October 18th, 2015
We have featured many great ways that families have incorporated Halloween into their Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations.
Since Halloween is quickly approaching, we thought it was the perfect time to rewind and share.
Here are some spook-tacular ideas on how to incorporate tricks and treats into your Bar and Bat Mitzvah party.
Vintage horror movie posters lined the front of the venue featuring the “Horror”witz family who had themselves photo-shopped into each terrifying image. To read more about this Bar Mitzvah, click here
This creative invitation had Gothic font with clever wording.
To read more about this Boo-Mitzvah, click here
“Molloween” was the theme for Molly Steinberg. She and her family asked their guests to come in costume.
To read more about this Bat Mitzvah, click here.
Someone was hiding under the table! There’s a real arm coming out from the center showing guests funny quips.
To read more about the Wyner Bar Mitzvah, click here
The Weilheimer family celebrated a B’not Mitzvah on October 30th. While it was not a Halloween themed party, as the clock struck midnight, guests were sent home with lots of treats!
To read more about this celebration, click here
The Becker family loves Halloween and the sweatshirt favors from The Mitzvah Mavens were packaged in traditional orange Trick or Treat buckets.
To read more about the Becker Bat Mitzvah, click here
Did you have a Halloween themed celebration? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
October 12th, 2015
Spencer’s Bar Mitzvah is coming up and for his Mitzvah Project he decided to use his love of dogs, and his creativity, as the motivation to launch a contest he named the Caring Canine Costume Campaign (CCCC). He’s inviting people to post a photo of their dog dressed up in his or her favorite costume.
The CCCC benefits The Good Dog Foundation which was founded as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization in 1998 and whose mission is to ease human suffering and promote recovery from trauma and stress using animal-assisted therapy services.
The organization brings certified therapy dog teams to nursing homes, hospitals, schools, and community facilities in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts. They also assist at disaster sites throughout the United States.
Pictured left is Spencer and Sasha as Wonder Dog.
Read on to find out more about this great contest and Mitzvah Project.
MM: Can you give us details about your Mitzvah Project?
SG: People can find the contest on my Caring Canine Costume Campaign Facebook page. You enter by posting a picture of your dog dressed up in costume. Every person who posts a picture is encouraged to make a donation of any size at the Good Dog Foundation’s Website. Posting a picture of your dog makes you eligible to win a prize! The winner is the owner of the dog that looks best/cutest in their costume, as chosen by a panel of judges. The winning photo will be posted on The Good Dog Foundation Website. There is no minimum donation to enter, but we hope you will make a gift. My goal is to raise at least $1,000. Every donation, no matter the size, is meaningful. Because you are donating to the Good Dog Foundation, all gifts are tax-deductible. The important thing is that this is for a great cause, so please dress up your dog and donate today!
MM: Does your project have a start and end date, if so what are they?
SG: The campaign started May 1, 2015, and photos posted until November 1, 2015 will be eligible for the prize. With Halloween coming up, it’s the perfect time to dress up your dog and do good at the same time!
One of the nominees
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project?
SG: I love dogs and my whole family lights up when they see our dog, Sasha. She makes us happy and helps us recover from a hard day. When I’m sick and have to stay home from school, she never leaves my side. For my Bar Mitzvah Project, I thought it would be perfect if I could raise money for an organization that uses the healing power of dogs to help people. What better choice is there than the Good Dog Foundation?
MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bar Mitzvah?
SG: I am happy to be doing this Mitzvah Project because I think it’s good to help people who are in need. I love dogs and I thought it would be nice if I could support a cause that involves dogs and people who need help. I thought of therapy dogs which led me to the Good Dog Foundation and the Caring Canine Costume Campaign makes it fun for people to participate.
For more information on The Good Dog Foundation, visit their Website or call them at (888) 859-9992.
October 12th, 2015
Hi Tech Photography and Events recently planned a winning basketball themed Bar Mitzvah for the Malamud family of Plainview, New York.
The party took place on June 13, 2015 at Temple Chaverim in Plainview, New York.
Zach comes from a family of sports fans and his love of basketball was the focus of his party that included a clever logo, multi-level centerpieces and decor.
Hi Tech Photography Events was the photographer.
The classic invitation was done by Beth Shapiro of Invitations with Love
The temple foyer was decorated to resemble a mini locker room with an oversized-seating chart for Zach’s All-Star guests
The Malamud family wore white so everyone knew who the real MVP was. The boys (and Dad Freddy too) all wore Nike sneakers
for the party to carry out the theme!
The doors to the ballroom were a prime spot for pictures of Zach wearing his logo “Zach Knows,” inspired by Nike Knows
Jerseys from Zach’s favorite teams served as table numbers
The multi-level centerpieces included memorabilia such as hats and basketballs. The linens were cobalt blue with lime green napkins
The kids’ lounge area had white furniture and the draping featured different images of Zach taken during his Bar Mitzvah pre-shoot
Great touches like this one above gave the decor an authentic basketball feel
Zach was all smiles as he was carried in by the Party Harty Entertainment dancers dressed in New York Knick City dancer outfits
The cake and candles for the candle lighting ceremony were in party colors
Kona Ice was a great addition for a June party
Randi Lehman of That One Special Touch created the favor bags and labels all displayed here and ready to be picked up by Zach’s friends
Lisa Willet of Print Me a Tee created the logo’d t-shirt favors
Great poster and creative idea to include pictures of Zach’s older brother Brett and sister Jenna into the party
Photography/Videography/Decor/Lounge Furniture/Seating Chart: Hi-Tech Photography Events; Music Entertainment: Party Harty Entertainment; Venue: Temple Chaverim; Caterer/Lounge furniture/Drapery and basketball stadium mural : Hasson Caterers;
Kona Ice Truck: Kona Ice; Invitation: Beth Shapiro, Invitations with Love; T-shirt favors: Print Me a Tee; Party favor bags and labels: Randi Lehman, That One Special Touch.
October 7th, 2015
This family from Natick, Massachusetts, celebrated their son’s Farmitzvah at the Inn at East Hill Farm in Troy, New Hampshire.
All the guests arrived on Friday for Shabbat dinner and stayed through breakfast on Sunday morning. The Inn at East Hill Farm is a resort as well as a working farm so all of the guests had a fun-filled weekend.
Pictured L-R: Bar Mitzvah boy Evan, Mom Kira, Brother Milo and Dad Steve.
The photographer was Kristen Lenox Photography and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.
The family bought a Tree of Life invitation on evite.com. The front of the invitation was laser cut to show the Bar Mitzvah boy’s name on the front
The inside of the invitation
RSVP and Schedule of Events
The intimate and personal service with family and friends was held in the dining room of the Inn.
Carrying the Torah through the dining room that transformed into a synagogue for the celebration
Guests listening to the prayers
A wonderful photo of everyone including family and friends after the service
Mom Kira created the siddur/program herself. The family’s favorite part of services at home revolve around the songs, so that is what they focused on.
Looking handsome in his red kippot and tie.
The family belongs to a Sunday school only, so they needed to find a non-temple location to have the service. On a recent trip to the farm they asked if they could host their family and friends for the weekend celebration and the innkeepers were very accommodating.
The family belongs to a Sunday school only, so they needed to find a non-temple location to have the service. On a recent trip to the farm they asked if they could host their family and friends for the weekend celebration and the innkeepers were very accommodating.
The beautiful Inn at East Hill Farm
The gift bags were given to guests upon check-in and included a schedule of events and scavenger hunt information. The gift bag goodies included New Hampshire-made chocolate covered pretzels, popcorn, salt water taffy, gourmet salt, maple syrup, a jam or jelly, soap, and a pencil for each family. Plus, a fun silly putty for each child
Mom Kira had buttons made for each guest so everyone could see what their relationship was to Evan. They were color coordinated based on side of the family or friend.
Red for the Bar Mitzvah boy since that was his party color
The family are big board gamers, so games were chosen carefully for the group including Bananagrams, Dominion, Telestrations, Apples to Apples, and Evan leading the group for Werewolf. Additional fun activities included: horseback riding, ping-pong and dodgeball.
Friday night bingo
Evan relaxing on a horseback ride after the ceremony Saturday morning
The guest of honor with magician Jason Purdy performing a trick that assigned each guest a board game to play that “amazingly” was the right game for that person
Tables with board game centerpieces and popcorn to enjoy while playing
Dodgeball on the lawn
Friendly ping pong tournament
The game Telestrations was fun for guests of all ages
Lots of specialty drinks from Espresso Dave who customized the menu. Life is Sweet baked the delicious mini-cupcakes.
The menu of hot drink options
Six flavors of mini-cup cakes
The Inn offers 3 meals a day, served family style. Breakfast the day after the Ceremony, was a great way to send off family and friends.
Evan donated to the Life Straw project to enable third world countries easier access to potable water. Each project helps a community of as many as 3,000-5,000 people get clean, safe water and significantly improves their quality of life.
Some advice from Mom Kira:
“Plan early and often. We had everything planned to the minute prior so during the event itself, we were able to simply enjoy.”
The following vendors helped to make Evan’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue/Caterer: The Inn at East Hill Farm, 603-242-6495
Photography/Videography: Kristen Lenox Photography, 603-703-2626
Invitation: evite.com
Games/Amusements: Jason Purdy, 603-352-1080
Beverages: Espresso Dave, 888-221-9029
Cakes and Desserts: Life is Sweet, 603-352-0900
Buttons: Wacky Buttons: 585-267-7670
October 7th, 2015
Mikey Espinosa and Stefen Shapiro of Plainview, New York are doing a great Bar Mitzvah Project together that we wanted to share.
Mikey’s Bar Mitzvah will be held on April 9, 2016 and Stefen’s Bar Mitzvah on February 6, 2016. Both boys are video game and football fanatics so for their joint Mitzvah Project, they decided to host a flag football event Sunday, October 18, 2015, in Plainview, New York.
The clever name, the M.E.S.S.(for the boy’s initials) Flag Football Warrior Bowl.
Pictured L-R: Mikey and Stefen.
The organizations that will benefit their project are: Wounded Warriors, Rangers Lead the Way; and Building Homes for Heroes.
We asked the boys for more information:
MM: Can you give us details of your Mitzvah Project?
ME/SS: We are both avid video game players and football fanatics. We decided to raise money for wounded soldiers and their families by hosting a community flag football event.
MM: Does your project have a start and end date, if so what are they?
ME/SS: The event is on Sunday, October 18, 2015 in Plainview, New York.
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project?
ME/SS: We both love the Call of Duty game on Xbox and it inspired we to create a “call of duty” in helping our service men and women.
MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bar Mitzvah?
Stefen: “Doing a Mitzvah Project for my Bar Mitzvah makes me feel good that I am helping others in need. I hope to continue to raise money and volunteer my time to help.”
Mikey: “I really want to help support our military and the soldiers in need of help.”
MM: If it involves a donation, what are you doing to spreading the word?
ME/SS: We have handed flyers out at school, at sports event and around the community. We have elected team captains to help organize and recruit players. We have also solicited local businesses for donations from the community.
MM: How long can people donate to this charity?
ME/SS: We are collecting money on www.gofundme.com/warriorbowl up until the day of the event. We just reached over $7,000 which was our goal but we want more donations!!
MM: Anything else we need to know about your Mitzvah Project?
ME/SS: The community really supported the flag football event. We created t-shirts and have a 9th grader, who is a DJ, helping with music. We also have food trucks coming to the event.
For registration and location information on this great Mitzvah Project, contact Mom Heather Shapiro at 516-445-4588 or Danielle Espinosa at 516-993-0610.
We wish Mikey and Stefen good luck with their event!
September 30th, 2015
“A Day in the Life of Aly” was the perfect Bat Mitzvah theme for Alyson Kratchman. The family, from Monroe, New Jersey, celebrated Alyson’s (Aly) Bat Mitzvah, with a service at Temple Beth Shalom in Manalapan, New Jersey. Later that evening was a party in her honor at Pines Manor in Edison New Jersey.
Since Aly has so many interests including: basketball, softball, social media, gymnastics and Starbucks, all were included in the creative theme and logo.
There was also a very touching father/daughter dance and a special montage.
Pictured: Brother Emery, Mom Koren, Bat Mitzvah girl Alyson, Dad Jarrett and Brother Logan.
Jeremy Messler Photography was the photographer and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of this story.
Mitzvah Service & Style
The service was held at Temple Beth Shalom. The family worked with Lori Steinberg, of All About Invitations & Event Creations on the pink, white and zebra invitation.
The zebra design kippot matched the invitation perfectly
The inside featured a nod to the theme, along with Alyson's name, date and an inscription, "A Day in the Life..."
Alyson hand painted this kiddush cup which she used during her service
The Kratchman family looked great the night of the party. Aly and Mom Koren looked elegant in their Jovani gowns and her brothers Logan and Emery and Dad Jarrett looked sharp in their matching Ralph Lauren grey suits with pink bow tie accents
This family knows how to have fun!
This is Aly's favorite photo from her celebration
Mitzvah Details
Shaina Fine of Balloon Artistry created the logo after getting initial input from Aly and her family. The logo and theme “A Day in the Life” highlighted Aly’s interests. Balloon Artistry created the room decor with each table representing a different day in Aly’s life. Some of the tables included decor and pictures of Aly playing basketball, performing gymnastics and of course, with her family.
The logo that was used throughout the event
The place card table was at the entrance of the venue. Both the place cards and gift box were created by Mom and Dad!
Dad Jarret did the graphics and Mom Koren cut and assembled each place card using her scrapbook tools!
Aly's color scheme of pink, white and zebra were used throughout the room
Over-sized sparkle balloons with tulle and lights
Picture cube 3D centerpieces like this one of "social media" were on each table
"Aly" in balloons on the wall
The logo was placed in the middle of a door which was used as her sign-in. The door is now back in Aly’s bedroom
Each family member had their own Krazy Straw that they used throughout the night. They were a huge hit!
Music & Entertainment
Jeffrey Craig Entertainment provided the music and non-stop dancing.
Aly making her entrance on the shoulder of one of the dancers
Up in the chair for the Horah!
Alyson entered the ballroom to the song "Selfie," so as soon as she entered the ballroom, she took a selfie with her selfie stick!
For the candle lighting ceremony, there were various sized votives. The simple, but elegant look was created by using submersible LED lights alternating in pink and white with floating candles, created by Classic Cake
Aly surrounded by her family
Mitzvah Moment
Aly’s Dad wrote the music and words to their father/daughter dance along with a music video that was shown simultaneously. It had guests tearing up and a moment the family will never forget. Alyson was conceived right after 9/11 as Mom Koren is a 9/11 survivor who was on the 74th floor of Two World Trade Center and was able to escape. Alyson had no clue that her father put together such a beautiful tribute to her.
What Mom Koren loves about this photo is that it shows the World Trade Center towers on the screens which has special meaning for the family and reminds them of how truly blessed they were that day
Exit Treats & Favors
The candy buffet was color coordinated and created by Mom Koren who kept to the pink, white, black with zebra print theme for all of the candies. Blue Streak Uniforms created the favors.
The candy buffet had a great poster of Aly above it
There were many color coordinated candies making it a sweet ending to a beautiful night
Who doesn't love a good egg cream for dessert? Brooklyn Seltzer Boys supplied the fizz
As guests left, there were delicious Philly Pretzels to enjoy on the car ride home. Dad Jarrett is from Philly, so this was a sure thing to please the crowd!
The beach totes for the girls were such a huge hit and so were the gym bags for the boys
The bags came out great and kids found them very useful!
Mom to Mom
Some advice from Mom Koren:
“Get organized! Hundreds of hours of planning all came together for one truly magical night.”
Mitzvah Project
Aly raised money for Simon’s Fund, a non-profit in Pennsylvania that raises money to do heart screenings. Alyson’s father and the co-founder of Simon’s Fund, Phyllis Sudman went to high school together. Simon’s Fund was established in 2005 in memory of Simon, son of Phyllis and Darren Sudman.
The organization provides free heart screenings to children, primarily in the Greater Philadelphia area. It also sponsors medical research projects, hosts awareness events, works with major medical institutions and promotes legislation.
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Alyson’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Pines Manor, 732-287-2222
Music Entertainment: Jeffrey Craig Entertainment, 732-952-8772
Photographer: Jeremy Messler Photography, 609-980-5082
Invitation: Lori Steinberg, All About Invitations and Event Creations, 845-357-8070
Logo/Décor: Shaina, Balloon Artistry, 845-352-2828
Party Entertainment: Foto Novelty, Inc., 866-452-0527
Sign-In – Balloon Artistry, 845-352-2828
Sweatshirt/Hat/Blanket Favor:
Krazy Straws: Krazy Straws, 215-925-1450
Cake: Classic Cake, 856-751-5448
Favors: Blue Streak Uniforms; 732-656-0400
Egg Creams: Alex Gomberg, Brooklyn Seltzer Boys, 718-649-0800
Pretzels: Philly Pretzel Company, 732-225-4567
Aly’s party dress: Lola’s in Manalapan, NJ
Mom’s party dress: Jovani dress, Dream Dresses, 732-607-1112
Suits for family members: Ralph Lauren
Kippot: Kippah.com, 718-435-3288
September 26th, 2015
We are sharing a “cool” and “smokin'” Bar Bat Mitzvah dessert and/or Bar Bat Mitzvah specialty drink to serve your guests!
321Chillz is a mobile liquid nitrogen cocktail bar that creates the smooth and delicious ice cream and frozen cocktails right before your eyes… at 321°F!
321Chillz uses only the freshest local ingredients to create an imaginative dessert experience for your guests.
Let them create and serve your Bar Bat Mitzvah party cocktails and/or chilled desserts in a magical way!
It looks unique and tastes better than traditional cocktails or ice cream
They can do non-alcoholic drinks and desserts for the kids
Their trained staff prepares unique cocktails and ice cream
Some of the popular flavors include: White Peach Bellini (above), Expresso Martini, Fresh Jalapeno Pineapple Margarita
To find out more about 321Chillz, contact: Radhika Chinai, 201-452-0599 or check out their Website at 321Chillz.
September 26th, 2015
Imagine a big red barn repurposed for your daughter’s “Hoedown” Bat Mitzvah celebration! Sound fun? Mosey on over…
This Western themed Bat Mitzvah does not come to us from the South, but instead took place in Chester, New Jersey, where they know how to have a hoedown!
Event planning company Hatch Creative Studio transformed the large red barn at Alstede Farms in Chester to celebrate Gabby’s Bat Mitzvah. No detail was overlooked – the transformation was amazing! Friends and family partied into the night with the help of On The Move entertainment. What a fun night of celebrating! All images provided by Adena Stevens owner of Studio A Images.
Guests were directed to the large red barn
The adorable family looked great in their “hoedown” themed outfits!
Guests were taken by hayride to the barn for the party
Bales of hay were part of the decor…
…and doubled as lounge furniture!
Entertainment for the young guests
You can’t have a proper hoedown without a cowboy hat…
…or bandanas!
Centerpieces were simple and beautiful in mason jars
Guests dressed in “hoedown” attire
When the sun went down, a corn maze provided a fun nighttime challenge for Gabby’s friends
The horah, country style!
Beautiful sunflower cupcakes for dessert
Thanks to Studio A Images for sharing this unique Hoedown celebration with Mitzvah Market!
September 23rd, 2015
A New York City themed Bat Mitzvah was part of a recent Bat Mitzvah celebration in San Diego, California.
The bright lights and big city feel of the Big Apple were apparent at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar hotel. Filled with clever details such as very cool kippot and creative place cards and sign-in board.
As the traditional service ended, the festivities continued in the grand ballroom where guests navigated the streets of SoHo, Wall Street and many other neighborhood landmarks.
Aaron Huniu Photography was the photographer.
Silver textured glitter Bat Mitzvah invitation
Bat Mitzvah girl Lindsey and her parents at the Bimah
Coloful New York City kippot
New York taxi place card holders held guests’ seating assignments
The menu card included the famous skyline
Popular New York City neighborhoods inscribed on a chalk graffiti wall
Large letters spelling out “Welcome to the Big Apple” decorated the kids’ communal tables
The adult centerpieces included a festive Times Square table and sports theme for the Madison Square Garden table
Guests signing the “Words to Lindsey” chalkboard wall
Lindsey and her dad having a dance with her logo above on the screen
New York City scenes were shown on screens behind the dance floor risers
Warm pretzels made guests feel like they were in the heart of the city
The event also featured a deluxe spread of assorted desserts and candies from a sweet New York City favorite, Dylan’s Candy Bar
We thank the family and Aaron Huniu Photography for sharing this great Bat Mitzvah with our readers.
Photographer: Aaron Huniu Photography; Venue: The Grand Del Mar; Event Coordinator & Design: Details Defined, Lisa Lippe; Candy Bar; Dylan’s Candy Bar; Photobooth & Green Screen: SoCal Green Screen; Music Entertainment: Feel the Vibe, MC Jimmy Lee; Kippot:Best Kippah; Henna: SD Henna.
September 20th, 2015
The Tashlik family of Port Washington, New York, celebrated daughter Zoe’s Bat Mitzvah at Temple Beth Israel in Port Washington, New York. The ZO awesome celebration took place the next day at Temple Or Elohim in Jericho, New York.
It was a stylish celebration with close family, friends and without question ZO much more awesome than the family could have imagined!
Pictured L-R: Sister Mollie, Mom Mindy, Bat Mitzvah girl Zoe, Dad Scott holding sister Ella and Sister Maddie.
The party photographer was Photography by Felicia. The dress photo shoot was by Julie Shapiro Photography and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.
The family worked with Suzi of Wow Creations on the invitation which had a purple mirror layer and lavender shimmer back layer with a separate party card.
Guests replied back to an email set up for the responses
Bat Mitzvah girl Zoe between her parents on the Bimah
Zoe began her Bat Mitzvah weekend with a Friday Night Live! Shabbat service at Temple Beth Israel in Port Washington. This popular service featured renowned Jewish rock musician and song leader, Naomi Less. Zoe then led the Shabbat morning services followed by a beautiful luncheon.
This family knows how to be stylish! Bat Mitzvah girl Zoe wore a pale purple cocktail dress, from Designing Dreams, with crystal stones and sequins spilling onto the tulle skirt.
Mom Mindy wore a beautiful gown from My Daughter’s Wedding. Sisters Maddie and Mollie’s dresses were from Outrageous Boutique and youngest sister Ella’s dress was from Lester’s
The tiara Zoe wore belongs to Mom Mindy’s best friend “Aunt” Marnie. The tiara was designed by renown bridal designer Nelson DeLeon. “Aunt” Marnie is a cancer survivor and to honor her, Zoe and Mindy walked together in the NYC Race for the Cure. Both Zoe, and her older sister Maddie, have worn this tiara, as a tribute to their beloved Marnie
Lighter Than Air created the decor using Zoe’s favorite color purple along with modern elements such as chevron designs and lots of bling. The room at Temple Or Elohim was transformed into a ZO fabulous party room.
Three different centerpieces were alternated on the adult tables, tying together her purple color scheme
Above is the centerpiece with over-sized purple and grey feathers. The draping separated the adult area from the kids’ lounge
This centerpiece had lots of bling, the one behind it was the letter “Z” in a chevron design
The table numbers were created by Mom Mindy and Zoe as homage to Zoe’s longstanding love for all-things-Disney
She looks every bit a Disney princess!
Giant photo renderings of Zoe in her sunglasses hung on either side of the dance floor stage and are now hanging in their home
The Wow Factor created post cards for guests to “send” to Zoe in Z-mail box.
This was a completely allergy-sensitive occasion as Zoe’s sister has many serious allergies. Hasson Caterers went above and beyond to make sure she was safe with delicious options to choose from. This held true for their gluten-free and other allergic guests. There was something for everyone!
In true Zoe style, she gave guests high fives as she entered her party to the song, “Everything is Awesome”
MC Jared Levine from More than Music and the dancers keep guests on the dance floor all night.
Mom Mindy’s blinged out sneakers from Designing Dreams (featured left) and Zoe changed from sparkle heels into her preferred lavender Superga sneakers that she enhanced with lilac satin ribbon shoe laces
MC Jared with Zoe and her friends up on the risers
There was a red carpet photo booth that greeted guests as they entered so everyone could take an arrival photo. It then moved inside where guests could pose with friends, family, the guest of honor, or her life size cutout!
Zoe and her over-sized self!
Mom and Dad surrounded by their friends having ZO much fun
Mom Mindy’s best friends enjoying their ZO awesome give-aways
Zoe chose an abbreviated candle lighting ceremony, simplified to “Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow” with one candle representing each generation past, present and future with a poem for each group. The fourth candle was hers surrounded by friends.
Zoe is the second of four sisters. There is a family tradition of the “Little Sister speech.” Mollie’s tribute was wonderful and very funny!
The morning after her Bat Mitzvah Zoe wore her sweatpants, t-shirt and hat give-ways from Act 2 Promo. In her hand is a souvenir centerpiece topper.
Zoe was involved with many Mitzvah Projects. She donated handmade preemie caps to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at North Shore University Hospital at Manhasset, New York as Zoe was a preemie too! She also honored the memory of a child who perished in the Holocaust prior to becoming a Bat Mitzvah through Remember-US. In addition Zoe was involved in supporting mental health awareness raising funds for NAMI Walk 2015 which took place on the day of Zoe’s Bat Mitzvah. Though she could not participate along with her teacher and class, she raised money for this cause and supported the team.
This is the flyer Zoe sent to friends and family
Some advice from Mom Mindy:
“Enjoy it! Be organized. Learn Excel and make spreadsheets. Ask friends for help and advice and share the joy! Trust those you engaged to put the shindig together – they are the experts and you gave them your input and preferences. Believe that they know what they are doing, their reputation should speak volumes. Have faith and enjoy instead of worrying. Trust your intuition when making decisions – you will know, for example, when the MC is the right match for your family and your occasion once you meet them or see them in action – go with your instinct even if it’s the slightly more expensive option. It makes the party. Dance at your party, don’t count the sushi or stress when the napkins are Caribbean blue instead of turquoise… and don’t worry about the small stuff. A great caterer has all of those details covered and more. Wear something special and glamorous and feel beautiful, a gown is your prerogative, day or night, because you deserve it. Let your child wear sneakers if they want to – it’s their party – and make them awesome! Laugh when your wristbands come imprinted with the 13th instead of the 3rd (once we caught the wristband mix up, which was “my bad” since I ok’d the proof), our awesome vendor replaced them free of charge, rush delivery! In the scheme of things, all that matters is the smile on your son or daughter’s face, and the pride and joy on yours. Appreciate those who worked to make your day so wonderful and give gratuities. And if you’re me, get ready to do it again in 2017 on your fiftieth birthday for daughter number 3!”
The following vendors helped to make Zoe’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their products or services on MitzvahMarket.com
Venue: Temple Or Elohim, 516-433-9888
Caterer/Cake: Hasson Caterers, 516-937-0120
Party Planner: Mom Mindy Tashlik
Music Entertainment: MC Jared Levine, More than Music, 516-626-9400
Party Photographer: Photography By Felicia, 516-242-1947
Pre-party dress Photo Shoot: Julie Shapiro Photography, 917-696-8916
Décor/florist: Lighter than Air Events, 516-933-2113
Videographer: Joe Pergo, Dockside Digital Videography, 631-944-1994
Invitation: Suzi Evangelista, Wow Creations, 516-662-9558
Zap Shots: Ross Farber, Events by Ross
Photo booth, Sign-In Postcards: Gina and Brian Geiger, The Wow Factor Party, 631-897-2556
Favors/hats/t-shirt giveaways: Act 2 Promo, Debbie Lerner, 917-882-4340
Table numbers design: Bat Mitzvah girl Zoe and Mom Mindy
Zoe’s sneakers: Superga on Zappos.com
Mom Mindy’s dress: My Daughter’s Wedding, 516-773-2367
Bat Mitzvah girl Zoe dress/Mom’s blinged sneakers: Designing Dreams, 516-248-1988
Sisters’ Maddie and Mollie’s party dresses: Amy, Outrageous Boutique, 516-931-3331
Sister Ella’s dress: Lester’s
Hair: Cori Levin, Cactus Salon, Deer Park, NY location, 631-423-7110
Makeup: Jessica Abel, 516-984-4309
