March 16th, 2013
We found this “at home” Bat Mitzvah service and celebration on event planner Sasha Souza’s fun site Sparkliatti and had to share.
The Bat Mitzvah took place in Atherton, California and used pink and gray as the color palette. They used informal seating arrangements to create a contemporary, hip and beautiful backyard celebration.
The event started with a pre-cocktail party in the front of the house, and then moved to the beautiful backyard for the service and party.
All photography done by Damion Hamilton.
The Bat Mitzvah girl standing under her name, which was created from carnations
Lounge vignettes for the pre-ceremony cocktail party
Guests were offered pashminas with the Bat Mitzvah girl’s logo – just in case it got cool
At the service, there were kippahs, bracelets, M&M’s, and a sign-in frame
The service was held in the backyard
White and pink decor seating area
Pink sequin cloths & silver deco chairs
Tall tables, rounds, and cocktail tables were used for the dinner
Dinner service by Someone’s in The Kitchen Catering & Event Planning
The servers wore customized shirts which featured the Bat Mitzvah girl’s logo and cute phrases on the back
The cake and dance floor area in the background
All lit up at night
We want to thank Sasha Souza for sharing this backyard celebration with our readers.
March 16th, 2013
We have written about the new trend of Bar/Bat Mitzvah entrance videos and we know our readers loved watching these creative productions.
Now it’s time to concentrate on the decor. We have found unique ways families are decorating their Bar/Bat Mitzvah entrance way.
Check these out:
Tennis anyone? FOS Designs swagged the entrance to the grand dining room of this tennis party with giant tennis rackets
For a Bat Mitzvah girl with a fashion theme, Party Excellence created this red carpet entrance!
Caplan Miller Events designed this arch of balloons for a circus themed Bat Mitzvah
Evantine Design created this entry way for a camp themed Bat Mitzvah
Shindigz Party Supplies features many different entrance archways like the one above
The entrance said “The Kratz Bowl” for the Kratz twins sports theme B’nai Mitzvah and created by Brian William Event Decorators
Design By Larissa created this book to greet guests for a true fairy tale Bat Mitzvah
Setting the Mood by Jamee created this arch for a Facebook themed Bat Mitzvah
For a cowboy theme…we love this entrance from Bill Angelini Enterprises
A castle entrance inside your ballroom from Adams Creative Images
From Linzi Events: Royce’s Japanese garden themed Bat Mitzvah
Did your Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration have creative entrance decor? Let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
March 16th, 2013
Ariana DeMattei, a 7th grader at the Westhampton Beach Middle School in Westhampton, New York is organizing many community fundraisers to help reach her goal of filling 150 backpacks with school supplies.
Her “Spring Splash at Rogers Beach Pavilion” fundraiser is coming up on Sunday, April 7, 2013 and is the first of many fundraisers she is planning. Ariana is hoping that these backpacks will then be distributed to local elementary school students in need by September.
Take “the plunge” with Ariana and read more about her great Bat Mitzvah project.
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project?
AD: My project Backpacks For Fellow Students (BFFS) was started with the purpose of providing elementary school children, whose families have been affected by today’s difficult economy, the basic school supplies they need to start off the school year. Imagine these children’s faces when they are able to walk through the doors of their school in September, confident and equipped with the same supplies as their friends. Imagine how happy their parents are when their child is given the same chance at success as those children who surround them.
MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bat Mitzvah?
AD: As part of preparing for becoming a Bat Mitzvah, one is encouraged to do a Mitzvah Project (a charitable act of human kindness). A successful Mitzvah Project should have a profound effect on people. For my Mitzvah Project, I am combining two things that are very important to me: children and education. I’m grateful to everyone in the community who has supported BFFS and all of their efforts in helping me achieve my goal.
MM: Can you give us details of your Mitzvah Project?
AD: The event, which is co-sponsored by Human Understanding & Growth Services, Inc. (HUGS) of Westhampton is called, “Spring Splash at Rogers Pavilion Beach” and takes place on April 7, 2013. HUGS is an organization that helps empower communities, especially kids, to lead healthier, fuller, substance free lives. There is a $25 participation fee and spectators will be charged $10 for adults and $5 for children. Steeldrumania, a steel drum band, will be performing. There will also be beverages donated by Hampton Coffee, face painting, and fire trucks for the kids to explore. Prizes will be awarded for “First In The Water” and “Best Costume.” Each “Splasher” that registers with a minimum of $25.00 in donations will receive a drawstring backpack.
MM: How did you spread the word about your Mitzvah Project?
AD: There are many ways I am promoting this project. I am asking people to:
SPREAD THE WORD: Forward this Mitzvah Market feature to your friends, coworkers and family members who you think may be interested in supporting my efforts.
CONNECT: While you’re surfing the web, stop by our Wish List Registry on Amazon.com. You will find a complete list of school supplies needed to fill the backpacks.
DONATE: Make a tax deductible donation. Checks can be made out to JCOH, a 501 (c) (3). Earmark the check for BFFS. 100% of all donations will be utilized for school supplies.
PARTICIPATE: Look for upcoming fundraisers including sports clinics, bake sales and a movie night!
MM: For how long can people donate to this charity?
AD: People can support BFFS by participating in these fun events over the next few months and through the summer.
We wish Ariana much luck with her Mitzvah Project and we thank her and her family for sharing this great idea with our Mitzvah Market readers.
March 13th, 2013
As soon as we saw these photographs and theme, a take off on North Face, we had to bring you Fisher’s Mountain ski-themed Bar Mitzvah!
This fabulous event took place at Green Valley Country Club in Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania.
The invitation really set the tone and included a fabulous logo which was designed by Leigh Karsch and her team from La Petite Fleur.
The reception was styled by Kim Rosen of Kim Rosen Events. The amazing flowers and decor were by Penncora Productions.
Look at the amazing details below:
La Petite Fleur designed a monogram with the Bar Mitzvah boy’s initials and a “North Fisher” logo, wrapped in a custom made scarf!
La Petite Fleur also created this antler monogram
The “Apres-Ski” information
The RSVP card was a post card
The amazing decor, along with dramatic lighting add to the remarkable feel of a ski lodge
The place card table fit right in with mini skis!
A closer look at the Bar Mitzvah antler monogram and mini ski place cards with each guests name and table number
The long communal tables added to the rustic ski lodge atmosphere
The beautiful menu with a rustic feel
Green Valley Country Club catered the food and brought in amazing details like the steak seared with the Bar Mitzvah boy’s monogram
The sign-in board
Lots of goodies for guests including thermals, gloves and even tooth brushes…everything you would need at a ski lodge
We thank Leigh of La Petite Fleur and the rest of the vendors listed for sharing this creative Bar Mitzvah with our Mitzvah Market readers.
March 9th, 2013
Mitzvah Mom Jennifer told us about Logo Tournament, a Website where she had her son’s Bar Mitzvah logo designed for a very reasonable price.
Since many Bar/Bat Mitzvahs incorporate logos into their theme, we knew you would want to know more.
Here’s how it works: This online logo design Website uses designers from all over the world to submit to you their designs for your logo.
As a “contest holder,” you fill out a simple creative brief with easy-to-follow prompts. You indicate general ideas about the look and feel of the logo and what you want the logo to communicate (ie. masculine vs. feminine, trendy vs. vintage and many more).
In a short amount of time, you will have 30 or more graphic artists starting to create a logo for you. There is a $275 minimum contest fee. The site will tell you how many submissions you can likely expect from various prize levels.
Then graphic artists from around the world start posting ideas for your logo. You give feedback and start to rank the logos. At the end of the contest (just a matter of days), you select a winner and the logo is yours and the developer wins the contest money you put up through the Website.
Their designer tab shows you what countries the designers are from and their portfolio tab will show you some of their work. Although most of the designs seem corporate in nature, this is a great resource if you are in need of a design.
Learn more by visiting their Website.
March 8th, 2013
The Segelman family from Randolph, New Jersey had a three-day celebration for their daughter Alana’s Bat Mitzvah. From the Friday night service on November 30th, to the Saturday service and Shabbat dinner on December 1st, to the reception on Sunday, December 2nd there were many wonderful traditional aspects incorporated into this modern Bat Mitzvah — we can’t wait to share them with you.
All photography was provided by Mike Leta Photography and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom.
Pictured above L-R: Dad David, Mom Lisa, Bat Mitzvah girl Alana, Eddie the family dog, older Sister Talia and older Brother Brett.
Both Friday night services and Saturday morning services were held at Adath Shalom in Morris Plains, New Jersey. After the Friday evening service, there was a dinner in the synagogue ballroom for family and out-of-town-guests. On the morning of December 1, 2012 Alana participated in the service with her Bar Mitzvah partner.
Alana did a magnificent job with her prayers, Torah and Haftorah readings as well as her d’var Torah
Alana’s grandfather, who is 87 years-old, illustrated the booklet for the service as he did for Alana’s siblings B’nai Mitzvahs
Alana chose a C’est Papier invitation from Ruth Dykman of Buy Invitation which had an icy blue feel.
The texture and shimmery glitter set the tone for the winter wonderland reception to come
Alana’s “Save The Date” is a picture of her made from iPhoto and was mailed out six months in advance
The Segelman family looked great as they stand at the steps of the grand staircase at Meadow Wood. Alana looks beautiful in her iridescent purple gown from Princess Charming.
Sister Talia’s dress is from Saks Fifth Avenue, Mom Lisa’s dress is Kay Unger from Nordstrom, the men’s suits from Lord & Taylor
A Touch of Elegance created the decor using flowers and balloons with a strong color palette of deep purple, turquoise and white.
Alana shows off the beautiful ballroom while her guests are at the cocktail hour
The centerpieces on the adult tables had tall silver vases with silver manzanita branches and turquoise candles and hanging crystals added warmth and elegance without the use of flowers
Artist Christina Poplawski painted a great picture of Alana and all her favorite things on the cover of a sketch book that became her sign-in book.
The personalized sign-in book was on display at the celebration. The cover includes all of Alana’s favorite things: her dog Eddie, cheerleading, InstaGram and manicures!
A look inside the book includes pictures of Alana at different stages and her invitation
Mom Lisa used overstock from her former hand-decorated picture frame business to make all the place cards unique, different and something her guests would want to take home.
She also created a beautiful collage of Alana’s favorite memories growing up
Mom Lisa and Alana pose with their handiwork–handmade place card frames for all
The food at Meadow Wood Manor was not only delicious but presented beautifully.
The Segelman family has a candle lighting tradition: they include all their guests in the last candle lit during the candle lighting ceremony. Each guest lights their own small candle from the votives on their tables.
Guests raising their candles
Big brother Brett enjoying the moment with Alana. Brett has a videography business and created the montage for the party as a gift to his sister
The Segelman family enjoying their candle lighting moment
MC Brian Rosenbaum of The Entertainment Company played great music for kids and adults alike which kept everyone on the dance floor.
Alana is lifted up in the chair for the Horah
Alana enjoying herself with her friends
Catering by Karen created the beautiful turquoise cake adorned with snowflakes.
Alana pointing to her custom made cake.
Alana’s purple zip-up hooded sweatshirt favors were from Louie Max, design by Eliot Weinstein of EW
Advertising.
The front had her initials, tiny snowflakes and Jewish stars, along with her Bat Mitzvah date
The back confirmed her snowflake theme in a big way
We love this idea that Alana had for her thank you cards. She included photos of each guest in their individual thank-you note-a very special personal touch!
The Bat Mitzvah girl spray-mounted photos to the inside of the card so each guest received a photo of themselves at the celebration!
A special moment for the Segelman Family when all 200 guests posed for a picture…together.
Alana did her Mitzvah Project to benefit the Lev LaLev Fund. The name means “heart to heart” and this special organization serves orphaned girls at the Rubin Zeffren Childrens’ Home in Netanya Israel. Alana set up a Lev LaLev fundraiser for a girl named Mazal. The money raised went towards the extras for Mazal’s Bat Mitzvah —- hair, makeup, a new dress, photos, and visit to the Kotel, or Western Wall. The Artistic Academy, a local cosmetology school, agreed to sponsor her “Day of Beauty” this past spring. Alana raised a significant amount of money that helped with Mazal’s Bat Mitzvah and the orphanage. To read more about Alana’s Bat Mitzvah project on Mitzvah Market click here.
This beautiful collage was displayed at Alana’s Bat Mitzvah service and reception and celebrates both Alana and Mazal reading “Mazel Tov Alana” and “Mazel Tov Mazal”
Alana and her friends enjoying their day of beauty to benefit Lev LaLev
Mitzvah Mom Lisa offers her Top 5 Tips:
1. Stay focused on the studying and the D’Var Torah (child’s explantion of the Torah portion) — the best the child can do is what you’re celebrating. 2. Enjoy the unlikely party planning team of Mom/Dad and your pre-teen. It’s a special year with so much time spent together. Listen to that one thing the kid really wants to have, even if it sounds crazy to you. 3. Stretch out the celebration with a Shabbat dinner on Friday night, a meal for hotel guests at some point, or a Sunday brunch after it’s all over. You’ll add in some real visiting time with guests and won’t feel like it all went by in a blink 4. Even if you use a party planner, try and add personal touches that are meaningful to your child or your family. That’s what people will remember. My mom reciting prayers in Yiddish, my father’s paintings for the cover of my kids’ service booklets, my nieces and sister-inlaws making b’sameem (spice) packets for Havdalah, my husband’s attempts to entertain during his speech– are now part of our family history.” 5. In retrospect, no matter what went wrong or right, “it’s all even better than good. It’s a memory for a lifetime.”
The following vendors helped to make Alana’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Meadow Wood Manor, 973-537-5454
Photographer: Mike Leta Photography, 973-625-1378
Videographer: Certner Video Editing, zachary.certner@gmail.com, 973-886-1869
Party Planner: Mom Lisa
Music Entertainment: MC, Brian Rosenbaum, The Entertainment Company, 973-598-1249
Décor: A Touch of Elegance, 973-584-8300
Montage: Brett Segelman, SegStudio Productions, 973-525-3955 bsegelman@gmail.com
Favors: Louie Max, 888-824-2674
Logo Design: Eliot Weinstein Designs, 212-799-7456
Candle lighting: Lisa Segelman, Lisa’s Lyrics, 973-214-1699, redshoeslzs@gmail.com
Cake: Karen Sheer, Catering by Karen, 201-580-0259
Invitation: Ruth Dkyman, Buy Invitation, 973-992-8880
Computer Calligraphy: Cindy Spiesbach, 973-992-0178
Sign-In board: Christine Poplawski, 484-432-8225
Save the Date: iPhoto
Bat Mitzvah girl Alana’s 3 dresses: Princess Charming, 973-325-1419
Mom and Sister dresses: Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue
Men’s Suits: Lord & Taylor
March 6th, 2013
Sara Renee, an event planner from South Florida and owner of Sara Renee Events recently had the challenge of planning a non-traditional, but fun ski lodge themed Bar Mitzvah in South Florida.
She pulled it off with help from Xquisite Events for a party that was so “chill,” the guests forgot that it was 80 degrees in Florida!
Ricardo Serpa was the photographer.
There are so many great decor and party ideas! Grab your hot chocolate and enjoy.
The moment guests arrived they walked along the entrance surrounded by snow capped evergreens
Signage added to the decor
Guests were greeted by dancers who placed ski pass lift tickets around their necks
The rustic guest list was on a framed chalkboard featuring names and table numbers
This was a unique touch we haven’t seen before. A sign telling guests to “Grab a bag and write your name, then you will leave with goodies you’ve claimed.” Great idea!
A table scape of lanterns, pine cones and bark added to the rustic lodge decor
Farm house tables and murals filled the space to create a warm ski lodge feeling
The adult tables also had the rustic charm with table numbers made of twigs
A nice custom printed thank you was at each place setting from the guest of honor
The Bar Mitzvah boy made his entrance with dancers dressed in flannel shirts and fuzzy hats
Confetti canons made it feel like it was snowing
“Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!”
We thank Sara Renee Events for sharing this ski lodge themed Mitzvah with our readers.
March 3rd, 2013
Daniel Klosk of New York City, combined his love of basketball and Israel, and decided to donate all of his Bar Mitzvah gifts towards a basketball project for kids his age in Israel. The wonderful project came to our attention from the “Give a Mitzvah–Do a Mitzvah” program of the UJA-Federation of New York.
The Klosk family along with 40 other New Yorkers flew to Israel this past December where they attended a dedication ceremony for the new basketball court. The court was built in the “Yud Alef” neighborhood of Beersheba, a neighborhood that is mainly home to immigrants from Ethiopia and the former Soviet Union.
The new basketball court will offer free lessons by seasoned basketball coaches twice a week to the neighborhood kids and new basketball team uniforms
Asked why he wanted to donate all of his money Daniel said, “I thought it’s important to give the kids in the neighborhood not only a new basketball court, but also the opportunity to enjoy the experience of learning and playing competitively on a real basketball team, with a real basketball coach, and to give them the same kind of opportunity that was given to me.” Klosk continues, “I hope that this basketball training will give the kids the inspiration, ability, and motivation to successfully overcome their daily challenges.”
Daniel is a major basketball lover, and today he plays for New Renaissance, a nationally ranked team of the Amateur Athletic Union in New York. Last August, he won the title of Most Valuable Player of the 6th-Grade Game at the J.E.M. All Star Classic. He also plays on the New Renaissance Team of New York, a nationally ranked Division One team of the American Athletic Union.
“The Give a Mitzvah–Do a Mitzvah program of the UJA-Federation of New York enables Bar and Bat Mitzvah students to create their own unique Mitzvah project that connects their interests and hobbies,” said Sheila Devore, the Director of the Center for Youth Philanthropy and Leadership at UJA-Federation.
March 3rd, 2013
Custom Sports Cards creates high-quality trading cards that can be used in a variety of ways at your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration.
The company uses the photograph you send them and creates Save-the-Date cards, invitations or place card seating among other things.
Custom Sports Cards has been the official commemorative card of the fantasy camps of several MLB teams including the Dodgers, Reds, Yankees, Cubs, Pirates and White Sox. Since 2007 Custom Sports Cards has been providing limited edition sets of cards for both the New York Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame and the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame.
Within 5-7 business days after placing your order on line you will receive Jpeg proofs of your cards via email. You will be able to review the images and make whatever changes you like.
To contact Custom Sports Cards call them at 1-877-385-0060.
February 27th, 2013
Before, during and after your child’s 7th-8th grade party circuit, their drawers and closets are overflowing with t-shirts and sweatshirts that were collected at parties, promotions, event giveaways and of course Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations.
What do you do with all those great t-shirts and sweatshirts? Project Repat has the answer!
Started by Nathan Rothstein and Ross Lohr, Project Repat makes it fun and easy for you to upcycle your old t-shirts and other clothing into fashionable and functional new products like bags, scarves, ties, and blankets. All Repat products are made by someone making a fair and living wage in the USA.
It’s very easy to order. Once your order is placed, a box will arrive with a pre-paid envelope. Just send them your shirts and 4-6 weeks later, a new, one-of-a-kind product will return to your house made out of your clothing!
We thought this was a great gift idea for all types of occasions!
The blankets come in two sizes
They are made out of up to 20 of your t-shirts with a fleece back
For more information, visit www.projectrepat.com or email them at madeinusa@projectrepat.com.
