April 20th, 2020
Social distancing and stay-at-home orders continue in this pandemic environment. Spring Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations have been postponed, but what if you are still in planning mode? There are a number of ways you can feel productive when it comes to your Bar Bat Mitzvah planning.
1. The Guest List
Now is a good time to pull your list together. Knowing approximately how many guests you are inviting (both adults and kids) is the first step to choosing your Bar or Bat Mitzvah venue. MitzvahOrganizer.com allows you to keep all the details of your service and celebration in one place. It’s easy to create or upload Excel lists you may have already started.
2. Montage Photos & Videos
Pulling together photos and videos for your child’s montage is a tedious process, one that needs lots of time. Time is what you have right now, so go through your photos and start grouping them together. Here’s more information on How To Organize Your Montage Photos.
3. Design
As you know, logos and phrases are a very popular way to brand your event. Families are cleverly using their child’s name, initials, or last name. Take a look at this story, How To Think Of A Clever Logo for some inspiration.
4. Bar and Bat Mitzvah Venues
If your celebration is being rescheduled or if you have not yet decided on a Bar Bat Mitzvah venue, you can still look at locations. Many venues listed in our Vendor Directory offer virtual tours. Take a look from the comfort of your home; then contact the venue to ask questions.
5. Virtual Meetings
Just because you can’t go to in-person meetings doesn’t mean you can’t meet with Bar Bat Mitzvah vendors and move the planning along. With today’s technology, many vendors are able to conduct virtual meetings via Zoom, Facetime or other platforms to show you their products/services.
Other Bar Bat Mitzvah planning parents are another great resource while you’re stuck at home! Join one of Mitzvah Market’s 17 regional Facebook groups to ask questions, share ideas and more. Sign up here.
March 28th, 2020
Two year’s ago the Przybisiki family celebrated their daughter Samantha’s Bat Mitzvah with a “Live, Laugh, Love” theme. They had hoped to share their son Jason’s Bar Mitzvah with Mitzvah Market this spring, however the coronavirus outbreak required them to change their plans.
Originally scheduled for March 21, 2020, Jason and his family postponed his celebration. With the help of Rabbi Cantor Shirah Sklar from Temple Shalom in Norwalk, Connecticut, they were still able to hold his Bar Mitzvah service that day in their backyard! Now they’re sharing their experience with our readers to offer ideas and inspiration to other families in the same situation.
Photo above (L-R) dad Eric, Bar Mitzvah boy Jason, sister Samantha, mom Jodi.
Below is mom Jodi’s first-hand account:
House Call From Our Rabbi Cantor Shirah Sklar
Although we had to postpone Jason’s originally planned Bar Mitzvah service and the celebration that would have followed, Rabbi Cantor Shirah Sklar agreed to come to our home so Jason could become a Bar Mitzvah on his original date. She brought a Torah, we set up a table in our backyard and we maintained social distancing requirements. To say we are proud of Jason is an understatement; he rocked his Torah portion and Haftarah! To say we are blessed is even more of an understatement. Although more than six feet apart, the warmth of our Rabbi was felt as if she was up close.
The Przybisiki family and Rabbi Cantor Shirah Sklar
Dad Eric presenting Jason with his tallit on behalf of his Grammy and Pop Pop who could not attend due to the risk of the coronavirus
Rabbi Cantor Shirah Sklar begins Jason's service from six feet away
Jason reads from the Torah
Jason uses the Yad (Torah pointer) that he made in Hebrew School
Sister Samantha reading the first Aliyah
The Pennington’s (Meghan, Rob and kids Lauren and Nick) made the backyard service extra special from an over 6 foot distance
Guest List
Our 180 originally expected guests became just 4, but 4 of the most special friends we could ask for, again, keeping our distance, but so close to our hearts. Although we missed close friends and family being with us, it was a beautiful service, and we can’t thank Rabbi Cantor Shirah Sklar and our dear friends, the Penningtons, enough for their love and support in making the day so special for our family.
Additional Thoughts
Times are tough and uncertain right now, but there is always a light at the end of the tunnel and Saturday that light shone brightly on our family. We still look forward to celebrating with all of our friends and family when this is behind us, but in a dark time we found peace and meaning where it wasn’t expected. We hope others in our situation can find that as well.
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Mazel Tov to the Przybisiki family and we thank them for sharing their backyard Bar Mitzvah service with our readers!
Read about Zack’s virtual Bar Mitzvah service during the coronavirus 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.
March 25th, 2020
In the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, many Bar Bat Mitzvah families are sharing their child’s Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah service with family and friends virtually, via livestream, virtual meeting sites or Facebook Live.
The decision to go virtual may be bittersweet, but as one recent Bar Mitzvah family explains, the Bar Mitzvah service will still be memorable, meaningful and filled with joy. Following is a first-hand account of a virtual Bar Mitzvah from Julie Rabinowitz, co-founder of Jubilana, a full service Bar Bat Mitzvah invitation and logo company based in New Jersey.
Julie’s son, Zack, became a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, March 21st at Temple Avodat Shalom in River Edge, NJ.
(Photo above L-R: dad Dave, Zack, older brother Jake, younger brother Will, mom Julie).
Making the Decision to Go Virtual
A week and a half before Zack’s Bar Mitzvah is when everything with COVID-19 began to unfold. We were told by our Rabbi about a week before the Bar Mitzvah that the service would most likely need to be livestreamed. However, at that point, we still thought we would be allowed to have a small group of family and close friends in attendance. As the spread and severity of the virus began to unravel almost by the hour, we were told two days later that only our immediate family of five would be able to attend. We were particularly upset that Zack’s grandparents would not be able to be there – something they had been looking forward to for many years. We were given the option to either have a virtual service or to reschedule the Bar Mitzvah to a future date. We gave our son the choice, and he decided that he would prefer to stick with the date he had been anticipating for the past two years rather than to postpone it. The thought of studying and preparing for several more months (or possibly a year) was disheartening to him.
Notifying Guests
Before everything with COVID-19 really started developing in the area, we were told there was a slight chance that there could be an issue with holding the Bar Mitzvah service. We sent out an email to see who would still be comfortable attending both the service and the celebratory lunch we had planned. Literally within a half hour of sending that email, we got word that the schools would be closing beginning the following week.
We soon realized that only a small group of family would likely be permitted to join us for the service. We sent a follow-up email to the majority of our guests explaining that regretfully they would not be able to attend the service, and that we were canceling the lunch. Ultimately we learned that, due to new state regulations restricting group gatherings, only our immediate family of five could be there so we called our extended family.
Technical Logistics
Rabbi Jim Stoloff and Cantor Maria Dubinsky (and other members of the temple) made it possible to have the virtual service for which we were extremely grateful. Because our temple did not have the capability to livestream at that point, they originally suggested that we broadcast the service through Zoom. We were concerned about the quality of the video, so one of my son’s friends generously allowed us to borrow his video camera and equipment so we would have back-up video. On Thursday, we found out that the service would be livestreamed through Facebook Live. The Friday evening Shabbat service that Zack helped lead the night before was also streamed this way, and fortunately, it worked out very well.
Social Distancing During the Service
The service went very well – so much better than we had expected. I had anticipated it would feel like a rehearsal in an empty sanctuary. However, our Rabbi and Cantor really did an amazing job making the service feel as normal, festive and special as most other Mitzvah services. So although nobody was physically in the sanctuary with us, it almost felt as though we were sharing the Mitzvah with a crowd. We were incredibly proud of Zack; he did an amazing job, especially considering the circumstances.
The only thing that was a little awkward was the social distancing we had to adhere to. For example, neither the Rabbi or Cantor could stand next to Zack during his Torah reading, and he had to be coached by them from afar as to how to unroll the Torah and find his portion by himself. It was also disappointing that he didn’t have the opportunity to have the Torah passed down from generation to generation or to walk around the sanctuary with it – two parts of the service that are so meaningful to me.
Amazingly, there have been over 400 views on Facebook Live, almost four times more people than the number of guests we had originally invited! We were so touched to see that many friends whom we haven’t seen in many years watched the service and commented on the video post. It really is amazing how helpful social media can be in a situation like this.
Photo Gallery From Virtual Bar Mitzvah Service
Zack was joined by his rabbi and cantor for the special day - while adhering to social distancing guidelines
This shows how everyone kept their social distance during the service
Zack holds the Torah during his virtual Bar Mitvzah service
No social distancing required: Zack and his brothers celebrate his achievement
While reading from the Torah, Zack's rabbi and cantor assisted from a distance
Managing Emotions
Throughout the whole process, with everything changing by the day in regards to his Bar Mitzvah service, number of guests allowed, celebratory lunch changing and re-changing and then being canceled, Zack handled everything unbelievably well. Although I know he was very disappointed, he was very accepting of the situation, and dealt with everything much better than my husband and I! At the service, he had mixed feelings – he felt more relaxed about not being in front of a physical crowd, but rather nervous knowing that he might be watched by many, many people.
It was extremely disappointing not to be able to share his Bar Mitzvah in person with any family or friends. In making our decision, we know some family members who were anxiously awaiting celebrating this milestone were very upset. Our Rabbi and Cantor have assured us that if Zack chooses to he can have a ‘redo’ of his Bar Mitzvah down the road once everything settles to which we can invite all of our family and friends.
Rescheduling the Party
As of now, we have not rescheduled the celebration. Since we don’t know when everything will be back to normal, coupled with the frustration of re-planning our original celebration at a smaller scale twice in one week, we are putting it on hold right now. It’s very disappointing, as I had designed a logo, centerpieces, favors, as well as the rest of the event design. Perhaps our younger son will choose the same theme in four years and we can re-purpose everything! I also want to mention that our venue and vendors were very understanding and fair when we decided to cancel everything.
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Mazel Tov to the Rabinowitz family and thank you for sharing your Bar Mitzvah story with us. We know many other families are in the same situation. Your story shows that the Bar or Bat Mitzvah service can go on…
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.
March 22nd, 2020
(Photo above: Jaden Elliott and her brother)
Jaden Elliott of Berwyn, PA has been preparing for her Bat Mitzvah (originally scheduled for April but now being postponed due to the coronavirus) for months. In addition to learning her prayers and Torah portion, she took on the additional challenge of raising money for the wildlife affected by the recent Australian bushfires.
“Australia is struggling. The number of animals that have died is shocking, and even though a lot of people are helping, I want to help make a difference too,” says Jaden. “We’ve made t-shirts, car magnets and pins to sell at my school and my brother’s school.” (With schools now shut down across the country, sales efforts at school have been halted.)
The 7th grader felt compelled to help after watching devastating footage of the fires and rescues on TV. “We’re getting the word out through social media and people can donate online at my MyCause site or directly to me and my mom via cash, check or Venmo (@Leslie-Elliott-8). She has already raised more than $3,100.
100% of the proceeds will be donated to WIRES (NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service) which is the largest wildlife rescue organization in Australia. Jaden’s mother Leslie helped her to select WIRES as the beneficiary. “They work along side the Humane Society, RSPCA, WWF and others,” says Leslie. “They are doing amazing and grueling work to save as many animals as possible.”
Jaden’s Save Australian Wildlife effort will also serve as her Bat Mitzvah Project. “It reminds me that helping someone or something is important and one person can help make a difference,” she says of the fundraising which is ongoing.
To help Jaden reach her fundraising goal of $10,000, click here. If you would like to purchase one of the magnets or t-shirts pictured below, please contact Jaden’s mom at: pincusl@aol.com.
Jaden's MyCause page for fundraising
Jaden has been distributing this flyer via social media and at school
T-shirts
Adorable Koala Pins
Jaden also created a car magnet
Australia sticker
To read about more inspiring Mitzvah Projects, and the kids behind them, check out Mitzvah Market’s Mitzvah Project stories here.
If you’re looking for Mitzvah Project ideas – or any advice on planning your child’s simcha – join Mitzvah Market’s regional Facebook planning groups.
March 19th, 2020
Sheets From Home is a public non-profit organization that provides new and fun bed sheets to pediatric oncology patients. Our goal is to help ease their pain and make them feel at home while undergoing treatments in the hospital.
March 13th, 2020
UPDATE – (Monday, 3/16/20) At 3pm EST, President Trump advised that Americans should avoid gathering in groups of more than 10 people. Effective 8pm EST, New York, New Jersey and Connecticut have announced that all three states will prohibit crowds of 50 or more, including private parties, restaurants and bars. We will continue to update this story as the situation evolves.
If your Bar or Bat Mitzvah is scheduled for this spring, you’re probably in the throes of deciding whether or not to move forward, postpone or cancel your simcha because of the Covid-19/Coronavirus. Clearly this is a very personal decision, and there are no “right” answers. You must do what is going to work for you and your family — and follow what is permitted by your local or state government.
“No one solution fits for everyone. You need to see what is being allowed and then decide what is best for your family,” says Melisa Imberman of The Event of a Lifetime, Inc., a leading Tri-State area event producer. Imberman has been fielding calls by the minute from anxious parents looking for guidance and is hearing everything from “let’s cancel” to “let’s postpone by a year.” One Mitzvah Market reader shared that they will live stream their service on the original date, but postpone their celebration to a later date.
One thing is certain: this situation is changing from hour to hour. Mindy Younger from A Promos USA tells us, “My clients are all up in the air with what to do with their events.” Over the course of one day, a popular NY-based DJ went from confirming all four parties for the coming weekend to being down to one by 5pm. Two more events for the following weekend followed suit.
Todd Yahney of Todd Yahney Events says clients want reassurance, so he advises: “Treat it like a snowstorm, make decisions based on the last possible time a caterer can order the food.” If your celebration is booked at an all-inclusive venue like Space Events in NJ or Space 54 in NYC you might just be in luck. Space owner Elvira Grau tells Mitzvah Market that she has already rescheduled six Bar Bat Mitzvahs that were taking place this weekend for the fall without any additional cost to her clients. “I feel fortunate that with one call, I can help parents reschedule this important milestone!”
What should YOU do? Mitzvah Market’s experts share their advice:
If you decide to hold your party as planned, consider the following options to keep you and your guests safe:
- Anticipating a smaller guest list? Ask your venue/caterer to reduce their minimum head count.
- Instruct your caterer to switch from buffet service to individual table service.
- Place hand sanitizer throughout the venue and make it easy for guests to find. Sue Smith from thecoolestgiveaways is creating custom labels for sanitizers and working on clever taglines for postponed events.
- Wipe, Wipe Wipe! Ask all vendors to instruct their staff to wear gloves and wipe down all surfaces after every use (bars, serving tables, games etc…).
- Remove props and signs from photo booths to limit hand exposure.
- Link arms during the horah instead of holding hands.
If you’re considering rescheduling your celebration:
- Venue: Ask if alternate dates are available. Consider a Friday night or Sunday assuming important family members can make it.
- Service: Call your rabbi to discuss options. Your child has worked so hard to prepare for this day using this Torah portion. Consider holding your service on the original date but limit attendees. Does your temple offer a “live stream” for guests to watch from home?
- Invitations: If you must postpone, Stephanie Feldman, Cutie Patootie Creations suggests, “Families should work with their invitation designer on a reprint. If the invitation is already printed, perhaps an insert with the new date can be added to the emsemble or reprinted at a discount.” A digital invite with the new date is another practical option or even an email. Whatever you decide, it’s important to keep your guests informed.
- Party Favors & SWAG: Melisa Imberman of The Event of a Lifetime says, “If your SWAG has already been made, and you are keeping your service date, then the date on your swag is still accurate!” Also ask your vendor where the favors are manufactured. You might want to consider avoiding imported items to reduce delays.
- Logos: If your celebration is a few months away, and you aren’t sure what will happen, “Just use 2020,” says Howie Zwang of Gotham T-Shirts. “That gives you the most flexibility.”
Most importantly: “Don’t be frantic,” says Evan Karfinkel of EK Event Group, “Everyone will eventually have their parties and we will all be here to help you celebrate!”
Mitzvah Market’s 17 regional Facebook groups are also actively discussing this situation and are a great resource for parents who want to get advice or just vent! We have a community of nearly 11,000 Bar Bat Mitzvah families, vendors and experts who are willing to help. Not a member yet? Join here.
March 9th, 2020
By Nesya Bayewitz
Instead of having the typical fancy Bat Mitzvah party, I thought about what becoming a Bat Mitzvah actually means. Bat Mitzvahs aren’t only about having a pretty dress and a fancy party, but they’re about becoming an adult in Jewish law. This means you now are obligated to do mitzvot and follow the Torah.
I thought, what a perfect way to celebrate becoming a Bat Mitzvah by actually doing a mitzvah. My mitzvah was a 10-mile bike ride to raise money for the Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Northern New Jersey Kosher Meals on Wheels program. JFCS provides food to homebound seniors and other people who aren’t able to go to the grocery store.
My family and I have been going on this bike ride since I was eight years old. I love it, because while doing what I love – biking – I also get to do a chesed. At the ride last year, I saw ten boys riding their bikes for someone’s Bar Mitzvah chesed and thought, “I want to do that too, but I want to bring all of my friends.”
My parents contacted JFCS about idea, and they were thrilled. I became part of the JFCS Bike Committee and went to meetings with my mom to help plan the bike ride. We got to learn a ton about JFCS.
A few weeks before my Bat Mitzvah, one of the Kosher Meals on Wheels volunteers, Rich Feldman, took me on his route to deliver meals to seniors. This was a really special experience. Throughout our trip delivering meals, I discovered that not all the seniors are necessarily poor; they just can’t leave their apartments to buy food. I also realized that there are people right in our neighborhood who need this food, and it’s our job to help them. The seniors we visited were so appreciative of the meals and the visits, and I felt so proud to be part of this chesed.
On the Shabbat before the bike ride, I spoke at my shul about my experience with JFCS and Kosher Meals on Wheels. I told the congregation about how small acts of chesed are what keep the Jewish people alive and strong. This is the lesson of the menorah in the Mishkan – just like Aharon and the kohanim lit the menorah day in and day out, the mitzvot that we do behind the scenes are what matter the most.
When the day of my Bat Mitzvah finally arrived, 60 friends and 40 family members joined me at the JFCS Ride to Fight Hunger (www.RidetoFightHunger). Some of my friends’ parents signed up too because they wanted to be part of this mitzvah. Before the ride, we all davened with siddurim we made for the occasion.
Although a lot of friends were planning on only doing part of the route, EVERYONE ended up riding all ten miles.
The Bayewitz family at the JFCS bike ride
Nesya and her family and friends ride for a cause and celebrate her Bat Mitzvah
Surrounded by friends and family, Nesya was all smiles when it came time to celebrate with her Bat Mitzvah cake
Nesya and her family at her Bat Mitzvah service
Some people asked me why I didn’t want a typical party. My answer: “This ride is a party.” After the ride was over, there was a DJ, games, and a barbeque. I got all the special parts of a Bat Mitzvah (friends, family, a song written by my friends, etc.) all wrapped in chesed.
My team ended up raising $18,000, including my parents’ sponsorship for all the riders who came as our guests and the generous donations made by family and friends. After riding for JFCS, my grandfather, who is retired, is now signing up to deliver Kosher Meals on Wheels. Because the food delivery time is during the school day, I hope to stay connected with JFCS and deliver meals when I’m older. A lot of my friends had such a great time that they’re planning to bring their families to the ride next year. I hope I can continue to raise awareness about food insecurity and people who need our help, and show people that you can have fun while doing a chesed.
Nesya is a 7th grader from Teaneck, NJ. For more information about Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Northern New Jersey, visit jfcsnnj.org.
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March 8th, 2020
Guests at this Bat Mitzvah at the New York Aquarium came nose-to-nose with exotic fish, corals and… sharks! Held at the Ocean Wonders Sharks exhibit at the New York Aquarium in Coney Island, the Bat Mitzvah family and their guests were transported to a magical underwater space.
Decor, specialty cocktails, ice sculptures and more all complimented the beautiful ocean blue hues. Adults and kids alike danced the night away while surrounded by some of the ocean’s most stunning creatures.
Read on to see more from this jaw-dropping venue. The photographer for this event was Sarah Merians Photography & Videography.
Walking through this amazing tunnel, guests knew they were in for a fun night!
A magical backdrop for a memorable night
An out of this world ice sculpture was illuminated to compliment the under water hues
Coral takes center stage for centerpieces
Surrounded by sea life, guests were dancing all night
Kids had a blast getting up close and personal with the marine life
Another view of the unique event space
Ocean blue cocktails were created by the venue
Food presentations were set against dramatic aquarium backdrops
An elaborate under the sea cake was a perfect fit for this celebration
The candy bar at the end of the night was accented by marine decor
Some of the marine life on display when you book at event at the New York Aquarium
One of the many sharks who live at the New York Aquairum
The New York Aquarium sits seaside in historic Coney Island, NY
The exterior of the New York Aquairum's Ocean Wonders: Sharks building
To learn more about Wildlife Conservation Society – New York Zoos & Aquarium Events & Catering visit their extended profile page.
Additional vendors who made this event happen include: Venue: New York Aquarium; Photographer: Sarah Merians Photography & Videography.; Rentals: Something Different Party Rental; Entertainment: DJ Zeke; Decor: Aramat Events; Cake: Skazka Cakes; Ice Sculpture: Okamoto Studio.
Planning your own Bar or Bat Mitzvah and need help or advice? Join one of Mitzvah Market’s 17 regional Facebook groups here.
March 1st, 2020
Guests at Lindsay Berliner’s Bat Mitzvah were transported to the magical world of… Disney! For this Disney princess loving Bat Mitzvah girl, the brand new Wave Resort in Long Branch, NJ was transformed into a dazzling, beachside destination fit for a princess. During Lindsay’s ceremony, guests had a view of the ocean that was only topped by the outdoor cocktail hour. Says mom Jackie, “It was like being on a cruise ship!”
Lisa Ivler Events worked with the Berliner’s to bring their vision to life. Live Disney princesses – and one very handsome prince! – interacted with guests throughout the night, while an electric violinist and strolling magician added to the non stop entertainment.
Read on to see how Disney’s famous princesses were represented at each turn during this fairytale Bat Mitzvah.
Photo above (L-R): mom Jackie, Bat Mitzvah girl Lindsay, sister Brooke, dad Andrew. The photographer for this event was Jamie K Photography. A complete list of Vendors follows at the end of this Spotlight.
Service with a View
Sparkling rose gold invitations, and a subtle magic wand, hinted at the princess theme
On the boardwalk, before the service
Instead of a casual pre Mitzvah photo shoot, Lindsay dressed as some of her favorite Disney princesses; the images, like this one as Cinderalla, were used as decor throughout the space
Programs for the service also featured the princess wand
Pink kippahs with rainbow metallic Mickey Mouse ears
Lucite chairs added to the magical vibe
Celebration Fit for a Princess
The outdoor cocktail hour featured spectacular views; table linens were coordinated to match Lindsay's dress
When guests came inside they found their table assignments here
A nod to Disney's Snow White
Gold compacts revealed each guests' table
Lindsay's sign-in board featured one of her favorite quotes: "It's kind of fun to do the impossible"
Gift box
Inside the ballroom, pale pink, crystal and candelight created an elegant space
Menus featured Lindsay's princess wand...
And pale pink Mickey ears served as napkin rings
A custom table, complete with details on the end to match the invitation and echo Tinkerbell's pixie dust, also featured roses as a nod to "Beauty and the Beast"
The dance floor was wrapped in Lindsay's logo, which featured Disney-inspired font
The Berliners, in the kids' lounge which featured plush purple couches and custom pillows
Close up of the kids' lounge
A silhouhette of the Magic Kingdom behind the adult bar; a famous Disney quote adorned the front
The kids' bar was transformed with an image from Lindsay's pre shoot where she posed as Ariel, aka "The Little Mermaid"
Lindsay's candle lighting display was a showstopper
Princess in training? Lindsay is joined by her little sister Brooke
Logos and graphics, by Fabu Designs, featured Disney's iconic ears and font
A touch of whimsy as the world famous mouse "dabs"
A gorgeous balloon wall - and giant Mickey ears! - was a perfect backdrop for photos
Younger sister Brooke is joined by a friend
Mom Jackie gathers her friends for a photo op
The sun setting over the Jersey boardwalk
Princess Moments
A ”Frozen" inspired princess offered dessert to guests
The Queen of Hearts, from "Alice in Wonderland" welcomed guests to the party (and served as the black jack table!); while the champagne server reminded guests of Belle from “Beauty and the Beast”
Prince Eric, from "The Little Mermaid” welcomed guests in the lobby and later mingled during the party; behind Prince Eric, another princess image from Lindsay's pre shoot
Inspired by the movie “Aladdin,” these Jasmine-esque servers carried trays of glitter makeup to touch up guests
"Frozen" slushies... of course!
Non-Stop Entertainment
Lindsay debuted a choreographed dance with her dad; her short dress is actually part of the same ball gown she wore for the service! The transforming dress featured a removable long skirt - a great way to transition from service to party
Guests held on to their tiaras during the hora
Lindsay hit the dance floor
An electric violinist added to the drama of the night
An acrobatic entrance!
The magician kept the mood magical
Royal SWAG
Cotton jersey swag bags with a sunglassed Mickey Mouse were displayed for kids to take home
Inside they found a custom water bottle, hat, t-shirt and more
Custom t-shirts featured Mickey wearing an "LB" logo shirt
Mitzvah Advice
“The planning should be fun, not stressful,” says mom Jackie. “Take cues from your kids and have them be a part of the whole experience. Also, trust your planning team and know the party will be perfect.”
Vendor Directory
Venue: Wave Resort, 732-612-9283
Event Planner/Princess & Prince Staff: Lisa Ivler Events, 862-485-8584
Music/DJ: Total Entertainment, MC Robby, 201-894-0055
Photographer/Videographer: JKP Photographers, 973-535-1550
Favors: Frostings By Venee, Vanessa, 732-703-9084
Interactive Entertainment: Alfiya Glow (electric violinist), 267-318-8324; David Corsaro (magician), 973-699-2723
Invitations: Paper Parfait, Melissa Trachtman, 973-325-5010
Decor/Flowers/Sign-In Board/Candle Lighting: Lounge It Up, Brian, 973-616-7818
Logos/Graphics: Fabu Designs, Amy Wohl, 312-513-1698; Lounge It Up, Brian, 973-616-7818
Dance Floor Wrap: Graphic Marketing Group, 973-276-7901
Dresses: All About the Dress, custom by J&A, (Lindsay), 914-219-5300
Suit: Bergdorf Goodman, Gucci, 800-558-1855
Hair/Makeup: Laura Bonnanni Castorino (hair), 917-837-0061; Sheri Rosen (makeup), 973-610-6102
Planning your own Bar or Bat Mitzvah and need help or advice? Join one of Mitzvah Market’s 17 regional Facebook groups here.
March 1st, 2020
Your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah invitation can set the tone for their celebration. After spending hours choosing just the right invite, you are faced with yet another dilemma… the stamp!
We all say we aren’t going to do it! It seems ridiculous to spend extra money on a custom stamp, but soon we find ourselves placing the order anyway.
Before making the decision to order a custom stamp, make sure you check with the USPS to see what regular stamps with different themes they are offering. These non-custom stamps are less expensive (pay just the face value!) and can be used on the outside of your Bar Bat Mitzvah invitation envelope or for the RSVP and/or thank you notes.
The current “Forever” stamp from the USPS is perfect for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah!
If you do decide on a custom stamp, here’s what you need to know:
Step 1- Visit the Post Office in your area with your finished invitation – bring the RSVP card and any other item(s) you will be sending. Please note: If your invitation is not bendable, it can be considered a parcel and the postage can differ depending where in the U.S. you are mailing from.
Step 2- Speak to a USPS worker to check the size, weight and shape of the envelope. Sometimes more postage is needed for odd shaped envelopes and oversized invitations may be considered “packages” and subject to different rates.
Step 3- Visit a second USPS office and repeat the pricing process. Why? Believe it or not, Mitzvah parents frequently report getting two different stamp prices from two different Post Offices. If that happens, go with the higher priced postage; it’s not worth the risk of the invitations being returned.
Once you have confirmed the type of postage you will need, you are ready to design your custom stamp online!
Stamps.com & PhotoStamps.com
There used to be several online retailers to purchase customized valid U.S. postage, but now Stamps.com is the only independent, approved licensed vendor of the U.S. Postal Service. Photostamps.com is a part of Stamps.com. Both sites (which link to each other) sell sheets of 20 custom stamps, with 15 different postage denominations to choose from — 35 cents for a postcard up to $2.oo for a flat 6 oz envelope.
The big difference? Stamps.com requires a monthly membership and you actually print your custom postage at home. Photostamps.com does not have a monthly fee, and your custom postage will be mailed to you. If you do not already have a Stamps.com account (for business or personal use), make sure you place your order through Photostamps.com.
Pricing varies based on the number of sheets you order but as a general rule, the more you order, the lower the charge for the individual stamps. Both sites offer an easy-to-use interface to create your stamp. You select your image and can zoom, move, and rotate your image, add custom border etc… Keep in mind, if you create a Stamps.com account, you will actually have to print your own postage and it can be confusing, so always read the fine print before you place an order.
Custom stamps will arrive at your home in sheets, like Sasha’s, which were made on Stamps.com
You can also create custom stamps on Shutterfly.com, Minted.com and other online stationery stores. Each of these sites will ultimately bring you back to Stamps.com to create the actual postage.
How do these sites differ from ordering directly from Photostamps.com? The stationery sites offer fewer denominations of postage (most have only a .55 stamp) and the cost per stamp remains the same whether or not you order 1 sheet of 20 or 10 sheets of 20. Since many of these sites offer discount codes, be sure to see if you have a valid code that would help to bring the cost down.
Mitzvah Advice
Always look for a USPS logo or look for the PhotoStamps® (single word) brand before you purchase any customized postage product anywhere on the Internet. When you see a logo like the one above or you see the PhotoStamps trademark, you can be assured that the U.S. Postal Service will accept your mail and process it without delay. Be careful because there are many imitations out there that are nothing more than photo stickers! PhotoStamps from Stamps.com is the original customized postage product and is always genuine U.S. Postage.
See below for a gallery of customized stamps that Mitzvah Market Spotlight families have used over the past year.
For Jared's Bar Mitvzah two different custom stamps were used... this "RSVP" stamp for the response cards and a "JARED" stamp for the invitations
This custom stamp for Caden's Bar Mitzvah featured his ski themed logo
For Sasha's Bart Mitzvah, an classic gold "S" was the perfect accompaniment to the elegant envelopes
Planning a Bar or Bat Mitzvah and looking for local advice from Vendors and other parents? Visit MitzvahMarket.com’s 17 regional Facebook groups here.
