April 22nd, 2012
Spring is here and Pantone, the color authority just announced the color of the year!
Tangerine Tango, a spirited reddish orange, provides an energy boost to recharge and move forward.
“Sophisticated but at the same time dramatic and seductive, Tangerine Tango is an orange with a lot of depth to it,” said Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. “Reminiscent of the radiant shadings of a sunset, Tangerine Tango marries the vivaciousness and adrenaline rush of red with the friendliness and warmth of yellow, to form a high-visibility, magnetic hue that emanates heat and energy.”
We will begin to see this color in cosmetic shades, fashion, home decor and party elements.
We found this great collage of tangerine tango on the DUO blog
Over the past several years, orange has grown in popularity and acceptance among designers and consumers alike. A fun, lively take on a traditional autumnal hue, Tangerine Tango will surely carry through to fall fashion as well.
Will your upcoming Bar/Bat Mitzvah have a touch of tangerine tango? Let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
April 12th, 2012
The Brenner family celebrated their daughter Rachel’s Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, March 17, 2012 at Temple Chaverim in Plainview, New York. Following the service, there was a Kiddush luncheon and then an evening celebration which was outRACHous fun for family and friends at The Tam O’Shanter Club in Brookville, New York.
Mitzvah Mom Bonnie writes for Mitzvah Market and is happy to share Rachel’s special day with our readers.
Pictured above (L-R): Mom Bonnie, Bat Mitzvah girl Rachel, Brother Jayson and Dad Steven.
All party photography was done by Simon Elliot Events and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
Rachel’s service was held at Temple Chaverim with a Kiddush luncheon catered by Hasson Caterers
Turquoise and gold trimmed kippot were ordered and delivered in 10 days from bestkippah.com
Rachel chose her favorite color combination of turquoise and gold for her Luscious Verde invitation which was customized by Ellen Futterman of Proper Notice. The layered invitation featured a plumeria flower
Rachel included her dog Cody, who is wearing a yarmulke on the custom stamp!
Rachel’s long gown was from Outrageous Boutique and it was the first dress she tried on! Rachel’s long turquoise gown featured crystals and was accented by her Aunt Jodi’s tiara that she wore at her wedding
Mom Bonnie found her champagne gown at Mieka Boutique
The Tam O’Shanter Club was the setting and Mom Bonnie raved about GM Maureen, Carl, Matt and Chef Renaldo who went above and beyond in accommodating the Brenner’s requests. Delicious food displays included a raw bar for guests during the cocktail hour
Since Rachel’s celebration was on March 17, the Brenners included a touch of the Irish!
The art theme was clear when guests arrived and saw this awesome letter “R” made of crayons
Beautiful flower arrangements were placed on the four corners of the bar along with some bling
Verbena Designs used Rachel’s artwork as the vase for the adult tables filled with beautiful flowers
The table numbers were created from drawing pencils
The Finishing Touch provided the jewel gold overlays and turquoise lamour linens and napkins
The back wall of the ballroom was filled with different shots of Rachel on a shimmering fabric
The lit up stage and gobo was brought in by Party Harty
The kids had a great time in the lounge especially sitting at the acrylic high top tables which formed the letter “X”
The “S” shaped couch was a big hit!
Simon Elliot Events created the LED place card seating tower that was lit up with the adult guests names
Rachel’s friends and cousins were all listed on a poster for the lounge
The splatter art logo created by Amy Wohl at FabuDesigns.com was incorporated into other aspects of the decor like the personalized napkins, menu cards, favor tags and even thank you notes!
Mom Bonnie ordered custom napkins from The Stationary Studio
One of many posters created for the reception
A great dance floor decal with Rachel’s logo
Custom pillows were placed in the kids lounge area and now are in Rachel’s room
The thank you note features Rachel during the Horah
Rachel made her grand entrance on top of a golf cart which was GM Maureen’s idea!
MC Howie, Evan and the dancers of Party Harty provided great music, high energy and lots of fun all night for the kids and adults
Rachel with the Party Harty dancers
Who is having more fun, Evan or the girls?
Magician John Born wowed everyone with his magic
Pop a shot is always fun!
There was an caricaturist on hand who used Rachel’s logo and her favorite things in this picture of the Bat Mitzvah girl
Rachel feeling the love from her family and friends
Bat Mitzvah girl Rachel and Dad Steve share a dance
Mom Bonnie with son Jayson
Simon Elliot Events provided their digital iSign for Rachel’s guests to leave her special messages. These messages will all be compiled into a keepsake book featuring a picture of each guest next to what they wrote
Baked to Perfection baked the art themed cake and Verbena Designs made custom votive candles spelling out R-A-C-H-E-L for her candle lighting ceremony
A Promos USA/The Imagemaker created the sweatshirt favors and bags for Rachel’s friends. She wanted a turquoise zip-up hoody for the girls and black for the boys with her logo in different colors on the back of each
The favor tags read, “Hope you had an outRACHous time”
The Brenners used Timeline Video Productions to produce Rachel’s montage. Mom Bonnie said “although they are based in Florida and I am in New York, the entire process was easy and a great experience.” Watch Rachel’s montage here
Two time Mitzvah Mom Bonnie has some advice for our readers:
“As a former corporate event planner I knew how I wanted things to look, but so did Rachel! Making sure we had an “art” theme and “giving back” aspects were front and center. So compromise was key and so was finding the right vendors to make it happen. I had some great associations through Mitzvah Market, although some of the vendors I used I found at the very last minute. Choose your vendors wisely and build great relationships with them. I was lucky to have a great collaboration between all my vendors. Rachel was so happy with how everything turned out and our guests (adults and kids alike) continue to rave every time they see me!”
Mitzvah Project:
Rachel is passionate about dogs and decided to sell bracelets at school. With the money she raised, she bought dog supplies for Little Shelter Animal Rescue and Adoption Center in Huntington, New York, a no-kill shelter.
Bracelets that Rachel sold at school
This poster explained Rachel’s Bat Mitzvah project to her guests and was on display at the Kiddush luncheon
The following vendors helped to make Rachel’s Bat Mitzvah celebration fabulous! If you give any of them a call, please make sure you let them know you read about them on Mitzvah Market.
Venue/Caterer: Maureen Hollenbach, The Tam O’Shanter Club 516-626-1980
Décor/Florist: Jennifer McKeon, Verbena Designs, 516-935-3757
Music Entertainment: MC Howie, Percussion, Evan, Party Harty, 516-845-8585
Kid’s Lounge: Party Harty
Photo Favors: Stephanie Antell, That’s Entertainment Concepts, a division of Party Harty
Favors/Custom Pillows: Mindy, A Promos USA/The Imagemaker, 516-377-0186
Photography/Videography: Michelle Collins, Simon Elliot Events, 516-586-6822
LED Seating Tower/iSign/Floor decal/Posters: Simon Elliot Events, 516-586-6822
Invitation: Ellen Futterman, Proper Notice, 516-621-9523
Graphic Artist (Menu cards, favor tags, logo, signage, thank you): Amy Wohl, FabuDesigns.com, 312-513-1698
Custom Linens: Joy, The Finishing Touch 516-827-7433
Calligraphy: Karen Garber, 516-681-2939, inkspotzs@aol.com
Pop A Shot/Pretzel’s: That’s Entertainment Concepts a division of Party Harty
Chair and Table rental: A to Z Party Rental, 516-293-4192
Magician: John Born, john@johnborn.com
Caricaturist: The Creativity Studio
Cake: Baked to Perfection, 516-944-5642
Yalmulkes: BestKippah.com
Rachel’s Dress: Outrageous Boutique, 516-931-3331
Mom’s Dress: Mieka Boutique, 516-367-8755
Suit: Kenny’s Mens and Boys Wear, 516-921-2660
Hair: Maritza, Two Stephen Street, 516-822-2355
Makeup: Lauren, Dakotah Salon
Custom cocktail and guest napkins: The Stationary Studio
Stamp: Zazzle.com
Mitzvah Project bracelets: Brace Yourself Now, 516-459-6495
Sunday Brunch: Bagel Boss Roslyn, Debbie 516-626-5599
April 4th, 2012
Talk about doing something different! We found this great Bat Mitzvah celebration on the Hostess with the Mostess blog and had to share.
This party soared to new heights and was held at the Trapeze School of NY in New York City.
This unique “trapeze” themed party was put together by Lysa Scarselli, a jewelry designer who also loves styling events.
The guests were told to wear “athletic attire,” and in addition to the Trapeze there was juggling, trampoline, swordplay, silk ropes, stilts and more.
Guests knew the fun they would have as soon as the invitation arrived!
The balloons that decorated the huge space were aqua and orange
Guests were able to get in on the action!
Staff was on hand for instruction
Guest also enjoyed stilt walking
Paper flowers, pictures of the Bat Mitzvah girl and yummy treats were on hand
A gumball topiary centerpiece
Customized chocolate bars of the Bat Mitzvah girl in action!
We love this 3-D trapeze cake from Carlos Bakery (aka the Cake Boss!)
The following vendors were used to make this party special. If you call any of them, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Event Coordinator/Stylist: Lysa Scarselli & Dawn Sherman
Venue: Trapeze School of NY
Cake: Carlo’s Bakery
Labels/Stickers: Orange1 (on etsy)
Favor Cones: Heather Original
Orange Paper Flowers on candy table: Floral Sense
Photography: Amelia of Trapeze School of NY
Invitations: Mango Ink
Green Screen Photo Booth: Flawless Parties
March 21st, 2012
How many Mitzvah kids do you know that are planning to publish a book?
Meet Alexandra Kukoff, a seventh grader from Thousand Oaks, California who felt overwhelmed when it came time to decide what to do for her Bat Mitzvah project.
Her Bat Mitzvah was fast approaching (August 20, 2011), and she wanted to complete a project that would enable her to make a contribution to society.
So she decided to write a book! “A Jewish Girl’s Guide to a Bat Mitzvah Project” is a compilation of stories of girls and women who have completed inspiring, interesting and amazing B’not Mitzvah Projects, regardless of when they completed them.
Until the book is published by Behrman House, you can read all the great stories on her blog.
We caught up with Alexandra (who is pictured above) to ask her some questions and learn more:
MM: Why did you decide to complete this particular Mitzvah Project?
AK: When I was in the process of choosing a Bat Mitzvah project, I felt overwhelmed with all the project opportunities. By the time I wanted to contribute to all of them, my Bat Mitzvah would have been long gone. My book, “A Jewish Girl’s Guide to a Bat Mitzvah Project,” will hopefully inspire many girls to get active and contribute to a Mitzvah Project, and in that way, I personally can contribute to many different causes at once.
MM: Can you give us details about your book?
AK: In my book, “A Jewish Girl’s Guide to a Bat Mitzvah Project,” I interview girls and women, who have had their Bat Mitzvahs from long ago to just recently, about their amazing Mitzvah Projects, and I include their stories in my Mitzvah Project profiles.
MM: When did you first start writing your book?:
AK: I first started writing my book in the summer of 2010, and my book will be published next fall by Behrman House publications.
MM: How did you get the book published?
AK: To find a publisher, my mother and I contacted the head of Behrman House, who suggested writing a blog alongside my book and led us to Aviva Werner, my editor.
MM: Tell us in your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bat Mitzvah?
AK: To me, completing a Bar/Bat Mitzvah project is a way to help the community and, in the simplest sense, to do a Mitzvah. And to me, that is the most rewarding thing a person can do.
MM: What are you doing to spreading the word?
AK: All the proceeds from my book will be donated to Nes Gadol, a program in Vista Del Mar that helps underprivileged girls and women with special needs realize their dreams of becoming Bat Mitzvot. Vista Del Mar helps tutor and fund these girls’ Bat Mitzvot. To spread the word about Nes Gadol, I am speaking about the program whenever I speak at or attend an event for my project, and I include a bit about Nes Gadol in the flyers I pass out.
MM: Please give us one great idea from your book.
AK: I recently profiled an amazing Mitzvah Project about Kinneret Katz, who took huge steps to conserving the water in Lake Kinneret.
MM: How long can people donate to this project?
AK: Although my book will be published next fall, people can continue donating to Nes Gadol long after my book has been published.
MM: How can people buy your book if interested?
AK: My book will not be published until next fall, but if interested in having me profile your Mitzvah Project email me at akukoff@mac.com.
If you would like to see Alexandra speaking at the Bureau of Jewish Education’s Mitzvah Mania, click here.
We thank Alex for sharing her creative project with our readers. It’s another great example of how you can take your own talents and put them to use for a good cause!
March 17th, 2012
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is a young adult novel that has been very popular among teens.
Opening in theaters March 23, 2012, The Hunger Games movie is based on the first installment in the best-selling trilogy and chosen as the Bat Mitzvah theme for one teen from Austin, Texas who loves the book series.
This Hunger Games themed party was complete with a fiery DJ booth, care packages falling from the sky with bread and spiles, and fire centerpieces.
Caplan Miller Events put it all together for her along with Petal Pushers, The Pink Tulip, Texas Pro DJ, Personalized Promotions, Townsley Designs, and FILO Productions
Photos by Brian Fitzsimmons Photography.
The AT&T Education and Conference Center was the ideal setting for this Hunger Games themed Bat Mitzvah.
Book covers were blown up and used as posters
Fans of The Hunger Games know that bread is an important part of the story, so the Bat Mitzvah decor included this element
Bow and arrows, another important element from the book look elegant hanging on the chandeliers
Fire flame centerpieces with flashing blinking lights
The DJ booth had flames to add to the decor
Custom made water bottles were filled with gourmet popcorn and given at the end of the party
We thank Caplan Miller Events for sharing this Bat Mitzvah celebration with our readers. We hope this inspired our Hunger Games fans for their own party!
March 14th, 2012
If you live in the tri-state area there is a special exhibit coming to New York City that we think you should know about.
Bat Mitzvah Comes of Age is a collaboration between the National Museum of American Jewish History in Philadelphia and Moving Traditions. It will run March 6, 2012 – April 27, 2012 at the Laurie M. Tisch Gallery at the JCC in Manhattan.
The exhibition will include oral history recordings of Bat Mitzvah stories from around the country and across Jewish movements, a timeline of relevant historical milestones and an interactive component in which visitors can share their coming-of-age story and photos.
Judith Ginsberg & Adele Wall Ginsberg, Larchmont, NY September 19, 1959
Courtesy of Judith Ginsberg
This special program is to mark the 90th anniversary of Judith Kaplan’s Bat Mitzvah. It is a traveling exhibition featuring the remarkable story of how, in less than a century, individual girls, their parents and their Rabbis challenged and changed the practice that we write about here on Mitzvah Market!
Amy Memis, Binghamton, NY 1979
Courtesy Rabbi Amy Memis-Foler
In conjunction with the exhibition, the Museum will feature a series of programs the last two Sundays in March, including on March 25th a presentation by actress Mayim Bialik and a panel discussion on coming of age in America, featuring leading scholars on Jewish ritual and rites of passage.
On both Sundays, the Museum will host “Collect-o-Rama,” in which visitors will explore and share Bat Mitzvah stories through personal artifacts or photographs, and have their objects considered for the Museum’s collection.
The exhibition will also include narratives and artifacts from everyday trendsetters to prominent women, such as Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan and Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg.
For information, contact 646-505-5700 or visit jccmanhattan.org. To inquire about bringing the exhibition to your community or JCC, please contact Jennifer Groen, Director of Education and Program at Moving Traditions at 215-887-4511, x103.
March 10th, 2012
What began as a required Bar Mitzvah Project for eighth graders Brandon Keller and Tyler Gold, who attend Curuso Middle School in Deerfield, Illinois, turned a passion for basketball into a terrific fundraiser.
The boys who have been friends since preschool combined their love of basketball to raise more than $14,000 for 3 charities over the last two years.
Pictured above: Brandon Keller and Tyler Gold
Their idea was to combine their initials and form the TGBK Basketball Shootout. This basketball skills competition would raise money for three charities meaningful to the young men: Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation, the Jill Landau Triple Negative Breast Cancer Fund and Propionic Acidemia Foundation.
“My cousin died of a brain tumor the year before and I wanted to do something to give back,” Tyler Gold told us. “We both love basketball, had a Mitzvah Project to do and decided to do this.”
Gold was referring to his 14-year-old cousin, Lucas Goldbaum who died two years ago. Keller wanted to raise money in memory of a college friend of his mothers who died of cancer and fight a disease that afflicts one of Brandon’s cousins.
Gold and Keller did most of the work by themselves, according to Nancy Gold, Tyler’s mother. They contacted Joy of the Game in Deerfield to ask if it would donate its facility. They went to more than 40 local merchants asking them to donate prizes and other things for the event.
“It’s amazing what they accomplished,” Nancy Gold said. “They got help from their families but they went to local businesses, asked for something and they (the businesses) gave them $25 gift cards.”
They were so pleased with the results in 2011 raising nearly $7,000 they decided to do it again on January 13, 2012. This time they took in more than $7,000 for the three causes.
“We were really pleased with last years results but we wanted to do better,” Tyler Gold said. “We wanted to keep giving so we did it again. We plan to keep doing it every year.”
Basketball is a passion for Keller and Gold. They both play for Caruso and hope to play for Deerfield High School next year.
We thank them for sharing their Mitzvah Project and hope it inspires others to create a basketball fundraiser in their local community.
February 29th, 2012
Event planner Judy Paulen of Judy Paulen Designs created a great Candy Land, we mean “Julialand” themed Bat Mitzvah that we had to share.
Photography was provided by Natural Expressions Photography who have locations in both New York City and Florida.
We know candy is a popular theme for Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrations and this is a great example of taking any child’s name and combining it with “land” to create a unique custom theme!
See pictures below:
Large signage resembles the Candy Land game board
Great place card table using the Candy Land theme
Close-up of each individual place card
Very colorful with chair cushions matching linens
Candy centerpieces
Menu cards continued the “Julialand” theme
Custom “Julialand” napkins
Real candy was part of the centerpiece decor
The “Julialand” cake looks like the actual game board!
What a sweet and delicious way to end the night!
We thank Judy Paulen Designs for sharing pictures from this “Julialand” themed Bat Mitzvah.
February 14th, 2012
From Michael Jurick Photography we are excited to share this “winter wonderland” theme Bat Mitzvah for a young lady named Julia. Her Bat Mitzvah not only was elegant and fun for her guests but we are sure that Mitzvah Market readers will be inspired by this beautiful family’s story as well.
Julia’s Bat Mitzvah ceremony was held in December 2011 at Central Synagogue in New York City followed by her evening celebration at the chic event space 583 Park Avenue. Event Planner Melissa Rosenbloom from Gourmet Advisory Services and florist DeJuan Stroud helped Mitzvah Mom Jennifer put all the elegant details together.
You may recognize Julia’s mom, Jennifer Gardner Trulson, from her poignant memoir, Where You Left Me, which tells her extraordinary tale of suddenly losing her husband, Doug, on 9/11, her struggle to live and raise their children after such traumatic loss and the surprise of finding love again with Derek Trulson, who eventually became her husband and loving father to Julia and Michael.
Jennifer and her husband Derek
L-R: Older brother Michael, Derek, Bat Mitzvah girl Julia and Mom Jennifer
The grandeur of 583 Park Avenue is evident both inside and outside
Guests fill the large space
Candles and white flowers run down the middle of long tables
The snow globe was the center of the decor and lots of fun!
Music entertainment was provided by Total Entertainment who also brought this giant snow globe which was lots of fun for guests of all ages
The kids lounge area featured lots of couches and games like air hockey and fooz ball
A candy bar coordinated with the blue and white decor colors
Waffle Cabin provided delicious treats for guests
Winter wonderland decor was evident throughout the celebration
Julia had fun with friends
Up in the chair for the horah
Mom Jennifer with her friends
A touching moment as Derek gives Julia a toast
Julia’s favor bags
Julia’s soccer logo and snowflakes were on the custom dance floor
We thank Michael Jurick Photography for sharing this special celebration with our readers.
February 10th, 2012
Love is in the air! Not just because of Valentine’s Day but isn’t that how you feel when planning your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah (ok, maybe there is a little stress in the air too, but that’s why you read Mitzvah Market!)
If you are having your child’s reception around Valentine’s Day or just want to add a touch of that theme to your party why not do it with color – maybe a red or pink theme – maybe a heart or two here and there?
You can even finish the reception with a sweet touch like a dessert bar, heart shaped cake or cupcakes – anyway you choose to go you will surely have a sweet ending to a wonderful day.
Happy Valentine’s Day and enjoy the sample of items below:
Pretty pink heart decor from Balloon Artistry
From BestKippah.com, a metallic embossed heart themed kippah
A pretty Valentine’s Day themed dessert bar from Just A Bite Desserts
A subtle rose design on the border and on the inside of the envelope from Luscious Verde
Learn how to make these chocolate dipped Valentine Marshmallow Pops from Farmgirlsdabbles.com
A one shoulder sweatshirt design from thecoolestgiveaways.com
From Creative Games Inc., a heart shaped photo booth
Looking for pillows? The Pieced Palette has many to choose from including these with hearts
Custom rose arch and columns from Shindigz
A touch of pink rose confetti on the tables may be all you need
A great candle lighting idea featuring a lucite heart. More here
Custom labels for Hershey kisses from PoshPixelsDesigns.com
The “Love” stamp was the inspiration for this Bat Mitzvah invitation ensemble found on invitationsdiy.com
Jacqueline Sorkin of Custom Candy Buffet Bars created this sugary sweet table in pink with touches of green
From Confetti Cakes in New York City
Creative Gifts by Heather custom makes these wrappers (please read the ingredients!). She can supply the chocolate bars already wrapped or you can wrap them yourself
Have a great day and we hope you get to spend it with the ones you love!
