August 4th, 2013
Party favors and giveaways are always fun at a party, but if you want to give your guests something a little different, Eli Zabar, the Upper East Side gourmet epicurean emporium, has a unique way.
This 24 inch, 15-pound loaf is big enough to serve a crowd after services, at a Kiddush, or at your reception.
The delicious bread is made to impress. It has a mildly sour taste, a rustic texture, and a thick crust that helps keep the bread from drying out.
The price is $150.00 and they can FedEx it overnight for $22.50.
If there’s anything left after the party, cut it into chunks and freeze to eat it at another time
This 5 foot giant celebration challah is also available although not on their website, but is available by calling their catering department.
For more information, go to their Website or call them at 866-354-3547.
August 4th, 2013
The Feldman family from Millburn, New Jersey celebrated son Sam’s Bar Mitzvah in 2013 at Congregation B’nai Israel in Millburn, New Jersey.
Following the service there was a Kiddush luncheon and the next day Sam’s guests were invited to keep the celebration going at Sam’s Super Bowl Party at The Sports Academy in Millburn, New Jersey.
Impressions Photo and Video was the photographer and the rest of the vendor information is listed below.
L-R: Dad Rich, younger sister Kate, Bar Mitzvah boy Sam, younger brother Jack and Mom Cari.
Sam is draped in a tallit which he chose when he visited Israel with his Nanny Iris and Papa Howie
Sam with his proud parents
The invitation was custom made by Stationery Stephanie and Sam’s logo was created by Adam Hirshhorn of AJH Entertainment
Jersey Street Furniture draped the room in NY Giants’ colors of blue and white. They made sure there was plenty of seating for guests to hang out and watch the games on 4 giant plasma screens
Planner Dayna Platnick added some whimsy with adorable centerpieces made of wheatgrass, foam fingers and football cleats, which were later donated to children in need
A close-up of the football cleat centerpiece
Dance floor gobo
Sam posing on the dance floor
Custom cocktail napkins with Sam’s logo
Rally towels were used upon Sam’s entrance to the dance floor
This framed Jersey sign-in now hangs in his room
Some of Sam’s friends also signed this custom football helmet
After Emcee Adam (a.k.a. the Referee) had the coin toss, Sam made his grand entrance doing his version of the Victor Cruz Cha-Cha touchdown dance
Following the Horah, friends and family lifted Sam up in the air
The dance floor was jumpin’ as guests competed in a dance off to win Giants’ tickets!
Little sister Kate rocked it with Emcee Adam and the AJH dancers
Many watched the Super Bowl together on large screens
Some played hoops
But everyone had a blast!
Giveaways included Super Bowl XLVII hats, t-shirts, and some lucky winners got an official NFL football signed by none other than Sam himself! And what’s a Super Bowl party without boxes? Each guest got a box in the pool and at each quarter awesome prizes were awarded to each of the winners
Sam being held up by his friends
The Feldman family was happy to celebrate Sam and were all smiles throughout the night
Alison Halper of ID Clothing created Jerseys which were given to each guest as a party favorMitzvah Project
Mitzvah Project
Sam participated in the Volun-tween program sponsored by the National Council of Jewish Women. Each week Sam and some of his friends went to an after-school program in East Orange, New Jersey. He truly enjoyed playing with and teaching the children. It was incredibly rewarding for him.
Some advice from Mom Cari
For future Mitzvah Moms, I can’t stress enough, don’t sweat the small stuff. In the end, the color of the cocktail napkins or type of flowers for the centerpieces won’t make or break your day. Keep the focus on what is truly important- your child- and enjoy every moment!
The following vendors helped to make Sam’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their products and services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: The Sports Academy, 973-912-9002
Party Planner: Dayna Platnick Events
Caterer: Lox, Stock and Deli, 732-214-8900
Music Entertainment/logo: Adam Hirschorn, AJH Entertainment, 732-446-1329
Décor/florist: Jersey Street Furniture, 973-779-7444
Photographer: Impressions Photo and Video, 732-566-0065
Videographer: Mossimo, Massimo Marini Video Services, 201-320-4189
Invitation: Stephanie, Stationary Stephanie, 201-463-2505
Favors: Alison Halper, ID Clothing,
Custom cocktail napkins: Stationery Stephanie
Dress for family members: Debra Gilbert Smith, 973-379-7900
Sam’s suit: Sam’s Fine Mens Clothing, 973-422-1000
Hair/Makeup: Rita Scrivo, My Cinderella’s Dream, 973-809-5296
July 31st, 2013
Using the girls’ 3 initials, they really had a AHA moment that turned into a great day of celebration and tradition.
The girls on their special day
Modern Day Florists created a custom logo using the girls’ first name initials
The custom pillows matched the linens and really popped on the white modern furniture
Beautiful pastel linens
Each child received a custom bag designed by a relative, as well as socks to change into and beach towels
When filled with these great favor bags in vibrant colors, the white cubbies became part of the decor
A close up of the beautifully handmade favor bags
Continuing with the pastel theme: the AHA Candy Shoppe
July 31st, 2013
Many families choose to do a special photo shoot with their child before their Bar Bat Mitzvah weekend. We have found some great ways they are using these photos for their celebrations.
Whether the pictures are placed on an invitation, used as part of the decor, as a sign-in idea or even on the favor, we think it’s all picture perfect!
Here are a few creative ways to use and display photos at your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah.
The invitation, by Dara Grunberg of Dear Friends, included a picture of the Bat Mitzvah girl taken by Stephen Andrews Photography
Rockmitzvah was the music entertainment at a Bar Mitzvah where the pillows featured photos of the guest of honor
PBG Events created life size cut-outs of the Bar Mitzvah boy skiing down a slope (steps) for this winter wonderland themed celebration
Hi Tech Photography Events used photos of this Bar Mitzvah boy on the lamp shade centerpieces
Balloon Artistry created photo cubes for this Bat Mitzvah celebration showcasing her love of horses
Space, an entertainment venue, used a large blow-up of the Bat Mitzvah girl at the entrance to her party
Oversized images of the Bat Mitzvah girl greeted guests at the entrance to this celebration from Saskia Marina Photography
Colorful pictures from Sarah Merians Photography and Video flanked the walls at NYC’s Hudson Terrace
Casual Candids used a photo from Jacob’s casual Bar Mitzvah shoot for this sign-in board
This Bar Mitzvah boy created a line drawing of himself which MazelTovGear.com put on ties for his family members to wear proudly at his celebration
Christine Foster Photography took the photographs at this fashion designer themed Bat Mitzvah showing how pictures of the guest of honor were incorporated into the theme
PARTIES! Rare To Well Done created a fabulous sign-in book with action shots of the Bar Mitzvah boy on the cover
A Promos USA/ImageMaker took a photo of an ice hockey loving Bar Mitzvah boy and used it on his t-shirt favors
This Bar Mitzvah logo, created by Simon Elliot Events, featured a drawing of the guest of honor Dylan
Lighter Than Air created a life sized blow up of this Bar Mitzvah boy which was included in the decor at his celebration
Dazzling Parties used the Bat Mitzvah girl’s photo for her “Club Getaway” place cards
Richie Hart Events used blow ups to flank the entryway into this Bar Mitzvah celebration
thecoolestgiveaways.com created this sublimated bag using the Bar Mitzvah boy’s jumpshot photo for this basketball themed celebration
Ann Marie Casey Photography created this custom made guest sign-in album with table top cut out asking guests to leave her a special “MSG”
A&G Picture This captured the decor with a sketch of the Bar Mitzvah boy on these cocktail tables
Sara Renee Events created a place card table with pictures of the Bat Mitzvah girl on cutouts of the number “13”
From Real Card Studio, a portrait invitation using a sketch of the Bar Mitzvah boy
The servers at this Bar Mitzvah all wore personalized shirts of the Bar Mitzvah boy Jordan from Nina Bracker Events
For a fashionista Bat Mitzvah, these pictures lined the entrance from Evantine Designs
MK Photography shows how this Bat Mitzvah girl’s friends really got into the friendship presentation with letter cutouts and tons of pictures
Did you include a great picture placement idea in your Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
July 28th, 2013
If you live on Long Island and are looking for a great idea for a Mitzvah Project or just to perform a Mitzvah with your child, UJA-Federation of New York’s “Supplies for Success” needs your help.
The program works to ensure that children on Long Island return to school with the tools they need to succeed. Families will not have to choose between bread and butter or paper and pens. Last year, the program filled backpacks for more than 3,800 disadvantaged children. This year they hope to reach more.
You can help in the following ways:
Pack and Sort – Assemble and fill backpacks with school supplies from Tuesday, August 20th to Thursday, August 22nd. The morning shift is from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and the afternoon shift is from 12:30 to 3:00 p.m. You need to register and space is limited. R.S.V.P. by Thursday, August 15, 2013.
Purchase and Pack – You can also make a difference by donating supplies or a filled backpack. Some of the items requested include: backpacks, loose-leaf binders, loose-leaf paper, one, three & five subject notebooks, marble notebooks, pocket folders, index cards, book covers, pencil cases, crayons, markers, highlighters, colored pencils, scissors, glue sticks and tape.
Donate – Can’t join them? Your donation of $18 will fill a backpack for one child. Please help as many children as you can. Purchase backpacks and they will fill them for you.
Community service letters will be provided upon request. For more information on “Supplies For Success” or to register, click here. You can also contact Orna Sheena by email at sheenao@ujafedny.org or 516-677-1832.
July 26th, 2013
Event planner Linzi Etzion of Linzi Events created a beautiful Bat Mitzvah for a “fashionista” in Boca Raton, Florida.
For Bat Mitzvah girl Taylor, there was never a question of what her Bat Mitzvah theme was going to be. With her sketch pad in hand and inspired by the television show “Project Runway,” Taylor laid out her vision for Linzi and a true collaboration began in creating her Bat Mitzvah theme, “Project Taylor.”
The reception was held in the grand ballroom at the Boca Resort in Boca Raton, Florida. Get ready for a couture celebration!
This unique invitation set the tone! A wire mannequin was delivered to all of the guests in a custom tube, indicating a fashion themed celebration was coming their way
“Fashionista” Taylor on the runway wearing a dress custom made by Designing Dreams. Guests danced on this runway as fashion footage played throughout the celebration on the large screens
A room shot of the beautiful ball room
Mannequins were the focal point of each table covered in fresh flowers, hand painted natural leaves, feathers and of course some “bling”
The poppy linens looked great with a pink Bengaline fabric napkin
Candles and silver crackled vases filled with white, pink and mint green flowers lined the tables
Even the candles were dressed up in red roses
Young guests enjoyed sweatshirts with her “Project Taylor” logo displayed on rolling clothing racks
Cupcakes with names like “Donatella Vanilla” and “Red Valentino” were given to the adult guests
We thank
Linzi Events for sending us this very fashionable Bat Mitzvah.
July 17th, 2013
Exceptional-Events in Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania, a full service event, design and planning company brought us this great celebration.
Using the Bar Mitzvah boy’s nickname, Goldy, event planner Stacey Kesselman transformed the ballroom of Or Ami Synagogue in Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania into “Goldy’s Backyard Barbecue.”
Creating a backyard BBQ feel for the temple ballroom was easy using vintage signage and banners from Visual Resources, the family’s business, as well as picnic tables, paper lanterns and garden flowers. “Eat, Drink and Enjoy” was the theme for the night and everyone did just that.
As guests entered they were greeted by this rustic vignette to create a feeling of being outside
Pie pops served as place cards and were displayed in these hollowed out moss containers which added to the outdoor feel
The mash sign directed guests to the food and fun!
Signs like this one tied all the elements together for a cohesive look
“Eat, Drink, Enjoy” was the theme for the evening
White garden chairs were used for a backyard feel along with blue up lighting
Centerpiece table numbers
Galvanized buckets with moss and beautiful flowers were paired with lanterns, which added to the vintage feel
A chip bar was a great addition
The favors all lined up ready to be given out
A nice note to thank guests for celebrating with the family
Sweatshirts for the Bar Mitzvah boy’s friends were printed with the custom logo
Aprons were given out to the adults
And of course you can’t have a BBQ without S’mores!
A closer look at the custom bags
We want to thank Stacey Kesselman of Exceptional-Events for sharing this great party with our readers. Venue: Or Ami Synagogue, Signage and Banners: Visual Resources, Decor/Favors: Exceptional Events, Apple Pie place cards: Sweet Surprises Candy, Caterer: Infinity Caterers, Photographer: Linda Morrow, Entertainment: All Around Entertainment
July 14th, 2013
We recently came across a great feature in The Acorn, a community newspaper in Southern California featuring three teens who found a sweet way to celebrate their Bat Mitzvahs.
Pictured at Left: Sadie Emmitt, Victoria Wildman and Lauren Leftz learned how to bake, decorate and sell cupcakes on behalf of Cupcakes for Cancer, a nonprofit group started by in 2007 by a 13-year-old Blakely Colvin, which helps families pay for cancer treatments.
The girls concocted cupcakes to fit every occasion and theme, including thin-mint-flavored cupcakes, and cream soda and orange 50-50, which combines orange Fanta and cream soda.
Together the girls baked more than 1,000 cupcakes in about three months and used the kitchen at the Valley Outreach Synagogue.
Lauren, a 13-year-old student at Colina Middle School in Thousand Oaks, said she and her friends raised more than $1,200 for their mitzvah project.
“We did cupcake sales all together at the temple,” Lauren said, adding that they also sold cupcakes for the cause at their schools and on other occasions.
Lauren became a Bat Mitzvah on May 4, 2013. “It’s an awesome feeling knowing that you’re helping to make the world a better place,” Lauren said.
The temple’s Facebook page promoted the event for the girls
Victoria is graduating from Sequoia Middle School in Newbury Park. She became a Bat Mitzvah on May 4, 2013. She said the project turned out to be fun and educational, adding that she picked up a few skills when learning how to bake. “We had a Valentine’s Day flavor—a vanilla cupcake with strawberry frosting,” she said. Her personal favorite is the 50- 50 cupcake. “It felt good that I did something to help people in need,” she said.
Sadie will become a Bat Mitzvah on June 15, 2013 and said that the experience was rewarding and gave her the chance to experiment with creative recipes. She plans to use the recipes she learned for a future project and may come up with some new ones of her own.
Click on Cupcakes for Cancer for more information about this great organization.
July 14th, 2013
The Weiss family from Cobleskill, New York celebrated their son Harrison’s Bar Mitzvah on April 13, 2013 at Temple Israel in Albany, New York. After the ceremony, there were two very different celebrations.
Harrison did not want a “traditional” party but instead wanted to celebrate at his temple and do something memorable with friends…all in the same day! The solution was a formal Kiddush luncheon with a chess theme, followed by fun at the Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Water Park in Lake George, New York.
Cobi Creek Photography photographed the Kiddush luncheon and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Pictured L-R: Bar Mitzvah boy Harrison, Mom Elise, Sister Madelyn and Dad Marc.
The service and Kiddush luncheon were held at Temple Israel in Albany, New York.
Harrison holding the Torah
Opening the Torah with his parents on either side of him
Harrison is a chess player, so they found yarmulkes with chess pieces
This red wagon, a gift from Harrison’s aunt when he was born, held candy which was thrown after the service. Harrison’s service program is next to it
The modern invitation with black, white and red colors set the tone for the Kiddush luncheon.
The RSVP email address was included on the bottom
The “Splash Pass” card was for the 2nd part of their celebration
Harrison wanted the Horah to be part of his celebration. Being part of a conservative/orthodox shul, there could be no music on a Saturday afternoon, so the Weiss family got creative. They hired a collegiate A Cappella group, The Earth Tones, from the University of Albany. They provided the music during the Horah and sang with the cantor during the luncheon as well!
Harrison being lifted in the chair during the Horah
The Earth Tones entertaining during the luncheon
Since they could not light candles, this family came up with a creative alternative for their candle lighting ceremony. They chose to do a “Wine Pouring” ceremony in which they honored family and friends by having them add a cup of happiness, love, friendship and wisdom into a large “cup of life.”
The table set up for the “Cup of Life” ceremony
Each cup had its own sign
Harrison with his grandmother
After each guest helped pour in one of the ingredients for a “recipe for a good life,” Harrison took it all in
The black, white and red color palette seemed great for a chess theme. Mom Elise bought chess magnets and used them as part of their place cards.
She spray painted the large magnetic chalkboard black and hung the place cards which welcomed guests as they walked into the luncheon
Plus, the magnets served as a souvenir since she put a little sticker on each that read, “Harrison’s Bar Mitzvah,” with the date on the back
The Weiss family invited President and Mrs. Obama, who unfortunately couldn’t make it, but sent back a nice congratulatory keepsake
Mom Elise bought glass chessboards from a local store which were incorporated with balloons to become part of the centerpieces.
Mom Elise cut out the cardboard chess pieces that decorated the tables
Photofetti, something Mom Elise found on Mitzvah Market, decorated the tables and was a great way to display pictures of Harrison at different stages in his life
Chess pieces decorated the buffet
Mom Elise decorated hospitality bags with chess pieces for the out-of-town guests
When it was time to head off to the Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Water Park, a private coach bus pulled up to the temple and all the kids (immediate family and some friends) boarded the bus.
Harrison and his sister Madelyn boarding the bus
Harrison’s friends take a few minutes from all the action to pose for a picture
Four hours of lazy rivers and slides
And a surfing area
Dinner was at Johnny Rockets in the hotel
One of Mom Elise’s favorite elements of the day was when she, her sister, mom and daughter put on their matching black and diamond studded t-shirts at the water park that read: “Bar Mitzvah Mom,” “Bar Mitzvah Aunt,” “Bar Mitzvah Grandma,” and “Bar Mitzvah Sister.”
The women got plenty of attention and the best part…..no worries about what to wear!
The favors, from WaDaYaNeed.com were towels- perfect for a water park!
The slogan “Instant Fun….Just Add Water” with Harrison’s name, the date and clip art of a swimmer
They were rolled up like big tootsie rolls and passed out on the bus on the way home
Harrison has been swimming competitively for years and was able to combine his love of swimming with his Mitzvah Project. The summer before his Bar Mitzvah, he organized a swim-a-thon with his local swim team and called the event, “Just Keep Swimming.” His whole team swam laps, and Harrison swam 112 laps himself. They found sponsors that donated flat rates and money per lap. Together, they raised over $1,700. The money saved the annual championship meet which was in danger of being cancelled and supported local pools damaged by recent hurricanes.
Some advice from Mom Elise:
“It is hard to stray away from what we know as ‘traditional’ in terms of a Bar Mitzvah celebration. However, it is important to listen to your child and help him/her create an event that represents him/her. Remind yourself that it is your child’s day and tailoring it to what he/she loves is the most important thing. My son was so happy and thoroughly enjoyed his Bar Mitzvah. Also, living in a small town where Bar Mitzvahs are far from the norm, it was important to plan early and help our guests understand the special meaning of the celebration. Everyone was on board and genuinely excited for the day!”
The following vendors helped to make Harrison’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Service/Kiddush Luncheon: Temple Israel, 518-438-7858
Party Venue: The Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Water Park, 518-824-6060
Photographer: Cobi Creek Photography, 518-231-4479
Music/Entertainment: UAlbany Earth Tones at uaearthtones@gmail.com
Towel Favors/Special T-Shirts: WaDaYaNeed, 800-958-4332
Invitations and Yarmulkes: Caryn Poskanzer, carynoccasions@hotmail.com
Balloons: Linda, Flowers Forever By Linda, 518-482-5086
Confetti: Photofetti, 866-496-3168
Welcome Board magnets: CafePress
Suits and dresses: Macy’s
Transportation: Brown Coach Company, 518-843-4700
July 10th, 2013
As the weather gets warmer, we crave ice cream- and that brings us to Coolhaus.
Coolhaus is an event truck that lets you and your guests build their own ice cream sandwiches that put amazing and creative flavors in between delicious cookies.
Coolhaus has trucks in New York, LA, Austin, and Miami and will come to your event.
Their catering services include all-you-can eat, made-to-order ice cream sandwiches served in custom edible wrappers. You get a choice of five artisan cookies and five to seven homemade ice creams for your guests to mix and match. Special requests–specific flavors, kosher, non-dairy, gluten-free and vegan can be accommodated with two weeks advance notice.
Owner Natasha Estrella handing out a treat
An architecturally inspired ice cream sandwich
Coolhaus’s cookie sammies are wrapped in edible rice paper wrappers that can be customized for an event or party
If you want to try one first and can’t find a truck near you, just head to your neighborhood Whole Foods freezer aisle and pick up one of the pre-packaged ice cream sandwiches
For Coolhaus event pricing, which varies depending on party size and location, click here.
