November 16th, 2016
Simcha’s Events owner Simcha Louie recently designed at Bat Mitzvah celebration for the Kerner family of Olivette, Missouri. Bat Mitzvah girl Macy loves the quote: “Throw kindness around like confetti” and decided that should be her Bat Mitzvah party theme. Family and friends celebrated at Westwood Country Club in St. Louis, Missouri.
We also featured Macy’s Bat Mitzvah project which was “Performing 10 Random Acts of Kindness.” Macy hopes that others will be inspired to do acts of kindness as well.
All the details to pull the theme together were amazing and the highlight of the night was when Macy got to sing with the Washington University Amateurs, an A Capella group from nearby Washington University.
Spoonful of Sugar Photography was the photographer.
Enjoy!
Decor
'Macy' name at the venue's entrance
Once inside, an over-sized "M" greeted guests at the ballroom entrance
Large helium balloons wrapped in colorful ribbon served as centerpieces
The party color palette was gold and purple and looked so festive with the ribbon tied to large helium balloons
The letter "M" for Macy on each gold plate charger
Balloons spelled out Macy's name
This sign, "Throw kindness around like confetti," reminded guests of the theme
Mitzvah DJ and Music Entertainment
Here Macy is singing with the Wash U Amateurs, an A Capella group from Washington University
Macy up for the Horah
Utopia Entertainment took care of the fun on the dance floor
Father/daughter dance
Macy surrounded by all her friends on the dance floor
Mitzvah Confetti Fun
Confetti fell from the ceiling
Wow!
Mitzvah Party Style
The Kerner Family at Macy's service
Ready to party!
Macy looked great in her Bat Mitzvah dress
Mitzvah Desserts and Favors
Confetti cupcakes went beautifully with the theme
High socks were given to Macy's friends as her party favor
"M" chocolate lollipops
Event planner: Simcha Louie, Simcha’s Events; Photographer: Spoonful of Sugar Photography; Decor: Exclusive Events; Balloons: Hi Ho Helio; Venue: Westood Country Club; Music Entertainment: Utopia Entertainment; Wash U Amateurs; Favors: Elite Socks
November 16th, 2016
Ethan J. Shapiro of West Hills, New York, will become a Bar Mitzvah in January, 2017.
For his Mitzvah Project, he held a bowling fundraiser on October 23, 2016, at Plainview Bowl in Plainview, New York, to help raise money for the programs offered at the Family Center for Autism located in Garden City, New York.
The Family Center for Autism is Long Island’s first venue that provides services and programs to people with autism, and support to families with a full range of therapeutic, educational, social, recreational, vocational services and respite and social opportunities to their parents, siblings and other family members.
Pictured L-R: Tina Moreno, Community Relations Director, Family Center for Autism, Soon-to-be Bar Mitzvah boy Ethan Shapiro and Mary Rafferty, Assistant Executive Director of Residential Services at Life’s WORC.
We asked Ethan a few questions about his Mitzvah Project:
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project?
ES: After attending many functions to raise money for The Family Center for Autism over the past few years, I decided I wanted to try to be an active participant in the process. My family and I thought we could have a bowling fundraiser since I love to bowl. We visited the center a few weeks ago and it was amazing. They had a beautiful kitchen to teach cooking, a wonderful art room to do beautiful projects in, a music room and even a video gaming area with instructors for each class. The works of art by some of the students were on display and I was very impressed. I thought how important it is for the families and their children to have activities to participate in where the can feel like they belong. The classes are attended by different age groups and even their siblings can join them in activities. Many families cannot afford to attend these classes and that’s where we come in.
MM: Can you give us details of your Mitzvah Project?
ES: The bowling event took place on October 23, 2016, at Plainview Bowl in Plainview, New York. Many of my friends and family came to support me. The planning started weeks ago as I went around with my Mom Vita to collect donations from local businesses for the raffle baskets. We also worked with our friend and neighbor, Tina Moreno, who is Director of Community Relations for The Family Center for Autism and together we put together almost 40 baskets to raffle off to raise money for the center. It took many long hours to make the baskets but it was all worth it in the end. My living room turned into a crafting center and basket central! We had a great turnout of friends, family, co-workers, camp friends, school friends and my bowling teammates and their families. Everyone had a great time and they all knew that the money spent was going directly to help families attend programs at the Autism Center that could otherwise not afford it. I had no idea when we started my Mitzvah Project that there would be so many hours involved in putting together a function like this, but I found out that in most cases, people are generous by nature and if they could help, they would. I also found out how lucky I am to have wonderful parents and a wonderful home to live in and that I know if I need anything all I have to do is ask for it which is not the case with the families that belong to the Center. Every day is a challenge for them, even for the simplest things like being able to communicate or having someone give them a hug.
Ethan, standing next to event signage had a great time bowling as did all the participants
MM: How did you spread the word about this event?
ES: I worked on a poster and my parents Vita and Mark Shapiro collected donations from local businesses and spoke to members of the community who donated amazing raffles and great prizes.
MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bar Mitzvah?
ES: I hope this will also inspire others to use their Bat or Bar Mitzvah community service projects to raise money and donate to important causes close to home. When it was all over, everyone had a great time bowling and more importantly we raffled off all the baskets and raised over $1500.00 for the Family Center for Autism which will definitely help some families attend classes they otherwise could not afford.
MM: Anything else we need to know about your Bar Mitzvah project?
ES: : If you could not attend our Bowling for Autism afternoon, you can still make a “tax deductible” contribution to The Family Center for Autism. I just want to thank my Mom for her inspiration to understand why it’s important to feel good about myself by giving to others who are less fortunate and I really want to thank Tina Moreno who helped organize and co-ordinate the event.
We thank Ethan and the Shapiro family for sharing this great Project with our readers.
November 9th, 2016
Melisa Imberman from The Event Of A Lifetime, Inc., recently planned a Bat Mitzvah for Bailey Goodman at the Shenorock Shore Club in Rye, New York. She cleverly used the Bat Mitzvah girl’s first initial “B” for Bailey and part of the family name “Good,” to create the tagline: ‘B Good.’ This logo was used in much of the decor and branding elements.
The party also had amazing interactive entertainment including a very cool Hipstapatch station that Melisa created for the party and a special video message from John Legend!
“B Good” and continue reading all about this fun Bat Mitzvah!
The photographer was Ron Holz of Ron Holz Photography.
Party Logos
Melisa Imberman created two different logos both in the party’s color palette of turquoise and lime green.
Bailey's first initial and part of her last name created the perfect logo, 'B Good.' Also a Geofilter for Snapchat, during her party that friends loved!
Bailey originally wanted to use the shaka hand sign as her logo, so Melisa created a second logo and added GOOD vibes
Party Style
Hoverkicks hi-tops with LED strobe lighting received glowing reviews!
Party Decor
Melisa Imberman worked closely with the family who came up with descriptive words to describe Bailey. The result was great decor elements: B Compassionate; B Silly; B Funny; B Outgoing; B Athletic and B Kind, to name a few.
The mural of 'B Good' words behind the adult bar
The large custom white dance floor had lots of room for dancing
The logo'd place cards in the party palette colors of turquoise and lime green
There were alternating centerpieces with custom shades
LED custom flower boxes looked beautiful on the tables
Custom lime green napkins were placed on turquoise chargers. The table linens were a modern silver vinyl
The VIP lounge for teens had oval white couches with custom pillows and logo'd ottomans
The kids' lounge had LED hi top tables with LED picture cube centerpieces
Party Details
Melisa used all 'B' words on the cocktail napkins
Napkins at the kids' buffet were wrapped with Dot Candy!
Socks that matched the party colors were held in a custom logo'd basket
The sign-in was a mirror with her logo framed in turquoise
The kids' bar with Bailey's signature drink: cotton candy, Twizzlers and turquoise sugar around the rim...yum!
DJ/Interactive Fun
A great new interactive activity was created just for Bailey. This Hipstapatch station let guests pick out cool patches that are adhesive and can stick on clothing. It was a huge hit!
The magician wowed guests with his coin and card magic, but it was his ability as a memory expert that blew people away. He never forgets a face or name, and throughout the party he greeted guests by name and at the end of the party he said 'goodbye' to each and every guest by name!
A Scratch DJ was on hand to teach Bailey's guests how to DJ
This photobooth is a cool new hi-tech version of a green screen photobooth where guests can print or post their pictures
Mitzvah Desserts and Exit Treats
As guests left, they received a black and white-style cookie in turquoise and lime with a custom label that read, “GOOD to go"
The beautiful custom cake was delicious too
Custom logo'd water bottles
Bailey loves candy, so at the ice cream sundae bar instead of the typical toppings, they had turquoise and lime candy
Mitzvah Favors and Giveaways
Guests enjoyed Custom Cuff dance floor giveaways that went along with the Cool Vibes logo
There were also logo'd t-shirts for dance floor giveaways
Favors for the young guests included a logo'd hooded sweatshirt with the main logo on the front
The 2nd logo was on the back
Kids went home with a metallic logo'd drawstring bag
We thank Melisa Imberman and The Event of a Lifetime, Inc. for sharing this Bat Mitzvah with our readers.
Event Planner: Melisa Imberman, The Event of a Lifetime, Inc.: Photographer: Ron Holz, Ron Holz Photography; Venue/Caterer: Shenorock Shore Club
November 6th, 2016
The Kashkin family from Plainview, New York, celebrated daughter Lauryn’s Bat Mitzvah on May 14, 2016, at Temple Chaverim in Plainview, New York. Family and friends celebrated later that evening with a party in Lauryn’s honor at Temple Avodah in Oceanside, New York.
There were two logos which set the stage for a lively, elegant party. Growing up, Lauryn’s nickname was Laurie-Lu, so one of her logos was LuLu Lauryn inspired by lululemon, the other incorporated her initials LNK: Love N Kisses.
Pictured L-R: Dad Steven, Bat Mitzvah girl Lauryn, Brother Justin, Mom Jodi.
The photographer was Hi-Tech Photography Events and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.
Mitzvah Invitation and Service
The family worked with Wow Creations on the invitation. The pink, white and silver set the color palette for the party
The proud Kashkin family surrounding Lauryn on the Bimah
Lauryn recited her prayers beautifully during the morning service
Mitzvah Style
Lauryn and Mom Jodi’s beautiful gowns were from 2 B Seen. Brother Justin and Dad Steve wore suits from Lord & Taylor.
The Kashkin Family picture perfect and ready for Lauryn's special night
Great picture of Lauryn and Brother Justin
We love these custom sneakers by ReBootz with the logo 'Love N Kisses'
Lauryn's Bat Mitzvah service dress
Bat Mitzvah Party Venue and Decor
The party was held at Temple Avodah using the colors of pink, silver and white. Two logos were incorporated into the beautiful decor created by Hi Tech Events.
Lauryn loved seeing the ballroom decorated for her party!
Over-sized posters of Lauryn taken during her pre-party shoot were showcased throughout the ballroom
A clever spin on a sign-in door - place pictures in the door inserts!
There were alternating centerpieces for the adult tables. Here are glass vases with floating candles giving the table decor a warm, sophisticated feel
There were also crystal ball centerpieces which were a beautiful decor element. There were also custom menus at each place setting
The gorgeous white dance floor, with Lauryn's logo were prominently displayed, set the stage for non-stop dancing
Music Entertainment
The music entertainment was provided by Party Harty Entertainment with MC Howard Ross.
Lauryn made her way into the ballroom on the shoulders of the Party Harty Entertainment dancers
Surprising her guests with a choreographed dance with two dancers from Party Harty Entertainment
Lauryn surrounded by her friends on the dance floor
Singing with Mom Jodi
Lauryn had a beautiful dance with Dad Steven
Cake/Favor/Giveaways
Lauryn’s friends received great giveaways: cell phone card holders, custom draw string bags, custom favor shirts and giveaway dance floor t-shirts.
The pink cake had a lululauryn logo and was delicious created by Kombert Caterers
The customized Smart Pocket cellphone card holders were a big hit!
Custom logo'd t-shirts looked great
T-shirt giveaways read "Straight Outta Kashkin," inspired by the popular movie "Straight Outta Compton"
Lauryn’s Bat Mitzvah Project
Lauryn’s Mitzvah Project was with Birthday Wishes of Long Island. Birthday Wishes makes a difference in the lives of homeless children ages 1 – 19 and their families, by bringing them the joy of a birthday party for children.
Mom to Mom Advice from Jodi
“This should be a fun process and I know for many moms it couldn’t be further from fun. Keeping an organized list of ideas, talking with other moms, and using the internet can be your best go-to’s for party planning. Through this process I found a number of vendors that I worked with to add fun extras without breaking the bank.”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Lauryn’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Service: Temple Chaverim, 516-367-6100
Venue/Caterer/Cake: Kenny, Temple Avodah/Kombert Caterers, 516-678-6161
Party Planner/ Music Entertainment/Videography: MC: Party Harty Entertainment, 516-845-8585
Photographer/Videographer/Sign-In/Photo Favors/Decor: Hi Tech Events, 631-923-2260
Favor person: Zbest Printing, 631-595-1400
Invitation: Suzy, Wow Creations, 516-997-0451
Draw String Favor Bags/Cell Phone Wallets/Dance Floor T-shirts: Quality Logo Products, 866-312-5646
Party Dresses: 2 Be Seen, 516-921-5777
Service dress: Dorothy’s
Suits for family members: Lord and Taylor
Shoes for Mitzvah Girl: Converse Sneakers by Rebootz, Hilary Berger 516-456-5468 and Debbie Rifkin 516-779-2048
Hair/makeup: April, Gloss Salon, 516-597-5571
Makeup: Marinanne, NaturalStyles, 631-944-6184
October 30th, 2016
The Strauss family from Oceanside, New York, celebrated son Benjamin’s Bar Mitzvah on May 14, 2016, at Congregation B’nai Sholom-Beth David in Rockville Centre, New York, followed by a New York Jets, Yankees, Islanders themed sports party at Carlyle at the Omni — a 60’s retro-themed venue in Uniondale, New York.
Ben had a great tagline: …Ben There Done That.
Pictured L-R: Brother Joshua, Bar Mitzvah boy Benjamin, Mom Amy and Dad Adam.
The photographer was Gil of Jo Art Photographers and the rest of the information is listed at the end of the Spotlight.
Invitation & Bar Mitzvah Service
The family worked with Lisa Silverman of Invites by Lisa on the invitation which hinted at the sports theme within Ben's initials
Ben posed with Rabbi Diamond
Mom Amy made these head coverings with New York Jets, New York Yankees and New York Islander ribbons and embellishments
She also hand made beautiful jeweled pins to keep the women's head coverings in place, and she decoupaged the bucket with pictures of the family!
Bar Mitzvah Style
Ben looked great with his custom logo'd tie with all three team logos
The Strauss family party-ready!
Logo/Mitzvah Decor
Hi Tech Events designed the centerpieces, the large photos placed around the room and the place card seating rink.
Ben's t-shirts were printed by A Promos USA
Place card seating hockey rink created by Hi-Tech Events
Hockey puck place cards, great idea!
Sporty place card signage
A sports jersey sign-in from Hi-Tech Events
Carlyle at the Omni has a retro nostalgia diner style feel - we love the chairs!
The centerpieces included Ben in different sports attire for each sport
Mom Amy designed the table numbers
Party Details
A fun comic strip of Ben created by TBToons on Etsy.com
Mom Amy used Harper and Daisy on Etsy.com to created custom place mats using the comic strip artwork
A personalized tin with pictures of Ben held sports socks
Custom cocktail napkins
Music/Candle Lighting/Entertainment Fun
MC Cousin Eric, (that’s what he is called!), and the crew from Todd Yahney Entertainment had guests enjoying themselves throughout the night!
It's Horah time
MC Cousin Eric of Todd Yahney Entertainment with fun signage during the party
Photo favors were a big hit!
Favors/Cake/Candle Lighting
Bar Mitzvah sweatshirt favors from A Promos USA
Custom draw string favor bags
Custom T-shirt giveaways with Ben's initials and Mitzvah date
Everyone loved the Summer Sunglasses
The Italian American Bakery incorporated all three of Ben's favorite sports teams into the delicious cake
Ben blowing out the candles with his family
The Pretzel Stop made pretzels in Ben's name
Bar Mitzvah Project
Ben did fundraising with his Hebrew school and visited the local nursing home, every Sunday. He played games with the elderly patients, talked to them and celebrated the holidays with them. With Hebrew school, he made dog bones for the local animal shelters.
Some Advice from Mom Amy
“Don’t listen to others say you have time. Plan early so you don’t get overwhelmed.”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Ben’s celebration special. If you give any a call, please make sure they know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Service/Kippot: Congregation B’nai Sholom-Beth David, 516-764-4100
Reception/Catering: Carlyle at the Omni, 516-227-2600
Logo design/Favor Sweatshirts/T-shirt Giveaways: Mindy, A Promos USA, 800-987-8766
Centerpieces, large photos, montage, place seating rink: Stephanie Gropper, Hi Tech Events, 631-923-2260
Music Entertainment: MC Eric, Todd Yahney Music and Entertainment, 516-784-4700
Socks, Kippot holder: Randi Goldberg Lehman, That One Special Touch, 516-496-1025
Invitations/thank you notes/programs/hockey place cards: Lisa Silverman, Invites by Lisa, 516-398-4785
Placemat artwork: TBToons, Etsy.com
Custom Placemats: Harper and Daisy, Etsy.com
Photographer: Gil, Jo-Art Photography, 631-589-6180
Pretzel centerpiece for end of party: The Pretzel Stop, 516-543-5050
Sunglasses, string bags, cups for pretzels: Totally Promotional, 866-795-4657
Women’s head coverings, fancy Bobby pins, bathroom baskets, number cards: Mom Amy Strauss
Ben’s tie: Personalizationmall.com
Moms dress: Nordstrom
Bar Mitzvah boy and Dad suits: Lord and Taylor
Brother of BM boy: Men’s Warehouse
Make up: Lisa Barry, 516-650-6824
October 30th, 2016
The Pretzel Stop proves that “Everything’s Better With Pretzels!”
This family owned and operated nut-free bakery specializes in Philly style soft pretzels, platters, and more! They have a Pretzel Bus, carts, platters, and pre-packaged pretzels with many different mustard and specialty sauces. They are located on Long Island and hand twist and bake fresh daily. Their product is just like a fresh bagel and should be consumed or frozen immediately because the don’t use any preservatives.
Put a unique twist on your Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration with this delicious treat.
The Pretzel Stop Party Bus can be parked outside your venue as a Mitzvah Exit treat for your guests
Or this old-style pretzel cart can serve many varieties of warm pretzels during your celebration or waiting for guests as they leave
Design a pretzel to go with your theme
A pre-packaged pretzel favor can be enjoyed on the ride home or frozen and enjoyed at another time
A delicioius twist on the Jewish star
They recently relocated to a larger space and can now host “Pretzel Making” Birthday parties, groups and even private events. Their retail walk-in business hours are Thursday – Sunday from 10am – 6pm.
To learn about their many pretzel options, visit The Pretzel Stop or call 516-543-5050.
October 19th, 2016
Andres Ruff, a popular graphic design and party styling firm from Charlotte, North Carolina, was recently asked to create party designs for an Art themed Bat Mitzvah. Stylists, Maureen Anders and Adria Ruff worked alongside party planner Bridget Gasque of Loftus Design for a creative collaboration. Extra special touches included art work done by the Bat Mitzvah girl herself.
The venue was the Foundation For The Carolinas in Charlotte, North Carolina. The photographer was Emily Lapish. Check out all the great details below:
Seating/Table Names
As guests entered the venue, they found this seating chart. Each table was named for a famous artist and featured a replica of their work created by the Bat Mitzvah girl
Table 1 was for Warhol
Table 2 was the Matisse table
Decor Details
The venue is a contemporary art gallery with high white ceilings
At each place setting there was a miniature art canvas on an easel with each guests' name. Notice the tin of mints with the initial "E"
Coral, pink, and green were the colors for this party
There were alternating centerpieces. This one was filled with tropical flowers in a colorful vase
Sign-In/Food/Drink Signage
A picture of the Bat Mitzvah girl painting served as the sign-in board
The food was displayed creatively; here's salad in a mini fish bowl
The food buffet displayed art elements that were colorful and creative
'Emily's Artsy Lemonade' looked refreshing and was styled beautifully
Cake and Candle Lighting
The splatter-paint cake had a topper made out of "sugar work" formed into an "E" for Emily's monogram
The Bat Mitzvah girl lit a floating votive candle for each special guest. The vase also held a single colorful flower
Emily lit the candle with her parents Jaques and Sherry by her side
We thank Anders Ruff for sharing this wonderful Bat Mitzvah with our readers.
Styling and Printables: Anders Ruff; Venue: Foundation for the Carolinas; Event planner: Loftus Design, Caterer: La Tea Da’s;
Photographer: Emily Lapish; Cake Design: Ritz Carlton
October 13th, 2016
100 Layer Cake-Let recently wrote about an amazing astronomy themed Bar Mitzvah that we could not wait to share!
Home Thrown LA were the party planners that packed this celebration at Hillcrest Country Club in Los Angeles, California, with stellar details. From the balloons, plates and chalkboard art, every detail helped set the scene for the out of this world party.
Party Decor
A hand painted weather table and chalk board with astronomy lingo greeted guests
Cosmic Cocktails
An archway of balloons
Gorgeous balloons made to look like the sky above
Chalkboard art graced the walls
A psychic was stationed in this tented section
Artist Joya Rose created this beautiful crest for the wall
Party Details
There was a zodiac plate charger at every place setting
Customized viewfinders, where guests could see the menu, were at each place setting
The place cards were created and named for obscure moons in the solar system
We thank 100 Layer Cake-let for sharing this great Bar Mitzvah celebration with our readers.
Photography: Birds of a Feather; Venue: Hillcrest Country Club; Design: Home Thrown LA; Floral: Iris and Daughter; Escort Cards & Table Signs: Flyover Designs; Photo Booth: Amuse Booth; Linen: La Tavola; Chalkboard Artist: Joyce Chai; Chalkboard Drink Menus & Additional Signage: Be A Heart Design / Laser Cut Signs & Custom Sign-in Board: A Dapper Line / Crest & Paper Goods: Joya Rose; Place Cards: Great Lakes Goods; Furniture Rentals: Found Rentals; Balloons: Balloon Celebrations
October 13th, 2016
We read about Macy Kerner in the St. Louis Jewish Light and got an opportunity to hear from this wonderful 7th grader about her Bat Mitzvah project. Macy loves the quote, “Throw kindness around like confetti,” and decided to use it as her Bat Mitzvah theme, and as a guide for her Bat Mitzvah project.
Macy chose to perform 10 random acts of kindness and hopes that others will be inspired to do acts of kindness as well.
We will also being featuring Macy’s Bat Mitzvah to show how she incorporated this quote into her theme.
Pictured: Macy with her golden doodle Comet. Macy made dog treats for many of the neighborhood dogs as one of her “10 random acts.”
We spoke to Macy to learn more:
MM: Can you give us details of your Mitzvah Project?
MK: Here are some of the “random acts of kindness” I performed:
1. Sent a surprise care package to my younger cousins in Orlando, FL. They were so excited when the package arrived they immediately called to thank me.
2. I decorated a large tree in my front yard with streamers and a metallic star garland with a sign that read: “I hope when you pass this tree it makes you smile. Have a great day!”
3. Gave some of my friends a candy bar with a note to “Have a sweet day.” It definitely made them smile.
4. Wrote a note to my fourth grade teacher, letting her know she made a big impact on my life.
5. Paid for the person’s drink in the car behind me at a Starbucks drive-thru.
6. Baked chocolate chip cookies for my four team teachers and my Spanish teacher.
7. Baked chocolate chip muffins for the women and their families at the Room at the Inn, a homeless shelter.
8. Made dog treats for many of the dogs in her neighborhood.
9. Compiled the recipes of my mom’s best friend, Brooke Hirsch, who passed away from a brain tumor, and made a special cookbook/photo album for her family. Brooke’s family was very touched.
10. Made a dinner for Angels’ Arms, a nurturing temporary group home for foster children dedicated to keeping brothers and sisters together until a forever home is found.
Candy bars given to friends with a special notes
Macy decorating a tree in her year
Macy's sending a surprise special package to her younger cousins
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project?
MK: I chose this project because it was something that I could do that affected my local community; neighbors, pets, friends and family…and it was something that I could do myself.
MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bat Mitzvah?
MK: For me it means that I can make someone feel happy and special and appreciated because of what I did. To me, it is one of the greatest gifts I can give to make someone feel valued and important.
MM: Anything else we need to know about your Bat Mitzvah project?
MK: It affected both family, friends and pets. Most important it affected my family in such a positive way. In addition, “I learned that all the little acts matter, and can make a big difference,” said Macy. “These were easy acts that anyone can do. It’s so easy to be kind. I hope you will feel inspired to perform an act of kindness.”
We thank Macy and the Kerner family for sharing this great Project with our readers.
October 10th, 2016
The Kessler family celebrated their daughter Kayla’s Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, June 4, 2016. There was a Havdalah service followed by a party at Temple Avodah in Oceanside, New York. Kayla is a competitive gymnast and has been on a team since she was 4 years old and in the sport since she was 8 months old!
The theme was: Kayla’s Olympics…Let the Games Begin!
Pictured L-R: Dad Mitch, Sister Alexis, Bat Mitzvah girl Kayla and Mom Jodi.
The photographer was MitBark Photography and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.
Invitation/Service/Venue
The family worked with Creative Expressions by Stacey Ezratty on the invitation which hinted at the theme: Kayla's name was printed in the Olympic ring colors
Kayla posed on the Bimah between her proud parents
The front entrance of Temple Avodah
Bat Mitzvah Style
Kayla's beautiful gown from Outrageous Boutique
There was beading on the top with scattered beading on the tulle skirt
Mom Jodi wore a beautiful black gown from Runway Couture
Decor and Party Details
The ballroom at Temple Avodah was decorated with party themed details including Kayla’s Olympic logo created by Kombert Caterers.
The lobby had a seating chart featuring Kayla wearing her warm-up suit and medals, and her "sign-in" locker
Kombert Caterers created the amazing logo
Giant balloons in Olympic colors hung from the ceiling
Clever signage on the bar combined her passion for gymnastics and the Olympic theme
Kayla's sign-in locker with special messages from family and friends
The staging looked amazing with Olympic Rings on a large LED screen in the background, by Mitbark Photography
Dazzling Parties created the decor using the Olympic rings as a guide. Tables were dressed in black spandex with an Olympic colored napkin that matched the seat covers
Each large 3-D centerpiece featured Kayla
The custom menu at each place setting designed by Kombert Caterers
Food and Drinks
Kombert Caterers did a great job with the food which was delicious and presented beautifully!
Kayla's name spelled out in sushi!
The lobby and entrance to the cocktail hour room housed a big display case of colorful adult beverages
The kids' colorful drinks were served in test tubes
Specialty drinks were named after the Kessler family with Olympic descriptions
Mitzvah Entrance & Music Entertainment
After a creative entrance video, Kayla changed into a warm-up and came running into the ballroom where she lit the cauldron to the sounds of the Olympic anthem.
MC Geo of Geo Events got the party going as Kayla made her entrance, "Let the Games Begin!"
Coordinating perfectly with the entrance, the screen showed flames and the music began with "Fireball" by Pitbull. The LED Screen and Lighting was done by EJ the DJ
After the amazing entrance, Kayla quickly changed back into her dress and blinged-out Converse hi-tops
Kayla and Dad Mitch had a wonderful dance together
The Kessler family loved it out on the dance floor
Geo and his staff provided Olympic Ring t-shirts as dance floor giveaways
Live Event Painter/Cake/Candle Lighting/Friend Presentation
An event artist, Painting by Jessica, set up in the corner and captured the party on a large canvas. It is now hanging in the family's living room
The Olympic themed cake
by Mario's Bakery was beautiful and delicious
Kayla and Sister Alexis shared a candle lighting moment
Kayla was presented with collages made by her friends
Mitzvah Exit Treat and Favors
For the “Closing Ceremonies,” Kayla’s Mitzvah Exit treats and favors won a gold medal!
As guests left, they were treated to a full bakery complete with hot/cold items and egg sandwiches!
And, a full candy display with large sized vintage candy to go
This Olympic themed Bat Mitzvah featured an Olympic logo'd drawstring bag and sweatshirt favor
Mom to Mom Advice from Mom Jodi
“Take a deep breath and get ready for a roller-coaster ride! Planning a Bar Bat Mitzvah has its ups, downs, twists, turns and loops. From the time you receive the date and give a check for a deposit, you begin the ride. Don’t blink! The ride starts and ends quicker than you think! To make planning a little more organized, I suggest the following: When making your guest list, have a master list with names/addresses and number it as you go. Use the guest’s # on your response card (lightly in pencil on the back or in the envelope). I also have a prepared small labeled index card for each guest (or couple) with a punched hole. As the responses come in, I use the index cards to begin making the tables. I use single, metal loose leaf rings to ring the group of cards together. Each group of cards represents one table. As the responses come in, it is easier to shuffle the guests around instead of constantly crossing out names on paper. The master list is also easy to keep track of gifts and thank you cards that have been sent. I keep the master list and refer to it constantly when a party comes around and you want to check a gift amount that was given.”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Kayla’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue/Caterer/Floor Logo: Temple Avodah/Kombert Caterers, 516-678-6161
Music Entertainment/MC: Geo, Geo Events, 212-572-8323
LED Screen/Lights: Ed Jacobs, EJ The DJ, 631-348-7848
Party Planner/Decor/Sign-In/Favors: Barbara Becker, Dazzling Parties, 516-766-1471
Photographer/Videographer: Harvey/Jeff, MitBark Photography Studios, 516-594-0293
T-shirts giveaways: Peter, The Baja Man, 516-378-1553
Party Entertainment: Barry, Starlight Amusements, 516-764-2061
Invitation: Creative Expressions by Stacey Ezratty, 516-983-7468
Stamps: Zazzle.com
Cake: Mario’s Bakery, 516-766-0891
Event Painter: Paintings by Jessica, 917-575-2900
Pre-Party Photo Shoot: Serengeti Design Studios, 516-623-2828
Entrance Video and Montage: Family friend Rich Ejnes
Kayla’s gown: Amy, Outrageous Boutique, 516-931-3331
Mom and Sister gowns: Kimberly Towers, Runway Couture, 516-308-4639
Suits for family members: Men’s Warehouse, 516-536-0226
Hair: Salon Montage, Richie Aiello, 516-764-6680
Makeup: Jessica, Salon Montage, 516-776-7600
