January 23rd, 2022
Penny is a big Mel Brooks fan so “Spaceballs: The Bat Mitzvah” was the perfect theme. The service was held at Temple Sharey Tefilo Israel in South Orange, New Jersey followed by a small luncheon with 80 guests at hibachi restaurant Arirang in Mountainside, New Jersey.
This family included Mel Brooks special touches in many ways! Each table was named for a different Mel Brooks film, with posters of the movies serving as table markers. Guests enjoyed a round of Mel Brooks themed trivia and after a lively hibachi show and delicious lunch, they enjoyed a “Spaceballs: The Cake” for dessert. As guests left the celebration, they received a “Spaceballs: The Bat Mitzvah” shirt.
Pictured above (L-R): Mom Allie, brother Simon, Bat Mitzvah girl Penny and dad David
The photographer was Morgan Triska Media and the rest of the vendors are listed below.
Bat Mitzvah Details
A smiling Penny
Creative invitation
Dad, Simon and Mom
Mitzvah Project benefitting JASA - more information below
Mel Brooks inspired table signs
Guests were asked to provide special messages to Penny on these forms
Delicious cake
Favors for guests
Mom To Mom Advice
“Plan the party that your child wants, not the typical party that everyone else has or the ones that you’ve been to. Our child isn’t into dancing and loves Japanese food, so we planned a party that reflected those interests. Also, beware..if you hold your event at a hibachi place, make sure the chefs know NOT to playfully squirt oil at the photographer’s camera or they’ll break her flash and you’ll end up with limited pictures! Unfortunately, that was the case for us!”
Mitzvah Project
Penny raised $3,160 for JASA, the go-to agency for older New Yorkers. JASA serves more than 40,000 seniors each year with 20+ services and programs to empower seniors to age in their own homes and communities. Penny has been a member of JASANextGen (a volunteer advocacy program for ages 12-22) throughout the pandemic, interviewing seniors and learning about food insecurity, mental health issues, and more. Penny wanted to raise funds to help older adults receive critical services. They held a bake sale at the house, advertising it on social media and at school. They offered far-away friends and those who don’t like carbs a “double the donation” offer – they could pay for treats which they would then bake and deliver to the interfaith Food Pantry of the Oranges where they live. Penny sold out of the bake sale, and delivered an additional ten fresh batches of goods to the food pantry! To connect with JASA for a mitzvah project, email development@jasa.org.
Bat Mitzvah Vendors
Venue: Arirang, 908-998-3721
Photographer: Morgan Triska Media, 412-636-1834
Favors: Purple Door Designs, 973-229-2557
Invitations: Andrea Napchan Designs, 516-652-5484
Cake: Eat Knit and DIY, Krista Winters, 347-993-1528
Mom’s Dress and Simon’s Suit: Nordstroms
Hair/Makeup: Lumie Salon, Kosia Asiamah, 973-327-9555
Mitzvah Project: JASA.org
January 16th, 2022
Natalie celebrated her Bat Mitzvah at Shelter Rock Caterers in Rosyln, New York with an “Under The Sea” Eilat, Israel theme filled with state-of-the-art decor and production. Her dad Gil is a 20 year event producer so the bar was set high to come up with very creative decor and a unique event for his daughter, the third of his five children.
Her dad tells Mitzvah Market, “It was important for us to come together with our family and good friends to celebrate Natalie. We worked tirelessly creating a breathtaking under the sea theme with an immersive environment from floor to ceiling and a dramatic grand entrance, something to rival what we did for her older brothers’!”
The caterer served up savory authentic cuisine and the wait staff wore thematic attire to complete the motif.
Pictured above (L-R): Brothers David and Jacob, Bat Mitzvah girl Natalie, Dad Gil, sister Ella, Mom Karen and brother Isaac.
The photographer was LMS Entertainment and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom.
Bat Mitzvah Details
Underwater inspired coral centerpieces
Blue water beads shadowbox teens table
Under the Sea immersive environment created with 3D video mapping
Water bubble high-boy table with ghost stools
Dolphin ice luge
Live performance by Avi Peretz
Celebrity Electric Violinist
Natalie's Jet Ski entrance with CO2 blasts
Kicking off the celebration with Lights, Camera and Action!
Jet Ski photo opp - "The boys are back in town!"
Natalie celebrating with her friend’s candle
Under the Sea inspired candle-lighting cake
Natalie in front of her logo
Celebrating with Dino the MC
Swag sweatshirts in labeled cubbies
Natalie’s Brothers’ Bar Mitzvah Entrances
Brother David's Bar Mitzvah entrance
Brother Jacob's Bar Mitzvah entrance
Advice from Dad Gil
Captivate your guests by carrying out a theme or motif starting with the decor, production, catering and entertainment, to create a memorable affair that engages all guests throughout the party. Start early! Keep all vendors in the loop.
Bat Mitzvah Vendors:
Venue/Cake: Shelter Rock Caterers, 516-358-0800
Party Planner: PBG Event Productions, 516-358-0800
Music Entertainment: Jewish DJ, 516-358-0800
Additional Music Entertainment: Avi Perets & Ouri Bitan, 917-734-2722
Photographer: LMS Entertainment, 718-229-2700
Videographer: Digital Arts, 718-465-8476
Favors/Sign-In Board: Print Station NY, 646-464-2037
Decor: CERF (Creative Event Rentals & Furnishings), 212-677-0800
Florist: Jerry Sibal, 212-679-3229
Dress: Designing Dreams, 516-248-1988
Makeup: Katrina, 917-285-0648
Hair: Great Hands, 516-931-0445
January 3rd, 2022
By Mom Alissa Butterfass
We spent the entire Shabbat/weekend at the Hyatt Regency Greenwich with our extended family, which made the entire occasion extra special. On Friday night we held the Kabbalat Shabbat services and a Shabbat dinner for extended family and close friends, where my son Seth’s grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends toasted him. After dinner we hung out playing board games and cards until late in the evening.
Pictured above (L-R): Bar Mitzvah boy Seth, mom Alissa and brother Max
The main Bar Mitzvah ceremony and celebration were Saturday night. About 200 people attend a Mincha/Mariv/Havdalah service where Seth read Torah, helped lead the service and gave a meaning D’var Torah about his portion. Seth’s Tallit belonged to his late father Andy, who passed away in December 2019, and the Tallit that I wore was created from my wedding dress.
After the service, the adults headed to cocktail hour and the kids and teens headed to Seth’s Tailgate Party, showcasing his favorite team the Seattle Seahawks. The entire party room was decked out in navy and green, with various versions of Seth’s logos on all of the decor. Seth’s brother Max gave a hilarious speech, I gave a heartfelt one and then the montage showcased memories throughout Seth’s life. After a challenging two years, it was amazing to come together for a happy occasion and the love and support from family and friends was palpable.
The photos were by Tom Warren Photography and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom.
Bar Mitzvah Details
Seth wearing his late Dad's tallit
Mom Alissa's tallit made from her wedding dress
Max's funny speech
Mom's Alissa's heartfelt speech and montage
Mom to Mom Advice
“Having just the right décor, food, music, entertainment and clothes is great and planning it all can be a lot of fun, but what truly will make your Bar Mitzvah special is sharing it with your friends and family. If you’re able to create multiple opportunities to spend time with them throughout the weekend, I recommend it. Between Friday night dinner, Shabbat brunch, the Saturday night party and just hanging out during downtime, I was able to catch up with each of my relatives, close friends and out of town guests. And watching my kids create memories with their cousins and extended family made my heart swell.”
Bar Mitzvah Vendors:
Venue: Hyatt Regency Greenwich, 203-637-1234
Music Entertainment: MC Eugene, DJ Josh, Jimmy Dee Entertainment, 914-428-9231
Photographer: Tom Warren Photography, 516-847-2330
Favors/Logos/Escort Cards/Hand Sanitizers/Playing Cards/Step-n-Repeat: Favor & Flair, 914-949-0133
Invitations: Greenvelope.com
Service Program: CustomSiddur.com
Kosher Caterer: Above & Beyond Catering, 201-746-6161
Decor: Event Design Studio NY, 914-374-8232
Mom’s Custom Tallit: SilverStitchDesigns.com, 339-364-2122
Sign-In Board: Magic Mirror Store, 914-419-1717
Dress: Elephant Trunk, 914-666-7666
Suits: Seth, Brooks Brothers, Max: JCrew
Hair/Makeup: Hopscotch Salon at Hyatt Regency Greenwich
December 16th, 2021
Melisa Imberman from The Event Of A Lifetime helped this family a few years ago with their daughter’s “Topf of the World” Bat Mitzvah. Now it was her younger brother Josh’s turn. His Bar Mitzvah was originally scheduled for last Fall in the middle of COVID, so the family decided to have the service at that time along with a small celebration. Josh patiently waited over a year and finally got his “Topf of his Game” celebration!
The Bar Mitzvah party was held at West Rock Indoor Sports and Peter Oberc was the photographer.
Party Details
The outside of the venue set the tone for the Fall festival vibe with hay bales, pumpkins and mums
When you entered the vestibule guests walked through a locker room
As guests entered the lobby they received a VIP pass
There was a grand escort card display with “TOPF” in giant marquis letters. Underneath it read “of his game”
On the table guests found “Topf” baseball cards that resembled “Topps” baseball cards. They featured a photo of Josh playing baseball along with each guests' name & table number
The adult cocktail hour was set up to look like a Fall Festival
Lights on the ceiling made it look like stars in the sky
Acoustic band NRG provided extra entertainment
There were comfort food stations with Southern favorites and a Bourbon tasting
The vintage pick up truck featured galvanized buckets of drinks & snacks
The DJ got in on the basketball fun!
After the cocktail hour, the dance party had a sports bar vibe
The Topf family ready to party!
Harlem Wizards entertained and "wowed" guests!
There were basketball centerpieces
Here are soccer centerpieces
and baseball!
Kids lounge area
Menu card
The kids enjoyed games
In addition to the tattoo parlor, there was a photo booth, nail printing, skeeball & dragon popcorn/ice cream
For the Exit treat guests received a “T” pretzel in a branded box. Notice the adorable “Mazel Topf” written in pretzels near the boxes!
Mazel Topf! to this family and big thanks to Melisa for sharing this celebration with our readers. Learn more about The Event Of A Lifetime here.
December 11th, 2021
This Boston family celebrated their daughter Cecelia’s Bat Mitzvah service on a Saturday morning at Congregation B’nai Torah in Sudbury, MA. Following the service, there was a small luncheon at Bullfinchs Restaurant also in Sudbury. The Bat Mitzvah party was the following afternoon at Brae Burn Country Club and included family and friends. The DJ provided lots of games and dancing and at the Bat Mitzvah girls request, a decorate your own donut bar! The theme centered around Cecelia’s favorite activity, skiing. Mom Jennifer tells Mitzvah Market, “We were so incredibly grateful to be able to have the party of Cecelia’s dreams, in person, with all of her loved ones present.”
Photo above (L-R): Bat Mitzvah girl Cecelia, mom Jennifer, dad Berkeley and sister Olivia
The photographer was Sara Colket and the rest of the vendors are listed below.
Bat Mitzvah Service/Luncheon and Party Details
Bat Mitzvah service invitation
Cecelia is all smiles for her service
The proud family at the bimah
Luncheon at Bullfinchs restaurant following the service
Bat Mitzvah party invite
The room at Brae Burn Country Club
The floral centerpieces featured the names of Cece's favorite ski trails
Logo'd napkins
Sign-in board
Cece enters her party
Everyone having fun on the dance floor
and playing games!
Friends received a logo'd sweatshirt and box of candy
Favors
Cece's and her friends react to her montage created by Montages by Erica
Photo booth fun
The donut bar
Pretty candles for the candle lighting ceremony
Mom to Mom Advice From Jennifer
As stressful as the time is leading up to your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah, try to enjoy it. It goes by in the blink of an eye and you will be sad when it’s all over. Remember to stop and take it all in. It’s such a special day.
Bat Mitzvah Project
Cecelia collected items for Circle of Hope, an agency in Needham, MA that provides clothing and other items to homeless individuals in MA. They had all of the donations sent to their house and then delivered them in person to Circle of Hope.
Bat Mitzvah Vendors
Venue: Brae Burn Country Club, 617-244-0680
Brunch Restaurant: Bullfinchs, 978-443-4094
Party Planner (Favors/Decor/Balloons/Flowers/Sign-in): Erica Weinstein, Erica Paige Events, 774-258-0101
Montage: Erica Silverman, Montages by Erica, 617-529-7767
Music Entertainment: Adam Averback, Party Excitement Entertainment, 978-535-3100
Photographer: Sara Colket, 617-501-3550
Invitations: Peggy Fineman, The Paper Parlor, 617-964-1266
Dresses: Pink Domino, 617-964-7465
Suit: Indochino, Nordstroms, 508-318-2600
Makeup: Jasmine Pham, 781-439-8889
Hair/Makeup: Lyndsay Simon Beauty, 508-572-7005
See other celebrations that took place in Boston here.
December 5th, 2021
The Bar and Bat Mitzvah planning process usually starts with an idea for your child’s theme or logo. Many families are cleverly incorporating their last name into the design or tagline of their Bar or Bat Mitzvah logo.
We know you can’t change your last name, but we hope some of these ideas will inspire you for your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah logo! Forward this story to friends with the last names below. They will thank you for sharing!
LAST NAMES
BRODY: Party Artistry's Judy Davis and Tracy Davis-Fox on the 'Brodeo' stage created for this B'not Mitzvah. See more from this story
here
BUNN: When your last name is Bunn...with the help of
Out Of The Box Creations this logo went across the "tush" of sweatpants for their B'nai Mitzvah!
DIAMOND: "Shine Bright Like A Diamond" worked perfectly with this last name for a Bat Mitzvah girl named Jess. Logo by
Flower Power Designs
DIAMOND: Jack Diamond went another route with a Casino theme. Invitation suite by
Bees Cards
EPEL: "Party in the Big Epel" for this family by
A Promos USA
FEIN: It was 1 Fein Night for this Bar Mitzvah boy; logo by
EK Event Group
FEIN: RKN Designs cleverly used the last name Fein for a 'Feelin Fein' logo
FULLER: Based on the popular television show Full House, this adorable logo was created by
Hi Tech Events
GRAY: "Strive For Graytness" is the tagline created by RKN Designs for the Gray family
HIRSHFIELD: Designed by
FabuDesigns.com for the Hirshfield family who wanted an amusement park theme
HURWITZ: Photographer Jesse Hernandez caught all the action at this bowling alley/club venue for the Hurwitz sister's who used a twist on the McDonald's logo for their celebration. See more from this celebration
here
JANIS: A clever twist on Air Jordan for the Janis family. This sign-in pillow created by
The Pieced Palette
JETTMAN: It was a Batman/comic theme for the Jettman family at
SPACE Events
LIS:
Out Of The Box Creations designed two logos for the Lis family. DeLISious was for the girls and RidicuLIS was for the boys
MULLINS: The Mullins family wanted the logo for their boys' B'nai Mitzvah to resemble The Blues Brothers. This logo was designed by
FabuDesigns.com
RAIS: With the help of
Extraordinary Productions, this family was on a mission to: Rais the Roof, Rais The Floor, Rais Their glass and Rais The Bar!
SCHACH: 'Love Schach' was the perfect phrase for this family's celebration from Beth Fink Events
SCHWARTZ: "Schwartznation" was the phrase for this celebration. Logo by
A Promos USA
SHAFRON: We love how
Balloon Artistry incorporated a guitar into the last name for this Rock n Roll themed party
SHAPIRO: Inspired by NBC's Saturday Night Live for the Shapiro's created by
Lauren's Logos
STERN: It was a take on the popular television show, Dancing with the Stars for the Sterns. Designed by
FabuDesigns.com
TOPF:
The Event Of A Lifetime created two logos for this party. The top logo used the dog's portrait & name "Mazel" cleverly with the last name. Their second logo shown below was clever too incorporating the last name into a phrase!
WEISSMAN: S’Weissman was a take on the S'well Bottles from
CorbinStyle
WISH: A perfect last name for this theme! This logo was designed by
FabuDesigns.com
WODA: This celebration took place at
SPACE Events for a family with the perfect last name for this phrase!
Did you have a creative logo for your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah that incorporated your LAST NAME? Please let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com, we would love to share your idea with our readers!
Get more logo inspiration: Bar Mitzvah & Bat Mitzvah Logos A-Z!
November 26th, 2021
Bar Mitzvah boy Gavin loves gaming, specifically vintage games and really wanted this incorporated into his Bar Mitzvah theme. The family was working with Melisa Imberman from The Event Of A Lifetime and she tells Mitzvah Market, “This celebration was originally planned to be under a tent at my clients’ house, but as time went on and the pandemic seemed to be getting more under control, the family decided to switch gears and we had to find a venue.” Although the event was only a few months away, Melisa is always up for a challenge and ultimately booked the Bar Mitzvah to take place at the Larchmont Shore Club. She teamed up with EK Event Group and transformed the space for Gavin’s gaming themed celebration.
Photos were by Liz Hartzman Photography.
The service was held outside the Temple
Gavin with the crew from EK Event Group
The infinity dance floor from EK Event Group looked hi tech, cool and retro at the same time!
Pac-Man decals were added to the dance floor to bring it to the next level
Photo booth with logo'd backdrop in the kids lounge
Centerpieces on the hi top tables featured Gavin's logo
The sign-in was a commissioned original painting of a video game controller in Gavin’s colors with his logo
Melisa worked with
Party Logo Designs to come up with a tech inspired logo that included the Bar Mitzvah boy’s initials. A variety of that logo was used all over the party including on the napkins
Using the logo as inspiration, various signs were created and used throughout the event. "Game On" for the beginning of the party, "Game Over" for the exit treat & giveaways, "Eat Sleep Game Repeat" at the food station & "Drink Sleep Game Repeat" at the bar
Some of the logo'd favors for Gavin's friends
More swag....Logo'd water bottle and cookie in the shape of a video game controller
Vintage video arcade
The candy bar was branded and featured candies in the color of the party
The end of the party featured a Ben & Jerry’s cart so guests could make a sundae! Thank you to Melisa and The Event Of A Lifetime for sharing Gavin’s Bar Mitzvah celebration.
See more real parties here.
November 21st, 2021
Zac celebrated his Bar Mitzvah with a party for his friends on a Friday night at Elevate Event Lounge located in Yorktown Heights, NY followed by his Bar Mitzvah service the same weekend in his backyard. Mom Marlo tells Mitzvah Market, “We were so happy to eventually be able to have Zac’s party after 2 postponements. Zac is our 3rd and last child, so this was bittersweet. Watching Zac become a man, was an incredible experience that we will treasure forever.”
This family had previously shared sister Lily’s Bat Mitzvah celebration which took place at Camp Starlight.
Pictured above: Mom Marlo, sister Madison, Bar Mitzvah boy Zac, sister Lily and dad Andrew
Doublevision was the photographer and the rest of the vendors are listed below.
Bar Mitzvah Details
Bar Mitzvah Vendors
Venue: Elevate Event Lounge, 914-352-6400
Invitations/Logos: Sari Bourne Design on Instagram
Photographer: Carolyn Simpson, Doublevision Photographers, 914-954-4770
Decor: Balloon Artistry, 845-352-2828
Sign-In Board: Etsy
Dresses: Revolve Online
Suits: Bloomingdales
Hair/Makeup: HOTT Blow Dry, 914-425-5900
Check out the ideas and get inspiration from other families around the country who have celebrated their child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah here.
November 20th, 2021
Bar and Bat Mitzvah planning families are searching and finding the newest ideas and trends for their own Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations! These parents of Bar and Bat Mitzvah kids are sharing ideas, posting advice and asking questions in our private regional Bar Bat Mitzvah planning groups on Facebook.
We wanted to share a recent find: Fun to Eat Fruit was invented by a Dad who wanted to raise healthy eaters in a junk food world. He invented a fresh, new way to make eating fruit fun! You can serve your guests messages on fresh apples, pears, lemons, limes, oranges and more through a custom logo that’s created from food-grade ingredients.
Check out these ideas for a Bar Bat Mitzvah
Your logo on a healthy piece of fruit
A garnish for event drinks
This is not a sticker or stamp. The applied image is FDA and Kosher approved
Use logo'd apples as part of your table numbers
Branded lemons!
Supplement each place setting with a logo'd piece of fruit
Decor items
A healthy exit treat
Jewish decor
Just upload a hi-res file of your image (jpeg, eps, PDF, Vector), and they will do the rest. If you don’t have a logo, their graphic department can help. They need 3-4 weeks prior to the event in order to get all orders shipped in time for your celebration.
This brings branding your event to a new level! To learn more, visit Fun To Eat Fruit.
See past “Mom Find” here.
November 14th, 2021
When Corey celebrated his Bar Mitzvah October, 2021, it was based on one of his family’s favorite tv shows, CBS’s Survivor. Mom Dara tell’s Mitzvah Market, “We love the show and have been fans for a long time. It seemed like a fitting Bar Mitzvah theme after the year we all just had. My vision was carried out and executed perfectly through the help of our tribe.”
Pictured above: Dad David, Bar Mitzvah boy Corey, mom Dara and brother Max
Omar Gonzalez was the photographer and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom.
Bar Mitzvah Details
Guests could see Corey's Survivor theme at the entrance to his service and celebration
The first hint of the theme was when the invitation scroll arrived!
Corey's service took place at Pure Event Space
The room was ready for guests after the service
Beautiful centerpieces
Themed place card display
Survivor themed bar
Even the menu kept with the theme
More Survivor inspired decor
Favors for Corey's friends
Themed pillows and lanterns
Sign-in for guests
Mitzvah Project
Corey’s Bar Mitzvah project was to raise awareness in honor of his Nana Elyse for the National Kidney Foundation. She passed away almost 5 years ago and he wanted to give back in her honor since she always gave so much.
Mom to Mom Advice from Dara
“Do your research! Plan around your child and what they love and then let the professionals transform your ideas into reality.”
Bar Mitzvah Vendors
Venue: Pure Event Space, 732-952-2628
Party Planner: Stacey Nisenson, Full On Events, 973-800-2619
Music Entertainment/Extra Entertainment: MC Vigilance, Pure Energy Music, 800-419-5355
Photographer: Omar Gonzalez, 973-735-3099
Videographer: Russ Voylan, 973-738-7618
Cantor: Neil Berris, 631-553-2330
Favors: Paula Blumenau Halo, 914-334-3460
Sweatshirt Favor: Shawn Goldstein, Just Name It, 973-868-5887
Shorts Favor: Made With Love and Kisses USA, 516-694-3321
Invitations/Sign-In: Serina, Cardture, 201-660-7768
Decor: Phyllis, Extraordinary Productions, 973-467-1637
Montage: Jackie Marek, The Montage Maven, 914-220-0050 x:100
Food Truck: Curbside Confections NJ, 201-986-6086
Mom’s Dress: Bernsteins, 732-516-1112
Suits: 580 South, 973-758-0580
Hair: Jennifer, Salon Four, 908-680-6114
Make up: Faces by Grace, 201-753-8264
Transportation: Clover Coaches, 908-468-1952
See more Mitzvah Family Spotlight stories and get inspired for your celebration!
