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Turning a Montage Into a Video of Well Wishes
January 31st, 2021

Turning a Montage Into a Video of Well Wishes

Live streaming Bar and Bat Mitzvah services has become the “new normal” in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic as families are finding creative ways to celebrate their child’s simcha. Recently a family from Southport, Connecticut worked with Jenn DelAngelo of Caramel Studios, to re-imagine their son Jonah’s montage into a special surprise with messages of congratulations from invited family and friends. 

Pre-coronovirus, DelAngelo was hired to create a traditional Bar Mitzvah montage for the Hourihan family for their son’s March 28th affair. When the celebration was postponed, it was decided that the service would be live streamed on the intended day. The parents collaborated with DelAngelo to “create a fun, upbeat video with surprise messages and photos for Jonah so he could feel the love from the family and friends that should have been there to celebrate with him.”

DelAngelo provided her client with a set of simple, clear directions to share with guests and also offered suggestions and tips. “We kept it fun and light, so there was no pressure. The only goal was to shower the Bar Mitzvah boy with love!” she explains. Photos and videos were emailed directly to DelAngelo and the entire process took about two weeks but messages were being added up until the day of the Bar Mitzvah service. 

After Jonah’s Bar Mitzvah service, his family surprised him with the montage filled with photo and video messages. DelAngelo says that Jonah loved the video and told his parents the day was even more special than he’d expected. Guests received a link to the video which was also posted on Facebook by Jonah’s mom. The family plans to share their original, traditional montage with guests at their rescheduled celebration in the fall. 

Watch a sample of Jonah’s Surprise Mazel Tov video:

DelAngelo is currently working to re-create meaningful montages and video messages for postponed weddings, graduations and more. To learn more about Caramel Studios visit their profile page in our Vendor Directory. 

Thousands of Bar and Bat Mitzvah families are sharing information and ideas about virtual Mitzvahs, re-booking their celebrations and more in Mitzvah Market’s 17 regional Facebook groups. Join here

 

Cutting Edge Bar Mitzvah & Bat Mitzvah Hype Videos & Montages
August 9th, 2020

Cutting Edge Bar Mitzvah & Bat Mitzvah Hype Videos & Montages

For many years it was the Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah MC that introduced the guest of honor into their celebration. Reel Life Cinematography, a video production company, has opened the door to a brand new way to get the party started with their creative Hype Videos.

Each Hype Video is unique to the Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah child’s personality. These mini movies showcase their talent and/or favorite parts of their life. They can even include family members for a more fun and personal touch.

With more than 20 million views on YouTube alone, Reel Life Cinematography knows what teens connect with and relate to the most. “Our goal is to do more than entertain your guests,” said Chris Tsalikis, Co-founder of Reel Life Cinematography. “Production value is a huge part of the experience. We’ll make your Hype Video or Photo/Video Montage the highlight of your celebration.”

Reel Life Cinematography will work with your family through each phase of the production process and use their creative expertise to make sure your Hype Video or Photo/Video Montage is unique and high-quality. “We understand how important this day is to you,” said Billy Anastasiou, Co-founder of Reel Life Cinematography. “We’re extremely passionate about creating an unforgettable video that your guests will remember months after your event.”

To see examples of Reel Life Cinematography’s Bar Bat Mitzvah video work, see below.

Hype Videos

Bar Mitzvah & Bat Mitzvah Montages

For more information about Reel Life Cinematography, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.

You can also ask questions and get advice about montages in our regional Bar Bat Mitzvah planning groups on Facebook. Join here.

Best Friends Celebrate with Virtual B’nai Mitzvah
August 2nd, 2020

Best Friends Celebrate with Virtual B’nai Mitzvah

Best friends Zachary Tamarkin and Eric Zager of Allentown, PA had planned separate Bar Mitzvah celebrations – Eric’s in March and Zachary’s in June, 2020 – prior to the Coronavirus pandemic. When it became clear that plans would need to change, their families joined forces to celebrate their simchas with a Zoom B’nai Mitzvah and socially distant celebration. Held on Zach’s original date, the day was festive, meaningful and definitely memorable. 

Each family participated from the safety of their respective homes, while their rabbi from Temple Beth El in Allentown conducted the temple’s first-ever virtual service from his house. Both families had Holocaust Torahs in their homes, making their services even more significant.

In the afternoon, they came together at the Tamarkin’s house, where they rented a frozen treats truck and had guests sign up for 15-minute time slots to drive by, get a treat, and have a quick, socially distanced visit with the Bar Mitzvah boys. Outdoor decor included homemade lawn signs, the boys’ custom logo, and photos of the friends over the years. Guests received a custom face mask and other favors made by the families. Prior to the Zoom, they hand delivered or mailed goody bags to create excitement for the event. 

Read on to see photos from this awesome socially distant celebration:

Zach & Eric’s Virtual B’nai Mitzvah

Mitzvah Advice

“Hire a DJ/entertainment company to help run your virtual Mitzvah,” says Zach’s mom Tama. “While a virtual event was not what we had planned or hoped for, we were able to add meaning and connection. Having someone else run the Zoom, (Xtreme Event Group did ours) it put us at ease and also made for a seamless and professional event which guests connected with.”

Mitzvah Project

For Eric’s Mitzvah Project, he was joined by Zach and other friends when he regularly visited Country Meadows Retirement Community this winter to spend time with residents and talk about his love of sports. The conversations often turned to other topics and the boys loved hearing stories from the residents and learning life lessons.  Eric will now be joining Zach to complete a Mitzvah Project with Mitzvah Circle, a local organization that the Tamarkin family has engaged with that was created to fill gaps and provide items that are not covered by government assistance to families most in need. When it is safe to do so, Zach and Eric will be organizing a service day for their friends and family to go to Mitzvah Circle’s warehouse to help package customized care packages with clothing, shoes, diapers, period supplies, books, household goods, toiletries and more for families in crisis.

Vendor Directory

Virtual Service Coordination & Well Wishes Montage Video: Xtreme Event Group, 732-536-8155
Photographer: Heather Gogal Photography, 610-704-9274 and DAVisions Photography, 610-258-5805
Custom Masks: Big Tex Banners and Flags, 888-849-2749
Invitations: InkRedible, 610-398-8599
Food Truck: Frozen Island, 302-353-8868

Thousands of Bar and Bat Mitzvah families are sharing information and ideas about virtual Mitzvahs, re-booking their celebrations and more in Mitzvah Market’s 17 regional Facebook groups. Join here

 

 

How to Word Bar Bat Mitzvah Postponement Cards
July 5th, 2020

How to Word Bar Bat Mitzvah Postponement Cards

You’ve successfully rescheduled your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Now it’s time to let your guests know about your new date.

With so many events being postponed in the wake of the coronavirus, you’ll want to make sure your friends and family put your new Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah date on their calendars. Following up with an official email or change of date card is definitely recommended. “Many families are looking for a formal way to communicate their new Bar or Bat Mitzvah date with their guests,” explains Jeanne Woodyard of Invitations4Less. “We’ll help them create a fun, unique message.” 

Vendors are creating everything from digital change of date cards to Bar Bat Mitzvah Websites to keep guests up-to-date. See below for some creative examples.

How to Communicate Your Bar Bat Mitzvah Change of Date

Did you send a clever postponement card that you would like to share? Let us know at [email protected].

Thousands of Bar and Bat Mitzvah families are sharing information and ideas about virtual Mitzvahs, re-booking their celebrations and more in Mitzvah Market’s 17 regional Facebook groups. Join here

Most Outstanding Bar Bat Mitzvah Appetizers
June 26th, 2020

Most Outstanding Bar Bat Mitzvah Appetizers

 
If you’re like us, the past few months at home have you missing the dancing, decor and delicious FOOD at Bar Bat Mitzvah celebrations more than ever.
 
We recently asked members of our regional Bar Bat Mitzvah Planning groups on Facebook to name their favorite Mitzvah hors d’oeuvres. Top pick? Mini hot dogs of course! We also asked a top Mitzvah caterer, to share their recipes for most requested apps.  

Top 5 Bar Bat Mitzvah Appetizers

Try This At Home

Looking for a little Mitzvah culinary inspiration at home? SPACE Events, which recently launched a mobile SPACE Kitchen, is a full service event planning, design, production and entertainment company based in Englewood, NJ. They say that their crab cakes with mango salsa and lamb chops with chimichurri sauce are two of their most requested hors d’oeuvres for Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations. They’re sharing their secret ingredients with our readers:

We all hope to be back enjoying these delicious Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration appetizers soon!
 
For more Bar Bat Mitzvah planning inspiration, check out our library of Mitzvah Ideas and join our regional Facebook groups.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bar Mitzvah Celebration at Professional Sports Stadium
June 7th, 2020

Bar Mitzvah Celebration at Professional Sports Stadium

Die hard baseball fan Spencer Friedman of Marlboro, New Jersey celebrated his Bar Mitzvah with an party at Citizen’s Bank Park in Philadelphia. A few months before the event, his family took part in a once-in-a-lifetime photo shoot at the stadium. Event photographer Jen Davis captured every moment of this special all access experience, from the dugout and locker room to the batting cages and the field. 

See below for photos from this unique pre-shoot as well as Spencer’s Bar Mitzvah celebration.  

It’s a Beautiful Night for Baseball

Other Vendors Used: All Around Entertainment, Aramark (Food Service), Invitation by Skylographic Designs.

To learn more about Photography by Jen Davis, visit her profile page in Mitzvah Market’s Vendor Directory.

For more creative Bar Bat Mitzvah venue ideas in your area, check out Mitzvah Market’s 17 regional Facebook groups where thousands of parents are sharing ideas. Join now!

For the Love of Baseball: Jake’s Bar Mitzvah
May 17th, 2020

For the Love of Baseball: Jake’s Bar Mitzvah

Jake Epple of Westchester, celebrated his Bar Mitzvah and his love of baseball with family and friends. From little league and travel baseball to his favorite college, minor and major league teams, every aspect of Jake’s baseball experiences were infused into this celebration. Guests enjoyed a pre-recorded message from the announcer for the LA Dodgers, a first pitch by the Bar Mitzvah boy and a surprise appearance by NY Mets’ mascot Mr. Met!

Jake’s service was held at Temple Beth Abraham in Tarrytown, NY. The photographer for this event was Poppy Studio. A complete list of vendors follows at the end of this Spotlight. Photo above (L-R): mom Michele, brother Ben, dad Chris, Bar Mitzvah boy Jake. 

Bar Mitzvah Service & Invitation

Baseball Bonanza

Mitzvah Advice

“Planning a Bar/Bat Mitzvah can be similar to a wedding. Let’s be honest, it’s not fun,” says mom Michele. “Just prepare for a rough few weeks/months and remember that the planning is rigorous, challenging and will add a layer of tension on the entire household. Stay organized, divide time between practicing of prayers, speeches to party planning execution. And on the big day, remember that it flies by so tell your caterer or party planner to make sure that you carve out a few minutes to take in the experience away from the crowds, pictures and everything else. This party is for the kids but also the parents, so plan some fun time and music for the adults too. When you look back you should feel like you had as much fun as the kids did!”

Mitzvah Project

Jake volunteered for a weekly program at the local JCC where he worked and played with kids of all ages with special needs. These friendships carried over into Jake’s middle school where several of the JCC kids attend.  

Vendor Directory

Venue: Club LED, 845-267-2022
Catering: Encore Catering, 973-515-8000
Music/MC/DJ: Dance Time Entertainment, MC EsXence, 914-591-2100
Invitations: Out of the Box NY, 914-934-2323
Photographer: Poppy Studio, 914-231-5371
Centerpieces/Place Cards/Gift Box: Brian Williams Events, Inc., 845-628-0614
Sign-In Board/Candle Lighting Centerpiece, Giveaways (Rally Towels, T-Shirts): Trigger House, 603-427-8997
Portable Speaker Favors: JBL.com  
Custom Pillows: VistaPrint.com
Mr. Met Appearance: The New York Mets, 718-559-3093
Suits: Lubins, 914-713-0300
Custom Sneakers: Stomping Ground Customs, Brandon Sanfilippo, 917-515-9718
Dresses: Bloomingdales & Michael Kors
Hair: New Karma Salon (hair), 914-631-7171

Planning your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah? Ask questions and get advice from other Mitzvah parents in your area through Mitzvah Market’s 17 regional Facebook groups. Join here.

Sydney’s Signature Bat Mitzvah
May 10th, 2020

Sydney’s Signature Bat Mitzvah

Sydney Kalish’s Bat Mitzvah was held at the Cedar Hill Country Club in Livingston, New Jersey. While she started off with a Sephora inspired theme, using the beauty brand’s bold black and white design, ultimately the theme evolved to represent everything Sydney loves (think makeup, fashion, jewelry and more!).

The event was filled with tons of custom touches, from the hand painted greeters who handed out specialty drinks and swag to the cocktail hour filled with finger foods in personalized boxes and food containers with Sydney’s logos. Guests were entertained by musicians, a mentalist/magician and two professional basketball players who performed tricks. This was a night that Sydney and her guests won’t soon forget!

The photographer for this event was Kathryn Huang Photography. A complete list of vendors follows at the end of this Spotlight.

Party Details

Mitzvah Advice

“Have a planner or day of coordinator to handle all of the details on the day of the event,” says mom Pam.  “I worked with a ‘dream team’ that allowed me to be a guest at my own party and not have to worry about a thing.”

Mitzvah Project

Sydney volunteers at the Friendship Circle in Livingston, NJ where she spends time working with special needs children and teens. 

Vendor Directory

The following vendors helped to make Sydney’s celebration everything she dreamed of. If you contact them, please let them know you read about their services on Mitzvah Market.

Venue: Cedar Hill Country Club, 973-992-4700
Giveaways/Swag (t-shirts, hats, sweatpants, flannels, blankets): Garage 68 Ink, 516-224-4447
Security: Bar Mitzvah Bouncer, Inc., 973-758-9800
Event Planner: Beth Flyer Events Simplified, 973-809-7573
Event Design: Extraordinary Productions, Phylllis Skolnick, 973-467-1637
Personalized Cups/Napkins/Bathroom Towels: Paper Capers, 973-994-3130
Invitations, Thank You Notes, Custom Stamps: Julie Maloof Designs, 973-615-6952

Entertainment/Step & Repeat/Hand Painted GreetersTotal Entertainment, 201-894-0055
Musicians: Evan Kremin Band, 914-643-3168
Magician/Mentalist: Phil The Magic Man, 914-260-5686
Basketball Entertainers:  Basketball Magic, Kenny “The Blenda” Rodriguez, 917-297-9389; Hoop Wizard, Jack Ryan 917-754-2486

Photographer: Kathryn Huang Photography, 201-247-7431
Videographer: Professional Video, LLC, Seth Elgart, 973-218-0800 
Montage: Moving Pictures, Stefanie Lichtstein, 973-202-0224
Food Truck: Big Mozz Food Truck Catering, 973-981-7770
Cake: Suzi Cakes, 973-917-3897

Digital Calligraphy: Artistic Types, 201-424-9810
Dresses: J&A Estrada, Estrada Twins, 914-219-8700
Hair: Beige & Blanc, 973-992-8500
Makeup: Marisa Roitman, 973-449-5356
Transportation: My Limo, 1-800-624-6112

Planning your own Bar or Bat Mitzvah and need help or advice? Join one of Mitzvah Market’s 17 regional Facebook groups here.

Bar Mitzvah Theme Combines LAX and Last Celebration of 2019
May 3rd, 2020

Bar Mitzvah Theme Combines LAX and Last Celebration of 2019

Logan Horowitz of Syosset, New York, lives and breathes lacrosse, so it was no surprise that he chose a LAX theme for his Bar Mitzvah. His December celebration at Temple Chaverim was also the last boy party of the Mitzvah “season” in his middle school, creating an additional opportunity to create memorable, unique logos and taglines.

“One Last sHot” was the lead tagline, which also incorporated Logan’s initials. “sLasH” was also used throughout the event and on some of the super SWAG that mom Stefani created with The Coolest Giveaways.  Guests found their table assignments on a 3-D LED screen that read, “Give It Your Best Shot, Find Your Seat;” and Logan’s friends hung out in “The LAX Lounge.” “pLay like a cHampion,” was another clever phrase which played off of his initials and the revival of the Champion clothing brand. 

Mitzvah Mom Tip: To give Logan’s party SWAG some longevity, Stefani chose to forgo the standard date/logo on hoodies and trucker hats and instead used custom branding (as seen in photos below). “Everyone is still wearing them – even the parents!” she says. “It was almost like we created his own brand.”

Photo above (L-R): dad Seth, mom Stefani, Bar Mitzvah boy Logan, sister Sydney, brother Jack. The photographer for this event was Starr Digital. A complete list of vendors follows at the end of this spotlight.

Havdalah Service

Enter the LAX Lounge

One Last Shot… To Wear Your Bat Mitzvah Gown!

Super Swag and Sweet Exit Treats

Mitzvah Advice

“Allow your vendors to be creative!” says mom Stefani. “The less you try to do their job the more innovative they can be. If you hire the right people you should trust them to do all the work.”

Mitzvah Project

Logan hosted a fundraiser at Bounce Trampoline Sports to raise money for a cure for Crohn’s and Colitis. Family and friends joined him to help build awareness and have fun. The money raised was donated to the Mount Sinai IBD Center. 

Vendor Directory

Venue: Temple Chaverim, 516-367-6100
Caterer: Hassan Caterers, 516-367-1200
Event Planner: Mom, Stefani
Logos/Favors:  The Coolest Giveaways, Sue Smith, 516-439-4303
Music/DJ/MC: GEO Events Group LLC, MJ (MC), Spyro (DJ), 212-225-8311
Photographer/Videographer: Starr Digital, Matthew Starr (photo), Russell Starr (video), 718-482-1800
Invitations: WOW Creations, Sue Evangelatos, 516-662-9558
Decor: Dazzling Parties, 516-766-1471
Food Truck: Mobile Delights, 631-335-4448
Dance Floor Food: Little Vincent’s Pizza, 631-423-9620
Dresses: Mieka (mom), 516-367-8755; Ask Alice (sister), 516-921-2464
Suits: Kenny’s Mens and Boys Wear, 516-921-2660
Hair/Makeup: Entourage (hair, Laura for mom; Melissa for sister), 516-496-1700; Jennifer Ann Cosmetics (makeup, Brittany for mom; Jennifer Ann for sister), 516-921-1963
Transportation: Late Night Chauffeurs, 631-601-7503

 

Bat Mitzvah “Party to the AM” Before Quarantine
April 29th, 2020

Bat Mitzvah “Party to the AM” Before Quarantine

Alex Miller of Port Washington, NY was fortunate enough to celebrate her Bat Mitzvah right before the Coronavirus stay at home began in March. With guests coming in from as far as Serbia, the Millers made sure to count their blessings and savor every moment with loved ones.

The celebration began on Thursday night as guests began arriving from out of town. On Friday evening a dinner was held before attending Friday night services at The Community Synagogue in Port Washington. The service was followed by a spectacular Oneg, thrown in Alex’s honor by female friends and family. Alex was called to the Torah as  Bat Mitzvah on Saturday morning. She celebrated with a kiddush luncheon and an evening party at Temple Judea in Manhasset.

Alex’s theme, “Party the to AM” played off of her initials, and couldn’t have been more appropriate given the unsettling climate at the time. Party indeed!

Photo above (L-R): dad Michael, sister Taylor, Bat Mitzvah girl Alex, brother Jake, mom Jessica. The photographer for this event was White Light Photography. A complete list of vendors follows at the end of this Spotlight.

Bat Mitzvah Service

An AMazing Night

Mitzvah Advice

“Don’t sweat the small stuff,” says mom Jessica. “It’s not about every item being perfect. It’s about your child, family and friends sharing in a meaningful service and celebration where we truly ‘had the time of our lives.'” She adds: “Accept help from anyone willing to make things a little easier. It is so wonderful to see the look on your daughter’s face when she finds that special dress, and when she enters the party room for the first time. Enjoy it all — it goes by so fast!”

Mitzvah Project

For her Mitzvah Project, Alex along with family and friends, spent several weekends volunteering at Centro Evangelistico MMM Food Pantry in Inwood, NY. “We had an opportunity to meet and interact with many neighborhood residents who visit the food pantry weekly. Alex plans to continue doing volunteer work there in the future,” explains mom Jessica. “Alex also raised money for The Baco Boys Fund. Sadly, in 2003, a close family friend lost her brother, and three of his Camp Baco friends in a tragic drowning. The Baco Boys Fund was created to send less fortunate children, who might otherwise might not have the opportunity, to sleep away camp. Summer camp has always been a special place and experience for Alex. Her hope was for other children to have those same wonderful summers of camp!”

Vendor Directory

The following vendors helped the Miller family to create the the Bat Mitzvah celebration of their dreams. If you contact any of them, please let them know you read about their services on Mitzvah Market.

Venue/Cake: Temple Judea-Hasson Caterers, 516-625-1200
Music/MC/DJ: Next Level Event Group, 516-996-1285
Photographer/Videographer/Photo Booth/Montage: White Light Photography, 516-933-3399
Favors: A Promos USA Inc., 516-377-0186
Invitations: Helene Dorfman, RSVP, 516-621-7259
Decor/Sign-In Board: Lighter Than Air, 516-933-2113
Branding/Logos/Graphics: FabuDesigns, 312-513-1698
Custom Sneakers: Rebootz, 516-456-5468
Dresses: Designing Dreams (Alex and Taylor), 516-248-1988; Holly’s Infinity (Alex’s service dress), 516-801-3774; Runway Couture (mom), 516-308-4639
Suit: Kenny’s Menswear (brother), 516-921-2660
Hair/Makeup: Wash, 516-767-7460

Planning your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah? Ask questions and get advice from other Mitzvah parents in your area through Mitzvah Market’s 17 regional Facebook groups. Join here.