May 29th, 2016
The Sorkin family celebrated their daughter Kyra’s Bat Mitzvah on November 14, 2015, with a Havdalah service followed by a party at Temple Beth Sholom in Roslyn Heights, New York.
Kyra didn’t have a specific theme, but the colors and logos created by Fabudesigns.com set the mood for this glamorous, chic celebration.
Pictured Left: Top Row Kyra with her Mom Stephanie and Dad Jeff, Bottom Row Sisters Lea and Mallory
Stephen Andrews Photography took all the photos and the rest of the vendors are listed below.
Invitation
The Lucite invitation with silver faux crocodile and a purple border was created by Dazzle By Debbie.
Kyra showing off her invitation during a pre-party photo shoot
Surprise guest New York Mets player Noah Syndergaard autographed the invitation!
Bat Mitzvah Service
Krya and her family on the bimah during her service
Beige linen kippot with an embroidered "K" from DavidKippot.com
Mitzvah Style
Kyra sparkled in her dress from Designing Dreams. Her sisters were all smiles in their dresses designed by Infinity
Mom Stephanie's custom gown designed by Runway Couture
Kyra's glam sneakers from Designing Dreams
Decor, Place Cards, Sign-In Pillow & Fun Cake!
Metro Florist, who also did the centerpieces, had the idea for the Lucite light-up table with faux grass
Mirror compacts served as place cards with guests' names in calligraphy
Kyra posed in front of her dance floor logo
Custom pillows were created by Infinity. The phrase "Sealed With A KisS" came from Kyra's initials, KS
The lounge area for Kyra's friends was designed by Metro Florist
The tables looked beautiful with floral arrangements in shades of pink and purple
The long tables looked great with lucite chairs
Custom menu cards matched the color scheme
Kyra's logo appeared on screens around the room
Infinity designed the sign-in keepsake pillow
Guests left Kyra special messages with purple markers
Beth Shalom provided this amazing macaroon cake inspired from a picture Mom Stephanie showed them!
Music Entertainment
More Than Music provided the music entertainment with Sugar as the MC
Guests had fun all night!
Favors were thrown out to guests on the dance floor
Kyra with a big smile up in the chair
Young guests loved the pop-a-shot
Extra Fun!
"Live" painter Martin Hardy captured the evening on canvas
Kyra is a fan of Noah Syndergaard who surprised her guests and made an appearance!
Kyra posed with Noah
Photo favors provided by More Than Music
Young guests also enjoyed computer stickers by More Than Music
Favors
To match the lips and lipstick in Kyra’s logo, a make-up bar was set up like a store.
Guests received a make-up case with one of the many custom logos by FabuDesigns.com. This one read, "Kiss and make up"
More Than Music provided the display case and staff for the make-up bar
Mom Stephanie had aprons made that read: "Kyra's Beauty Bar"
Guests were able to shop the make-up store to fill up their bag with items like blush, assorted lip glosses, eye shadow palettes and nail polish
Drawstring bags from Infinity were personalized with each child's last name
Each bag had Kyra's tag
Customized favors by Infinity
Young guests modeled the hats
Montage
Simon Elliot Events produced this unique Bat Mitzvah montage which magically features Kyra’s appearances on The Ellen Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live and The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. It also includes a terrific singing performance by Krya! Please watch here.
Vendor Directory
If you call any of the vendors, please let them know you read about their products/services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Temple Beth Sholom
Caterer: Joseph Craig, 516-621-8200
Photographer: Stephen Andrews Photography, 516-780-9100
Invitations: Dazzle by Debbie, 917-721-9170
Montage: Simon Elliot Events, 516-586-6822
Logos: Amy Wohl, FabuDesigns.com, 312-513-1698
Lounge Decor/Centerpieces/Place card table: Metro Florist Great Neck, 516-466-6151
Music Entertainment/Games: More Than Music, 516-626-9400
Mom’s custom dress: Runway Couture, 516-308-4639
Dad’s Tux: Victor Talbots, 516-625-1787
Kyra’s Dress/Sneakers: Designing Dreams, 516-248-1988
Lea and Mallory’s custom dresses: Infinity, 516-374-1180
Favors/Custom pillows: Infinity/Chelsea Blake, 516-374-1180
Makeup Bar: Cargo Cosmetics
Mirror Compacts: NicePriceFavors.com
Linen Kippot: DavidKippot USA Inc.
Live Painter: Martin Hardy, 201-965-3441
May 29th, 2016
Let them eat cake! We love delicious Bar or Bat Mitzvah cake, and we especially love cakes that look great too. Readers enjoyed our past story about customizing a cake, so we’ve done it again.
These cakes are creative and match the theme of the child’s party and personality. You want your cake to taste great AND look amazing!
Here are some great cakes for a slice of inspiration:
From Cake & Co.: This Minecraft custom cake can be made to represent the Bar Mitzvah boy or Bat Mitzvah girl’s favorite elements!
Melisa Imberman, owner of The Event of a Lifetime, Inc., had this cake created for a ski themed Bar Mitzvah
Beth Fink Events had several cakes baked highlighting the Bat Mitzvah girl’s favorite things
Sarah Merians Photography & Videography Company captured this creative “alien” themed Mitzvah cake
Elevate Event Lounge was the venue for an “Around the World” theme which this cake beautifully represented
Simon Elliot Events was the photographer for this dog and candy themed cake
The Sands at Atlantic Beach works with Sweet Karma Desserts for many of their Bar Bat Mitzvah cakes like this one with a Beatles theme!
Enjou Chocolat can create a custom cake topper like the luggage above used for a travel themed celebration
Whipped Bakeshop worked directly with the customer’s graphic designer to create a cake that matched the Bat Mitzvah girl’s invitation
Butterfly Bakeshop creates one-of-a-kind cakes like this Candy Land theme
Did your child have a creative Bar or Bat Mitzvah cake that we can share with our readers? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
May 26th, 2016
Alexa Cohn from Plainview, New York, is celebrating her Bat Mitzvah on June 11, 2016, at Temple Avodah in Oceanside, New York. She just had a very successful Mitzvah Project at Family Bagel in Plainview, New York, where she raised over $600 with her own lemonade stand and collected teddy bear donations for Hugs Across America.
Hugsacrossamerica.com is a nondenominational, not-for-profit charitable organization providing teddy bears, curricular materials, and messages of care to lessen the fear and anxiety experienced by children in crisis. “Hugs” has created a national network of regional response centers, or chapters, throughout the country and was started as a way to help children as a direct and intuitive response to the World Trade Center disaster.
We spoke to Alexa to learn more:
MM: Can you give us details of your Mitzvah Project?
AC: I am fundraising for Hugs Across America. This organization provides teddy bears to first responders, hospitals and kids in crisis. The teddy bears also go to kids with cancer, kids who have lost a parent and kids in foster care. I sold lemonade and collected teddy bears at Family Bagels in Plainview, New York. The money raised will go to purchasing and tagging new teddy bears. My goal is to buy as many bears as possible to support this organization.
Alexa and her friends working for a great cause
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project?
AC: The day I was born, my brother Ryan gave me a pig stuffed animal. Till this day, I sleep with it and always find comfort with “Piggy” and having a stuffed animal to cuddle is so helpful when I am sad or lonely. When I read about Hugs Across America, I knew I wanted this to be my Bat Mitzvah Project.
MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bat Mitzvah?
AC: Doing a Mitzvah Project means that I’m giving back. I feel I have such a fortunate life and I wish that everyone could feel that way. When I’m sad I always have something to hold or something to cheer me up, and I feel like every child should be able to have someone/something to turn to when they are sad or just need something to comfort them. I hope these bears that go to children in hospitals, children in foster care, or survive difficult times, will make them feel a little better, having a new friend to hold.
MM: Does your project have a start and end date, if so what are they?:
AC: I had a lemonade on Sunday, May 29th at Family Bagels in Plainview, New York. I will be collecting donations or new bears sizes 9-14 inches.
MM: Does it involve a donation?
AC: It can involve donating money and I will buy the bears or a new bear can be donated as long as it is 9-14 inches.
MM: How are you doing to spreading the word?
AC: Through Plainview Moms website, my mom’s Facebook, my Instagram, my brother’s Instagram, flyers at my temple and Mitzvah Market!
MM: For how long can people donate to this charity?
AC: I will be collecting donations till June 26, 2016.
We thank Alexa and the Cohn family for sharing this great Project with our readers. If you would like your Mitzvah Project to benefit Hugs Across America or more information, please contact Sue Lucrelli, at hugsacrossamerica@yahoo.com.
May 25th, 2016
The Celebration Society recently featured a great dual themed B’nai Mitzvah from Isabel Bryan of Best Event Ever. This creative event planner made sure the twins, Ben and Sydney, each had their interests showcased. The dual theme of ‘dance and play’ in a pink and blue color palette was cleverly executed.
The venue was at The Foundry at Puritan Mill in Atlanta, Georgia, and the photographer was Robin Nathan Photography.
Custom design invitation suite
Pink and blue table assignments
To accentuate the theme, half the room was pink and the other was blue
The cocktail napkins captured the theme and color scheme perfectly
Each table centerpiece had pictures of Ben playing baseball or Sydney dancing
Life-sized cutouts suspended from the ceiling
Close-up of the silhouettes hanging from the ceiling
Pink and Blue uplighting added to the fun
We thank The Celebration Society for sharing this great B’nai Mitzvah with our readers.
Venue: The Foundry at Puritan Mill; Photography: Robin Nathan Photography; Event planner: Isabel Bryan, Best Event Ever; Decor: Bold American Design; Invitation: Simply Put Paper; Paper decor: Event Prints; Catering: Dennis Dean Catering; Linens: Cover Up Linens
May 22nd, 2016
The Turnof family from Westfield, New Jersey, celebrated daughter’s Kayla’s Bat Mitzvah service on Saturday, February 27, 2016, at Temple Beth‑El Mekor Chayim in Cranford, New Jersey. After services, there was a party in her honor at the Clubhouse at Galloping Hill in Kenilworth, New Jersey. Kayla has a strong love of the ocean which worked perfectly with her logo, Kayla’s Caribbean Cove.
Pictured: L-R: Dad Aaron, Brother Cole, Bat Mitzvah girl Kayla, Brother Chase and Mom Stacy.
Photography by Gina was the photographer and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
Mitzvah Invitation and Service
Guests received a “message in a bottle” invitation assembled by Danielle Gorman of Magnolia West Events.
Kayla's brand stamp was featured as the "K" in the starfish on top of the invitation. The glass bottle was filled with sand and seashells and delivered in a beautiful box with aged parchment in colors of sand and turquoise
Kayla looked beautiful in her tallit in shades of blue
Beautiful kippot from David Kippot
Beautiful handmade ladies' head coverings in white lace with turquoise rhinestones
Mitzvah Style
The Turnof family looked great in a palette of blue/green tones and pink accents
Kayla looked beautiful in an emerald green dress. Her brothers wore pink Vineyard Vines fish ties and flashing LED sneakers in colors to coordinate with the party decor
Kayla in her royal blue service dress
Mitzvah Decor and Details
Danielle Gorman of Magnolia West Events created an underwater paradise and worked closely with Mom Stacy and Dad Aaron on every detail.
As her sign-in board, guests were asked to place a "message in a bottle" on parchment paper in a oversized glass bottle
Dad Aaron created a handmade treasure chest where guests could drop cards in for Kayla
The place card table was covered with antique fish netting (bought in Maine) and beautiful hydrangea and sea shells
For
Kayla Turnof's Bat Mitzvah, guests found their starfish place cards in an antique box filled with sand. The starfish used were not real as it was important to the family not to deplete the ocean of real starfish
The kids' area looked like an underwater scene with beautiful greenery hanging off the tresses
Tables were named after Caribbean Islands and chairs were covered in turquoise spandex to make the room come to life under the sea!
A lounge area created from pallets were painted turquoise with custom logo pillows as accents
The adult tables had large glass vases filled with a live beta fish surrounded by coral and candles and topped off with a beautiful rose and hydrangea centerpiece. Custom menus were tucked into napkins
Mitzvah Entrance, Cake and Candle Lighting
Todd Yahney of Todd Yahney Music & Entertainment was the DJ and provided great music, a beautiful montage and lots of interactive fun including a photo booth.
Kayla Turnof made her grand entrance on a custom surfboard on wheels designed by her Dad
Kayla up in the chair for the horah
A blue four-tiered cake with edible pearls and sea shells from Conca D'Oro was delicious and added to the room decor
The candle lighting table included fishbowls accented with glassware, sea glass, sea shells and star fish
The family was all smiles during the beautiful ocean themed candle lighting
Mitzvah Favors and Dessert
In addition to the airbrushed custom beanies provided during the party, the kids also received large boogie boards complete with Kayla’s brand stamp. Guests also received a bag of salt water taffy, (flavors such as key lime pie and coconut), as well as bottles of water with her custom logo on them.
Salt water taffy, yum!
Boogie board favors
100 pounds of candy were displayed in large glass fish bowls and guests used real fish nets to get the candy
Kayla’s Mitzvah Project
Kayla participated with her family in Beach Sweeps in association with the Ocean Conservancy where she cleaned up the beach in Belmar, New Jersey. She also ran several days of lemonade sales at her grandparents’ beach house also in Belmar where she raised over $500 for the Ocean Conservancy. Kayla has a strong love for keeping the ocean clean and keeps a large salt water tank in her room where she has various fish and sea horses.
Kayla cleaning the beach in Belmar, New Jersey
Her family pitching in
Some Mom to Mom advice from Stacy
“Planning ahead is absolutely essential. As soon as we got our daughter’s date, we searched for our place. Lots of spreadsheets and note taking make this a fun and pain free process. By the last month, almost everything was done except for a few minor issues. My husband was extremely active in the process which made the planning much easier for me. Pinterest was a great resource for getting ideas – create a board and share it with your family and party planner.”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Kayla’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: The Clubhouse at Galloping Hill, 201-321-0518
Photography: Photography by Gina, 908-668-0464
Videography: Gerry Condez Photography, 908-578-3685
Event Planner/Decor/Invitation: Danielle Gorman, Magnolia West Events, 201-579-0542
Music Entertainment/Montage/Photobooth: Todd Yahney Music and Entertainment, 800-729-8633
Extra Entertainment/Favors: TopGun Air Brush, 718-819-1094
Cake: Conca D’Oro Italian Pastry Shop, 908-964-1234
Kippot: DavidKippotUSA, 917-683 5879
Kayla’s service and party dresses: CW Designs at Gotham City Clothing, 973-467-9797
Mom Stacy’s service and party dress: Kay Unger and Jovani from Neiman Marcus
Dad Aaron’s suit: Hong Kong Grand Custom Clothing, 702-491-9122
Brother’s party clothing: Sam’s Clothing, 973-422-1000
Tallit: World of Judaica, 800-818-8394
May 22nd, 2016
Cubbies and lockers are the perfect place for young guests to place their giveaways, shoes and other items during your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration.
In addition to their practicality, they add to the decor too. Cubbies can be stacked, custom made and labeled with your guests’ name.
Here are some examples:
Painted lockers for a Bar Mitzvah celebration from Party Artistry
Photo credit: Sarah Merians Photography & Video Company
Dazzling Parties created this urban inspired basketball theme with rustic looking lockers
The Event Of A Lifetime always recommends cubbies for the kids if the celebration has a lounge area. Although they have done several different types of cubbies; wood, plastic, wire, cloth hanging, this video shows the latest in cubbies! They can be set to light up the color of your party or they can change colors
Watch here
Illuminated cubbies from Entertainment Tonite keeps favors organized and can match any color theme
PBG Miller Immersive Environments created a wall of cubbies that held customized computer bags for an iMax theme
Personalized cubbies at Carlyle at the Palace also held gift bags at the end of the night
EK Productions set up these black cubbies right outside the ballroom
These are illuminated cubbies that Hal Prince Entertainment set up at a Bar Mitzvah where the young guests stored their custom goody bags, airbrushed hats and dance floor giveaways
Jimmy Dee Entertainment has several styles to choose from like these on poles which lift the cubbies off the floor
Balloon Artistry used lounge cubbies with LED lighting and custom logo signs
VIP Luna Rentals can illuminate cubbies for an amazing decor element
Custom signage directed the kids to their personalized cubbies for a camp themed Bat Mitzvah from Amazing Celebrations
Creative Occasions placed handsome “Cubbies” off to the side of the ballroom
Did you use cubbies & lockers in a creative way at your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah? Share the photo with us and be featured in our next story! Email us at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
May 15th, 2016
Since 1986, Evan Karfinkel, owner of EK Productions has been producing Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations. So when it came time for his daughter Amanda’s Bat Mitzvah in February, 2016, there was just one question: Could he be a guest at his own daughter’s celebration without “working” the party?
The answer was yes! Evan and his team customized the entire event which took place at the Nicotras Ballroom at the Hilton Hotel in Staten Island, New York. The theme was “Pandalicious,” which was a play on Amanda’s nickname, Panda. As you will see below, every detail was customized by her Dad including the a new candle lighting table used at her event.
Pictured above: L-R, Dad Evan, Bat Mitzvah girl Amanda, Mom Debra and sister Brooke
Invitation
Their Bat Mitzvah invitation with a purple border was ordered online from SarahSchwartz.com.
Party Details from EK Productions
There were many customized details created just for Amanda!
EK Productions used their DJ illumination booth with Amanda's logo on three large screens
The black and white dance floor customized with a floor decal
The place card table featured one of the EK Production's illuminated lamps to match the decor
The place cards were in frames that would later hold guests' pictures from the photo booth
Custom menu card with an adorable panda
Guests enjoyed a Lids Station where they could have a hat customized with a choice of 12 different designs
EK Productions provided all of the light-up lamp centerpieces. These colors where set to match the decor
EK Production's feather centerpieces were used on alternating tables
EK Productions also handled the custom pillows on the couches and crystal centerpieces on the lounge area hi-top tables
Dad Evan created this custom light-up logo'd candle lighting table
Amanda during her candle lighting ceremony. Notice the candles Dad Evan found to match the party linens!
Guests left special written and video messages for Amanda on this Digi Sign-in from EK Productions
Music Entertainment From EK Productions
Amanda made a grand entrance
Amanda Karfinkle danced with MC Michael and EK's Stevie of KR Productions while making her entrance
MC Michael and Amanda are all smiles
Amanda had a great time!
EK Productions provided a drummer to entertain guests
T-shirts given to guests on the dance floor
Extra Fun
Guests enjoyed EK's Photo booth with Amanda's logo'd step n repeat as a backdrop
Guests loved EK's Star Pix photo booth. An interactive experience with the ability to immediately post on social media
Hamming it up in the Star Pix photo booth
EK also provided games
PacMan
Jet-ball
Amanda's friends enjoyed the Glitter Tattoo station
Favors
EK Apparel Prints created these custom drawstring bags for the sweatshirt favors
Amanda modeled her sweatshirt hoodie
Delicious Treats
Amanda's cake from Jackie Cakes
Signage and candy buffet by EK Productions
As guests left, they grabbed delicious treats from the EK Dunkin' Station
Dad Advice
Dad Evan: “Hiring an event planner who can handle all your details is a crucial part of creating a great event.”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Amanda’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their products/services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Hilton Hotel, 718-477-2400
Party Planner: Evan Karfinkel, EK Productions
Music Entertainment: MC Benny & Michael, EK Productions
Photographer/Videographer/All Party Decor/Games: EK Productions
Favors: EK Apparel Prints
Cake: Jackie Cakes, 718-477-1770
Dresses: Dream Dresses, 732-607-1112
May 15th, 2016
After your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration, there is one more thing you need them to do and it isn’t always easy!
Saying “thank you” is basic etiquette, and will be greatly appreciated by your guests, but it doesn’t have to be boring.
Families have found different ways of saying “thanks” and we are bringing you a variety of ideas.
Enjoy….thanks!
We recently featured The Segelman Bat Mitzvah Family Spotlight where Bat Mitzvah girl Alana spray-mounted photos to the inside of a thank you card so each guest received a photo of themselves from the celebration!
Many families are now having “live” event painters. The Lapidus Bar Mitzvah Family Spotlight featured a fold-over card using an image of the finished painting done at their celebration
Sara Renee Events created a thank you card that was at each guest’s place setting
Fabu Designs created this Bat Mitzvah girl’s thank you card from a great action shot taken during the party
The Rofe Bat Mitzvah Family Spotlight featured this pop art themed thank you card
Spencer used a pre-printed card and just had to sign his name!
Thankster.com helps make it easier to write and send off thank you notes. Your child’s handwriting can be used for the print and each message can be easily personalized for every recipient
We found a great idea on Aish.com. Before she even received her gifts, the Bat Mitzvah girl wrote a thank you note to each of her guests. The note wasn’t about the presents, it was an expression of what each particular attendee means to her. It was a few paragraphs describing the role this family played in her life, reliving some shared experiences and memories and expressing gratitude for enhancing her life
Did your child have a creative “thank you” note? Please let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
May 11th, 2016
iSparkleEvents created a preppy chic B’nai Mitzvah for sisters, Paige and Sloane, who live in the Washington, DC area. The inspiration… custom Scout tote and handbags. Ali Weitzman of iSparkleEvents partnered with Scout by Bungalow bags which come in bright colors and patterns. She incorporated the print into the decor, details and even the lighting design. The venue was Bethesda Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland, and the photographer was Bradley Images.
Look below to see the making of this B’nai Mitzvah theme!
THE INSPIRATION
The inspiration started with this Scout by Bungalow "Diane Rose" ikat pattern tote
Pantone colors, navy and two shades of pink, were used for the preppy color palette
Scout by Bungalow's "Walk the Vine" pattern was also incorporated into the decor
THE B’NAI MITZVAH CELEBRATION DETAILS
Drinks were served at this navy fabric flanked bar with white and pink stools in front
Behind the bar was modern shelving backed with the pink fabric making a great decor statement
Pink and navy straws along with navy logo'd cocktail napkins with the girls' logo and "Cheers"
A modern lounge area set up for the young guests
The table linen looked great
The custom Scout fabric was used on pillows
The centerpieces incorporated shades of pink
Beautiful whimsical centerpieces
Their photo booth included the party colors. There were pink and navy tassels on the back drop which featured the ikat pattern
THE LOGO AND FAVORS
One version of the logo incorporating the initials of both girls
Another version was used on various signage
The logo shown here on a custom drink sign
Cute custom labels on the candy bar
Additional logo'd signage
Scout favor bags with pretty hang tags featured the girls' photo on one side from this preppy Bat Mitzvah
The logo'd shirt favors
We thank Ali Weitzman of iSparkleEvents for sharing this wonderful B’nai Mitzvah with our readers.
Event Planning/Logos/Favors/Event Extras: iSparkleEvents; Custom Material & Favor Bags: Scout Bags; Decor & Custom Fabrication: Edge; Venue: Bethesda Country Club; Music Entertainment: Glyde Productions; Photography: Bradley Images; Invitation: Sarah Schwartz; Donuts: Krispy Kream; Nailed It: NYX Entertainment; Photo Booth: DC Photobooth; Flash Tattoos: Washington Talent; Runway & Lighting: Talk of the Town
