December 13th, 2015
By Carrie Berk
About Carrie Berk
I’m an 8th grade Bar & Bat Mitzvah teen blogger for MitzvahMarket.com and live on the Upper East Side in NYC. I love fashion, soul cycle, theater, hanging out with friends, and cupcakes (I have a blog about them: www.facebook.com/PLCCupcakeClub). My Bat Mitzvah Project is for my dance teacher and friend, Elizabeth Maria Walsh, who died of a rare form of cancer at just 26 years old. Direct message me on Instagram (@carrieberkk) for information on how to donate, and follow me for more fun Bat Mitzvah photos!
I had the best time at Cassandra and Madelena Kishner’s B’nai Mitzvah at Current at Chelsea Piers where the theme was “Hugs and Kishes,” a cute play on the sisters’ last name. The night was all about fun and pun!
Ever since I got their invitation, I knew it was going to be a night to remember: it came in a huge gray and pink fabric box filled with chocolate Lindor truffles! So sweet…literally!
The outside of the grey box was adorned with a pink ribbon and broach
Inside was the invitation with all the necessary information
Also inside were these delicious Lindor truffles!
The twins started the night off wearing short, sparkly dresses and then switched to breathtaking ballgowns. They made a grand entrance at the top of the stairs during the reception.
Everything at the reception was double for the two sisters, including two huge sign-in boards with hilarious logos: Cassandra’s read, “Kish My Cass” and Madelena’s read, “Mad About You.”
The whole room was pretty in pink, from the candles and glasses to the lighting.
The cake was triple-tiered, white, and whimsical: there were pink fondant circles decorating it and also had the girls’ “MC” monogram on the bottom tier.
The kids’ area was so cool: I had a blast lounging outside, checking out the view of the boats and the sun setting over the river. And there was so much to do! Besides a surfboard simulator, there was a putting range for us to play golf. Can you say “hole in one?”
Putting range
I loved partying with the girls and am happy I could share their special night. When it finally ended, we were all sad to “Kish it goodbye!”
Vendors: Venue: Current at Chelsea Piers, Music Entertainment/Photo booth/Games: MC Sharkey, Untouchable Events; Party Planner: Jennifer Gould; Dresses: Estelle’s; Photographer: Photo op
Read more of Carrie’s blog posts:
Blog #1 here
Blog #2 here
Blog #3 here
Blog #4 here
Blog #5 here
December 9th, 2015
EK Productions is a professional group of entertainers founded in 1986. Their company has grown from a successful DJ operation to a full scale event planning unit, specializing in videos, dancers, automated lighting and special effects, games, percussionists, MCs and other exciting entertainment for Bar Bat Mitzvah celebrations.
They are a boutique entertainment company only engaging in three to four events a weekend. They pride themselves on having the most unique and elaborate entertainment set-ups in the industry. They only use the best sound and lighting and they also event plan for their clients at no extra charge.
Introducing TECHNOBOT!
It’s the latest craze in Bar Bat Mitzvah party entertainment! Their Technobot is a “dancing machine” that guests of all ages will love. He’ll do a meet and greet during your cocktail hour and his LED lights and CO2 guns add to the fun.
Book their Technobot for your Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration at a special package price
This Robot is a big hit with kids of all ages!
To learn more about EK Productions, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
December 6th, 2015
When it comes to delectable food and flawless service for your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah, one name stands out above the rest: KOMBERT CATERERS.
Since 1952, they have been family-owned and operated and over the years have built a reputation on satisfying clients for each and every event, from dream weddings and Bar/Bat Mitzvahs to corporate meetings and events.
Over the years, they have had small celebrations, large celebrations and everything in between. They have also seen every color combination and theme you can think of.
Here are some of the different looks of celebrations at Temple Avodah from Kombert Caterers:
A Rain Forest!
Pretty in pink!
A dressed up entrance
A sports theme
Purple accents
A pretty cake on display
If you would like to learn more about having your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah with Kombert Caterers, visit their extended profile page.
December 6th, 2015
The Gany family of Woodbury, New York, celebrated son Ethan’s Bar Mitzvah on January 17, 2015, at Temple Chaverim in Plainview, New York.
Ethan’s love of basketball sneakers naturally led to a Foot Locker theme for his celebration.
Pictured left: Mom Bonnie, Bar Mitzvah boy Ethan and Dad Glenn
The photographer was Simon Miller from Simon Elliot Events and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of this story.
Along with Mom Bonnie, the referee-striped invitation was designed by Ellen Elmaleh from TripleEproduction and ordered from My Metal Business Cards. They were sent in a black padded envelope
Ethan was all smiles on the bimah at Temple Chaverim
Matching the colors of the celebration, the yarmulkes came from Cool Kippahs
Mom Bonnie’s dress was from PeachesBoutique.com and the boys, (including brothers Nicolas & Tyler), all bought their suits at Kenny’s Boys & Menswear
Inspired by Foot Locker’s Approved campaign, Ethan’s logo appeared on all of the decor elements, favors and signage
The place cards were an identical copy of the Foot Locker gift card and each one had a different dollar amount indicating which table you were seated at
The highlight of the room decor was a handmade coffee table replica of a Nike shoe box, created by Ethan’s Dad Glenn!
All the sneakers in the centerpieces were from Ethan’s own collection and the top portion of the centerpieces rotated!
All the sneakers in the stage belonged to MC Carl. It was a total coincidence that Carl loved sneakers too!
Black table cloths with red napkins and candles added elegance to the sneaker theme
Mom Bonnie added little red, white and black Converse high tops on the tables with votive candles inside
Other tables featured striking white flowers in black vases of varying sizes
Logo’d LED tables added to the decor
Authentic shoe sizers decorated the sides of the referee-striped lighted tables
Another highlight of the decor was the incredible referee-striped dance floor!
Posters of Ethan were hung around the room
The doors to the ballroom were covered with large posters of Ethan with the logo on top
Ethan made his entrance with the ET dancers wearing logo’d t-shirts
Ethan posed with the ET crew including MC Carl
MC Carl kept the party going
Ethan’s friends had a great time
Hasson Caterers provided the red, black and white Nike basketball sneaker cake. Mom Bonnie purchased pillar candles from Michael’s, alternating black and white to keep with the referee stripe theme. She added a touch of red using letter glitter stickers, also from Michael’s
The lounge set-up included sleek white sofas and lighted furniture with red logos and referee-striped accent pillows
Friends enjoyed playing, Ethan’s House of Hoops aka Mitzvah Madness. ‘House of Hoops’ in Foot Locker stores is an exclusive section showcasing Nike basketball shoes
Ethan’s friends had trouble deciding on a design at the Elite Feet kiosk
Guests enjoyed Stick-A-Pic photo favors also from Simon Elliot Events
Sweatshirt favors were creatively distributed in authentic sneaker boxes! The shoe boxes were ordered online. They arrived flat and Mom Bonnie put them together and affixed custom labels on each one
Sweatshirts with a cool urban logo were inside each shoe box
A “Friends and Family” sign promoted “FREE dance floor socks – today only!”
Water bottles wrapped in labels with Ethan’s custom logo
Hasson Caterers provided a Good Humor ice cream truck
For Ethan’s Mitzvah Project, this past fall he participated in the Lustgarten Foundation’s Walk for the Cure for Pancreatic Cancer. He did this in support of his dad’s childhood friend Paul Forman. Featured above: Ethan with Paul and Dad Glenn at Jones Beach after completing the walk
Advice from Mom Bonnie:
“It’s a lot of work. So many little details to juggle, but totally worth it when you see it all come together in the end result! I can’t stress enough how important it is to stay calm no matter what hiccups happen along the way. And they will! Just let the people you hire assist when they offer, and trust that they know what they’re doing. Also, if you’re going to do a lot of it yourself, as I did, it definitely doesn’t hurt to have a helpful husband and some good friends to run ideas by!”
The following vendors helped to make Ethan’s celebration special, if you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their products and services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Temple Chaverim
Catering/Cake: Scott, Hasson Catering,
Music Entertainment: MC Carl, ET Events
Party Planner/Favors: Mom & Ellen Elmaleh, TripleEproduction
Photographer/Videographer/Party Entertainment: Simon Miller, Simon Elliot Events
Invitation: Design, Mom & Ellen Elmaleh, TripleEproduction
Invitation: My Metal Business Cards
Logo Design/Water Bottle Labels/Hot Chocolate Labels/Shoebox Labels/Seating Cards: Ellen Elmaleh
Shoe Boxes: U-line.com
Shoe box Labels: Onlinelabels.com
Kippot: CoolKippahs.com
Décor/florist: Combination of Hasson Caterers (Tables, Draping & Balloons), ET Events (Dance Floor, Cubbies, Stage), Simon Elliot Events (All the Blow-ups, Mitzvah Madness, Green Screen & Elite Feet)
Suits for men and boys: Kenny’s Boys & Menswear
Mom’s dress: PeachesBoutique.com
Hair/makeup: Unique Salon Syosset
December 2nd, 2015
Sometimes it is hard to come up with a Bar Bat Mitzvah theme for your child. Thinking about their first name and initials can often spark an idea. As was the case for this Bat Mitzvah celebration.
With the help of LIghter Than Air Events, Emily’s Bat Mitzvah theme centered around her first name and her love of Emojis!
EM, as in Emoji’s, was tied into “Emily’s” theme in very creative ways since there are Emojis for all of her different emotions and expressions.
Get inspired with the below photos from this adorable celebration:
Emily’s celebration took place at Jewel in Melville, New York
The step n repeat, featuring her Emoji logo, was created by Party Harty who provided the music entertainment
Poster-size photos of Emily decorated the room at the Jewel Restaurant
The centerpieces included a logo’d lamp shade with a glass vase filled with yellow gumballs
The gumballs had smiley faces like the Emojis
The sign-in mirror decorated with the Emoji logo
The long tables ready for guests
Light-up cylinder centerpieces with Emily’s logo on tables in the kids’ area
Custom logo’d pillows for the couches
VENDORS:
Decor/Theme: Lighter Than Air Events
Music Entertainment: Party Harty
Venue: Jewel Restaurant
Photographer: White Light Photography & Videography
November 29th, 2015
Have you heard about MitzvahOrganizer.com created by the team at Mitzvah Market?
Mitzvah Organizer enables you to KEEP TRACK all the details of your celebration including: guest lists, seating arrangements, invitations, favors, transportation, honors, candle lighting and more. Since it is in the cloud, you can use it from your office, tablet or phone. Your whole team can collaborate: party planners, grandparents, even your spouse.
USE CODE CELEBRATE2 & GET $10 OFF THE PRICE OF $69.95!
Access Mitzvah Organizer wherever you go. On your phone, tablet and/or computer!
Order Mitzvah Organizer now. Get $10 off with promo code CELEBRATE2.
November 29th, 2015
Chelsea Piers Connecticut is excited to announce the newest addition to its 465,000 square foot complex. The LOFT opened in March 2015 and is a 4,000 square foot fully-customizable event space ideal for Bar Bat Mitzvah parties and corporate events.
This high-end industrial-style event space is perfect for your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration. It can accommodate 50 to 260 guests and a wide range of event formats.
Guests love the high ceilings
Chelsea Piers Connecticut is quickly becoming one of the most popular destinations for unique and entertaining special events and parties. The entire Chelsea Piers complex can accommodate up to 6,200 guests, with event formats that include Team Building, Activity Outings, Meetings, Holiday Parties and Receptions. With unparalleled sports venues and a range of dedicated event spaces, Chelsea Piers Connecticut can also be booked for Experiential Marketing Programs, Media Events, Expos and Location Shoots.
There’s plenty of space for guests to mingle
Beautiful wood floors
The space is flexible to accommodate all types of event themes
The primary catering partner for the LOFT is Great Performances Catering. Great Performances, one of New York City’s premier catering companies, is known for incorporating seasonal ingredients into its delicious, innovative and beautifully designed food presentations. Great Performances counts many of the city’s most high-profile cultural institutions and landmark properties as clients, including Sotheby’s, The Plaza Hotel, the Asia Society, BAM, and Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola at Lincoln Center. Great Performances is the only New York City-based caterer to own and operate its own 60-acre organic farm, Katchkie Farm, in Kinderhook, New York. Chelsea Piers Connecticut is currently accepting reservations for events to be held at the LOFT.
To learn more about Chelsea Piers Connecticut, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory and check out the Social Events page on their Website.
November 28th, 2015
By Carrie Berk
About Carrie Berk
I’m an 8th grade Bar & Bat Mitzvah teen blogger for MitzvahMarket.com and live on the Upper East Side in NYC. I love fashion, soul cycle, theater, hanging out with friends, and cupcakes (I have a blog about them: www.facebook.com/PLCCupcakeClub). My Bat Mitzvah Project is for my dance teacher and friend, Elizabeth Maria Walsh, who died of a rare form of cancer at just 26 years old. Direct message me on Instagram (@carrieberkk) for information on how to donate, and follow me for more fun Bat Mitzvah photos!
Since my camp friend Hailey Levine is such a high-energy, outgoing, and fun-loving girl, I knew that her Bat Mitzvah would match her personality.
Hailey and Carrie
Hailey with her proud parents
She chose pink (her fave color) for the theme as well as the letter “H.” All her fellow Camp Hillard CITs got a big kick out of it and teased that the H was for Hillard!
When we first walked into the venue—Guastavino’s under the 59th Street Bridge in NYC—there was a huge poster of Hailey. So glam!
At the cocktail hour, we played a game called “Friendly Feud” where Hailey’s besties could answer trivia questions in teams. There was also a huge buffet serving a large variety of delicious foods, from sushi and sliders, to mozzarella sticks.
Signage included her name hung over the bar
Then it was time to go upstairs for the main party. I made a beeline for the Nail Art Bar. So cool! My friends and I had photos of our faces “painted” on our nails in less than 3 minutes!
There was a green-screen photo booth, and also a karaoke booth, where you could pick your favorite song and sing it with a friend. The best part: I got to take home a CD with the song to remember Hailey’s special day!
The boys surrounded the basketball hoops…and I have to admit, I shot a few as well.
After we danced and danced, we sat down to chill on white sofas and comfy chairs. I loved the giant “H” in the center of the lounge. Everything felt so special and customized for Hailey.
Hailey up in the chair for the horah
When it was time for dessert, they served vanilla and chocolate milkshakes. But I have to admit, I stole a bite of one of the adult’s plated chocolate lava cakes. It was sooo delicious!
Hailey’s cake was enormous and as beautiful as the Bat Mitzvah girl: pink, white, and gold details on multiple tiers. The inside was vanilla cake with milk chocolate icing, and my friends and I inhaled it!
For favors, Hailey chose grey hoodies and white beanies, all with a golden “H” emblazoned on them. Guess what I wore the next day?
As we left the party, guests were welcomed into a candy bar with sweets “to grab and go,” and invited to take home a slice from the pizza truck stationed outside.
I am so proud of Hailey and glad to have spent her incredibly beautiful Bat Mitzvah with her!
Vendors: Event Decor: Stefan Event Decor; Music Entertainment/Photo booth: Total Entertainment; Venue: Guastavinos;
Cake: Cakesbyandrea; Photographer: iNsYnc Photography; Party planner: Michelle Farber, mstudioevents; Dress: Mori Lee Sticks and Stones; Food Truck: Eddie’s Pizza Truck
Read more of Carrie’s blog posts:
Blog #1 here
Blog #2 here
Blog #3 here
Blog #4 here
November 18th, 2015
EK Productions is a professional group of Bar Mitzvah & Bat Mitzvah entertainers founded in 1986. Their company has grown from a successful DJ operation to a full scale event planning unit, specializing in videos, dancers, automated lighting and special effects, games, percussionists, MCs and other exciting entertainment for Bar Bat Mitzvah celebrations.
They are a boutique entertainment company only engaging in three to four events a weekend. They pride themselves on having the most unique and elaborate entertainment set-ups in the industry. They only use the best sound and lighting and they also event plan for their clients at no extra charge.
NEW Star Pixs XL – Not Your Ordinary Photo Booth!
Star Pixs XL is the world’s most interactive photo booth experience! It uses state-of-the-art “Green Screen” technology to deliver uniquely large, astonishing high-definition photos, without the need for post processing. Star Pixs XL has revolutionary new features such as customizable step n’ repeat backgrounds or “Be Scene,” which lets you take a picture with Celebrities or the Guest of Honor without them actually being there!
Star Pixs XL is the latest in photo booth technology that Bar Bat Mitzvah guests of all ages will love
Photos come in 6″x9″ or 4″x6″
Check out this video to see Star Pixs in action!
To learn more about EK Productions, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
November 15th, 2015
By Ellen Malavsky
What to give as a Bar/Bat Mitzvah gift is probably one of the biggest decisions you have to make once that invitation arrives… well, that and what to wear. Should you give money or a gift? And if it’s a gift you choose, what will it be?
Sometimes it just feels right to give a gift to a Bar or Bat Mitzvah child rather than money. Of course gift giving is a very personal thing and there’s often some sentimentality to your choice of a present. It also requires extra thought. It’s nice to give such a gift when the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child is close to you and you want to give something that will make them think of you when they use it. My mother-in-law, for example, gave my sons laptops in time for the start of the school year before their Bar Mitzvahs. This was a great present because each had a brand-new laptop at the start of 7th grade. They even referred to them as the “laptop Grandma gave me.”
One of my sons also received a limited edition copy of his favorite book, The Alchemist, as a gift from a classmate along with a Barnes & Noble gift card. Another son received a basketball signed by his teammates in a plexi-glass case along with a framed team photo. The sentiment of these gifts remained long after the party was over.
The most unique gift one son received was the gift of an “experience.” These can come in many forms, such as tickets to a sports event, concert, amusement park or a Broadway show, a parachute jump, swimming with dolphins. It can be something for the child to do on their own, with a friend or even better, with the gift giver. My son received a hot air balloon ride and it was a one of the most memorable experiences of his life. You can be sure he will always remember who gave him that!
When giving gifts, the sky is the limit. You can go big or small, pair an actual present with a check or have it stand on its own. Here are a few ideas that we hope will inspire you:
JUDAICA
A thoughtful and memorable way to celebrate this Jewish lifecycle event and create a lasting link with Israel is a Bar or Bat Mitzvah Certificate and Homeland Book from the Jewish National Fund. The child receives an attractive certificate and their name inscribed in the Bar/Bat Mitzvah book (Sefer Bar/Bat Mitzvah) in Jerusalem as well as a copy of the book, HOMELAND: The Illustrated History of the State of Israel. $30
Jewish National Fund’s Bar/bat Mitzvah Remembrance Wall adds meaning to this memorable occasion. Link the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child to a child who perished in the Holocaust by inscribing both of their names on JNF’s B’nai Mitzvah Wall located in Jerusalem’s American Independence Park. A glass tile is embedded into the wall with the date of the occasion, their names and hometowns. The Bar/Bat Mitzvah child receives a plaque certificate and knows that proceeds from this gift have gone to developing, maintaining and advancing JNF’s five Israel campsites allowing children to have a camping experience. $1,800
JEWELRY
Personalized jewelry by ShameOnJane is a gift any Bat Mitzvah girl will love. They make custom necklaces, rings, charms and bracelets personalized with initials and symbols. Their on-trend designs are made from Sterling Silver, gold vermeil, leather and semi-precious stones. As seen on actresses like Kate Hudson and the cover of Seventeen magazine. Prices range from $28 for a charm to $120 and up for a necklace.
Here’s a perfect gift for one girl or boy to give to another. Megan Goldkamp Jewelry offers special Handwriting Signatures, necklaces, bracelets, keyrings, cuff links and tie bars engraved with the actual handwriting of the person who submits it. Have the message Mazel Tov Carly! engraved in your own handwriting or perhaps a BFF wants to convey a special message, code or favorite expression. $35 and up.
Watches are a popular and long-lasting Bar/Bat Mitzvah gift. We found a Hebrew Letters Watch by Adi from Your Holy Land Store. The Bar Mitzvah boy or girl can tell the time in style while expressing appreciation for the Hebrew language. Unisex watches are stainless steel with a gold plated finish and instead of numbers, Hebrew letters tell the time in a classic script. Made in Israel. $109.99
MISCELLANEOUS GIFTS
Is the star of the day truly a super hero? You Kick Ass creates original 3D printed action figure “Heros” personalized by the gift giver with everything from custom powers to a one-of-a-kind name. “Mitzvah Boy” perhaps? Or what about “Girl on Fire”? Get creative and give an awesome gift sure to be cherished. $59.99
What Bar/Bat Mitzvah kid doesn’t have a pile of treasured old t-shirts they just can’t bear to throw away? Campus Quilt is dedicated to turning them into lasting memories in the form of t-shirt quilts. This is a great idea for sports and school shirts and all those mitzvah favors collected over the years. Quilts vary from lap size up to king and can incorporate t-shirts, sweatshirts, ties, socks, hats, baby outfits, and any other memorable fabric. $129 and up.
Here’s a gift that’s actually three gifts in one. The Destiny Candle by Karen Michelle is an aromatic candle made with all natural ingredients. When melted down it becomes a luxurious body oil made of all natural ingredients and essential oils that you can safely use all over your skin. But wait; there’s more! Each candle has a real ring or earrings hidden inside, only revealed once you burn it down. The jewelry can be worth anywhere from $10 to $10,000. Prices for the candles range from $14.99 to $24.99.
For a gift that keeps on giving there is the Gift Card of the Month Club. The gift giver chooses the stores and the amount and the recipient does the shopping. There are hundreds of stores to choose from, including Dick’s Sporting Goods, Barnes & Noble and iTunes, with a new shopping experience each month. Your personal message is included with each monthly shipment. $25 and up each month
CUSTOM ART
JellyBean Arts elevates the common jellybean to an artistic medium, creating unique, one-of-a-kind mosaics, portraits, logos and landscapes for a truly one-of-a-kind gift. Limited only by imagination, each piece is painstakingly constructed using up to 10,000 jellybeans from a palette of 50-60 colors. Painterless painter, Sue Laufer, starts with a high-quality image and your choice of background to create a custom piece that’s “whimsical, larger-than-life, and sweet, of course!” Princes range from $2,000-$5,000
depending on the scope of the project.
Another interesting custom art piece perfect for giving is a personalized photographic mosaic available through NSR Creative. They create photo mosaics displaying hundreds of client-supplied photos that capture the Bar or Bat Mitzvah child’s personality. Each piece is finished with gallery quality mounting. Give a finished piece or a gift certificate for the child to create their own. Pricing is determined by the size of the final piece, number of photos and complexity of the “main picture.” The average price is typically $800 for a finished size of 20”x24”.
A fun and functional gift idea from Hammacher Schlemmer, is The Selfie Toaster. Anyone can take a selfie, but how about searing your image repeatedly on your morning toast. Now that’s unique. Submit a headshot of the Bar or Bat Mitzvah child to receive custom inserts for this two-slice toaster. As each slice of bread is toasted, a likeness of the image appears. This certainly makes clear ownership of your breakfast and think how cool your kid’s sandwiches will be in the lunchroom at school. $69.95
RESOURCES
JellyBean Arts: sue@jellybeanarts.com; jellybeanarts.com
NSR Creative: mosaic@nsrcreative.com; nsrcreative.com
Hammacher Schlemmer: 800-321-1484, hammacher.com/Product/87141
Jewish National Fund: 800-542-TREE (8733); jnf.org
ShameOnJane: ShameOnJane.com
Megan Goldkamp Jewelry: etsy.com
Your Holy Land Store: 716-418-8211, yourholylandstore.com
You Kick Ass: http://www.youkickass.com/
Campus Quilt: 800-880-8534; campusquilt.com
Destiny Candle: 855-557-5700; destinycandle.com
Gift Card of the Month: clubsgalore.com
This story is from the 2015 Mitzvah Market Magazine. If you would like to request a free copy, click here.
