August 27th, 2018
Israel Guide Dog Center for the Blind provides guide dogs to visually impaired Israelis. They breed, raise and train the dogs in Israel so that they are familiar with the environment and to respond to Hebrew commands.
August 19th, 2018
Mitzvah Market’s vendors are the leading experts in invitations, favors, decor, event planning, music, photography and more. They’ve seen all the best Bar and Bat Mitzvah ideas, so when it’s time to plan their own child’s Mitzvah, you know they’re going to pull out all the stops for a memorable party!
Here are some of the fun and unique ways Mitzvah Market’s experts celebrated their child’s Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. Click through the photos to see all the celebrations:
Invitations and Websites
OUT OF THE BOX NY: Mom Leslie owns an invitation and accessories company, so when planning son Greyson's Bar Mitzvah there were many “GREYT” sports details like the custom invitation and "All Access" lanyard shipped on top of a piece of turf field! To see more from Greyson’s celebration, click
here
INVITATIONS WITH LOVE...:
Mom Beth is the owner of a stationery and invitation company. Her son Maxwell's two layer Lucite invitation was secured with metal bolts and shipped in a special mailer to really get their guests' attention! To see more from this celebration, click
here
Party Decor
iSPARKLE EVENTS:
Event designer and graphic artist Ali celebrated son Sam’s Bar Mitzvah with a Little League theme that featured a baseball diamond dance floor, bleacher seats and a concession stand with ball park fare. To read more about this "home run" party, click
here
OUT OF THE BOX CREATIONS:
Out of the Box Creations specializes in custom graphics and design. For daughter Hannah's Bat Mitzvah, mom Jessica created a bold chevron logo, an interactive puzzle piece place card display and a life size Instagram photo booth. To see more photos, from Hannah’s party, click
here
Music Entertainment
HAL PRINCE MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT:
With music in her blood, mom Jill, owner of Hal Prince Music and Entertainment, knew just how to create a NYC Nightclub vibe for daughter Sara's Westchester Bat Mitzvah. A red carpet arrivals line made every guest feel like a VIP. To see more from this "Sara and the City" celebration, click
here
MAXIMUM ENTERTAINMENT:
For daughter Madison's Bat Mitzvah, dad Joey of Maximum Entertainment created a celebration with maximum candy! A custom candy cake, DIY candy candles and a concession truck overflowing with candy made for a sweet party. To see more from this celebration, click
here
EJ THE DJ: Most dad's don't write a custom song for their daughter's Bat Mitzvah, but when your dad is Ed, aka EJ the DJ, why not? Dancing with daughter Sarah to a song written especially for her Bat Mitzvah was just one way Ed made this day memorable. To see more from this celebration, click
here
EK PRODUCTIONS: Dad Evan customized every detail for daughter Amanda's "Pandalicious" Bat Mitzvah. A digital sign-in board, illuminated and logo'd candle lighting table and custom Lids hat booth were just some of his special touches. To see more from this celebration, click
here
Unique Party Details
CUTIE PATOOTIE: A custom table roster, named after colleges with top wrestling and lacrosse programs, was one special touch mom Stephanie, owner of Cutie Patootie Creations, designed for son Jack's Bar Mitzvah. To see more of this celebration click
here
VIENNA OF ROSLYN:
Dad Keith Senzer created a Wizard of Oz themed party with an Emerald City ballroom for his daughter Jessica's Bat Mitzvah. To read more about this celebration click
here
Montage/Interactive Entertainment
TANTA MARLA STUDIOS: Mom Marla created an awesome video and a Playbill style invitation to set the tone for daughter Dani's Hamilton-themed Bat Mitzvah. To see more from Dani's celebration, click
here
AIRGRAPHICS ENTERTAINMENT:
When event planner and mom Amy designed son Aden's X-Games Bar Mitzvah, she used half-pipe ramps and skate boards for decor and entertainment. To see more from this celebration, click
here
To see more ways families celebrated, check out all our Mitzvah Family Spotlight stories.
August 19th, 2018
Bar and Bat Mitzvah planning Moms find the latest and greatest things for their own child’s Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations!
These parents of Bar and Bat Mitzvah kids are sharing ideas, posting advice and asking questions in our 17 private regional Bar Bat Mitzvah planning groups on Facebook.
Mom Wendy, who is part of the New Jersey Bar/Bat Mitzvah Facebook group shared information about a Website that offers personalized video shout-outs from favorite celebrities which can be used in a Bar or Bat Mitzvah montage or as a special gift.
Cameo.com is a marketplace where users can purchase these shout-outs from a growing list of athletes, actors, musicians, comedians, reality stars and internet sensations. It’s easy to do! You choose the celebrity, fill out a request with your Mitzvah shout out, provide the appropriate payment (varies by celebrity) and in approximately seven days you’ll receive a link to your Cameo. The Cameo is yours to keep! Download it, add it to your montage and after your Bar Bat Mitzvah, share it across your social media pages.
Some of the many “Shout-Out” possibilities…
We love this exciting way to spice up a Bar Bat Mitzvah montage or surprise the guest of honor with a special message! Please join our Bar Bat Mitzvah Planning groups on Facebook so you can share your ideas with other families and/or ask questions and get advice.
See a past “Mom Find” here.
August 12th, 2018
How A Mitzvah Mom Branded Her Son’s Bar Mitzvah Celebration
Jen Rosenblatt starting working with Robin Hammer Design a year before her son Sam’s Bar Mitzvah. It was important to her family that their celebration was fun-filled, but also very branded. The Bar Mitzvah boy is a proud and passionate University of Florida Gator fan, making their theme an easy one to plan!
Sam’s party took place at Coastal Sports in Fairfield, New Jersey. This venue was turned into “The SwAMp,” the nickname for the University of Florida’s football stadium which cleverly incorporated the guest of honor’s first name. Décor elements were in blue and orange throughout the venue to ensured a cohesive look. With Mom Jen’s vision and Robin’s creativity, this tailgating celebration scored big among their guests.
Take a look below:
Venue Signage
Guests immediately got into the Gator spirit as they entered the venue
Cute Gator banner for the teen section
Dancers dressed as University of Florida cheerleaders waited for Sam's entrance!
The "Hydration Station"
Signage for swag given out at the end of the party
The adult bar signage was in homage to a popular University of Florida bar
Special Party Details
The candle lighting display table featured a branded table cloth with football helmets as candle holders!
Each guest who received a candle lighting honor got a card with a letter. At the end of the ceremony Sam's last name was spelled out and displayed
There was a sign-In flag for guests to leave special messages
Gatorade bottles and water with Sam's custom logos were given to guests during the party
The logo was also used on the napkins
No red cups here! Guests used and took home these orange and blue reusable logo'd cups
Guests loved the SwAMp bambam noise makers
Sam’s Swag and Dance Floor Giveaways
Much of the branded favors and giveaway items read, “The SwAMp” including the headbands
The Gator theme was carried through to the end on the folding tailgate chair
Each guest also received a stadium seat chair
We thank the Rosenblatt family for sharing their son’s great Bar Mitzvah celebration with our readers. To learn more about Robin Hammer Design, visit their profile page in our Vendor Directory.
August 10th, 2018
Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah DJs are a key part of any celebration. The Bar Bat Mitzvah DJ and MC set the mood and timeline for your event. When making this big decision about your entertainment company, it helps to have references and recommendations from other Moms and Dads who have used them before.
Here are some recommendations from Bar Mitzvah & Bat Mitzvah families about the entertainment companies they used for their child’s Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebration. Click through the photos to see all the different vendors:
Entertainment Companies
NYCE PRODUCTIONS:
"A heartfelt 'thank you' doesn’t even suffice. We had a blast and you rocked it! Thanks for making this very special day absolutely amazing for us. You worked both the kids and adults and it was everything we wanted. And I loved my big screen. All was amazing & incredible! You went above and beyond our wildest expectations. The lights over the pool and the swirling lights on the building were insane. The whole night was off the charts. You crushed it! Your whole staff was just amazing. You can sign us up now for Emily and Andrew." -- Michelle & Scott Sherman, Harrison, NY --
Scroll to read other parents' comments
EK PRODUCTIONS: "We cannot thank you enough for your amazing work at Morgan's Bat Mitzvah. From the day we hired you a year before the event, you were beyond accessible, emailing and texting me back at all hours of the night. Your professionalism was beyond expectation. You knew exactly what we needed at camp, from the design of the floor plans, to power supply etc. and you made it happen. You made the ordering of linens, photo booth etc simple and flawless. As you know, Morgan was very worried that the party would not be enough of a "dance party." Well you and your staff had the crowd dancing the ENTIRE night! I don't think anyone wanted to stop to eat! Your dancers and DJ were amazingly talented and friendly without being intrusive. Our guests are still talking about the event! Spencer and I believed from the start that it is the entertainment that makes a great party and we were right! EK Productions blew us away! Amazing work and thank you again!"
-- Helene and Spencer Korn who celebrated at Camp Towanda are from Livingston, NJ --
Scroll to read other parents' comments
TODD YAHNEY EVENTS: "A tremendous thanks to you and your team for making Norah's Bat Mitzvah a wonderfully fabulous evening. Cousin Craig and the staff were both warm and fun and had the whole room dancing. The floor plan, photo booth and lounge furniture really set an incredible atomosphere. Truly, it was the happiest night of Norah's life." -- Lorien Saumier, Wilton, Connecticut --
Scroll to read other parents' comments
NJM ENTERTAINMENT:
"There is no one better than Jamel and NJM Entertainment to make your party an ultimate success! Jamel is incredibly easy going to work with during the planning process, and he delivers unlimited enthusiasm, contagious energy and intense commitment and focus during the party. My kids thought that he gave excellent suggestions based upon their personalities and the size of their parties, and they felt incredibly comfortable working with him. Jamel has been the MC for all three of our children’s Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, and we were more thrilled with him during each consecutive event. He becomes part of your family and treats your guests as if they are part of his family. No one is better than Jamel for your entertainment needs, and we recommend him wholeheartedly. We sincerely hope that he will be around to host our kids’ weddings in the future! If you have any questions, please contact us for rave reviews." -- Beth Gelles,
Scarsdale NY --
Scroll to read other parents' comments
EJ THE DJ:
"Now that I have had some days to catch up, I just wanted to write and say thank you so much for the amazing entertaining job your company did for my son’s Bar Mitzvah. I know that you know this, but Hakim was just OUTSTANDING! His upbeat personality and fun loving nature really made the party one of the best. The dancers that you sent also put their all into the party and we really enjoyed them and their enthusiasm. The kids were constantly entertained and part of the party, which in this day of electronics is not an easy task, and I credit Hakim for keeping them occupied. Everyone was blown away by Hakim and your team and I made sure everyone knew it was your company that I was using.
Thanks again for everything! -- Stephanie Solomon, Manhasset, NY --
Scroll to read other parents' comments
ET EVENTS:
"We had the most amazing time at Ava’s Bat Mitzvah! First of all, the DJ setup and stage was so cool. Plus you, Mystic, the DJ, dancers drummer-are all so fabulous and talented. I loved that you had the crowd up and dancing for most of the night. The energy in the room was so awesome. It really was a magical night for Ava and our family. You were such a pleasure to deal with throughout the entire preparation process. You always went out of your way to be very welcoming to both Ava and myself when we saw you. I am so glad that Laura introduced me to ET Events and that we chose you for our celebration. Our experience with ET Events far exceeded my expectations. Thank you! -- The Kaplan family, Melville, NY
To learn more about Bar Mitzvah & Bat Mitzvah DJs & Music visit our Vendor Directory.
August 5th, 2018
Are you looking for a private Manhattan Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah event space with breathtaking views? Upper Story by Charlie Palmer, part of the Michelin-star awarded Charlie Palmer Group, will have your guests talking about the iconic city views, award winning food, modern design and flawless hospitality.
Here are 3 things you might not know about this premier NYC event space!
1. Outside Space & Spectacular Views
Incredible views of the 59th Street Bridge, the Roosevelt Island Tram and the NYC skyline from Upper Story's 1,000 sq foot balcony
Day or night, the NYC skyline will delight your guests
Upper Story's balcony is a unique destination for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres
2. Award Winning Food
As a part of Michelin-star awarded Charlie Palmer Group, Upper Story will exceed your culinary expectations
Upper Story will work with you to create a thoughtful, custom menu for your guests
In addition to creative cuisine, Upper Story also offers traditional crowd favorites
Beautiful food presentations taste even better than they look!
3. Special Party Touches
With more than twenty years experience planning Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations, Upper Story’s Director of Events, Jennifer Day, understands how much this day means to your family. Her impeccable event planning and culinary pedigree will exceed your expectations!
A 2,700 sq foot event space, with floor to ceiling windows and panoramic views, will take your guests' breath away
Customized decor adds a festive feeling to the sophisticated space
Interactive games fit seamlessly into the modern yet classic design of Upper Story
Cubbies provide an organized way for guests to store their shoes and favors
August 5th, 2018
The Caparelli family celebrated son Austin Jack’s (A.J.) Bar Mitzvah ceremony at Temple Israel in Croton on Hudson, New York. Later that evening there was a party, with a nightclub feel, at The Law Park Pavilion. The theme was centered around A.J.’s favorite NBA team the Oklahoma City Thunder. Initially A.J. was concerned about having his Bar Mitzvah at this unique location but everyone loved the different feel this Bar Mitzvah celebration had and how it was catered using food trucks!
Pictured L-R at the service: Dad Chris, Mom Rorie, Bar Mitzvah boy AJ, Sister Reese and Brother Hunter.
Harry Quiroga Photography was the photographer and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
Bar Mitzvah Style
Guests were asked to wear their favorite basketball Jersey to go along with the OKC Thunder theme. A.J.’s mom and sister wore Jersey’s that were turned into dresses and even A.J.'s grandparents embraced the basketball style!
The back of the Jersey's were personalized at the NBA store
A.J. and Hunter giving Reese a lift
Bar Mitzvah Venue and Decor
The party was held in Briarcliff Manor on the grounds of The Law Park Pavilion
The inside of the Pavilion was festive with balloons, high top tables and lounge furniture
There was also a great DJ set up and dance floor
Bar Mitzvah Logos
A.J.'s two logos were designed by his grandmother Marian Pinkman, who is a freelance artist
The logo's were used throughout the party, on the invitation and favors
Bar Mitzvah DJ and Entertainment
A.J.'s guests loved wearing their Jersey's and dancing to great music
The dancers from Party Harty Entertainment with the family
A.J. up in the chair!
Pop A Shot fit in with the basketball theme
There were also lots of other interactive games brought in to entertain guests of all ages
Special Party Details
The sign-in board and gift card basket
Sister Reese, Bar Mitzvah boy A.J. and Ginger who was happy to be part of the celebration!
A.J.'s invitation had a basketball border and featured his logo on top
A.J. felt all of his friends had so many Mitzvah sweatshirts and chose to do towels since his Bar Mitzvah was in June
Bar Mitzvah Food
The family used a few food trucks to cater the event. Here is the popular truck, "Put Some Meat On Your Bones" specializing in grilled cheese. What a great idea!
DoughNation, a caterer of mobile wood-fired pizza set up shop in front of their truck
This pizza truck is famous in the area for it's perfect Neapolitan pizza topped with local ingredients from a 900° wood-burning oven!
And of course you need ice cream from delicious Bona Bona!
A.J.’s Bar Mitzvah Project
A.J. did a few different Mitzvah projects, one with the Special Olympics, a polar plunge as well as a basketball instruction camp for a day, and he also did a midnight run with Temple Israel and he raised money and participated with his friends in a JDRF walk to support their friend who was diagnosed with the disease.
Some Advice from Mom Rorie:
“The food trucks were very popular and the kids all got to eat food that they loved. Since we were having the party outside in a park, it was a great idea to have bracelets made for our guests so the food trucks knew who to serve.”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make A.J.’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Briarcliff Manor Pool Pavilion, 914-488-2115
Party Planner: Andrea Gottschall, 914-260-7837
Photographer: Harry Quiroga Photography
Music Entertainment/Videographer: MC Evan, Party Harty Entertainment, 516-845-8585
Grilled Cheese Truck: Put Some Meat On Your Bones, 914-391-5527
Wood Burning Pizza Truck: Dough Nation, 914-305-2336
Greek Food Truck: Gyro Uno, 914-906-1444
Hot Dog Truck: Walter’s Hot Dog Truck, 914-400-3164
Bona Bona Ice Cream Truck: 914-732-3024
Cocktail Hour Caterer/Bartender: Tony Fortunate,105 Ten Bar and Grill, 914-236-3651
Lounge Furniture: AFR Furniture Rental, 201-974-3700
Tents: Cartwright and Daughters, 845-225-9200
Favors: Neal, TJ Promotions, 516-655-1094
Invitation: Andrea Kronethal, Small Fry Press, 914-747-6668
Décor/Sign-In/Gift Box: Billy, Brian William Event Decorator, 845-628-0614
Logo Design: Grandmother/freelance artist Marian Pickman, 212-348-0495
Personalized Jerseys: NBA Store, 212-457-3120
Dresses: Lyn Kohls turned NBA jerseys into dresses, 973-467-7800
Suits for Service: Lubins of Westchester, 914-713-0300
Hair: Kim Flood, Nu’Me, 914-762-1122
Party Makeup Artist: Laura Melissa Scalere, 914-438-8018
Security: Joy, Bar Mitzvah Bouncer, 973-758-9800, 631-367-1519
