October 27th, 2010
How do you incorporate your child’s love for history and the Constitution into their Bar or Bat Mitzvah?
The Berger family from the Philadelphia area had the answer to that question and they made sure their son Jacob’s Bar Mitzvah was the best in history….literally!
Jacob is a major history buff and was accepted into the Waterbound Program at Welsh Valley which is a lottery program that accepts a limited number of students. Through the program he was able to learn more about our nation’s history.
So when it came time to plan a reception there was only one place to have it – the National Constitutional Center.
Look at how the Bergers incorporated this fabulous theme into a great party. All photos taken by Ann Marie Casey Photography.
Here is the Bar Mitzvah Boy posing with one of his “friends,” Benjamin Franklin
As guests walked up the stairs you almost heard Paul Revere shout,”The guests are coming, the guests are coming!”
Walking into Constitution Hall there was no doubt whose party this was…check out the red, white and blue uplighting
Each centerpiece had something to do with the theme, this one was Ben Franklin’s kite and key
The cocktail table centerpieces were simple and patriotic
The room was decorated in very patriotic colors of red, white and blue. The U.S. flag which always hangs in the room adds just the right touch of WOW!!
Jacob’s Dad got into the action with patriotic themed giveaways
These special lamps were made by Mom Lynda. The family owns a printing company called, Color Reflections and was able to do some of these great touches themselves!
Here is a picture of Jacob as a patriot in a lamp that Mom made which glowed all night
The goody bags featured a label that read: “Thanks for sharing in Jacob’s special day”
The appropriate Mitzvah cake!
With the help of Campbell Studios, we think the Berger family did an amazing job!
October 22nd, 2010
If your child is a lover of horses, why not consider an Equestrian theme for their Bar or Bat Mitzvah!
If you don’t have a barn location near by then take a look at how these parties incorporated the “horse” feel without the smell!
Jersey Street Furniture turned a country club in New Jersey into an upscale equestrian oasis draped in brown fabrics and rich leathers in these first two photographs.
Mock-pony ottomans
Leather couches and a picture of the Bat Mitzvah girl add to the ambiance
A cowboy boot centerpiece with sunflowers from Party 411
Place cards from Esty! 100 for $100
Photographer Michael Leslie captured this beautiful cake for a Bat Mitzvah Equestrian theme
October 22nd, 2010
Let there be light!
Lamp shades are becoming a popular trend as centerpieces at many Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. Along with other design elements, table lamps are a fun, unique way to add character and whimsy to your decor.
The centerpiece to the left was created by Stefan’s for the Brett family who were recently spotlighted.
Incorporate your theme, add some flowers and candles or customize lamp shades that match your Mitzvah colors to illuminate the center of the table.
There are an endless variety of shades to choose from – even some that can be hung from the ceiling to create a warm glow to lounges and seating areas.
Keep things interesting by using a different shade for each table….glow for it!
Ping-Pong centerpiece included a glass lamp filled with balls from Boston’s Cornithian Events
To the 9’s Floral and Event Design from the D.C area used different color roses make a simple but elegant statement
Illuminaria created an Ocscar theme lamp shade centerpiece for a Bar Mitzvah featuring the guest of honor’s picture. Smaller wine glass shades were also used on the tables
This cool look is from Linda Smith Weddings
Pretty vase with orchids and crystals from Sangmaestro.com
From NYC floral events designer Ed Libby
October 20th, 2010
Ready to be inspired? We follow LA Party planner Mindy Weiss’ blog and she never disappoints! We couldn’t wait to share her latest entry, a colorful “Watch Out World” Bat Mitzvah celebration.
She wrote that it was mostly a kids party full of color, energy and great food! The venue was The Mark in Los Angeles, California and it started off as a blank space before Mindy and her team got their hands on it! Leave it to her, and her team to think of such a simple and unique “bar” for this Mitzvah. See more below:
The Bat Mitzvah girl’s favorite colors are hot pink and turquoise so they transformed the room into a funky club using those colors
Notice the turquoise chandeliers
The adults only white lounge
The Bat Mitzvah girl loves potato chips…so they did a first time ever Chip Bar by framing the bags instead of name labels
The chip table was repurposed for this candy table
Shan the Candyman performed!
We are sure the kids enjoyed the pucker powder!
Check out Mindy’s other Mitzvah Inspire stories:
Formula 1 Racing
Around The World Mitzvah
Visit Mindy’s Blog here.
October 15th, 2010
We all have so many choices when it comes to the details regarding our children’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah parties.
Although we can all get caught up in the planning of the celebration, it’s important not to lose site of the meaning of becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah.
We have found a few interesting options that we would like to share with all of you. Below you will find a list of vendors that you might want to consider working with. In all cases, a donation is involved! Check these out:
The Park Avenue Club in Florham Park, New Jersey is a top dining club. They have ten private dining rooms on three floors each with a distinct décor and they can accommodate from 2 to 400 people, one party at a time.
What also makes this venue special is that it makes a significant contribution to one of the following ten local charities: Boys and Girls Clubs of Newark, Community FoodBank of New Jersey, Burgdorff Foundation, Jersey Battered Women’s Service, Morris Habitat for Humanity, the Morris Museum, New Jersey Youth Symphony, Patriots’ Path Council (Boy Scouts of America), P.G. Chambers School and Share Our Strength. To learn more call 973-301-8233.
The Jewish National Fund and Encore Studios have teamed up to offer an outstanding variety of Bar/Bat Mitzvah invitations. JNF unique invitations let you plant a tree or make a contribution toward JNF’s water development projects in Israel in honor of each guest.
Check out our full story here.
Lemon Pound Cake – No, we are not talking about a recipe! This is a company from Long Island that offers great favors for Bar/Bat Mitzvahs. The special thing about this company is that one percent of all sales will be donated to rockCANroll.org which works with teens, parents and communities to collect food at rock concerts, school and community events – which help stock the shelves of local food pantries nationwide.
Lemon Pound Cake offers great imprinted items such as sweatshirts, t-shirts, hats, sweatpants, pj pants, boxers, mesh shorts, and designer clothing to promotional items.
We bet you never realized that by buying a kippot you can help people less fortunate. A true Mitzvah! MayaWorks Kippots are crocheted by Mayan women who live in San Marcos, Guatemala. Read our full story here.
If you have food left over after your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah, how about making a donation? Ample Harvest.org will help you find a neighborhood food pantry in your area. Read all about it here.
After your Mitzvah celebration ends, what is going to happen to all the beautiful flowers and centerpieces you bought? Are they going to get thrown away? Flower-Power Foundation in NYC to the rescue! This organization was founded in 2003 and has collected an amazing amount of flowers donated from people like you after an event. Learn more here.
October 15th, 2010
Sports themed Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrations have been around for a while now and when we see one that has some unique touches we get very excited!
Check out this Bar Mitzvah, courtesy of enLuce Photography, which took place at Los Gatos, California. Betty Zlatchin Catering produced the concept from start to finish. Taking off from the ESPN theme, Zach’s Mom was involved with the decor and favors around ZSPN, for Bar Mitzvah boy Zach.
The ice sculpture called “the shots”
The cocktail hour had everyone in the sports mood with a “Pre-Game Warm Up menu”
Mini stadium food….for kids of all ages
A large sign saying, “The World Wide Leader In Sports” hung on the dance floor
Place mats with the “Z” initial
Sports pins for the guests
Posters of Zach filled the room and were used as centerpieces
Hot dogs and pretzels, sports jersey’s and inflatables…This was a party for sports fans of all ages!!
These vendors helped to make Zach’s Bar Mitzvah a success!
Photographer: EnLuce Photography
Event Design: Betty Zlatchin
DJ: Joel Nelson Productions
Centerpieces and menus: Method 42 Productions
Temple: Shir Hadash Temple: Los Gatos, CA
Reception: Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center – Los Gatos, CA.
October 9th, 2010
Today’s Mitzvah Inspire is from Beautiful Blooms a full service florist and design company located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They worked with Eclatante Event Design on this colorful Bat Mitzvah celebration. Photography was courtesy of Jean Valentin also of Philadelphia.
This unique theme was “cruising” and as you will see it will make you wish you were a passenger, we mean guest, at this party! When the doors opened guests were wowed by the beautiful splash of colors as each table was covered with vibrant linens.
Bright colored napkins and chair cushions add lots of pop
One of the centerpieces was a large vase filled with aqua water and bright colored feathers
The brightly colored logo giveaways were put on the chairs for both the adults and kids
The focal point on the table was made up of a variety of tropical leaves and flowers. Two Paper Dolls provided these unique cabin numbers which hung from all of the arrangements
For the kids, Beautiful Bloom created their own “Lido Deck” with hi tops and low tops with market umbrellas
For those of you who have been on cruises you know you need to have the elephant, rabbit and swan towel art – some of which were placed on tables
As if there was not enough color… check out the flip-flops the kids made
Thank you to Beautiful Blooms, Eclatante Event Designs and Jean Valentin for sharing this great celebration with Mitzvah Market.
October 6th, 2010
Baking for Good is a new online bakeshop that donates 15 percent of sales to a charity of the customer’s choosing; options include organizations benefiting literacy, disaster relief, hunger, and animals among others.
Owner Emily Dubner, formerly a management consultant, works with a commercial bakery that can handle large orders of her recipes.
You can customize your own creations but her offerings include cinnamon blondies, mocha fudge brownies, whoopie pies, granola, and several types of cookies….yum!
Custom cookies
Candy cookies
Gluten-free brownies and chocolate chip cookies and dairy-free gingersnaps are also available. Dubner offers corporate gifts of assorted treats packaged in eco-friendly boxes with twine. Prices range from $25 to $85, and the items can be shipped in eco-friendly boxes throughout the U.S. and Canada. Click here to see the organizations this wonderful company benefits.
October 3rd, 2010
Boca Raton, Florida resident Hannah Bentz is doing things a little differently when it comes to her Bat Mitzvah.
She is not having a reception or party, instead she is having a charity amateur jumping competition for the American Parkinson’s Disease Association (APDA). Both her ceremony and the show will take place Saturday, November 6, 2010 at 4 p.m. at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in Palm Beach, Florida. General Admission is FREE! If you live in the area please go and support Hannah.
Bentz’s Mitzvah Project combines her love for horses, which began on a vacation when she was 8, and her desire to raise money for the APDA. She competes on her Quarterhorse Appendix, Crystal. The pair jump in the Palm Beach County Horseman’s Association shows. Bentz has attended charity jumping shows, which are usually for professional riders. She wanted her event to be strictly for amateur riders such as herself.
We spoke to Hannah about her unusual Mitzvah Project and here’s what she said in her own words:
MM: Can you give us details of your Mitzvah Project?
HB: I am helping to organize a charity horse jumping competition. Teams of 3 riders will each jump a course on horseback. The team with the fastest times win. We are also having a VIP reception during the jumping event and selling tickets to attend the reception.
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project/charity?
HB: My mother is on the board of the APDA, and our Rabbi was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, so we are honoring him at the event. I have met several people with Parkinson’s Disease.
MM: Does your project have a start and end date, if so what are they?
HB: The event is on November 6, 2010, but hopefully people will continue to donate to the APDA. There was no start date, but we have been planning and working on it for months.
MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bat Mitzvah?
HB: It means to help other people. We are becoming a son/daughter of the commandment, and we should be doing something to live up to that. We should be doing mitzvot regularly, but this is just a time to go above and beyond the norm.
MM: If it involves a donation, what are you doing to spread the word?
HB: I put together a sponsor packet that I distributed to potential sponsors. My family also sent out an email to everyone we know and we created a facebook page for the event. We also contacted the local newspapers and TV stations.
MM: For how long can people donate to this charity?
HB: Forever!
Mazel Tov to Hannah and her family and we are very proud of your decision to hold this charity event! Good luck with the competition, we hope you raise lots of money for APDA.
September 22nd, 2010
It’s hard for us to even write about this without drooling but here goes….
The Crispery was founded by Long Island mom Vicky Mate and it all started with her passion for marshmallows!
Unique designs, flavors and delicate packaging makes this bakery unique. Her flavors include chocolate caramel and marshmallow, crispy s’mores, chocolate dipper crispy and peanut butter just to name a few.
We have delicious looking pictures below:
This one is topped with chocolate!
How about chocolate dipped?
The sampler is perfect as a favor
While there is a retail store in Roslyn, New York, the Crispery offers all it’s products online. Everything is handmade and made fresh daily. Whether you spell it Rice Krispie, Rice Crispie or Crispies Bar, as long as you get them from the Crispery, you can be sure they will be delicious.
