December 21st, 2016
We read about a wonderful Bar Mitzvah project in the Cleveland Jewish News that we wanted to share.
Last summer, 13-year-old Sam Heller (pictured left) took a trip to Europe with his family that affected him in a way that he couldn’t have imagined. The Hellers, of Moreland Hills, Ohio, traveled to the sites of the concentration camps at Mauthausen in Austria and Terezin in the Czech Republic. Although he previously had learned a great deal about the Holocaust in Jewish day schools, Sam said this trip really opened his eyes to what Holocaust survivors had to endure.
As a result of that experience, Sam decided that instead of personal gifts for his Bar Mitzvah, he would ask his friends and family to donate to Jewish Family Service Association of Cleveland’s Holocaust Survivor Support Program. He also included a personal note in everyone’s invitation explaining why this was so important to him and invited them to make a donation in any amount.
On the reverse side of Sam’s note was a list of what different items cost, to help people decide how much they wished to donate.
To read more about this amazing Mitzvah Project click here.
December 18th, 2016
Who better to find the latest and greatest for all things Bar Bat Mitzvahs than our own Mitzvah Moms?
We recently featured the Strauss family spotlight story about Ben Strauss’ Bar Mitzvah. It was a triple sports themed celebration and his Mom Amy came up with a great idea of combining a custom cartoon as a place mat insert. She found two vendors to accomplish her vision!
TB TOONS
Artist Tony Bayer of TBToons hand draws each comic strip or caricature which is a one-of-a-kind original. The comic strips are created from scratch to perfectly fit with the idea you have in mind. Just send him an idea of what you’d like along with photo(s) for reference and specify the size you want. He can draw the whole body (from head to feet) or cropped at a certain point (ex. from the chest up) and either with an over-sized or a proportional head for caricatures.
Here is the comic strip version of Ben Strauss which incorporates him from baby to a Bar Mitzvah on the Bimah along with some of his interests likes sports and Disney World
Harper & Daisy
Harper & Daisy specializes in recycled paper products. All of their products can be customized. Products are processed and shipped within one-three business days and should be received within 3-5 days after shipping. Custom orders may take longer.
Mom Amy found Harper and Daisy on Etsy.com to created custom place mats using the comic strip artwork
Did you have a great Mom Find that you would like to share with our readers? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
To see past Mom Finds, click here.
December 18th, 2016
The Grubman family celebrated daughter Lilah’s Bat Mitzvah service on November 5, 2016, at L’Dor V’Dor in Oyster Bay, New York. There was a reception in her honor immediately following at Temple Or Elohim in Jericho, New York.
Lilah loves animals and one of her aspirations is to be a veterinarian, so an animal theme was the perfect choice. From the invitations to the favors, everything had a zebra, leopard, and/or giraffe print. Mom Susan created the amazing decor along with many of the party’s special details.
Pictured L-R: Dad Robert, Bat Mitzvah girl Lilah and Mom Susan.
The photographer was PM Photo and Video Productions and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.
Bat Mitzvah Invitation and Service
Invitations by Lisa designed the Zebra print invitation and Randi Lehman of That One Special Touch coordinated the kippot to match the invitation design perfectly
Lilah with her family, rabbi and cantor up on the bimah during the service. In memory of her grandfather, Lilah wore his Tallis
Mitzvah Style
This family went wild with the animal theme by dressing the part!
Lilah's animal print gown from It's Simply For You was stunning. Mom wore a crystal Zebra-like print Jovani dress and Dad Robert wore a tie with giraffes
Beauty and Elegance hair designer created a look to go with Lilah's animal print dress
Party Decor
Mom Susan is the former Decorating Editor of Good Housekeeping and did most of the decor herself. Almost everything was DIY including the place cards, animal inflatable decor, sign-in board, centerpieces, napkin rings and signage.
The place cards were topped with cute mini animals
Each centerpiece had a different colored shade that coordinated with the napkins and tea lights
The light up centerpieces created a night club feel
The room included some shots of Lilah during her Bat Mitzvah photo pre-shoot
Lilah's name in lights decorated the bar with animal print stickers on each letter giving it a custom feel
Sets of stacked inflatble animals decorated areas of the room. An idea from Mom Susan
Special Party Details
Animal print socks were available to keep kids' 'paws' safe
The sign-in board was a re-purposed animal stand with an animal print ribbon tail and markers
The pillows in the lounge area matched the animal print theme
Zebra napkin rings dressed up the table
Mitzvah Entrance and Music
Mom Susan also came up with the idea for Lilah’s entrance. The team from Party Harty Entertainment wore wolf masks that coordinated with their T-shirts. Her “wolf pack” brought the animal theme to life!
Lilah made her grand entrance with her Wolf Pack aka the Party Harty Entertainment dancers
She handled the horah with grace
Because of her love of sports (especially basketball), Lilah had four Pop A Shots, Foosball, and Skeeball games for the kids to enjoy
The amazing crew from Party Harty Entertainment helped the family say farewell
Cake and Candle Lighting
The talented pastry chef at Or Elohim used the invite as inspiration for the cake
Young guests came up to help Lilah light candle number 12
Mitzvah Dessert and Exit Treats
Guests went “ape” for the candy table created and displayed by Mom Susan.
Some of the goodies included: zebra popcorn, assorted animal gummies, Little Debbie zebra cakes and Cow Tales
For the candy table sign, Mom Susan used giant candy buttons and cut letters, mounted on animal print papers
Mom Susan also made her own Peeps kebobs for guests to enjoy
The adults left with a bag of Lilah's Menagerie Munch consisting of a store bought assortment of animal crackers and cookies, created by Mom Susan
Some of the items for the bags of Menagerie Munch were from supermarkets all around Long Island
Mitzvah Favors
Plastic Bags For this menagerie themed Bat Mitzvah zebra favor bags were beautifully displayed and held gifts for the Bat Mitzvah girl's friends
The boys received giraffe print sherpa lined zip hoodies and the girls received 3-piece PJ sets which included: slippers, fuzzy fleece pants, and top in either zebra or leopard print
Lilah’s Mitzvah Project
While attending Mitzvah Market Celebrate Showcase Lilah found the perfect fit with HorseAbility. Last August, Lilah had a rewarding experience volunteering at Camp HorseAbility, a week-long riding camp for individuals with special needs. Besides taking care of the horses, she was also a side-walker. Lilah donated her personal savings/Tzedakah to HorseAbility too.
For her Mitzvah Project, Lilah spent the last week of summer helping out at Camp HorseAbility
Mom Advice from Mom Susan
“If you are having an older kids table, know that the prices for the (non-drinking) young adults cost a lot less than 21+age adults. Make sure to negotiate that with the caterer. Have a “Stand-by” couple that you invite to the cocktail hour, so that when someone last minute does not show, they can fill the spot. Since guests are already paid for, it’s worthwhile to not have empty seats at the party. If you are inviting out-of-town guests/family back to the house immediately after your daytime event, call it for an hour after the party ends so that you have time to regroup, settle up costs, and be home in time to change into comfy clothing. If you are thinking about doing it all DIY, it’s important to hire a day before/day-of planner. They will be available to assist in set up, are around to make sure things run smoothly during the party, and most importantly, they must be there to break down and deliver/return all your decorations back to you. There was a party immediately after ours and it was a huge relief to know that they were there to take care of emptying out the room. Request that your caterer offers a personal attendant in their package. It was great to have someone take care of us throughout the day making sure we had a sampling of all the buffet options, helped with unforeseeable issues, and collected and secured gifts/envelopes.”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Lilah’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Temple Service: L’Dor V’Dor, Oyster Bay, Long Island
Venue/Caterer: Hasson Caterers at Or Elohim, 516-937-0120
MC Entertainment: Party Harty Entertainment, 516-845-8585
Arcade Games: That’s Entertainment Concepts (division of Party Harty Entertainment), 516-845-8585
Kippot: Randi, That One Special Touch, 516-496-1025
Photography/Videography: PM Photo & Video Productions, 631-495-6181
Invitations: Invitations by Lisa, 516-398-4785
Day of Party Planner: Ellen Fielding, Field of Dream, 516-232-1552
Favors: Mom Susan found in a department store
Hair: Beauty and Elegance, 631-800-1212
Lilah’s gown: It’s Simply For You, 516-921-2863
Dad’s Suit: Nordstom, Hugo Boss, Tie: Ferragamo
December 11th, 2016
Events are going to get a lot greener in 2017 as forecasters from the Pantone Color Institute have declared “Greenery” the 2017 Color of the Year.
Pantone is specific about what counts as “Greenery.” The global authority on color and provider of professional color standards for the design industries describes it as, “a fresh and zesty yellow-green shade that evokes the first days of spring when nature’s greens revive, restore and renew.”
The shade will be reflected in fashion, home and event decor.
So, for all you Spring and early Summer Mitzvah Moms, use these “official” color palettes as an inspiration.
Get ready to see this color palette at future Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations like this beautiful forrest look we found on the
Indulgy.com Pinterest board
The additional top colors that will be:
Are you planning to use these new Pantone colors at your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
December 11th, 2016
The Flaum family of Livingston, New Jersey, celebrated daughter Bella’s Bat Mitzvah on October 7, 2016, with a beautiful outdoor Havdalah service and a party in her honor at Cedar Hill Golf and Country Club in Livingston, New Jersey.
The family wanted the celebration to be a fun night, something their guests would never forget. The theme was Bella Beach and guests were “transported” from New Jersey to South Beach for the evening!
Pictured L-R: Sister Sophia, Mom Rachel, Bat Mitzvah girl Bella and Dad Seth.
The photographer was Andy Foster Photography and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the Spotlight.
Bat Mitzvah Service and Invitation
The evening started with a beautiful outdoor Havdalah service at sunset overlooking the grounds of Cedar Hill Golf and Country Club
The family worked with Debra Stark on the custom invitation
Mitzvah Style
The Flaum family looked chic and ready to party.
The Bat Mitzvah girl was the "Bella" of the ball in her custom purple gown by Elena DoVale of Designing Dreams
The back of the gown was equally stunning
Bella's blinged out Converse from S.W.A.K. Custom Creations
Mom Rachel wore a Herve Leger gown with Stuart Weitzman shoes. She recommended her shoes to several friends because they were so comfortable - she wore them the entire evening!
Mitzvah Decor and Details
Brian Lynch of Lounge It Up created the South Beach nightclub vibe using purple as the accent color. Bella’s logo, by Lit Logo, was created to mimic the iconic Colony Hotel’s neon sign.
Guests found their table numbers on this elegant framed seating chart as they entered the club
The teen lounge was decked out in white draping, neon cocktail tables, custom pillows and of course, palm trees
Bella's beautiful logo projected on the dance floor
Beautiful orchid centerpieces graced the adult tables
The table decor was accentuated with purple uplighting throughout the room
During the party, guests were surprised by an amazing Peter Luger inspired menu, including sliced tomato and onions, porterhouse steaks and a variety of sides served family style
Mitzvah Moments on the Dance Floor
Bella and Dad Seth did a 2-minute dance remix that Bella created which started and ended with "Somewhere Over The Rainbow"
In between, they had many trending dance songs such as "Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)" by Silento and "Hit the Quan" by iLoveMemphis
Sisters on the dance floor
A family moment picture perfect
Music Music
Guests danced the night away thanks to MC Kevin from Untouchable Events featuring David Sharky. The electric violinist Gigi who the family had perform at daughter Sophia’s Bat Mitzvah a few years ago, also played throughout the evening.
Bella made a grand entrance
She was carried in with sparklers to Icona Pop's song "All Night" which got the crowd dancing
The Untouchable Events dancers dressed in white custom Bella Beach t-shirts
Up in the chair, it's Horah time
The electric violinist Gigi played along with the music from the dj and wowed everyone
Everyone loved the confetti dropped onto the dance floor!
Mitzvah Montage
The beginning of the montage with the theme written in sand
Bella did a fashion photo shoot in NYC which was used in her entrance video
Bella front and center watched her montage surrounded by her friends
Mitzvah Candle Lighting and Cake
Bella and her sister Sophia lit the candle together
The delicious cake from Palermo’s Custom Cakes and Bakery
Mitzvah Exit Treat
Following the party guests were treated to a custom lighted logo candy bar and then beach themed foods such as hot pretzels and hot dogs served from a hot dog cart.
They capped off the evening with an elaborate dessert display; a custom light-up candy bar
Favors and Giveaways
Chelsey Blake by Holly Green created all the amazing favors.
Here are the custom favors and giveaways including hats, t-shirts, sunglasses, sweatshirts and drawstring bags
Guests loved wearing the white t-shirt giveaways and sunglasses on the dance floor
Custom hand-ripped sweatshirts for the girls
The boys received hooded dark grey sweatshirts with Bella's logo in white
Mitzvah Camp Sleep-Over
Tyler Hill camp friends slept over with Bella at the Westminister Hotel and got to enjoy brunch the next morning.
Ready to leave the party in style
Here are the girls heading off to brunch dressed in their cozy, hand-ripped sweatshirts and personalized purple/white plaid pj bottoms
From the back
Mom-to-Mom Advice from Mom Rachel
“Wear comfortable shoes! It is very important to hire the right people so on the day of the event you can actually enjoy your party. Never feel like you have to do everything or that you need to do more than anyone else. Decide what is most important to you and start there. Also, not everything always goes exactly as planned so be prepared to go with the flow – its OK! Oh, and don’t forget to breathe.”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Bella’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Cedar Hill Golf and Country Club, 973-992-4700
Hotel for Out of Town Guests/Sunday Brunch: Westminster Hotel, 973-548-0047
Party Planner: Mom Rachel Flaum
Music Entertainment/Violinist/Photobooth: David Sharky, MC Kevin, Untouchable Events, 212-924-6299
Photographer/Videographer: Andy Foster Photography, 973-632-8000
Party/Invitation logo: Lit Logo, 917-232-8837
Favor logos: Holly Green, 516-477-8188
Favor person: Chelsey Blake By Holly Green, 516-477-8188
Invitation: Custom designed by Debra Stark, 917-685-3668
Cake: Palermo’s Custom Cakes and Bakery, 201-641-1654
Décor/florist: Brian Lynch, Lounge it Up, 973-616-7818
Live Event Painter: Katherine Gressel, 917-684-2109
Mom Rachel’s gown: Herve Leger gown, Saks Fifth Avenue, Sister Sophia, Saks Fifth Avenue
Bat Mitzvah Girl Bella: Service and Cocktail Dresses, All Dressed Up, 914-690-1593
Bella’s Custom Gown: Elena Dovale at Designing Dreams, 516-248-1988
Tailoring and Custom Wraps: Lyn Kohls Ltd, 973-467-7800
Suits for Dad: Canali Suit
Hair: Midtown Salon 973-994-1800
Make-Up Artist: Ekaterina Kardonova, 908-347-5829
Bella’s Blinged Up Sneakers: Swak, Stephanie Wolff-Kaplan, 973-207-2401
Transportation for Long Island Camp friends to NJ: DeCamp Bus Line, 973-783-7500
Transportation for camp friends to Westminister Hotel: Limo by Jim Driver, 201-522-0866
December 7th, 2016
Event planners Tracy Davis-Fox and Judy Davis of Party Artistry were asked to create a one-of-a-kind experience for a B’not Mitzvah. The team at Party Artistry transformed the traditional ballroom at the Hilton Short Hills in New Jersey, into a country-western inspired Mitzvah hoe-down. This was one amazing Brodeo, a play on the family’s last name.
Saddle up, and get ready to read about this amazing party.
Kathryn Huang was the photographer.
Party Invitation/Place Cards/Menu
This engraved wooden invitation was sent in a crate of hay and set the tone for the upcoming party
When guests arrived, they were greeted by engraved wooden horse place cards
At each place setting, there was a menu in the shape of a cowboy boot
Party Decor
Party Artistry created a western village complete with Sheriff’s office, saloon, jail and a general store.
A stylish, rustic feel was achieved by using mismatched chairs, vintage plates and solid gold table linens to signify "The Gold Rush" era
Party Artistry's Judy Davis and Tracy Davis-Fox on the Brodeo stage
Another view of the transformed ballroom
The R&D Saloon named using the sisters' first initials was a popular hangout. Party Artistry also brought in rolls of wide plank faux wood linoleum flooring adding to the western feel
Guests loved the saloon-style brown wooden tables and galvanized light fixtures suspended from the ceiling
Some of the centerpieces were tall faux cactus with wildflowers in assorted containers
Other tables had cowboy boot centerpieces filled with dried wheat
The dance floor was wrapped in a photo of hay and dirt with the logo superimposed along with a rope like border
On the walls there was a combination of faux distressed wood,(corrugated paper), and feminine lace. There were a few seating options like this cozy lounge area with bales of hay
Additional Party Details
When guests got off the elevator, they were greeted by a life-sized horse and cowboy in a scene with lanterns and tumbleweeds at the place card table
Of course, there was a mechanical bull-riding station which guests all enjoyed
Custom logo'd pillows and throws were a great decor element in the lounge area
The dessert was S'mores presented in mason jars
We thank Party Artistry for sharing this special B’not Mitzvah with our readers.
Event Planner: Tracy Davis-Fox & Judy Davis, Party Artistry, Photographer: Kathryn Huang Photography; Venue: Hilton Short Hills
December 4th, 2016
The Weisz family observed their son, Andrew’s Bar Mitzvah at Temple Beth El in West Palm Beach, Florida. A celebration was held in the evening at the nearby Club at Ibis. Falling three weeks prior to the presidential election of 2016, the family opted for a mock political convention theme.
Starting with the invitation and RSVP Ballot to the candidate cut-outs and the official Bar Mitzvah Party Voting Booth, Andrew’s “2016 Bar Mitzvah Party National Convention” (as it was billed) was an uncontested winner.
The photographer was W Studio and the rest of the vendor information is listed below.
Invitation and Service
Andrew was invited to read from the Torah at his synagogue’s Thursday morning minyan. He also led Friday night Shabbat services. His Bar Mitzvah was observed among friends, family and the entire congregation during Saturday morning Shabbat services.
The party invitation with information about the Bar Mitzvah celebration requested guests to wear "Dressy Club Attire in Red, White or Blue
The invitation for the Bar Mitzvah service
Andrew read from the Torah
The Weisz family on the Bimah for Andrew's Bar Mitzvah service
Andrew’s Bar Mitzvah Website
Andrew’s dad, Peter, conceived and produced many of the party details. These elements were tied together at the Bar Mitzvah Website he created containing pertinent information on the services, celebration, Mitzvah Projects, and all aspects of the event. Click here to visit the Website and learn more: www.andrew4president.com.
Mitzvah Logo and Branding
Dad Peter created the branding and logos for the party.
The event logo that was used extensively in the promotional branding and throughout the event decor
This 3-fold campaign brochure was included with the invitation
A sample of some of the artwork used for banners, signage, buttons, imprinted material and video content
Outdoor/Indoor Signage
A personalized lawn sign greeted guests as they drove up to the venue
A welcome sign banner hung across the front of the Ibis Country Club
This banner welcomed Andrew’s friends to his Campaign Headquarters; a special area featuring food, games and a DJ just for the kids
The entrance banner to the Main Ballroom
Uncle Sam in between Andrew's parents held a sign that read, “I Want You to Vote for Drew!”
There were two cocktail receptions; one for Andrew's friends who were called Young Ambassadors
And, one for the Adult Delegates
Making An Entrance: In Style
Andrew looked great arriving for his big night in a presidential motorcade
The "candidate" made a few comments to the waiting press, many of whom were played by his school friends!
Arriving guests were also given the Red Carpet treatment by a contingent of young Palm Beach paparazzi who greeted them with microphones and flashing cameras while begging them for interviews
Here are some of the "press" taking a photo op with Uncle Sam
Party Decor and Details
Once inside, guests followed the red carpet to the patriotically decorated entry foyer
The sign-in book and gift box were displayed on a table and made a great statement draped in red, white and blue
We love this miniature White House used to collect campaign 'contributions'
Red, white and blue balloons and party decor on the long kids' tables
Each adult table was named for a different state delegation
The dance floor logo decal
Look who showed up representing both parties and keeping things bi-partisan and fun!
Andrew’s parents at the presidential podium placing his name into nomination
Mom Alla taking a picture with Andrew's brother Max in the 'Voting Booth'
A brass band was on hand to entertain during the cocktail hour
Patriotic Food Displays
A creative way to display the flag as an ice sculpture
This watermelon was carved with a voting suggestion
The custom cocktail napkins featured Andrew's "presidential" seal and party date
Patriotic pretzels were a big hit!
Block USA letters were on the buffet tables
Unique Mitzvah Ideas
The evening's festivities were kicked off with a patriotic presentation of the colors by a local Boy Scout troop color guard. Guests were asked to stand for the singing of the U.S. and Israeli National Anthems
In lieu of the traditional candle-lighting, delegations — made up of out-of-town guests — were invited to the podium, each bearing a flag from their home state, to deliver a brief poetic endorsement of the “candidate"
Several of the flags displayed
Mitzvah Musical Moments
As a surprise to Andrew, his dad, Peter, and mom, Alla, composed a Presidential Rap song and presented some of Andrew’s talented classmates performing it on video.
When the video was shown at Andrew’s Bar Mitzvah party, dozens of his classmates jumped to the dance floor in a surprise spontaneous Flash mob dance that they had been secretly rehearsing
Andrew was really surprised. Here he is watching along with his brother
Andrew up for the Horah draped in the Israeli flag
Candidate Andrew surrounded by his friends on the dance floor
Mitzvah Favors
Some of the favors given to Andrew's friends included hats and socks
With a national convention themed Bar Mitzvah red, white and blue favor bags were the way to go
Andrew’s Mitzvah Projects
Andrew spent the summer working on behalf of three different charitable organizations. The Alliance for Kids is a group that provides support services for hospitalized children. Andrew was a camp counselor for Chai Lifeline, a program that assists families with mentally or physically challenged children. He also became a in-home “friendly visitor” at the home of an area Holocaust survivor on behalf of Jewish Family and Children’s Service. “It was a lot of work while other kids were having a fun summer,” said Andrew, “but it made me feel good to be able to help kids and older people this way.
Andrew’s version of a Super PAC standing for Philanthropic Action Committee which was included in his invitation packet
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Andrew’s celebration special. If you get in touch with anyone below, please let them know you read about their products or services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Temple: Temple Beth El, 561-833-0339
Photography: W Studio, 561-714-3648
Venue: Ibis Country Club; 561-625-8500
Decor: Kish Events and Decor,561-777-6197;
DJ Music Entertainment: MC Bryan, Pure Energy Entertainment, 954-782-6989
Kosher Catering: Shaike Kosher, 954-399-0360
Catering; Unbridled Wedding and Events, 561-358-4631
Printed Signage and Decor/Invitation Printing: Yuda Raz,Sir Speedy West Palm Beach, 561-833-9661
Stilt Performer: Top 1 Entertainment, 305-74-7385
November 30th, 2016
Does your child have a passion for art? If your child loves to paint or create, there are many ways to incorporate art into their Bar Mitzvah & Bat Mitzvah theme. Using artist palettes, easels, paint brushes and your child’s own art work are some of the creative ways to execute an ‘Art’ Bar or Bat Mitzvah.
Check out these state-of-the-Art Bar and Bat Mitzvahs to get your artsy juices following:
Invitations
Within the invitation, guests were asked to create art that would be displayed at the Bat MItzvah and be part of
Raquel's Mitzvah Project
The Bat Mitzvah girl created the design for her invitation with a tree, then worked with Monumental Designs who created the invitation for this
Art and Nature themed Mitzvah
Decor/Logos
The
Art Theme was clear when guests arrived and saw this awesome letter “R” made of crayons
The inspiration for this logo was the original
Air Jordan silhouette - the splatter paint gave it an updated, urban feel
At each place setting there was a miniature
art canvas art canvas on an easel with each guests' name. There was also a tin of mints with the initial "E."
Sign-In/Candle Lighting
Guests at Nikki's Bat Mitzvah wrote messages on her
sign-in paint board of colored pencils, paint cans and other art related items to express their good wishes
November 27th, 2016
The Zimmerman family from Carmel, New York, celebrated their daughter Anna’s Bat Mitzvah on September 18, 2016, with both the service and reception at Ceola Manor in Jefferson Valley, New York.
Anna’s clever theme was ANNAmoji as she loves sending Emojis, the little smiley faces you can send to people through text messages. The family incorporated many simple details around these little icons that guests loved
Pictured L-R: Mom Shari, Bat Mitzvah girl Anna, Sister Ella and Dad Michael.
The photographer was Divad Studios and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.
Mitzvah Invitation/Venue/Service
Mom Shari designed the invitation after researching ideas online. She then had someone from Fiverr.com create it and they were printed at a local print shop
We love the Emojis on the R.S.V.P postcard
In keeping with the theme, the kippot had Emoji happy faces. They were displayed in a basket along with the service programs
The Bat Mitzvah service was beautiful and held lakeside on the grounds of Ceola Manor, the catering venue. The service was led by Rabbi Korer of Chabad of Carmel
Party Style
Anna looked picture-perfect in her black cocktail dress with silver beading around the waist. Here she is posing prior to the lakeside ceremony
Lots of Emoji details went into this party including Anna's small silver Emoji earrings
Sister Ella got into the Emoji spirit too. Check out her slippers - so cute!
Anna showing off her Emoji manicure!
Theme/ Party Decor
Anna's sign-in
Emoji lollipops held guests' place cards
The tables included cute Emojis displayed with balloons
The ballroom was festive with LED ribbon draped and Emoji balloons for centerpieces
Custom cube centerpiece with cute faces
Photo Fun and Dancing
Anna’s guests loved when the MC, Eric Kizis of Top Notch Event Planning announced Anna’s custom ANNA-moji Snapchat Geofilter.
Anna and her guests got to enjoy a custom Emoji logo'd Step N Repeat backdrop for pictures with cute Emoji props
Anna made her entrance into the ballroom in her Emoji slippers
Time for the Horah
Anna with her friends on the dance floor
Favors and Cake
Sayings For You created custom t-shirt favors using the ANNA-moji logo
They rolled and labeled them for each of Anna's teen guests
Homestyle Bakery created the Emoji cakes used for the candle lighting
Mom To Mom Advice from Mom Shari:
“Come up with a theme that you think you want to use and then spend some time searching the Internet for ideas. Those ideas will definitely not be the final result, but they can and should be used as inspiration while keeping your child’s wants and wishes in mind. Take the ideas and make them your own. I would also say to make sure to get feedback from your child before final decisions are made. I am known for last minute planning and Anna was away at camp in the months prior to her party. I made some decisions and then ran them by her when she got back. Some were OK others, not so much. I had to make even more last minute changes to accommodate. If I had her more involved from the beginning I would have avoided unneeded do-overs.”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Anna’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Lou Sinapi, Ceola Manor, 914-292-9051
Favors/Logo: Carol, Sayings For You, Inc., 845-639-9700
DJ Entertainment/Photo Booth/Zap Photography, Eric Kizis, Top Notch Event Planning, 914-268-0454
Invitation: Designed by Mom Shari, Created by: Fiverr.com
Photographer: Divad Studios, 845-621-0752
Cake: Homestyle Bakery, 914-737-4659
Sign-In Board: Miss Design Berry, etsy.com
Emoji Place Card Lollipos/Centerpieces: Sheri Migdal, Centerpiece Artists, 914-384-0326
Anna’s dress: Macy’s
Kippot: Mazeltops Yarmulkes, 800-397-0703
November 20th, 2016
The Mogelefsky family from Merrick, New York, celebrated their son Jayden’s Bar Mitzvah on October 1, 2016, with a Havdalah service at Temple B’nai Israel in Freeport, New York. The reception was held at Warehouse 5, an event venue in Island Park, New York.
There was a casino themed party complete with a variety of strolling entertainers including: stilt walkers, roulette tables and show girls. There was also a very cute mother-son dance that we bet you will love.
Pictured L-R: Mom Yelena, Bar Mitzvah Boy Jayden, Sister Ava and Dad Evan.
The photographer was John DeMato Photography and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.
Style/Invitation/Service
This Mogelefsky family was dressed to party!
Mom Yelena designed her gown! Jayden wore a stunning grey suit from Mur-Lees Clothing, Sister Ava looked beautiful in her black and white cocktail dress from Nordstrom and Dad Evan wore Hugo Boss
The family used Paperless Post to send the Bar Mitzvah invitation via email
Proud parents with the Bar Mitzvah boy, Jayden
Jayden performed his prayers beautifully
Best Kippot designed the casino themed kippot hinted at the theme
Party Decor and Details
With a personalized logo designed by Mom and a color scheme of red, black and white, Lighter Than Air Events set the scene for a fun and vibrant Casino themed party.
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The party palette colors of red, black and white
The ostrich feather centerpieces were perfect for the casino theme
Mom Yelena created Jayden's logo in the design of a roulette chip
The tables featured Photofetti from Jayden's pictures, including his late grandmother, Betya Liter - a wonderful way to make her part of the celebration
A custom ice sculpture 'wow-ed' the guests
Interactive Activities
Dragonfly Productions provided the amazing performers.
Beautiful showgirls were on hand to mingle with guests
A living strolling black jack table moved around the room
She brought the game right to Jayden's guests
There were also poker tables
A showgirl entertained in a bubble
DJ Fun
Jayden made his entrance escorted by beautiful show girls
DJ Ryan and the entire Workin' the Mix Entertainment team played great music and kept everyone on the dance floor
Bucket hats, Jayden's favorite, were a big hit for dance floor giveaways
Up in the chair for the Horah!
Personalized geo filter for Snap Chat that was so much fun for the kids to have when taking their own pictures
Mitzvah Moment
Mom and Jayden started with a traditional slow dance to "My Wish" by Rascal Flats and then...
...broke into a medley of Hip-Hop songs including: "Ice Ice Baby," "Bet You Can't Do It" and "Drop It Like It's Hot"
Mitzvah Favor
This casino themed Bar Mitzvah sweatshirt favors were roulette chips with the Bar Mitzvah boy's logo
The front of the sweatshirt with the roulette logo
The back of the sweatshirt
Mitzvah Project
Jayden and his two friends collected party items and put together 13 birthday party boxes for Birthday Wishes, an organization that provides birthday parties in a box to homeless children living in a shelter.
Advice from Mom Yelena
“My first advice during the planning process is to sit down and figure out what kind of party your child wants, and what budget you would like to stay within. There are so many ideas you can get just by searching on Mitzvah Market and Pinterest that can give your party a special personal touch. Once the party is under way, just enjoy! Watch the joy on your child’s face and enjoy the party yourself. Dance because if you dance your guests will dance with you!”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Jayden’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com
Venue: Warehouse 5, 516-432-2400
Décor/florist: Lighter Than Air, 516-933-3210
Food Truck: Tobo Foods, 516-623-4624
Photo Confetti: Photofetti, 866-496-3168
Kippot: Best Kippot, 866-374-0619
Music Entertainment: DJ Ryan Vandal, Workin’ the Mix Entertainment, 877-803-7477
Photographer/Videographer: John DeMato, 718-431-3542
Jayden’s Logo: Mom Yelena Mogelefsky
Favors: Susan, Best Express, 516-935-1590
Stationary casino tables and photo booth: Enjoyable Entertainment, 631-432-2708
Walking table, Stilt walkers and Bubble girl interactive performers: Dragonfly Productions, 917-796-7466
Invitation: Paperless Post
Mom Yelena’s gown: Designed by Mom, created by her Aunt Galina Igelshteyn
Daughter Ava’s dress: Nordstrom
Bar Mitzvah boy Jayden’s suit: Mur-lees Clothing
Dad Evan’s suit: Hugo Boss
Hair/makeup: Raquel, Tom New York, 516-492-2922
