November 27th, 2010
If you are looking for something different at your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah, you should consider NY Party Works “sign shop.”
They offer your guests the opportunity to take home a customized, authentic sign as a souvenir of your event. Choose from their license plates, street signs and key chains. They are printed on a high quality aluminum and vinyl. They can be customized with your name, a nickname, pet’s name or any saying that you can think of.
The license plates are available in full size, motorcycle size or as key chains. You can choose from all fifty states and even some of your favorite sports teams. They can also add a photo to the full size plates. The street signs have a few different options and are also available as key chains.
They also have door hangers and dry erase message boards available to add to the package.
The sign shop can fit into almost every Bar/Bat Mitzvah theme. So whether it’s an Urban Street Theme, Sports or Automotive Theme, it is a great party favor.
They also have Photo Booths, Flip Books, Virtual Background Photos and lots more. You can learn more by visiting their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
November 27th, 2010
Today’s Mitzvah Inspire shows how they celebrate a Bar Mitzvah in Portland, Oregon courtesy of Yasmin Khajavi Photography.
Usually when you need to transport guests from the Temple service to your reception, the usual mode of transportation for the kids is a bus or other parents drive them in their cars.
This family wanted something different so this creative Mitzvah family came up with the idea of the Pedicabs!
The family worked with one company who had 15 pedicabs lined up and ready to take the young guests to the reception
The kids seemed to love it!
Off to the party in style!
The party was held on the top floor of the Hilton with spectacular views of Portland and the mountains. As you can see, sports was the theme!
The logo on the dance floor was designed by their invitation designer, Erika Freitas and was used throughout the party
Erika also created programs for Jake’s service incorporating the logo once again
The party had a sports bar theme and the family worked with Royce Mason from Royce’s Prop Shop to come up with a lot of the ideas including this locker room setting where the guest photobook was kept
There were lots of activities for the kids with flat screen televisions playing “life/sports highlights” of Jake’s life
Airbrushing was available for young guests as well
Even their servers wore personalized hats!
And served on stadium trays with “stadium like” food including hot dogs, hamburgers and pizza
We would like to thank this Mitzvah family and Yasmin Khajavi Photography for sharing this celebration with our Mitzvah Market readers.
November 27th, 2010
By Laurel Barrie, Camp Connection
One of the challenges in determining a location for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah is trying to find a venue that is unique and fun for both the children and adults attending.
Traditional locations might be a Synagogue, local catering facilities, Country Clubs, discos, etc. For those of you interested in finding a ‘destination’ location, a location out of the ordinary, in a park like environment, why not share the occasion with your family and guests at a camp!
You can either do it at a Day Camp or make it an overnight event at a Sleepaway Camp. Generally, the actual ceremony is held at your home Temple with the party at this type of venue. Some camps can accommodate for the service too.
The Golden Bat Mitzvah Family Spotlight took place at Trail’s End Camp. Read all about Camp Ally here.
Photo courtesy of Simon Elliot Events
A destination Camp Bar/Bat Mitzvah is best understood and most enjoyed if your child has attended camp. We find that those families who focus on this type of event are those children whose parents have also attended camp themselves as children. It is a glorious thing to try and relive those magical days of camp and share them with friends and family. Of course this type of experience is not limited to multi generational camp families. Campers of yesteryear “dream” about sleeping in a cabin – oh those memories!
Look for the Silverman Bat Mitzvah Family Spotlight soon. Their celebration took place at Camp Pontiac!
Photo courtesy of Salzman & Ashley Studios
Of course there are those who would not be comfortable in this ‘rustic’ environment. You really should look into Bed and Breakfasts that are in the vicinity for those who need private bathrooms and better creature comforts.
Attire for this type of affair is generally “casual chic,” your beaded gowns, heels and tuxedos are not appropriate attire. How many times have you wished that you could attend a function that had a wonderful band or DJ and wear sneakers and dance your feet off? This is a perfect opportunity! Sweatsuits, sneakers, comfy shoes are dreams that these type of functions are made of!
If you are considering a Sleepaway Camp for this event, prime consideration must be given to time of year that you have been given a DATE! Most summer camps are not winterized and most camps are located in regions that evening temperature drops significantly, therefore making this type of party can only be done during the months of June, late August and early September. To make use of the lake or pool, you must have your party in June or late August.
There are some significant restrictions to when you can have this type of affair. The hope is for perfect weather conditions to be able to run all your camp events like Color War, Apache relay, Team Sing, and Dance Contests, all within a 2-day party! Dual preparations may also be necessary based on the weather conditions.
Cost is definitely another factor. Because the dinner is not being held in a grand ballroom doesn’t mean that the cost of this affair will not be comparable to a more traditional venue. There are multiple meals, overnight stay, paying for your DJ, who likely has to travel a distance to provide entertainment. Flowers, decorations and other amenities that complete the total picture may be even costlier because of the remote location. There are multiple dining room preparations and therefore cleanups. The type of menu will vary, based on the meal being served…from a traditional main event menu to bbq buffet breakfast and lunches.
As a host of a Sleepaway Camp Bar or Bat Mitzvah your involvement and preparation are quite extensive, but will yield you an event that people will talk about for years to some. This is an adventuresome experience for the hosts and attendees and so much fun. Consider yourself lucky to be included on the invitation list for this type of event!
Camp Mitzvahs are more popular than ever, since families are always looking for more interesting and different venues. Because of their increasing popularity, many more camps are modernizing and improving facilities with these types of events in mind.
For more information on having your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah at a camp facility, call The Camp Connection 800-834-2267 or email: camp4u@thecampconnection.com
November 21st, 2010
I’m the founder of MitzvahMarket.com, so this Mitzvah Family Spotlight is very personal – it’s about my daughter Carly’s Bat Mitzvah!
As many of you know, the idea for Mitzvah Market came to me a little over 2 years ago as I commuted to NYC with my friends who had already been through the planning process. They gave me enormous amounts of information on what to do and when to start. This Mom-to-Mom advice is the backbone of MitzvahMarket.com.
When planning for my own daughter’s celebration, I tried to keep in mind the significance of her Bat Mitzvah and added creative and unique touches.
After meeting so many amazing Mitzvah experts over the past 2 years, it was easy to do! I hope you will enjoy reading all about our wonderful weekend celebration.
Pictured above: My husband Roy, our son Evan, Bat Mitzvah girl Carly, and me, Sheri Lapidus.
All party photography was done by Simon Elliot Events. The terrific Mitzvah vendors I used are all listed at the bottom of this spotlight. I thank all of them for helping to make my daughter’s celebration a night we will never forget!
For our out-of-town guests we used PaperlessPost.com to create our “Save The Dates” and sent them out via email. It’s such a simple Website to use and I was able to design the card myself!
These “Save The Dates” were under $10 for all of our out-of-town guests!
My sister Amy Wohl is an extremely talented graphic designer and used to own a custom invitation business. Not only did she create Carly’s invitations, but she was responsible for many of the other touches you will be reading about. Her Website is FabuDesigns and Amy hand-made each invitation using gray suede and Swarovski crystals. Everyone thought they were beautiful and very unique!
Carly with her Aunt Amy
When it came time to start shopping for our dresses, both Carly and I got very lucky and ended up buying the first dresses we tried on! Mine was a Carlos Miele one shoulder bright turquoise long gown that was on a sale rack at Tallulah in Woodbury, New York and Carly’s hot pink long gown was from 2 Be Seen in Syosset, New York.
Without realizing it we would match our party decor!
We belong to Temple Or Elohim in Jericho, New York and Carly’s Nicole Miller service dress was from It’s Simply For You Boutique in Syosset, New York
We have written about Parker’s Crazy Cookies in the past and I thought they were a unique and clever product. I sent them Carly’s picture and we used these adorable custom animal cracker cookies at her Friday night Oneg dinner, the Kiddush after Carly’s service and Sunday brunch. Everyone loved them!
I sent them the picture on the left and they created the “Carly” cookie on the right!
My talented sister created this sign which we used next to the basket of cookies at the Kiddush
When it came time to pick a venue, it was an easy choice. I grew up in Oceanside down the block from Kenny Kombert of Kombert Caterers at Temple Avodah. Another Mitzvah Mom who had her two children’s parties at Temple Avodah told me she considered having a third child just so she could do another party with Kenny! That’s all I needed to hear and he and his staff did not disappoint and exceeded all expectations. My guests couldn’t stop talking about his staff and the delicious food!
These color coordinated luminaires lined the entrance to Temple Avodah
The spacious ballroom including the kids lounge area!
Simon Elliot Events provided this cool curvy white leather furniture and I found matching peace sign pillows at Star Track in Farmingdale
The menu card created by Kombert Caterers
For our seating cards, we wanted something dual purpose and colorful. We found tins with clear tops at AC Moore, a crafts store, and attached a matching ribbon around the outside and filled the tins with color coordinated M&Ms!
M&M place card tins are ready for our guests. A pink carpet runner leads guests from the door to the place card table in the lobby
Brightly colored place cards lined up and ready!
The M&M stood for Mr. and Mrs.!
I saw these paper poms in a store window one day and thought they could be a nice addition to our decor. I bought them from a seller on Etsy and we hung them from the centerpiece which was used for the seating card table and in the kids lounge area in the three colors Carly selected for her decor
Carly didn’t want a theme, but selected three colors that were used in elements throughout the party. She selected orange, hot pink and turquoise.
Spitz and Peck was an incredible florist to work with. They created three completely different centerpieces for our adult tables and we used orange, hot pink and turquoise linens
Aunt Amy created these matching luminaire table numbers which lit up with LED lights.
You can see the beautiful flowers!
A photo shoot with Simon Elliot Events resulted in these posters which were used in the kids lounge area
Amy created these luminaires for the kids lounge area from those same photos
We wanted a short and clever entrance video for Carly. She’s a big fan of ABC-TV’s reality series “The Bachelor,” “The Bachelorette” and this summer’s show “Bachelor Pad.”
Simon Miller from Simon Elliot Events used editing magic to create this short trailer for the new reality series we called “The Bat Mitzvah-rette!”
Again, Aunt Amy worked her magic, and using Photoshop, included Carly in the cast picture from ABC-TV’s summer reality series “Bachelor Pad”
Carly’s entrance video was exactly what we wanted: clever and short!
Please watch it here.
After her entrance video played, Carly was carried into the ballroom by ET’s dancers Matt and Nori
Simon Elliot Events created so many of Carly’s unique touches including her sign-in. They debuted their new “iSign” for Carly’s party! This exciting new service brings the sign-in board/book concept into the digital domain. Guests left special messages which gets compiled into a book, saved on a disc or printed out.
Using this special iPad podium, guest were able to “sign-in” using a stylus or finger on the iPad with messages for Carly that were displayed in realtime on a plasma screen for all to see
Guests could choose from different custom backgrounds created just for Carly
The kids LOVED using this new technology
A sample of one of the messages for Carly
All of Carly’s messages are now saved in this terrific book!
Instead of a traditional candle lighting ceremony, we decided to try something new! We came up with “Carly’s Karaoke Candle Lighting” and with the help of a pro, wrote new words to familiar songs. The amazing Carolyn Schwartz, Poems By Carolyn, came up with 14 clever songs. Carly spent an evening with professional singers recording these new versions in a recording studio at Simon Elliot Events. This way guests would “sing-a-long” with Carly and hear the new words.
Professional singers Simon Miller and Linda Bruno with Carly in the recording booth
To assure audience participation, we did a few things. First we created song packets for each guest with the above cover created by Amy (notice the American Idol look!) and copies of all 14 songs. Simon Elliot Events also had the words on big screens, thanks to MitBark, so our guests could follow and sing along!
ET’s dancer Crystal starts handing out our song packets to guests
We also had custom download iTune cards created by Alfacards made up to give as prizes for the best singers!
Our DJ company Entertainment Tonite provided blow-up microphones for our guests to encourage singing
Here’s Carly singing her last “candle” song to her Mom and Dad!
After two of the songs, clips appeared on the big screens of Simon, Paula and Randy critiquing the singing and getting a few laughs!
I thought it might be fun to actually hear two of the clever songs written by Carolyn Schwartz. The first song you will hear was candle #6 for my cousins to the tune of The Brady Bunch and the second song you will hear was candle #8 for my husband’s college friends to the tune of Sweet Home Alabama!
Listen here and enjoy!
Carl from Entertainment Tonite was the MC for our party. He and his crew of dancers are always amazing! Kombert Caterers thinks of everything and provided a basket of earplugs for our older guests who really appreciated that detail!
The dance floor was crowded the whole night!
Carly getting a spin from Nori
Mitzvah Dad Roy getting a lift from Matt and Carl our MC!
My husband came up with a great idea for his “father daughter” dance! Carly loves TLC’s “Rock The Reception” and wanted to surprise our guests with a choreographed dance. We invited all the 8th grade friends, girls with their Dads and boys with their Moms to learn a special dance. We had 13 “couples” who came to our one and only rehearsal 2 weeks before our party.
Entertainment Tonite dancer Matt taught everyone the steps for the surprise dance to Usher’s “DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love.” A big thanks to Ultimate Gaga in Syosset where we rehearsed!
Everyone working hard to learn the special dance!
Carly and Roy have their moment before the surprise choreographed dance starts!
24 of Carly’s friends and their Mom or Dad jump onto the dance floor as Usher’s song “DJ Think I’m Falling In Love Again” starts to play. Dancer and teacher Matt stood in the front reminding everyone of all the moves!
Watch our “Rock The Reception” dance here.
Kombert Caterers surprised us with this beautiful cake that matched our colors. We made the candles that surrounded the cake ourselves!
Carly and I had a “do-it-yourself” moment. We bought these plain white pillar candles and then using masking tape, special glue and metallic glass micro beads in the decor colors, we created these matching candles
We couldn’t be more proud of our daughter Carly!
A Promos USA dba The Imagemaker created wearable favors for the young adults. Shira was incredibly patient and worked with Carly to come up with a design for the girls burn out shirts and the boys black thermal shirt.
The girls received this turquoise burn out shirt with a colorful design on the back and the date written out down the sleeve
The boys received this black thermal with a design on the back
Young guests could also have cell phone covers and hats airbrushed by Simon Elliot Events
When we realized that our party fell on the night of daylight savings, we wanted to incorporate that into our parting adult favors. Whenever I leave a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, the first thing I do in the car is remove my shoes. I was very excited to surprise our guests with a pair of comfy slippers (for the ladies!), a Sunday newspaper, NY street style pretzels, and water as they left our party.
Carly standing with our guest’s slippers. The airbrushed poster was a nice surprise from Simon Elliot Events!
Again Aunt Amy stepped in and created these stickers which featured a poem written by the entire family!
The water and Sunday newspapers are waiting for guests as they leave the celebration
Of course water bottles with matching labels and a phrase we borrowed from Seinfeld, which went perfectly with the pretzels!
Tobo Foods created a special cover wrap on Sunday’s Newsday newspaper which tied into Carly’s entrance video
A NY street style pretzel cart was waiting as guests left
Through Carly’s Hebrew school teacher, we were introduced to Edjia Esther Eiges Hiller, a Holocaust survivor. Carly learned about her life and how her younger brother and rest of her family did not survive the Holocaust. We invited Edie and her family to Carly’s service and presented her with a special gift.
Carly and her new special friend Esther “Edie” Hiller
Carly used her Bat Mitzvah money and made a donation to the Glen Cove Holocaust Center. This plaque now hangs in the children’s garden
We usually ask the Moms in our Mitzvah Family Spotlights to provide some Mom-to-Mom advice. I’ve been thinking about what I would say for almost 2 years now! Here goes…”I now understand what it takes to plan your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah. It’s a very exciting time in your child’s life, but it can also be filled with lots of anxiety and stress. It’s important to keep checking in with your son or daughter making sure they feel comfortable with everything that is being planned. At some point, you must let go and leave everything in the hands of the Mitzvah experts that you hire. Your family’s celebration will be magical and it will also go by very fast!”
“I get to do it all over again in 2 years for my son’s Bar Mitzvah and I can’t wait!”
After all her hard work studying her torah portion and preparing for her Bat Mitzvah service, she (and I) were able to relax and have the best night!
The following Vendors helped make Carly’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you call any of them, please make sure to tell them you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com. Feel free to email me with any questions you might have at Sheri@MitzvahMarket.com.
Invitations & Accessories: Amy Wohl, FabuDesigns.com, 312-513-1698
Save The Dates: PaperLessPost.com
Venue/Caterer: Kombert Caterers, 516- 678-6161
Florist: Spitz and Peck Florist, 631- 367-9700
Musical Entertainment: MC Carl Entertainment Tonite, 516-826-6900
Special Cookie: Parker’s Crazy Cookies, 510-847-2634
Favors: Mindy Younger A USA Promos dba The Imagemaker
Video/Photographer/Photo Booth/Airbrushing/Candle Lighting: Simon Miller, Simon Elliot Events 516-660-1812
Candle Lighting songs: Carolyn Schwartz, Poems by Carolyn 516-312-0727
Pink Carpet Runner: Beth Yudin, Premier Skirting 516-239-6810
M & M’s for Place Cards: CandyFavorites.com
Special Newsday Newspapers: Tobo Foods
Customized iTunes Cards: Alfacard
Slippers: Amazon
Hair: Alysha at The Salon at 230
Make-up: Nicole at About Face 348-5292
Beads for Candles: BlockheadStamps.com
Pillows: Star Track Inc.
Sheri’s Dress: Tallulah 516-367-8010
Carly’s Party Dress: 2 Be Seen 516-921-5777
Big Screens: MitBark
Security: LI Party Police
Dance Rehearsal: Ultimate Gaga
Service Yarmulke: Unique Judaica 516-364-8311
Paper Poms: Etsy, Fiesta Pom Pom
Mitzvah Project: Glen Cove Holocaust Center, RememberUs.org
Bus Transportation: First Student, Juanita, 516-867-6400
November 18th, 2010
EK Productions is a professional group of entertainers for Bar Bat Mitzvahs founded in 1986. Their company has grown from a successful D.J. operation to a full scale event planning unit, specializing in videos, dancers, automated lighting and special effects, games, percussionists, M.C.’s and other exciting entertainment for your affair.
As you know, photo booths are very popular at Bar Bat Mitzvah celebrations and EK Productions has a new one to share with all of you!
The “Strip” Photo Booth is a complete new concept in the photo booth industry. It demonstrates a simulated film strip using four screens in a vertical position.
Watch how this new photo booth works here
Touch screen operation and color make the Strip photo booth a state of the art innovation. Embedded versatile software is designed for your special event, allowing you to capture every guest in a custom way.
It’s slim and doesn’t take up too much space at a party
Additionally, there is a video message option and photos can go directly to Facebook and/or be emailed. You can customize your photo booth with welcome and good bye screens, mini text on the side of the film strip, customized music and frames.
You can choose from six popular options: black & white film strips, full color film strips, funny frames, wigs and hair styles, a new hat selection and street art.
The Strip Booth can have a backdrop and/or be enclosed.
For more information, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
Special Offer: Book any DJ package, mention Mitzvah Market and get 10% off our Photo Booth “The Strip.”
November 13th, 2010
The Goodman family of London decided to send out a video invitation to invite guests to their son Eyal’s Bar Mitzvah happening on November 20, 2010.
The invitation has gone viral thanks to YouTube reaching more than 80,000 people and growing everyday.
They took a film clip from a biblical television mini-series and added their own subtitles so Jacob and Esau appear to be discussing how to get to Eyal’s Bar Mitzvah.
To the family’s surprise, after it hit YouTube, they began to receive replies and comments from all over the world.
Mrs. Goodman said, “We decided we wanted to be creative with our invitation. We sent a private link to our guests through email. I was worried that people wouldn’t look at their emails and no one would turn up to the Bar Mitzvah – how wrong I was.”
Mr Goodman then added, “I’ve also had an offer to work with a film producer in Hollywood, who said she liked my ideas.”
The Goodmans have decided to put their sudden fame to good use for a positive cause. “Our community in Tel Mond is trying to build a new synagogue at the moment. We are now raising money to fund the building, from people that have seen the film and enjoyed it. We are now receiving donations from as far as Italy.”
Eyal said: “I’m glad something good can come out of it and we can help to rebuild the synagogue.”
He joked: “Due to the Bar Mitzvah becoming so high profile, it has been recommended that we have extra security on the doors – just in case.”
Congratulations to the Goodman family from Mitzvah Market!
To see Eyal’s creative invitation, click here and join the rest of the 80,000 who have viewed it!
November 13th, 2010
By Shira Younger, A Promos USA dba The Imagemaker
Bar & Bat Mitzvah party season is in full force! With the new fall season beginning, like fashion, our clients are looking for what’s new and exciting in party favor giveaways. Many of our parents have been asking for something fresh and vibrant in lieu of the basic sweatshirt. Our staff of talented trend setting associates have created the most outrageous party favors guaranteed to make your event the talk of the town.
Here is our list of Ultimate Trend Setting Custom Party Favors for Fall/Winter 2010:
1. Soft & Buttery Full Zip Sweatshirts!
When image counts, you have to get yourself into one of these soft & yummy full-zip sweatshirts. The fabric is just the right blend of soft perfection, that once you try it on…you’ll never want to take it off!
2. Think Thermals
No, we’re not referring to the old fuddy-duddy thermals of the past. We’re talking about fashion forward, form fitting thermals for girls & boys. They’re the right texture and weight perfect for winter events.
3. Burnouts Baby!
We’ve got the perfect twist on burnouts this season with long sleeve, hooded, and sweatshirt styles to choose from.
4. Custom Colors
Yes, it’s definitely an option for those daring types. Take your favorite look and shake it up a bit with custom colored dye-lot just for your event.
5. The 80’s are Back!
Crewneck sweatshirts are making their comeback this season with cut-necks and rolled cuffs. We’ve even gone so far as to print them on the inside for wearing them turned inside out. Pair them with a fabulous pair of leggings and flats for that posh next day after the party look.
6. It’s all about V-Necks
V-necks are the new black. Textbook for both girls and guys; we get requests for both the standard v and deep v options. Deep V’s are perfect for layering on top of a fitted tank or bandeau top.
7. Custom Caps are making their way back to the party. This time they’re completely customizable with 3D embroidery, embroidery on the brim, custom seam taping, eyelet color, button color, strap & brim options.
8. Don’t Forget The Adults!
Chic cooler bags, stainless steel tumblers, and shot glasses make for a practical and unforgettable gift for those party guests over 21.
9. Customizable 1” Rubber Bracelets are fun giveaways throughout the event for kids and adults alike. They’re trendy and available in lots of colors, ideal for funny or theme related sayings.
10. For The Finishing Touch
Surprise your adult guests when they get into their cars with a custom personalized LED flashlight keychain attached to their keys; what a great way to light up their night!
To learn more about their latest discounts, become a fan on Facebook and follow them on twitter.
For more information, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
November 10th, 2010
When Mitzvah Mom Stefanie began planning her son Jack’s Bar Mitzvah, she turned to a pro, her brother Jeffrey Klein of East 7th Street Promotions.
He likes to re-invent traditional party elements. Mitzvah Market went wild for his idea for his nephew’s candle lighting.
He created these 4 sided picture boxes with votives on top!
Such a warm personal touch!
Bar Mitzvah boy Jack with his friends
A fabulous idea! To see more of the great things that East 7th Street Promotions can do, visit their Website.
November 9th, 2010
The Senzer family celebrated their daughter Jessica’s Bat Mitzvah in April, 2010 at North Shore Synagogue. This was the only choice of venue because Mitzvah Dad Keith was the caterer! For this Saturday evening party, the Senzers were going for an elegant but understated look. They used all green to turn this party into the “Emerald City!”
Featured L-R Dad Keith, Bat Mitzvah girl Jessica, Mom Shari and brother Brett.
All party photography was done by Hi-Tech Party Productions. You will find all the vendor information at the bottom of this spotlight.
A special photo session was done by Hi-Tech Party Productions with Jessica and resulted in these themed posters lining the hallway to the ballroom
Spitz & Peck helped create the “Emerald City” look
Cool ice lounge created by Party Interiors
In keeping with the Wizard Of Oz theme, Spitz & Peck created this customized shadow box sign-in board
Lighter Than Air created this sign-in book for Jessica too!
The Senzer family had their invitation created by Debbie from Unique Creations. Of course green was used in keeping with the theme
The Senzers used Hart to Hart as their music entertainment with Pierre as their MC. The Hart to Hart dancers dressed up to keep with the theme!
Jessica and her friends enjoying…
For their seating cards, Hi-Tech Party Productions created large posters with names and table numbers
Jessica’s friends all received black hoodie sweatshirts created by Mitzvah King.The front had a “twister” and the back featured a house on top of the wicked witch!
Vendor Directory
Here is a list of the vendors who made Jessica’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you call any of them, please let them know you heard about their services on MitzvahMarket.com. Thanks!
Venue: North Shore Synagogue
Caterer: Del-Mir Caterers
Photographer/Videographer: Hi-Tech Party Productions
Dresses: 2 Be Seen 516-921-5777
Invitations: Debbie Loeb/Unique Creations 516-681-1926
Lounge Area: Party Interiors
Sign-In Book: Lighter Than Air
Favors: Mitzvah King 516-326-6820
Music Entertainment: Hart To Hart
Sign-In Board: Spitz & Peck
Florist: Spitz & Peck
November 2nd, 2010
By Dr. Michelle Golland, as seen in JewishJournal.com
Glossophobia, the fear of public speaking, is one of the most commonly reported social fears. Add to it the raging hormones of 13-year-olds and the insecurities fueled by pressure to do a good job (or at least not to humiliate themselves in front of family and peers) and you could have a full-blown case of stage fright on your hands.
While most tweens might have spoken in front of a class of 30 peers, which in and of itself is a big deal, on the day of their bar or bat mitzvah they could be chanting and speaking in front of 60, 100 or even 500 people.
Your child probably won’t run away during the service or throw up on the bimah, but preparing your boychik or girlchik for public speaking is important to ensure a smooth simcha.
Cantor Emerita Aviva Rosenbloom of Temple Israel of Hollywood, who has trained more than 1,200 students over her 32-year career, knows a few things about helping kids cope with their fears.
“Whenever an anxiety or worry was raised by the child, it was dealt with concretely and quickly,” she said.
Rosenbloom suggests finding out what is making your child nervous before the big day and addressing those concerns. Is it his Hebrew skills? Is it the sound of his voice when he chants? Is he worried about what his friends will think? Is he worried about what you will think?
A simple way to alleviate some of those speaking-in-public jitters is to have your child lead some part of a smaller religious service at your synagogue prior to their Mitzvah. Many students can lead a service for younger students either in the day school or the religious school. This will help them work through some of the nerves they will experience while on the bimah in front of a larger audience.
Speech anxiety tips
Prepare, prepare and prepare!
This is the first key to lowering anxiety. As we all know, once students feel confident about their knowledge of the material, any remaining mental worry can be dealt with through the cognitive-behavioral techniques that follow.
Know the room
Have your child become very familiar with the physical setting (i.e., the bimah). Have him speak into the microphone, stand at the lectern and sit where the audience will be.
Know your audience
Help your child remember that the guests are there to support and love her, not to judge her performance. Reinforce to your child that the audience wants her to succeed.
Learn to relax
Teach your child simple breathing techniques, such as breathing in slowly, holding a breath for five seconds and then slowly exhaling. Facial muscle relaxation can help as well. To do this, scrunch the face tightly for three seconds and relax. Repeat this step a few times.
Teach Positive Visualization
Have your child imagine walking confidently to the bimah as the crowd smiles. Have him imagine chanting the Torah with pride in a loud and clear voice.
Turn Nervousness Into Positive Energy
The same nervous energy that causes stage fright can be an asset to your child. Help her harness it and use it to create enthusiasm to prepare and practice.
Don’t Apologize for Being Nervous
Remind your child that most people don’t notice when someone is nervous, so it’s important not to call attention to being afraid.
Most of all, it is important for parents to avoid belittling a child’s fears and anxiety. Do not tell him he has “no reason to be nervous,” because he does have reason to be scared. Rather, help him identify the fear and work through it.
Michelle Golland is a relationship expert with a private practice in Hollywood. She has appeared on “Larry King Live,” HLN, ABC and Fox News, and is a contributor to momlogic.com.
