A B’nai Mitzvah Throwback of Famous Celebs

 

By Drew Isserlis Kramer

Jewish celebrities, they’re just like us. 

When Jewish tweens turn 12 or 13 years old, they mark the transition to adulthood with a b’nai mitzvah celebration. For some, charisma at synagogue sets the stage for star quality on screen and stage. When Jews achieve acclaim and fame, they sometimes show off Jewish pride and teenage awkwardness with a throwback post to an early performance that left the critics kvelling. And when they do, those pictures find themselves in a round-up of the best in taffeta and feathered hair. Below are our favorite before-they-were-stars b’nai mitzvahs.

Before the Zoe Report

 In a world before reality television, celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe was just Rachel Rosenzweig from Millburn, New Jersey. Even as a 1980s b’nai mitzvah scholar, young Rachel demonstrated her chops for serving red-carpet fashion moments. With her son Sky’s 13th birthday a month away, she took to Instagram in 2024 to lament her “bad bob, over peroxided “sun-ind” hair in an attempt to be blonde.” While she claims she “may delete later,” her three outfit changes are preserved here for all eternity. We can only hope she shares a head-to-toe lame’ lewk when her son is called to the Torah.

A Middle School Love Triangle Before Nick Kroll hit Comedy Central, he turned on the charm on the dance floor at his bar mitzvah in Westchester, NY. Sharing proof that he got girls in middle school, in a 2021 Instagram post, Kroll threw it back to that moment when he cozied up to his then crush Dana. Kroll calls out his camp friend Danny, the inspiration for Seth Rogan’s character on Big Mouth, for throwing shade in the background. Looks like the little guy got the girl this time.

Chelsea Keeps it RealComedian Chelsea Handler warns never to say she’s “not a real Jew” in her 2014 IG post throwing back to her 1980s bat mitzvah. Standing with the Torah, no one can deny that she and her mall hair rose to the occasion. Surf the comments to see who the haters think played the part of the Rabbi photoed with her. John Cusak or Cantor Manevitch from Washington Hebrew Congregation in DC? The world may never know.

Schumer Dances With Herself

In February 2024, Amy Schumer posted a throwback bat mitzvah photo. The image, aptly captioned “dancing alone at my bat mitzvah,” was met with backlash in the comments for her decision to support Israel after the Hamas terror attacks on October 7, 2023. Whether or not her intention was to express her sense that she’s alone in her stance with Israel, Amy Schumer’s bat mitzvah throwback is a statement of her Jewish identity and that she is unafraid to be an independent woman who speaks her mind.  

 

Alex Edelman Wraps Tefillin

A rising comedic star, Alex Edelman posted this gem on the 13th anniversary of his bar mitzvah. In 2014, he likely never expected it to resurface, but with three tours a Broadway premiere in 2023, he’s hit his listicle era. Born and raised in a Boston Modern Orthodox community, Alex Edelman’s Millennial Jewish schtick gives him international acclaim and nachas from the Tribe.

Bravo, Andy Cohen

Before he was TV’s funniest celebrity producer, Andy Cohen wore transition lenses to shul. Throwing it back to his bar mitzvah in a 2017 post, Cohen keeps his eye on the prize in a studious, scholarly pose. Famous for sprinkling Jewish Joy into his Watch What Happens Live talk show, his Mazel of the Day sends positive vibes into the world.  

 

Seth Rogan is one of us 

Actor Seth Rogan posted his bar mitzvah throwback to be in solidarity with fellow actor James Franco before he was called to the Torah as an adult. Although Rogan was raised very secular, he rediscovered his Jewish identity later in life. Rogan’s recent work explores his heritage, such as the HBO comedy An American Pickle, which tells the story of a Yiddish-speaking immigrant who falls into a pickle jar in 1919 and brines for a century until he wakes up in 2018 New York. 

If Este Haim had it to do over again…The Haim sisters built their brand on their Jewish identity. From their name, Haim, which means life, to their storied debut in Cantor’s Deli (paid for with Matzo Ball Soup), the sisters regularly post content that celebrates Jewish life. In a 2020 GQ article, the girls shared their bat mitzvah stories, ranging from a mardi gras theme to a no party at all. Oldest sister Este confessed her 1999 bat mitzvah theme was roller skating because of Sugar Ray’s music video for the band’s song “Every Morning.” However, due to green screen magic, the girls shared that Este would have gone full Blumarine if she could do it all over again. In the Instagram reel, the sisters rocked the brand’s fur trimmed and rosette dotted aesthetic, which was the quintessential bat mitzvah look for the Y2K generation.

 

 

Make Mitzvah Memories at Dave & Buster’s

 

Make Mitzvah Memories at Dave & Buster’s

Since 1982, Dave & Buster’s has been the go-to spot for family fun on a jumbo scale. The establishment was a marriage of two ideas: great food served with friendly service combined with the latest games and entertainment.

     

These days, families who choose Dave & Busters have a multiverse of possibilities for their mitzvah parties. With full menu as well as Kosher catering available at all seven area locations, Dave & Busters can set the stage for a fun-filled day honorees — and their families and guests — will remember forever.

Dave & Buster’s has locations at the Gateway Center in Brooklyn, Times Square, Staten Island, Pelham Manor, Massapequa, Westbury, and Palisades. They offer 10 room types to choose from, or full buy-out and delayed opening options with a capacity of up to 2,000 guests at some locations so that families can “own” the entire space for their special day.

Dave & Buster’s offers the best of both worlds, with more than 300 games, from air hockey and ping pong to the latest VR hits. When it’s time for dinner, Dave & Buster’s offers chef-designed menus, party platters, and a dazzling array of beverage choices.  

Dave & Buster’s huge ballrooms are equipped with the latest club furniture. They will provide you with a DJ to enable your entertainment for your mitzvah party, with free WiFi, AV equipment and dozens of HDTVs. Some locations even offer a complete bowling alley and a billiard room.

Dave & Buster’s is constantly evolving to give families the latest party must-haves, offering a brand new game show enhancement as well as a mini escape room, a candy cart, s’mores, a donut wall, and a graffiti t-shirt artist.

Event planning for your child’s special day starts with contacting our trusted team. Karen Kelly [email protected], (516) 247-6337, will work to connect you with the perfect team member to aid you every step of the way and help design and implement a theme perfect for your child! 

Locations Near You!

Brooklyn Gateway

Gateway Center

395 Gateway Dr, Brooklyn, NY 11239

718 368-6100

Massapequa

Sunrise Mall

1 Sunrise Mall Unit # 2192, Massapequa, NY 11758

516- 809-8511

New York City

234 W 42nd St 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10036

646- 495-2015

Palisades

Palisades Center

4661 Palisades Center Dr, West Nyack, NY 10994

845- 353-1555

Pelham

Pelham Manor

881 Pelham Parkway, Pelham Manor, NY1.41 mi away

914-380-8500

Staten Island

Staten Island Mall

2655 Richmond Ave, Staten Island, NY 10314

929 -464-2700

Westbury

Samanea New York Mall

1504 Old Country Rd, Westbury, NY 11590

516-542-8501

Top 10 B’nai Mitzvah Gifts that Also Support Israel 

Top 10 B’nai Mitzvah Gifts that Also Support Israel 

By Drew Isserlis Kramer

 

When cash feels cold, many b’nai mitzvah guests choose gifts with meaning. Often this begins the tween’s collection of Judaica, a term given to the objects used in Jewish culture or religious practice. Often the mezuzah or Jewish star necklace sits in its box for decades, forgotten by a child who is still too young to perceive its significance. Today, in the wake of the Hamas terror attack in Israel, Jewish people young and old seek these objects with renewed vigor as a way to feel connected to Judaism and boost the Israeli economy. To help American Jews discover and support the Israeli craft community, new online groups emerged, like the Facebook Group aptly titled “Israeli Shops to Purchase From,” which curate the country’s best vendors in Judaica, crafts, jewelry, home decor and art. If you seek a special gift that connects the child with the Jewish homeland, below are 10 artisans with an exciting, youthful aesthetic. This is not your grandmother’s Judaica. 

Hand-Embroidered Denim Jackets by Katya: Hailing from central Israel, this tattoo artist and textile designer’s unique vintage denim jackets are full of spiritual meaning and whimsical beauty. Her original, hand-stitched designs will bring funky, fun vibes to a child who understands personal style. 

TDGalleryStudio: Set on gifting the b’nai mitzvah child’s first mezuzah? Select one that connects home with the homeland. These beauties hail from the olive trees of Israel. This Jewish Painter and mixed media resin artist designs modern mezuzahs that juxtapose natural wood with glossy epoxy resin to create a layered effect that feels organic and sacred. 

 

Custom Pop Art By Taryn Treisman: Israeli graffiti artist Taryn Treisman creates custom art that reflects the cultural icons of our generation together with the ancient texts of our faith. Her Instagram portfolio showcases large scale canvases and wall murals that feature tender family moments amid the passion points that inspire individuality. 

Resin Objects by Nicole Friedman: Painter and resin artist, Nicole Friedman creates beautiful objects that play with swirls of color. Her trays and boxes adorned with a b’nai mitzvah’s Hebrew name provide a special place to store jewelry and other keepsakes. 

Muscat Jewelry: In 2015, Moshe Gross and Vitali Varol introduced their unique brand of spiritual jewelry to the world. From protective evil-eye bracelets to classic symbols of Jewish joy, the delicate designs bring ethereal beauty to the wearer.

Talush Home: Israeli artist Tal Deckers sprinkles joy into home spaces with her three dimensional wall hangings that elevate beloved treats to fine art. Remind the b’nai mitzvah child to enjoy the sweetness in life with a piece of art that encourages playful indulgence.

Laura Cowan Modern Judaica: Judaica artist Laura Cowan brings function and fun to the Hanukkah menorah. In an assortment of colors, the playful deconstructed design makes this a useful tabletop object for the entire calendar year. 

Auri Jewelry: Designed by artist Or Kalev, Auri Jewelry’s minimalist aesthetic feels clean and cool for children across the gender spectrum. Her new line of Jewish star necklaces is thoughtfully executed to celebrate Jewish identity both overtly and privately, depending on the wearer’s circumstances. Her creative use of movement in her designs make each piece playful and personal to the wearer. 

@kicks_by_ray: Not Israeli-based, but Israeli-supporting, this Long Island, New York sneaker artist is currently offering 50% off his cool kicks to support Israel in its fight against terrorism. Custom designed to reflect any interest, the sneaker is an open canvas to celebrate Jewish identity. 

Leather Goods by Hilel Mor: Artist and currently serving IDF soldier Hilel Mor’s line of handmade leather goods is created as a testament to Israel’s resilience and unity. Out of the ugliness of war, Mor’s intention is to spread positivity through art. From leather bags to leather bound journals, his hand etched pieces are custom made to order. Connect through Instagram with your ideas for imagery and language to co-create a truly unique piece that will inspire appreciation for Israel and the young people defending its right to exist.

 

For Tu BiShvat: A Mitzvah Project that Grows 

For Tu BiShvat: A Mitzvah Project that Grows 

By Drew Isserlis Kramer

 

Surrounded by the frozen, bare earth of a New York winter, it feels like a strange time to get festive for trees. Tu BiShvat, the Jewish holiday celebrating nature and our devotion to the environment, marks the start of spring in the Land of Israel. On the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Shevat (which fell on January 24 this year), Israelis and Jewish people throughout the diaspora typically celebrate the start of a new agricultural year with feasts and the planting of new trees. This holiday is a minor milestone on the Jewish calendar, but its history feels particularly significant today. As b’nai mitzvah students select a Mitzvah Project to bring meaning to their preparation year, many will look for causes that support Israel’s defense and rebirth. If you are searching for meaning and connection to the Jewish homeland as your family approaches the b’nai mitzvah milestone – read below to understand why and how one should choose to look to the trees.

The History: A Cycle of Taxation and Rebirth

Not mentioned in the Torah, scholars believe Tu BiShvat started as a welcoming of spring for the Israelites living in biblical times, as well as a marker for the agricultural cycle of tithing. Tithing is an ancient practice of withholding consumption of some portion of crops for holy practice, giving to the poor and temple priesthood in a complex system of agricultural obligation. After the destruction of the Second Temple in the year 70 C.E., many exiled Jews left the region, abandoning their annual honoring of agricultural rebirth. With the majority of Jews living in the Diaspora where most Jewish agricultural laws are not applicable, Tu BiShvat ceased being a day to be commemorated. In the Middle Ages, following the Spanish Inquisition, prominent Rabbis returned to Israel, settling in the city of Tzfat. Together they brought a vibrant Jewish life back to the country and instituted a Tu BiShvat seder, in which consuming the fruits of trees took on spiritual significance. 

In the 1800s, Israel was again a barren desert destroyed by invading armies. However, the century brought a new wave of Aliyah to Israel. Jews from from Eastern European countries returned to the region to escape persecution and rebuild the land of Israel. In 1890, Russian Rabbi Zeev Yavetz took students to plant trees on Tu B’Shvat. The Hebrew Teachers Union and the Jewish National Fund continued the practice, cementing the practice of planting trees on the holiday. 

Our Responsibility Today

In our modern era, over a million Israelis participate in tree-planting activities on Tu Bishvat. As a result, Israel is the only country in the world that went into the 21st Century with a net gain of trees. 

Despite this effort, our b’nai mitzvah students stand to inherit an Earth threatened by climate change and violent upheaval. After the brutal Hamas attacks against Israel on October 7, the need to protect and cultivate our land feels all the more poignant and necessary. Today, Israel’s Kibbutzim, housing much of the country’s agricultural resources, are in need of attention. Some destroyed by terrorism, others suffering from a lack of human resources to tend to the crops, today’s rising b’nai mitzvahs can seize the opportunity to help the homeland bloom once again. 

If your child wants to contribute to this effort through their Mitzvah Project, there are many organizations on which to focus attention: 

Jewish National Fund: Beginning in 1901, the JNF sought to reestablish a homeland in Israel for Jewish people everywhere by engaging Jews worldwide to contribute to purchasing land and planting trees. Today, the JNF is “greening” the desert with millions of trees, building thousands of parks across Israel, creating new communities and cities for generations of Israelis to call home, bolstering Israel’s water supply, helping develop innovative arid agriculture techniques and educating both young and old about the founding and importance of Israel.

Engage in Agricultural Work at HaShomer HaChadash: For those who seek adventure and hands-on contribution, HaShomer HaChadash is a youth volunteer program dedicated to safeguarding the land in the Negev and Galilee in partnership with Jewish National Fund-USA. Help on one of their farms by picking vegetables and other crops to help avoid a

massive shortage in the Israeli food market. Not ready to travel to Israel, create a fundraising campaign. Everything helps.

Become a Climate Change Lobbyist with Jewish Earth Alliance: If your child is passionate about protecting the Earth for future generations, connect with the Jewish Earth Alliance, a grassroots network of communities working together to enable Jews to combat climate change by engaging in the policy process at the Federal level. Kids can work with JEA to lead letter writing campaigns to lobby Congress, learning the policy system and creating an impact for the whole planet. 

Whether supporting Israel with hands-on work in the farms, raising money for green pastures or lobbying for climate change in our own home country, b’nai mitzvah students have a multitude of opportunities to ensure the future of Israel and our shared planet.

The Candle Lighting Ceremony: A Moratorium

 

The Candle Lighting Ceremony: A Moratorium

By. Drew Isserlis Kramer

“Grandma Yetta and Papa in Heaven, please come up to light candle number 7.” Rising to the tune of “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder, Grandma Yetta shimmied over to an enormous sheet cake to light a candle on the occasion of her grandchild’s b’nai mitzvah. Once the photographer captured the moment, the newly minted b’nai mitzvah proceeded with the next poetic tribute until all 13 candles (and one for good luck) blazed with the blessings of family and friends.

In a religion that routinely ignites candles in ritual and prayer, the b’nai mitzvah candle lighting ceremony is not rooted in spiritual significance. Like the b’nai mitzvah itself, the poetry and cake lighting tradition is unique to American Jewish culture. Beginning in the 1950s, catering halls up-sold the cake moment to families looking to enhance the theater of their event and honor the child’s nearest and dearest family and friends. Warming hearts and entertaining guests as they cut into the prime rib, families embraced the formula for the next fifty years. 

Psst…A Culture of Study: The Jewish Value of Education Prepares for B’nai Mitzvah

Amy Kupferman, a nice Jewish doctor raised in Old Westbury, New York, recalls her 1990s candle-lighting ceremony as “a good way to remember relatives who passed or who traveled from far away to celebrate the milestone.” Still reveling in the quality of her poetry and the beauty of her cake, she pauses to caution that the tradition comes with risk. Learning from experience, she shared, “when you start including some friends and not others, it can cause rifts in relationships.” At her bat mitzvah, she called every child in the room to the cake for a shared friendship candle, ensuring that all felt important in the room. 

 

While Ms. Kupferman appreciated the creative expression of appreciation for guests, for others of her generation, it was another anxiety-provoking public speaking moment in a loaded day of chanting Torah and awkward interactions with distant relations. Teenage angst for candle-lighting ceremonies amplified as divorce rates climbed in the 1980s and 90s. For families that no longer resembled a 1950s sitcom, the formula began to feel uncomfortable and out of touch with modern family structures. 

 

Rather than conform with old constructs, the Gen-X and Millennial generations raised in that era of rapid sociological and technological change covet disruption. Across all religions, this might translate to reduced interest in faith-based traditions. However, even for very secular Jewish families, the b’nai mitzvah persists as an important life cycle moment that cements the future of the ancient religion. The longevity of the milestone continues through every generation’s willingness to inject novelty and change. For this new generation of parents, b’nai mitzvah became a forum for individuality and innovation.  

 

Casey Kaufman, a busy event planner based in Westchester, NY, sees the shift. Once regularly tasked with hiring writers to craft perfect poetry, she reports that today’s clients “never request a candle lighting ceremony.” Asked why she thinks the tradition faded, she jokes, “this generation felt so traumatized by it at their own b’nai mitzvahs that they decided to spare their own kids.” In earnest, she attributes the change to the redundancy of the tradition and the drive to create an event that feels modern and unique. 

 

While the old formulas fade, families still want to honor their guests and their essential role in raising the child. Sheet cakes and cringe poetry set the stage for today’s multimedia tributes to the village that helps raise a child. Professionally produced montages, replete with baby pictures and video testimonials, invoke the happy tears quintessential to this coming-of-age celebration. 

 

While the lust for individuality and innovation continues to inspire new trends in b’nai mitzvah party planning, the spirit of love and Jewish tradition remains constant. In every generation, when a Jewish child crosses the bridge to adulthood through a b’nai mitzvah, families will rally to celebrate the journey and reflect with awe on the miracle of watching that child grow. 

How to Host a Gender Inclusive Bar/Bat Mitzvah

By the time teens reach bar/bat mitzvah age, many of them have already begun to explore their identity and self-presentation by experimenting with clothing, hair and makeup styles, and other means of expression. Whether your teen identifies as genderqueer, nonbinary, or nonconforming, or if they simply wish to be an ally to the LGBTQ+ community, there are many ways to incorporate gender inclusivity into their big day. Here are some simple tips to get you started:

Use Gender-Neutral Language

Hebrew is an inherently gendered language. For a teen who does not feel completely comfortable identifying as either male or female, having to use gendered terms like “bar” and “bat” may feel alienating or awkward. The term “b’nai mitzvah” is traditionally used when multiple people are having their ceremonies at once, such as for a set of twins. Because of that, it can be seen as the Hebrew equivalent of someone using they/them pronouns, and it is a great option for an alternative title to bar or bat mitzvah.

Additionally, some synagogues have done away with the traditional Hebrew terms altogether in recent years, choosing to simply call all ceremonies “B-Mitzvahs”. Some other non-traditional titles could include “simchat mitzvah” (meaning a joyous celebration), “brit mitzvah” (a celebration of the covenant), or even a “they mitzvah”. This subtle change in terminology may seem small, but it can have a huge impact on a teen’s level of comfort and confidence as they celebrate their journey into Jewish adulthood.

 

Gift Unisex Party Favors

Party favors and swag are one of the most fun parts of attending a party, but being gender inclusive can feel tricky when clothing and sizing comes into play. Instead of having “boys” and “girls” options for party swag (for example, having tank tops for girls and t-shirts for boys), instead pick something that is uniform in cut and sizing, like a sweater or a baseball cap.

If you choose to have variations of swag, let the guests choose for themselves what type of clothing they’d like to take home, rather than assuming what they might want. Having open-ended options for gifts will make sure your party is one to talk about for years to come.

Ask for Pronouns

A person’s pronouns may differ from how they present and dress themselves, so it’s important to never assume what one’s might be. An easy way to make sure you know your guests’ preferred pronouns is to have a spot for them on your RSVPs. If your teen uses pronouns different from the ones they were assigned at birth, ask them if they’d like for that to be included in the invitations as well.

If you’d like to take pronoun inclusion to the next level, incorporate guests’ pronouns wherever their names are written (with their permission, of course). This could include seating chart cards, the service program, and anywhere else names might come up. If your party includes something unique, like a crafting station, consider having pronoun pins as one of the crafts.

As pronouns are a very personal part of one’s identity, it’s possible not everyone will feel comfortable sharing theirs with a large group of people. If this is the case, don’t sweat it! What matters most is that your guests and your teen are comfortable and having fun.

Check Your Venue’s Accommodations

Having to choose which restroom to use can potentially cause a nonbinary or gender nonconforming person stress and anxiety. If possible, always check with your synagogue and party venue if they have an all-gender restroom that is easily accessible for guests to use. This ensures that everyone feels safe, comfortable, and welcome when they come to celebrate with you!
While planning a bar/bat/b’nai mitzvah is a daunting task, making it gender inclusive doesn’t have to be! Allowing a teen to be their authentic and genuine self is a huge part of making their mitzvah a special and memorable day. For more information on gender, sexuality, and Judaism, check out Keshet, an organization dedicated to promoting LGBTQ+ inclusion in the Jewish community.

 

By Vered Ornstein

Bat Mitzvah Project Spotlight: A Project Helps Animals in Ukraine

Bat Mitzvah Project Spotlight: Morgan Sohmer Helps Animals in Ukraine

By Mia Salas

Bar and Bat Mitzvah projects are an incredible opportunity for kids to develop their leadership, research, and communication skills. But at their core, these projects are about compassion– understanding, learning, and loving others. We’re always on the lookout for Mitzvah projects that do just that, so when we heard about Morgan Sohmer’s efforts to save animals in Ukraine, we knew we had to share.

Morgan’s Bat Mitzvah Project stemmed from her love for animals and her impressive global awareness: “Anyone who knows me is aware that my Boston Terrier, Ruby, is my life. After hearing about all the atrocities happening in the Ukraine, I couldn’t help but think about the animals left behind,” she says. 

And Morgan’s right– according to the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), animals are neglected in times of war: “We know from our rescue work around the world that animals are often the forgotten victims of conflict and war,” IFAW states on their website. Impact is, of course, an important part of a mitzvah project, but perhaps more incredible is when a project draws our attention to something that otherwise would have slipped through the cracks. Animals have rights too, and right now they need our help in Ukraine. 

“For my Bat Mitzvah Project, thanks to the guidance of Cantor Elena at Temple Sinai of Roslyn, I have partnered with a local animal shelter in the city of Dnipro in Ukraine. They are working tirelessly to care for these animals, many of whom are sick and injured,” explains Morgan. 

Shelter Pegasus Dnipro is caring for animals who were abandoned or injured amidst the horrors of what is currently happening in Ukraine. “It breaks my heart to see the photos they post, but I am inspired by the devotion of the staff to do my part to help these animals,” says Morgan. And her Bat Mitzvah project encourages us to do our part too. 

By donating to the shelter, you’ll help them take care of the animals in the best way possible so that these furry friends can be nursed back to health. Animals’ lives are lives too, and Morgan’s project prompts us to recognize that.  To donate, venmo @Samantha-Sohmer any dollar amount. You can also email [email protected] to arrange another form of payment.

Out of the Box Mitzvah Party Places   

Out of the Box Mitzvah Party Places   

By Gail Siegel 

COVID forced us to think outside the box —and the ballroom—when planning our child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah party celebrations. Indoor parties gave way to pool parties, backyard soirees and even public park gatherings complete with basketball court dance floors and makeshift lighting. The trend isn’t showing any signs of letting up as more and more families are enticed by multi-faceted party spaces that offer more than just a place to dine and dance. Here are some of our favorite Mitzvah spots that will take your party to (literally) the next level. 

MEADOWLANDS

Located just outside of the city in Rutherford, New Jersey, The Meadowlands are an iconic piece of New York history, sporting a great selection of venue spaces, exciting design, and a scenic escape from the bustle of the big city. Professional event staff and world class dining options will have your guests in the lap of luxury, whether out on the VIP terrace or in a private space overlooking the beloved racing track below. Stop at the American Dream mall and check out the other incredible spaces on the Meadowlands complex for a truly unforgettable event. Venue spaces can accommodate parties of any size.

METLIFE STADIUM

Wow your guests by having your party in one of MetLife Stadium’s incredible event spaces. The stadium is located on the Meadowlands Sports Complex which has been a staple of the New York area sports and culture scene since its inception in the 1970s. Home to both the New York Giants and the New York Jets, MetLife has a larger-than-life reputation. Whether indoors at one of the many New York-inspired members clubs or outside on the iconic field itself, a MetLife celebration is sure to please and amaze both sports fans and nonfans alike. With spaces available for both large parties and intimate ones, this venue is perfect for the football fanatic family or teen. Visit metlifestadium.com to learn about all event space options.

THE ADVENTURE PARK AT LONG ISLAND 

The Adventure Park in Wheatley Heights, New York is a forested recreation spot that offers activities including zip lining and rope courses on aerial trails. There are fire pits where guests can make s’mores and even a “Glow in the Park’ night time adventure where the trees are lit up with LED and fairy lights to give guests a glowing experience. The park typically hosts smaller mitzvahs with around 50 guests but an entire park rental is available for private events (capacity is 300 guests) which allows you to bring in your own DJ, games and food trucks. Book at least six months in advance to secure your preferred date. Alcohol is not allowed at the park. For more information, visit myadventurepark.com.

SPIN  

The so-called ‘original ping pong social club’, Spin (which has nine locations from New York City to Boston to Toronto) is a one-stop-shop for Bar and Bat Mitzvah parties. Packages include everything from in-house catering to DJs, audio/visual equipment and of course ping pong tables which can be moved around to create a customized dance floor. Spin’s staff are pros at hosting mitzvah celebrations (they book at least 15-20 per year in each location). Guests are ‘served’ locally sourced and sustainable cuisine including mushroom and short rib tacos, wagyu brisket burgers and red velvet brownies (menus may vary by location). Customizable paddles and ping pong balls are available with your child’s unique party logo. There is even a bathtub filled with pong pong balls in Spin’s NYC location for a fun photo op. Prices vary by date, location and party package. Contact wearespin.com for more information.

DAVE AND BUSTERS   

This beloved full-service restaurant and video arcade chain (there are 145 locations in the United States and Canada) has it all. From state-of-the-art games to massive HDTV screens  (perfect for viewing photo montages) to tasty bar food like bruschetta and pretzel dogs, children (and adults alike) will have a (skee) ball! Typical mitzvahs here begin with an hour of game time for the kids while adults enjoy cocktail hour. Then guests head over to one of the facilities’ numerous private party rooms to dance, mingle and celebrate. If you host a morning party you can even upgrade to a delayed opening so your family and friends can enjoy the game room to themselves. Location buyouts are also offered. Fun-and delicious-upgrades like candy carts, ice cream bars and even a donut wall are available. The Long Island locations are currently offering an all inclusive package which has everything you need (food, DJ, photographer, balloon centerpieces, private security and much more) for under $20K.

Visit daveandbusters.com for more information. 

SKY ZONE TRAMPOLINE PARK 

Wall-to-wall bouncy surfaces at this indoor trampoline park will have your guests literally jumping with joy for the Bar or Bat Mitzvah child. Dodgeball, sky slam basketball, open jumping, foam zone will keep guests busy for an hour or two (whatever you choose) before the party goers head to a private party room for montage viewing, food and cake. Alcohol is prohibited in the parks and children under age two require adult supervision. Sky Zone allows party hosts to bring in a catering company of their choice (or you can choose to serve the park’s pizza and soda). DJs are also allowed if you rent the entire facility. Visit skyzone.com for more information and to find one of the hundred Sky Zone locations closet to you.

RPM RACEWAY FARMINGDALE    

Guests can zip their way around the race track at one of RPM Raceway’s three Tri-State locations including Long Island, Connecticut and New Jersey. Rent one race track for a handful of friends for a smaller celebration or purchase a buyout of the entire facility for a more private affair. Every party is customizable as there is no package pricing. Aside from the race track, RPM is essentially a large open-space warehouse that you can turn into whatever you like and decorate with any theme your child wants. There is however no kitchen on site but RPM allows you to bring in a caterer and DJ. The mitzvah child can participate in a special entrance by driving solo around the track as a party entrance or by waving the starting black and white checkered flag at the beginning of the races. Children and adults from ages 8 to 80 (and up!) can race (adults can’t drink alcohol until after they are done racing). For more information, visit rpmraceway.com/parties-events.

TOPGOLF

Round up your friends and family for a mitzvah celebration at Topgolf, where guests will enjoy golfing in dozens of high-tech, climate-controlled bays while celebrating the Mitzvah child. Shuffleboard, pool tables and video game consoles are also available as is a surprisingly delicious chef-crafted menu of flat breads, burgers and wings. DJs and karaoke are available upon request. Topgolf’s in house party planners are ‘pros’ at ensuring an amazing par-tee ( their motto after all is ‘no work, no stress, no mess’ ) so party hosts can focus on celebrating while the staff makes sure your party goes off without a hitch. Capacity varies but most of the 70 locations across the country can host up to several hundred guests. Contact topgolf.com for more information. 631-977-7640.

 

Parents Share Their Mitzvah Planning Tips

By Gail Siegel

Planning a Bar or Bat Mitzvah for your child can be both an exciting and stressful time. From dates to decor and many details in between, there are so many things to consider. We asked some parents who went through the process already for their favorite suggestions when planning their child’s special day. Here are some of the their best tips.

• When deciding on a budget, consider putting aside extra cash for a few private Hebrew tutoring sessions before the big day in case your child needs some brushing up. Even one or two sessions can reduce stress and boost your child’s confidence before they step up on the bima. 

Check out why Bar & Bat Mitzvah Celebrations Are Bigger Than Ever !

• Make sure to include tips in your budget for vendors. They add up quickly. Bring cash or checks the day of the party or consider giving tips out the day before to ensure stellar service. 
• If your child wants a small celebration, go with it! Don’t feel pressure to have a big party even if most of your child’s friends are having them. A family vacation or intimate brunch is just as special and memorable. 
• Place the adult bar next to the dance floor! It keeps the adults around the action and makes for a livelier party.

• When surveying potential venues, take notes about the furniture in the room and adjust accordingly. A bench outside the bathroom will encourage children to hang out there instead of where you want them—on the dance floor! Ask the venue to temporarily remove it for your event. 
• Five Below has great and affordable ‘swag’ the DJ can give away to the kids on the dance floor. You can also get inexpensive flip flops or slides from Old Navy.  
• If you are using lighting as decor, pick out the exact shade you want in advance in person while standing inside the venue. There are so many variations of each color and it takes time to find the perfect hue so don’t wait until the day of the party. 

 

• If your child goes to a summer camp or program, ask him or her for a list of their favorite summer songs and have the DJ play those songs at the end of the party when the kids get tired. When they hear them, they will jump right back on the dance floor. 
• Have a list of photos you want taken in advance (child with grandparents, cousin pic, etc.) so you make sure you don’t forget anyone. 
• Order thank you notes at the same time as your invitations. As your child receives gifts, have them write a thank you note right away. Don’t wait until they have dozens of notes to write all at once. Don’t forget to have your child write personal thank you notes to the Rabbi and the Cantor. 
• If you are showing a photo montage, instead of watching it during the party, watch your child’s face light up as he or she sees the photos of their loved ones though the years. You can watch the montage anytime. 
• If you have out of town guests and you are making them welcome bags for their hotel room, consider adding a Covid test in their bags. 
• Check the school calendar to make sure there are no conflicts on your date. It’s also a good idea to check for big sporting events/concerts. 
• Professional party planners are expensive and not realistic for most. If you can swing it, it might be worth investing in a ‘day of’ event helper for a fraction of the price so you can relax and enjoy your party and he or she can handle any problems that arise.
• If you are hosting your Mitzvah at a hotel that allows payment by credit card, consider opening a credit card that offers double or triple points at hotels and settle your bill that way. 

• Believe it or not, some of the prettiest floral arrangements are from the in-house florist at the local grocery store chain—and for a fraction of the cost of a fancy florist. 
• Create a timeline of the party from start to finish and talk it over with your caterer and venue in advance. Your party probably won’t go exactly as planned but it will definitely help.
• Make sure you clarify with every vendor you work with if you do not want them to post any pre- party ideas/ decor on social media. 

Why I Had A Bat Mitzvah As An Adult

As told to  Gail Siegel

I grew up on the Upper East Side of New York City in the 1950s. Most of my friends were Jewish and we all attended Sunday school at the reform synagogue we belonged to down the block from my apartment. My younger brother had his Bar Mitzvah when he turned thirteen but girls were not given the option to have a Bat Mitzvah at the time. We were confirmed (a ceremony where you make a commitment to the Jewish religion), but we weren’t asked nor were we expected to have a Bat Mitzvah. Nobody ever questioned why— that was just the way it was and it never occurred to me to ask. 

That is, until my oldest daughter turned 12 and began to study for her own Bat Mitzvah. My husband and I had just moved our growing family down to South Florida from New York. One of the first things we did after we settled in was to join a reform synagogue similar to the one I grew up attending. My husband was raised attending an Orthodox synagogue on the Jersey shore but we decided to raise our children in a reform temple. I was looking forward to bringing my older daughter to her first Hebrew lesson. I was so thrilled for her to take part in the Jewish ritual many girls before her -including me- weren’t able to have. After my other two daughters had their Bat Mitzvahs services a few years later, I decided it was finally time to experience my own Jewish rite of passage. 

I felt lucky times had changed and Bat Mitzvahs were finally acceptable for girls. I also felt so fortunate to be living in a country where we are free to do what we want. My temple had recently started offering adult education courses. I recall feeling if you don’t take the opportunity to do something so special when it is offered to you, it was just wrong. It was a big commitment to learn to chant from the Torah, study the haftorah and analyze the relevant torah portion. Because of that, I didn’t take it on until all my girls were in college and I had more time to focus on learning Hebrew and all the prayers necessary to becoming a Bat Mitzvah. It’s very hard to learn a foreign language to begin with, especially as an adult, but I was very determined. The class I signed up for had 12 other adults in it (all but one were women). We became so close to each other over the year and a half long class and the rabbi who led the class was so encouraging. 

When the big day finally came, the congregation was filled with friends and family of my fellow classmates. I remember feeling so proud of my accomplishment as I stood on the bima in my black and white suit looking out at the congregation. My family and grown daughters came to my service and we celebrated with a kiddush with my fellow students at the temple and then a celebratory brunch at my house afterwards. I didn’t get to wear a big party dress like my girls but that’s not what’s really important. My service was so special and meaningful. My husband gave me a beautiful gold Star of David necklace that I now wear for all the Jewish holidays and it serves to remind me of my achievement. I wish my parents could have been there to share in my service but I know they would have been so proud of me too. 

I think it’s very important to teach your children and grandchildren about Israel and the history of the Jewish people and I wanted to set an example that hard work pays off and if you feel strongly about something you go after it. Now, when I attend Shabbat services on Fridays at my temple throughout the year and especially when I attend synagogue during the High Holy Day services of Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur, I feel even more connected to the rabbi and the cantor and I understand more about the prayers and their meanings and what we are celebrating on each holiday. The more you know about something, the more you can appreciate it. As the saying goes, it’s never too late to do something or learn something new and I am so glad with my decision to further my jewish education.