burgers and a soft pretzel machine. This picture with Jordyn and Joshua superimposed next to star Chef Guy Fieri hung above.
The Asian food station included a truck facade with an awning extending out over the servers with a menu board and signage: “J & J Wok ’til you drop.”
Mom and Dad posed by the food truck chalkboard menu
At the pasta station, there was a huge spaghetti and meatball prop with a fork on a spinning base
The sushi station food prop with a sushi roll and chop sticks
It was a night of great music and high energy on the dance floor thanks to MC Joseph and Pure Energy Entertainment
A great group picture with MC Joseph on the dance floor
Max Booth customized the photo booth with different Food Network magazine covers strategically inserting Jordyn and Joshua pictures. Fantastic Photo Favors supplied the air brush station along with basketball, air hockey and football toss for the kids during the cocktail hour
Fantastic Photo Favors airbrushed trucker hats and squishy pillows and provided cocktail hour games
Joshua’s finished squishy pillow looks awesome
The candle lighting ceremony featured mini TVs and within each one was a picture of one of the Food Network shows. There was also a light placed inside each one so with the push of a button, they lit up!
At the end of the evening, each guest received a delicious cupcake from Sweeter Days Bake Shop. “Thank you for helping us celebrate our special day!
We hope you had a great time and enjoy this sweet treat 🙂 Love…J&J”
Silver, red and black shimmer sprinkles were placed around the edges to go with the edible logo on each cupcake.
Beautifully wrapped and displayed
The out-of-town bags included a great picture and note from the culinary duo thanking their guests for coming, as well as informing them of Sunday brunch for hotel guests and immediate family
Mitzvah Project:
Both Jordyn and Joshua chose to volunteer their time caring for needy and abandoned animals at the Humane Society of Broward County, Mitzvah Mutts program. There they met with other kids and spent time with all of the animals by giving them lots of love and attention.They also made treats for the animals and whatever else was needed at the shelter. While being part of this “Mitzvah Mutts” program, they also raised funds for the humane society as generous friends and family members decided they wanted to contribute. They will also be participating in an event called, “Walk for the Animals” in February.
Jordyn playing with one of the shelter’s cats
Some advice from Mom Hollie:
“People would say to me, ‘Enjoy every minute of this because it goes by so fast,’ well they were right! When you plan a party of this magnitude for almost 2 years for your kids, and its over in just 6 hours, it’s so important to cherish every minute. I know it’s easier said than done, but you must stop, take a deep breath, look around you, and take it all in and remember what this special day is all about. My husband and I were doing this only one time since we have twins, so we needed to feel we gave 100 percent. I put a lot of pressure on myself to make sure it was as close to perfection as it could be. In the end, I loved the way everything came together, however, what I realized, is that when your friends and family are in the same room, surrounding you with love and support, seeing your kids smiling from ear to ear and happy all night long, that is what is really important! A couple last bits of advice would be to try to eat and drink the delicious items you chose for your special menu, trust that the team you hired will do their job properly (because at some point it’s out of your control) and while seeing your kids and guests enjoying themselves, dance the night away…because it’s your special day too!”
The following vendors helped to make celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Temple Solel; 954-989-0205
Catering: Artisan Foods, 954-983-5338
Photographer: Alison Frank Photography, 954-536-4456
Videographer: Senderey Video Productions 954-748-8999
Invitations: Ellen Futterman, Proper Notice, 516-621-9523
Logo: Amy Wohl, FabuDesigns, 312-513-1698
Decor: One Of A Kind Event Design, 954-838-0040
Kippot: Kippot World, 305-932-5472
Music Entertainment: MC Joseph, Pure Energy Entertainment, 954-782-9118
Cupcake favors: Sweeter Days Bake Shop, 954-396-3979
Customized Photo Booth: MaxBooth, 561-37-BOOTH
Party Entertainment/Cocktail hour games: Funtastic Photo Favors: 561-306-3700
Sign-In Chef coats: Shirts R Us, 954-533-4695
Custom pillows: Mom Hollie created on Zazzle.com
Custom cocktail napkins: For Your Party
Video Montage: Amy Kratish, 954-520-4591
Hotel gift bags: Totally Tote Bags, 866-795-4657
Jordyn’s service dress: Ted Baker, Bloomingdales
Reception dresses for Mom and Jordyn: Sondro Boutique, 954-739-5037
Suits for Dad and Joshua: Nordstrom and Men’s Wearhouse
Makeup: Nancy Rand, Touch Cosmetics, 786-301-1105
Hair: By Yasmin, 305-788-3520
March 1st, 2015
Big Huge Labs is a Website that helps you do cool stuff with your digital photos.
Their site is filled with great ideas and tons of templates and designs that allow you to upload your own photos to make fun Bar Bat Mitzvah related items. Some of their choices include: large posters, badges, collages, “coming attraction” posters, magazine covers, movie posters and much more!
You can choose from a wide variety of tools and effects that you can apply to your photos easily and instantly. Here are a few ideas:
Be the front page of your own movie poster. This tool places your photo at the front page of a magazine-format themed background. You get to edit the details such as background color, title and tagline. Great for “coming attraction” posters for younger siblings
Create a 9, 4, or 1-panel false-color version of one of your photos in the style of Andy Warhol’s famous paintings and turn yourself and your friends into pop art instantly. Great for added decor!
Another cool tool is the jigsaw option that allows you to create jigsaw puzzles out of your images. Simply upload your image and it will automatically be turned into a puzzle. Could be incorporated into your candle lighting ceremony
Create a Billboard – if you have something to say, say it BIG. Pick from a variety of scenes like NYC above
With their Badge Maker, you can create your own ID card, press pass, name tag or any other kind of identification
To see more ideas, visit Big Huge Labs and create a free account!
