January 20th, 2014
We read a great story from The Daily Local News, a newspaper in West Chester, Pennsylvania, about 13 year old Emily Kawalek making a difference for the 232,340 women diagnosed with breast cancer each year.
In January 2013, Emily began collecting pennies everywhere she went as part of her project called, Pink Pennies. She was inspired by a statistic she had heard which said that 232,340 women would be diagnosed with breast cancer each year. She decided to collect 232,340 pennies during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month – one for each woman in that statistic – and donate the proceeds to Susan G. Komen Philadelphia.
She took on this project because breast cancer has affected on her own family. Her two great-grandmothers, Evelyn and Helen, both passed away as a result of the disease. She was also inspired by National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which takes place in October.
While her goal was to collect one penny for each woman who would be diagnosed in 2013, in less than a month Kawalek had managed to raise over 236,000 pennies from her school, her friends and family, and her synagogue, Kesher Israel in West Chester. By October, Kawalek’s pennies added up to $2,360. Today, that number has grown to $2,500.
“Seeing all the pennies I have collected and rolled is upsetting because I know each one is representing someone who has or will be diagnosed with breast cancer by the end of the year,” said Emily. “I know that it is going to help find a cure for breast cancer one day,” she said. From Kesher Israel in West Chester, to her school’s office and lunchroom, to Hymies deli in Bala Cynwyd, and more, Emily’s Pink Pennies jars – including the one she carries with her anywhere and everywhere – can be seen all over her community… filling up over and over again.
In October, the Susan B. Komen Foundation Philadelphia chapter awarded Emily their Pink Ribbon of the Month for her contribution to the organization.
Elaine Grobman, CEO, Komen Philadelphia and Emily
That month, Kawalek announced her decision to continue collecting every day of the year, rather than only in October.
We congratulate Emily for her terrific Mitzvah Project!
January 20th, 2014
Save the Day Events, a boutique event planning firm, and owner Penny Rabinowitz, transformed the ballroom of Congregation Ahavath Torah in Englewood, New Jersey.
The Bar Mitzvah boy, an avid reader, had a reception that celebrated his love of reading.
His special day was built around a vintage library with details that we just can’t be quiet about!
Books and other library paraphernalia were included in the invitations, decor, place cards and centerpieces.
Photography by Hermin Jaramillo.
The invitation and RSVP card from Paper Works and Events was a card catalog book card and the guest could check off, “Will come and return on time” or “Sorry we’re booked”
The lining of the envelope was an image of books on a shelf
The grey velvet kippot were placed in a library card catalog drawer
The place cards were bookmarks
Adult place cards
The temple ballroom transformed into a vintage library
The amazing bar with book shelves and authentic design elements
Books “written by” the Bar Mitzvah boy lined the shelves behind the bar
The adult table centerpieces were chic and vintage
The kids had a table runner from one of the Bar Mitzvah boy’s favorite books from the Harry Potter series
The sign-in was of the Bar Mitzvah boy reading…of course!
We thank Save the Day Events for sharing this wonderful Bar Mitzvah with our Mitzvah Market readers.
January 15th, 2014
The Frankel family of Randolph, New Jersey, celebrated daughter Emma’s Bat Mitzvah on September 28, 2013, at Adath Shalom, in Parsippany, New Jersey.
A reception followed at The Mountain Lakes Club in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey, with an “Emma-tainment” theme.
Pictured L-R: Brother Brady, Mom Jenifer, Bat Mitzvah girl Emma, Dad Gary and Sister Dara.
Acme Photography and Video was the photographer and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
Mom Jenifer designed the invitation which was a t-shirt, inspired by the E! Entertainment Network logo, that listed Emma’s Bat Mitzvah information.
The sticker on the shirt directed guests to a website mom Jenifer created to look like an entertainment website. Guests could either type in the address themselves or scan the QR code on the sticker to get to the website.
The front of the t-shirt had Emma’s logo
The back told guests where to “tune in” for Mitzvah information 
The “Glee” inspired thank you card incorporated a picture of Emma, can you spot her? They were printed by Shutterfly.com
Mountain Lakes Country Club is a great venue with beautiful grounds. They had the cocktail hour outside in lovely weather.
Cocktails were set up poolside
A perfect backdrop for the cocktail hour
Emma’s elegant cocktail dress with tulle skirt was from Kids at Heart.
Mom and Dad came up with much of the decor with Debbie’s Bouquets supplying the beautiful floral centerpieces. The logo incorporated an orange and white chevron design similar to the E! Entertainment Network logo.
The step and repeat was designed by Mom and Dad and created by Stickersbanners.com
The place cards were CDs of dance music with labels that said, “#keepthemusicgoing #emmataimnent2013”
On some tables tall clear vases were used as centerpieces with Emma’s clever logo prominent
The chevron design popped on the turquoise linens
The menu card placed beautifully in the turquoise napkins on gold chargers
Custom pillows were copies of the creative t-shirt invitations
The sign-in board was two shadow boxes that held the t-shirts that were used for the invitations.
Guests enjoyed signing the shadow boxes
Emma had a great “E! True Hollywood Story” inspired entrance video that included celebrity messages made especially for Emma that kids and adults enjoyed.
Watch Emma’s entrance video here.
MC Charlie and the entire Hi NRG team provided non-stop fun on the dance floor.
Her dancers wore custom “Emma-tainment” t-shirts
Emma changed into a navy beaded cocktail dress from Best Dressed NY
Lots of great energy at this party
There was a virtual photo booth from SCE Event Group. The guests took pictures themselves and uploaded them to Instagram with the hashtag #emmatainment2013. Then the pictures automatically printed to a kiosk at the party. The pictures looked like they were from Instagram with Emma’s logo on them. In addition, there was a surprise in the lower level of the club…bowling!
Guests ready to take a picture
The pictures instantly printed to a kiosk at the party
Fun photo favors with Emma’s logo for all the guests to enjoy
The Mountain Lakes Club has bowling lanes that were used by the kids during the cocktail hour
Each of Emma’s guests received a chocolate Emmy, made by a friend, for the candle lighting ceremony.
The chocolate Emmys were individually wrapped
The whole gang celebrating with Emma
Mom Jenifer explains: “The bakery dropped the cake on the way to the venue and had to bake a new one during the cocktail hour! Unfortunately, it wasn’t what we wanted, but we did have a cake.”
The replacement cake
The Frankel family designed the candy bar themselves except for personalized marshmallows made with Emma’s logo. They were created by FeteSetter on Etsy.com.
A frame handmade with Dots candy
Color coordinated candy bar
Customized marshmallows
Emma gave out off the shoulder white sweatshirts for the girls, hooded sweatshirts for the boys.
The turquoise chevron bags looked great with the orange tissue paper inside
The sweatshirts had an Instagram logo and read “#emmatainment2013” and “#bestdayever”
Emma with some of her camp friends posing in their new sweatshirts
Emma had a bake sale to raise money for Cookies for Kids’ Cancer. People donated baked items and she raised over $600. Cookies for Kids’ Cancer is a national non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds for pediatric cancer research. They provide the support and resources for individuals and businesses to host local fundraising events, as well as other simple ways for anyone to get involved.
Emma and her friends with their delicious baked goods
The Frankel family has a B’nai Mitzvah to look forward to in 2017!
Some advice from Mom Jenifer:
“Its cliché but true, try to get as much done ahead of time so that you are not scrambling the week before. With the exception of the flowers, my husband and I did everything ourselves so we were up to all hours of the night in the days prior to the Bat Mitzvah.”
The following vendors helped to make Emma’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Mountain Lakes Club, 973-334-4610
Music Entertainment: MC Charlie and Hi NRG Sound Productions, 718-818-8490
Florist: Debbie’s Bouquets, 973-476-0097
Photographer/Videographer: Acme Video and Photography, 732-972-0202
Invitation/Favor: Mom created, friend printed
Party Entertainment: SCE Event Group, 888-278-0900
Website: Myevent.com
Thank You cards: Shutterfly.com
Personalized marshmallows: FeteSetter
Step and Repeat: Stickersbanners.com
Chocolate Emmys: A friend of the family
Mom’s dress: Red Carpet Boutique, 973-258-0028
Emma’s service dress: Kids at Heart, 973-992-2440
Emma and Dara’s party dresses: Best Dressed NY, 212-600-4607
Suits for Dad/brother: Lord & Taylor/Sams, 973-422-1000
Hair/makeup: Tara Siegel, 973-214-8045
Transportation: Vogel Bus Company, 908-298-0045
January 8th, 2014
We read about a great Mitzvah Project in the Sun-Sentenial about Miami resident Hannah Mayer honoring the hospital that saved her father’s life.
When Hannah’s dad Jonathan was involved in a near fatal bike accident a few years ago, he was helped out by the trauma center team at Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood, Florida. Hannah was inspired to do something wonderful for them.
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project/charity?
HM: My dad Jonathan was involved in a near fatal bike accident a few years ago, he was helped out by the trauma center team at Memorial Hospital in Hollywood, Florida. This inspired me to raise money to provide awareness of traumatic accidents and educate people about ways to avoid traumatic situations.
MM: Can you give us details of your Mitzvah Project?
HM: We raised money and awareness for the Memorial Hospital Foundation by participating with my father in the Bayfront Challenge Triathlon in Homestead, Florida. The race includes a 1/4 mile swim, a 14 mile bike ride (roads closed to cars), and a 5K run and I placed first in my age division. I also organized the Miami Arts Charter School’s Trauma Awareness & Prevention Day. The school event featured the hospital’s trauma team speaking about ways to prevent injuries and I spoke with middle school and high school students about my experiences and selling bracelets to help trauma patients. We raised close to $5,000 from the triathlon.
Hannah and her family
MM: Anything else we need to know about your Mitzvah Project?
HM: Funds raised benefit the Memorial Hospital Foundation and will also be used to help out-of-town family members of trauma victims pay for hotels and other expenses while their loved ones recuperate in the hospital. I really never thought about how important safety was until he got into the accident and I see kids at school all the time and they make dangerous decisions and I thought to myself, ‘Is there a way we can prevent that?’ and then I thought that this could be an opportunity to make people aware of what trauma is and to show them how important safety is,” she said.
MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bat Mitzvah?
HM: I’ve learned a lot of what being Jewish means to me and I also learned a lot more of what safety means to me.
MM: For how long can people donate to this charity?
HM: You can still donate to the Memorial Hospital Foundation in Hannah’s honor at https://mhsfoundation.org/donate/hannah.
We wish a Mazel Tov to Hannah and her family as she became a Bat Mitzvah on October 11, 2013.
January 8th, 2014
The Haft family of Syosset, New York, celebrated son Scott’s Bar Mitzvah on January 26, 2013, at Midway Jewish Center followed by a reception at North Shore Synagogue both in Syosset, New York.
Scott had a baseball “Field of Dreams” theme with Mom Beth creating most of the decor herself, including individual handmade invitations. It’s amazing what she did with her HP Printer!
There is also an incredibly touching Mitzvah moment that took place with Scott’s grandfather, who could not attend the ceremony in person.
Pictured L-R: Mom Beth, sister Danielle, Bar Mitzvah boy Scott, sister Rachel and Dad Michael.
Photography by Neal was the photographer and the rest of the vendors used are listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Scott had a Havdallah service at Midway Jewish Center.
Scott at the Bimah
Mom Beth designed and handmade each invitation from start to finish. They were layered on silver mirrored card stock with navy border and trim. She purchased the materials, cut every piece of paper and printed them at home on her HP printer!
The outside of the invitation with Scott’s monogram tag
Classic, elegant and beautifully done
Since Scott is a huge baseball fan it was easy to pick out his theme, “Scott’s Field of Dreams.” They did not want to limit themselves to only one baseball team or only Hall of Fame players. They went with the idea that if you could put together the perfect baseball team, across the generations, which players would you choose?
The sign-in book was made using iPhoto software
Mom Beth created most of the decor and she hit a home run! The place cards were attached to a batting net. Scott’s logo was incorporated into the centerpieces and positions on a baseball team were used for table names. Each centerpiece had two photos of players who played that position.
A baseball batting net held the place cards
Baseball accessories decorated the bottom of the place card display
Baseball ticket place cards created by Mom Beth
Scott enjoying the room filled with festive balloons before his guests arrived
Mom Beth’s handmade centerpieces included Mickey Mantle, a player from Scott’s “Dream Team”
The centerpieces looked great on each table, here’s “Third Base”
In addition to everything else she did, Mom Beth created candy torahs to be placed at each table setting.
Two “smarties” candy rolls wrapped in a custom paper
Maximum Entertainment with MC Matty provided the entertainment for this celebration.
Scott made his entrance in his favorite sports jersey
Scott posing with his dancers
MC Matty entertained the kids during the cocktail hour
Everyone loved the music
Scott’s grandfather lives in Florida and was unable to travel for Scott’s Bar Mitzvah. The Haft family would not accept the fact that he could not be present for the motzi or candle lighting for his only grandson’s Bar Mitzvah. Wanting to video conference or Skype him in, Mom Beth mentioned it to Joey, the owner of Maximum Entertainment. The next thing she knew, Beth was on the phone with DJ Eddie who assured her he “would handle it all,” and he did! Live from Florida, on a 10 foot screen, Scott’s grandfather did the motzi over the challah and took part in the candle lighting ceremony. The Haft family was very grateful.
Scott listening to his grandfather say the prayer over the challah
For the candle lighting ceremony, Scott had a great baseball cake with baseball cupcakes for the candles.
Baseball diamond cake and cupcakes from Strauss Bakery
Scott’s family during their special candle
The Haft family enjoyed Scott’s Mitzvah favors, created by Mom Beth. She designed and printed them from her computer and made them herself from blank shirts she ordered online.
Scott visited the Town of Oyster Animal Shelter to spend time socializing with the cats. Some of the cats and kittens are frightened and need to be played with in order to make them feel more comfortable around people and make them more adoptable.
Scott continues to visit Town of Oyster Bay Animal Shelter even though his Bar Mitzvah has passed
Some Mom to Mom advice from Beth:
“The best advice I can give is not to wear a watch to the party. I have a beautiful gold watch I wear when going out. A friend gave me this advice and at the last minute, I didn’t put the watch on, but went with a bracelet instead. Without having a watch to look at and obsess over timing, I felt as if the night lasted forever! In terms of the actual planning part? Relax. Whether you are doing it yourself, or have others doing it for you, it will all come together.”
The following vendors helped to make Scott’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: North Shore Synagogue, 516,921-2282
Caterer: Keith Senzer, Del Mir Caterers, 516-802-5492
Photographer/Videographer: Photography By Neal, 631-754-7442
Music Entertainment/Extra Entertainment: MC Matty, Maximum Entertainment, 516-826-8632
Party Planner/Invitations/Favors/Place cards/Centerpieces: Mom Beth
Balloons: Balloons N’ More, 516-501-0135
Invitation Materials: LCI Paper, Divine Ink and Michaels
Cake: Strauss Bakery, 718-851-7728
Sign-In board: iPhoto.com
Shirts for Favors:ShirtChamp.com, 888-269-9477
Place card table poster: Minute Men Printing of Forest Hills, 718-275-2161
Dresses for family members: David’s Bridal
Suits for family members: Kenny’s Menswear, 516-921-2660
Hair/makeup: Salon Hype, 516-719-0877
January 5th, 2014
Linda Morrow Photography brought us this beautiful, bejeweled Bat Mitzvah reception celebrated at Cedarbrook Country Club in Blue Bell, Pennsylvania.
The theme of the evening was “The JULry Box,” creatively using the Bat Mitzvah girl’s name, Julia.
The event planner was Bonnie Pakman.
The place cards were displayed in jewelry boxes with a spinning ballerina, a special touch for a Bat Mitzvah girl who loves to dance. We also love the “Be JULed” sign
Each place card was embellished with colorful crystals
The Bat Mitzvah girl ready for some fun!
A crystal “J” hung from the beautiful centerpieces
For an elegant look, table numbers were placed in crystal frames with colorful stones
Pretty beading hung on the sparkling signage
The turquoise linens with hot pink chair back bows really pop on the guest of honor’s long dais table
This clever sign-in was a bulletin board where guests left messages on colorful cards
A beautiful black and white photograph with the spotlight on the dazzling Bat Mitzvah girl and amazing cake
The cake, from RL Cake Designs, displayed all of Julia’s interests
Even the desserts had bling; candy necklaces and custom “J” chocolates for a sophisticated touch
Photographer: Linda Morrow Photography
Party Planner: Bonnie Pakman, bapakman@gmail.com
Venue: Cedarbrook Country Club
Cake: RL Cake Designs
January 2nd, 2014
In celebration of the recent World Series win by The Boston Red Sox, we thought this would be a great time to show you this baseball themed Bar Mitzvah.
It wasn’t just any baseball themed Bar Mitzvah, it’s one with a surprise Red Sox appearance enjoyed by all.
Nancy Goldstein of Amazing Celebrations hit a home run with this very festive celebration at the Simsbury Inn in Simsbury, Connecticut.
Photography was by Brian Ambrose Photography.
Custom pennant place card display
Cute signage directing guests
The ballroom with a black and white color theme
Baseball pennants in acrylic vases as centerpieces
The menu with very clever wording
The kids had their own lounge area with LED tables
Everyone had a great time with Wally the Green Monster, the official Boston Red Sox mascot
A great photo op with a Fenway Park backdrop
The colorful sports themed candle lighting display included all of the Bar Mitzvah boy’s favorite teams
Candy, in vibrant, colorful buckets, was a hit at the end of the night
The favors were plaid pajama pants with the Bar Mitzvah boy’s event logo
Party Planner: Nancy Goldstein of Amazing Celebrations
Photography: Brian Ambrose Photography
Venue: Simsbury Inn
Lighting/Entertainment: Boppers Events
Surprise visitor: Wally, The Green Monster, the official mascot of the Boston Red Sox.
We thank Nancy Goldstein of Amazing Celebrations for sharing this wonderful Bar Mitzvah with our readers.
January 1st, 2014
It was an easy decision to pick the venue for the B’not Mitzvah of Madison and Joey Siegel. The Siegels are owners and directors of Tyler Hill Camp, a popular sleep away camp in Tyler Hill, Pennsylvania. The weekend started with a bus ride to camp followed by a delicious barbecue lunch. Color War broke out with a plane dropping down flyers, setting off lots of excitement. The weekend was filled with a lakeside Havdallah service, Color War breakout and competition, lots of dancing plus a bonfire and fireworks.
Pictured L-R: Dad Andy, Bat Mitzvah girl Joey, Bat Mitzvah girl Maddie, little sister Dylan and Mom Wendy.
The photographer was Dave Welsford Photography. The rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of this spotlight.
Wow Creations designed the fold-over invitation in the girls favorite colors of purple with apple green trim.. The attire read, “Labor Day Cool” for adults and “Club Chic” for the kids
The outside of the envelope featured a cute round sticker with their names
Bat Mitzvah girl Joey greeting her guests as the buses arrive
A plane flew overhead dropping flyers announcing the Color War breakout!
Flyers with guests on Team Maddie or Team Joey were dropped from the plane
Whether you were on Team Joey or Team Maddie, everyone enjoyed the friendly competition
The sneaker relay competition
Friends liked the tug-of-war rope competition
The Havdallah service, led by Rabbi Diana Gerson, was held near the lake in the gazebo on the beautiful grounds of Tyler Hill Camp.
The first half of the service took place outside
Homemade service programs
The weather report for the weekend was questionable and since they wanted the service to be outside there was a “Plan B.” They arranged in advance for the Dining Hall to be set up for an indoor service. As it turned out, there was a massive thunderstorm in the middle of the outdoor service. Just as it was about to pour, they hustled everyone inside and they picked up the service right where they left off! As luck would have it, the rain stopped just as the service ended and the cocktail hour was outside
Large cut out letters of the girl’s names lined the path into camp
Here’s Maddie next to her letters
The place cards for the adults were handwritten letters as if Maddie and Joey were writing from camp. They were displayed on thick tree bark
The Rec Hall had a “club look” with curved lounge furniture and up lighting from Todd Yahney Entertainment
Homemade containers of s’mores ingredients served as delicious centerpieces on each table
The girls looked beautiful in their service dresses and their party gowns. Here they are in their white service dresses holding candy centerpieces for the kids tables
Both girls changed into beautiful gowns for the party
Todd Yahney Music and Entertainment, who is used to visiting camps all summer, provided the music entertainment and kept the dance floor packed all night long! Todd Yahney Entertainment set up and ready to rock!
The sisters making their entrances…
With the help fo the Todd Yahney Entertainment dancers
Everyone was on the dance floor all night long
MC Todd having fun with Maddie, Joey and their friends
The Siegel family front and center with all of their guests
Maddie and Joey during their candle lighting ceremony surrounded by their friends
You can’t have camp without a bonfire
After the party, the night ended with a wonderful camp tradition, fireworks!
The favors were burn-out hooded sweatshirts from Everything Camper. The girls model their sweatshirt favors
On Sunday morning guests enjoyed brunch and the Sunday morning camp tradition of “Bagel Toss.” Bagel Toss is an activity all campers love. Each bunk gets to elect a counselor to throw a bagel. The counselor that gets it the closest to the target without going out of bounds wins a prize for the bunk!
Getting ready for the Bagel Toss
Mitzvah Project
Maddie and Joey chose two organizations for their Mitzvah Projects.
Through UJA-Federation they created a personal page. Check it out here
Instead of gifts, the Siegel family asked guests to make a donation to one of two organizations that best “spoke to them.” SCOPE-NY (Summer Camp Opportunities Promote Education) is an organization that provides scholarships for inner-city kids to go to a non-profit sleep-away camp every summer. The other organization was a Long Island day camp, Camp Kehilla. Camp Kehilla is a camp for kids with Autism and special needs. So far, they have raised more than $11,000 for Camp Kehilla and $10,000 for SCOPE. They are going to be volunteering for both organizations as well.
Some Mom Advice from Wendy:
“Oy…I wish I had relaxed more and not worried about what was out of my control. If your event is dependent on the weather, be prepared for anything and everything, make your alternative “inclement weather” plans ahead of time and then move on. I focused so much on the weather report (the Weather Channel app still haunts me in my dreams) that I had a hard time staying focused on the rest of the plans for the weekend. I think I would have enjoyed the planning ten times more if I had not obsessed over whether it would or would not rain! Rain or no rain, it would be the most memorable and amazing experience for my daughters — and that was what it was all about! I also wish I had extended my invitation list to more of our friends and not worried about whether or not the venue would be too crowded. The more the merrier, and I regret that I didn’t invite a couple of more people that I wish had been there simply because I was worried about space.”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors made Maddie and Joey’s B’not Mitzvah very special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Andy and Wendy Siegel, Tyler Hill Camp, 516-656-4220
Rabbi: Diana Gerson, Our Family Rabbi
Party Planners: Mom Wendy and Dad Andy
Caterer: Tyler Hill Camp chefs along with chefs from Lake Bryn Mawr Camp and Conference Center
Photographer/Montage: Dave Welsford Photography
Videographer: D and M Video 201-768-1899
Music Entertainment/Candid Photography/Photo Favors/Lounge Decor/Up lighting: MC Todd, Todd Yahney Entertainment, 516-781-4700
Favors: Jessica Jacobs, Everything Apparel, 516-450-5288
Invitation: Suzi Evangelatos, Wow Creations, 516-997-0451
Cake: Rockland Bakery, 845-623-5800
Décor/florist: Carmen Bolin Floristry, 800-263-9975
Madison, Joey service dresses: Fetch Dress Boutique, 516-864-0660
Madison, Joey and sister Dylan’s dress: Nikki’s Dresses, 631-385-6093
Mom’s service dress: M’stique, 516‑496‑3488
Mom Party Outfit: Lester’s
Hair/makeup: Stefanie 516-351-7953
Transportation: Stout’s Transportation, 800-245-7868
Party security: Tyler Hill Camp staff
December 20th, 2013
The Fetterman family celebrated the Bar Mitzvah of their son Alexander on September 28, 2013, at Temple Beth Torah in Nyack, New York.
The reception was held at Space, an event venue in Englewood, New Jersey.
The theme was “Rock of Alex” and included the Bar Mitzvah boy performing on stage with the band!
Pictured L-R: Mom Tammy, Bar Mitzvah Boy Alexander, Dad Scott and Sister Makayla.
Jeff Karg was the photographer and the rest of the vendors are listed at the end of this spotlight.
Guests were asked to wear “Red Carpet” attire. The Fettermans looked like classic rock royalty in their hip party clothes in a red and black color palette. Alex got his suit at Lubins of Westchester, Mom Tammy wore a black gown from Neiman Marcus with beautiful jewelry from Westchester Jewelry and sister Makayla’s black and silver cocktail dress was from Denny’s.
The family posing on the red carpet while the “paparazzi” took their picture
Space is an entertainment venue that features a three level playground, a basketball court, laser tag, and paint-less paintball. They also have a glow-in-the-dark bowling alley and an awesome arcade.
Space owner Elvira Grau really hit the right notes with the decor. The vibrant red and black color palette incorporated elements such as piano keys, records hung from the ceiling and signage that really brought the room to life.
The “Rock of Alex” logo was used throughout the celebration on many decor elements
The place card table sign welcomed guests
Candelabras with red candles and accent flowers were placed around the room
There were black and red linens and silver chargers on each table
Old vinyl records were used as part of the centerpiece decor with the “Rock of Alex” logo printed on the records
Mini pianos were used as part of the centerpiece decor
Crystals, LED lighting and guitars added to the festive decor
The staff of Space wore “Rock of Alex” t-shirts to tie-in with the theme
The sushi display was decked out for the theme
With a “Rock of Alex” theme you know there is going to be great music! Rockmitzvah, a full-service live musical ensemble of rock and roll musicians, entertained and kept everyone on the dance floor. They also featured a very special guest, Bar Mitzvah boy Alex, who took the stage and jammed with the band on saxophone and keyboard.
Looking like a pro, Alex playing the sax
A versatile musician, he also plays the keyboard
The Rockmitzvah band rockin’ the house
Alex on vocals surrounded by his friends
Alex’s family and guests singing with the band
Taking a break from performing, Alex is in the chair during the traditional Horah
Guests enjoyed many of the activities Space offers. There were 120 adults and 60 kids and everyone was a kid for the evening, especially during the adults vs. kids game of laser tag where everyone was a winner.
Getting ready for some paintball fury!
Dad Scott and his “OLD” high school friends getting ready to relive their youth in a paintball game
Alex and his close friend playing a race car game in the arcade
The candle lighting ceremony featured two special cakes from ShopRite Bakery, double layered and covered in fudge cookie cakes…yum!
One of the cakes read, “Rock of Alex”
The other cake featured a verse from the The Rolling Stones, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”
Alex’s shirts were hung up just like a concession stand at a concert. The “Rock of Alex” t-shirt favors are from Confetti Party Decor.
Alex’s favors had his logo on the front and a verse from, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” on the back
The delicious desserts were color coordinated in red and black.
Cupcakes also from ShopRite displayed on Lucite stands
Cookie bouquets from Cookie Girl Bakery were used instead of flowers on the Bima for Alex’s service, then handed out as exit gifts for the guests
For his Mitzvah Project, Alexander volunteers to help run Friday night services at an assisted living facility. He helps lead the residents in prayer, serves them wine and challah and plays music for them on his oboe, saxophone or piano.
Advice from Dad Scott:
“Be involved in the planning of the party and have your kid be involved too…remember it is a celebration of them and the adult they are becoming. Be sure the theme and activities are a reflection of what they enjoy.”
The following vendors helped to make Alexander’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/Entertainment: Elvira Grau, Space, 201- 567-3810
Photographer/Videographer: Jeff Karg, 845-627-1124
Music Entertainment: Rockmitzvah, 914-419-3610
Favors: Confetti Party Decor, 914-263-1412
Invitation: Party Perfect, 845-638-2602
Cake: Shoprite Bakery
Cookie Bouquet: Cookie Girl Bake Shop, 845-708-5888
Mom’s Dress: Neiman Marcus
Mom’s Jewelry: Westchester Jewelry 914-776-0800
Mom’s fur: Maximilian Fur Salon, Bloomingdale’s
Makayla’s dress: Denny’s, Paramus
Alex’s outfit : Lubin’s of Westchester/Rothman’s
Hair/makeup: Trabella and Sparkle Up, 845-634-0140
Transportation: Chestnut Ridge Transportation, 845-356-2200
Party security: Space
December 18th, 2013
Our past story, Creative Kids Seating showed our readers unique ways to set up your Bar Bat Mitzvah party space.
This time we are focusing on lounge furniture, which remains a popular trend at Bar Bat Mitzvah celebrations. It’s an easy way for kids to comfortably mix and mingle.
Lounge furniture can be used as an area for the kids or utilized to section-off an entire party.
Sophisticated settings, vibrant colors and fun decor can be included, such as: banquettes, personalized ottomans and custom pillows.
Enjoy the variety of lounge areas below!
A tropical themed Bat Mitzvah with fully customized colored lounge furniture using burlap, lime green, turquoise, a custom backdrop, balloon sculpture palm trees with lights and custom logo pillows from Balloon Artistry
Pulse Entertainment created a lounge area surrounding the dance floor with custom photos of the Bat Mitzvah girl and a mix of LED furniture and draping
Sarah Merians Photography captured this sophisticated and modern Bar Mitzvah lounge
Jersey Street Furniture incorporated sports decor with football and baseball images on cocktail tables for this lounge area
Bobby Morganstein Events used bleachers to create stadium seating for this lounge at a celebration taking place at The Merion in Cinnaminson, New Jersey
EJ the DJ created a “First-Class Lounge” for a travel themed Mitzvah
A sophisticated lounge area from Chateau Briand Caterers
A Glitz and Glitter lounge from Hi Tech Photography Events
United Floral Events designed intimate seating with crushed velvet sofas for a sophisticated look
Atmosphere Lounge Dezinz, a division of DanceJock Productions, created a seating lounge area with a perfect view of the dance floor
Taking place at Life…the place to be and designed by Victoria Dubin Events, this colorful seating arrangement and uplighting is for an art themed Bat Mitzvah
Hart to Hart and Dynamic Events designed great seating arrangements in this lounge, including illuminated cocktail tables
Dazzling Parties created a South Beach lounge for a recent Bat Mitzvah
A cozy lounge from Marquis Florals & Event Design by Kim
The Event of A Lifetime created a ski lodge for a ski themed Bar Mitzvah
Hot Hot Hot Entertainment had lots of fun creating a lounge setting at this Mitzvah
“Liv It Up” in this comfy lounge set-up at the Sands Atlantic Beach Club
Corley Designs transformed a country club into a posh black and white night club from Ann Marie Casey Photography
Beat By Beat Entertainment set up high top illuminated tables and white Bombo stools
TWO Events Group created this space at TWO Below, located downstairs at K-Pacho
NY Lounge Decor designed a large lounge area with lighted decor
Floral Sentiments created a sitting area and room decor with this innovative design for the kids area
A cozy lounge area with LED tables at the Inn At New Hyde Park
A creative lounge setup for a Bat Mitzvah at The Mansion on Main Street, photography by Studio K
Add 2 My Party created a sophisticated seating area with white banquettes and LED cocktail tables
Did you have a unique lounge area at your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah? Send it to us at
info@mitzvahmarket.com.
