May 24th, 2020
If you’re planning or thinking about planning a virtual Bar or Bat Mitzvah, please join Mitzvah Market for our new “Listen & Learn Series.”
Wednesday, June 10th at 7:30pm EST, Mitzvah Market and Xtreme Event Group will give you step-by-step instructions for planning a Zoom Bar or Bat Mitzvah. With Fall 2020 dates uncertain, this is your opportunity to become educated on the virtual possibilities and new trends in at-home Mitzvah celebrations. From setting up the technology and lighting to trivia, photo booths and additional fun for your guests, you don’t want to miss this FREE informative session.
**You must register here in order to receive the Zoom meeting ID and password. Further information will be sent a few days before the event. Friends must register separately.
Can’t make it on Wednesday, June 10th? Check out some tips below:
Top Tips for a Virtual Bar Bat Mitzvah Service
- Select a Conference Service – Zoom, Google Meet, Facetime are all options. Zoom is the most popular. Make sure you can record everything!
- Internet connection – Check the signal strength in the room where you want to have your service; you may need to purchase a WiFi booster or mesh system.
- Lighting – Lighting should be in front of you/your family (not behind); also check the natural light in that room at the time of your service.
- Audio – Consider using a plug in speaker so guests can hear you and your clergy.
- Virtual Dress Rehearsal – Hold a practice rehearsal with the “host” of the meeting as well as any other family members who will be participating.
- Ask a Friend or Family Member to Host the Call – This will allow you to be present and not distracted during the service.
- Ask a Friend or Family Member to Record the Service – Zoom can record a default “gallery view” with a maximum of 25 people visible. To capture all of your guests, ask someone and make them a “host” so they can record the service, from their home, and scroll through the additional screens of guests/participants so you have a video memory of everyone who attended.
- Send Directions to Guests – Email guests the conference provider in advance so they can download the app. The night before your Bar Bat Mitzavh, send a reminder email.
- Make Xerox Copies of All Readings – Print out copies of all readings and prayers in advance in case your clergy is unable to bring a Torah to the service. Make sure all guests also have copies of their readings or blessings.
- Keep Your Tutor in your Ear– you can use ear buds during the service in case you need additional support from your tutor or clergy.
- Create Virtual Sign-In By Using Chat Function – Encourage virtual guests to send good wishes during the service through the chat function. You can save these messages and later print them creating a virtual sign-in board. Consider the “old fashion” way too! Ask your guests to email Mazel Tov messages as well.
Additional Ideas to Keep the Service Festive and Fun
- Create an At-Home Kiddush bag – If you have already printed your kippahs or programs, why not hand deliver or mail them to your guests for the virtual service? Mitzvah Mom Randy Flax of Long Island even added challah and grape juice for local guests!
- Virtual Mitzvah Care Package – Julia Erlichman of Julia & Friends Events has already planned the following if her son’s November service becomes virtual: “I’m going to send guests an At-Home Mitzvah Participation Package which will include: a program of the service, a personalized yarmulke and some of our son’s favorite treats that they would have gotten in a hotel welcome bag or as part of the favor. And of course a note saying how much it means to us that they are watching the service.”
- Plan a Bar Bat Mitzvah Drive-By Parade to Celebrate – Your child has worked so hard to prepare for their big day. Celebrate with family and friends through a drive-by parade at your house. Many entertainment companies will even bring their DJs and equipment to your driveway – just ask your vendor!
- Dress Up! – This is a special day, so let go of the comfy quarantine clothes and put on what you’d originally planned to wear for your temple service.
- Take Photos – The best angle for your service (being eye level with your computer), blocks your sight line for photos. In order to commemorate this important day, stage some photos in advance with your child and other participants.
Virtual Mitzvah Ideas & Photos
Guests at Baylee Diamond's Zoom service
View of the camera/computer set-up for Sami Feldman's Zoom Bat Mitzvah. Sami's clergy was visible on the laptop, while friends and family were present on the three monitors
Mitzvah mom Robyn Diamond of South Carolina sent a Zoom starter kit to guests, complete with the "Friends" theme of her daughter Baylee's celebration
The Flax family of Long Island, NY, dropped off kippahs and kiddush bags to local guests the day before the Zoom Mitzvah.
Need help with your virtual service? Learn more about The Virtual Simcha from Xtreme Event Group
here
Thousands of Bar and Bat Mitzvah families are sharing information and ideas about virtual Mitzvahs, re-booking their celebrations and more in Mitzvah Market’s 17 regional Facebook groups. Join here.
May 18th, 2020
During this Coronavirus pandemic, families are deciding how to handle the postponement of their child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah service and/or celebration. Mitzvah Market spoke with four leading clergy about the most important questions facing Bar Bat Mitzvah parents and their children today:
If your child’s service is moved to another date, can they still recite their original Torah and Haftorah portions or do they have to learn something new?
All four clergy we spoke with say it is OK to use the Torah portion you have prepared, even if your service date changes.
Cantor Barbra Lieberstein has “given the families the option of either keeping the same Torah/Haftarah portion and writing their d’var Torah on the parasha of the weekend that the service is rescheduled for, or they can learn a new portion… I understand that the students have spent many months learning their Torah portions, and want to make the experience as stress-free as possible. The majority of the students who rescheduled are chanting the same portion and rewriting their speeches.”
Rabbi/Cantor Ronald Broden shares, “I have had a few postponed ceremonies and I don’t change the Torah portion. In fact, I have never insisted on the specific Torah portion for any week. My approach has always been to let families know that there is a specific Torah portion for every week but that I allow children to choose any other Torah portion that they feel is something they are better able to relate to.”
“My students ALWAYS have the ability to choose their own Torah portion, so flexibility is my middle name,” says Cantor Debbi Ballard. “My students who have invested time in learning a Torah portion will keep theirs and they do not have to learn a new one.”
Rabbi Monte Sugarman is also permitting students to use the same Torah portion. For exceptional students who can do it, they can choose to learn a new portion based on the new timing of their Bar Bat Mitzvah date.
If your service is taking place at home, how do you handle a Torah reading if you don’t have access to a Torah? Is it OK to just use the papers you have been studying from or are there other options?
The clergy all agree – don’t worry! They will either bring a Torah to your home (or wherever the service is taking place), or provide you with a scanned picture taken directly from the Torah.
“When I perform the ceremony in the home with the family, I have my Torah with me,” explains Cantor Ballard. “For ceremonies I perform on Zoom, my student is given a picture directly from the Torah and they print it for use at home. My student is always in possession of their papers in a binder and they will use that no matter where we perform the service.”
Can family members participate and/or recite prayers during the service over a video call?
Absolutely(!) agree our experts.
“The participation of family members and others has increased in the few ceremonies I have done over Zoom,” says Rabbi/Cantor Broden. “I have incorporated “An Abundance of Blessing” as a way for anyone to say something special and personal (and short) at the end of the ceremony.”
Cantor Lieberstein keeps guests on mute during the service but will unmute “those who have an Aliyah to the Torah, Grandparents’ blessing, and HaMotzi over the Challah.” She adds, “immediate family members present may have to double up on the other honors including presenting the Tallit, lifting, dressing, and undressing the Torah.”
We thank the clergy for taking the time to discuss these important issues facing Bar Bat Mitzvah families today.
Rabbi Sugarman shares a reminder for all: “If you don’t have joy, you have oy! If you have to delay your Bar or Bat Mitzvah for a year, it’s okay.”
Read How to Word Bar Bat Mitzvah Postponement Cards
Read How to Update Your Swag/Logo for Postponed Bar Bat Mitzvah Events
Read 5 Ways To Continue Planning Your Bar Bat Mitzvah During the Coronavirus Pandemic
Read Bar Bat Mitzvah Parades: How To Celebrate from Home During Coronavirus
Thousands of Bar and Bat Mitzvah parents are sharing information and ideas about virtual Mitzvahs, re-booking their celebrations and more in Mitzvah Market’s 17 regional Facebook groups. Join here.
May 17th, 2020
Jake Epple of Westchester, celebrated his Bar Mitzvah and his love of baseball with family and friends. From little league and travel baseball to his favorite college, minor and major league teams, every aspect of Jake’s baseball experiences were infused into this celebration. Guests enjoyed a pre-recorded message from the announcer for the LA Dodgers, a first pitch by the Bar Mitzvah boy and a surprise appearance by NY Mets’ mascot Mr. Met!
Jake’s service was held at Temple Beth Abraham in Tarrytown, NY. The photographer for this event was Poppy Studio. A complete list of vendors follows at the end of this Spotlight. Photo above (L-R): mom Michele, brother Ben, dad Chris, Bar Mitzvah boy Jake.
Bar Mitzvah Service & Invitation
Jake and his family before his service
He was all smiles on the big day
Custom kippahs were placed outside the sanctuary
Baseball Bonanza
Jake's name on the billboard outside the venue
Baseball pennants were perfect centerpieces
Each of Jake's favorite teams were represented
The Epple's take a moment before the celebration begins
Jake's custom MLB logo
More table decor
The Bar Mitzvah boy throws out the first pitch to get his party started!
Jake had a blast during the horah
MC EsXence kept the dance floor packed
Jake and the Dance Time Entertainment crew - with jersey numbers spelling out his Bar Mitzvah date
Jake is joined by his family for his candle lighting
The custom centerpiece was inspired by the World Series trophy
Friends surround the Bar Mitzvah boy
After the montage, a very special guest made an appearance!
Mr. Met posed for photos...
He danced with guests...
and even dove into the crowd. WOW!
The dance floor was packed all night!
A night to be remembered!
Major League sign-in board
Check out the custom kicks Jake wore for his big day
Rally towels featured Jake's logo
Jake's friends took home these awesome portable speakers
Mitzvah Advice
“Planning a Bar/Bat Mitzvah can be similar to a wedding. Let’s be honest, it’s not fun,” says mom Michele. “Just prepare for a rough few weeks/months and remember that the planning is rigorous, challenging and will add a layer of tension on the entire household. Stay organized, divide time between practicing of prayers, speeches to party planning execution. And on the big day, remember that it flies by so tell your caterer or party planner to make sure that you carve out a few minutes to take in the experience away from the crowds, pictures and everything else. This party is for the kids but also the parents, so plan some fun time and music for the adults too. When you look back you should feel like you had as much fun as the kids did!”
Mitzvah Project
Jake volunteered for a weekly program at the local JCC where he worked and played with kids of all ages with special needs. These friendships carried over into Jake’s middle school where several of the JCC kids attend.
Vendor Directory
Venue: Club LED, 845-267-2022
Catering: Encore Catering, 973-515-8000
Music/MC/DJ: Dance Time Entertainment, MC EsXence, 914-591-2100
Invitations: Out of the Box NY, 914-934-2323
Photographer: Poppy Studio, 914-231-5371
Centerpieces/Place Cards/Gift Box: Brian Williams Events, Inc., 845-628-0614
Sign-In Board/Candle Lighting Centerpiece, Giveaways (Rally Towels, T-Shirts): Trigger House, 603-427-8997
Portable Speaker Favors: JBL.com
Custom Pillows: VistaPrint.com
Mr. Met Appearance: The New York Mets, 718-559-3093
Suits: Lubins, 914-713-0300
Custom Sneakers: Stomping Ground Customs, Brandon Sanfilippo, 917-515-9718
Dresses: Bloomingdales & Michael Kors
Hair: New Karma Salon (hair), 914-631-7171
Planning your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah? Ask questions and get advice from other Mitzvah parents in your area through Mitzvah Market’s 17 regional Facebook groups. Join here.
May 11th, 2020
Planning a Bar or Bat Mitzvah during the Coronavirus pandemic requires parents to consider a whole host of new issues and concerns. Social distancing, food service, payment schedules and out of town guests are just a few of the concerns that have recently been discussed on Mitzvah Market’s 17 regional Bar Bat Mitzvah planning groups on Facebook.
“I worry about venues and vendors going under; making a kid practice for something that’s now a year away; whether or not 14-year-olds will still like Coke and Pepsi; and if we will even want the same kind of event next May that we had planned for this one,” summed up one parent. Thousands of families are all in the same boat, and these groups have become the go-to resource for parents to share information, ideas and sometimes, just to vent.
See below for the top fears and worries of parents who are currently planning their simchas.
Date Changes:
◊ Will our Bar or Bat Mitzvah actually happen on the date we planned?
◊ It’s already keeping me up at night. We’ve moved our party from May 30 to August 30… I’m really not sure it’s going to happen at all.
◊ The farther we move the party from the service, the sillier it feels to me. I am not going to do them in separate years. If I don’t keep changing my date, I’ll never get my deposits back. Also, what will it look like when finally it happens? So many questions.
◊ My son’s Bar Mitzvah is in November and I’m not really sure how to proceed with a party. I don’t know if we’ll be able to have one then, so right now I have nothing planned.
◊ We changed our May date to end of November. That was Plan B. Now we’re working on Plan C, the party in the spring. I feel it truly won’t be comfortable until then. My fear is Plan D. By then my daughter’s friends may be different, except for a few life long friends.
◊ We have already rescheduled and now it looks like our new date won’t be happening either. I told my daughter if we have to reschedule again, we can have it in December instead: a Chris-Mitzvah! (We are an interfaith family.)
Vendors and Finances:
◊ Money. I have just enough saved to throw a nice (but not crazy) party, but the economy is taking a huge downturn. We don’t have a lot of other savings.
◊ If I plan for a January Bar Mitzvah and then we are quarantined again and I have to cancel, I will lose so much money!
◊ Will all of my vendors survive all of this (no one sick, no one bankrupt)?
◊ I have concerns about my vendors. I’ve paid some of them half. What happens if they go under or we can’t do it on the rescheduled date?
Guests, Travel and Social Distancing:
◊ What if we move forward with our child’s celebration, but no one shows up (due to fear)?
◊ Will my out of town friends and relatives feel comfortable traveling?
◊ Can I still have the amount of people that we originally planned or do we need to cut the list?
◊ Will my family be able to fly from out of the country? How do we still make it special for our daughter with the new situation both financially and in terms of how many people will be allowed for parties?
◊ Will we be able to have a large party with 200+ people?
◊ Can we hold hands for the horah or will we all be holding napkins? Can we all be tightly packed on a dance floor?
◊ Will family be able to join us from other states?
◊ I worry about whether or not we will actually be able to gather a large group safely.
One thing we know for sure: we’re all in this together. Mitzvah Market will be here every step of the way to help you plan a memorable Bar or Bat Mitzvah.
If you haven’t joined one of our 17 regional Facebook planning groups, join here.
May 10th, 2020
Sydney Kalish’s Bat Mitzvah was held at the Cedar Hill Country Club in Livingston, New Jersey. While she started off with a Sephora inspired theme, using the beauty brand’s bold black and white design, ultimately the theme evolved to represent everything Sydney loves (think makeup, fashion, jewelry and more!).
The event was filled with tons of custom touches, from the hand painted greeters who handed out specialty drinks and swag to the cocktail hour filled with finger foods in personalized boxes and food containers with Sydney’s logos. Guests were entertained by musicians, a mentalist/magician and two professional basketball players who performed tricks. This was a night that Sydney and her guests won’t soon forget!
The photographer for this event was Kathryn Huang Photography. A complete list of vendors follows at the end of this Spotlight.
Party Details
Mitzvah Advice
“Have a planner or day of coordinator to handle all of the details on the day of the event,” says mom Pam. “I worked with a ‘dream team’ that allowed me to be a guest at my own party and not have to worry about a thing.”
Mitzvah Project
Sydney volunteers at the Friendship Circle in Livingston, NJ where she spends time working with special needs children and teens.
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Sydney’s celebration everything she dreamed of. If you contact them, please let them know you read about their services on Mitzvah Market.
Venue: Cedar Hill Country Club, 973-992-4700
Giveaways/Swag (t-shirts, hats, sweatpants, flannels, blankets): Garage 68 Ink, 516-224-4447
Security: Bar Mitzvah Bouncer, Inc., 973-758-9800
Event Planner: Beth Flyer Events Simplified, 973-809-7573
Event Design: Extraordinary Productions, Phylllis Skolnick, 973-467-1637
Personalized Cups/Napkins/Bathroom Towels: Paper Capers, 973-994-3130
Invitations, Thank You Notes, Custom Stamps: Julie Maloof Designs, 973-615-6952
Entertainment/Step & Repeat/Hand Painted Greeters: Total Entertainment, 201-894-0055
Musicians: Evan Kremin Band, 914-643-3168
Magician/Mentalist: Phil The Magic Man, 914-260-5686
Basketball Entertainers: Basketball Magic, Kenny “The Blenda” Rodriguez, 917-297-9389; Hoop Wizard, Jack Ryan 917-754-2486
Photographer: Kathryn Huang Photography, 201-247-7431
Videographer: Professional Video, LLC, Seth Elgart, 973-218-0800
Montage: Moving Pictures, Stefanie Lichtstein, 973-202-0224
Food Truck: Big Mozz Food Truck Catering, 973-981-7770
Cake: Suzi Cakes, 973-917-3897
Digital Calligraphy: Artistic Types, 201-424-9810
Dresses: J&A Estrada, Estrada Twins, 914-219-8700
Hair: Beige & Blanc, 973-992-8500
Makeup: Marisa Roitman, 973-449-5356
Transportation: My Limo, 1-800-624-6112
Planning your own Bar or Bat Mitzvah and need help or advice? Join one of Mitzvah Market’s 17 regional Facebook groups here.
May 4th, 2020
With so many Bar and Bat Mitzvah services now being held at home or virtually due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, a very interesting question was recently posed in several of Mitzvah Market’s regional
Bar Bat Mitzvah Planning groups on Facebook.
“What is the new etiquette for gift giving when a Bar/Bat Mitzvah child is having a zoom service taking place now, and the party later in the year or next year? Are people sending a small gift now, and then a traditional monetary gift for the future celebration?”
While there are no hard and fast rules for this new normal, the consensus is that a Bar Bat Mitzvah gift should recognize the child’s accomplishment on the day of their Bar or Bat Mitzvah service. “The whole entire point is the service. This is the event they have prepared for and worked towards,” said one parent in our
DC/Maryland/Virginia Planning Group. “That accomplishment is what we are celebrating. If the service is happening now and you want to give a gift, there is no reason to wait for a party.”
A parent in the
New Jersey Planning Group, who agreed with giving a gift at the time of the service, added, “So much about the next year is unknown. These parties may not happen or they may have to be much reduced in scale… Should the party come to fruition, it might be nice to give a small token but it certainly isn’t expected or necessary.”
That being said, a gift is appreciated whenever it is received — especially at times like these! “I have been advising clients that a gift can be mailed at anytime and certainly brought to the celebration later,” advised one Mitzvah vendor in our
Boston Area Planning Group.
For more advice and ideas on planning a Bar Bat Mitzvah during the Coronavirus Pandemic, visit Mitzvah Market’s 17 regional Facebook groups where thousands of parents are sharing information. Join here.
May 3rd, 2020
Logan Horowitz of Syosset, New York, lives and breathes lacrosse, so it was no surprise that he chose a LAX theme for his Bar Mitzvah. His December celebration at Temple Chaverim was also the last boy party of the Mitzvah “season” in his middle school, creating an additional opportunity to create memorable, unique logos and taglines.
“One Last sHot” was the lead tagline, which also incorporated Logan’s initials. “sLasH” was also used throughout the event and on some of the super SWAG that mom Stefani created with The Coolest Giveaways. Guests found their table assignments on a 3-D LED screen that read, “Give It Your Best Shot, Find Your Seat;” and Logan’s friends hung out in “The LAX Lounge.” “pLay like a cHampion,” was another clever phrase which played off of his initials and the revival of the Champion clothing brand.
Mitzvah Mom Tip: To give Logan’s party SWAG some longevity, Stefani chose to forgo the standard date/logo on hoodies and trucker hats and instead used custom branding (as seen in photos below). “Everyone is still wearing them – even the parents!” she says. “It was almost like we created his own brand.”
Photo above (L-R): dad Seth, mom Stefani, Bar Mitzvah boy Logan, sister Sydney, brother Jack. The photographer for this event was Starr Digital. A complete list of vendors follows at the end of this spotlight.
Havdalah Service
A bold, graphic invitation set the tone for a night of FUN
The Horowitz family before Logan's service
Enter the LAX Lounge
The guest of honor took a moment before the celebration began
The collage style sign in board featured Logan's custom logos and hashtags
Guests found their table numbers on this LED screen
The entrance to the ballroom was flanked by a huge LED arch featuring a LAX slogan- SLASH
Dramatic lighting, oversized balloons and a digital wall totally transformed the traditional ballroom
A large dais was set up next to the dance floor; with round tables scattered throughout the space
The LAX Lounge became the gathering place for Logan's friends
White lounge seating was set up against a backdrop of red and black pipe and drape and bold red lighting
Adult tables featured various lacrosse themed centerpieces
Votives and decorative grass was used to accent the bold color scheme
"One Last Shot" was a clever way to celebrate the last Bar Mitzvah of the season!
View of multiple centerpieces in the space
A moment 13 years in the making!
Logan and his parents - with a custom lacrosse cake
Sister Sydney surrounded by her friends
During the cocktail hour a DJ scratch station was set up for Logan and his friends to mix their own music
Photo booth fun!
One Last Shot… To Wear Your Bat Mitzvah Gown!
Many of Logan's friends wore their own Bat Mitzvah dresses to celebrate the last party of the Mitzvah season
As is tradition in many towns for the last Bar Mitzvah of the season, the girls wore their Bat Mitzvah gowns for the last time
Super Swag and Sweet Exit Treats
Dance floor giveaways included custom t-shirts and sports jerseys
Custom hats and t-shirts were a big hit on the dance floor
Black hoodies for the boys
Hoodies for the girls featured a Commes de Garcon inspired heart logo
Mom Stefani surrounded by her friends, in their new SWAG
What better way to end the night than a food truck filled with sweet treats and fast food favorites!
Mitzvah Advice
“Allow your vendors to be creative!” says mom Stefani. “The less you try to do their job the more innovative they can be. If you hire the right people you should trust them to do all the work.”
Mitzvah Project
Logan hosted a fundraiser at Bounce Trampoline Sports to raise money for a cure for Crohn’s and Colitis. Family and friends joined him to help build awareness and have fun. The money raised was donated to the Mount Sinai IBD Center.
Vendor Directory
Venue: Temple Chaverim, 516-367-6100
Caterer: Hassan Caterers, 516-367-1200
Event Planner: Mom, Stefani
Logos/Favors: The Coolest Giveaways, Sue Smith, 516-439-4303
Music/DJ/MC: GEO Events Group LLC, MJ (MC), Spyro (DJ), 212-225-8311
Photographer/Videographer: Starr Digital, Matthew Starr (photo), Russell Starr (video), 718-482-1800
Invitations: WOW Creations, Sue Evangelatos, 516-662-9558
Decor: Dazzling Parties, 516-766-1471
Food Truck: Mobile Delights, 631-335-4448
Dance Floor Food: Little Vincent’s Pizza, 631-423-9620
Dresses: Mieka (mom), 516-367-8755; Ask Alice (sister), 516-921-2464
Suits: Kenny’s Mens and Boys Wear, 516-921-2660
Hair/Makeup: Entourage (hair, Laura for mom; Melissa for sister), 516-496-1700; Jennifer Ann Cosmetics (makeup, Brittany for mom; Jennifer Ann for sister), 516-921-1963
Transportation: Late Night Chauffeurs, 631-601-7503
April 29th, 2020
Alex Miller of Port Washington, NY was fortunate enough to celebrate her Bat Mitzvah right before the Coronavirus stay at home began in March. With guests coming in from as far as Serbia, the Millers made sure to count their blessings and savor every moment with loved ones.
The celebration began on Thursday night as guests began arriving from out of town. On Friday evening a dinner was held before attending Friday night services at The Community Synagogue in Port Washington. The service was followed by a spectacular Oneg, thrown in Alex’s honor by female friends and family. Alex was called to the Torah as Bat Mitzvah on Saturday morning. She celebrated with a kiddush luncheon and an evening party at Temple Judea in Manhasset.
Alex’s theme, “Party the to AM” played off of her initials, and couldn’t have been more appropriate given the unsettling climate at the time. Party indeed!
Photo above (L-R): dad Michael, sister Taylor, Bat Mitzvah girl Alex, brother Jake, mom Jessica. The photographer for this event was White Light Photography. A complete list of vendors follows at the end of this Spotlight.
Bat Mitzvah Service
An AMazing Night
The family poses on the dance floor - which was wrapped with Alex's logo
Playing off of the AM theme, the gift box proclaimed it was going to be an AMazing Night, while the backlit seating chart asked "Where AM I Sitting?" Cute!
The ballroom was a sea of silver and blue
Another view of the ballroom
Centerpieces featured photos from Alex's pre-shoot as well as graphics, by FabuDesigns, in Alex's silver and baby blue color scheme
Another version of the centerpieces
The spectactular photo booth was created by White Light Photography
"It's MILLER Time" announced the adult bar, playing off of the popular beer brand and the family's last name
Oversized letters added to the custom decor
This "cling" sticker was placed on the mirror in the women's bathroom
Alex's mirrored sign in board featured a cute wink emoji
The horah was a true celebration - pre social distancing!
Even dad got in on the dance floor fun!
Navy sequins and candle light complimented the custom cake
Alex's three tier cake was made by her caterer
Party swag and favors - including custom sweat pants, shirts and drawstring bags - were produced by A Promos USA.
Mitzvah Advice
“Don’t sweat the small stuff,” says mom Jessica. “It’s not about every item being perfect. It’s about your child, family and friends sharing in a meaningful service and celebration where we truly ‘had the time of our lives.'” She adds: “Accept help from anyone willing to make things a little easier. It is so wonderful to see the look on your daughter’s face when she finds that special dress, and when she enters the party room for the first time. Enjoy it all — it goes by so fast!”
Mitzvah Project
For her Mitzvah Project, Alex along with family and friends, spent several weekends volunteering at Centro Evangelistico MMM Food Pantry in Inwood, NY. “We had an opportunity to meet and interact with many neighborhood residents who visit the food pantry weekly. Alex plans to continue doing volunteer work there in the future,” explains mom Jessica. “Alex also raised money for The Baco Boys Fund. Sadly, in 2003, a close family friend lost her brother, and three of his Camp Baco friends in a tragic drowning. The Baco Boys Fund was created to send less fortunate children, who might otherwise might not have the opportunity, to sleep away camp. Summer camp has always been a special place and experience for Alex. Her hope was for other children to have those same wonderful summers of camp!”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped the Miller family to create the the Bat Mitzvah celebration of their dreams. If you contact any of them, please let them know you read about their services on Mitzvah Market.
Venue/Cake: Temple Judea-Hasson Caterers, 516-625-1200
Music/MC/DJ: Next Level Event Group, 516-996-1285
Photographer/Videographer/Photo Booth/Montage: White Light Photography, 516-933-3399
Favors: A Promos USA Inc., 516-377-0186
Invitations: Helene Dorfman, RSVP, 516-621-7259
Decor/Sign-In Board: Lighter Than Air, 516-933-2113
Branding/Logos/Graphics: FabuDesigns, 312-513-1698
Custom Sneakers: Rebootz, 516-456-5468
Dresses: Designing Dreams (Alex and Taylor), 516-248-1988; Holly’s Infinity (Alex’s service dress), 516-801-3774; Runway Couture (mom), 516-308-4639
Suit: Kenny’s Menswear (brother), 516-921-2660
Hair/Makeup: Wash, 516-767-7460
Planning your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah? Ask questions and get advice from other Mitzvah parents in your area through Mitzvah Market’s 17 regional Facebook groups. Join here.
April 27th, 2020
By Chloe Rehfield
There is no better way to personalize a Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration than with a great logo. It’s the perfect way to brand your party and make it unique. These customized – often clever — logos, which can showcase your child’s name, initials, or even their passions and favorite colors, can be printed on anything and everything, from invitations to napkins, sign-in boards to decals on the dance floor. And when you put them on the giveaways, guests get to take it home as a memento of the celebration.
Even if you don’t have initials that spell out something cute — think OMG or LOL — the experts can create a logo that’s yours alone.
Mitzvah Market consulted party planning and design professionals about ways to make your logo stand out:
Colors Are Everywhere
In the past couple of years, designers have seen some new requests. “We are seeing a trend towards watercolors, monograms, and solid colors for logos, vs themes,” says Stephanie Feldman from Cutie Patootie Creations. A Knicks fan, for instance, might choose to have his name backdropped against blues and oranges, instead of transposed over a basketball. These colors will tie together the entire party aesthetic and be incorporated into the tablecloths, napkins, and centerpieces, thus letting the party more subtly revolve around the colors, rather than the sport itself.
Stephanie Steinberg from Party Logo Design says she’s noticed the color trend becoming popular particularly with girls. Many are switching from themes like Alice in Wonderland or Dubble Bubble to “more sophisticated and simple color schemes.”
“I recently did a logo for a girl named Lyndsey who started out wanting a dance theme but ended up deciding that she wanted pink and silver with just her name and the date,” says Steinberg, who even made an animated logo to be used in the montage.
“Thirteen is a unique age, as they are walking a tightrope between childhood and adolescence,” Steinberg says. “As their 13th birthday approaches, they decide that they want to embrace a more sophisticated persona.”
Glitter and iridescent colors are top trends, and rose gold is a new fav, according to Ali Weitzman of MitzvahLogos.com. She also says that watercolor designs are hot with teens this Bar/Bat Mitzvah season. “They offer a more sophisticated take on color and allow for an amazing way to brand the party. Watercolor or even iridescent patterns look great both inside the text of the logos or reversed and used as background images.”
Initials and Puns
“Many kids are looking to use their initials in their logos instead of their full name to create cooler swag,” says Weitzman. “We love when kids hop on the design trend and want to create a design using their initials similar to Tiger Woods and Lebron’s logos.”
It’s also “super hot,” she says, to have the design be the main focus. “Think lips or lightning bolts with small initials on the bottom vs. the initials being the main focus of attention.
One of the most popular ways to create a personalized logo is to bounce off and incorporate your child’s name to come up with a witty tagline. Event planner Melisa Imberman, from The Event Of A Lifetime, has done several: Ryan used RYdicidulous Night as the theme and logo for her party and Lauren used the catchphrase SpectacuLAUR Day.
Using initials as groundwork for a great logo takes some creativity. FabuDesigns.com came up with Alex ’s Party to the AM (her initials are AM), Carly’s the siCKest night, and Shayna’s juSt paRty.
Branding
A great logo is the only pièce de résistance you need. “The logo is going to become the centerpiece of your décor,” says Imberman. “When you brand the whole room, you’re making a cohesive statement between décor and giveaways and having your image on everything.”
Imberman worked with one client who went above and beyond in terms of branding his party. He wanted to incorporate sports, but instead of basketball star cutouts lining the room, he went for concession stand-style food with his logo branded on mini pizza boxes, taco holders, hamburger and hot dog trays, cups, popcorn containers, even the napkin dispensers. Who needs the Knicks when you can be your own incredible team?
Multiple Logos
According to Steinberg, a coordinated set of multiple logos takes branding to a whole new level, adding dimension to the party aesthetic.
“I think having multiple logos really makes the party décor more interesting while still giving it the look of being coordinated,” says Steinberg. “Also, it looks great as a step and repeat backdrop for photos.”
A monogrammed logo with a child’s three initials, for instance, could be the party’s main emblem, and then stamped throughout the room would also be a monogrammed logo with only one or two coordinated initials.
The guest of honor can choose a variation of name puns and work those throughout the party as well. One family Imberman worked with had a daughter named Bailey Goodman. The main logo was B Good Man, and from there, offshoot taglines: B Nice, B Creative, B Friendly. Artistically working logos like these can be a special way to convey a message.
In order to seamlessly tie together these logos, static clings come in handy; they’re large, removable decals that feature your child’s logo and can go on glass doors, bathroom mirrors, or even the entire dance floor. Clings are essential if you’re branding the party with multiple logos and you need a big tie-in. These huge stickers are easy to put on and peel off, and they definitely make a memorable statement.
If you’re still having trouble coming up with a creative logo for your child, work with your designer to help get your creative juices flowing. Imberman, for example, sends pictures of past logos to clients who are stuck and asks them to dissect what they like and dislike about them. The company then designs a few logos based on these preferences, and the client chooses their favorite one, tweaking it until it’s spot on.
Sites like mitzvahlogos.com and cutiepatootiecreations.com have a large selection of premade templates you can choose from and then customize with your own colors, name, and date to help you achieve your perfect vision.
Get your FREE copy here.
April 26th, 2020
We’ve been touched by the many ways families across the country have continued to celebrate their children’s Bar and Bat Mitzvahs during the Coronavirus pandemic. Building on the virtual Bar Bat Mitzvah, via Zoom or other platforms, drive-by Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah parades are now being organized to celebrate the honoree on their big day.
Photo above: Bat Mitzvah parade in Merrick, NY for Zara Selvin.
Jack’s @Home Service and Bar Mitzvah Parade
Jack Frankel of Huntingdon Valley, PA celebrated his Bar Mitzvah and his 13th birthday on the same day! With the help of the clergy at Old York Road Temple – Beth Am, the Frankels held the first virtual Bar Mitzvah service of their congregation, from their home. Following the service, Jack and his family stepped outside their home and were surprised by dozens of friends (and honking horns!) driving by to congratulate them. Their lawn was decorated with a large “Mazel Tov Jack!” sign and the family was able to wave to all of their family and friends. A family friend, Mark G, created a short video combining the service and parade which will be added to the front of his montage to be shown at his postponed celebration.
Watch short video from Jack's service and parade
here
A screenshot from the Zoom service captured Jack reading from the Torah
The magic of technology - the family posed in their home, with an image of their synagogue's ark Photoshopped behind them!
Outside their home, as guests drove by
Sam’s Driveway Bar Mitzvah & Parade
The Flax family of Syosset, NY, had several weeks to prepare for their son Sam’s “new” Bar Mitzvah format. With their synagogue closed, they reached out to Rabbi Deborah Bravo of Makom NY, who worked with the family virtually to recreate Sam’s Bar Mitzvah service from the safety of his home. On the big day, more than 200 guests joined Sam’s Zoom Mitzvah to celebrate. Rabbi Bravo and Sheri Gutes, of Makom, joined the family virtually that morning to conduct the service.
That afternoon, the Flax’s received an unexpected phone call from their DJ, Party Harty Entertainment who told the family that they wanted to bring the party to their driveway! Truly a special Mitzvah moment!
Sam during his Zoom Bar Mitzvah Service
The Torah is raised inside their house
Sam's grandparents attended
Mom Randy delivered kiddush bags with challah, grape juice and kippahs to local guests and kippahs were also sent to those out of town
The Party Harty truck arrived at their house with a DJ (in a mask!), music, speakers, balloons and even sparklers
The family danced in their driveway - including the horah!
Family and friends drove by with signs and good wishes
A Surprise Parade For Ari and His Family
When Ari Taub of Memphis, TN celebrated his Bar Mitzvah it was the very first virtual Bar Mitzvah from his synagogue. They were able to get a Torah and portable ark to their home and the rabbi and cantor “zoomed” in to help lead the service.
Friends and family organized a surprise drive-by parade wishing "Mazel Tov" to Ari safely from their cars
Ezra’s Drive By Bar Mitzvah
Ezra Rosen became a Bar Mitzvah at his home in San Rafael, CA. A family friend organized a surprise drive-by parade to celebrate. Photographer Norm Levin captured the event, which was reported on in J., The Jewish Newspaper of Northern California.
Cars were lined up down the block
The Bar Mitzvah boy greets his parade of family and friends
Ezra with his mother and grandparents
Even some furry friends joined the celebration
Safe “Social Distancing” Drive By Celebration for Charlie!
Charlie Rosenbloom’s Bar Mitzvah was supposed to take place on Friday, May 1st at SPACE Events in New Jersey. While the family decided to postpone the entire Bar Mitzvah until October, the team at SPACE surprised Charlie on his 13th birthday with a DJ, step and repeat, red carpet and more!
The biggest surprise of all...? Even their Mitzvah photographer was on hand to capture every moment!
The Rosenblooms join the SPACE Crew for a "masked" photo
To watch a video of Charlie's drive-by click
here
We love how the true meaning and beauty of a Bar Mitzvah & Bat Mitzvah really shined through in each of these celebrations.
Thousands of Bar and Bat Mitzvah families are sharing information and ideas about virtual Mitzvahs, re-booking their celebrations and more in Mitzvah Market’s 17 regional Facebook groups. Join here.
