May 19th, 2010
Jason Bergman from Bellmore, NY had a great idea when it came to his Mitzvah Project. He and his family are collecting cans and bottles and redeeming then. They will then donate all the money earned to OHEL.
We spoke to Jason to learn more about his Mitzvah Project:
MM: Does your project have a start and end date, if so what are they?:
JB: We have been collecting cans for a while and already have 12,000. My project will end on June 30, 2010.
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project/charity?
JB: I decided to follow in my sisters footsteps. It is a fun project and my whole family gets involved doing it.
MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bar Mitzvah?
JB: It means a lot to me. I am very lucky that my parents are able to do things for me but I know that there are a lot of kids that are not that lucky. It is all about doing something nice for someone else. That is what they have taught us at Hebrew School all these years.
MM: Can you give us details of your Mitzvah Project?
JB: I sent out a letter to all my friends and family to tell them about my project. We are collecting water and soda bottles and soda cans for their 5 cent redemption. Then every week we go to the supermarket and turn them in for cash. Once we have ended the project, I am going to match whatever I raise with money that I receive as gifts from my Bar Mitzvah. This money will be sent to a Jewish organization to help a less fortunate child have a Bar Mitzvah of their own.
Jason in action, depositing his collected cans
MM: If it involves a donation, what are you doing to spreading the word?
JB: We are spreading the word through e-mail mostly and then word of mouth. My friends are helping and even people I don’t know have gotten involved because they think it is a great idea.
MM: Anything else we need to know about your Mitzvah Project?
JB: The only thing that I want to say is that every bottle or can helps. It helps the environment too because most people just throw this stuff away. I am having a lot of fun doing this too. So many of my friends have gotten involved and have helped me too. One weekend we collected over 1200 cans and bottles! The only people that aren’t happy are the ones behind us on line at the redemption center!
Thanks Jason. Your idea is a simple one with a big impact!
May 19th, 2010
There are so many great organizations that would love to be the beneficiary of your child’s Mitzvah Project!
Today we wanted to tell you about the work of rock CAN roll.
rock CAN roll, Inc.,™ is a volunteer, non profit, hunger relief organization committed to restocking the dwindling shelves of local food pantries, soup kitchens, safe homes and shelters.
They coordinate events and create projects by collecting canned food (and other essential necessities) for men, women and children in need of assistance. They work together with schools, social groups, corporations, the arts and the music industry to collect and deliver much needed items to organizations (with no fee, no cost and no expense) that help people that lack food security and are in need of fundamental support.
Here is an example of how you can make your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah a “rockCANroll” event!
Lauren Dershowitz from Jericho, New York had her Bat Mitzvah in 2006 and teamed up with Aimee Holtzman from rock CAN roll.
Lauren Dershowitz
We asked her to explain further:
MM: How did you include rock CAN roll in your Bat Mitzvah celebration?
LD: With the invitation for my Bat Mitzvah, I sent a notice that I was collecting non-perishable foods for the organization called rock CAN roll, and I asked that my guests please bring a few donations. On the notice, there was also information about rock CAN roll and how you can do more to help the cause as well as the address of the website, www.rockCANroll.org.
I then continued to volunteer at rock CAN roll events. I believe that the first time I helped Aimee was at the Westbury Theatre, and a cover band of Pink Floyd was playing. We came two hours early, before the show started, to welcome the people attending the concert and tell them about rock CAN roll. And then something unexpected happened after the concert had started. Aimee told us that we could actually see the concert! I was very excited because Pink Floyd was (and still is) one of my favorite bands. It was just a very cool prop to add to the great feeling that I may have helped someone that night.
MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bar/Bat Mitzvah?
LD: It meant a lot that I got to help support a friend who was just starting her organization, so I could help her get the name and message of rock CAN roll out to the world. Also, the fact that I helped collect a few cans for the hungry made me feel good, and like I made a difference in a few people’s lives. I’m proud to have a great friend like Aimee who only wants to help everyone she meets, and I am honored that she allows me to help in her pursuit of abolishing hunger on Long Island.
MM: If it involves a donation, how did you spread the word?
LD: I told my friends about the charity, and explained what the organization is and means to my chorus class, so they understood why they should bring cans of food to our concerts. I wear a sweatshirt that clearly advertises the information needed to help the cause, and I volunteer whenever I am needed and as much as I can.
For more information on rock CAN roll, please visit their Website.
May 16th, 2010
This Mitzvah Inspire is courtesy of Planning Factory International. They are a special events company that works together to design, refine, coordinate, install, manage and complete all phases of an event or meeting.
This creative Bat Mitzvah was for a young lady named Whitney and her themed was “Whitney Mall.” Planning Factory International created “Mall shops” for the various activities. They also had old-fashioned newspaper boys handing out custom Whitney Mall newspapers and an Ice Cream Shop for dessert and a make-up store with air-brush face painting. Sounds like lots of fun!
Take a look below at some of the pictures from Whitney’s Bat Mitzvah celebration:
Bling Bling was a Jewelry store where all the novelty items and giveaways were displayed
The “Sundries” Mall area was where the wearable items (scrubs and socks), shopping bags and a custom newspaper were available for guests
The centerpieces were upscale florals with an oversized Whitney Mall credit card whose numbers identified the table. Guests received real-sized gold “credit card” place cards with the matching number and their name(s)
The cake was a series of shopping bags and boxes as well as a purse that replicated purchases from the Whitney Mall
The tablescapes showed Whitney’s favorite colors enhanced by gold touches
To learn more about Planning Factory International, visit their Website.
May 12th, 2010
The Kratz family from Chappaqua, New York had a very snowy, yet memorable B’nei Mitzvah for their twins Michael and Jonathan in 2010.
A huge blizzard didn’t stop family and friends from coming from all over the country to help this family celebrate. The party was held during the afternoon at the Salem Golf Club in Westchester County. A reminder that all vendor information is at the bottom of this story.
Pictured L-R: Bar Mitzvah boy Michael, Mitzvah Mom Laurie, sister Jessica, Mitzvah Dad Eric and Bar Mitzvah boy Jonathan.
The Kratz B’nei Mitzvah almost didn’t happen. Mitzvah Mom Laurie vividly remembers and says, “School was canceled that Thursday and Friday before the Mitzvah because of the weather. We woke up at 5:00am Friday morning to no electricity – and had to check into the local Holiday Inn. We had tons of out-of-towners (Georgia, Florida, etc) who miraculously flew in on Friday in spite of the storm. Pictured above: The Salem Golf Club the day of the party…a day after the blizzard!
Small Fry Press created their invitation in a classic square shape in tan and navy
The theme was college football
Dual purpose football jersey cookie place cards were used featuring each guest’s last name and their table number
The room is ready for guests to arrive
Jonathan and Michael with their MC!
The boys being lifted..check out the football balloons on the ceiling
Mom Laurie and Michael having a nice moment
Michael and Jonathan like being the center of attention!
For their sign-in board, Mom Laurie bought real lockers. Their initials/names were added and they are now being used in their home
Artist John Steven’s caricature of the twins and their younger sister playing football for their favorite college football team was on display at the party
Jets and Giants football helmet cake was created by All Things Creative
Mitzvah Project
Michael and Jonathan volunteered their time and raised money for Lung Cancer Alliance – in memory of their grandfather, Gordon Loveland who passed away from the disease in 2005.
Mom To Mom Advice
Mitzvah Mom Laurie tells us her boys had their bris in the middle of a snow storm, so she wasn’t surprised with the timing of this winter storm! To spite the weather, she has this advice, “Enjoy every minute of it – it goes by so fast. And remember it’s your child’s day!!! Make the party one THEY will enjoy… and remember, they are 13!”
Mitzvah Vendors
Venue: Salem Golf Club: 914-669-5485
DJ/MC: KDW Entertainment/Kevin Williams 917-797-7062
Décor/florist: Brian William Event Decorators/Brian Serino 845-628-0614
Favors: Promowear/Andrea Bromwell 561-372-0505
Photographer: Mitzvah Gallery – By Peanut Portraits Phillip Callaci 914-232-4222
Party Entertainment: Photo booth/PhotoChe 917-698-1293
Caricturist: John Stevens 1-866-724-4425
Invitation: Small Fry Press/Andrea Kronthal 914-747-6668
Cake: All Things Creative/Jessica Manfro 845-264-1008
Gym Lockers: Global Industrial
Decor on Lockers/Direction Cards/Envelopes: Chives Creative
Dresses for family members: Saks Fifth Avenue/Nordstroms
Suits for family members: Lubins/Rothman’s, 914 -428-5725
Hair: Regina at Billy’s of Mount Kisco 914-666-9078
Makeup: Steven Lawrence 917-658-6059
Transportation: Chappaqua Transportation 914-238-4404
Party security: Provided by Salem Golf Club
May 8th, 2010
Cool-party-favors.com has a great interesting assortment of favors for Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. Here are a few fun ideas that are not only affordable but will make your event special.
Personalized Shopping Carts – If you are having a candy buffet at your Bar or Bat Mitzvah event, these personalized shopping carts make a fun container to hold all the goodies. Made of silver chrome metal in an incredibly accurate shape with a black handle and four movable wheels. On the front of each is a round molded black plastic plaque perfectly fit for the application of the personalized label of your choice.
Shopping Bag Cookies – Your cookie favors are baked to order and will arrive wonderfully fresh – their shelf life is a week to 10 days after you receive them. They ask for only 3 weeks notice so that they can plan their baking schedule around your needs. Just tell them the date of the event and they will schedule the baking and shipping so that your order arrives 3 to 5 days before your event. Each cookie comes wrapped in individual cellophane bagging with matching curling ribbon.
Purse Place card/ name holders – These purse party favors are so chic! Your guests will love them – and will be able to put them to good use as note or photo holders.
Light Up Cups – These 3 setting light up cups (20 oz size) make the coolest Bar Mitzvah favor – they’ll be a sensation at your party – and after! You can order them blank or personalize them by imprinting with the design of your choice and adding your name and date of your Bar or Bat Mitzvah.
Mitzvah Bracelet Favors – These are the latest fashion craze. But what makes these special is that you personalize them with your own message (or your name). Give your guests a meaningful, lasting gift with these bracelet party favors. They have a new metallic design! Metallic overlay on solid color bracelet. Imprint is laser engraved to show the color of the bracelet through the metallic overlay. They can also be used as napkins holders as seen in this Mitzvah Inspire.
Personalized Theme Playing Cards – Deal your guests a great hand with these fun personalized label playing card favors.
For more great ideas, visit their Website.
May 8th, 2010
If you are in Bar or Bat Mitzvah planning mode then you know your child definitely wants to be involved in the process of selecting the party favors or giveaways. There are so many choices. Do yourself a FAVOR and read on!
We went right to the source and asked Shira Younger of A Promos USA/Imagemaker for the 8 hot trends right now.
MM: What are you seeing right now as the “hottest favors” among Mitzvah kids and Mitzvah Moms?
SY: Today’s trends in Bar/Bat Mitzvah favors stem from the ever growing desire to stand out from the crowd. Kiss your old notions of what is and what’s not acceptable goodbye! Tweens today have a very strong opinion about what they want and don’t want; I suggest that you stop and listen to their opinions – they matter!
What you’ll notice at Bar/Bat Mitzvahs nowadays is that the giveaway is what is remembered from the entire affair. Typically, most tweens (if their school will allow it) will show up wearing their custom party favor the next day in school for all to see. Because of this, we suggest listening to your child in terms of their design creativity, as they are the one making the most use out of the party favors…wearing them to school, to the mall, to camp, to bed, and to their friends’ houses.
We find that when you consider your child’s input, you in turn are happier, knowing that your children had valuable input into their own custom creations…talk about great bragging rights!
Here are Shira’s 8 hot trends:
1. Think Zip-Up Hoodies!!! The ultimate in posh giveaways, just about every tween comes in asking for them.
2. Use your child’s initials or skip them all together, don’t use their full name in the artwork.
3. Use Metallic Inks! This goes for boys as well…today’s fashion is all about a little something extra.
4. Leave out the date. Yes, we know it’s important to you, but Tweens don’t want to wear “dated” apparel.
5. You don’t have to give the same party favor to the boys, as you give to the girls. Ex: if you’re doing a cute sports jersey for the boys, why not give the girls a stylish burnout t-shirt or fitted tank top instead (something that they’ll actually wear).
Something for the boys…
Something for the girls…
6. Want something different than wearables? Portable MP3 speakers and ringtone download cards are always a hit!
7. Don’t forget about the Adult Guests. Stainless steel tumblers make a great giveaway and are definitely practical. Tip: When your adult guests are ready to leave, have your catering hall setup a coffee/tea table at the valet stand – this is where your guests will be greeted with a hot cup of coffee in their new stainless steel tumblers…perfect for a thoughtful and alert drive home.
8. Follow the fashion trends. If you choose art and apparel that your tween would never buy at the mall, then they probably won’t wear that party favor at all.
We would like to thank Shira Younger from A Promos USA/ImageMaker for these trends. To learn more visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
May 5th, 2010
Thirteen-year-old Jacob Don knows first hand that the most important gift you can give anyone is the gift of life, so it was very easy for him to decide on his Mitzvah Project.
Russell Don, his father was given the gift of life two years ago, when Dr. Harry Ramras, an Orthodox dentist from Woodmere, Long Island was identified as a bone marrow match. Thankfully, Dr. Ramras had participated in his Synagogue’s bone marrow drive seven years earlier. Flash forward to 2007 when Russell was diagnosed with leukemia and in six months time he was matched with Dr. Harry Ramras through the Be The Match registry.
Jacob, a seventh-grader at Solon Middle School outside of Cleveland celebrated his Bar Mitzvah celebration on April 24th and is very grateful his entire family, including his Dad was there to enjoy this special occasion.
We spoke to Jacob about his Mitzvah Project and how he wanted to help others who might be in his Dad’s situation.
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project/charity?
JD: My Dad had a bone marrow transplant and I want people who need a donor to get a donor just like my Dad did!
MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bar Mitzvah?
JD: It means to help other people and contribute to a good cause.
MM: Can you give us details of your Mitzvah Project?
JD: I held a bone marrow drive that had people signing up for the bone marrow registry so they can find out if they can become someone who can be a donor for someone who needs bone marrow. It’s very easy, you just need a cheek swab, there is no taking blood.
MM: How did you spread the word about the bone marrow drive?
JD: I had newspapers write articles on my project and contacted TV and radio stations. I also put up flyers and posters.
MM: You had the drive a few weeks ago, how did you do?
JD: The drive was a great success. We had 87 people come down to register and we just heard from our local tv station that another 6 registered too. Over 100 of our friends and people in the community drove in, biked and came by foot to offer support. We had expected 8 volunteers, over 20 showed up!
The local NBC station in Cleveland, WKYC-TV did a story on us “live” from the bone marrow drive. See that video here.
We also got publicity via the local paper, The Solon Times. Read that story here.
When Harry Met Lolly: The Story Of A Bone Marrow Hero!
Jacob’s Aunt works for the Jim Henson Company. They filmed Dr. Harry Ramras in their Long Island workshop for this video explaining how easy it is to be a bone marrow donor. Leslie Carrera, the Sesame Street Puppeteer, used her puppet, Lolly to interview Harry.
Donor Dr. Harry Ramras with Lolly. Watch the video here!
MM: For how long can people donate to this charity:
JD: My drive is now over but you can donate anytime to “Be The Match.”
We would like to congratulate Jacob on his recent Bar Mitzvah and thank him for sharing this great Mitzvah project story with Mitzvah Market.
May 1st, 2010
Do your kids cringe when you dance at friends Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrations?
We laughed while reading this funny article by writer Emily Yoffe in Slate.com. She pens a column called, Human Guinea Pig where she takes readers’ suggestions for strange activities or hobbies to try.
Pictured left are Emily (1st row) with the rest of her Mitzvah dancing crew!
Ms. Yoffe is a regular contributor to Slate magazine and she has also written for The New York Times, O, The Oprah Magazine and The Washington Post.
In this particular piece, Yoffe relays about her adventure as a motivational dancer on the Mitzvah circuit. The title of the piece says it all ” America’s Oldest Living Fly Girl Tells All: My brief, Booty-shaking Gig as a Bar Mitzvah Motivational Dancer.”
Enjoy!
April 26th, 2010
The Shapot family from New York City wanted a fun “basketball” themed celebration in honor of their son Isaac’s Bar Mitzvah and his love of the game. The service was held at the family’s synagogue, Congregation Habonim with a Kiddush luncheon that followed. In the evening it was off to “hoop it up” at Crest Events located in Times Square New York City.
Mitzvah Mom Chaye is in the favor business. She designed an awesome logo and it was used throughout the party. All vendor information is at the bottom.
Pictured left to right: Brother Daniel, Dad Michael, Bar Mitzvah Boy Isaac and Mitzvah Mom Chaye. All party photography was done by Kristen Somody-Whalen.
Mitzvah Mom Chaye incorporated her son’s love of basketball into every aspect of this party. Starting with the invitation created by RSVP Today. The orange paper was textured, to evoke a basketball
The party was held at Crest Events, a unique venue located in Times Square, New York City. The adults and kids were in separate rooms for cocktails, and then the adults joined the kids for a dinner buffet
This special logo started with Isaac’s stamp on his invitation and continued onto the cocktail napkins…
……and onto the cocktail tables!
Charmaine from Diana Gould Flowers & Event Decor added special basketball touches everywhere. How cool are these tables!
Posters of Isaac “hooping it up” were placed around the room
Another fabulous decor element: Isaac’s silhouette making a basketball shot!
Here’s Isaac standing next to his sign-in board
For their music entertainment, the Shapot’s used Gotham Events with Brian as their MC
Isaac’s logo was screened onto the basketball jerseys that the dancers, bartenders and coat check attendants wore
Here is Bar Mitzvah boy Isaac being lifted in the chair during the Horah!
Mitzvah Mom Chaye’s company Max Merchandising did the favors which were chocolate cookies and sweatshirts
The sweatshirts have a unique design that included Isaac’s silhouette
There were other fun activities for the kids. Here are dog tags featuring their pictures
A Hollywood voice over booth
The cake by Jason Ellis of Top Tiers in Farmingdale, NY was specifically designed to incorporate all things Isaac’s loves: basketball, the Jets football team and tennis
Jack Ryan, the “Hoop Wizard” was a big hit and performed for Isaac and his friends
The Hoop Wizard performing for guests
Here is a list of the Mitzvah Vendors who helped make Isaac’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you call any of them, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com. Thanks!
Venue: Crest Events, 212-398-0040
DJ/MC Gotham Events, 212-643-8718
Favor person: Mitzvah Mom Chaye’s company Max Merchandising, 212-692-9307
Invitation: RSVP Today, 917-836-8581
Cake: Top Tiers by Jason Ellis, 516-674-8115
Decor/Florist/Sign-In Board: Charmaine at Diana Gould LTD, 914-347-7134
Clothing for family: Bergdorf’s, Lubins/Rothman’s in Scarsdale
Makeup: Soul at Shu Uemura at Barney’s 646-306-1037
Photography: Kristen Somody-Whalen, 646-245-0069
Entertainer: The Hoop Wizard, Jack Ryan, 917-754-2486
Montage: Liz Celotto, Video Production, 201-836-3911
April 25th, 2010
Hello All!
We hope by spotlighting this Mitzvah Family, you will be inspired to take some of their ideas and make them your own.
The Levy Family held their son Jake’s Bar Mitzvah service at Congregation Emanu-El in Rye, New York. When it came time for the party, they wanted a casual celebration. They decided on a “Bluejeans & Bling” theme with a “club” atmosphere at Old Oaks Country Club in Purchase, New York.
We want to thank the Levy’s for sharing their party details with us. Pictured left to right: Mom Niki, Brett, Bar Mitzvah boy Jake and Dad David. All event photography was done by Infinite Images.
Reminder: You will find name and links of all the Levy Family Vendors at the bottom of this spotlight.
The entire Levy family looks ready for a party! Bar Mitzvah boy Jake and his brother Brett look handsome in their suits from Lubin’s/Rothman’s in Scardsdale, New York. Dad David looks great in his outift from Richard’s in Greenwich, Connecticut and Mom Niki found her sophisticated and hip look from designer Donald Deal.
Mitzvah Mom Niki worked with a personal shopper to find her outfit. She told us her thoughts on using a personal shopper,”You don’t have to worry that someone else is wearing your outfit!”
Jake’s chocolate and gold foldover style invitation was from Elyssa Schecter.
The party decor was done in apple greens and deep chocolate brown. These colors were used for both the lounge area for the kids as well as the tables for the adults. The unique and funky centerpieces were created by Flowers By Reuven. Each table had a different creation!
Total Entertainment provided the non-stop fun. The denim and diamonds theme was a big hit and the Levy guests spent most of the party on the dance floor!
Jake make his entrance
Jake being lifted up by friends and family
Mitzvah Mom Niki told us she assembled all the goody bags herself!
Beautiful green apple frosted bags were all lined up waiting for the young guests to receive their favors
Jake modeling his comfortable flannel pajama bottoms with his logo…which really pops!
Elyssa Schecter also created a beautiful sign-in book for guests to write a special note to Jake.
Jake checking to see who signed his custom sign-in book
The decor colors of chocolate brown and apple green were continued all night and even for the cake!
Mitzvah Mom Niki has now successfully completed planning two Bar Mitzvahs. Her advice was simple, but smart, she says, “Take one step at a time…it all gets done! And make lots of lists.”
It was Mitzvah Mom Niki who sent us a great Mitzvah Find for buying socks for the kids in bulk!
For Jake’s Mitzvah Project, he spent time each weekend with developmentally disabled children at Pleasantville Cottage, a co-ed residential treatment center that cares for 150 emotionally troubled youngsters. He played board games and basketball with them.
Here are a list of the Vendors the Levy Family used to make Jake’s Bar Mitzvah a great success. If you call any of them, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com. Thanks!
Venue: Old Oaks Country Club 914-683-6000
DJ/MC, Photo Favors: Total Entertainment 201-894-0055 – DJ Rick and DJ Steve C
Photographer: Leonardo Vatkin Photography, 516-640-5688
Décor/florist: Flowers by Reuven 212-874-4560
Favors: Logo Lady
Magician: Asi Wind 917-753-2227
Invitation and Sign In Board: Doodles, Elyssa Schecter 201-788-9123
Cake: Sweet Lisa’s 203-869-9545
Candelighting Poems: Jennifer Stone 914-450-6648
Personal Shopper: Cheryl Farbstein 914-588-2956
Mom’s dress: Donald Deal
Dad’s Suit: Richard’s
Boys Suits: Lubins in Rothmans, Scarsdale, NY
Hair/makeup: Frank Zecola, Salon Savoir, White Plains, NY 94-761-9292.
Makeup Laura Mercier, Neiman Marcus, The Westchester, White Plains, NY
