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A Pretty Little Liars Themed Bat Mitzvah in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The Becker family of Gladwyne, Pennsylvania, celebrated their daughter Emma’s Bat Mitzvah at Philadelphia’s Hotel Monaco. The party followed at Tendenza event space also in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

This is a family that loves everything about Halloween. Emma’s parents got married on Halloween and her Mitzvah Project was also related Halloween. It wasn’t surprising that they decided on a black and white Halloween theme and some fun elements from Emma’s favorite television show, “Pretty Little Liars.”

Pictured L-R: Mom Hollee, Brother Dylan, Dad Lance and Bat Mitzvah girl Emma.

Photography was by Tony Hoffer Photography (who had never shot a Bat Mitzvah before!) and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of the spotlight.

 Mitzvah Invitation, Service & Style

The invitation was created by Mom Hollee on Zazzle.com. It came packaged in a custom glossy black box from PaperMart.com imprinted with the Pretty Little Liars tagline “Got a Secret. Can You Keep It?” Inside, guests found a card encased in a clear envelope filled with real dirt and a mini plastic shovel. Emma’s service was held at The Hotel Monaco.

On the card was the "Pretty Little Liars" signature "Shhhh!" along with the message "Who is E?"

The invitation directed guests to the memberoftheEteam.com event website created by Hollee, where party details were revealed along with the message that "Some secrets are worth digging for."

Emma up on the bimah

Because it was Halloween, Emma's kippot were orange satin

This was a black and white themed party so Emma changed after her service into a sparkly silver and white dress from Rissy Roo for the reception

Here with MC John, Emma is wearing an additional three-tiered removable over-skirt that Mom Hollee had custom made by a designer she found on Etsy.com

Mitzvah Details

Emma is a huge fan of the television series “Pretty Little Liars,” based around the mystery “Who is A?” Since the party was held on Halloween they decided to run with the mystery, “Who is E?” Tendenza is a modern, industrial chic loft space. Beautiful Blooms created the table decor and Mom Hollee’s great ideas were incorporated all over. 

The Becker family keeping some secrets on the party details

In a nod to Halloween, white vampire teeth were used to hold the place cards

The teeth were a last minute addition and they turned out to be a huge hit with the guests!

Mom Hollee made the table numbers by "blinging" out white pumpkins

Beautiful Blooms created the mood with long communal adult tables featuring white pumpkins mixed with glistening stemmed candle cups and chunky white pillars, all wrapped in silver barbed wire

This picture captures the room which was sophisticated and fun. Episodes of "Pretty Little Liars" were playing on the video screens as guests walked in

Picking up on the “Pretty Little Liars” theme, lip pillows were on the couches in the kids lounge. There were also pillows that Mom Hollee created on Zazzle.com using pictures taken directly from Emma's Instagram feed

Mom Hollee and Dad Lance strike a pose with the greeters on hand serving drinks from smoking trays that were decorated with custom black raspberry "misfortune" cookies

The Pretty Little Lairs font was used on the kids' drink cups punctuated with custom red "E" Krazy Straws

There were E-shaped candy dishes on the tables and the "Shhh" logo on menus

Bathroom towels featuring a popular quote from "Pretty Little Liars"

Bathroom amenities also featured custom lip balm, mints, hair ties and ear plugs in jars Mom Hollee bought at Home Goods

Emma on the dance floor logo, which revealed that "E is for Emma"

The huge canvas sign-in board was designed on Zazzle.com using the "Pretty Little Liars" font

 Music & Entertainment

MC John and his crew from Unique Musique knew what a special celebration this was and kept the party going all night long.  Not only was it Emma’s Bat Mitzvah celebration and Halloween but it also was Emma’s parents anniversary!

Mom and Dad making their entrance

Emma entered with two Unique Musique dancers

Emma right over the DJ booth to drop the first beat!

Then it was Horah time, we love her expression!

Cool red sock giveaways were a big hit and came packaged in white boxes that said...

"Trick or Treat, Smell My Feet"

In keeping with the "Pretty Little Liars" theme, guests could get their "Mug Shots" taken in the "Rosewood Police Department." Guest booth provided by Hoffer Photography

Since it was Halloween, guests could get into the spooky spirit at the Glam Bar from Lexi Style Boutique. Make-up artists were on hand to bling out the girls with fake eyelashes and sparkly eye art

They also offered glittery Halloween-themed tattoos

An airbrush station was available where guests could create their own custom designs on black and white trucker hats

Guests were asked to "Instagram" the night by posting their pics with the hashtag #emmasbatmitz from Jones Street Press

Emma and her friends getting into the Halloween spirit

Instead of a traditional candle lighting, Emma handed out red glow sticks to her guests

Then she asked them to "Bend it like Becker," and drop them in a vase to help her "light up the night"

Mitzvah Moment

The biggest highlight of the night was the surprise hip hop routine Emma and Dad Lance broke into a few seconds into their traditional father/daughter dance.

Watch here

Both did a great job!

Another highlight was younger brother Dylan's speech. He made Emma an acrostic poem spelling out the letters of her name

During the cocktail hour, Emma's friends presented her with this awesome "Pretty Little Liars" themed "E" mirror

Mitzvah Treats & Favor

At the end of the night, waiters dressed in costumes circulated with desserts. The sweatshirt favors were from The Mitzvah Mavens. 

Cescaphe Events created the striking black and white cake Emma found on Pinterest.com

The topper was a Lucite red 'E" Mom Hollee purchased from Peachwik on Etsy.com

Some of these delicious treats included Oreo Chipwiches, E-emblazoned black and white cookies, and mini black and white milkshakes with fries

These Halloween buckets made a great presentation for their Bat Mitzvah favors

Members of the "E" Team (camp friends) rocking their new hoodies the next morning!

It was Halloween, so of course there was an amazing assortment of candy along with Philly Cheese Steaks and soft pretzels!

The Philly Cheese Steaks and soft pretzels were sealed with a custom label that read: "The Party's Not Over Until I Say It Is"

Emma giving all her guests a farewell high five at the end of the night

Mitzvah Project 

When it came time to choose a Mitzvah Project, it was clear it had to be connected to Halloween! The Becker family helped Emma with her fundraiser, “Costumes for a Cause” benefiting Little Smiles.  We featured it on Mitzvah Market, to read more about this great project click here.

 Emma sitting on top of all the costumes she collected

Mom to Mom

 Some advice from Mom Hollee:
“Emma and I had the best time planning this party! Once she came up with the theme, we just embraced who she is and ran with it. It was such a great bonding experience, and I am so grateful for the time we spent brainstorming and tackling some of the smaller projects. There are so many great resources online — don’t be afraid to use them! And once you figure out what you want the night look like, focus on what you want your party to feel like. We had a lot of guests, but we wanted the room to feel lively and intimate — like a whimsical dinner party that suddenly turns into an awesome dance party where every single person becomes part of the celebration. Let your child lead the way. Then just let go, soak up all the love and laughter in the room and enjoy every single moment because it goes by way too fast!”

 Vendor Directory

The following vendors helped to make Emma’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.

Venue: Tendenza, 215-238-5750
Photographer/Guestbooth: Tony Hoffer Photography, 484-693-0055
Videographer: Trabbland, 215-867-9208
Event Website/Montage/Logos/Labels: Hollee Becker
Music Entertainment: MC John, Unique Musique Entertainment, 732-431-4082
Table Decor: Beautiful Blooms, 215-925-9300
Greeters: Jewelz Entertainment, 267-241-0577
Favor Sweatshirts: The Mitzvah Mavens, 610-642-4002
Airbrushed Trucker Hats: P Mad Graffix
Glam Bar: LexiStyle, 201-401-2703
Invitation/Sign-In Board/Pillows: Zazzle.com
Instagram signs: Jones Street Press, 770-851-9807
E straws: Krazy Straws
Cake: Tendenza, 215-238-5750
Custom Black Raspberry Fortune Cookies: KCFortuneCookieFactory.com
Clear Envelopes with Mini Shovel and Real Dirt: GoldenOpenings.com
Custom Imprinted Glossy Black Boxes: PaperMart.com
Save the Date Magnets: WeddingPaperDivas.com
Custom Kids Stadium Cups: ForYourParty.com
Orange Kippahs: Skullcap.com
Emma’s dress: Rissy Roos and Angel Bridal on Etsy.com
Mom Hollee’s dress: Intermix

Mitzvah Inspire: Medieval Masquerade Mitzvah

Elizabeth Glorioso Photography was the photographer for Elisa’s Medieval Masquerade theme.

The service took place at the Fairmount Temple, Beachwood, Ohio. Then it was onto The Ballroom at Park Lane Villa, in Cleveland, Ohio, where guests were transported back in time. Family, friends and performers were all in medieval costumes and everyone got into the spirit of the theme.

“Hear Ye Hear Ye” let the festivities begin.

 
Elisa with her family at temple
 

The beautiful head covering is from the temple gift shop

Elisa is wearing a crown that was purchased from an antique shop for either her 6^th or 7^th birthday. Who knew it would come in handy again when she turned 13 years old?

Guests were greeted by Knights from Party 411

Mom Nancy Schwartz-Katz is a illustrator/fine artist and created the logo and the signage. Crests hung from above each with a special meaning to the family.

What a presentation!! Guests enjoyed the royal feast dining on banquet tables

 
A view from above with hanging crests created by Mom Nancy

Masks were placed on each chair 

Elisa and her friend looked great in their masks

 
That’s a Medieval Mitzvah entrance!

A cut-out of Elisa directing guests to “Ye Olde Photo Shoppe”

Elisa and her friends enjoyed the photo props

A gallant king and beautiful queen or just “Mom and Dad” to Elisa

And Grandpa Larry got into the action too

A description of Elisa’s amazing Mitzvah project in Gothic script set on a table for her guests to read about

She decorated IV poles used by children during chemotherapy

A red and blue baseball charm that Elisa and her friends made for her Mitzvah project

Elisa is in the beginning orchestra at the Cleveland Institute of Music and performs there with her teacher, Laura Shuster

There was lots of revelry on the dance floor

The jester is friend of the family from out of town who really got into the spirit

A great night was had by all!

We thank Elizabeth Glorioso Photography for sharing this wonderful Bat Mitzvah with our Mitzvah Market readers.

Photographer: Elisabeth Glorioso Photography; Venue: The Ballroom at Park Lane Villa;Concept design/illustrations for party: Mom, Nancy Schwartz-Katz; Event Planner/Knights: Party 411; Event Designer: Peiter Bousterese Studio; Entertainment: Rock the House Entertainment; Masks: Party Oasis.

Mitzvah Project: Art Supply and Fund Drive for Veterans

Seth Brail of Chappaqua, New York, is getting ready for his Bar Mitzvah celebration to be held on April 18, 2015.

Seth’s Mitzvah project raised funds to help Israeli disabled veterans through Friends of Israel Disabled Veterans or (FIDV). The organization supports multiple Beit Halochem (House of the Warrior in Hebrew) centers in Israel which provide a wide spectrum of rehabilitation programs for Israeli servicemen and women disabled in the line of duty.

Part of the money Seth raised funded a Beit Halochem Excelling Disabled Athlete Scholarship. The scholarship program supports, encourages and motivates those disabled to take part in international competitions and the Paralympic games. With the rest of the money Seth purchased and personally delivered art supplies for Beit Halochem-Tel Aviv’s Art Therapy Programs on a recent trip to Israel.

Pictured L-R: Seth is receiving a certificate honoring his Mitzvah Project from Ora Chayoun, Manager of the Beit Halochem Center in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Please read more about Seth’s amazing project.

MM: Can you give us details of your Mitzvah Projects
SB: For one month prior to my trip to Israel in October, I raised money to do two things – 1) To buy art supplies for the art therapy programs at Beit Halochem, Tel Aviv and 2) To make a donation to Beit Halochem’s Excelling Athlete Scholarship Program. I personally delivered all the art supplies to Beit Halochem’s Tel Aviv center when I was in Israel. I toured the center and saw some finished artwork. I met some disabled veterans who were playing billiards which helps with their severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). I watched some wheelchair tennis players practice and saw the wheelchair basketball team practice. They all compete internationally which is why I was glad to donate to the Scholarships for Excelling Athlete Program also.

Some of the amazing fine art supplies Seth donated

MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular charity?
SB: My cousin got married in Tel Aviv in October. Six months before that my mom told me that I could go with her to Israel for the wedding if I did a Mitzvah project that involved an organization in Israel. We first came up with the idea of bringing art supplies to a children’s organization in Israel. When the war in Gaza broke out, we decided to do something for soldiers and found Friends of Disabled Veterans (FIDV). This organization helps disabled Israeli Defense Force veterans all over Israel. One of their many rehabilitative programs is an art therapy program. So, I could keep the art supply drive idea but just connected with a different organization. I also expanded the project to also raise money for Beit Halochem’s amazing wheelchair athletes.

MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bar Mitzvah?
SB: It feels good to do something that helps other people and to be able to meet some of the people that you help. When you’re preparing for your Bar Mitzvah, the Mitzvah project in particular affects your character a bit. It helps makes you a better person.

Seth personally delivered the art supplies

MM: How did you spread the word?
SB: We sent emails to friends and family talking about the project and about FIDV/Beit Halochem.

MM: For how long can people donate to this charity?
SB: As long as the charity exists people can donate.

We thank Seth and his family for sharing his amazing Mitzvah project with our readers.

Mitzvah Market Magazine: Bar/Bat Mitzvah By The Numbers, How Much Do You Need?

When planning for your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah, you will have many different decisions to make. Most are based on numbers. For example: How many invitations? How much food to serve? How long should the celebration be? How many photos will be taken? How many pictures in a montage? How many candles on the cake? And on and on and on!

We checked with a few Bar Bat Mitzvah experts to get the lowdown on exactly what is needed:

15 extra invitations should be ordered in case your mother-in-law decides to invite a few more friends or your child makes some new pals at camp!

Cocktail Hour: Figure you will need 3 cocktail napkins and 3 pieces of sushi per person.

Plus: 2 pigs in the blanket per person.

The number of dancers perfect for a party of 150-175 people is 3. More than 75 kids? Consider adding a fourth.

How many hours should your celebration be? 4-5 hours is the average Bar Bat Mitzvah party. If it’s a kids’ only party it’s usually 3-4 hours.

 How many candles on the cake? Usually 13 with an extra for good luck! Some families choose to do a shortened candle lighting with only 3-5 that can include a memory candle, one for the Bar Bat Mitzvah’s parents, one for siblings, one for extended family and one for friends.

Increments of $18 are considered lucky, so if you want to give money as a gift think $18, $36, $54, $108, $180 etc.

1/2 lb. of candy per guest for a candy bar buffet. If you are ordering for 100, you’ll need about 50-60 pounds of goodies. Rule of thumb: you can never have enough sweets!

What’s the optimal number of minutes for a montage before your guests start checking their cell phone? 8-10 minutes

What is the number of photos in an 8-10 minute montage? 150

What is the number of songs you need for an 8-10 minute montage? 5

800-1,000 is the number of digital photos your photographer will take for you.

100 are how many photos are in the average Bar Bat Mitzvah photo album.

 Resources: Salutations (salutationsnj@aol.com), Party King Entertainment, Digital Video Designs, Sarah Merians Photography & Videography Company, Parties! Rare to Well Done, Carlyle Catering

This story is from our 2014 Mitzvah Market Magazine. If you would like to request a free copy, click here.

A High Energy Bar Mitzvah Celebration in Huntington Valley, Pennsylvania

The Epstein Family of Yardley, Pennsylvania, celebrated the Bar Mitzvah of son Alec at Congregation Kol Emet in Yardley, Pennsylvania. The reception was held at Beat Street in Huntington Valley, Pennsylvania.

This high-energy party celebrating Alec focused on the kids and most importantly, fun.

Pictured L-R: Mom Andrea, Bar Mitzvah boy Alec, Sister Chloe and Dad Jeff.

The photographer was Creative Photography by Maya (which recently merged with A&G Picture This!) and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of the spotlight.

 
The service was held at Congregation Kol Emet. Alec did a great job reading his Haftorah

 Dad and Mom joined Alec on the bimah

The black satin kippot were placed in a silver wicker basket

The family worked with Sara Jane Kimmel of S&J Printing on the invitation and the very funny Mad Libs style RSVP card.

 Alec loved reading the RSVPs as there were some really great responses

The Epstein family looked hip and stylish. Bar Mitzvah boy Alec and Dad Jeff got their club attire at Schweon’s Clothing & Formal Wear. Mom Andrea’s shimmery purple and black embellished cocktail dress was from Gabrielle and sister Chloe looked great in her dress from Nordstrom.

The venue, Beat Street, had everything the Epstein family wanted including colorful pop art style walls, a balcony, large dance floor and an awesome game room. Other than some additional lounge furniture and balloons, everything was already in place.

LED lounge area for the adults from Lounge Around

For the entrance, the Epsteins added some balloons and Alec’s sign-in door

Colorful pop art on the steps leading to the balcony before the guests arrived…

 and after, with all of Alec’s friends!

Custom water bottles and napkins with Alec’s logo were a nice touch.

Alec’s bedroom door was used as the sign-in. Sweet Pea Studio painted it using some of Alec’s favorite things.

 Alec gave high fives on his way to the center of the dance floor.  BME/Bobby Morganstein Events had everyone on the dance floor all night!

Horah time

Everyone had a great time dancing

MC/Owner Bobby Morganstein was on hand to add to the high energy party

Mom Andrea and Dad Jeff performed a rap to “Fight for Your Right to Party” by The Beastie Boys instead of a traditional toast. Everyone enjoyed it and Alec wasn’t too embarrassed by it!

The great looking cake included all of Alec’s favorite things.

 During the candle lighting ceremony Alec was surrounded by friends and family. Alec called his friends up for their honor

 Alec gave special time to sister Chloe

The t-shirt favors from The Mitzvah Mavens, a division of Custom Discount Apparel had Alec’s logo on the front.

The back included a picture of an Ipod with Alec’s initials

Pretzels in the shape of an “A” for Alec were given to guests to enjoy on the way home.

Alec participated in two Mitzvah projects. First, he participated in the Remember Us project. Alec received the name of a young boy who was killed in the Holocaust and chose to honor him by sharing his Bar Mitzvah with him. 

The second Mitzvah Project that Alec focused on was raising money for Golden Slipper Camp Alec’s favorite place to be is his sleep-away camp, Camp Nock-A-Mixon. For this reason, he chose to raise funds to sponsor a child to attend Golden Slipper Camp. When he learned that he could help to provide an opportunity for a child to go to overnight camp who could otherwise not afford to go, he instantly knew this was the Mitzvah project for him. Golden Slipper Camp is a not-for-profit overnight camp in the Poconos section of Pennsylvania. 

Alec held many fun events throughout the year to raise money such as collecting money for Superbowl boxes, running a fundraising night at a Hebrew School called “Wear your Slippers for Golden Slipper,” and running fundraising nights at a local frozen yogurt shop. Alec raised over $1,600 which was used to sponsor a child for an entire week of camp plus meals for other campers.

Some advice from Mom Andrea:
“My best piece of advice is to stay organized and cross things off your list as soon as you can. Do not wait until the date is closer and closer. Figure out the important elements to you and hire the best vendors you can. Everyone has different priorities so do not try to compete with your friends. Just make your celebration as personal as possible and focus on your family. I highly recommend all the vendors I hired. They were so much fun to work with.”

The following vendors made Alec’s celebration special. If you contact any of them please make sure they know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com

Venue: Beat Street, 215-364-1844
Photographer: Creative Photography by Maya, (recently merged with A&G Picture This!) 215-322-7237
Music Entertainment/MC: Bobby Morganstein, BMP Entertainment, 215-355-8288
Lounge Furniture: Lounge Around, 215-355-6552
Favors: The Mitzvah Mavens, 610-642-4002
Photo Booth-Green Screen: The Main Event, 800-839-0918
Invitations, napkins: Sara Jane Kimmel, S&J Printing, 609-895-0703
Water bottle labels: Etsy.com
Kippot: Mazel Skull Cap, 718-435-3288
Sign-In door: Sweet Pea Studio, Nancy Levitt, 215-873-9977
Mom’s Dress: Gabrielle, 610-668-2801
Sister Chloe’s Dress: Nordstrom
Suits for Alec and Dad: Nordstrom
Shirts/ties: Schweon’s Clothing & Formal Wear, 215-357-0600
Transportation: Four Seasons Bus Company, 609-851-2309

Mitzvah Market Magazine: The Perfect Present

By Sheri ArbitalJacoby

Money or gifts? That’s the big question guests often face when invited to a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Sure, most young people today would love a chunk of cash from beloved friends and relatives to spend on something they’ve been craving—or to put away for college, but many guests prefer giving something more personal and meaningful.

It’s been that way forever. “Not once did I look around a college classroom and think how grateful I was for the cash Bat Mitzvah gifts” that helped pay my way, reminisces Amy Budish. “Decades later, I still wear jewelry that I received as gifts, and think about the special relative or family friend who gave it to me.”

Jessica Jade Benoit, will never forget her favorite present: “I received a bouquet of a dozen red roses with a hundred dollar bill curled into one of the flowers. It was signed ‘from a secret admirer.’ To this day I still don’t know who sent it, but it made
quite an impression on a 13-year-old girl!”

When Danielle Schlass Saliman had her Bat Mitzvah in the ’80s, she received every color Swatch watch imaginable. These days, the hot timepiece is a mechanical skeleton watch that enables you to see all the moving parts through its clear covering.
Speaking of time, a sensational way to spend some precious moments with the B’nai Mitzvah, is to score tickets so the two of you can see a show, concert or sporting event together. If the teen has another passion, get him or her a gift certificate for hobby supplies. The best gifts come from knowing something about the person you are giving them to.

“In my day, the standard was always a personalized Cross pen,” says Lori Yaspan, Temple Sinai of Roslyn’s gift shop manager. “Nowadays, most kids want money, or gift certificates for electronics.” She believes, “the more personal a gift, the better.” Popular presents from the shop include B’nai Mitzvah photo and memory albums, picture frames and framed art, jewelry, tallit clips and mezuzahs. “We also carry small Torah scrolls in acrylic boxes that can be rolled to the B’nai Mitzvah’s portion, yads (Torah pointers), shadowbox frames to display the invitation and tallit.”

Still baffled by what to give? Mitzvah Market has unearthed lots of unique items in various price ranges. Here are some suggestions:

JEWELRY
When my own daughter, Hallie, was born 14 years ago, we commemorated the occasion with a gorgeous Joan Michlin necklace of assorted geometric shapes (joanmichlin.com), which has become my signature piece. As a Bat Mitzvah gift, it seemed fitting to have earrings in two of the shapes made for my daughter. The jewelry makes us feel more connected. One of Hallie’s best friends, Talia Rosen, had a similar experience. “My favorite gift was a necklace my great aunt gave me that looks almost exactly like the one my mom wears everyday,” she says.

Jewelry and technology converge with Ringly (ringly.com), making it the prefect gift for the girl who can’t be without her cell phone. Ringly.com rings connect to an iPhone or Android via Bluetooth using the corresponding app, and buzz for incoming texts, calls, emails, calendar reminders or app notifications. Set in 18-karat gold plating with a matte finish, the ring features a rectangular-cut, semiprecious or precious stone in black onyx, pink sapphire, rainbow moonstone or emerald ($195.)

Patricia Locke asymmetrical geometric Multicolor Austrian Crystal Pewter Hamsa Necklace in rich jewel tones blends exquisite contemporary design with heirloom overtones ($195, Hamakor Gallery, jewishsource.com)

This sterling silver, cubic zirconium Two-in-One Star of David necklace can be worn as a Jewish star or opened into a whimsical zigzag butterfly design ($57; save $5 by joining their email list, traditionsjewishgifts.com)

JUDAICA
“When a niece or nephew is having a B’nai Mitzvah, my gift of choice is either a Torah pointer that they can use up on the
bima, or haftorah portion bookends,” says renowned Judaica artist Gary Rosenthal (collectgaryrosenthal.com). “The B’nai
Mitzvah usually thinks it’s really cool that their portion is silkscreened on a bookend.”

Adorn the Bar or Bat Mitzvah child’s bedroom door with an ornate mezuzah handmade by Israeli born New York artist Michal Golan (michalgolan.com), whose pieces combine an antique look with a modern fashion sensibility—or frame it until
they’re ready to hang it outside their first apartment.

Sculpted from brass, copper, steel and glass, Bar/Bat Mitzvah Bookends by Gary Rosenthal display a boy or girl holding a scroll on one side and your choice of a haftorah portion on the other ($120; can be personalized with a brass plate containing two lines of text for an additional $20).

These mixed-media Yads by Gary Rosenthal, available in cranberry, pink, turquoise and blue, add a creative touch to rehearsals and the big day ($100 including a yad stand; can be personalized with a brass plate containing two lines of text for an additional $20).

This large Star of David Mezuzah by Michal Golan is handmade from brass, sterling silver and Swarovski crystals ($105). It also comes in a small pink version crafted from brass, electroplated with 24K gold and decorated with enamel, Swarovski crystals and opal ($100).

PERSONALIZED
“The best present is a gift from the heart,” says Carol Konigsberg. “On my daughter Jamie’s big day, she received so many handmade gifts from friends. They included collaged stools, benches and mirrors. Jamie’s friend Alex brought an actual
cocktail table that was smothered with photos and her other best friend plastered a mannequin in pictures. It was truly amazing!”

Fine jewelry designer Annie Fensterstock’s niece had her Bat Mitzvah this year, “which meant I got to make the gifts for all of her friends!” Lucky for the rest of us, she created a reasonably priced Mitzvah line (anniefensterstock.com). (Pieces from her regular collection, which blend a mastery of ancient goldsmithing with dynamic contemporary design, can cost in the neighborhood of $10,000.) Since each Mitzvah creation is handmade, pendants can be designed with an initial or a name.

The “Zoe” Necklace from Annie Fensterstock is sterling silver and available with an oxidized background, as shown, or in bright silver ($250 to $300 depending on the number of characters, up to eight).

Protect your favorite Bar/Bat Mitzvah child’s Android, iPhone or iPad from dust and scratches while adding color and individuality with a Collage Devise Case. Design it yourself with up to 30 pictures or give the teen a gift card so he or
she can create it themselves (from $39.99, collage.com).

A perfect extra gift for a girl to give her friend: customized Glitter Nail Polish. Design and name a color for your BFF and pair it with a check or an IOU for a mani-pedi date ($10-$15, starrily.com).

GIVEBACK
Some kids get caught up in the party and forget what the Mitzvah is really about. To remind them, mark this special simcha with these meaningful gifts:

After hearing an injured Israeli soldier’s story, designer Orna Simkhai was inspired to create Shema necklaces and donate a portion of the profits to soldiers and other worthy social causes that help make a difference in people’s lives.

The first verse of the Shema can be worn on a necklace with the Shema-Or Stainless Steel Uri-Ya.
His/Hers pendant ($50, shema-or.com).

Link the B’nai Mitzvah to a child who perished in the Holocaust by having the teen’s name, hometown and simcha date, plus the name and home country of a young Shoah victim, inscribed on a glass tile in the Jewish National Fund’s B’nai Mitzvah Remembrance Wall in Jerusalem, and a plaque will be sent to the recipient ($1,800 donation, jnf.org; click JNF Store/B’nai Mitzvah Remembrance Wall).

Create a lifelong link to Israel by having the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child’s name inscribed in the Sefer Bar/Bat Mitzvah book in Jerusalem. The recipient will receive a certificate and a copy of HOMELAND: The Illustrated History of the State of Israel ($54, jnf.org; JNF Store/Occasion Certificates).

ELECTRONICS
Teens love the latest devices—iAnything (apple.com) plus accessories, such as a LifeProof phone case (lifeproof.com), tablet
or laptop case and charging station, cameras including a retro Polaroid (bhphotovideo.com) and cool gadgets from Sharper
Image (sharperimage.com), Brookstone (brookstone.com) and Hammacher Schlemmer (hammacher.com).

RESOURCES:
Joanmichlin.com * Traditionsjewishgifts.com * collectgaryrosenthal.com * Shema-or.com * JNF.org (click JNF Store/B’nai
Mitzvah Remembrance Wall or click occasion certificates) * Michalgolan.com * Jewishsource.com * Anniefensterstock.com
* Ringly.com * Collage.com * Starrily.com * Apple.com * Lifeproof.com * Bhphotovideo.com * Sharperimage.com
* Brookstone.com *Hammacher.com

This story is from new 2014 Mitzvah Market Magazine. If you would like to request a free copy, click here.

Mitzvah Find: Cootie Catcher

Designs by Tenisha on Etsy.com has created a great Cootie Catcher Bar Bat Mitzvah invitation that is sure to be a big hit!

Tenisha designs them as invitations, menus and/or party favors.

Wording is placed on the outside of the four squares and information on the inside eight flaps. The center square used for wording, personal photo(s), or left blank.

You will be provided with folding instructions or it can be folded and sent to you for an additional fee.

Designs by Tenisha is a 2014 Martha Stewart American Made Awards Design nominee. 

 Important information placed on the inside flaps

Lift one flap

 The who, where and when all neatly packaged and fun to open up

 Lots of fonts styles and colors to choose from

 To get more information and pricing click on the link, Designs by Tenisha.

NY Lounge Decor: Candy, Cubbies, Centerpieces and More

NY Lounge Decor Event Rental is the premier furniture rental solution for the entire New York and Tri-State area in addition to Maryland, Boston, Baltimore, Providence, Michigan, Maine, and surrounding areas.

Their extensive collection of lounge furniture rental inventory is among the highest quality in the industry and includes sofas, ottomans, lighted acrylic furniture as well as pipe and drape.

They pride themselves on top-notch customer service because they customize each clients’ party according to their event space and their needs.

They’re More Than Just Lounge Decor 

Did you know that NY Lounge Decor also has props, candy walls, cubbies and centerpieces for your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration?

 Imagine a NYC themed Bar Bat Mitzvah party with Lady Liberty on display! 
See more props here

A fun alternative to a candy bar, guests of all ages love their Candy Wall 
See more Candy Walls here

Check out these acrylic Cubbies; a colorful addition to any event space
See more cubbies and lockers here

NY Lounge Decor creates centerpieces that make a statement 
See more centerpieces here

To learn more about NY Lounge Decor, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.

Mitzvah Mom Find: Gift Idea

Who better to find the latest and greatest for all things Bar Bat Mitzvahs than our own Mitzvah Moms!

We have spotlighted over 200 families and we thought it would be fun to call out some of the “Mom Finds” that you might have missed.

The Klein family of Chappaqua, New York, celebrated daughter Lily’s Bat Mitzvah at Camp Starlight in Starlight, Pennsylvania, on May 31-Jun 1, 2014.

Lily loves camp; particularly Camp Starlight where’s she’s gone for five years. So when it came time for her Bat Mitzvah, it was a natural choice for her to celebrate there. Camp Starlight was transformed into Camp StarLily for the weekend!

As a surprise for her arrival, Lily’s bunk was decorated with lights and a special photo blanket of her and all her camp friends that her Mom Marlo had created for her.

This photo collage blanket was a surprise for Lily! She took it to camp that summer 

Mom Marlo created the photo blanket by using Collage.com.

To see more from this Mitzvah Family Spotlight story, click here.

To see our past Mom Find, click here.