August 23rd, 2015
Who better to find the latest and greatest for all-things Bar Bat Mitzvahs than our own Mitzvah Moms?
When Rachel Greenblatt had her celebration she wanted her Bat Mitzvah theme to be “Rachel’s Runway.” Her Mom packed this celebration with creative ideas.
In keeping with the Rachel’s Runway theme, her Mom bought a dress form from Pier One for her sign-in board.
Guests used purple Sharpies to leave a special message for Rachel
Each table was named after a different fashion magazine and as an added surprise, each guest received a current copy of the magazine
To see the rest of this Mitzvah Family Spotlight, click here.
To see our past Mitzvah Mom Find, click here.
August 23rd, 2015
Are you looking for a unique Bar Bat Mitzvah gift?
Your Broadway Song creates an original one-of-a-kind Broadway Style Song all about the honored Bar/Bat Mitzvah! The songs are written by professional composers/lyricists in New York City and then can be performed at your celebration by Broadway singers.
We spoke to Your Broadway Song to get more information on how this works:
MM: How do you work with your clients on getting started on a custom song?
YBS: We send the client a detailed questionnaire to start with all about the honored Bar/Bat Mitzvah. The next step is we either have a face to face meeting or a phone call with the family to really get a sense of who the person is that we are writing about. Then our writers get to work. We always keep the client up to date with our creative process. Once we have a good chunk of the song we send them a preliminary mp3 with the music and lyrics and once that is approved we continue to put the finishing touches on it. The final version, a demo created by the writers, is then sent to the client for approval.
MM: Is Your Broadway Song only for Theatre Themed Bar/Bat Mitzvahs?
YBS: Many of the songs that we write are for theatre themed Bar/Bat Mitzvah’s, but they don’t have to be. The beauty of Your Broadway Song is that it is a unique gift that will last a lifetime. Even if theatre is not a huge part of the person’s life, it actually becomes more of an amazing surprise to have an original song written about you.
MM: How does your client select the type of song?
YBS: We do not use current popular songs. Every song is completely original and unique. Original music and original lyrics written specifically for the Bar/Bat Mitzvah. This is what truly makes it Your Broadway Song. We work with the client to establish the style of song that they are interested in. Whether it is the Golden Age of Broadway to a Contemporary Broadway sound, we can create it!
MM: What type of finished product do you deliver?
YBS: The customer always receives a demo of the song created by the writers. One of the additional features that we have is to have the song professionally recorded by a Broadway singer. The recording packages can be anything from a simple piano track all the way to a Big Broadway Orchestra accompaniment. The ultimate is having the Broadway singer at your event singing “live!”
MM: Tell us about the sample song below?
YBS: Below is a link to a recent song that we wrote for a Bat Mitzvah. It’s a one minute cut of the song to give you a taste. The song is called “The Gift of Gabby.” The client’s daughter LOVES Broadway and musical theatre and they were having a theatre themed Bat Mitzvah. We had a lot of fun with this one because the parents wanted to poke fun at her a little bit. With this particular client, they chose the Off Broadway Package, which is our basic package of just having the original song written and no singer provided. They brought in the Bat Mitzvah girl’s friends to learn and sing the song at the event!
Listen to this song here.
MM: At what point during the Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration would this be sung?
YBS: The song can be sung at any point. It can kick off the celebration, it can be presented after the speeches or after the candle lighting ceremony. If it is a gift from the parents, then a very moving spot would be to have it after the parents’ speech.
MM: How do you choose what to write about in a song?
YBS: We have a detailed interview process. If the clients are in New York, we will go to their home and ask them all about their son or daughter. If our clients aren’t in the New York area, we have their interview via Skype. We work with clients all across the country. During the interview we find out about their hobbies, their likes, their dreams, their family, their friends and more. We find out what makes them unique. The songs that we create are completely original with custom music and lyrics, so it’s important to us to really have an understanding of who the person is that we are writing about.
MM: Tell us about bringing in a “Star” to perform at the Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration:
YBS: Our biggest package is called, “The Tony Package,” and it involves not only writing an original song about the Bar Bat Mitzvah child, but bringing in a big name to perform the song at the event. We work with the client to come up with the perfect star. Usually, it’s finding a name that their child would be blown away to see. Our most recent Tony Package was a Bar Mitzvah in New York where we brought in a big star who is actually known for her work in Movies and Television (we wish we could tell you who it was!). The clients’ wanted the original song we wrote to be sung by the Bar Mitzvah boy’s friends and wanted the Star to perform a two-song medley with their son. We arranged for the Star to come to the clients’ home where she spent the afternoon rehearsing the songs with the Bar Mitzvah boy. The following week she performed at the party. The original song and the duet between the Star and the Bar Mitzvah boy were the highlight of the night! After the performance the Star stayed and took pictures with the guests and signed autographs. It was one memorable night!
Your Broadway Song recipients receive a truly unique and memorable experience highlighting precious moments in their life. These moments and their custom song can be shared from generation to generation.
To learn more about Your Broadway Song, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
August 19th, 2015
Bar and Bat Mitzvah themes can be reflected in every element of your child’s celebration, from the invitation to decor to the menu and favors.
Since another Bar and Bat Mitzvah season is upon us, we are here to help you and your child in the search for the perfect theme.
Here is a list of some of the most popular Bar Bat Mitzvah themes, we hope they inspire you!
1.SPORTS
Baseball was the theme which is Bar Mitzvah boy Casey’s passion. This party was done with a vintage feel and his logo, “Casey @ the bat” was taken from the famous baseball poem, “Casey at the Bat” written by Ernest L. Thayer. To read more about this celebration, click here.
Zach’s Mom was involved with the decor and favors around ZSPN, an ESPN-inspired theme, for Bar Mitzvah boy Zach. See more of this sports themed celebration here.
2. FASHION
This young woman is a budding fashion designer, so she could think of no other theme suitable for her upcoming Bat Mitzvah than her very own spin on Lifetime’s hit TV show. The place cards were fashion illustrations done by the Bat Mitzvah girl! See more of this fashion themed celebration here.
In keeping with the Rachel’s Runway theme, Mom bought a dress form from Pier One for Rachel’s sign-in board. See more of this fashion themed celebration here.
3. CANDY
Vivian Ruth celebrated her Bat Mitzvah with a “Candy Extravaganza” because her name so closely resembles “Baby Ruth.” Mitzvah Mom Sandra created all the amazing edible centerpieces. See more of this candy themed celebration here.
This is a great example of taking any child’s name and combining it with “land” to create a unique custom candy theme! See more of this celebration here.
4. CHILD’S NAME/INITIALS
The Cohn family wanted to use their last name for a “Cohny Island” themed party. See more from this celebration here.
Live from Ann Arbor, Michigan…it’s Saturday Nat Live (short for Natalie). This Bat Mitzvah girl is a fan of NBC’s long running hit, Saturday Night Live. See more from this celebration here.
5. ROCK N ROLL
Dylan loves rock n roll – thus the theme! Dad Leo bought old 45 records and created his own labels with information about the service and party on the back and front! See more from this celebration here.
Jaden loves Broadway and theater and Jonah loves music. Their logo was based on a Broadway show that was about music!…Rock Of Ages. See more from this celebration here.
6. CAMP
The Silverman family decided to celebrate their daughter Jillian’s Bat Mitzvah at Camp Pontiac in Copake, New York, on a beautiful fall weekend. See more of this celebration here.
“Rustic, playful and warm” are the words that inspired this fun “camp” themed Bat Mitzvah luncheon complete with chocolate brown carpeting and brown tent-pole covers. See more from this celebration here.
7. TRAVEL
It was an “Around The World” theme for Bat Mitzvah girl Tess. As guests checked, VIP agents were there to receive their passports to the country they would be traveling to and give their table assignments. See more from this celebration here.
The Feirstein family celebrated with a “Zack Airways” theme as he has loved airplanes and travel since he was a small child. See more from this celebration here.
8. COLOR
These flowers are colored by injecting pigments into the stem. See more tie dye ideas, here
.
Partie Girl created a kids lounge area with colorful bean bags chairs and pillows, see more from Lily’s Pad theme celebration here.
9. CLUB/LOUNGE
Balloon Artistry created a tropical themed Bat Mitzvah with fully customized colored lounge furniture, a custom backdrop, balloon sculpture palm trees with lights and custom logo pillows. To see more lounge ideas, click here.
The lounge area was done by NY Lounge Decor at Chelsea Piers NYC , to see more of this celebration, click here.
10. BROADWAY/TELEVISION SHOW
Here is the candle lighting ceremony for the B’nai Mitzvah of Jordyn and Joshua Lowenstein who are foodies so they chose shows from The Food Network as their theme. To read more, click here.
Beautiful Blooms created a mold of a head in green and a witches hat for the Wicked table. To read more about this
Bat Mitzvah, click here.
We hope you enjoyed some of our some of the most popular Bar & Bat Mitzvah themes. If you used one of these great themes for your child’s Mitzvah let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
August 19th, 2015
Interactive Entertainment Group is a nationwide direct source and full service event production company for Bar Bat Mitzvah parties.
They produce unforgettable events for their clients including the following elements: DJs/MCs, photo favors, lighting, cocktail hour entertainment, light-up lounges, specialty acts, interactive games, montages, entrance videos, fun food carts, a variety of craft and party favors, and party endings. What makes them different? They customize all the above elements to meet their clients style, vision, and budget.
SOMETHING NEW: LIVE PHOTOS!
If you are looking for something different, new and cool, check out Augmented Reality Photos! These photos that come to life are great for any Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration.
This new product uses Augmented Reality Technology. Watch their demo video here
Guests have their photo taken and have the choice of a beautiful 3D or 2D (4×6) photo print out.
Interested to learn how LIVE PHOTOS works. You can try it for yourself!
1. Download Interactive Entertainment Group’s free app from the app store for your smartphone or tablet.
You can either type in 3D live photo in the app store or use the QR code above
2. See TANATOR and Shark ZELDA and then hit the orange Animate Button. Experiment with moving the camera at different angles: View from left, right, up, down, close up, far away! 180 degrees in any direction.
Imagine your guests having fun with their party pictures using this app long after your child’s celebration is over!
To learn more, visit Interactive Entertainment Group.
August 12th, 2015
Carlyle Catering boasts four exceptional Long Island venues that are sure to make your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah memorable: Temple Israel of Lawrence, Carlyle at the Palace, Carlyle at the Omni, and Carlyle on the Green at Bethpage State Park.
Carlyle at the Palace is a contemporary chic venue specifically designed to host Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations. Conveniently located off the Long Island Expressway in Plainview, New York, the professional staff at Carlyle at the Palace will cater to your every need and create an extraordinary custom event just for your child.
Carlyle at the Palace is fully equipped with the latest in wireless technology –including screens and lighting. The venue is meant to be transformed into whatever your imagination desires – from a lively sports bar, to a trendy lounge, to an enchanting gala – to create a truly unique and unforgettable party.
Same incredible space, four different looks:
Carlyle at the Palace features an incredible bar area with ambient lighting
Unique seating arrangements featuring custom built tables by Carlyle Designs
Carlyle at the Palace has ample space for lounge furniture and high top tables for the kids
Fully transformed ballroom with draped cabanas and custom tables and chairs by Carlyle Designs
To learn more about Carlyle Catering, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
August 12th, 2015
The Candy Isle is a unique concept that brings the candy store to your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah party.
This first of its kind “store” can serve as your Bar Bat Mitzvah candy buffet with 18-36 bins of your favorite candy.
The Candy Isle has different configurations (straight, square, triangle and rectangle) allowing accessibility to many guests at one time.
You can truly be “ like a kid in a candy store!”
The containers, which commemorate your event, can also be your guests’ favors
To learn more, visit their Website.
August 12th, 2015
Remember when?
As you are planning your own child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah, it’s only natural to think back when you were 13 years old and were going through the same rite of passage. Were you calm, nervous? Do you still remember your torah portion?
Was your celebration in the afternoon, night? At a Temple or club? Did you have a theme?
We thought it might be fun to have a “Bar Bat Mitzvah Throw Back” with our Mitzvah Market readers and vendors.
Please email us (info@mitzvahmarket.com) your Bar or Bat Mitzvah picture and we will add it to our story below. Please also share any memories from your Bar or Bat Mitzvah service/celebration.
David Greenhill standing in from of his sign-in board at his Bar Mitzvah in 1985
Gili Warsett shared her funny “peace” themed Bat Mitzvah with www.kveller.com
Cheryl Block, circa 1980 at Temple Beth Torah, Philadelphia, PA
“Pictured above are my brothers and sisters at my brother Paul’s Bar Mitzvah in 1972. He’s the tallest on the right. I’m the cute girl in the middle and almost 2 years old. I don’t personally have any memories because I think I went to sleep in my stroller shortly after this picture. The affair was at Temple Shaare Zion in Brooklyn. My mother chose this venue because it was the most beautiful synagogue she knew of in Brooklyn. She had the service and kiddush luncheon the week before at our local synagogue. Then a week later, the Saturday evening celebration with a fabulous candy cart and his theme was sports related. The gowns were purchased at Lester’s in Brooklyn. At that time, Lester’s sold gowns. They were hanging from almost the ceiling of the store.” — Reader Stephanie Masheb
TV Executive Jeff Zucker is featured in Jill Rappaport’s book, Mazel Tov: Celebrities’ Bar and Bat Mitzvah Memories. He says, “I have vivid memories of my Bar Mitzvah. I remember that I wasn’t at all intimidated by being in front of people, or scared of it. I enjoyed it. I assumed that’s what you did and that it was a normal way you have a Bar Mitzvah. It was a good experience. You know, my Mom planned the whole thing. It probably took a year to do that. I was happy with it, the service and the party. And I remember the party was afterward at the Starlight Roof of the Doral Hotel in Miami Beach.”
Melissa Schorr, author of Goy Crazy celebrated her Bat Mitzvah in 1985 in Riverdale, New York and at Tardi’s in the Bronx. She remembers, “I was determined to wear white, like my cool older cousin had for her Bat Mitzvah earlier that year, so here is the sad style result: I look like a lace doily. My main memory of that day: having a big zit on my cheek that was immune to any cover-up make-up we tried. The horror! My mother ended up having the photographer air brush it out of the final pictures”
Kids Mitzvah style then and now! On the left is Sheri Lapidus, founder of MitzvahMarket.com in a cranberry corderoy vest and skirt standing with her friend Randi Goldstricker on our way to a Bar or Bat Mitzvah in 1977. On the right, today’s 13 year olds going to a Mitzvah celebration! (L-R) Cassandra Heah, Carly Lapidus and Samara Chafitz. Oh how styles have changed!
Adam Cohen on his Bar Mitzvah day. Here is his memory, “What was the deal with Cross pen and pencil sets? Why do you need to give a 13 year old a pen and a pencil? I also remember some of the kids flipping butter from the forks onto the ceiling and the parents were not happy, but all and all I remember it being an amazing day!”
Marty Wohl’s Bar Mitzvah was in 1951 and he remembers being scared to death until those first words came out of his mouth!
Advertising guru and TV host Donny Deutsch celebrated his Bar Mitzvah in Queens in November, 1970. See more celebrity Bar/Bat Mitzvah pictures in Jill Rappaport’s book, Mazel Tov: Celebrities’ Bar and Bat Mitzvah Memories
Mike Greenspan remembers having far less kids at his Bar Mitzvah celebration than what his kids recently had at theirs!
Steven Gordon’s Mom remembers: My son’s Bar Mitvah was on a Sunday afternoon at Leonard’s in Great Neck. The suits were rented tuxedo’s. We didn’t want black and the tuxedo place in Bayside thought this was a good alternative. What did we know?! We had lots of fun. Viennese tables were all the rage, wheeled in after the dinner with great fanfare
Faron Greenfield from Low Schmaltz remembers, “While I wore the traditional suit and tie for the ceremony seen here, the party outfit was a Miami vice inspired pastel-colored suit, complete with the jacked sleeves pushed up. The evening’s entertainment was delivered by breakdancers and a DJ – who I still think has one of the best monikers for a Bar Mitzvah circuit DJ that I’ve ever heard – The Black Rabbi”
Roy Lapidus in his crushed blue velvet suit celebrated his Bar Mitzvah at Leonard’s in Great Neck on Halloween and remembers worrying about being egged!
Please email your picture to info@MitzvahMarket.com and let us know if you have any questions.
Thanks!
August 9th, 2015
Who better to find the latest and greatest for all-things Bar Bat Mitzvahs than our own Mitzvah Moms?
The Gordon family celebrated son Jack’s Bar Mitzvah on January 10, 2015, at Washington Hebrew Congregation, in Washington, DC.
Jack loves to ski and play tennis so when thinking about his Bar Mitzvah celebration, the family knew this themed event would be the perfect way to share his favorite hobbies with his favorite people.
There were some really unique pieces that were part of the day that added some love and fun including an 8 foot tall sign-in board covered in tennis balls in the shape of a “J” that was made by Jack and his grandfather Steve.
The amazing “J” sign-in was made of tennis balls created by Jack and his Grandpa. The family collected used tennis balls from several area tennis clubs and they spent several hours together sawing wood and attaching each tennis ball
Guests signed each tennis ball and this large “J” now hangs in Jacks’ room
To see the rest of this Mitzvah Family Spotlight, click here.
To see our past Mitzvah Mom Find, click here.
August 5th, 2015
Hart To Hart Entertainment is the longest running DJ Company in the New York area that has been performing at Bar Bat Mitzvah celebrations! Since 1981, they have amassed an outstanding reputation for service, sound system quality, and consistent DJ & MC excellence. The hundreds of fabulous customer evaluations they receive every year is a true testament to their outstanding quality and work ethic.
They are a One-Stop-Shop that offers all things entertainment for your Bar Bat Mitzvah Celebration!
Lounge Furniture and Lighted Bars: They are a premier furniture rental company and they service the entire New York and Tri-State area including Maryland, Boston, Baltimore, Providence, Michigan, Maine, and surrounding areas. Their extensive collection of lounge furniture rental inventory is among the highest quality in the industry.
Colorful kids’ lounge
Modern lounge with lighted pink accent tables
Lounge vignette with lighted tables and centerpiece
Unique lighted bar
Lighted Dance Floors: They offer the latest in designs and technology to create unique and colorful dance floors for non-stop dancing. They are happy to work with your Bar Bat Mitzvah theme and color scheme.
Changing colors are all the rage
Sleek dance floor to match your room decor
Guests of all ages love light-up dance stages
Interactive Games: Fun and games are a big part of your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah party. Hart to Hart Entertainment offers new interactive games such as Giant Light Brite and the Giant iPhone.
Imagine a giant Light Brite at your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah party
For interactive fun, the giant iPhone is the hit of the party
Live Musicians: Hart to Hart offers Event Entertainment and Bands, each with it’s own style and specialties.
Soloists/Harpists/Pianists: These versatile musicians can perform a diversified range of standards, Broadway show tunes, contemporary and classical music.
Live percussionist playing along with the DJ at a Bar Mitzvah
Live saxophone player at a Hart To Hart Live Bar Mitzvah. Hart to Hart Live is where we incorporate 3 or 4 musicians with a DJ package
For more information about Hart to Hart Entertainment, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
July 29th, 2015
Are you looking to throw a Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration that can’t be beat when it comes to fun?
Enter West Rock Events….Think less traditional and get the party started inside West Rock Indoor’s state-of-the art Entertainment Complex! Their venue boasts over 100,000 square feet of space, which can be tailored to any theme. They have held parties with a luxe nightclub feel to an all-out sports party with actual games played on a huge turf field. Whatever your concept is, they will help you create it.
They also offer several different catering options, including kosher caterers, and work with the tri-state areas hottest DJ and Entertainment providers.
Check out some photos from a recent sports Bar Mitzvah celebration:
Check out the huge space and flexible options at West Rock Events by visiting their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
