April 30th, 2014
You can find inspiration anywhere!
BizBash, the leading trade media for the event industry, came out with some cutting-edge decor ideas to incorporate into your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration.
We wanted to share some of the ideas and featured vendors by writer Heather Lee.
A Bar Mitzvah designed by New York-based David Stark Design and Production had custom super-size signs, like this “Eat” made of favorite books
For a tailgate-party-themed Bar Mitzvah, Sara Renee Lowell of Sara Renee Events in South Florida and lighting company Designs by Sean created sleek cube-shaped photo centerpieces that were illuminated from within
A futuristic Bat Mitzvah designed by Washington, D.C. based Terri Bergman Events featured a custom soda bar fabricated by Chicka Event Production with built-in iPod listening stations
A Pop Art-inspired Bat Mitzvah, designed by Danielle Couick of Magnolia Bluebird Design & Events, was held at the Decatur House in Washington, D.C.
A Bat Mitzvah designed by Boston-based Rafanelli Events incorporated a Willy Wonka theme and a cocktail bar cleverly constructed to resemble candy buttons. Chicka Event Production provided the custom bar
To learn more about BizBash, click here.
April 30th, 2014
We read about a creative mystery themed Bar Mitzvah on Occasions Online and here’s a clue, “We know who did it!”
The Copeland family from Des Moines, Iowa, came up with the theme together and then Mom Christine, a graphic artist with her own company Designs2 Events and Graphics, went to work creating the invitation, styling and event design.
The classic color duo of black and white was used throughout Jacob’s celebration with bright accents of copper and silver.
Amanda Seales was the photographer and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom.
Suspects, (we mean guests), were invited to the Bar Mitzvah by this creative invitation suite with Sherlock Homes inspired magnifying glass on the information card and a finger print on the RSVP
The text on the envelope liner was a variety of quotes from Sherlock Holmes stories
Mysterious footprints lined the main entry hall
The “Guest Book” was a Word Search with guests’ names on it. It was fun to watch everyone try and find their name
A copper centerpiece with typewritten font
The creative signage throughout the party was Sherlock Holmes inspired
Guests were invited to help themselves to a “Mystery Soda” bar with a variety of different flavored syrups
Custom backdrop at the dessert table that showcased a Sherlock Holmes style silhouette of Jacob
Chocolate Mouse dessert with personalized spoons and typewriter font
Favor boxes of sweet treats were sent home with guests
Venue: The Caspe Terrace/Bookey Lodge; Event Design & Styling, Invitations: Designs2 Events and Graphics; Photography: Amanda Seals; Music/DJ: Knight Life Productions; Catering & Desserts: Copeland Catering and Boxcarr Farms; Balloons & Tassels: The Flair Exchange
April 23rd, 2014
We recently saw a wonderful Mitzvah Project featured on ABC-TV’s Good Morning America and wanted to share it with our readers.
Billy Cook, a 12-year-old from Washington Township, New Jersey, is a self-described “baseball fanatic” and he sure hit a home run with his Mitzvah Project!
Combining his love of the game, specifically the New York Yankees, and honoring U.S. soldiers serving overseas, he came up with the idea of “Billy’s BASEballs” for his Mitzvah Project.
Billy had originally planned to send letters to the troops to complete his service requirement. Like most, Billy is a busy kid with school as well as playing baseball and basketball. An idea from his mom, Phylisse Cook, to include baseballs with his letters to the troops, sparked an even bigger idea.
She said, “Why don’t we just write the letters right on the baseballs.” A great idea was born.
With the aid of his mom, dad and brother, since October Billy has sent 1,500 baseballs to soldiers serving as far away as Afghanistan.
“We send a lot to AFRICOM, the largest military base outside the U.S.,” said Cook. “We send 18 balls at a time and one person becomes the baseball ambassador and hands them out to their unit.”
Billy and his family have purchased over 100 baseballs while the rest have been donated by family, friends, local businesses and baseball organizations. The Cooks handle the shipping of the baseballs and worked with the Major Stuart Adam Wolfert Institute in New York to determine where around the globe the baseballs should be sent.
They ask people to address the notes with, ‘To Our Heroes,’ and then they write a message of hope. The family brings baseballs to groups like the Girl Scouts and host tables at local events where anyone can sign a baseball for a member of the U.S. Armed Forces.
Billy has received many great notes of thanks: one soldier wrote that he joined the military after he was cut from a Major League Baseball team and that this was the coolest gift he’s ever received and that it was so personal it brought him back to his youth.
Recently Billy was awarded Citizen of the Year from the North Jersey Crime Prevention Unit.
Though Billy’s Bar Mitzvah will be held in April, he is leading the effort to continue and expand “Billy’s BASEballs” to make sure it continues after his Bar Mitzvah.
For more information on Billy’s BASEballs, click here.
April 9th, 2014
Felici Events founder Zohe Felici, one of the most popular and sought-after event planners in Santa Barbara, California, recently created a Bat Mitzvah celebration where the theme of the event was pink, honoring breast cancer survivors including the Bat Mitzvah girl’s grandmother.
This Bat Mitzvah was also dedicated to another one of Felici Events’ clients, The Breast Cancer Resource Center of Santa Barbara.
A pink carpet flanked the party entrance along with paper puff balls hanging from the chandelier
This Bat Mitzvah family wanted to incorporate the Western Wall as a unique guest book. They found the replica above from a local Rabbi. After a few tweaks with foliage and hanging baskets, it served as a great place to leave notes of well wishes for the guest of honor
Pink frames were a nice added touch throughout the event
Maintaining a whimsical feel, wire strands were used to hang the escort cards and paper puff balls from the main chandelier
Pink “mock-tinis” for the kids
Playing with the height of the ceiling of the club’s main dining area, large round balloons were used as part of the centerpieces
The adult side of the banquet room featured shantung linens and mono-chromatic floral pieces
Dessert and cupcakes were provided by Wayne Kjar Cakes as the sweet ending to the night
Event Planner: Felici Events, Photography: Jay Farbman Photography, Venue: Montecito Country Club, Linens: La Tavola Linen, Flowers: Camellia Floral Design
April 9th, 2014
As we have seen in many of our Mitzvah Family Spotlight stories, a locker has become a popular sign-in option. This is something that can be used in your home after your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration is over.
Airgraphics Entertainment, a special events company that provides airbrushed apparel, photos, and party favors are now offering custom painted kids lockers!
They are available in 11 colors and can be customized with cool graphics.
There is a 3 week turnaround time to order the product, have it painted, and delivered to your Bar Bat Mitzvah venue.
This is perfect to keep in your child’s room for additional storage and decor.
Contact Airgraphics Entertainment to learn more.
April 5th, 2014
The Sollender family from Short Hills, New Jersey, celebrated their son Ethan’s Bar Mitzvah on October 19, 2013, with a Kiddush luncheon at Temple B’nai Jeshurun in Short Hills, New Jersey, and a reception at Space in Englewood, New Jersey.
This celebration was very different from his sister Paige’s, who had a skiing theme. His theme was “E,” not only his first initial, but also his nickname.
Pictured L-R: Dad Marshall, Bar Mitzvah boy Ethan, Mom Shari and Sister Paige.
The photographer was Jeffrey Fleisig Photography and the rest of the vendor directory is listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Ethan at the Bimah for his service at Temple B’nai Jeshurun in Short Hills, New Jersey.
Julie Maloof Designs created the unique cut-out letter “E” invitation.
The entire Sollender family looked great. The men got their clothing at 580 South. Mom Shari purchased her cocktail dress at Lyn Kohls Boutique and sister Paige found her dress at Neiman Marcus.
The Sollender family in front of the arcade at Space
The family wanted a fun and exciting location for Ethan’s Bar Mitzvah which is why they chose Space, an event venue with built-in video games, a bowling ally and a great dance floor.
Elvira Grau owner of Space created most of the decor using Ethan’s first initial “E.”
The “E” invitation was on display on the place card table
“E” was used around the room as a decor accent
This “E” was part of the adult centerpieces
Ethan’s sign-in was an original painting which incorporated his love of lacrosse and his initial.
Ethan’s sign-in now hangs in his room at home
Hi NRG Sound Productions, with Charlie as the MC, was the music entertainment and they kept everyone dancing all night.
Ethan with MC Charlie
Ethan was in the middle of the action all night
Space offers many activities for guests of all ages.
Magician Jason Silberman wowed the crowd
Space offers great interactive fun
Ethan enjoyed the photo booth
The Main Event was on hand with great photo favors
Mom Shari’s company Images4Ever produced his montage.
Watch here
Party Swag by Zapgo designed the hooded sweatshirt for all of Ethan’s friends.
“E”mazing and delicious pretzels from Philly Pretzel Factory Of Livingston were given out at the end of the party as the guests were leaving.
Ethan worked with the Friendship Circle for his Mitzvah Project. The Friendship Circle extends a helping hand to families who have children with autism and other special needs and involves them in a full range of Jewish and social experiences.
Ethan took a few of their classes and worked at their camp at the end of the summer. He spent a few days with a special needs boy and gave him the experience of an amusement park and Rebounderz Trampoline Park. Ethan enjoyed it as much as he did!
Advice from Mom Shari:
“This is my second Mitzvah that I planned. Both were special in their own way. My advice would be to choose a party that suits your child. The day is about him/her, not anyone else. Include your child in some of the decisions that need to be made for the day. Ask them their opinions so they feel included. When you are at the party, try and say hello to as many people as possible and then just enjoy and have fun.”
The following vendors helped to make Ethan’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue/Party Planner: Elvira Grau, Space, 201-567-3810
Music Entertainment: MC Charlie, HI NRG Sound Productions, 718-818-8490
Photographer: Jeffrey Fleisig, 845-596-0825
Invitations: Julie Maloof Designs, 973-615-6952
Favors: Party Swag by Zapgo, Shari Schwartz 973-380-3221
Photo booth: The Main Event, 800-839-0918
Magician: Jason Silberman Magic
Videographer: Lorenzo Esquival, picsbylorenzo@yahoo.com
Montage: Mom Shari Sollender, Images4Ever, 973-945-0573
Pretzel’s: Philly Soft Pretzel Factory, Livingston, NJ location, 973- 994-1004
Sign-in board: Carrie Melandrino, 310-387-0362
Mom Shari’s cocktail dresses: Lyn Kohls, 973-467-7800
Sister Paige’s cocktail dress: Neiman Marcus
Suits for Men: 580 South, 973-758-0580
Hair: Subway Salon, Short Hills, NJ
Make-up: Julu, Beauty-kelly@julubeauty.com
Transportation: Jordan Bus Company, 973-838-5000
April 2nd, 2014
Bar and Bat Mitzvah receptions are not complete without the traditional Horah!
Usually a few strong and brave guests hoist up the Bar or Bat Mitzvah child in the air and then their immediate family as the song Hava Nagila plays loudly.
Friends and family dance around in a circle looking at the guest of honor in the chair as they try their hardest not to look scared.
The Horah is a great photo opportunity and makes for lasting memories.
Here are some fun things that other families have done to start a tradition of their own around their child’s Horah!
The chair above with a special lifting handrail is from Kombert Caterers.
As we reported in the Rothenberg Bar Mitzvah Family Spotlight, the Mitzvah dad custom built the Horah chair made from old hockey sticks!
At this celebration, certain guests were identified as the “Hora Hoister” for a better organized dance
As reported in the Gendler Bat Mitzvah Family Spotlight, this family bought an unfinished chair, painted it and then stenciled the Bat Mitzvah girl’s name, date and Hebrew name on it. She also added a beautiful quote from the Torah on the front and decorated it with lots of big rhinestones
If you’re going to be up in the chair, wear some fabulous shoes like this Bat Mitzvah Mom did from the Rosh-Gorsky Bat Mitzvah Family Spotlight story
This family had t-shirts created saying, “Chair Guy” and handed them out to those friends who would be doing the lifting
Flutter FETTI® adds to the festive celebration with a flurry of colorful confetti swirling around a dance floor!
Did you do something special for your child’s Horah? Please share it with us at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
April 2nd, 2014
Linzi Etzion of Linzi Events recently planned a New York-themed Bar Mitzvah celebration for a family from Boca Raton, Florida.
With so many great details, guests felt like they were visiting New York City!
This celebration took place at Delaire Country Club in Delray Beach, Florida, and Domino Arts Photography and Video was the photographer.
The New York Times was creatively used as part of the table tops
The menu resembled New York City subway signs
Fun New York City themed centerpiece
The New York City skyline served as a stunning backdrop against one wall
The kids’ lounge featured graffiti posters in the background
MC James and the Triple P dancers joined the Bar Mitzvah boy and everyone was in a New York State of Mind
The Bar Mitzvah boy made a grand entrance into the ballroom
The dance floor plasma screens featured shots of New York City’s famous landmarks
Full room shot with checkerboard dance floor
We thank Linzi Events for sharing this Bar Mitzvah celebration with our readers.
The following vendors worked on this celebration:
Party Planner: Linzi Etzion, Linzi Events; Photographer: Domino Arts Photography and Video;
Music Entertainment: MC James Campbell and Justin Kratish with Premier Power Productions;
Venue: Delaire Country Club
March 30th, 2014
Kayla Wolfson a sixth-grade student at The RASG Hebrew Academy in Miami Beach, Florida, loves to bake and found the perfect Mitzvah Project with Pies for Prevention.
Founded by two sisters in Teaneck, New Jersey, who lost both their mom and grandmother to Ovarian cancer, the funds raised help launch programming for ovarian cancer patients through the Jewish organization, Sharsheret.
Pictured Above: L-R Kayla Wolfson and her friends
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular Mitzvah Project?
KW: About six months ago, my parents and I started discussing ideas for a Mitzvah Project in honor of my Bat Mitzvah. I wanted to do something unique that would be meaningful to me and also do something that my friends could participate in. Immediately, I thought of an organization called Sharsheret. Sharsheret supports Jewish women and their families facing breast and ovarian cancer. My parents and I did some research and found out more information about a project of Sharsheret’s called Pies for Prevention. Since I love to bake, this seemed like the perfect fit.
MM: Can you give us details of your Mitzvah Project?
KW: Pies for Prevention is a bake sale held during Thanksgiving. The idea came about from two women Adeena Sussman and Sharon Weider, who lost their mother, Stephanie Sussman at the age of 63 and then their grandmother, Ann Nadrich from ovarian cancer. They wanted to do something special and meaningful to honor their memories. Since their mother was a wonderful cook and baker they thought a bake sale benefiting Sharsheret’s Ovarian Cancer Program would be a perfect match. The Bake Sale began four years ago with locations in Teaneck, N.J., and Manhattan. Since then they have added Atlanta; Sharon, MA; West Orange, NJ; Great Neck, NY; Englewood, NJ; East Brunswick, NJ; and now this year, Miami. This project has raised more than $80,000 as well as awareness of Sharsheret’s amazing accomplishments and support network.
MM: Please give us details of your Mitzvah Project?
KW: The girls in the sixth-grade class came over to help me bake over 125 pies. Each pie was pre-ordered and sold for $18. I was able to raise over $3,000 for Sharsheret. I am proud to have donated all the ingredients we used for the pies and I am proud to have participated in such an incredible Mitzvah Project in honor of my Bat Mitzvah.
MM: How did you spread the word?
KW: I created this flyer.
We thank Kyla and her family for sharing this wonderful Bat Mitzvah project with our Mitzvah Market readers.
March 30th, 2014
The Beinhaker family from Westfield, New Jersey, celebrated son Camden’s Bar Mitzvah over Labor Day weekend at Camp Kinder Ring in Hopewell Junction, New York. It was a weekend celebration that offered all of the excitement of sleepaway camp in just three short days. Camden, who has never gone to sleepaway camp, was able to enjoy it for the first time with his family and friends.
Pictured L-R: Sister Lleyton, Mom Anita, Bar Mitzvah Boy Camden, Dad Mitchell and Sister Aylinn.
The photographer was Matt Petricone and the rest of the vendors are listed at the end of the spotlight.
Jennifer Wilner of White Wave Graphics designed the invitation and Matt Kennedy from Digital Craft Design and Fabrication Services is the artist that did the wood burning for the invitations. They both really set the tone for this invitation by creating the “rustic” feeling of camp
Camp Kinder Ring is a sleep away camp located in Hopewell Junction, New York, and a wonderful location for a special weekend. With the beautiful tree-lined entrance guests pulled up to a red banner that read, “Camp Camden”
As guests drove down a tree-lined path they were greeted by poster size photos of Camden which hung on trees. This photo was the first, Camden as a newborn. There were photo posters of Camden up to age 12
There were also directional signs to all activities and events posted on large tree trunks
The Beinhakers looked great throughout the weekend with different outfits for the casual photo shoot, the service and the party. The family posed in their camp chic outfits by the lake before Friday night services
Green was the accent color for Saturday morning services
They looked great in their party clothes
The logo, also created by Jennifer Wilner, was seen throughout the party
There were many great camp elements incorporated into the party. Close family friends arrived on Friday night and as they checked in, they received weekend agendas, camp maps and “Camp Camden” blankets to keep them cozy at night. Saturday morning a chartered bus brought Camden’s guests and the kids enjoyed a boxed breakfast and a movie on the bus
The fun-filled weekend schedule
A map of the camp with guest names and bunk location
The family at Friday night services
Saturday morning services took place lakeside with over 200 guests to share the special occasion
Friends of Camden’s distributed prayer books to guests
After the service, guests feasted on their favorite comfort food at a BBQ lunch
And then, thankfully the sun came out!
After lunch, Camden’s friends went head-to-head in a friendly color war competition. The other guests enjoyed activities by the lake, pool and around the camp, including: tennis, boating, hockey, hiking and water trampoline
Ice cream and camp…the perfect combination
Happy campers took time to pose
No sleep away experience is complete without fun on the lake!
Camden and a friend
A friendly tug of war competition
Guests enjoyed Camden’s Trail Mix Bar, an ice cream bar and refreshments
A few guests were excited to “decorate” Camden’s cabin
Camden made quite the entrance after the showing off his custom movie trailer created by Matt Petricone. This James Bond-loving Bar Mitzvah boy made quite the entrance!
Watch here
Magnolia West Events embraced the location and added many great decor details for Camden’s reception. The real Camden next to a life-size poster of Camden
Pictures of the Bar Mitzvah boy strung with twine along the walls
Burlap table cloths added to the rustic chic camp feel
Using natural elements, and logo’d mason jars, the tables were transformed!
Sliced wood with numbers painted in red were used as table numbers
The custom menu with the Camp Camden logo
Large canoes filled with drinks were a clever touch
Cupcakes were beautifully displayed on tree stumps
Camden’s mom Anita thought of this great sign-in idea using two oars!
MC Jay Della Valle and Spinners Entertainment had the guests of all ages dancing through the night. Camden up in the chair for the Horah. Check out the ceiling Gobo!
Hanging with the dancers
Camden had a special and creative “fish” candle lighting ceremony. As you will see below, guests lit a fish candle and then followed Camden out to the lake where additional guests lit a candle, made a wish and set them afloat. The fish candles displayed on the candle lighting table
Camden with his sisters
Camden with his Mom and Dad were all smiles
What a beautiful end to his candle lighting service
A bonfire on the shore with s’mores ended the evening
MR Designs and Promotions created blankets that were given to all guests at check-in.The warm blankets featured Camden’s logo
After a night of partying, guests enjoyed brunch on Sunday morning with a candy bar at check-out before heading home
Bar Mitzvah Project
Camden has loved building and creating with Legos since he was a toddler. Camden realized that Legos are quite expensive and not every child has the opportunity to enjoy them. He decided that he would collect used and new Lego sets for the Plainfield YMCA and underprivileged kids who use the facility. Lego sets help inspire children to create and help them develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Legos also help children learn to think in three dimensions in construction and design.
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Camden’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue/Caterer/Party Security: Camp Kinder Ring, 845-221-2771
Rabbi: Rabbi Joshua Leighton, Temple Emanu-El
Party Planner/Decor: Danielle Gorman, Magnolia West Events, 201-579 – 0542
Photographer/Entrance Video: Matt Petricone, 973-868-9043
Music Entertainment: MC Jay Della Valle, Spinners Entertainment, 917-749-6035
Favors: MR Designs and Promotions, 908-928-9400
Invitation: Jennifer Wilner, White Wave Graphics, 201-892-8343
Invitation:Matt Kennedy, Digital Craft Design and Fabrication Services, 503-381-6414
Cake: Gigi’s Cupcakes, 973-763-8986
Sign-In board: Mom, Anita Beinhaker
Programs and maps: White Wave Graphics
Fish candles: Crafted Candles, 800-635-0274
Dresses for family members Friday Night Services: BCBG
Suits for family members: Calvin Klein
Transportation: Rolling V. Transportation Services
