August 26th, 2015
Who better to send us the best Bar Bat Mitzvah tips than our own Mitzvah Moms! We communicate with Mitzvah Moms daily and when we hear of a great idea, we want to share.
For some families, it’s 3-4 years before their child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah year when they are given “the date” from their Temple.
It’s hard to know what to do first and how to stay organized.
One very organized Mitzvah Mom created a special email address to keep track of all Mitzvah related correspondence:
Why not use the email provider of your choice to create a designated email address for vendors to contact you? This way, you can keep track of all of your Bar Bat Mitzvah communication with one email address.
When you start meeting with potential Bar Bat Mitzvah vendors, they will all ask for your contact information. By creating Syd2016@gmail.com, or JasonBM@yahoo.com, you can keep all emails related to your child’s celebration in one place!
If you have a Mom-to-Mom tip, please let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
August 23rd, 2015
Who better to find the latest and greatest for all-things Bar Bat Mitzvahs than our own Mitzvah Moms?
When Rachel Greenblatt had her celebration she wanted her Bat Mitzvah theme to be “Rachel’s Runway.” Her Mom packed this celebration with creative ideas.
In keeping with the Rachel’s Runway theme, her Mom bought a dress form from Pier One for her sign-in board.
Guests used purple Sharpies to leave a special message for Rachel
Each table was named after a different fashion magazine and as an added surprise, each guest received a current copy of the magazine
To see the rest of this Mitzvah Family Spotlight, click here.
To see our past Mitzvah Mom Find, click here.
August 23rd, 2015
This custom Bat Mitzvah invitation set the tone for Samantha’s Deco-themed Bat Mitzvah celebration which took place at New York City’s Four Season’s Restaurant.
Ceci Johnson, a leading authority on style and invitation design, teamed up with some of New York City’s top industry experts and event designers to carry this theme throughout this Bat Mitzvah celebration.
The photographer was Rebecca Walker with Ira Lippke Studios.
The design and inspiration board
Starting with the invitation, in shades of blue, the Deco design was incorporated on the table décor, dance floor, logo and Bat Mitzvah cake
An E-Save-the-Date
The Bat Mitzvah girl is passionate about Broadway shows and performing, so the back of her invitation design was an illustration of her sitting on a moon, like a vintage Broadway poster
The place cards on folding screens with fans as accents
The room at The Four Seasons Restaurant
The bright and cheerful custom monogram Gobo
The matching table numbers
Fans and feathers were used as decor elements on the tables
Place cards at each setting
The menu card
Ron Ben-Israel dreamed up a cake which was inspired by the decor designs
A customized beach towel and unique tote bag served as favors
Invitation/Save-the-date/Menu card/Branding: Ceci Johnson, Ceci New York; Photographer: Rebecca Walker for Ira Lippke Studios; Videographer and Montage: Jesse Hartman of Hart Pictures; Venue/Catering: The Four Seasons Restaurant; Event Planner: Eyal Tessler, Tessler Events; Florist: Lewis Miller Design; Cake: Ron Ben-Israel Cakes; Music/Entertainment: Generation Events; Lighting: Levy Lighting
August 23rd, 2015
Are you looking for a unique Bar Bat Mitzvah gift?
Your Broadway Song creates an original one-of-a-kind Broadway Style Song all about the honored Bar/Bat Mitzvah! The songs are written by professional composers/lyricists in New York City and then can be performed at your celebration by Broadway singers.
We spoke to Your Broadway Song to get more information on how this works:
MM: How do you work with your clients on getting started on a custom song?
YBS: We send the client a detailed questionnaire to start with all about the honored Bar/Bat Mitzvah. The next step is we either have a face to face meeting or a phone call with the family to really get a sense of who the person is that we are writing about. Then our writers get to work. We always keep the client up to date with our creative process. Once we have a good chunk of the song we send them a preliminary mp3 with the music and lyrics and once that is approved we continue to put the finishing touches on it. The final version, a demo created by the writers, is then sent to the client for approval.
MM: Is Your Broadway Song only for Theatre Themed Bar/Bat Mitzvahs?
YBS: Many of the songs that we write are for theatre themed Bar/Bat Mitzvah’s, but they don’t have to be. The beauty of Your Broadway Song is that it is a unique gift that will last a lifetime. Even if theatre is not a huge part of the person’s life, it actually becomes more of an amazing surprise to have an original song written about you.
MM: How does your client select the type of song?
YBS: We do not use current popular songs. Every song is completely original and unique. Original music and original lyrics written specifically for the Bar/Bat Mitzvah. This is what truly makes it Your Broadway Song. We work with the client to establish the style of song that they are interested in. Whether it is the Golden Age of Broadway to a Contemporary Broadway sound, we can create it!
MM: What type of finished product do you deliver?
YBS: The customer always receives a demo of the song created by the writers. One of the additional features that we have is to have the song professionally recorded by a Broadway singer. The recording packages can be anything from a simple piano track all the way to a Big Broadway Orchestra accompaniment. The ultimate is having the Broadway singer at your event singing “live!”
MM: Tell us about the sample song below?
YBS: Below is a link to a recent song that we wrote for a Bat Mitzvah. It’s a one minute cut of the song to give you a taste. The song is called “The Gift of Gabby.” The client’s daughter LOVES Broadway and musical theatre and they were having a theatre themed Bat Mitzvah. We had a lot of fun with this one because the parents wanted to poke fun at her a little bit. With this particular client, they chose the Off Broadway Package, which is our basic package of just having the original song written and no singer provided. They brought in the Bat Mitzvah girl’s friends to learn and sing the song at the event!
Listen to this song here.
MM: At what point during the Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration would this be sung?
YBS: The song can be sung at any point. It can kick off the celebration, it can be presented after the speeches or after the candle lighting ceremony. If it is a gift from the parents, then a very moving spot would be to have it after the parents’ speech.
MM: How do you choose what to write about in a song?
YBS: We have a detailed interview process. If the clients are in New York, we will go to their home and ask them all about their son or daughter. If our clients aren’t in the New York area, we have their interview via Skype. We work with clients all across the country. During the interview we find out about their hobbies, their likes, their dreams, their family, their friends and more. We find out what makes them unique. The songs that we create are completely original with custom music and lyrics, so it’s important to us to really have an understanding of who the person is that we are writing about.
MM: Tell us about bringing in a “Star” to perform at the Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration:
YBS: Our biggest package is called, “The Tony Package,” and it involves not only writing an original song about the Bar Bat Mitzvah child, but bringing in a big name to perform the song at the event. We work with the client to come up with the perfect star. Usually, it’s finding a name that their child would be blown away to see. Our most recent Tony Package was a Bar Mitzvah in New York where we brought in a big star who is actually known for her work in Movies and Television (we wish we could tell you who it was!). The clients’ wanted the original song we wrote to be sung by the Bar Mitzvah boy’s friends and wanted the Star to perform a two-song medley with their son. We arranged for the Star to come to the clients’ home where she spent the afternoon rehearsing the songs with the Bar Mitzvah boy. The following week she performed at the party. The original song and the duet between the Star and the Bar Mitzvah boy were the highlight of the night! After the performance the Star stayed and took pictures with the guests and signed autographs. It was one memorable night!
Your Broadway Song recipients receive a truly unique and memorable experience highlighting precious moments in their life. These moments and their custom song can be shared from generation to generation.
To learn more about Your Broadway Song, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
August 23rd, 2015
You may think you have all the bases covered — the outfits, the venue, the DJ, the photographer, the favors.
What about the day of your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah? That’s when many families forget about the little, but important items, that come in handy.
We have compiled a Party Essential Pack List of emergency items to make sure your Bar Bat Mitzvah day goes off without a hitch.
Emergency Kit
This MiniMergency Kit from Pinch Previsions is a Mitzvah must have! Perfect for any personal care predicaments. Fix flyaway hair, mend a hem, or stop a run with this 17-piece kit of beauty, fashion, and personal care products. This kit does it all for $14.00 and it comes in a stylish pouch. 
Plush slippers
You will thank us when you have comfy slippers waiting in the car for the ride home at the end of your celebration! After several hours on your feet, you’ll want to slip into something more comfortable as soon as you can. The men in your life will appreciate it too!
Treat your feet to these massaging slippers from Overstock.com
Extra Clean White Shirt
Have on hand an extra shirt like this one from J. Crew for the Bar Mitzvah boy and/or husband who eats french fries with ketchup…oops!
Cash For Tipping Vendors
Get those envelopes ready as tips are not always included in your vendor contracts. Figure out who you will be tipping before hand and have your labeled envelopes ready to hand out to your vendors. You can also have the catering manager, event planner or general manager do it for you.
Bathroom Toiletries
If the venue does not provide a bathroom toiletry basket, you will need to pick up some of these essential items.
A Binder Of Important Information
The week before your celebration, you should plan to bring your venue manager some of your important lists – ideally in a binder. If someone is late or doesn’t show, you need to be able to get in touch with them without having to scramble for their contact information at the last minute. You should have copies of the following:
1. All vendors names and contact info
2. An alphabetical list of favors for the young guests
3. Your child’s candle lighting poems and which guests will be honored
4. Any other important speeches by Mom/Dad
5. If transportation is being provided, a list of who will be on the bus
6. Photographer list – Important family members to get in pictures
Big Bags
Not only will you need something to hold your child’s gifts, but at the end of your celebration, you might be bringing home decor, flowers, food, signage items, the sign-in book and more.
Do you have any other “Day of Mitzvah Essentials” that you couldn’t live without? Share those ideas with our readers by sending them to info@mitzvahmarket.com.
August 19th, 2015
Bar and Bat Mitzvah themes can be reflected in every element of your child’s celebration, from the invitation to decor to the menu and favors.
Since another Bar and Bat Mitzvah season is upon us, we are here to help you and your child in the search for the perfect theme.
Here is a list of some of the most popular Bar Bat Mitzvah themes, we hope they inspire you!
1.SPORTS
Baseball was the theme which is Bar Mitzvah boy Casey’s passion. This party was done with a vintage feel and his logo, “Casey @ the bat” was taken from the famous baseball poem, “Casey at the Bat” written by Ernest L. Thayer. To read more about this celebration, click here.
Zach’s Mom was involved with the decor and favors around ZSPN, an ESPN-inspired theme, for Bar Mitzvah boy Zach. See more of this sports themed celebration here.
2. FASHION
This young woman is a budding fashion designer, so she could think of no other theme suitable for her upcoming Bat Mitzvah than her very own spin on Lifetime’s hit TV show. The place cards were fashion illustrations done by the Bat Mitzvah girl! See more of this fashion themed celebration here.
In keeping with the Rachel’s Runway theme, Mom bought a dress form from Pier One for Rachel’s sign-in board. See more of this fashion themed celebration here.
3. CANDY
Vivian Ruth celebrated her Bat Mitzvah with a “Candy Extravaganza” because her name so closely resembles “Baby Ruth.” Mitzvah Mom Sandra created all the amazing edible centerpieces. See more of this candy themed celebration here.
This is a great example of taking any child’s name and combining it with “land” to create a unique custom candy theme! See more of this celebration here.
4. CHILD’S NAME/INITIALS
The Cohn family wanted to use their last name for a “Cohny Island” themed party. See more from this celebration here.
Live from Ann Arbor, Michigan…it’s Saturday Nat Live (short for Natalie). This Bat Mitzvah girl is a fan of NBC’s long running hit, Saturday Night Live. See more from this celebration here.
5. ROCK N ROLL
Dylan loves rock n roll – thus the theme! Dad Leo bought old 45 records and created his own labels with information about the service and party on the back and front! See more from this celebration here.
Jaden loves Broadway and theater and Jonah loves music. Their logo was based on a Broadway show that was about music!…Rock Of Ages. See more from this celebration here.
6. CAMP
The Silverman family decided to celebrate their daughter Jillian’s Bat Mitzvah at Camp Pontiac in Copake, New York, on a beautiful fall weekend. See more of this celebration here.
“Rustic, playful and warm” are the words that inspired this fun “camp” themed Bat Mitzvah luncheon complete with chocolate brown carpeting and brown tent-pole covers. See more from this celebration here.
7. TRAVEL
It was an “Around The World” theme for Bat Mitzvah girl Tess. As guests checked, VIP agents were there to receive their passports to the country they would be traveling to and give their table assignments. See more from this celebration here.
The Feirstein family celebrated with a “Zack Airways” theme as he has loved airplanes and travel since he was a small child. See more from this celebration here.
8. COLOR
These flowers are colored by injecting pigments into the stem. See more tie dye ideas, here
.
Partie Girl created a kids lounge area with colorful bean bags chairs and pillows, see more from Lily’s Pad theme celebration here.
9. CLUB/LOUNGE
Balloon Artistry created a tropical themed Bat Mitzvah with fully customized colored lounge furniture, a custom backdrop, balloon sculpture palm trees with lights and custom logo pillows. To see more lounge ideas, click here.
The lounge area was done by NY Lounge Decor at Chelsea Piers NYC , to see more of this celebration, click here.
10. BROADWAY/TELEVISION SHOW
Here is the candle lighting ceremony for the B’nai Mitzvah of Jordyn and Joshua Lowenstein who are foodies so they chose shows from The Food Network as their theme. To read more, click here.
Beautiful Blooms created a mold of a head in green and a witches hat for the Wicked table. To read more about this
Bat Mitzvah, click here.
We hope you enjoyed some of our some of the most popular Bar & Bat Mitzvah themes. If you used one of these great themes for your child’s Mitzvah let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
August 19th, 2015
Interactive Entertainment Group is a nationwide direct source and full service event production company for Bar Bat Mitzvah parties.
They produce unforgettable events for their clients including the following elements: DJs/MCs, photo favors, lighting, cocktail hour entertainment, light-up lounges, specialty acts, interactive games, montages, entrance videos, fun food carts, a variety of craft and party favors, and party endings. What makes them different? They customize all the above elements to meet their clients style, vision, and budget.
SOMETHING NEW: LIVE PHOTOS!
If you are looking for something different, new and cool, check out Augmented Reality Photos! These photos that come to life are great for any Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration.
This new product uses Augmented Reality Technology. Watch their demo video here
Guests have their photo taken and have the choice of a beautiful 3D or 2D (4×6) photo print out.
Interested to learn how LIVE PHOTOS works. You can try it for yourself!
1. Download Interactive Entertainment Group’s free app from the app store for your smartphone or tablet.
You can either type in 3D live photo in the app store or use the QR code above
2. See TANATOR and Shark ZELDA and then hit the orange Animate Button. Experiment with moving the camera at different angles: View from left, right, up, down, close up, far away! 180 degrees in any direction.
Imagine your guests having fun with their party pictures using this app long after your child’s celebration is over!
To learn more, visit Interactive Entertainment Group.
August 16th, 2015
The Kaufman family of Marlboro, New Jersey, celebrated son Brett’s Bar Mitzvah with the service and reception at Jumping Brook Country Club in Neptune City, New Jersey.
Brett’s celebration brought the sights, food and fun of the New Jersey boardwalk to his family and friends.
There were so many interactive entertainment choices, that guests really felt like they were on the boardwalk.
Pictured L-R: Bar Mitzvah Boy Brett, Mom Valerie, Dad EJ and Brother Ross.
The photography was Visual Image Video and Photography and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
The family worked with Chocolate Dreams & Wishes on the Boardwalk-themed edible chocolate invitation. There was a website included just in case of invitation disappearance!
Cookie place cards were made by The Fancy Lady Gourmet on Etsy.com. Guests got to eat their place cards after they found their table!
Parties with Pizazz created the great decor.
The adult centerpieces had a Star of David theme and were filled with candy kisses
The festive kids’ centerpieces were candy towers with balloons
Celebrity Entertainment provided great music and dancers. MC TJ was on the dance floor all night. – See more at: https://mitzvahmarket.com/mitzvah-spotlight/family/the-lindsey-goldstein-bat-mitzvah-family-spotlight/#sthash.zXL1yebe.dpuf
The sign-in was a bean bag chair that Mom Valerie ordered from Zazzle.com with custom logo.
Brett up on the chair for the Horah
The dance floor was packed featuring Xplosive Entertainment’s MC Jordan, dancers and DJ Valentine who all did an amazing job.
Dad EJ having fun on the dance floor
Xplosive Entertainment and Total Entertainment provided many interactive activities and fun food that you would find on the boardwalk.
A virtual roller coaster experience
NASCAR competition
Some hoop action
Pac Man Royale
Got to “Be in It to Win it! where guests had 1 minute to complete a task to win a $10 gift card
Photo candy boxes filled with candy
Custom picture flip-flops were a big hit
Brett lighting a candle with his parents
The candle lighting display with Brett’s name was created by Parties With Pizazz.
Candy sushi bar
The desserts were plentiful and included candy sushi, ice cream sundaes with lots of toppings, fried Oreos, Twinkies and a popcorn cart.
An ice cream bar with all the toppings
The favors, from Randi Goldberg of Clearly Branded, were duffel bags with pro kadima sets. The duffel bag customized with Brett’s Bar Mitzvah date on it
This replica of a 7-11 came stocked full of goodies for a great send-off.
Brett went to a 6-week training class at the Chabad Lubavich of West Monmouth County in Manalapan, New Jersey as a part of their MVP Program. He learned about children with disabilities and how he could volunteer to help them. He also had been involved with their annual fundraising “Walk with Friends” in Holmdel, New Jersey in May. His next volunteer assignment will be at a carnival for children with disabilities. These different activities really increased Brett’s awareness of different types of disabilities and children who need extra help to enjoy life.
Some advice from Mom Valerie:
“It’s a lot of planning for 5 hours. No matter how hard you work on every details, there will also be some things that do not happen as you planned. Try to focus on the positive and enjoy every minute of the party.”
Here is the list of vendors who made Brett’s party special. If you call any, please make sure you tell them that you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Jumping Brook Club, 732-922-8200
Party Planner: Mom Valerie
Music Entertainment: Owner/MC Jordan, Xplosive Entertainment, 732-866-1620
Photographer/Videographer: Visual Image Video and Photography, 732-679-9900
Videography: Jeff Tureaud Videography, 732-598-7907
Invitation: Chocolate Dreams and Wishes, 724-209-1159
Cookie Place Cards: The Fancy Lady Gourmet
Kadima set and Duffle favors: Randi Goldberg, 973-328-0160
Party entertainment: Xplosive Entertainment, 732-866-1620, Total Entertainment, 201-894-0055
Cake: Carousel Bakery, 732-888-9112
Décor/florist: Parties with Pizzaz, 917-903-0968
Sign-In bean bag: Zazzle.com
Mom Valerie’s gown: Jovani brand, Estelle’s Dressy Dresses, 631-420-0890
Suits for family members: Nordstrom
August 16th, 2015
When Mitzvah Market discovered Goodie Pails, we thought there were many Bar/Bat Mitzvah uses for these custom handmade gift pails which are personalized with photos of your choice.
It would be a great gift for a Bar Bat Mitzvah child, an adorable decor item for a Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration and can even be used to hold gifts!
Goodie Pails, conceived by best friends Robin Mallor and Heather Apfel, began by making “birthday projects” for each others daughters. Each Goodie Pail would capture the year of their daughters’ friendship with pictures of the two of them during special times together.
No two pails are the same, each pail is unique and made especially for the recipient.
Each picture is hand cut and decoupaged with CARE and LOVE
This pail was used as a toiletry pail in the venue bathroom
Perfect to hold kippot
Also good to hold socks!
The Goodie Pails come in a variety of sizes and are sold empty. After you purchase the size pail you want, you will be prompted to upload pictures to the secure DropBox site.
For more information, visit GoodiePails.com or contact Heather at heather@goodiepails.com or Robin at Robin@goodiepails.com. Let them know you saw their Goodie Pails on MitzvahMarket.com!
August 12th, 2015
Special Events Magazine recently featured a “Mission Impossible” themed Bar Mitzvah.
This mission was possible with a team of talented designers and input from the Bar Mitzvah family. The result was a sophisticated “Mission Impossible” Bar Mitzvah theme complete with a dramatic entrance. The colors of black, white, and red were carried throughout the event.
The photographer was John and Joseph.
The Mission Impossible theme was first introduced through the invitations created by Copper Willow
The place cards were displayed in briefcases
The white dance floor of the Beverly Hills Hotel featured a dangerous bullseye decal
Sebastian was suspended from the ceiling for a grande entrance landing right on the target in the middle of the dance floor ready to party
This cityscape backdrop set the mood with the Bar Mitzvah boy’s name in red acrylic letters
There were both round and long tables featuring an arch of red flowers which evoked the image of Mission Impossible hero Ethan Hunt’s incredible stunts
A view of the long tables displayed a palette of red and white predominates
Glowing tables lit up the lounge area
Venue: Beverly Hills Hotel; Photography: Photos by John and Joseph; Invitation: Cooper Willow; Event Planner: Shawna Yamamoto Event Design; and Details, Details; Rentals: Revelry Event Design; Lighting: Amber Event Production;
