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Mitzvah Project: Raising Money to Bring Water to South Sudan
December 21st, 2017

Mitzvah Project: Raising Money to Bring Water to South Sudan

Hailey Diamond is a 6th grader at Yeshivat Noam in Bergen County, New Jersey and just celebrated her Bat Mitzvah. She is an avid reader and was very touched by reading A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park and wanted to help. The novel is about the Sudan Civil War where millions of people died and millions more had to flee for their lives to refugee camps in Ethiopia, Kenya, and other neighboring countries. Among those who fled were thousands of children, mostly boys, known as “The Lost Boys of Sudan.” Salva Dut was one of those boys and relocated to the United States in 1996. He now leads Water for South Sudan, the non-profit organization he founded in 2003.

Pictured Above: Hailey Diamond at her Bat Mitzvah. 

MM: Why did you take on this particular Mitzvah Project?
HD In my school book club, I read the book “A Long Walk to Water” by Linda Sue Park, about the challenges many people face in the area of Sudan. I was so surprised to hear about how people live. While we can turn on our faucets and get clean drinking water, life in the Sudan is very different. For much of the year, the land is dry and people have to leave their homes and families behind, and women and children are forced to walk hours every day to collect water. The water they find is often dirty and many people die from the water or the trek to get water. This demanding, time-intensive regimen makes getting an education difficult, if not impossible. This is why most children and especially women in South Sudan do not even have an elementary education. According to Salva Dut, “Where safe, clean water flows, education, economic development, and health spring up. Safe water brings new hope and opportunities to South Sudan’s people, empowering them to change their lives.” I wanted to help them. Things are improving as of May 2017, Water for South Sudan has successfully drilled 304 borehole wells, bringing clean, safe water to hundreds of thousands of people in South Sudan.

MM: Can you give us details of your Mitzvah Project?
HD:
My mom Stefanie and I contacted Water for South Sudan (their headquarters are in New York), and launched a fundraising page where every dollar raised goes towards the cause. I sent an email to family and friends describing the situation in South Sudan and asking for donations. Then I launched a party business and I donate the money I make from working at local birthday parties. I have just reached $2,800!!

MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bat Mitzvah? 
HD: Water is usually something we take for granted. It takes me only a few seconds to get water from my sink. But in the book, we meet an 8-year-old girl named Nya who walks 8 hours a day, every day, just to get a little bit of bad, contaminated water. When I finished the book, I just wanted to help in any way I could. I thought I needed to raise to a lot of money to make an impact, but I read on their Website that small amounts make a huge difference, even $10 can change a life, so I launched my campaign. I had the honor of meeting Salva. He thanked me for feeling motivated by his story and taking it upon myself to help. He said “Hailey, it is because we have kids like you, who care about others, that the world is still spinning. Our purpose is to help others, and we are so grateful to you and proud of everything you’ve done.”  

MM: How long and how can people donate to this charity?
HD: This issue may not directly affect you or me, but that’s what makes it all the more important. It’s our job to make the world a better place, and we need to start with empathy. Caring about people we don’t know and helping improve their quality of life will change the world. I have raised $1,600 to date, and plan on continuing even once my Bat Mitzvah is over. I have spoken to 5th and 6th graders at SAR Academy about my project and will do a presentation for the 6th grade class at my school, Yeshivat Noam. My ultimate goal is to dig a well, even if it takes me the next 20 years to do so.


We thank Hailey and her family for sharing her great Bat Mitzvah Project with our readers and wish her much success in reaching her goal and Mazel Tov on her Bat Mitzvah!

To donate to Hailey’s Bat Mitzvah project, visit her fundraising page at or email stefdiamond@gmail.com and Stefanie will direct you to the link.

 
 
 
 
 
Hottest Photo Booth For Bar & Bat Mitzvahs
December 21st, 2017

Hottest Photo Booth For Bar & Bat Mitzvahs

Want to bring your party to the next level? The Zero Gravity Photo Booth is unlike anything your guests have ever seen.

Dance Time Entertainment, the area’s Bar and Bat Mitzvah and special event entertainment innovator, offers one of the newest and coolest Extra Entertainment add ons, The Dance Time Zero Gravity Photo Booth. Guests walk into the 8′ x 8′ booth and leave with a personalized photo that gives the illusion that they can walk on walls and defy gravity. But don’t be fooled, this is no ordinary photo booth. This is a truly interactive experience!  

For more information on the Zero Gravity Photo Booth, visit Dance Time Entertainment online at www.dancetimeevents.com or give them a call at 914-591-2100.

To learn more about Dance Time Entertainment, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.

 
Macy’s Day Parade and New York City Bat Mitzvah Theme
December 18th, 2017

Macy’s Day Parade and New York City Bat Mitzvah Theme

Designer Event Chicago, a luxury event planning firm, knows that sometimes you don’t need to look further than the name of the guest of honor for a Mitzvah theme. 

Event planners Katie Goggin and Lindsay Stein Cohen used the Bat Mitzvah girl’s first name, Macy, as their inspiration. They incorporated both New York City and the Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade into a party that had amazing details. This celebration was held at Morgan Manufacturing an event space in Chicago, Illinois but guests were “transported” to New York City for the night and given an experience they would never forget. 

The photographer was Tell Draper Photography.

Room Decor Details

Big Apple Party Details

New York City Inspired Desserts and Mitzvah Exit Treats

 

Big Apple Mitzvah Favors

We thank Katie Goggin and Lindsay Stein Cohen of Designer Event Chicago for sharing this beautiful celebration with our readers. 

Event Planner/Sweets Table: Designer Event ChicagoPhotographer: Tell Draper PhotographyVenue: Morgan Manufacturing; Décor: HMR Designs; Caterer: Entertaining Company; Entertainment: HYPE Productions

 
 
Light Up Cubbies Can Add To Your Bar & Bat Mitzvah Decor
December 18th, 2017

Light Up Cubbies Can Add To Your Bar & Bat Mitzvah Decor

The question: With all the “stuff” given out at a Bar and Bat Mitzvah party, should you get cubbies for the young guests to hold their shoes, giveaways and favors?

The answer: Yes! Supreme Productionz has Light Up Cubbies. They are chic and effective.

Special Offer

Supreme Productionz is offering Mitzvah Market readers a special deal. For $100, you can rent a unit of 16 cubbies. Delivery, set up and breakdown included. There is 3 unit minimum.

To learn more about Supreme Productionz, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.

 
 
 
 
 
The 2018 Color of the Year…
December 14th, 2017

The 2018 Color of the Year…

Pantone has announced the color of the year for 2018 and it’s…Ultra Violet. Pantone is the company that nearly everyone turns to when it comes to color trends. Each year they pick a “color of the year,” which is found not only in decorating trends but in fashion and event planning.

The 2018 color of the year follows 2017’s “Greenery,” a grassy fresh, revitalizing shade that reflected new beginnings. Look for “Ultra Violet” in a variety of party details at an upcoming Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah celebration soon. You might have seen it already because many of our families are trend setters! Here are some of the ways they incorporated this beautiful color into their Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah celebrations this year.

Send us photos of your Ultra Violet touches from your child’s 2018 Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah celebration. We can be reached at info@mitzvahmarket.com.

 
 
 
Brand Your Bar Bat Mitzvah Celebration With Give-aways
December 14th, 2017

Brand Your Bar Bat Mitzvah Celebration With Give-aways

When branding a Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah celebration, you usually start with a theme, create a logo and then bring that logo into your decorations, favors, give-aways, exit treats and more. Sounds expensive? It doesn’t have to be.

The Mitzvah Mavens offers Mitzvah Minis, cool and inexpensive Bar and Bat Mitzvah give-aways that, when added to your other favors, tie your entire event together. The Mitzvah Mavens, a division of CDA printing, is a family-run business dedicated to the creation of unique Bar and Bat Mitzvah favors. They know how to turn your party favors into instant hits because they know what your guests will love and are fully aware of all the latest trends. 

Mitzvah Minis – Make a Statement Without Spending a Fortune

The staff at The Mitzvah Mavens is ready to help you with all your decisions to make this process as easy as it can be!

To learn more about The Mitzvah Mavens, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.  

 
 
 
 
Sports Themed Bar Mitzvah with Sensational New York City Views
December 14th, 2017

Sports Themed Bar Mitzvah with Sensational New York City Views

The Goldfine family of Wayne, New Jersey celebrated son Spencer’s Bar Mitzvah service and reception at Waterside Restaurant and Catering in North Bergen, New Jersey.  They were lucky to have the most perfect weather! The ceremony was held outdoors on the water, overlooking the breathtaking views of the New York City skyline. Spencer loves sports and the theme incorporated that. Mitzvah Market featured older sister Melissa’s Broadway themed Bat Mitzvah a few years ago.

Pictured L-R: Mom Hali, Bar Mitzvah boy Spencer, Sister Melissa and Dad Marc.

Gary Flom Photography was the photographer and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of the spotlight.

Spectacular Bar Mitzvah Service

Bar Mitzvah Decor

Special Party Details

Music and Entertainment

Bar Mitzvah Special Moments

 

Bar Mitzvah Interactive Fun

Mitzvah Favor and Treats

Mitzvah Project

Spencer made and sold dog toys out of old t-shirts to raise money for his sister Melissa’s Special Olympics’ swim team, Team Limitless. He raised so much money that the team was able to get personalized team towels. Spencer had a few toys left over and brought them to the local animal shelter so the dogs there could have some toys too.

Vendor Information

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

Venue/Caterer: Waterside Restaurant and Catering, 201-861-7767
Party Planner/Personal Service Program: Mom Hali Goldfine
Gift Box: Dad Marc Goldfine 
Music/MCJared Levine, More Than Music, 516-626-9400 
Photographer: Gary Flom Photography, 862-684-7077
Favor Pinnies: Michelle Wickwire, Favor-It!, 973-715-1015
Balloon Decor: Balloon Artistry, 845-352-7916
Embroidered Baseball Caps
Lori Bullard, JW Shirtworks, 843-769-0724
ColorSplash Photo Booth and Airbrush EntertainmentAirgraphics Entertainment, 973-865-4647
Invitation: A Paperie, Marina Borukhovich, 973-633-5856
Cake Pops/Candy Buffet: Sweet Pleasures By Phyllis, 201-341-7154
Mom Hali’s party dress: Nicole Miller, Lord & Taylor
Sister Melissa’s party dress: Adrianna Papell, Nordstrom
Spencer and Dad’s party clothes: Robert’s Tuxedos, 973-256-3849
Makeup: Erica Ferraro, 201-401-3349
Hair: Daniela Vitale, 973-462-1579

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Country Club Themed Bar Mitzvah
December 7th, 2017

Country Club Themed Bar Mitzvah

Michelle Farber of M. Studio Events created a one-of-a-kind Bar Mitzvah, giving the family and their guests the country club experience. The actual venue, Current NYC/Chelsea Piers located in New York City, was transformed into “Ben Oaks Country Club” for the evening. The decor done by Geo Events even included an amazing “pool” dance floor.

Terri Diamond was the photographer.

Bar Mitzvah Decor

Special Party Touches

Branded Shirts 

We thank Michelle Farber, M. Studio Events and the Siegel family for sharing this amazing Bar Mitzvah with our readers.

Event Planning/Branding: Michelle Farber, M. Studio EventsPhotographyTerri Diamond Photography;  Decor: Geo EventsVenueCurrent NYC/Chelsea Piers;
DJ/Games: Total Entertainment

Creative Video Game Themed Bar Mitzvah
December 4th, 2017

Creative Video Game Themed Bar Mitzvah

The Kratchman family celebrated son Emery’s Bar Mitzvah at The Heldrich Hotel, in New Brunswick, New Jersey. His love of video games became the theme and inspired everything from the place cards, centerpieces, and room decor, to the montage, favors and exit treats. There were some really unbelievable special touches!

The photographer was Jeremy Messler and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.

Bar Mitzvah Invitation

Bar Mitzvah Logos

Bar Mitzvah Service

Bar Mitzvah Style

Mitzvah Now and Then

Bar Mitzvah Place Cards

Bar Mitzvah Decor

Special Party Touches

Bar Mitzvah Montage

Dad Jarrett, Mom Koren, and Emery all worked on the montage. They used themes from “Modern Family,” “The Amazing Race,” “Fresh Prince of Bel Air,” and “The Late Show.” They even put in a very short Socker Bopper’s commercial!  

Watch Emery’s Montage here

Music and Candle Lighting Ceremony

Bar Mitzvah Cake

Mitzvah Exit Treat

Bar Mitzvah Favors

 

Bar Mitzvah Project

For Emery’s Mitzvah project, he chose to support the Clean Crayon Collection in memory of Taylor Barta, an 8-year-old boy who went to school with Emery’s younger brother Logan. Taylor was diagnosed with Stage IV Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma in 2014 at the age of 6 and bravely fought this disease for 2 years until succumbing to it in 2016. He was an amazing artist. The Barta family set up a collection for brand new 8-pack boxes of Crayola crayons. Emery’s original goal was to collect 300 packs of crayons. Within 3 days, he received 600 packs of crayons!! Due to the generosity of friends and family, he ended up collecting an incredible 1,570 packs of crayons! Awesome Emery! 

Some planning Advice From Mom Koren

“Plan in advance – the sooner, the better!! This was our second time planning a Mitzvah, so we knew the work that was involved. We started early and had everything in order well in advance of the week before the party. The more organized you are, the better off you will be. I had spreadsheets for everything…from the invite list to the favors to the seating arrangements to which photos we wanted to take on the day of the event. The more you can do in advance and prepare, the smoother the day will run so that you can enjoy yourself! I also kept notes from our first Mitzvah to use as a reference. This came in handy so that we could look back to see what type of food we had ordered for the Kiddush luncheon, how many dancers we had used, how much candy we should get for the candy bar, etc.”

Vendor Directory

Venue: Galina Bayok, The Heldrich Hotel, 732-729-4670
Party Planner/DIY Decor/Montage: Koren & Jarrett Kratchman
Music Entertainment/MC/Photo Booth/Step-N-Repeat: Scott Present & MJ Navara, Xtreme Event Group, 732-536-8155
Photographer: Jeremy Messler, 609-980-5082
Videographer: Mitch Reisbord, Reisbord Video, 609-426-9898 
Logo/Place Cards/Invitation Back/Cake Design: Dad, Jarrett Kratchman
Invitations/Favors: Dana Kaufman, by Dana, 732-625-1471
Chocolate DVDs/Mitzvah Exit Treat Cookies/Cake/Chocolate Treat Boxes: Kristina & Emily, Classic Cake, 856-751-5448 
Décor/Candy Set-Up/Sign-In: Wendy Kandell, WayKool Events, 732-682-5096
Mitzvah Exit Candy: Mom Koren Kratchman
Mom Koren’s Service Dress: Nordstrom (Xscape); Party Dress: Dream Dresses (Ivonne D by Mon Cheri), 732-607-1112
Sister Alyson’s Service Dress: Nordstrom (Betsy Adam); Party Dress: Group USA (Camille La Vie), 908-351-0909
Bar Mitzvah Boy Emery’s Tuxedo/Dad Jarrett and Brother Logan’s Suits: Clothing Center, 732-254-0870
Service Hair/Makeup: Tina Marie, Salon V.I.P., 732-521-2700
Party Hair for Mom Koren and Sister Alyson: Spa at The Heldrich, 732-729-4670  
Reception Makeup: Kelly Cunningham, 908-803-8203
Seltzer Bar: Alex Gomberg, Brooklyn Seltzer Boys, 718-649-0800
Superhero Bowties: Tie Game,etsy.com
Video Game Bowties: BowTie Yakut, etsy.com
Video Game Remote Control Cufflinks:  Cuff-Daddy, 888-808-9944

 
 
 
 
How Foto Novelty Makes Phones Part Of The Fun At A Bar & Bat Mitzvah
December 4th, 2017

How Foto Novelty Makes Phones Part Of The Fun At A Bar & Bat Mitzvah

We all know it’s hard to keep young guests off their phones at a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Foto Novelty has found a solution and keeps kids entertained by making their phones part of the fun!

They can accomplish this difficult task because they are on the cutting edge of technology and trends in the photo booth industry. Plus, they have a large assortment of green screen favors, photo phone cases, flipbooks, touch tables, step & repeat photo stations, canvases, Clingies, iMessage and more.

Are you looking for a photo booth? How about iMingle, iSnap, The Hashtag photobooth, Mirror Booth, Polaroid Photobar, Sticker Bomb, Green Screen Music Videos, Musical.ly Live, Giffy and more. All of these state of the art photo stations will provide your guests with a fun experience and great photos to take home and share with their family and friends.

Bar & Bat Mitzvah Entertainment

Kids don’t put their phones down, even at a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. They are always on their phones – taking pictures, making videos, sharing them on social media and playing games. Foto Novelty makes phones part of the fun at Bar and Bat Mitzvahs with all their booths!

With Foto Novelty, your guests will have the best time at your party and have the pictures in print and on their phones so they can remember your celebration forever. 

To learn more about Foto Novelty, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.

Foto Novelty will be at all of our Celebrate! Party Showcases during the 2017-2018 season. Meet with the staff and try out their latest photo booths. Dates, locations and FREE family tickets are available at www.celebrateshowcase.com.