December 18th, 2013
5th Avenue Digital Photography had the opportunity to photograph a New York Giants Football themed Bar Mitzvah at the W Hotel in New York.
Working with John Benke of the W Hotel, event planner Shawn Rabideau was responsible for the themed décor and Shine Events provided the high energy entertainment.
They put a new spin on this sports-themed Bar Mitzvah by transforming the ballroom into a football stadium with a fabulous wall mural and footballs covered in flowers.
Take a look below:
The kids received football VIP passes for table seating
As an accent on the kids cocktail tables, footballs were covered with green button mums and placed on top of containers with the logo of the Bar Mitzvah boy’s favorite football team, the New York Giants
As guests entered the ballroom, they saw a large backdrop of a football stadium that gave the illusion that the kids tables were on a football field. This helped to create depth to the space while adding a “wow” factor to the room!
Large glass vases filled with footballs were placed in the center of each table to create height and drama
All of the napkins at the adult tables were wrapped with a napkin ring that resembled a football field
The adults loved the green screen photo favor sayings!
A football jersey served as the sign-in board
We thank 5th Avenue Digital Photography for sharing this great Bar Mitzvah celebration with Mitzvah Market.
December 14th, 2013
The Teich family celebrated daughter Sarah’s Bat Mitzvah with a reception at the Coliseum Nightclub in White Plains, New York.
Sarah wanted a “New York City Club Style” venue with the theme, “Sarah in the City.” Lucky for her, Mom Jill Prince Teich, owner of Hal Prince Music and Entertainment, was able to make it happen without traveling into New York City!
Pictured L-R: Mom Jill Prince Teich, Bat Mitzvah Girl Sarah, Dad Matt and older brother Jordan.
The photography was done by 5th Avenue Digital and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
Mitzvah Invitation & Style
The invitation, from Invitations by Elyse Davis, was feminine and sophisticated.
It was a cream colored card with purple border and accented with a double ribbon and a little rhinestone in the scroll
This Jovani pink cocktail dress had a layered organza ruffle skirt and black satin waist
Mitzvah Details
Mom Jill, owner of Hal Prince Music and Entertainment, knew the Coliseum Nightclub in White Plains, New York, would offer the exact atmosphere Sarah was looking for without having their guests drive all the way to NYC. Diana Gould Floral and Event Design created many of the decor elements, including the red carpet in the front of the venue, giving guests that celebrity “VIP” feel.
The "Sarah in the City" themed entrance
Sarah and her parents get the red carpet treatment walking into the venue
Sarah sharing the spotlight with "Lady Gaga"
The walls inside the venue projected NYC landmarks
Once inside the club, photos of Sarah's NYC pre-shoot were blown up and displayed
The adults sat in banquette seating nooks to enjoy the cocktail hour
The lounge area featured white furniture for Sarah's friends to hang out
There was an area in the lounge for Sarah's guests to store their giveaways
Sarah's logo was placed on LED candles throughout the nightclub
Diana Gould created the sign-in board, incorporating pictures of Sarah in New York City
The staff from the Coliseum Nightclub wore "I Love NY" t-shirts
Mitzvah Video
Before Sarah made her grand entrance, a special entrance video was shown to guests. It featured Sarah walking around Manhattan, and was set to the “Mary Tyler Moore” theme song. The video appropriately ended with Sarah tossing her hat into the air in the middle of Times Square.
Watch this clever Mary Tyler Moore-inspired entrance video here
Music & Entertainment
The emphasis of this party was certainly on dancing with Hal Prince Music and Entertainment in charge!
Sarah making her entrance
Sarah’s up!
Sarah and her guests having fun on the dance floor
There were "clubby" giveaways on the dance floor with many blinking items and fun "NYC bling" necklaces
The Teich Family having a great time!
In addition to a great DJ, MC and dancers, there was a roaming magician, a photo area where the guests were superimposed in front of NYC landmarks, a temporary tattoo artist, and a cell phone case “kiosk” that you might see on the streets of New York
Sarah and her friends loved the magician
A guest getting a tattoo
Mitzvah Moments
The candle lighting was unique and did not involve a cake.
A special candelabra was made for the candle lighting ceremony
The Teich family making a wish for Sarah
The family invited immediate family in groups, as well as Sarah’s friends, to light candles
Sarah danced with her Dad to the song “Sarah Smile,” performed by her uncle Jay Prince, singer and band leader for the company
Uncle Jay singing to his niece, Sarah
Favors & Exit Treats
The sweatshirt hoodies were created by Par-T-Gear using Sarah’s logo. When guests were ready to leave, there were many NYC themed treats that guests could take home with them, which really left them in a “New York State of Mind.”
Mom Jill used reusable favor bags because she wanted her guests to be able to use the bags after the party
The white zip-up hooded sweatshirt for the girls had the tag line "Live, Love, Party" in neon pink
The gray hooded sweatshirt for the boys featured a different logo on the front with the NYC skyline on the back
Guests enjoyed the authentic NYC candy stand
A NYC pretzel cart
Mitzvah Project
Sarah is interested in helping children with disabilities. She raised money for the Molly Ann Tango Memorial Foundation by selling jewelry. The Molly Ann Tango Memorial Foundation was established in 2004 by Todd Tango and Cathy Tango Dykes in memory of their daughter Molly who was born with multiple disabilities and required ongoing extensive medical care. To honor Molly’s memory, this foundation provides support to other families who care for children with special needs.
Mom to Mom
Mom Jill offers this Mom to Mom advice:
“You want to be able to be a guest at your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah. The last thing you want to do is be stressed at the party and worry that the room will not be decorated the way you envisioned, that the DJ or band will be late, or about when certain formalities will take place. You can do this by making sure to book a venue and hire vendors that have experience and come highly recommended. As soon as you get your date, start looking at venues, then an entertainment company. Decor and photography can be booked later unless you have your heart set on a particular photographer. Make sure to meet with all your vendors one to two months prior to your party to finalize décor, menu, go over timing and special requests. Once everything is finalized, let the professionals do their thing, so you can be a guest and enjoy.”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Sarah’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue/Security: Coliseum White Plains, 914 557-3401
Party Planner/Music Entertainment: Mom, Jill Prince Teich, Hal Prince Music and Entertainment, 914 241-3300
Photographer: 5th Avenue Digital, 212 741-6427
Videographer: Eddie, United Photo and Video, 914 337-2120
Décor/Sign-In Board/Red Carpet: Diana Gould Floral Design, 914 347-7134
Favors: Nancy Low, Par-T-Gear, 914-690-0852
Reusable Favor Bags: Bag Makers
Party entertainment/Lady Gaga Impersonator: Hal Prince Music and Entertainment
Invitation: Invitations by Elyse, 203 791-1830
Bat Mitzvah girl Sarah’s dress: Jovani
Mom’s dress: Neiman Marcus, White Plains, New York
Men’s suits: Nordstrom, White Plains, New York
Hair: Debbie, Static Hair, 914 997-2600
Make Up: Mary Gordon Beauty, 917 626-1900
December 8th, 2013
The Citron family of Great Neck, New York, celebrated daughter Emily’s Bat Mitzvah on December 8, 2012, with a service at Temple Israel of Great Neck. The celebration continued Saturday evening with a party in Emily’s honor at Temple Beth-El of Great Neck.
Emily is a devoted fan of Mitzvah Market and we are excited and honored to spotlight her party.
Her theme was “Emilytown” Cupcakes, a take on the famous Georgetown Cupcakes in Washington D.C.
Pictured L-R: Brother Ethan, Bat Mitzvah girl Emily, Dad Harold and Mom Barbara.
The photographer was Classy Candids and the rest of the vendors are listed at the end of the spotlight.
Emily had a Saturday morning service at Temple Israel of Great Neck, New York, followed by a Kiddush luncheon
The purple C’est Papier invitations were from Party Excellence
Party Excellence worked with the family to create Emily’s theme, “Emilytown Cupcake,” inspired by the famous Georgetown Cupcake store in Washington D.C. The party decor included the familiar cupcake shop awning and Emily’s favorite color, purple. The place card table incorporated her theme and displayed the cupcake menu
Each place card had a cupcake flavor and matched the design on the centerpieces
The white leather lounge furniture from Cosmopolitan Caterers looked great in the kids lounge. There were small cupcake centerpieces on the coffee tables and a large marquee sign overhead
Party Excellence created these delicious-looking centerpieces for the adult tables! Each table was a different cupcake flavor
Poster of Emily in Warhol style was placed by the bar
Danielle from Party Excellence created Emily’s logo incorporating her favorite items: a paw print, a cupcake, and a moose
Emily’s sign-in board was inspired by the Georgetown Cupcake owner’s signature look: aprons and Hunter boots
DanceJock Productions provided fun activities for guests including two caricature artists and Blackjack tables
The boys having fun at Blackjack
For the candle lighting service, Party Excellence created a cupcake-inspired display
Emily’s 98 year-old great grandmother was able to travel from Baltimore to enjoy the celebration
Emily wanted her dog Oreo to be at the party. Mom and Dad vetoed that idea, but allowed a photo with Emily and Oreo to be used as Emily lit a candle for him
Emily surrounded by her friends after they lit a candle together
MC George and the DanceJock team kept the party going all night. Emily making her way into the reception
MC George with Emily
Since the theme was cupcakes, the kids enjoyed a make-your-own cupcake bar provided by Cosmopolitan Caterers
The favors were cupcake-inspired. The girls received beautiful Juicy Couture cupcake necklaces
A grey blanket with Emily’s logo for the boys
Everyone received cupcake mints, cupcake magnets and chocolates
The photo favors featured a version of the sign-in board that was made into a photo background. Pictured here are Emily and her friends with the customized background
Emily volunteered at CLASP Children’s Center. They provide quality childcare for Great Neck’s working parents and parents enrolled in training programs. Emily attended the program when she was a little girl. She had a great time working with the kids and the staff loved seeing her all grown up.
Some advice from Mom Barbara:
“It is crucial to be organized and find the best vendors you can but I think it is a myth that everything must be done 2 years in advance. There are so many venues and service providers especially in the New York area. Invitations probably require the most lead time since you need to get them addressed, stuffed and out the door weeks before your affair.”
The following vendors helped to make Emily’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Party Venue: Temple Beth-El of Great Neck
Caterer/Lounge Decor: Cosmopolitan Caterers, 516-487-0900, ext. 209
Party Planner: Matthew Goldberg, Let’s Parti, 516-470-1624
Decor/Invitations: Danielle Mattia, Party Excellence, 516-586-5252
Music Entertainment: MC George, DanceJock Production, 631-242-0042
Party Entertainment, cubbies & lighting, photo favors: DanceJock Productions
Photographer: Classy Candids (no longer in business)
Make Your Own Cupcakes: Cosmopolitan Caterers
Girls Favors: Juicy Couture
Boys Favors: Mindy, A Promo USA, 800-987-8766
Emily’s service and party dress: Outrageous Boutique, 516-931-3331
Mom’s Service dress: Nordstrom
Mom’s party dress: En-Toto Couture, 516-829-8503
Brother Ethan’s Suit: The Annex Shoppe
Dad’s Suit: Ermenegildo Zegna
December 4th, 2013
Candy and dessert buffets are very popular at Bar Bat Mitzvah celebrations.
There are many little details that go into the placement of the desserts and goodies, including colors and party theme.
The “dessert designers” showcased below know how to design and style delicious dessert tables.
Here are some sweet dessert display ideas to enhance your celebration. Yum!
Balloon Artistry created this candy buffet setup with custom-designed signage
A Bat Mitzvah dessert table in East Hampton included the cake, cake pops, mini cupcakes, sugar cookies, chocolate covered strawberries and chocolate covered Oreos, by
Dina’s Delights
Owner Qudsia of
Q’s Extravaganza included vintage jewelry in this elegant dessert display
This candy display by Treat Me Sweet features bright colored candy and great signage
COVERED IN CANDY created this beautiful candy buffet
December 2nd, 2013
Occasions Online featured this nature lover’s Bat Mitzvah. There were so many nice touches, we just had to share.
The Bat Mitzvah girl loves flowers and wanted to include elements of nature and her Maine summer camp into her theme. The only problem was her February Bat Mitzvah date was too cold for an outdoor celebration.
Event planner Sharon Fisher, of Sharon Fisher Events and Tulip Blooming Creations incorporated the Bat Mitzvah girl’s favorite color, orange, into the decor. The result was a Bat Mitzvah filled with flowers, natural elements and whimsical touches.
Photography by Ric Mershon Photography.
A beautifully detailed orange peony on the invitation was a symbol of the Bat Mitzvah theme
Candy-filled mason jars indicating table assignments
Moss and extra large pillows served as seating for the kids
Centerpieces filled with flowers and natural elements
The elegant orange linens had the same scroll used in the invitation
The bar with lots of orange soda, of course. Notice the tree silhouette projected behind the bar
Custom cocktail napkins in an elegant moss green font
For an added touch, the Bat Mitzvah girl’s specialty drink had green straws with her name and a peony graphic used on the invitation
Beautiful flower-shaped cake pops
Favor bags with a peony logo sticker
Eco-friendly tote bags as favors
Event Planner: Sharon Fisher Events
Venue: The Temple
Photography: Ric Mershon Photography
Decor: Tulip Blooming Creations
Invitation: Luxe Expressions
We thank Occasions Online and Sharon Fisher Events for sharing this Bat Mitzvah with our readers.
December 1st, 2013
Table numbers can be a small, but impactful detail at your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration. We have written about Creative Table Numbers in the past, and we now have a new batch to share!
BizBash, the leading trade magazine and Website for the special events industry, did a feature on unique table number displays.
They gathered simple and creative ways to make sure your guests find their tables. Scroll down and get inspired to number your tables in your own unique way.
Using an X-Acto knife, these table numbers pop out of the pages of open books
Large graphic table numbers were the centerpieces at this reception, perfect for an art themed Bar or Bat Mitzvah
Playful centerpieces included table numbers imprinted on silver paint cans
Using florescent duct tape these table numbers really make a statement
This celebration used oversized guitar picks displaying table numbers
To add an enchanted-forest feel to the dining table centerpieces, table numbers were spray-painted on wood slabs
Plexiglass table number displays added a reflective element to this setting
These table numbers were printed on faux passports for a travel themed party
Did you have a unique way to display your table numbers at your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah? Send it to us at
info@mitzvahmarket.com.
December 1st, 2013
The Berger family of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, celebrated daughter Sydney’s Bat Mitzvah on September 8, 2012. The service and reception were held at the Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
This family knows how to pick great venues. We did a Mitzvah Inspire story on Brother Jacob’s Bar Mitzvah held at the National Constitution Center, also in Philadelphia.
Sydney is a “techy” girl so her “iBerger” theme was perfect for an evening of fun.
Pictured L-R: Dad Eric, Bat Mitzvah girl Sydney, Mom Lynda and brother Jacob
Ann Marie Casey Photography was the photographer and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Sydney’s iBerger theme started with the Save the Date sent out 6 months before her Bat Mitzvah. In the shape of an iPhone, it requested guests to go online to a Website which had all the information about her Bat Mitzvah and Mitzvah Project. The invitation was a laptop computer with removable discs.
Sydney’s Website included info about her Bat Mitzvah Project, movies that she made with friends, venue directions and out of town information
Sydney’s invitation was modeled after a laptop computer! The discs served as the RSVP and direction cards
Sydney’s Bat Mitzvah service was held in the Grand Lobby of the Please Touch Museum.
60 foot ceilings with a beautiful and majestic dome
Sydney reading from the Torah
Sydney’s Bat Mitzvah dress and service dress were custom designs by Boston dressmaker, Sondra Celli.
After the service, guests made their way to the Carousel House for the adult cocktail hour and the East Gallery for the kids’ cocktail hour. The East Gallery houses some of the coolest exhibits such as the Alice in Wonderland exhibit where Sydney and her friends had a blast hanging with the Mad Hatter and exploring the many different exhibits.
Sydney and her brother in the Wonderland exhibit filled with optical illusions
At the Carousel House guests could take a ride on the indoor carousel
Sydney’s guests enjoying the super-sized musical keyboards
The iBerger theme was easy to achieve as this creative family owns Color Reflections, a graphics and digital printing company. All the great details were produced in-house.
Guests matched their iPhone seating cards with the corresponding texting acronym centerpiece on each table
Sydney’s sign-in was a beautiful photo book.
Photographer Ann Marie Casey created the sign-in book for Sydney’s guests.The book included pictures of Sydney’s pre-shoot taken at The Please Touch Museum weeks before
Mom Lynda collaborated with Judith Campbell of Campbell Studios on the theme and decor.
The beautiful ballroom all lit up
A texting dictionary on each table
Photofetti of Sydney adorned each table
Centerpiece names were texting lingo
The kids were seated at long tables with names like LOL and BFF
Sydney’s humorous entrance video was created by Cinema Cake. The video cleverly incorporates Sydney’s iBerger theme with the whole family getting in on the action.
Check it out here
Dance Adelphia provided the music with Jason Douglas as the MC.
Sydney with her friends
The girls taking over the microphone
Sydney’s friends wrote messages to her on the iPhone chair.
Bredenbeck’s Bakery created this beautiful cake.
The cake was decorated with all of the popular texting icons
Mirrored candle lighting display
The favors were purple sweatshirts with Sydney’s iBerger logo on it.
Sydney sneaks in the picture with her friends wearing their iBerger sweatshirts
Guests were treated to Rita’s Italian ice and custards.
Guests receiving their Rita’s
Custom water bottles with a personalized “thank you”
Sydney’s Bat Mitzvah project was with Operation Ava and the Bryn Mawr Veterinary. She loves animals and thought it would be a great idea helping those who did not have a home. Operation Ava saves animals from shelters nationwide. They receive the care and medical treatment they need prior to adoption. At the Bryn Mawr Veterinary Sydney spent time with the cats, teaching them to socialize, making it easier to get adopted.
A sign at Sydney’s service explaining her two wonderful Mitzvah projects
Mom Lynda had some advice to share:
“I tried to keep it about Sydney and what she’s into. She loves the technology thing. That’s why I tied everything in together with the Website, computer invitations, Save the dates and place cards and Entrance video with the Magic Dance Application. Even the Centerpieces were about texting. It was a very cool and very different theme. It was made for the kids not the adults .. I think that’s how it should be.”
The following vendors helped to make Sydney’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Please Touch Museum, 215-581-3181
Party Planner: Mom Lynda Berger, Color-Reflections, 215-627-4686
Catering: Brulee Catering, 215-923-6000
Décor/florist: Campbell Studios, 610-517-4483
Photographer: Ann Marie Casey Photography, 610-519-1980
Music Entertainment/MC: Danceadelphia, Jason Douglas, 215-467-9551
Invitation/Save the date/Website: Clayton Slook, CHS Designs, 215-272-3613
Favors: Color-Reflections
Graphic Design: Color-Reflections
Cake: Bredenbeck’s Bakery, 215-247-7374
Sign-In book: Ann Marie Casey Photography
Cardboard Cut Outs: Color Reflections
Entrance Reveal: Cinema Cake, 610-989-0158
Mitzvah Exit: Rita’s Ices
Sydney’s Custom Service and Bat Mitzvah dress: Sondra Celli
November 23rd, 2013
The Greenberg family from Roslyn, New York, celebrated their son Drew’s Bar Mitzvah on May 30, 2013, at Temple Beth Sholom in Roslyn Heights, New York. The party was the following day at the Village Club at Sands Point, in Sands Point, New York.
Mom Amy is an event planner for Bon Chic Events and this family is all about creativity. After she planned daughter Hannah’s carnival themed party, also featured on Mitzvah Market, she went right into planning Drew’s less formal kids party with a Hawaiian luau theme.
Pictured L-R: Dad Evan, Sister Hannah, Mom Amy and Bar Mitzvah Boy Drew
Jack Roman from the The Echo Agency was the photographer. All of the vendors are listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Drew’s Bar Mitzvah service was at Temple Beth Sholom. A Kiddush luncheon followed services.
The day before his service Drew posed next to the announcement of his Bar Mitzvah
Drew and sister Hannah during the luncheon
There were two versions of Drew’s preppy chic custom invitation. One for the service and kiddush luncheon and one for the kids party. They were both created by Julie Hanan Designs.
Included on the invitation for the kids party was, “Wear florals or khakis, but not too tacky!”
The party took place at The Village Club of Sands Point. This beautiful mansion sits on a golf course overlooking the Long Island Sound.
Guests drove up to this wonderful entrance
The beautiful outdoor courtyard saw lots of action during the party
Mom Amy went all out with her decorating ideas for a tropical themed party, including beach chairs and tiki statues. Balloons by Angie created part of the centerpieces.
A surfboard placed at the entrance
This colorful mask added to the decor details
Balloons by Angie supplied the balloons and palm tree centerpieces
During the cocktail hour NY Party Works set up many activities, including: a fun game of volleyball in the center of the courtyard, Pop-a-Shot, and for the girls, make-your-own flip flops.
Volleyball set up in the courtyard before dancing
Pop-a-Shot during the cocktail hour
The girls got to “bling up” flip flops
Drew made his way into the reception with a big smile on his face.
The dancers wearing “Just Drew It” t-shirts designed by Drew as part of his Mitzvah Project
Echo Entertainment supplied the music entertainment with MC 2Nice. The dancers and entertainers got into the spirit wearing “Just Drew It” shirts and fun Aloha shirts, skirts and leis.
The Echo crew getting into the Hawaiian spirit
“Yup, it’s my party!”
Great outdoor space for the DJ area and dancing
Drew surrounded by his dance and music team
The entire family poses with the Echo Entertainment team
The family had a customized montage that was written and produced by GiftRapped.com, who Mom Amy found on MitzvahMarket.com.
Drew’s guests watching the video
Watch here
Drew chose cupcakes and candles with a Hawaiian feel.
Drew starting his candle lighting ceremony
At the end of the evening guests took home fabulous bright orange stadium chairs and enjoyed Dunkin’ Donuts in “to go” cups, and Go Greenly “to go” frozen yogurt cups.
The stadium chair with Drew’s logo on it
Dancers brought around little stuffed animals for the kids
“Just Drew It” shirts worn by the MC and dancers were created by Drew and Spectrum Designs Foundation, a Port Washington, New York, based company that only employs teens and individuals with Autism. Drew’s sister has autism and the family is very involved with supporting the Autism population. Drew’s other Mitzvah Project involved working with his sister and other children with Autism on Saturday mornings at a special needs soccer program.
The entire entertainment team wore Drew’s awesome shirt
Advice from Mom Amy:
“Don’t be afraid to think out of the box when it comes to decorating and entertainment. Rely on experienced vendors to help make your party a success and involve your child in the planning process.”
The following vendors helped to make Drew’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: The Village Club of Sands Point, 516-944-7400
Party Planner: Mom Amy Greenberg, Bon Chic Events, 516-860-7826
Photography: Jack Roman for The Echo Agency, 516-935-3246
Invitations: Julia Hanan Designs, 815-260-9786
Music Entertainment: MC 2Nice, The Echo Agency
Entrance Video: Jim, GiftRapped, 347-480-9445
Video Montage: Rachel Byer, 516-713-9690
Extra Entertainment: NY Party Works, 800-469-3866
Balloons: Angie’s Party Designs, 631-623-6496
Favors: Shirts, Spectrum Designs, 516-767-7187, Stadium chairs, 4Imprint
Bar Mitzvah boy Drew’s party clothes: Kenny’s Men and Boys Wear, 516-921-2660
Mom Amy and sister Hannah’s dresses: Nikki’s Dressing Room
November 23rd, 2013
Jeremy Jason wanted his Bar Mitzvah project to have an impact on his community.
The 12-year-old from Braes Heights, Texas, collected more than 800 pairs of socks to be donated to the homeless through his “A Thousand Socks” campaign.
As part of his Bar Mitzvah preparation, Jeremy’s idea for the project grew out of the family’s involvement with the volunteer organization, Food Not Bombs.
The initial goal was 1,000 socks or 500 pair. Now that he already surpassed that number, Jeremy has elevated his goal to collect 1,000 pair of socks to donate to Houston’s homeless before his Bar Mitzvah on February 22, 2014.
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project/charity?
JJ: I decided to take on this project, A Thousand Socks campaign because I feel the homeless are marginalized from society, and do not feel appreciated. I thought that I could help out by giving socks to them so they would change their opinion about themselves and society.
MM: Can you give us details of your Mitzvah Project?
JJ: My Mitzvah Project started when I began volunteering, at Food Not Bombs in Houston, Texas. We share vegetarian meals with the homeless who are in the downtown area. I learned that the people who we share food with have to walk a lot. So, I decided to give nice, clean socks to help them out. We take for granted that we have a house to live in, a vehicle to use, a shower, or clean clothes. I realized that those people probably have to walk a lot and need comfortable shoes and socks to wear. So I thought I could help out by getting lots of clean, comfortable socks for them to wear to soothe their tired and hurt feet, and maybe make their lives a little bit better.
MM: Does your project have a start and end date?
JJ: I started in May 2013 and will end my campaign in February 2014.
MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bar Mitzvah?
JJ: It means that I, being a Bar Mitzvah, am obliged to make a difference and that I have certain responsibilities to my community. What I’ve learned is anyone or anything, now matter how small, can make a difference, even a 12-year-old boy collecting socks.
MM: What are you doing to spreading the word?
JJ: I have been giving brief presentations at a few churches. I have put donation boxes in many friendly areas including the Unitarian Fellowship of Houston Church, Three Brothers Bakery, Belden’s Supermarket, and Congregation Brith Shalom. I also receive money donations through my website, A Thousand Socks. Word really spread when I was featured in some local newspapers including the Houston Chronicle, the Examiner, the Village News, and The Jewish Herald.
MM: For how long can people donate to this charity?
JJ: I am intending to keep collecting socks until my Bar Mitzvah, so people can donate to a box as long as the box stays in that area.
MM: Anything else we need to know about your Mitzvah Project?
JJ: If anyone wants to donate this is what I need:
1. Socks can be any color or style
2. Socks must be clean
3. Sock must not have holes
4. Socks must be adult size
5. Socks can be for men or women
We thank Jeremy and the Jason family for sharing this incredible Mitzvah Project with our readers.
November 19th, 2013
Roller coaster parties can be great fun for thrill-ride enthusiasts of all ages, and there are plenty of ways to play around with this party theme.
To see many some roller coaster themed Bar Bat Mitzvah celebrations, please scroll down.
Amusement park theme… on acrylic from Serendipity Designs
From Balloon Artistry an amusement park themed Bat Mitzvah with roller coaster centerpieces
Party Perfect Boca created this centerpiece
Momentum Cleveland offered a real roller coaster for photo ops
Did you have a roller coaster element at your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
