March 30th, 2014
We all give our best wishes to the guest of honor at a Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration.
Although there’s a slim chance that the President and Mrs. Obama will attend your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah, they might send a nice letter of congrats!
Here are some creative ways to go beyond the typical “Mazel Tov” card. You will definitely be remembered with this type of congratulations!
The White House – Cost free
If you want to receive a letter from President Obama and his wife expressing congratulations to a Bar Bat Mitzvah child on their big day, just send them an invitation!
The White House will send signed greeting cards and recognition but requests need to be received six weeks prior to the event. Address the envelope to:
Honorable Barack Obama and Mrs. Obama
The White House
Greetings Office Rm. 39
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20500
Madison Square Garden – Cost $100
Want to wish your friend or family member Mazel Tov on the big screen at Madison Square Garden?
What better way to say “Mazel Tov!” than in front of thousands of fans at the World’s Most Famous Arena! Whether you’re in the Garden for a Knicks, Rangers, or Liberty game, you can personalize each Garden experience with a message on Gardenvision! All proceeds from the Knicks Notes, Rangers, and Liberty Sweet Spot programs benefit Garden of Dreams
Get more info here
Disney World – Cost free
Is your child a fan of Disney World, Cinderella or Prince Charming?
You can receive a letter of congratulations by writing to:
Walt Disney World Info
Guest Letters/Letters to Mickey Mouse
P.O. Box 10040
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830-0040
Cinderella and Prince Charming
P.O. Box 1000
Lake Buena Vista, Florida 32830
Telegramstop.com – Cost $7.19
The telegram has a long, proud, and important history in the development of personal communication.
These telegrams are made to look and feel like a classic telegram from the days when telegrams were one of the only forms of national and international communication
OneShare.com – Cost varies depending on the stock
These days kids have just about everything! OneShare.com allows you to buy a share of stock (that a Bar Bat Mitzvah kid would recognize) and have it framed with a special message. The great part is that it can gain equity over time!
Did you send or receive a unique Mazel Tov? Let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
March 26th, 2014
The Feinberg family from Hollywood, Florida, celebrated daughter Helaina’s Bat Mitzvah in January, 2012.
Color was incorporated in every aspect of this Bat Mitzvah especially the candle lighting ceremony which was non-traditional and enjoyed by everyone.
Pictured L-R: Mom Marnie, Bat Mitzvah girl Helaina, Dad Joel and brother Peter.
Ricardo Serpa was the photographer and the rest of the vendors are listed at the end of the Spotlight.
Helaina’s service was at Temple Solel. She wore a white dress, leaving guests with no idea what they were in for at the reception!
A multi-colored font was the perfect way to celebrate this colorful girl. We love the die-cut name on top!
Helaina loves color and fashion, so the appropriate theme was, “Shades of Helaina.” Mom Marnie had a collection of photos which showed how Helaina loved to dress up as if it were Halloween. Photos of Helaina starting at age 2 were incorporated into this large “H”
Color is very important to Helaina so with the help of Linda Reader of ME Productions, there were many beautiful colors incorporated into the decor. The beautiful tie-dyed roses were delivered from Holland the night before this event and added incredible color to the centerpieces
Colorful chair pads and back bows added pizazz
The ballroom featured large spheres that changed colors
Large blow-up posters of Helaina in colorful outfits added to the decor
Helaina made her special entrance in a multicolored spectacular dress which looked great during the Horah. ME Entertainment provided the music entertainment with Marcelo as the MC. He kept the party fun and festive all night
For her candle lighting ceremony, Helaina did something very non-traditional: she turned the ceremony into an exciting fashion show that went on throughout the party! Every twenty minutes Helaina did a wardrobe change into the “theme” of the candle, the song choice and the guest/s being called up
Helaina in her funky 1980’s outfit for her cousin’s candle lighting
When calling up her cousins, they played their favorite song, “Funkytown” by Lipps
When she called up her maternal grandma, who loves Elvis, she returned in an Elvis costume and played the Elvis version of “My Way”
For her aunts and uncles there was a hip hop theme
In the tradition of Oprah’s “My Favorite Things” show, Helaina came out to honor her friends in PJ’s and a blanket. She then announced that everyone would be taking a blanket home that day!
One of the many fun activities was a large chair and a life-size cut-out of “Helaina” for the photo booth
The Boxercraft blanket given to Helaina’s guests was wrapped with a pack of rainbow gum balls
Some advice from Mom Marnie:
“Helaina is the most colorful girl so we went with lots of color, it was such a fun (and exhausting) theme, but was enjoyed by everyone for being a little off the beaten path.”
The following vendors helped to make Helaina’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
March 17th, 2014
For all those Bat Mitzvah girls who like their bling everywhere and on everything we have a cake topper for them!
Toppers with Glitz can customize any cake with embellishments that are hand-made with crystalized Swarovski crystals. You can have a single letter, a three-letter monogram, or even a full name, complete with a customized symbol that’s significant to you.
They are meticulously hand-made and if you have a custom logo or custom shape used throughout your decor, they would be happy to take a look and see if they can make it into a custom topper for you.
There’s a section on their Website that can help with color choices. Check it out and give them a call at 888-299-9639.
March 15th, 2014
When it comes time to give a gift to the Bat Mitzvah girl, not everyone likes to write a check. Sometimes groups of friends chip in and other times we give individual gifts.
We came across some great bracelets that are very chic but are also personal and appeal to every jewelry lover.
Check out these great gift options below:
The Rustic Cuff
This cut out hammered gold/silver name cuff bracelet is truly a unique gift. The hand-cut cuff can be opened and closed to fit almost any wrist size without losing its shape. Wear it alone or with other bracelets to really make a statement. Customizable with up to 12 characters. $135-$160. Shipping is $5.
Alexandra Beth Designs
LOVE Bracelets have been seen in magazines like InStyle and Lucky. These bracelets are available in assorted colors with the gold plated “LOVE” sitting on a leather strap with double snap closures.
Alisa Michelle Jewelry
Every piece of jewelry from this company tells a story. Positive messages create a positive attitude! Every time your best friend wears her bracelet, she will think of you and and all of the great times you have spent together. They come in a variety of options, either 14k gold plated or sterling silver plated.
Jewelry Judaica
This is a family owned and operated business with decades of experience manufacturing and selling traditional and contemporary Judaica jewelry for all ages, occasions and budgets. They know that one of the most meaningful and long-lasting gifts for a loved one can be a cherished piece of Judaica jewelry.
Sterling silver Star of David charm bracelet
March 15th, 2014
The Berman family from Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania, celebrated their daughter Natalie’s Bat Mitzvah on September 7, 2013.
The reception took place at Green Valley Country Club also in Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania.
This party was sophisticated, fun and a perfect way for family and friends to celebrate “A Night With Natalie.”
Pictured L-R: Brother Evan, Bat Mitzvah girl Natalie, Dad Stuart, Mom Leslie and Sister Lindsey.
The photographer was Lafayette Hill Studios and the rest of the vendors are listed at the end of the spotlight.
The hot pink invitation suite was created by Two Paper Dolls.
This family has lots of style and looked picture perfect in their hot pink and black party clothes. Mom Leslie’s cocktail dress is from Gabrielle and Bat Mitzvah girl Natalie and sister Lindsey’s dresses are from G Lizzy. Brother Evan and Dad Stuart looked handsome in their suits from Boyds Philadelphia.
As guests arrived, they were greeted by a window cling which read, “A Night with Natalie.”
Guests knew the theme upon arrival
The Bermans worked with the team from Exceptional-Events to put together this sophisticated and beautiful party with many special design elements.
The escort table featured custom drape and a beautiful flower arrangement which complemented Natalie’s dress
The kids’ cocktail area featured a lounge, high tops and cubbies for favors
Custom logo pillows were in the kids’ lounge and looked great on the white couches
For the adult tables, the centerpieces were an eclectic mix of custom lampshades along with high and low flowers adding sophistication and visual appeal
Natalie posed on her stage before the party started
Her personalized logo on the dance floor
Natalie’s acrylic sign-in board featured her logo.
All Around Entertainment provided the music with Leon as the MC.
Natalie makes her entrance!
MC Leon and Natalie
All Around Entertainment in action
The All Around Entertainment dancers showing off their fabulous, “A Night With Natalie” t-shirts
The dance floor was packed all night
Natalie’s candle lighting display included lots of the great desserts that would be later served to guests.
What a great candle lighting display
Natalie is joined by her friends
This is one happy family taking time for a photo op!
At the end of the night, the Bermans’ guests loved the extensive candy bar and donuts with custom boxes. The coffee and hot chocolate were served in Natalie’s logo cups.
Coffee and hot chocolate were served
The boxes of donuts with Natalie’s logo on the label were lined up waiting to be enjoyed
Jars in various sizes were used to create this beautiful candy buffet
Party planner Stacey Kesselman provided the t-shirt favors and drawstring bags.
For the girls
The boys version
For her Mitzvah Project, Natalie walked in The National Kidney Foundation’s annual Philadelphia Kidney Walk. She asked friends and family to sponsor her for this walk and ended up raising over $7000! Natalie also volunteered her time as a greeter at the Philadelphia Kidney Ball in March of 2013 and hopes to do that annually.
Natalie created a bracelet honoring the National Kidney Foundation and gave them out at the reception to help raise awareness about kidney disease
Ready to walk for a great cause!
Some advice from Mom Leslie:
“It doesn’t hurt to start early so that you can feel somewhat relaxed towards the end! Staying organized is key and then as you get really close, sit back, relax and enjoy every minute…seriously!!!”
The following vendors helped to make Natalie’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Trish Agnew, Green Valley Country Club, 610-828-3000
Party Planner: Stacey Kesselman, Exceptional Events, 610-291-2475
Photographer/Videographer: Lafayette Hill Studios, 610-828-1142
Music Entertainment/Party Entertainment: MC Leon, All Around Entertainment
Favors: Stacey Kesselman, TriAd Specialties, 610-291-2475
Invitation/Place cards: Vanessa, Two Paper Dolls, 610-293-4933
Cake: Stefanie Kitchner, Ciao Bella Cakes, 267-229-0829
Décor/florist/Sign-In Board: Exceptional Events
Dresses for Natalie and sister Lindsay: G Lizzy by Gabrielle, 610-668-2801
Dresses for Mom Leslie: Gabrielle, 610-668-2801
Suits for family members: Boyds Philadelphia, 215-564-9000
Hair/makeup: Heaven and Earth Salon, 610-828-0211
March 8th, 2014
Ryan Warter celebrated his Bar Mitzvah in October, 2013. His family and many friends in his Livingston, New Jersey, community were actively involved in his amazing Mitzvah Project.
Ryan is part of The Friendship Circle which extends a helping hand to families who have children with autism and other special needs involving them in a full range of Jewish and social experiences. The Friendship Circle is building a new state-of-the-art community center for children with special needs called Life Town.
Ryan (pictured left) has special needs and the Warter family wanted Ryan to experience all parts of becoming a Bar Mitzvah including having a Mitzvah Project just like other children, as well as “giving back” to others.
Since Ryan communicates in sign language, we spoke to Ryan’s parent’s mom Barbara, Dad Oren and his brothers Zach and Jake, regarding his Mitzvah Project.
MM: Can you give us details of Ryan’s Mitzvah Project?
The Warter Family: Friends, family and professionals donated money in honor of Ryan’s Bar Mitzvah towards the construction of Life Town. Something in the center will be named in honor of Ryan’s project. We formed Ryan’s Team and participated in the Friendship Circle Walk on October 21, 2013, to raise awareness and support for the organization and center. I, (Mom Barbara), was asked to present the opening speech to kick-off the walk and draw attention to the new building and project. It was an incredible time and a huge honor for our family.
Ryan’s Team during the Friendship Circle Walk
MM: Does Ryan’s project have a start and end date?
The Warter Family: No, while the Bar Mitzvah is over, the project is ongoing through August 2014. We have raised $12,574.00 so far!
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project/charity?
The Warter Family: We took on this project as a family, to honor Ryan, and support an incredible organization and venture that will provide support to our community for years to come. Thirteen years ago Ryan was born with a rare syndrome known as CHARGE Syndrome. Children with CHARGE suffer from a variety of significant medical as well as developmental challenges. Despite their challenges, these are some of the most amazing and determined children. Ryan is no exception. He is one of the strongest, funniest and most loveable children you will ever meet.
MM: What does it mean for your family to be involved in Ryan’s Mitzvah Project?
The Warter Family: When we first heard about a new community center it was Zachary, one of Ryan’s younger brothers, who came up with the idea to try and raise money for the cause. Life Town, really is a state-of-the-art center and the amazing people from the Friendship Circle continue to work hard to meet the needs for children of all abilities.
Brother Jake, age 5:
“My brother Ryan has special needs and he goes to the Friendship Circle. They help Ryan make new friends, have play dates and play soccer. I want to help Life Town for Ryan’s Bar Mitzvah because I know Ryan would LOVE the movie theater and pet store. (Ryan loves going to movies and he really, really loves animals). We could all go together and play there and meet other kids with special needs and their brothers too. I can’t wait till it opens!”
Brother Zach, age 10:
“We want to raise money to help build Life Town. Life Town is a community center that is being built right here in Livingston to help kids with special needs learn skills that they can’t always learn in the real world. They will have everything from music and dance studios to real stores and even a bowling alley! The people from the Friendship Circle have really helped a lot of kids with special needs. This new center will be a great way to help even more kids and families too. I have been able to volunteer for the Friendship Circle and am so excited for this center so I can help more and Ryan can do more things with his new friends too.”
Ryan (age 13):
“I feel excited to go to the movies, bowling, dancing, swimming and play basketball. I want to work at the pet store with dogs and cats.”
Pictured L-R: Brothers Zach, Ryan and Jake
Rendering of Life Town community center
MM: If it involves a donation, what are you doing to spread the word?
The Warter Family: Visit our Website at www.wecare.fcnj.org/?/ryanbarmitzvah to learn about Ryan, our project and the center.
MM: How long can people donate to this charity?
The Warter Family: Life Town is still raising funds and Ryan’s personal donation site will remain open until building begins in August 2014. Any money raised in Ryan’s name will go towards a dedication to Ryan at the new building. People can always donate money or time to the Friendship Circle in Livingston, New Jersey.
We thank Ryan and his family for sharing his wonderful Bar Mitzvah project with our readers. Look for Ryan’s Bar Mitzvah family spotlight story soon.
March 4th, 2014
The Sheps family from Plainview, New York, celebrated daughter Taylor’s Bat Mitzvah on March 2, 2013.
The party took place at The Holiday Inn in Plainview, New York.
With the theme, “Planet Sheps,” this party was Out of this World!
Pictured L-R: Bat Mitzvah girl Taylor, Mom Marci, Brother Jesse, Dad Robert and Sister Amanda.
The photographer was Richard Black Studio and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
Ellen Futterman, of Proper Notice, worked with the family on this unique invitation. To surprise her guests, each invitation was personally delivered by Bat Mitzvah girl Taylor and a green alien in a space suit, (looking a bit like Dad Robert).
The invitations had a futuristic design with dozens of gumballs representing the interstellar planets
Taylor and her friendly alien hand-delivered each invitation in a custom box
Taylor looked beautiful in her pink organza and tulle gown with a beaded top.
Taylor’s gown from 2 Be Seen
The theme, “Planet Sheps,” was perfect for this space alien themed disco and club party. The logo really set the tone and was utilized in all decorations and favors. Mom Marci and Dad Robert designed and hand sketched the logo and saw it come to life with the help of graphic artist, Jen Chiodo.
Taylor’s “Planet Sheps” logo was incorporated throughout the party
The entire ballroom of the Holiday Inn Plainview glowed under the vision of Mario Simone of NY Lounge Decor. Elements of the theme included: pink and neon green draping, LED tables, white furniture and dozens of life size alien props. They used the Planet Sheps logo on everything from lounge pillows, food containers, and decals to decorate the bar.
Planet Sheps decorations included a large cabana set up called, “Taylor’s Lunar Lounge”
The pink up lighting, LED tables and clear Lucite chairs added just the right touch for an “Alien theme”
The light up bar was decorated with Taylor’s logo and futuristic alien decorations
Friendly aliens hung out in the corner
There was lots of great signage at this party including various large blow up pictures of Taylor on futuristic looking planets and backdrops. Even the food had “space” themes such as: Space Tacos, Flying Saucer Pizzas and Martian (non alcoholic) Jello Shots. Everything from alien straws, alien light up t-shirts, and alien space masks, kept the party theme going.
Bat Mitzvah girl Taylor on her “Moon Base”
Signage and decor for the taco station
For the pizza station
Kid-friendly Jell-o shots
Custom cocktail napkins
Abduction Wine bottles (yes it’s an actual brand) with aliens on their labels were used as place cards and favors for the adults
Taylor’s introduction was unique and kept with the alien theme. They also did an entrance video including a Star Wars sci-fi themed introduction.
Taylor being carried in on an alien “slave” table that was wrapped metallic and carried in by four aliens to Katy Perry’s Extra-Terrestrial song, “ET.”
MC Rocky of Hart to Hart and their entire team kept everyone on the dance floor.
Taylor is up for the horah
Everyone having a great time on the dance floor
Taylor with the Hart to Hart dancers
Brother Jesse getting into the action with one of the dancers who is wearing a custom alien shirt
Hart to Hart Entertainment also supplied some extra-terrestrial fun. Keeping with the theme, a space girl using multiple LED hula hoops, entertained guests. There was also a photo booth for guests to enjoy during the night.
Hooping it up for the guests
Guests also enjoyed the photo booth
Taylor and Dad Rob entertained with a father and daughter synchronized dance to “It takes Two” by Rob Base and DJ EZ Rock.
What a great moment!
The cake, from Buttercookey Bakery was decorated with planets and a green alien, just like on Taylor’s logo, sitting on top.
Candles surrounded the cake in glass holders
Taylor and her friends posed for a picture
The whole family together for the candle lighting
Hart To Hart Entertainment created the Pinnies and got the lava lamps that were given out as favors to Taylor’s guests.
At the end of the evening, a Panera Bread truck was there to offer a stellar lineup of breakfast treats such as bagels, cookies and muffins. There was also a futuristic candy wall lit up and glowing with pink and neon green rock candy…even the cotton candy was alien-themed!
Getting ready for setup
A cute alien sitting on bagels for the Mitzvah Exit treats
Brother Jesse striking a pose for his upcoming Bar Mitzvah
Taylor helped donate her time during Hurricane Sandy to help local families in need.
Some advice from Mom Marci:
“Consider attending one of the local Bar/Bat Mitzvah showcase events. It is helpful not only to pick up some great ideas, but also to remind you what you might have forgotten to do!”
The following vendors helped to make Taylor’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue/Catering: Leslie, Holiday Inn Plainview, 516-349-1240
Party Planner/Decor: Mario Simone, NY Lounge Decor, 516-921-2011
Music Entertainment: MC Rocky, Hart To Hart Entertainment, 516-921-6008
Invitation: Ellen Futterman, Proper Notice, 516-621-9523
Party entertainment (photo booth, LED hula hoop girl)/Favors: Hart To Hart Entertainment
Logo: Created by Robert and Marci Sheps
Graphic artist: Jen Chiodo, chioj36@gmail.com
Custom Wine Bottles: Abduction Wine
Cake: Buttercooky Bakery, 516-354-3831
Exit treats: Panera Bread, 516-677-5380
Mom Marci’s dress: Mieka Boutique, 516-367-8755
Bat Mitzvah girl Taylor’s dress: 2 Be Seen, 516-921-5777
Sister Amanda’s dress: It’s Simply for You Boutique, 516-921-2863
Dad Robert/brother Jesse’s outfits: Hugo Boss
Hair/makeup: NuBest Salon, 516-627-9444
March 1st, 2014
With over 300 Mitzvah Family Spotlight stories since 2008, and new features each week, we know it’s hard to remember everything these creative families have done to celebrate their child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah milestone event.
Many families get creative with their Bar and Bat Mitzvah details. We love showcasing creative cakes, logos, fashion, entrances, place cards and themes. You can also get ideas in our FREE Invitation Guide.
Here’s a round-up of some of the unique invitations that have been featured and a link back to the entire spotlight story!
Get inspired!
A bold, graphic invitation set the tone for a night of FUN at Logan Horowitz’s Bar Mitzvah. Read more here
Jake’s invitation, by Out of the Box NY, was inspired by the colors of the MLB logo. Read more here.
The mom of these B’nai Mitzvah boys searched Pinterest for design ideas to compliment their Amazon Adventure theme. The rustic wood grain invitations were custom made in Poland! Read more about this celebration here
This metallic invitation was Sealed with a Kiss. Read more about this celebration here
The invitation set the tone for their Fire and Ice theme! Read more about this celebration here
The invitation for this Cinco De Mayo themed party were laser cut with cute wording on the RSVP cards and direction cards. Read more about this celebration here
Dara Grunberg of Dear Friends created Sophie’s white hot invitation, which used a photograph of her and gave guests information about her South Beach theme. Read more about Sophie’s celebration here
The Friedman family used a customized viewfinder by Image 3D. The disk came packaged in a view-master, so guests could click through images. The text, with all of the important details about the B’nai Mitzvah, “floated” on top of each picture. Driving instructions and RSVP cards were slipped into each box. You will read more about this Family Spotlight in the next few weeks
The Dale family used invitations from the The Jewish National Fund (JNF). The invitation explains that a donation was made to expand water resources in Israel and it also served as Larissa’s Mitzvah Project. Read more about this celebration here
Mom Eileen Hirsch handmade all of the invitations to her son Bryan’s Bar Mitzvah. Read more about the celebration here
Event planner Michelle Farber created a beautiful invitation suite in a purple and silver color palette. Read more about this celebration here
Emily’s logo, colors, save the date, and invitations were created by graphic designer Amy Wohl of FabuDesigns.com. The boxed invitation, with a purple gatefold, had a personalized tag of the recipients name. Read more about this celebration here
This modern and colorful invitation was conceived by the guest of honor Miranda and her mom Pam, and created by Caroline Nussbaum of The Perfect Type. Read more about this celebration here
Photographer Sarah Merians created an “Emily Rose” invitation for her daughter’s Bat Mitzvah, giving guests a sneak peek at her upcoming purple themed celebration. Read more about this celebration here
The original graphics created for Jordan by his mother, Paula Gladstone, were used on his Bar Mitzvah invitation as well as the cocktail napkins. Read more about this celebration here
Jet Brittany Airways introduced the theme of Brittany Gendler’s Bat Mitzvah theme with her invitation. Read more about this invitation here
Rachel Brenner used her favorite color combination of turquoise and gold for her Luscious Verde invitation customized by Proper Notice. Read more about the celebration here
This party was done with a vintage feel and his logo, “Casey@ the bat” was taken from the famous baseball poem. Read more about this celebration here
Did you have a creative invitation for you child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
March 1st, 2014
Julie Cohen of It Events by Julie is a full-service special event planning company in South Florida. She created a unique Mitzvah theme that we had not seen before and we love!
Based on the popular book series by Jeff Kinney, Diary Of A Wimpy Kid, this Bar Mitzvah boy has a great sense of humor and the decor is anything but Wimpy.
Check out the details below:
We thank Julie Cohen of It Events for sharing this very creative Bar Mitzvah with our readers.
Vendors: Party Planner: Julie Cohen, It Events, Decor: Jim Dalsimer, Dalsimer Atlas Event Floral Decorators, Video: Chad Ehret, Timeline Video
February 23rd, 2014
You put so much work into planning the most special Bar/Bat Mitzvah day for your child. We know how many details go into the planning.
That’s why we loved these products by Abbey & Izzie Designs on Etsy.
We think your guests will love the sophistication of these one of a kind party favors.
A cool custom lottery ticket holder for your guests!
Custom favor bags a la Tiffany & Co.
Give your guest a custom CD filled with your favorite music
To see the rest of their products, visit their Website.
