May 13th, 2018
Preparing for your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration is a breeze when you choose The Sands at Atlantic Beach.
With their all-inclusive packages — they make the planning process a whole lot simpler! When you visit the venue, they encourage you to bring your son or daughter to meet with their planners to discuss how he or she envisions their big day. And, they’ll guarantee a stress-free, party planning process!
Set against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, The Sands at Atlantic Beach offers a venue that’s second-to-none when it comes to planning and executing a spectacular Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration!
Call or email The Sands today to learn about their all-inclusive Bar/Bat Mitzvah packages!
Cocktail Hour with Full Sit Down Dinner & Dessert – Details to be discussed at time of schedule appointment
Here’s an example of a package based on a party of 150 guests: (They will happily accommodate more than 150!)
Exclusive entertainment:
* DJ & MC
* Two dancers
* Light-up stages
* Intelligent lighting
* Up-lighting
* Two plasma televisions
* Zap Shots
* Party Giveaways
Additional Items Included:
* Lounge Furniture
* Themed Decor (For up to 8 adult tables)
* 5 Hours of Photography (Including 2 high resolution CDs)
* 5 Hours of Videography (Un-edited Video)
* Games (Choice of 2, examples include: pop-a-shot, foosball, air hockey, etc.)
* Sign-in Book
* 1 Party Hostess
* 2 Security Guards
For more information, please contact Lori at lori@thesandsatlanticbeach.com.
To learn more about The Sands Atlantic Beach, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
April 29th, 2018
Looking for a place to have your Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration? Life … the place to be, with its 29,000 square feet of modern, state of the art industrial event space can be transformed into whatever your imagination desires. The space guarantees that you will have a one of a kind Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration.
Life…the place to be, Westchester’s Premier Alternative Bar Bat Mitzvah venue, can accommodate from 30 to 500+ guests. They feature full-service catering or casual fun menu stations by LIFE Catering, and Kosher catering options are available too. Under one roof, get tables, chairs, linens, lounge furniture, LED lighting and 20’ projection screens for the montage. They also have arcade games, laser tag and bowling.
Endless Mitzvah Options
At Life…the place to be, they know that every celebration is unique. They can customize your party to make your visions come to life. They can transform their space into just what you want. You have flexibility, creativity and imagination. The sky is the limit!
Perhaps You Want A Hot Club Or Chic Lounge
Or Maybe An Elegant Sit-Down Dinner
Or Anything Else You Can Dream Up
A beautiful service
A hockey rink
A game extravaganza
Even a Survivor competition
To learn more about Life…the place to be, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
April 25th, 2018
Many families decide to celebrate their child’s milestone event by making a trip to Israel. This can take place before or after the Bar or Bat Mitzvah service at their home synagogue. Some even travel with family and friends to participate in the actual service in Israel.
Here are a few companies who can help create a specialized Bar Bat Mitzvah tour and all the details involved with your trip to Israel.
Check all the boxes for the vendors you are interested in learning more about. Fill in form on bottom.
April 15th, 2018
The Taub family from Rye Brook, New York traveled to Israel to celebrate son Zachary’s (Zack) Bar Mitzvah ceremony. Friends and family joined them in Israel for a week of touring and special dinners. Two months later there was a Final Four basketball themed celebration back home in New York.
Everything centered around basketball as well as the importance of being a team player. Since the party was held on April Fools Day, the Taub family wasn’t fooling around, well maybe just a little, as you will see the date was cleverly worked in to the theme of the evening, All Four One (4/1).
Pictured above L-R: Dad Daniel, Sister Lily, Bar Mitzvah boy Zachary and Mom Jacey.
The photographers were Jordan Polevoy in Israel and Lucibelle Photography in New York. The rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.
Bar Mitzvah Service In Israel
Celebrating Zack’s Bar Mitzvah at the beginning of the trip set the tone for the week. It was special to incorporate family artifacts and traditions into their service. In addition to traveling with Zack’s great-great grandfather’s wine, there was a prayer book Zack read from that his great, great grandmother carried with her on the boat from Poland when she escaped the atrocities there.
Zack surrounded by his family and friends
The Bar Mitzvah ceremony took place on Masada in Israel. Zack wore the tallis that his Dad Daniel wore when he became a Bar Mitzvah. It was a deeply moving experience and one to remember for many years to come
The photographer used a drone to capture them floating in the dead sea!
The family brought wine (in their suitcase) made by Zack’s Hebrew namesake, his great-great-grandfather
A custom "Save the Date" was sent out a year in advance. Inside were plastic travel kits from So Zily, Mom Jacey's graphic design/party favor company!
Mom Jacey was told it rains a lot in Israel in February so she sent out a great travel pullover rain jacket. Everyone loved it, although it didn't rain once!
Guests also received travel pillows which hold iPads and can turn into a neck pillow. They were embroidered with the Hebrew equivalent of "Bon Voyage" on the front and "February 2017” written below in English
Bar Mitzvah Logo’s and Taglines
Mom Jacey designed the basketball logos. The silhouettes are the same one used on the invitations - which are Zack! The date was cleverly worked into the theme of the evening, “All Four One (4/1)!”
This logo was also used on the favors
Additional logo used on the back of the sweatshirts
The logo for the Israel celebration was designed by Simcha Design is Zack's Hebrew name in the shape of Israel. The names on the outside are all of the family members who traveled with them
New York Celebration
This basketball family wanted a place where they could party with their friends and still watch the the Final Four games without everyone around a big TV. The Westchester County Center was the perfect venue.
The family worked with Leslie Goldberg of Out of the Box NY for their invitation. The graphics and wording were all done by Mom Jacey. The silhouettes are actually Zack!
Zack on the venue steps. Custom signage was hung outside and lit up
The court was divided in half so the evening could start with a fun cocktail hour on one side and dinner on the other
Large screens aired the games around the court, which was turned into a custom logo'd dance floor
The outside signs are all LED so all of his logos were lit up for the evening and also ran on the LED ticker that ran around the court inside
Bar Mitzvah Food
All the food was basketball themed. At the "Zack Shack," a "slider bar" guests could make their own slider during the cocktail hour and included: eggplant, chicken parmesan, chicken cutlet, beef and veggie sliders
The "Spud Webb" station was a potato bar featuring French fries, sweet potato fries, tater tots, potato skins and waffle fries. Guests had the choice of lots of toppings
They were served in cool branded trays similar to the ones you find in a stadium
Quotes from famous basketball coaches, along with the silhouettes, were used on the napkins
Plastic cups featured one of Zack's logo
Bar Mitzvah Moments
The Taub family had a short Havdalah service at the beginning of the New York celebration. Instead of having formal candle lighting, all guests were given a candle to participate. The special Havdalah candle was the same one the family burned their last night in Israel
To also incorporate their trip the family asked guests to write a letter to the Israeli soldiers that they met when they visited a base in the West Bank during their time in Israel. A photo of Zack with those soldiers was on display for all to see
Bar Mitzvah April Fools
This celebration fell on April 1, so this family couldn't resist a few jokes like naming the flavored vodkas: lox, taco and pizza!
Additionally, Jell-O shots were made to look like real drinks so when guest’s tried to drink them, they couldn’t…. Ha Ha Ha! Another gotcha moment from the Taub family!
Bar Mitzvah DJ Entertainment
The Total Entertainment dancers wore custom t-shirts
Zack made his entrance on the shoulder of a dancer
MC Chris Porter has awesome energy and did a fantastic job interacting with all of the guests
Basketball jersey's and wristbands were given out on the dance floor
Zack's guests look great in them!
Interactive Fun
Guests of all ages dived into a ball pit filled with mini basketballs which made for fun aerial shots
A “Nike by You” kiosk was on hand to facilitate a shoe contest where the guests designed a custom pair of Nike sneakers. Throughout the evening, everyone voted for the top three designs. The three winning designs were sent to Nike and then to their individual creators!
Bar Mitzvah Favors
All these great favors were done by Mom Jacey's company So Zily. Zack's friends went home with a custom gym bag with his logo printed on the front
Friends found this shirt inside each bag
On the inside of each shirt was a special note from Zack written in his own handwriting and printed on each shirt
Custom Happy Feet slippers that looked like basketball sneakers were placed in each kid's cubby to wear instead of socks. They were comfortable but more importantly left no marks on the basketball court floor
Basketball jerseys were given out on the dance floor. T-shirts were worn by dancers and staff. Some had a glittered version of the silhouette!
For the adults, beautiful Hamsa zip pouches from Israel held Israeli gum and rubber bracelets letting them know a donation to Brothers for Life had been made by the Taubs
"Game Over" sleep masks were handed out as guests left the party
Mitzvah Exit Treats
Zack loves to eat dry cereal as a meal, as a snack, any time of day or night. So they thought it would be fun to build on that idea and let people make their own cereal mixes the same way that they would make a candy bag at the end of the night
A custom cereal box was created
"Zack Facts"
Guests had a great time finding the words that describe basketball and Bar Mitzvahs
Mom Advice from Jacey
“I tried to focus on what this life cycle event really meant. I attempted asking Zack questions to spark conversations about his Torah portion and remind him how lucky we were to live in a country where we could practice our religion however we wanted. Everyone loves a great party, but I felt it was important to remember why we were celebrating. I would advise not to discuss your event with other parents because stress breeds stress. It was important to us to incorporate tradition, family, friends and our meaningful Israel trip into our party.
There were a lot of details to keep track of. I think my lists had lists! I found Mitzvah Organizer to be incredibly helpful keeping these lists organized. It was very user friendly and if I ever had a question, someone got back to me immediately. All of the information (phone numbers, addresses, contacts, gifts, thank you notes, and number totals!) for every event — the trip, the service, the morning event, the game, the party – was in one place and always accessible. Priceless, really! Also having a planner like Monique Banks was a huge help. One of Monique’s greatest talents is the ability to have an overall vision of the evening. She was able to execute and help manage all of the details. Additionally, we have a lot of out of town family. Monique handled all of the day of preparation, so we were able to enjoy being with them. We knew that everything was being set up the way we wanted it to be.
Lastly, remember that the evening flies by in a millisecond so don’t freak out about the little things. If something goes wrong, no one knows but you. I gave both of my kids a talk before their respective Mitzvah parties about their energy setting the tone for the evening. I am a true believer that the things which make a good party great, are organic. It is all about the feeling in the room.”
Zack Mitzvah Project
The Taub family felt strongly that although Zack’s Bar Mitzvah service was held in Israel, they wanted more than just a big birthday party at The Westchester County Center. They accomplished this by inviting friends to The Mann Center, part of the Jewish Board’s Hawthorne Cedar Knolls (HCK) Residential Treatment Center to give back. This is a home that provides mental health, social, and therapeutic services for at-risk youth. Additionally, while in Israel, the Taub family volunteered with a great organization called, Brothers for Life whose mission is to empower injured combat soldiers.
All Zack's friends were invited to the gym at the Mann center and replaced the nets, painted murals on the walls as well as bricks to stop a certain part of the outside from flooding every time it rained as part of the importance of Tikkun Olum Hebrew for "repairing the world"
Everyone who attended that day received a t-shirt. The "Westchester Knicks" logo on the front and "Mitzvah Mentality" on the back!
Zack also raised funds by selling rubber bracelets that read, “All 4.1 and One For All” and included the Westchester Knicks and Jewish Board logos. The money raised purchased a court-side VIP table for the teens to watch the Westchester Knicks home games
When the morning was finished, everyone went to the LAST home Westchester Knicks game at the County Center together
In Israel, these soldiers invited 27 members of Zack’s family ages 3–73 to play basketball with them “their way”…. in wheelchairs
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Zack’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com
Venue: Westchester County Center, 914-995-4057
Invitation Idea and Wording: Mom Jacey/Executed: Leslie Goldberg, Out of the Box, 914-934-2323
Favors/Logo/Silhouettes: So Zily, 917-680-8377
Party Planner: Monique Banks, Party! by Monique, 914-714-2527
Music: MC Chris Porter, Total Entertainment, 201-894-0055
New York Photographer: Tiffany Oelfke, Luciebelle Photography, 718-858-4328, 917-291-0095
Israel Photographer: Jordan Polevoy, jordan@vexa.com, +972 52-399-2969, 505-375-0005
Videographer: Steve Portney, SLP Video Productions, 914-282-1616
Israel Logo: Shira Rosenbaum, Simcha Design, contact@simchadesign.com
Décor: Great Neck Games, 516-747-9191
Mitzvah Project Rubber bracelets: So Zily, 917-680-8377
Sign-In Board: Amazon
Mom Jacey Dress: J&A Estrada, 914-219-8700/Lily’s dress: Bloomingdales
Suits: ZLife, Rye Brook, 914-937-5433
Stylist: New York Style Editor, Tish Richard, 917-796-8708
Hair: Asher & Tonya Khafizov Numi & Co, 914-921-6864
Makeup: Valerie Guglielmo, 914-320-0944
Transportation: Red Oaks Transportation, 914-694-2222
February 25th, 2018
Seems like there’s a big challenge in the Bar Bat Mitzvah world…How do you come up with something clever incorporating your child’s first name, last name or initials to create a Bar or Bat Mitzvah logo or phrase/tagline.
Some Bar Bat Mitzvah logos use just first and last name initials and some are including a middle initial as well to create a phrase or highlight letters in a word or phrase.
Here are some creative examples:
Here are some tips on how to come up with your own phrase, word or tagline:
* Write the 2 or 3 initials down on a piece of paper. Are the letters reminding you of any words?
* Think of your child’s personality. Do any words/phrases come to mind?
* Use Google and search “Words that start with the letter _” fill in your letter.
* If you are having trouble finding one word with your initials, then start thinking about a phrase.
* There are also many Websites that people use when playing Words With Friends and Scrabble that can be helpful with this process.
Did you come up with a clever logo using your child’s initials or a phrase incorporating their name? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
For more inspiration check out Bar Bat Mitzvah Logo’s A-Z.
February 20th, 2018
Times have sure changed since we attended Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations! One of the most noticeable differences are cell phones.
Guests of all ages have smartphones and take them everywhere, including to a Bar or Bat Mitzvah party. Families want their guests’ undivided attention during their child’s milestone event. Whether it’s on the dance floor, watching the montage or during the candle lighting ceremony, let’s face it, cell phones are a distraction.
We’ve seen creative, subtle ways to solve this problem:
Now there’s a company who is trying to create an exclusive, intimate experience for your guests. Enter Yondr! With the Yondr pouch, your family and friends can relax and engage with each other as you are protecting the privacy of your guests.
Your guests will still have possession of their phones, but now they are free to enjoy the Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration without distraction!
Prices for the pouches vary, but if you are interested in learning more, get in touch with Yondr.
February 11th, 2018
Looking for the perfect place to celebrate a Bar or Bat Mitzvah in New York City? You don’t need to look any further than Hornblower Cruises & Events.
Hornblower Cruises & Events is a place to celebrate. They provide the ultimate venue in an unrivaled location, luxury yachts on New York Harbor, with unparalleled views and amazing atmosphere.
TOP REASONS TO HOST A BAR OR BAT MITZVAH ON HORNBLOWER CRUISES & EVENTS
1. Everchanging Views
As the luxury yacht cruises up and down the Hudson River, you and your guests will enjoy the everchanging views. Imagine taking pictures as you pass the shoreline or dancing in the middle of the Hudson River.
2. Fun for All Ages
From grandparents to children, everyone of all ages loves a cruise around Manhattan. Hornblower has cruises to make all happy.
3. Experts in Hospitality
Since 2012, Hornblower New York has been cruising around New York City. With their experienced party planners, they provide the ultimate level of service and luxury.
Photo credit: Designed by The Style Marc by MWD LIFESTYLES
4. Perfect Size For Any Celebration
Whether you are having a large affair or an intimate party, Hornblower Cruises can accommodate you. With its fleet of luxury yachts, they can style any Bar or Bat Mitzvah and tailor the space to meet your needs.
5. Your Guests Will Be Wowed by The Beauty of NYC
Out of town guests and even born and bred New Yorkers will be awestruck as they view the New York City skyline, go under the Brooklyn Bridge and come up close and personal with the Statue of Liberty.
To learn more about Hornblower Cruises & Events, please visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
February 4th, 2018
Hundreds of thousands of people open a trivia app twice a day for the chance to win big playing HQ Trivia. A live smart phone trivia app that’s gone viral, HQ tests your trivia knowledge using a fast paced elimination style game that all ages can play.
It wasn’t long until this trend hit the Bar Bat Mitzvah circuit thanks to Simon Elliot Events.
Recently, not only did guests at Sydney’s Bat Mitzvah get to play a special version of “Q Trivia” with random trivia questions as well as specific questions about the guest of honor, but they were completely surprised when HQ Trivia host Scott Rogowsky showed up live in person to MC the game! Scott hadn’t been to a Bar Mitzvah since his own and couldn’t believe how excited everyone was to meet him and play Q Trivia.
How does it work? Guests are invited to participate in Q Trivia using their phones by visiting a unique URL shown on the giant screen built into the Q Trivia Set. Once connected, guests can input answers in real-time from their phones, scores are calculated based on correct answers and the speed at which answers are submitted. The top 12 scorers from the first round move on to a final elimination round. During the elimination round, consisting of 5 multiple choice questions, contestants enter the playing arena marked A, B, & C graphics on the floor. During this round players must move to the letter that corresponds with their answer. At the end of five questions, any contestants left are winners and receive prizes.
Besides playing Syd Q Trivia, guests also enjoyed the Tunnel of Lights, a custom makeup booth, Mitzvah Madness and a wireless Strolling Boomerang.
Watch all the extra fun from Sydney's Bat Mitzvah
here
To learn more about these services from Simon Elliot Events, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
January 29th, 2018
Above: Jordyn Tarlie, photo credit: Nicole Thomas Photography
By Bari Cener
Toss out every idea you had about what to wear to your Bar or Bat Mitzvah. These days, it’s as untraditional as ever when it comes to fashion. Dress codes are for guests, but for the star of the show, anything goes. You’re no longer shopping for a “comfortable dance shoe;” it’s ride-or-die on sneakers. Stuffy suits? Not anymore; the guys want to show some style, wearing fabrics like velvet and denim to stand out on their special day.
That being said, it’s the host’s responsibility to execute the party’s vibe. If your party dress is called for “Casual,” we don’t recommend that you show up in a tuxedo and shiny shoes. Instead, play with different textures or pair your outfit with custom kicks so both you and your guests are comfortable.
Jordyn Tarlie
Party Theme: Jordyn loves shopping and anything fashion. She wanted to tie in shopping with her decor using top designer names and logos for table centerpieces.
Favorite Accessory: Her party shoes were custom designed Adidas Superstars with silver Swarovski crystals.
Dress Code: Formal Cocktail Attire.
Strapless sequin bodice with a purple taffeta skirt
Off-white dress by JVN by Jovani
To read more about Jordyn’s celebration, click here.
Greyson Goldberg
Party Venue: West Rock in Nanuet, New York.
Fashion Highlight: Going to Fight Club to pick out his lime green kicks!
Dress Code: Cool & Casual for this Memorial Day weekend celebration. Guests were asked to wear jeans and be comfortable.
Greyson looked dashing in a lime green and black ensemble for his casual party. Photo by Luciebelle Photography
To read more about Greyson’s celebration, click here.
Natalyn Kapner
Party Venue: Glen Island Harbour Club in New Rochelle, NY.
Bat Mitzvah Theme: A Winter Wonderland theme with the tagline of NATurally Chill for her nickname Nat.
Dress Code: Cocktail Attire.
A gunmetal silver dress by Designing Dreams for her party. Photos by Chad David Kraus Photography
To read more about Natalyn’s celebration, click here.
Spencer and Avery Klein
Avery’s Favorite Accessory: Her silver triple height Converse sneakers.
Spencer’s Favorite Item: Their yarmulkes used the same plaid fabric that was used on the invitation band.
Favorite Moment: There was a blizzard on the day of their B’nai Mitzvah which worked perfectly with their ski theme.
Dress Code: Cocktail Chic.
These twins celebrated their B'nai Mitzvah on their actual 13th birthday. Spencer wore a navy velvet Ralph Lauren jacket and dark gray slacks and Avery wore a white ballgown. Photo credit: White Light Photography
To read more about Avery & Spencer’s celebration, click here.
Emily Kilman
Bat Mitzvah Dress: A light pink ballgown from Outrageous Boutique with a matching pearl and studded headband.
Matching Accessory: Her Converse sneakers were covered in pearls and studs to match the headband.
Dress Code: Cocktail Attire.
Emily celebrated her Bat Mitzvah with lots of pink, including light and dark pink feathers on the tables, pink backdrop and pink balloons hanging from the ceiling. Photo credit: Serengeti Design Studios
Sydney Hargrove
Bat Mitzvah Theme: For this aspiring actress, a Broadway theme was the perfect fit.
Favorite Accessory: Her tiara made her feel like a princess.
Dress Code: Cocktail Attire.
Sydney wore black dresses to both her service and party. For her party she wanted a bit of shine. Photo credit: Ashley Anderson Photography
For the service, her dress had pretty lace
To read more about Syndey’s celebration, click here.
Kennedy Brown
Bat Mitzvah Dress: Tiffany Collection in Lagoon Blue.
Best Accessory: The front of her hair was colored to match her dress.
Dress Code: Disco Formal.
Photos by Cathy Gorey Photography
The gems on the front of Kennedy's dress formed a subtle butterfly, which was part of her theme - Butterfly Disco
Rebecca Nussbaum
Bat Mitzvah Dress: Rebecca’s grandmother suggested early on that she wear a blue dress to match her eyes. Unfortunately, her grandmother passed away months before her Bat Mitzvah so her dress was extra special to her.
Dress Code: Dress Up & No Tie because they wanted everyone to be comfortable.
This Bat Mitzvah celebration had a "Really Rebecca" theme and the guest of honor wore a Tiffany blue ball gown. Photo credit: iNsYnc Photography
The ball gown had accents of lace and crystal featuring a corset lace-up back
To read more about Rebecca’s celebration, click here.
Get a copy of Mitzvah Market Magazine here.
January 25th, 2018
Got a vision for your Bar or Bat Mitzvah logo, favors or decor? A Promos USA dba The ImageMaker & Aarrow Promotions can make it a reality.
One customer brought A Promos USA pictures from a family trip to Israel. The customer loved one specific picture of her daughter in front of a graffiti wall and wanted to incorporate the picture into her décor for her upcoming event. She wanted her lounge pillows to be in the design of the graffiti wall. So what did A Promos do? Their art department took the girl out of the picture and redesigned the missing parts. Then they coordinated and printed the pillows along with a logo she had provided to them for additional favors and pillows.
Check out the process and the result.
If you have a vision for your Bar or Bat Mitzvah favors, get in touch with A Promos for #hoodies #tshirts #loungepillows and much more!
To learn more about A Promos, please visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
