April 30th, 2017
By Peter Deutsch
Anyone who has ever planned a Bar or Bat Mitzvah for their son or daughter has come to appreciate the amount of time and effort required to make their child’s celebration a memorable event. Just the selection of the venue, for example, can entail countless hours of walking through different spaces in order to find just the right one. But in time, after speaking or meeting with dozens, you’ve finally selected your venue, entertainment company, décor firm and other vendors. You are convinced that you are on your way to an amazing event and that the process from here on out will be more streamlined and manageable. And that’s when you receive the dreaded multi-page contract from each vendor which lays out the services that vendor will provide and the commensurate costs … or does it?
As the father of two teenage boys, my wife and I have had the pleasure of planning two Bar Mitzvahs, and I have reviewed numerous vendor agreements in connection with each celebration. Most of these contracts were well drafted and, as expected, designed to protect the interests of the vendor. Indeed, no one could quarrel with the fact that each vendor has a business to run and is only looking to protect itself from the myriad of risks it faces. For those without legal training (and even for some lawyers), however, these agreements can, at times, be difficult to understand and often contain pitfalls for the unwary.
Peter Deutsch and his family at his son’s recent Bar Mitzvah
Perhaps the most critical vendor agreement is with the venue where your affair will be held, as most families will spend the greatest percentage of their total event budget on the venue and catering. At the outset, one needs to be familiar with the concept of “minimum guaranteed revenue” and, more importantly, how it is calculated.
Minimum guaranteed revenue (“MGR”), as the name implies, is the minimum revenue that a venue will require to perform services. If you are having a large affair, the MGR is usually satisfied by the per person charge for each of the guaranteed number of guests. But if you are having a smaller party, the revenue from the guaranteed guests will often be less than the MGR, and here’s where it gets tricky. Your first instinct is that by the time you include your food and beverage enhancements (think s’mores station and martini bar, for example), you should easily be able to make up any shortfall. You may be surprised to learn, though, that your venue may only permit these enhancements to constitute a maximum of 5% of the MGR, for example. Therefore, depending on the amount of the shortfall, you could find yourself paying much more for your venue and catering than you had planned.
Another significant issue that impacts every vendor contract is what are the consequences if you have to reschedule or cancel your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah. For example, most venues have in their contract language that if you cancel your affair, you forfeit your initial deposit and any additional payments made under the contract. The theory here is that because venues are typically booked many months in advance, a cancellation makes the likelihood of the vendor’s booking another event on that same date extremely low, if not zero.
However, if your event has to be rescheduled because the venue is unable to host your affair due to an “act of god” or “for reasons beyond their control,” the venue’s agreement typically provides that it will have no liability to you other than to attempt to reschedule your event (while retaining all payments you’ve made to date). But that need not be the case. Indeed, while it is reasonable for a venue to retain all prepayments as liquidated damages in the event you opt to cancel your affair, the same rule should not apply if the venue is unable to host your celebration – even due to an “act of god”. This theoretical issue became a reality in 2012, when Hurricane Sandy battered New York City, rendering many venues situated on the East and Hudson Rivers unusable for weeks. Because switching the date of the Bar or Bat Mitzvah entirely isn’t usually a welcome idea – the child has been studying his or her torah portion and D’var Torah for weeks and the family is all flying in to hear it! – modifying the venue agreement at the outset to contemplate the flexibility to switch venues, if the worst happens, without forfeiting any prepayments can provide peace of mind to the whole family.
An additional topic to consider is the role of key performers. For example, it is not uncommon to engage a particular entertainment company with the understanding that you want a specific MC to perform at your child’s party. Indeed, while most entertainment companies will do their best to honor such a request, the agreement that they ask you to sign will nonetheless provide that any such performer is “subject to availability” and that the entertainment company “reserves the right to provide a substitute performer, if necessary.” Again, while no one could fault an entertainment company for having their contract contain such language to protect themselves, it is not unreasonable for you to request that the contract be revised to require that the entertainment company contact you in advance if a key performer is unable to appear at your affair and consult with you regarding the selection of a substitute.
These are just a few of the issues that, if not addressed, can have significant unforeseen, unintended and often, expensive, consequences for your event. With all of the moving parts and decisions that must be made, often months in advance, many families engaged in planning a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, especially for their firstborn, don’t have the experience to be able to foresee some of these and other pitfalls or don’t pay enough attention to the specific provisions of their vendor contracts at the time of signing. Unfortunately, it’s often the case that when the party is 30-60 days out, families are first considering questions like: will the venue provide enough electricity for my emcee, DJ, all of the games my child talked me into getting and the lighting company I had to bring in? What’s a 20-amp electrical circuit anyway and how many do I need? And my favorite – isn’t this included in the contract?
The good news is, if the issues are flagged in advance, most vendors are willing to make revisions to their contracts to make a prospective client happy (and because they don’t want to lose the business). Thus, a key component for a seamless affair is to have fleshed out with your vendors these and other potentially onerous provisions and to have a complete understanding of the specific services that each vendor will provide the night of your affair, how that translates into contract language and costs, and what revisions will be necessary to level the playing field. Contrary to popular belief, Bar and Bat Mitzvah contracts are for reading, not just for signing.
About Peter Deutsch
Peter Deutsch is a New York City-based attorney with over 27 years of broad-based corporate, transactional and business experience. He focuses on advising entrepreneurs, small businesses and high-net worth individuals in connection with business formation and capital-raising efforts, business development, potential acquisitions, sales of businesses and other commercial activities. And in his “spare time,” Peter had the responsibility for reviewing and negotiating the vendor contracts for both of his sons’ Bar Mitzvah celebrations. For more information, please visit www.peterdeutschlaw.com.
April 27th, 2017
With over 300 Mitzvah Family Spotlight stories since 2008, and new features each week, we know it’s hard to remember everything these creative families have done to celebrate their child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah milestone event.
Many families get creative with their Bar and Bat Mitzvah details. We love showcasing creative invitations, cakes, logos, fashion, entrances and themes.
Here’s a round-up of some of the unique place cards that have been featured and a link back to the entire spotlight story!
Get inspired!
Bar Mitzvah Place Cards
To set the tone for this Cinco de Mayo themed Bar Mitzvah, guests found their empty shot glass place card complete with a lime - so fun! Read more about this celebration
here
Video game DVD cases were used as place cards for this video game themed Bar Mitzvah. Read more about this celebration
here
Bunks were used as place cards for this camp themed Bar Mitzvah. Read more about this celebration
here
For this camp themed Bar Mitzvah, tree stumps were used to hold the place cards. Read more about this celebration
here
Hockey pucks with table numbers made great place cards at this hockey themed Bar Mitzvah. Read more about this celebration
here
Personalized bobble heads with pictures of each guest were fun for this Bar Mitzvah. Read more about this celebration
here
Bat Mitzvah Place Cards
Snowflakes and crystals were the perfect place cards for this Winter Wonderland theme in sunny California. See more from this celebration
here
For this Broadway theme Bat Mitzvah, place cards were designed to look like theater tickets and were displayed under a TKTS sign. To read more about this Broadway celebration click
here
Mirrored compacts were used as place cards for this glamorous Bat Mitzvah theme. Read more about this celebration
here
Each brightly colored place card had the guest's table name laser cut on top. To read more about this celebration click
here
Gold statues with guests names were used as place cards for a Hollywood themed celebration. Read more about this celebration
here
Sunglasses as place cards worked perfectly for this Bat Mitzvah. Read more about this celebration
here
Compacts as place cards were a clever idea. Read more about this celebration
here
For this food themed Bat Mitzvah, the family used menus as their place cards. Read more about this celebration
here
Movies in a tub of popcorn were the perfect place cards for this Hollywood themed Bat Mitzvah. Read more about this celebration
here
Emoji lollipops held the place cards for this emoji themed Bat Mitzvah. Read more about this celebration
here
Playbills from different shows worked beautifully for this Broadway themed Bat Mitzvah. Read more about this celebration
here
Animals were on the top of these place cards. Read more about this celebration
here
These place cards doubled as mirrors. Stickers on the inside gave guests their seating assignment. Read more about this celebration
here
Place cards were displayed in tree moss and flowers for this enchanted garden themed Bat Mitzvah. Read more about this celebration
here
Personalized notes in each place card made every guest feel special at this Bat Mitzvah. Read more about this celebration
here
Instead of place cards, table numbers on this elegant framed seating chart made quite a statement at this Bat Mitzvah. Read more about this celebration
here
B’nai Mitzvah Place Cards
For this comic themed B’not Mitzvah, table numbers were printed on speech bubbles. For more on this great B’not Mitzvah, click
here
Director clapboards were clever place cards for this Oscar themed B'nai Mitzvah. Read more about this celebration
here
Wooden horses were used for this rodeo themed B'not Mitzvah. Read more about this celebration
here
Message in a bottle place cards were displayed in a sandbox for this aquarium themed B'nai Mitzvah. Read more about this celebration
here
Place cards were displayed on a table with the pictures of the B'nai Mitzvah children and their logo. Read more about this celebration
here
The Fire & Ice theme was carried out on the place cards. Read more about this celebration
here
Did you have creative place cards for your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
April 24th, 2017
The Klein family from Sands Point, New York celebrated twins Avery and Spencer’s B’nai Mitzvah on January 7, 2017, the date of their actual birthday. The venue, the Sands Point Golf Club in Sands Point, New York was transformed into the ultimate ski lodge for this ski lovin’ family!
Although there was a surprise blizzard that day, the venue was close by for a majority of guests and most made the trek and they are all so glad they did. Mom Rachael thought out every detail and the snow just added to the amazing atmosphere!
Pictured L-R: Mom Rachael, Bar Mitzvah boy Spencer, Bat Mitzvah girl Avery, Dad Stephen and Sister Emma.
The photographer was White Light Photography & Video and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.
Invitation and Service
The custom invitation by Proper Notice set the feel for the party with its wood grain paper and royal and black plaid accents. It featured the logo made out of the twin’s initials and ski gondolas introducing the theme and mood for the event to come
The plaid pattern from the invitation was also used for the kippot. Mom Rachael found the fabric and had the kippot created at Weinfeld Skullcaps
Spencer and Avery holding the Torah
Mitzvah Style
Bar Mitzvah boy Spencer and Bat Mitzvah girl Avery at their service
Even with a snow storm outside, the Klein family was calm, cool and ready to party!
Logo and Branding
From the moment the guests arrived to their parting gifts, the theme was constant.
An apres ski lit-up sign at club entrance
This logo'd Adirondack chair served as the sign-in and was a big hit!
The logo combined both kids initials, "S" and "A" plus the date
Hot spiked apple cider and other fun beverages, as well as lots of ski themed comfort food, were enjoyed along with these logo'd cocktail napkins
This plaid was used throughout the party in the custom napkins, pillows, water bottles, and even the dance floor logo
Mitzvah Signage
Ski signage was everywhere. The guests pulled up to the valet as if they were getting off a chairlift and were directed inside for cocktails. A giant ski mountain backdrop filled the entryway incorporating Avery and Spencer. Trail maps led adult guests to their tables where the table name was printed on logo’d wood.
As guests pulled up to the venue, they were told to "Unload Here" for the valet
Cocktail sign on two skis- how clever!
The adult seating place cards were actual trail maps
Each table was named for a ski trail with custom plaid napkins at each place setting
Custom logo'd ski patrol tshirts were given to bartenders and dancers
Signage on bars offered drinks that can be ordered according to ski ability as well as a shot ski was there for 3 guests to do shots together
Mitzvah Ski Lodge Decor
A custom ski wall graphic was created and featured real ski equipment and ski signs, which was perfect to display the place card trail maps
The guests took a journey through 3 rooms. First, they were led through a live streaming video snowstorm tunnel towards a clear tent for the cocktail hour
Cocktail hour was in a tent that made you feel like you were outside in the forest with twinkling lights, tons of trees and wooden furniture
After cocktail hour, guests were surprised to see a magical snow and ice dance floor complete with silver draping, white and clear lounge furniture all lit up in blue
After the first dance set, the closed wooden doors behind the draped wall were open to reveal the 3rd room, all aglow with candles. Adult guests were seated at long wooden or round tables covered in leather that showcased the custom plaid napkins and flowers in theme colors
Music Entertainment
Spencer and Avery making their big entrance
Allen Dalton Productions provided the LED screens, zap photography, stage, DJ and MC that kept the party rocking all night. They also provided CO2 blasts on the dance floor
Party Photo Booths
Simon Elliot Events provided 2 amazing and equally fun photo booths.
One was an actual chair lift with props
The other in the adult room was a fountain of youth booth, which makes you look younger
Party Entertainment
The tent was transformed into a kids lounge after the cocktail hour and included additional entertainment for the kids. No one likes to miss the party because they are waiting in line so the Klein’s chose games that were able to include multiple players.
This Family Feud game allows up to 10 players at a time
Pac man Classics has 6 games to choose from for 4 players
Mitzvah Food and Desserts
H on the Harbor created a menu worthy of a 5 star ski resort including French onion soup served in crocks, filet mignon and a potato chip with the twins logo burned into it, just to name a few specialties
The famous Waffle Cabin, found at many ski resorts, was on hand to serve piping hot and delicious waffles to guests
Desserts alternated from seat to seat. Plated was a chocolate banana cream parfait, a fruit stuffed cannoli and a roaming kitchen sink sundae bar
The custom cake from The Cake Don featured double helmets, skis and their logo
Mitzvah Favors and Giveaways
On the dance floor, the dancers gave out embroidered ski hats, custom sunglasses, tattoo sleeves, light up mohawks and more. Some guests received plaid blankets and all children left with a custom half zip fleece pullover sweatshirt with logo wrapped in twine
Avery's friend's modeling the logo'd ski hats
Logo'd sunglasses
Guests received logo'd fleece blankets on their way out
Mitzvah Exit
Guests got into their cars and found these door hangers on their rear view mirrors left by the valet. What a perfect way to end the evening making a lasting impression of the theme. Luckily the weather had cleared and all was plowed for a safe drive home!
Custom water bottle labels designed by Mom Rachael read, “I Tore It Up at Spencer and Avery Klein’s B’nai Mitzvah" 1/7/17
Mitzvah Project
Avery and Spencer volunteered at various Autism programs helping to raise money for autism and mentor autistic children. Spencer also attends a camp for those with social needs so he raised money to send underprivileged kids to be able to attend summer camp.
Advice from Mom Rachael
“Most important is that the event reflects the child. In our case with boy/girl twins, we were lucky that they both love to ski. I am a big fan of little details that are interesting and special. Small things make an impact and the night more special and memorable. A lot of events have the same elements. For me, it was incorporating special signage, decor authentic items and cocktail napkins. The dancers and bartenders were in logo’d shirts with ‘Ski Patrol’ on the back and I carried the plaid originally on the invitation through to the service on the kippot and throughout the celebration in several subtle ways. Incorporating personal ski videos into their montage and having the Waffle Cabin as a surprise dessert nailed a ski resort. We kept the party moving on a journey, so the night was always exciting. Really spend time thinking about the theme and the little ways that interesting elements can be incorporated. Anyone can search the internet, it helps spark creativity. Additionally, I kept the party dancing by not doing the Horah right after we entered. We did it later on after the candle lighting time and montage. Guests actually noticed and remarked how clever it was to mix it up as we kept them dancing all night long.”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Avery and Spencer’s B’nai Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Sands Point Golf Club, 516-883-3077
Photography/Videography: White Light Photography & Video, 516-933-3399
Photo booths/Pillows/Dance Floor Logo: Simon Elliot Events, 516-586-6822
Logo Design: Mom Rachael Klein
Caterer: H on the Harbor, 516-883-0091
Music Entertainment: Allen Dalton Productions, 212-935-4000
Invitation: Proper Notice, 516-621-9523
Flowers/Signage, Family Feud/Pac-Man/Decor and Event Coordination: Eventful Productions, 516-767-3737
Furniture/Bars/LED Tables/Couches/Lighting/Ski Wall: Decco By Party Up Productions, 631-988-9579
Cake: The Cake Don, 516-414-0625
Cakes and Desserts: Vanessa, The Waffle Cabin, 516-234-9259
Adirondack Sign-In Chair: Colorado Ski Chairs, Etsy.com, 303-775-7273
Custom Napkins: Finishing Touch, 516-827-7433
Kippot: Weinfeld Skullcaps, 718-854-3864/Custom Fabric: Blue Desert Company, 323-234-1555
Avery’s Service Dress: It’s Simply for You/Party Gown, Outrageous Boutique, 516-931-3331
Spencer’s Suit: Kenny’s Mens and Boys Wear, 516-921-2660
Mom Rachael Service Dress: En Toto Boutique, 516-441-0177/Party Gown: St. John
Ski Patrol Shirts: Infinity Screen & Pad Print, 631-390-8530
Shot Ski: Bravotv.com
Dance Floor Giveaways: Sherman Specialty, 516-861-6420
Fleece Blanket Embroidery: Long Island Screen Printing Inc., 631-345-2456
Water Bottle Labels: icustomlabel.com
Custom Cocktail/Bathroom Paper Napkins: Foryourparty.com, 866-383-8957
April 20th, 2017
Melisa Imberman from The Event Of A Lifetime, Inc. recently planned a JaMmin’ B’nai Mitzvah for twins, Jack & Megan. A great tag line using their initials set the tone for this celebration. The J & M logo was used throughout the B’nai Mitzvah held at Tamarac Country Club in Greenwich, Connecticut.
The photographer was Tripp Street Studios.
Mitzvah Logo
The J & M logo really put their stamp on the party
The twins' initials were incorporated into this fun tag line
Mitzvah Party Decor
Melisa collaborated with X-Quisite Flowers & Events on the look of the party, which had a modern vibe and a color palette of white and blue with silver accents.
Their invitation used variations of blue. This color scheme was used throughout the party with all “J”s in navy & all “M”s in turquoise
The place card table was beautifully decorated with candles and glass vases of orchids, delphiniums and hydrangeas
The adult tables had navy and turquoise linens keeping with the party color palette
Centerpieces with blooming branches in tall silver vases
The large screen behind the dance floor showcased the logo
There was a custom white lacquer bar and wine tasting bar that offered the wines from the dad’s private collection. This was the back bar
Special Decor Details
Custom menu and napkin rings at each place setting
A sign-in locker for their guests to leave special messages
The custom Step-N-Repeat with logo worked beautifully in the room
Sleek white leather furniture was in the teen lounge with custom logo'd pillows
Mitzvah Interactive Entertainment and DJ Fun
Even the signage for the games incorporated the B'nai Mitzvah's names: MEG (Megan) A Millions and customized with their favorite foods, activities and their camp
There was lots of fun at the Black JACK table
A multi Pop a Shot style had the logo front and center
Headphones were distributed for a silent DJ!
Wonderful Mitzvah Moments
Megan entered from one door and Jack entered from another simultaneously and met on the dance floor and performed a choreographed dance together! Watch a clip
here
The entire Glasser family loves the Broadway show "Hamilton". Instead of a traditional toast, Megan and Jack’s dad and sister performed a rap about them to Hamilton’s Cabinet Battle #1. Watch a clip
here
Their service had a really unique touch, for their D’vah Torah they each interpreted the same torah portion & then had a debate, each defending their interpretation
Dessert/Exit Treats/Favors
The Cookie DO Bar was a delicious way to end the night. Guests selected their flavor and then added their favorite toppings just like an ice cream sundae bar
There were also custom mini donuts made to order in gourmet flavors like; Smores, Salted Caramel Pretzel & Cookies and Cream
Guests loved the the Elite Feet Kiosk where they designed their custom Nike Elite socks
Custom labeled water bottles
We thank Melisa Imberman and The Event of a Lifetime, Inc. for sharing this B’nai Mitzvah with our readers.
Event Planner: Melisa Imberman, The Event of a Lifetime, Inc.; Photographer: Tripp Street Studios; Venue/Caterer: Tamarac Country Club; Decor: X-quisite Flowers and Events; Music Entertainment: ESP Productions
April 20th, 2017
When Looking for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah venue, consider Chelsea Piers NY.
Chelsea Piers is New York City’s resident headquarters for first-rate recreational sports and unbeatable activities. They have a variety of themed options to entertain both children and adults. If you are looking for adventure, your guests can enjoy their rock climbing walls, batting cages, basketball courts or soccer fields. If you are looking for fun, guests can dance the night away with a DJ and dinner reception. From action-packed parties to formal catered receptions, they will customize your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration in a way that your family and friends will never forget.
The Sunset Terrace Offers Breathtaking Views Of The Hudson River
When booking The Sunset Terrace, part of Chelsea Piers NY, you can expect an experience custom-fit to your expectations, filled with extraordinary views, excellent service and–most importantly–fun!
This venue is located adjacent to Sky Rink, a twin-rink hockey and ice skating facility and a short walk from the Field House. It’s perfect for parents looking to celebrate with a twist because there’s no better complement to parties than the inclusion of ice skating sessions for your guests. Kids can ice skate while adults enjoy an adult-friendly cocktail hour. Afterwards, everyone enjoys dinner and dances the night away!
Bar/Bat Mitzvahs on the Sunset Terrace have all the style, elegance and catering options of a metropolitan dinner party–making for an evening you and your guests will remember for years. The Sunset Terrace, a 3,400-square-foot riverside event space, is ideal for 50 to 300 guests. They are also a Kosher-friendly establishment.
The beauty of the Sunset Terrace is its location. Not just where it sits geographically–on the western end of a pier overlooking the Hudson River, where the sunsets come cascading in over Hoboken–but also the Terrace’s proximity to all that Chelsea Piers has to offer
Everyone knows it can be stressful, planning a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. The Chelsea Piers Special Events team can assist with every aspect of your big day, from catering options to arcade game and photo booth vendors to booking a great DJ. With turn-key planning and years of experience, their team will ensure a flawless event
Chelsea Piers is all about unparalleled flexibility and serious fun, and the Sunset Terrace is the perfect place to host your Bar/Bat Mitzvah
Take a virtual tour or visit their Website. Call the Chelsea Piers Special Events line at: 212-336-6777 to start planning your Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration today!
To learn more about Chelsea Piers NY, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
April 17th, 2017
The only thing better than eating an Oreo is attending an Oreo themed Bat Mitzvah!
84 West Events recently created a delicious themed Bat Mitzvah for Hanna, a girl who loves Oreo cookies.
The party was held at the Broken Sound Club in Boca Raton, Florida. Owner Debbi Casper Greene, along with Regional Event Producer Lisa Pierce and Creative Director Amanda Johnson, loved working on this project, especially since Mom Michele brought in Oreo cookies for the team for “inspiration” throughout the planning process. It was important to the family that the team replicate the colors and design of Hanna’s favorite cookie!
Good Enough To Eat Centerpieces
The planning process from 84 West Studios Creative Director Amanda Johnson: “These centerpieces were so much fun to create because they challenged us to come up with creative production techniques. We made everything ourselves, which meant that we spent a lot of time testing different materials to create the perfect look. Our entire company, from Jeff, our CEO, to our photography manager, Tammy, all helped Debbi, Lisa, and I create these beautiful centerpieces. We love all of our clients and their events, but these Oreo Bat Mitzvah centerpieces were particularly fun and delicious!”
The Bat Mitzvah girl loves Oreo cookies and wanted to design the decor around them
This centerpiece was a milk and cookies cocktail on a stack of giant Oreo cookies
This centerpiece was a giant glass of milk with an Oreo on top and a huge silly straw
Here is a giant Oreo sundae in a sophisticated cocktail glass
Special Touches
As guests walked into the venue, they were wowed by the creative Oreo "H" in honor of Hanna. The display was created to incorporate many different Oreo flavors
Custom menus were placed at each seat on chargers with bling. Tables were dressed with navy linens
There was a 10 inch LED Oreo centerpiece in the teen lounge
Of course, there was a "real" Oreo cookie bar as a delicious Mitzvah dessert
We thank 84 West Events for sharing this creative Bat Mitzvah with our readers.
Decor: 84 West Events, Venue: Broken Sound Club
April 15th, 2017
We know there’s no substitute for personal recommendations and reviews. That’s why we’ve created our new local Facebook groups for you!
In each of our Facebook groups, you can:
• Connect with local Moms/Dads who are also in Bar Bat Mitzvah planning mode
• Get recommendations on vendors, trends, and ideas
• Share feedback with other local Moms/Dads
• Get advice from Moms/Dads who have already “Been there, done that!”
• Meet & ask questions of the Moms behind the scenes at Mitzvah Market
Interesting in joining us? Find your region below. Let us know if you would like a group in your area and if you can help spread the word!
We look forward to chatting with you!
BOSTON AREA: Join us
here
CHICAGO AREA: Join us
here
CT-WESTERN MA: Join us
here
DENVER AREA: Join us
here
LONG ISLAND: Join us
here
LOS ANGELES: Join us
here
NEW YORK CITY/QUEENS/BROOKLYN: Join us
here
ORANGE COUNTY: Join us
here
PHILADELPHIA AREA: Join us
here
SAN FRANCISCO: Join us
here
WASHINGTON D.C./MARYLAND/VIRGINIA: Join us
here
WESTCHESTER/ROCKLAND/FAIRFIELD: Join us
here
Would you like us to start a local Facebook group in your area? Let us know where you live at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
April 15th, 2017
Dave and Buster’s in Westbury offers a non-traditional and super fun venue option for families planning a Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration.
In their 48,000 square foot facility, you will find over 300 games in their game room, a bowling alley and billiard room to entertain guests of all ages.
Their new state of the art banquet room has just been renovated. You will find up lighting available in any color to enhance your room theme and light up club furniture to match.
Newly Renovated Ballroom
Guests can enjoy the cocktail hour in the billiard room
Spacious for as many tables as you need
Large dance floor
Lighting can be set to match your decor
The walls can match your centerpieces
In this private room your guests will enjoy a large dance floor, private bathrooms and customized bar which can match your theme. They also offer Kosher catering to fit your needs and a delayed opening to the public so your kids can enjoy the entire game room to themselves!
To learn more, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
April 6th, 2017
Event planner Linzi Etzion of Linzi Events of Boca Raton, Florida, coordinated a Bat Mitzvah party for a girl named Avery. The back of her colorful custom invitation provided the inspiration for the celebration.
The tagline was a very clever play on the Bat Mitzvah girl’s name making this ‘A Very Fun Night’ for all!
Domino Arts was the photographer.
Party Logo and Invitation
This great tagline, incorporating the Bat Mitzvah girl's name AVERY, was used throughout the party
The back of the invitation created the colorful theme
Party Decor
Linzi collaborated with Party Perfect Events on the decor to make the invitation artwork and color palette for the party.
The night’s theme featured bright purple, turquoise, fuchsia and lime green which made a great color combination!
This gorgeous centerpiece had a lively lampshade
A wrapped low flower box was vibrant and served as the centerpiece
The teen lounge with its white furniture highlighted the colorful pillows
A wrapped dance floor matched the invitation
Party Details
Colorful cocktail napkins with Avery's logo
The place card table made a bright and beautiful first impression
The candle lighting display featured purple, turquoise, fuchsia and lime green roses
Party Favors/Desserts
The sweatshirts captured the night perfectly
Special dessert cupcakes were delicious
We thank Linzi Events for sharing this wonderful and colorful Bat Mitzvah with our readers!
Event Planner: Linzi Eitzon, Linzi Events; Photographer: Domino Arts Photography; Room Decor: Party Perfect Events; Venue: Congregation B’nai Israel
April 6th, 2017
We read about a great Mitzvah Project in the Atlanta Jewish Times by Kevin Madigan.
Alex celebrated his Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017, at Temple Sinai in Sandy Springs, Georgia. Since he’s been practicing magic since he was 4-years old, he decided for his Mitzvah Project he would host a “Magic Night.” He performed his magic to raise money for Camp Sunshine and the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
Pictured to the left: Alex Newberg
Below is more information about Alex and his Mitzvah Project as reported by Kevin Madigan:
“My grandpa bought me a magic set as a birthday gift, and since then it’s been a passion of mine. It’s grown to be more of an obsession over the years,” Alex said in a phone interview with the Atlanta Jewish Times.
Now 13, he has received kudos from the likes of Penn Jillette, who described Alex in his podcast as being “really good,” and from New York magician Steve Cohen, who posted that Alex “has a mature understanding of magic for such a young fellow.” Cohen praised his “surprisingly vast mastery of sleight of hand” and said “the future of magic is in excellent hands.”
Alex’s mother, Jennifer Gelder, told the AJT that sleight of hand is his favorite trick, but “that was also the most challenging to learn because his hands are small. He had to work hard to master that skill.” She said Cohen, Penn & Teller, and Las Vegas magician Mac King all sent congratulatory messages to Alex, which she incorporated into a video montage for his magic-themed Bar Mitzvah celebration in February.
During his speech at the event, Alex thanked his grandfather Roger Gelder for his guidance and inspiration. “My dad, his grandpa, has been highly instrumental in Alex’s magic career,” his mother said. “He was the one who took him to meet Penn & Teller when he was 9. At that point, we didn’t realize how talented Alex was with magic. After that, my dad has really helped Alex by taking him to many magic conventions and several other trips to see and meet other famous magicians.” In his speech, Alex spoke of his influences. “If you ever closely watch a magic performance by a classic like Penn & Teller, my personal favorites, you can truly see the elegance, hard work and practice put into it. In my opinion, that is art.”
Alex has been putting his unusual skills to good use, his mother said. “He has been involved with Camp Sunshine since he was little, as his dad has volunteered there for many years. He has always donated to camp when he makes money with his magic, as well as performed for many of their functions.” Lately, Alex has been up to his tricks at venues around town. “I perform at different restaurants, but mainly Ippolito’s in Roswell,” Alex said. “I do children’s parties as well. I prefer the older crowd; I feel I connect to them a whole lot better. They have a better attention span.”
“Alex also goes to Tannen’s Magic Camp during the summer at Bryn Mawr College,” his mother said. “Many famous magicians, such as David Copperfield, went there as kids. This was also my dad’s doing.”
A student at the Davis Academy, Alex will play the lead role in the school’s musical production of Peter Pan on March 26 and 27 after portraying Young Simba in last year’s The Lion King. “I’m into acting, singing. I enjoy basketball, soccer and tennis,” Alex said. “I’m pretty easygoing. I like a lot of things.”
Read about other Mitzvah Projects here.
