April 12th, 2013
Author Archive
March 4th, 2013
Bar Bat Mitzvah At Any Age
We have heard from several MM readers that they have chosen to be “Mitzvah’ed” despite being in their 30s, 40s, 50s or beyond. It seems that this is a growing trend…. Kara Woldar is one MM reader who, from experience, would agree. We are thankful to Kara for letting us share her story with you!
For the past two years, Kara Woldar has participated in an adult education program at her synagogue, The Woodbury Jewish Center in Woodbury, NY. The class included 11 women ranging in ages from 20-something to 70-something. These women are educators, executives, doctors, administrators, homemakers and retirees in all various stages of life. The group was “Mitzvah’ed” on May 30, 2009. Congratulations to all!
Here are more details about the experience, in Kara’s own words…
MM: Why did you decide to become a Bat Mitzvah at this point in your life?
CW: It is something I always wanted to do and felt that I was missing something spiritually. I did not attend Hebrew school as a child and I wanted to feel comfortable when attending services. Also, when my daughter Alyssa began Hebrew school several years ago, I was unable to help her with with her homework or answer certain questions. She actually inspired me to do it and along with my husband, they were extremely supportive and very proud. I wanted to be able to be part of and contribute to my children’s Hebrew education. Now I am able to help my younger daughter, Nikki, as she participates in Hebrew school.
MM: We understand this was a class offered through your temple. Can you please give us some information about the program?
CW: The name of the class is simply Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah program. The class is offerred every two years, and participants study the observance of Jewish holidays and Jewish prayers. It teaches the skills of reading Hebrew and learning a Haftorah portion and culminates in a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Our teacher was Cantor Aaron Cohen, our congregations’s Cantor. He is an amazing man and an extremely patient teacher.
MM: How much time is involved and do you get homework?
CW: It is a big commitment and you must study outside of the hour-long class each week. Four months prior to our Bat Mitzvah date, we met for even longer. We would meet in the sanctuary where we not only practiced our prayers but rehearsed the actual Shabbat morning service. Our homework was to study in between classes and to practice, practice, practice!
MM: Now that you have celebrated your Bat Mitzvah, would you do it all over again?
CW: Absolutely! It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I experienced a sense of accomplishment that cannot be put into words. It is such an amazing feeling to stand in synagogue along side my family and be able to participate. I feel a sense of belonging and a sense that I am part of something that makes me feel so complete and proud. Now I feel that WJC is truly my spiritual home.
Congrats again to Kara, Cantor Aaron Cohen and his entire Bat Mitzvah class! You are all very inspiring!
January 23rd, 2013
Cancer Stinks Children’s Foundation
January 17th, 2013
PAWS
January 4th, 2013
Art with Purpose a division of ArtWare
November 29th, 2012
Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Jersey
January 22nd, 2012
The Pinterest.com Craze
There’s nothing like seeing pictures of inspiration for your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration!
Have you been hearing friends talk about the newest craze, Pinterest.com?
Pinterest is a virtual pinboard that organizes and shares things that you find on the web. People use it to plan their parties, decorate their homes, organize interesting recipes and so much more…
Best of all, you can browse pin boards created by other people. Browsing pin boards is a fun way to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interest.
We’ve been “pinning” as fast as we can! We love this candy button cake from bottleyourbrand.com!
Fashion cupcakes from Cupcakes, Cookies & Pie, Oh My!
If you are interested in learning more about Pinterest be sure to check out a Pinterest tutorial. If you would like to join, a current member (like us!) must invite you, so just send us an email at [email protected] and we will send you back an invite.
Be sure to check out things that are pinned from MitzvahMarket on Pinterest and let the games begin, but be careful…you WILL become highly obsessed!!!
October 23rd, 2009
The Cohen Bat Mitzvah Family Spotlight
Hello All!
We hope by spotlighting this Mitzvah Family, you will be inspired to take some of their ideas and make them your own.
The Cohen Family wanted an elegant, yet fun party in honor of their daughter Danielle’s Bat Mitzvah at Glen Head Country Club. For their theme, they decided to use Dylan’s Candy Bar as the inspiration. Dani did a special photo shoot surrounded by candy themed pillows and used that photo for her sign-in board. They also had a big “Dani’s Candy Bar” sign hanging in the kids lounge area. As you will see from the photos, that fun, brightly colored candy theme was used on many details throughout the party!
We want to thank the Cohens for sharing their party details with us. Pictured left to right: Adam, Bat Mitzvah girl Danielle, Tammy and Drew.
The Cohen Family all looked great! Mom Tammy’s dress was from Tallulah in Woodbury, NY, and Dani’s was from Clyde Jr., a store that has since closed. Reminder: All Vendor info is at the bottom.
Dani with her Mom Tammy
The entire room decor including the beautiful flowers were mostly done in various shades of pink. Stefan’s was responsible for the fabulous decor and Brett Matthews did the “candy” photo shoot as well as all the photography for the party.
The room looked warm and inviting as guests made their way inside
Adorable centerpieces for the kids’ tables
The Cohen’s has some nice touches for Dani’s Bat Mitzvah that they wanted to share with our Mitzvah Market readers:
Dani’s creative sign in picture now hangs in her room
Even the socks for the kids matched the theme!
The Cohen’s had a rockin’ crowd who danced most of the night. Their MC was Echo, now with Fantasy Music.
Dani with Echo and the dancers
Dani “Made Her Entrance” in a grand way….when the DJ announced her name, she surprised her guests by breaking through the big sheet hanging by the main entrance to the room.
The stage is set when your invitation arrives. The Cohens used Shwamy Creations. Dani’s invitation had a harlequin theme with a hand beaded “D.”
For Dani’s candlelighting ceremony, Sweet Things created an unbelievable cake that perfectly coordinated to match the motif of the invitation, including the special “D”!
Dani studied with Hebrew tutor Michael Marcus who performed her outdoor service at the Glen Head Country Club on a beautiful Friday night in June.
Michael Marcus conducting the ceremony at Glen Head Country Club
Tammy learned alot during the planning of her daughter’s Bat Mitzvah and has this advice, “I absolutely loved Bnai Mitzvah Party Planning software. It kept me completely organized with my RSVPs, seating charts and guest information. The best part is that now I’m all set for my son’s Bar Mitzvah in 2011!”
Here is a list of the Mitzvah Vendors who helped make Dani’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you call any of them, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com. Thanks!
Tallulah’s in Woodbury – 516-367-8010
Stefan’s in Cedahurst – 516-239-2402
Shwamy Creations in Chicago – No longer in business
DJ Echo with Fantasy Music – 516-935-1111
Brett Matthews in Roslyn Heights – 516-621-4242
Michelle Weissman/Creative Specialities – 516-637-0493 or [email protected]
Sweet Things in Oceanside – 516-255-5290
Michael Marcus – 888-3-227-228
Glen Head Country Club
October 4th, 2009
Green With Envy
Last week we wrote about MM reader Kirsten’s question on “green” vendors. She asked, “I am planning a GREEN Bat Mitzvah for May 2010 and I would like to know about vendors selling plates, cups, forks, napkins made from recycled paper, etc.”
We want to thank Kirsten again for asking such a great question, and for all of the responses that we received! We know that Kirsten’s idea for “going green” when planning an event is not only “on-trend” but is smart! The idea to have an environmentally-friendly affair helps the planet in the short-term and sets an example for our kids that will help the planet for years to come!
Here are a few of the responses we received. We hope these sites will help you in your Mitzvah planning, too!
GreenPartyGoods.com – The URL says it all! And the site’s owner, Carole Soss, explains the site’s premise perfectly on the site: “GreenPartyGoods knows that parents and other celebrators, given the convenience of shopping for eco friendly products that are stylish and sensible, will embrace this option. All of GreenPartyGoods’ products meet at least one of these criteria: recycled, re-useable, biodegradable, sustainable, or organic.”
GreenFeet.com – Leslie Price of In Any Event, who recently wrote a fabulous two-part column for us on alternatives to candlelighting, sent us a great tip on eco-friendly vendors. Here’s what she wrote: “Bamboo is an environmentally friendly alternative although not necessarily a cost savings when compared with renting China and flatware. GreenFeet.com carries the entire Bambu line of plates and cutlery exclusively. They’re good looking, durable and sure to be a conversation starter.”
MM Vendors – We also have a few MM Vendors in our Unique Vendor Directory who offer wonderful eco-friendly services and products. If you do not live in the area that these Vendors service, email us and we can help find a comparable vendor in your neck of the woods!
Make It Snappy! is a favor vendor who offers “can art” which allows cans to be repurposed in an eye-catching way! Check out their extended Vendor Directory profile page and Vendor Video Series.
Mitzvah Artistree offers beautiful invitations created with eco-friendly materials. The company has also teamed up with the Arbor Day Foundation to plant a tree for every Bar and Bat Mitzvah invitation order received to offset their carbon footprint. Check out their extended Vendor Directory profile page.
October 1st, 2009
The 5 Things You Deserve From A Mitzvah Vendor!
By Harry Liebman from CandyTorahs.com
When you’re planning a celebration like a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, you need a lot of products and services and you deal with a lot of different people. You also control a substantial budget and you deserve to get good value for your money. Here are five things you deserve and should expect from a vendor:
Prompt service – Nothing’s worse than waiting and waiting for someone to get back to you. It shows a lack of interest and a lack of respect. Don’t tolerate it. Protest, if you must. Remember, they should be waiting on you, not vice versa.
Organization – Your vendors should have facts about you and your event (the date, your child’s name, other key vendors) at the ready. They should capture information as you give it to them and organize it for future use. Not only does this save you from wasting time repeating yourself, it also avoids errors which can be costly and critical.
Clear Communication – When you ask direct questions, you should get direct answers. When you ask for explanations, you should be able to understand them. Your suppliers should be patient, and they should check that they’re being understood. If they rush you through decisions based on incomplete information, it’s a prescription for disaster.
Quality – You’re paying for a certain level of quality—high for some items and lower for others. Make sure you get what you expect. For products, get samples. Check them out for yourself, hold them in your hand, taste them, sit in them, play with them. For services, get at least three recent references. Make a list of questions and write down the answers. This avoids a lot of confusion at decision time.
Something Extra – The market is very competitive. Many, many vendors can meet your minimum expectations. And some can surpass them. Only a few can blow them away. Ask your vendors how they got started in the Bar/Bat Mitzvah business, or why you should use them instead of someone else. Listen for their reasons and see if you like what you hear.
Thank you for your insight, Harry! If you want to learn more about Harry’s line of Candy Torahs, visit CandyTorahs.com.