November 22nd, 2015
Adam Vasserman of Scarsdale, New York, recently celebrated his Bar Mitzvah on November 1, 2015. For his Bar Mitzvah project Adam wanted to help Friends of United Hatzalah.
This organization is the largest independent, non-profit, fully volunteer Emergency Medical Service in Israel. With their ambucycles, which are medically equipped motorcycles, they provide the fastest medical help to all people regardless of race, religion or national origin.
Pictured above L-R: Adam Vasserman and Eli Beer the founder of United Hatzalah on the day of Adam’s Bar Mitzvah.
MM: Does your project have a start and end date, if so what are they?
AV: I will be collecting donations until the end of year or until I reach my goal of $26,000.
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project?
United Hatzalah helps save lives effectively because they have ambucycles all over Israel and they can arrive at an accident quicker than an ambulance. Some people unfortunately die before an ambulance can even get to them, this organization can hopefully prevent many unnecessary deaths.
MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bar Mitzvah?
AV: It helps me see the importance of becoming a Bar Mitzvah and how I can make a positive impact on peoples’ lives at such a young age.
MM: Can you give us details of your Mitzvah Project?
AV: I’m raising money for an ambucycle for a organization called Friends of United Hatzalah and they use these ambucycles to help save lives of people in accidents or other medical emergency by quickly giving them immediate care.
The photo of Adam was taken at the American Israel Public Affairs Conference (AIPAC) where the Vasserman family learned about the organization and the wonderful work they do
MM: If it involves a donation, what are you doing to spread the word?
AV: I have a Website for donating. I use social media like Facebook to let people know that they can donate money to this important cause instead of giving me a Bar Mitzvah gift.
MM: For how long can people donate to this charity?
AV: People can donate until I reach my goal or until the end of the year.
MM: Anything else we need to know about your Mitzvah Project?
AV: I learned about this organization when I went down to DC in March 2014 at the AIPAC policy conference. The Founder of the organization, Eli Beer, scooted out onto stage with one of the ambucycles. I think it will be very special to visit Israel and see the ambucycle that I donated and to learn about all the lives that were saved as a result.
We thank Adam and the entire Vasserman family for sharing this wonderful Bar Mitzvah project with our Mitzvah Market readers.
November 18th, 2015
Kendall Halpern wanted to incorporate her love of sports into her Bat Mitzvah celebration and found the solution with The Hub, a sports facility located in Syosset, New York.
After her morning service at North Shore Synagogue, guests enjoyed a fun dance party in a hardly recognizable space! The Hub is usually filled with bright lights and turf, but now featured a white dance floor and lots of light-up lounge furniture for this celebration.
Maximum Entertainment transformed this sports facility into a night club vibe for this family from Woodbury, New York.
The photographer was Maximum Entertainment and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
Here are some of the details:
The family worked with Minuteman Press on the invitation which included pictures of Kendall
Kendall did a great job during her service at North Shore Synagogue
At the bimah with her parents
Kendall’s Bat Mitzvah service dress
For the party she changed into this two-piece cocktail dress in turquoise, gold and white
The whole family looked great. Pictured L-R: Dad Jon, Mom Lauren, Bat Mitzvah girl Kendall, Brother Griffin and Sister Skylar. The ladies all got their party dresses at It’s Simply For You
The Sports Hub is a 70,00 square foot sport facility in Syosset, New York, here is the before picture
The dance floor was surrounded by bleacher seating and was all lit up for with a club vibe
Cool seating included high top LED cocktail tables
There was lots of white lounge furniture to hang around on
Custom pillows from Zazzle.com
The bean bag chair from Walmart all signed and now in Kendall’s bedroom
Maximum Entertainment dancers bringing in the guest of honor
Kendall up in the chair for the Horah
Maximum Entertainment brought amazing energy to this party that had everyone on the dance floor all night long
Mom Lauren giving a toast to her daughter
This fun cake was accented with sports that Kendall plays such as lacrosse, basketball and soccer
The Halpern family during the candle lighting
Kendall surrounded by her friends
Boys favors on the left were light grey, girls on the right were dark grey; both with Kendall’s logo
Venue: The HUB; Photographer/Videographer/Music Entertainment: MC Joey, Maximum Entertainment; Caterer/Cake: Del-Mir Caterers At North Shore Synagogue; Bat Mitzvah girl Kendall/Mom Lauren/Sister Skylar’s party dresses: It’s Simply For You;
Invitation: Minuteman Press; Favors: Richie Cohn, 516-220-7966; Bean bag chair: Walmart; Custom pillows: Zazzle.com
November 11th, 2015
Incorporating Gobos at your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration is a fun and creative way to add a decor element that guests love.
While many Gobos are placed on the dance floor, a little creativity can go a long way.
A personalized Gobo can be placed inside or outside your venue, on the walls or ceiling, in colors, patterns or shapes that reflect your child’s theme.
Here are a few of our favorites that we have featured on Mitzvah Market:
Hi-Tech Photography Events announced the Bat Mitzvah girl’s name at the venue entrance
Jimmy Dee Entertainment created a Gobo in block letters for the dance floor
This “Best of Blake” wall Gobo was a great design element for this Hollywood themed Bar Mitzvah
The Event Of A Lifetime planned a Bar Mitzvah for a boy with the initials J.K. and a tagline, Just Kidding, which was projected onto the wall
Stephen Andrews Studio designed a baseball Gobo to complement a baseball themed Bar Mitzvah
We love the font for this dance floor Gobo for the upcoming Alexa Silver Family spotlight
For the Halloween themed Steinberg Bat Mitzvah celebration, special revolving bat Gobos were projected on the walls
Beth Fink Events was the party planner for this celebration. Guests knew who the guest of honor was as soon as they drove up to the venue
The Parisian themed Bat Mitzvah had an over-sized Gobo on the wall with Bat Mitzvah girl, Esme’s name
Did you have a Gobo at your Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
November 8th, 2015
The Creative Route on Etsy has fun photo booth props that are great for a Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration.
These DIY printable props are sure to get you and your guests to strike a creative pose.
The printable kit includes 10 different signs and photo props. The photo props are an instant download that includes multiple pages in PDF files.
You will receive the full set of pictured photo props in a high resolution design. The design file will be ready to use with any home printer.
If you are into large funny DIY photo booth props for your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration, check out The Creative Route.
November 8th, 2015
The Lantzman Family of Livingston, New Jersey, celebrated son Zane’s Bar Mitzvah with a Rosh Chodesh service at Temple Beth Shalom in Livingston, New Jersey, and a party following at Lucky Strike New York in the West Nyack, New York.
The theme was ESPN ZONE-inspired: ESPN ZANE. It included all of Zane’s favorite sports with a special nod to his favorite team the Green Bay Packers which was incorporated into the logo colors, decor, horah chair and tallit.
Pictured L-R: Dad Scott, Sister Macen, Bar Mitzvah boy Zane, Mom Zanna, Front row: Brother Kai and sister Hunter.
Tim Camuso of Timothy Glenn Photography was the photographer and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.
The Lantzman family worked with All The Best Invitations on the bronze classic invitation which had a pop of orange.
The Sunday service, called Rosh Chodesh, was held at Temple Beth Shalom. Both Zane and his Dad Scott showed off their individual team pride during the service
Zane’s Grandmother Joyce Lantzman created this amazing tallis and also crocheted his tallis bag
Bowling shirts with Zane’s logo were a big hit. Dad Scott ordered the shirts from the promotional products retailer, 4imprint. The family wore the shirts over their party clothes while making their entrance
Dad Scott created Zane’s logo which is similar to the ESPN Zone logo. Zane used the official colors of the Green Bay Packers, which are Dark Green, Gold and White
Lucky Strike New York in West Nyack, New York, was the venue and the family had exclusive use of the whole space which included the ultramodern bowling area, pool tables and arcade games to entertain kids of all ages.
The logo was placed all around the venue adding lots of color. Mom Zanna created additional decor elements using sports signs and inspirational quotes from sports legends.
Mom Zanna found the quotes and created the concept and then Dead Scott arranged it and had a sign company print them.
The horah chair was made by a very crafty friend, Cricket Snearing.
The seat of the chair was decorated with Green Bay Packers paraphernalia
The back of the chair with Zane’s Bar Mitzvah date
The cake was created by Cake & Co. and highlighted all of Zane’s favorite sports.
The Lantzman family posed during the candle lighting ceremony.
Zane surrounded by his friends 
There were many great desserts for guests to enjoy at the end of the evening including warm and delicious Sweet Dreams Mini Donuts made right in front of their guests!
Sweet Dream Mini Donuts were a big hit!
A popcorn bar created by Nanci SIlver of Parties with Pizazz
Mom Zanna and Sister Hunter enjoy their goodies in custom bags
The party favors were from Marquee Screen Printing. The boys received basketball shorts in Zane’s favorite color, green. The custom logo was placed at the bottom left corner
These were the girls shorts, both logo’d and the darker ones were for the younger girls’
Zane had a great Bar Mitzvah Project helping the Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter in East Hanover, New Jersey. He knew about the shelter because the family had recently adopted dog Oakley from there. The shelter needed paper towels. We featured this special project on Mitzvah Market. Click here to read all about it.
The information on Zane’s Mitzvah Project was proudly displayed at his party
Some advice from Mom Zanna:
“I recommend starting preparations early and keeping ahead of the typical planning deadlines. A lot of the planning cannot be done until the last few weeks, so it is better to complete everything else that you can ahead of time. I also suggest making a checklist of everything you need to order, plan, organize, purchase, etc. early on and add to the list as you think of something else along the way. Despite all the planning, on the day of the event you should just enjoy it and let any missed details or mishaps go and not let them upset you! Chances are your guests will have no idea that anything was not according to plan.”
The following vendors helped to make Zane’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue/Catering: Carol Castrillon, Lucky Strike New York, 845-358-1602
Photographer: Tim Camuso of Timothy Glenn Photography, 973-887-0625
Videographer: Timothy Glenn Photography, 973-887-0625
Party Decor/Inspirational Signage: Mom Zanna
Invitation: All the Best Invitations, 973-992-4033
Music Entertainment: Powerhouse Studios and Entertainment, 973-560-9560
Photo Booth: Picture This, 610-416-4507
Favor Design: Dad Scott, Printed by: Marquee Screen Printing, 516-640-0855
Security: Bar Mitzvah Bouncer, 631-367-1519
Custom Tallit: Grandma Joyce Lantzman
Decorated Horah Chair: Family friend, Cricket Snearing, 610-715-5438
Custom bowling shirts: 4imprint.com
Donuts: Eric, Sweet Dream Mini Donuts, 917-995-5490
Popcorn bar: Nancy, Parties with Pizazz, 516-365-5064
Cake: Krystina, Cake & Co., 201-530-7555
Custom logo’d stickers on treat bags: Stickermule.com
November 4th, 2015
Melisa Imberman of The Event of a Lifetime Inc., recently planned an outRACHeous Bat Mitzvah for a girl named Rachel at the CV Rich Mansion in White Plains, New York.
The Event Of A Lifetime worked with X-Quisite Flowers & Events to ensure that the colors & logo were woven throughout the party.
From the purple and turquoise color scheme, to the outRACHeous logo used on water bottles, napkins, pillows, and even the delicious cookies, there were many great decor details we couldn’t wait to share.
Peter Oberc Photography was the photographer.
Guests picked up their logo’d place cards on a desk which held a striking floral arrangement structure that featured Rachel’s logo above
The ballroom ceiling was decorated with turquoise and purple balloons, a great decor accent
Elegant floating orchids in clear vases were part of the centerpiece
Each vase was placed on top of a base with Rachel’s logo on each side
The lounge area had alternating turquoise and purple furniture with purple uplighting
Custom pillows
The turquoise linen had an elegant scroll design and the custom menu was placed on purple napkins
Custom cocktail napkins
Custom water bottles
There were lots of fun games as the DJ played old favorites like ‘Coke & Pepsi’ trivia and a scavenger hunt. To complement this vibe, Melisa Imberman brought in a giant version of Connect Four
Custom cookie stickers looked great on the dessert
We would like to thank Melisa Imberman for sharing this outRACHeous Bat Mitzvah with our readers.
Event Planner/All branded items: Melisa Imberman, The Event of a Lifetime Inc., Photographer: Peter Oberc Photography;
Venue: CV Rich Mansion; Floral & Event Decor: X-Quisite Flowers and Events Inc.; Caterer: Caperberry Events;
Music Entertainment: Starlight Express Entertainment.
November 1st, 2015
By Bari Diamond from Teaneck, New Jersey
People who know me know that I LOVE animals. So for my Bat Mitzvah project I wanted to do something that combined
two things I love — horses, and my friend and neighbor, Kayla.
Kayla is a sweet and smiley three-and–a-half-year-old girl with Angelman Syndrome, a rare neurogenetic disorder. Kayla can’t talk
and can only walk with the help of a special walker, but when she rides Butter, a tan colored pony every Sunday through the
Pony Power program, she’s SO happy. I’ve seen how amazing the program is for her. Kayla smiles and laughs and loves her time with the horses.
I first visited Pony Power Therapies in Mahwah, NJ, with Kayla because I wanted to watch her ride and I wanted a chance to see the horses in action. I was so amazed at how much Kayla gained from riding the horses. All the kids I saw on my visits were so happy and it made me feel so good to see how beneficial therapeutic horses can be for kids. I chose this organization as my Bat Mitzvah project because I’d love to give other special needs children the opportunity to ride as well.
Pony Power Therapies is a nonprofit organization that gives children and adults with a broad spectrum of developmental and physical disabilities a unique opportunity to ride, care for and interact with horses. All the activities there enhance their physical, social and emotional well-being in a safe, nurturing farm environment.
During each 30-minute session, riders are paired with one Pony Power instructor and two trained volunteers. The therapeutic
riding focuses on teaching each child to ride a horse within his or her ability. Many kids can get better focus, flexibility, balance and
motor skills from riding. But most importantly, all riders leave with a smile.
I think everyone should be able to live their life to the fullest, regardless of their abilities, and Pony Power helps make that happen. I wanted to do anything I could to help as many other children like Kayla get the benefits from this great organization.
Kayla rides her horse with the Pony Power Program
So far I’ve raised more than $3,000 – more than $500 over my initial goal. I raised it by creating an online fundraising page that I emailed to my friends and family, telling them all about Pony Power and asking them to support my project. I also donated most of my babysitting and dog-sitting money.
The money I raised is enough to send two children to Pony Power for a semester each. Because therapy is not done in one session,
but rather 10-12 week semesters, the money I raise can really make a difference in a few kids’ lives. I’m working with Chai Lifeline and i-Shine to identify kids who could really benefit. Once they start, I hope to attend a few of their sessions so I can see how the money I’ve raised is helping them. There’s also some extra money that will go to send nearly 100 autistic children on interactive field trips where they will meet and groom Pony Power horses.
Helping others is definitely a good way to celebrate becoming a Bat Mitzvah. A Bat Mitzvah project is so meaningful because it makes you feel like you accomplished something to make other people’s lives better. As a result, I have learned not to take anything for granted and to appreciate everything that I have.
This project is just one way I have interacted with animals. I have always known I wanted to do something with animals. Even as
a baby I loved going to the zoo and I love learning about animals. For my birthdays when I was younger I asked people to sponsor
animals from the World Wildlife Foundation instead of buying me presents, and I am sad to learn about those animals that are
endangered. When I grow up I’d love to work with animals, either as a veterinarian, a trainer, or even a marine biologist or scuba
diver, which sounds awesome.
Bari and Kayla
I plan to continue to raise money for Pony Power and can’t wait to see how Kayla progresses in life and grows up. I wouldn’t miss it!
Bari Diamond is in 7th grade at Yeshivat Noam in Paramus, NJ. To donate to her project, visit her website. To learn more about Pony Power Therapies visit their website.
This story is from new 2015 Mitzvah Market Magazine. If you would like to request a free copy, click here.
November 1st, 2015
The Brown family of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, celebrated son Joshua’s Bar Mitzvah at Temple Judea of Bucks County in Furlong, Pennsylvania.
Josh didn’t want the traditional luncheon or dinner celebration that his brother Evan had, so the family compromised with a sit down luncheon after the service at Caleb’s American Kitchen. Later that evening, there was a big kids’ party at Back Steps, part of Beat Street event venue, with a “JCB Stadium” theme.
Pictured L-R: Dad Howard, Brother Evan, Bar Mitzvah boy Josh and Mom Lisa.
The photographer was Hy Paul and the rest of the vendor information is listed a the bottom of the spotlight.
Mitzvah Invitation
The family worked with Melissa Berk of By Invitation Only. The navy blue and apple green color palette set the tone for the entire party.
The RSVP and luncheon card
Mitzvah Service
The service was held at Temple Judea of Bucks County where Josh did a beautiful job reciting his prayers and reading from the Torah.
Josh at the Bimah during his formal portraits
After the service, there was a Kiddush luncheon at Caleb’s American Kitchen
Cupcake Fantasy created the cupcakes in the party colors with an edible chocolate “J” on top
Mitzvah Style
The Brown family looked great in their casual outfits and were ready to party.
Mitzvah Décor
The kids party was at Back Steps at Beat Street, an eclectic industrial type room. Event planner Valerie Felgoise of Let’s Party with Valerie created most of the decor elements using a navy and green apple color scheme. Lounge Around provided the lounge furniture which also incorporated Josh’s colors.
LED high-top tables added color
The lounge decor looked great and was comfortable for guests
The pillows added to the color scheme
Custom signage was created to incorporate many of Josh’s favorite things including his camp and favorite college team, Ohio State
The Gobo on the dance floor was Josh’s logo
Signage for the kids lounge
Navy blue and green custom cocktail napkins
Mitzvah Sign-In
The family used a sign-in locker with a custom logo from Let’s Party with Valerie.
It’s now in Josh’s room
Mitzvah Music
EBE Events and Entertainment with MC Everett Jackson kept everything moving on the dance floor.
Josh making his entrance in a big way
Josh posing with the Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders
There was lots of action on the dance floor
And lots of high energy in the room, thanks to MC Everett
Mitzvah Cake
Randi Leese of RL Cake Designs created the amazing JCB Stadium cake, a replica of Ohio State’s stadium. It also included some of Josh’s other favorite things like a pretzel, popcorn and a Sprite!
The view of the stadium cake from above
Mitzvah Candle Lighting
Josh was surrounded by his friends during his candle lighting ceremony.
Mitzvah Dessert
There were many great dessert choices such as cotton candy.
Mitzvah Favors
The favors were logo’d sweatpants by Let’s Party with Valerie.
Each was presented in clear wrapping to see the great logo
The sweatpants were a big hit
Mitzvah Project
Josh worked with the Simons Fund, which is an amazing organization that promotes the heart screening of all kids and young athletes to detect undiagnosed heart defects.
Mom to Mom Advice
Some advice from Mom Lisa:
“Stay organized! I used a giant three ring binder, with dividers for each vendor. Book as much as you can, as early as you can. Also, let your child guide you. Let them be a part of the planning, since it is their day!”
Vendor Directory:
The following vendors helped to make Josh’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Service: Temple Judea of Bucks County, 215-348-5022
Luncheon venue: Caleb’s American Kitchen, 215-794-8588
Evening venue: Back Steps at Beat Street, 215-364-1844
Photographer/Videographer: HyPaul Studio, 215-364-4144
Music Entertainment: MC Everett Jackson, EBE Events and Entertainment, 215-634-7700
Décor/Florist/Sign-In/Signage/Favors: Valerie Felgiose, Let’s Party with Valerie, 610-213-5675
Photo favors: Hour Entertainment, Shannon Shields, 215-355-3755
Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleaders, 215-339-6700
Invitation: By Invitation Only, Melissa Berk, 215-654-1601
Cake: Randi Leese, RL Cake Designs, 215-364-4842
Sneaker socks: Mitzvahsocks.com
Lounge furniture: Lounge Around, 215-355-6552
Cupcakes at luncheon: Cupcake Fantasy, 267-481-5026
Custom water bottles: Eagles Peak 215-345-6069
Individual popcorn bags: Clusters Bucks County Caramel Corn, 215-693-1137
Cotton candy: Gourmet Vendor, 215-396-7000
Mom’s service dress/party dress: Nordstrom/ Flirt Women’s Boutique
Suits for boys suits/night clothes: Schweons, 215-357-0600
Dad’s service suit: Ventresca’s 215-348-3139/Party clothes: Nordstrom
Hair/makeup: Suzanne Munshower, Beauty Marx, 215-422-3690
October 28th, 2015
A Unique Bar Mitzvah Project by David Lilienfeld from Margate, New Jersey:
I love computers. I love using them, fixing them, refurbishing them. When I grow up I want to be a computer science engineer. So when it came time to choose a Mitzvah Project, I decided to use my technological abilities to help others.
I’ve always had computers and electronics around me all my life and I realize how lucky I am because I have seen many people who do not have this privilege. I know how important computers are.
When I thought about my mitzvah project, I wanted to do something meaningful and involve what I enjoy doing. When you enter Jewish adulthood, you need to learn responsibility and do good for your community. I realized that there were a lot of computers out there that weren’t being used and a lot of people who could use them to find a job, fill out an application, or to do their homework. If we gave them a computer they would be able to do all of these things.
My mom hired a computer technician to teach me how to reformat and rebuild computers that have outlived their usefulness to their owners. My goal is to deliver 35 computers to people who can use them in Atlantic County, NJ, where I live, by the time of my Bar Mitzvah in May 2016. I’ve already received a dozen donated computers. Some were desktops that were so old and not Wi-Fi capable/wireless, so they were given to a nearby recycling center. The others are ready to be upgraded and given a new life.
I want to distribute computers to people who really want them and need them, and I know they will be put to good use. It is very meaningful to me to be able to personally deliver the computers and meet the people who will benefit from their use.
I have a website, a Facebook page and a PayPal account to get the word out to donors and families who can use a computer. We also accept monetary donations that will be used to purchase hard drives, routers and software. I’d also like to raise enough money to provide the new owners with Internet access for a year.
To help spread the word about my project, I created a youtube video to explain it
I have distributed flyers at my synagogue, Beth Judah, and at Atlantic City High School and the Margate schools asking for donations of old computers as well as looking for suitable people in need of our computers.
There’s a huge need out there. Most people need laptops, so we are getting more selective about what we can accept. We need
computers that are five years old or less and they must have the required power cords. I will reformat the donated computers to
completely clear any personal data left by the previous owner, and then set them up in the new owner’s home.
I’ve even emailed the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to see if they would help…but I haven’t heard back from them yet.
By doing this project, I hope to not only help those who need computers get one, but I also hope to inspire others to give away things that could be of use to someone else. You know what they say, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” If my project is successful, I would like to expand outside of my local area and give out computers to people in need all over the US.
David Lilienfield is a 7th grader from Margate, NJ, who attends Eugene A. Tighe School. For information about his project or to make a donation of a laptop, monitor, router or financial contribution, go to: www.davidsdigitaldonations.org
This story is from new 2015 Mitzvah Market Magazine. If you would like to request a free copy, click here.
October 28th, 2015
84 West Events created an Art themed Bat Mitzvah for the Strackman family from Lake Worth, Florida.
Bat Mitzvah girl Ally is an amazing artist and her family is just as creative, so it was a true collaboration for “Ally’s Art Mitzvah.”
Benvenuto Restaurant located in Boyton Beach, Florida, was the venue. 84 West Events provided the photography, decor, entertainment and lighting.
The entrance featured Ally’s own artwork!
Colorful signage for Ally’s V.I.P. friends
The “A” for Ally’s sign-in board was created with colored pencils and made by Ally!
LED uplighting was used in a colorful pattern creating a vivid and happy room
LED colored pencil centerpieces
Even the napkins and linens matched the colorful uplighting
Tiny easel seating cards at each place setting
A custom floor decal
The candles dripped rainbow colors for Ally’s candle lighting ceremony!
LED giveaways were a big hit on the dance floor
Ally enjoyed the Photo Graffiti Wall
We thank 84 West Events for sharing this Ally’s Art Mitzvah with our readers.
