March 19th, 2014
March has arrived and this means only one thing…March Mitzvah Madness.
If you have a child who enjoys playing basketball or watching the excitement of the popular NCAA college tournament on TV, we have some really great ideas to include in your celebration.
Always a popular theme, here’s our full court press of creative ideas.
Melissa Imberman from The Event of a Lifetime, Inc. brought us this unique idea which we have never seen before! At a recent basketball themed Bat Mitzvah, the two grandfathers participated in a “jump ball” which determined who got to recite the Motzi.
Refs stand by as the grandfathers go for the jump ball!
Get all the important party information with these clever basketball inspired invitations.
This basketball themed invitation from the The Invitation Lady includes a textured card and a side slot for details
Dear Friends delivers a slam dunk with this actual basketball invitation that arrived in a box
Elegance, sophistication and basketball were the elements used for this special Bat Mitzvah invitation. Elegantly Stated and their letterpress vendor Spark Stationery Love
Sports is a popular Bar and Bat Mitzvah theme and the logo is a good starting point that could be used on favors, menu cards, Gobos…and more! Take a look at these logos below:
From MazelTovGear.com for March Madness
Designed by Gotham T-shirts for a Bar Mitzvah logo and shirt favors
Jaylor Party Favors has created many basketball logo’d wearables
Marcus Madness created by thecoolestgiveaways.com
Many March Madness options from A Promos USA
Where are my seats for the “Big Dance?” Check out these clever place cards.
Flower Power Designs created place cards that looked like sports tickets
Wow Creations used college logos on each place card
The Miller Family Spotlight featured a March Madness theme and used used stand up place cards from Parties by Debi
Ruth Ridgeway Designs created ticket place cards along with a 3-D background featuring favorite college teams for “Matt Madness”
For non-stop hoops action, check out these great interactive options that will make your guests hoping for overtime!
From Interactive Entertainment Group, this fun interactive hi-tech basketball game is enclosed with authentic chain link fencing. The backboard is made to look like the side of a brick apartment building. All graphics on the scoreboard can be customized including the background image and two places for logos or photos. Music is queued to play themed tunes
Simon Elliot Events is the creator of “Mitzvah Madness” where players can simultaneously face-off and are given 60 seconds to score as many baskets as possible. The highest score for each round will determine a winner for the round and will update the overall tournament leader board. Tournament is run by two professional attendants dressed as basketball referees and can be customized with a picture of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child and their logo
Transform your venue into March Madness with some of these great ideas for centerpieces and room decor.
Emily Whitman of Fantasy Creations worked with Jersey Street Furniture to create a room where you feel like you were sitting court side
For this “Bar Knicksvah” themed Bar Mitzvah, United Floral Events brought in two hoops which were at both ends of the dance floor and decorated them with basketballs and flowers
Hal Prince Music & Entertainment provided the fun for this Bar Mitzvah with centerpieces by Diana Gould Ltd
Make-a-Ball allows you to put your picture and/or logo on a variety of sports balls which can be used as part of your decor
This basketball themed Mitzvah took place at Ultimate 575
Photo Credit: Denisimo Photo and Video
Balloon Artistry created a centerpiece with cutout photos of Bar Mitzvah boy and a college player for this March Madness themed celebration
Lighter Than Air and Party Harty transformed a temple ballroom into a hoop dream with this great decor
Make your decor irresistible with Covered in Candy who used basketballs and initials covered in candy with basketball colors
AJH Entertainment is the music entertainment at a celebration which uses a basketball floor decal
Total-Party dresses up this Mitzvah with a basketball themed centerpiece
A total Gator themed table setting from a Bar Mitzvah by PRI Productions
Kim of Marquis Florals was the Party Planner for this Bar Mitzvah which featured a Basketball court as a dance floor.
Graphics by Unlimited Exposures
Let’s not forget it’s sometimes the small details we remember the most!
Sarah Merians Photography & Video was at a Bar Mitzvah celebration where the theme began with the yarmulkes!
Maybesew totally unique kippah made out of a t-shirt from your favorite team
Jennifer Hershey Events in Westport, Connecticut was the designer for this “Bring On The Madness” celebration featuring these menu cards
Photo Credit: Peter Oberc
Travesties Entertainment provided this photo from a celebration at Life… the place to be of a very creative sign in idea
Some fun movie madness to enjoy.
From Spot On Pictures, here’s a basketball themed montage for Jordan!
Watch here
Some sweet offerings for the post game festivities.
Sweet Grace designed a basketball cake for a Bar Mitzvah boy
The Sands Atlantic Beach hooped it up with a basketball themed cake for this Bat Mitzvah girl
What a treat for your guests from Eleni’s Cookies which bakes cookies in the shape of basketballs and are delicious, nut free and Kosher
From Jimmy Dee Entertainment, this March Madness celebration took place at the Renaissance Westchester Hotel
Did you have any March Madness ideas in your Mitzvah celebration? Email us at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
March 18th, 2014
The Pieced Palette believes that the best gift is a meaningful one that will be cherished by its recipient forever. They are known for their unique sign-in pillows as well as beautiful keepsakes to give as gifts.
Did you know they also can create a customized Program for your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah service too?
Working closely with their clients, they create a beautiful cover with detailed inside content about your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah service. The Program is a wonderful keepsake of your child’s milestone event.
When working with The Pieced Palette on your child’s custom Program, they will ask several questions, such as:
Will this Program be in English or will there be Hebrew wording and terms?
Will Torah and Haftarah chapter and verse notations be included?
Does your synagogue provide text that must be included?
Do you want to use an image in the program and do you have one in mind?
Do you want to include a letter from your child or your family?
Do you have an idea of what you want it to look like?
Would you like a list of honors (aliyahs, torah lifters, etc.) included in the program?
See a few samples below:
Sample Cover from a Service Program
In terms of schedule, The Pieced Palette suggests that clients start the process four weeks beforehand, if possible. They suggest building an extra week or more into the schedule if there is a long stretch of time within that four weeks where the client or clergy will be on vacation. This will give enough time for gathering content, formatting the program, proofing the program, getting it approved by clergy, printing it and delivering it to the client for their event. All of the work to get the Program ready can usually be done via email, telephone and fax.
Customized Program Cover
Inside of Customized Program
The staff at The Pieced Palette are looking forward to working with you to design a beautiful Program for your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah service. See more program samples here.
To learn more about Pieced Palette, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
March 15th, 2014
On November 16, 2013, a family from Westchester, New York, celebrated their daughter’s Bat Mitzvah at the Moderne Barn in Armonk, New York.
The spirit of the event was special as this family wanted a kid-focused party with modern elements that represented their daughter.
It all started with a great logo which was used on elements throughout the party and a unique Mad Libs sign-in idea!
The photographer was Casey Fatchett Photography and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the story.
The creative and modern logo for this Bat Mitzvah set the tone. The logo was designed with her initials both T and S. The vibrant color palette of the logo was dark blue, turquoise, green and yellow and was used on most of the party elements such as the napkins, water bottles, coffee cups, cake and dessert take-away bags, to name a few.
The letter “T” which is the first initial of the Bat Mitzvah girl’s name, was used in such a clever way
The party was held at the Moderne Barn restaurant which is an urban country chic space.
House of Flowers created the vibrant decor using large turquoise balloons which hung from the high ceiling.
The balloons really rose to the occasion in such a stylish way to fill the big space
Bursts of yellow flowers with blue and green ribbon accented the centerpieces alternating between high and low vases
Low centerpieces of greens and yellow in a white vessel and turquoise linens looked modern and elegant
Mad Libs was used as this Bat Mitzvah girls’ sign-in. It was designed by Cami’s Paperie on Etsy.com.
Guests were asked to fill in the blanks with Mad Libs-inspired sheets
Guests had fun filling them out and the Bat Mitzvah girl and her family loved reading all the messages!
Cazz NY Productions provided the music entertainment for this Bat Mitzvah girl who loves to dance and sing.
The DJ dancers wore branded t-shirts with her great logo
Turquoise hoodie buddies with built-in headphones were used as dance floor giveaways. Notice the blinged out microphone!
There were many special touches for dessert.
The Riviera Bakehouse created this colorful cake, the Bat Mitzvah girls’ favorite food!
Custom Lucite trays were used for serving milkshakes, warm cookies and cakepops
The Bat Mitzvah girl had her own sweatshirt shop created by The Entertainment Company, where each young guest could customize their own sweatshirt party favor.
Talia’s Sweatshirt Shop featured her logo in a unique way
Many of the Bat Mitzvah girl’s favorite treats were offered to her guests.
Cusin Duzin Donuts was on hand to make delicious fresh donuts
Of course the donut station incorporated the logo in their signage
Personalized paper accents included labels on take-home bags
Guests could also grab a water to go
There were even customized old fashioned milk bottles
Here is some advice from Talia’s Mom:
“Things can be back ordered or come in wrong and need to be redone so leave yourself plenty of time. It is fun to have a few surprises for your child on their special day…things that they don’t know will be at the party. As much as you want to have your child involved in the planning, remember that this is a party you are giving to them. It is less stressful when only one person is making most of the decisions. Keep things in perspective and have fun with it, it’s over before you can say “Mazel Tov!”
The following vendors helped to make this celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Moderne Barn, 914-730-0001
Photographer: Casey Fatchett Photography, 212-875-7599
Videographer: Jacklight Productions, 212-242-2562
Music Entertainment: Cazz NY Productions, 516-334-4305
Favor: Sweatshirts designed by Bat Mitzvah girl and Mom, printed by Haberdash.us
Décor/florist: House of Flowers, 914-698-2522
Custom sweatshirt shop, The Entertainment Company, 973-907-2710
Invitation: Designed by mom, printed by Cotton Paperie, 214-206-9522
Cake: Riviera Bakehouse, 914-674-0000
Mad Libs Sign-In: designed by Cami’s Paperie
Donuts: Cuzin Duzins Donuts, 347-724-6200
Custom Water: Drink More Custom Water, 800-483-0219
Venue Staff logo T-shirts: Pressed Custom Gear, peri@pressedcustomergear.com
Dresses for family members: Nordstrom and The Best Dressed of Westchester, 914-723-2244
Transportation: First Student, 914-668-2700
March 11th, 2014
The Keller family celebrated son Zach’s Bar Mitzvah on March 3, 2012, at the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center in Little Falls, New Jersey.
This was the perfect venue for baseball fan Zach!
Pictured L-R Dad Rich, Sister Samantha, Bar Mitzvah boy Zach and Mom Sharon.
The Photographer was Hallmarc and the rest of the vendors are listed at the end of the spotlight.
Mitzvah Invitation & Service
Zach’s service took place at Adath Shalom in Morris Plains, New Jersey. This Bar Mitzvah service included many special personal touches that were very unique.
Zach's theme was MLB - Major League Bar Mitzvah. The fold-over invitation and logo were designed by Zach’s Dad Rich, with help from Laura Dufour, a friend who is a graphic designer. As a special treat for Zach, Yogi Berra signed one of the invites!
The table covering on the Bimah was created in honor of Zach's parents' wedding and served as their Chuppah. It was also used for Zach's Brit Milah and Samantha's baby naming ceremony. It is made from a contribution of something white from every female member of Zach's extended family
Zach and Rich each had custom photo tallit created by CBL in West Orange, New Jersey. Zach's included photos of family milestone events such as his parent's Bar Bat Mitzvahs, their wedding, the kids’ baby namings, etc.
Rich’s tallit had pictures of both kids at different stages of their lives
Yarmulkes were all crocheted by Sharon, Zach’s Mom
Zack Keller's ceremony program cover featured artwork of Zach's favorite baseball team and was created by artist and special friend Steve Szynal
Mitzvah Venue & Style
The Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center located in Little Falls, New Jersey, is a great venue for a baseball fan like Zach.
Outside the venue
Inside you are surrounded by Yankee memorabilia, historical items and photos from Berra's career, including his 10 world championship rings!
Zach's Robert Graham Phillies shirt was from Sams Fine Men's Clothing and Samantha's dress was from www.thebaseballdress.com
Samantha wore a Phillies shawl and matching red shoes!
All of the kids were given a baseball jersey, created by ID Clothing, with Zach’s logo on the front and personalized with the number 13 and their name or nickname on the back. The kids changed into the jerseys when they arrived for the party
The waiters were all dressed in umpire uniforms created by their party planner, Joni Bronander
Mitzvah Details
In keeping with the theme, the baseball centerpieces were created by Sharon, Zach’s mom, using photographs taken by Lynne Mass, Zach’s grandmother.
Zach's sign-in locker was an idea that his Mom found on MitzvahMarket.com
The room ready for guests
The centerpieces included photos of Zach in baseball poses
Music & Entertainment
New York Motion provided the music entertainment with Marvin as their MC.
High fives all around as Zach entered with the New York Motion dancers
High fives all around as Zach entered with the New York Motion dancers
Michael Chaut from Monday Night Magic
Zach's friends were involved in the magic show each revealing a word to honor his big day!
Steve Nyman Caricatures
Zach had a puzzle ceremony instead of candle lighting ceremony. A caricature was created of Zach and cut into 13 pieces. Each person put a piece of the puzzle onto the board (instead of lighting a candle). This represented all of the important “pieces” of his life. Each person or group who was honored was asked to select a charity that was meaningful to them and a donation was made in Zach’s name
Each person or group honored was also described with a word that Zach selected from those around the Yogi Berra Museum (Honor, Selflessness, Generosity, Trustworthiness, Cooperation, Dependability, Respect, Acceptance, Loyalty, Community, Passion, Courage, Ambition)
Mitzvah Project
For Zach’s Mitzvah Project, he raised funds for his family charity: S.C.O.R.E. 4 The Cure. S.C.O.R.E. stands for Support Cancer Outreach Research and Education and is a 501c3 organization. The mission of the charity is to inspire kids and teens to use their passion for sports to conquer childhood cancers. Both Mom Sharon and Dad Rich are cancer survivors, so this charity is particularly meaningful to the family.
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Zach’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Yogi Berra Museum
Party Planner/Caterer/Umpire Staff Shirts: Joni Bronander, Events by Joni
Music Entertainment: Natasha, New York Motion, 201-768-3963/MC Marvin
Photographer: Hallmarc, 732-294-9200
Videographer: New Milford Productions, 610-888-1178
Invitation/Logo Design: Laura Dufour, lauradu4@gmail.com
Invitation Printing: Ocean Paper, oceanpaper@nyc.rr.com
Montage: Zach’s long-time Nanny, Susanna Varga
Jersey Favors: Alison, ID Clothing, 973-599-1530
Magic Entertainment: Michael Chaut, Monday Night Magic
Caricature artist: Steve Nyman Caricatures
Clothing for Rich and Zach (Phillies shirt): Sams Fine Men’s Clothing, 973-422-1000
Mom Sharon Dresses: Nita Ideas, 973-379-7711
Baseball dress for Samantha: www.thebaseballdress.com
Tallit: CBL, West Orange, New Jersey
Ceremony Program Cover: Steve Szynal, snsdesign@verizon.net
March 10th, 2014
EK Productions LTD. 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 your affair.
EK Productions now offers a unique line of illuminated decor items to enhance a lounge setting or create a beautiful table top look. Each stylish accent piece adds warmth to your decor and creates an elegant ambiance to your event space.
Event designers at EK Productions are happy to help you decide the decor that works best for your Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration.
White Birch Vase Centerpieces: Perfect as an accent piece around the ballroom or as a centerpiece for your tables, these LED white birch centerpieces add an elegant ambiance to each event
Crystal Beaded Lamps: Available in both 24” and 28″ with an LED implanted in the center of each lamp, these lamps can be illuminated in your choice of color
Wax Globe Centerpieces: Customized to illuminate a color of your choice, these wax globes are simplistic, yet beautiful.
Remote LED Oversized Cylindrical ‘Lamp-Lites’: Color-Changing LED’s and white spandex shade add a modern, club style look to your event
Sports Centerpieces in tall cylinders with lampshades offer an upscale feel
Hanging crystals adds to the elegance
“Referee” striped lampshade, perfect for a football centerpiece
Baseball centerpieces with “All-American” blue lampshades
Any sports theme works with these colorful decor pieces
To learn more about EK Productions LTD, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
March 8th, 2014
Are you looking to incorporate a Bar Bat Mitzvah theme into your child’s celebration but are not sure which one?
A theme provides a fun way to give your event its own style and decor.
With over 250 themed Bar Bat Mitzvah celebrations on our Website, we’ve gathered a sampling of some great ones for you to see!
Rock n Roll theme from Michael Jurick Photography
Facebook theme from Setting The Mood
Las Vegas theme from Townsley Portraits
Cruising theme from Beautiful Blooms
Project Runway theme from Occasions Online
“Saturday Night Live” theme from Abby Rose Photography
Miami Dolphins theme from Linzi Events
Broadway theme from Beautiful Blooms
Hoedown theme from Studio A Images
James Bond/007 theme from Diva With A Fork
Science Lab Experiment theme from 2 Sweet LLC
Hamptons theme from Eventful Productions
LSI: Denver theme from WM Events
Just ChillLAXing theme from Party Perfect
Juicy Couture theme from Brad Austin Florals
The Hunger Games theme from Caplan Miller Events
Boxing theme from Party Excellence
Julialand theme from Judy Paulsen Designs
Grand Prix Racing theme from Victoria Dubin Events
Chocolate theme from The Event Of A Lifetime
The Jewish Star theme from Felici Events
TV Show theme from Balloon Artistry
College Sports theme from Eventastic Parties
Makeup and bling theme from Oh So Fabulous Events
Baltimore Ravens theme from Evoke Events DC
Comedy Club theme from Fringe and Company
Did you have a creative theme? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
February 25th, 2014
Hollywood is getting ready for the biggest party of the year and so are you!
In celebration of this year’s 86th Academy Awards, we bring you Hollywood-themed ideas!
From centerpieces to favors, there are plenty of ways to make your Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration unique and make your child feel like a star!
Check out these ideas below:
These “Walking to the Bimah” invitations from Low Schmaltz will make this Bar Mitzvah a premiere to remember
Your guests will feel like a star with these place cards from Balloon Artistry
Ann Marie Casey Photography took a picture of this great Gobo on the wall for Emily’s Bat Mitzvah
Exceptional Events created this movie reel centerpiece
Total-Party Events Hollywood inspired centerpiece created with balloons
Carolyn Dempsey Design worked with event planner Melisa Imberman of The Event of a Lifetime on creating this red carpet entrance to a Mitzvah celebration
Artwork for favors from MazelTovGear.com
Hollywood East Videos gives this Bat Mitzvah girl an authentic Hollywood experience on the red carpet as the paparazzi looks on
A Hollywood themed montage from Lafayette Hills Studios which brings the Bar Bat Mitzvah child into movies – fun to shoot and a real blockbuster at the party!
Casual Candids Photography created this sign-in board for the Bat Mitzvah girl
Picture Us Perfect can create an authentic Hollywood step and repeat – a great backdrop for photos with your guests
A collage of Hollywood ideas from TheCoolestGiveaways.com
Flower Power Designs created a scene with the Bat Mitzvah girl and blow-ups of Taylor Swift and Channing Tatum on the red carpet
From A Promos USA/Imagemaker, Hollywood shines in 2014 with new fabric that sparkles
Customized Hollywood Step and Repeat backdrop from Lighter Than Air
From Ruth Ridgeway Designs this Hollywood decor includes hanging “Walk of Fame” stars and Oscar colors in the lounge area for “The Brandon Awards” at The Bijou Theater
From Bluefin Works these tent style movie film place cards are perfect for a Hollywood themed celebration
Strolling Table has a Hollywood theme table to offer hors d’oeuvres, desserts, place cards, or party favors to your guests
Did you have a Hollywood theme at your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
February 25th, 2014
The Weinstein family celebrated daughter Eliana’s Bat Mitzvah on November 9, 2013 at Temple Beth Shalom in Lawrence, New York.
For a Bat Mitzvah girl who loves to act, the party theme was Holl”E”wood.
Lucky for Eliana her mom is a talented graphic artist who thoughtfully integrated the theme with amazing details. We loved the invitations, Website, decor and hysterical montage which deserves an Oscar!
Pictured L-R : Dad Jonathan, Bat Mitzvah girl Eliana, Mom Michal, Sisters Meira, Reva and Brother Jacob.
The photographer was Jerry Meyer Studio and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
Since the family is Orthodox, there was no service, but the reception was held at Temple Beth Shalom.
The custom service program and kippot were red and black keeping with the party color palate
The invitation gives guests a hint of what’s to come at the celebration, so the Weinsteins chose to create a pop-up invite that definitely conveyed the theme of the party! Instead of response cards, they opted to create a Website, partywitheliana.com where guests could RSVP and get to know all about Eliana. It was customized to go with the invitations and theme. The Website and invitations were done by Mom Michal’s company MLW Design.
Mom Michal designed the pop-up invitations
Custom stamps were used as a finishing touch
The Weinstein family looked very Hollywood chic. Eliana wore a custom Zoe Ltd. cocktail dress.
Dad wore a custom David Lance New York Suit, Mom wore a beautiful Lavan couture dress. The girls are wearing Zoe Ltd Custom
Eliana was very much the star
Bat Mitzvah girl Eliana is into acting, so naturally it felt right to go with the Hollywood theme.
Eliana posing with some of her favorite life-size characters
Danielle of Party Excellence made the decor process easy using a color palate of red, black and gold. With the help of Dina from D Squared, the linens added a beautiful touch of glamour. They used gold and black velvet cloths as well as red leather cloths for the buffet.
No Hollywood theme is complete without a step and repeat background and a red carpet
“Welcome to HollEwood” signage and celebrity cut-outs greeted guests as they entered
There were black and red feathers in LED vases and custom E! centerpieces
Custom “E!”centerpieces
Eliana’s friends enjoyed their own lounge area
The sign-in was a gold mirror that now hangs in Eliana’s room.
Malka Entertainment provided the non-stop dancing and music entertainment.
Eliana and her dad both up in the air!
Making her way into the room for her entrance
The guest of honor with her parents
Everyone was on the dance floor
Great polka-dot headband give-aways
Eliana’s parents created a clever song for their daughter that parodies the pop hit, “I Love It.”
This song was featured in her montage. Watch it here
The Weinstein family created a very funny and unique montage by going to a big Hollywood montage maker!
Watch their montage here
Eliana’s friends got a variety of favors…or “swag” as they called it.
Bloomingdale’s-inspired swag signage for the “little brown bag”
Each bag had a custom pencil case with ear buds
Custom made with the “E” printed on each
For Eliana’s Mitzvah Project, she invited over 20 of her friends who helped create beautiful necklaces. The family delivered these to children at a cancer ward on their trip to Israel for Sukkot holiday.
Eliana proudly showing her beautiful bracelets
Many different styles and colors were created
Some advice from Mom Michal:
“I started early booking the venue and DJ and started gathering pictures and videos for the montage early too. The earlier you start the less stressed you are. I also kept a notepad where anytime I saw a great idea I jotted it down. I used Pinterest to pin great Hollywood ideas.”
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The following vendors helped to make Eliana’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Beth Shalom of Lawrence, 516-569-3600
Party Planner/Pop-Up Invitation/Favors: Mom Michal Weinstein, MLW Design, 917-301-2584
Photographer/Videographer: The Jerry Meyer Studio, 516-688-7722
Music Entertainment: Malka Entertainment, 718-946-4441
Decor: Danielle, Party Excellence, 516-790-1361
Party entertainment photo booth: Naomi Cohen, 516-849-6047
Graffiti booth/Sign-In Board: Parties by Gail, 516-569-3962
Montage: Lenny Manzo Productions, 516-241-5036 and MLW Design
Linen: D Squared Events, 516-697-8949
Mom’s Dress: Lavan Couture, 347-374-1376
Bat Mitzvah girl dress: Blimi, Zoe Ltd. Custom, 516-857-1256
Dad’s Suit: David Lance New York Suit
Hair: Stacy, Elements Salon, 516-295-4900 x:537
Makeup: Elena from Makeup Essentials, Elements Salon 516-295-4900
February 25th, 2014
By Elyse Goldstein, www.parentingmovesu.com
To date, my family and I had the wonderful experience of planning two incredible Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah celebrations. Neither one was traditional.
For our older son Matthew, we chose to go to Israel to mark this milestone event. Matthew along with his best friend Sam became Bar Mitzvahs on Masada. My friend Debbie and I planned the trip and it was truly the experience of a lifetime. Twenty-six family members joined us, including grandparents! We hiked, participated in an archeological dig, and enjoyed each and every area that we explored. It was by far one of the most incredibly meaningful moments in all of our lives. The following year, Matthew reread his Torah parsha and we hosted a luncheon in his honor which included family and friends. We had a mentalist and magician working the room. He loved it, and so did the many kids, family and friends that attended. It was fun to do something different.
As incredible as Matthew’s Bar Mitzvah was, nothing could prepare us for what was coming next. On September 16, 2010 we celebrated another life enhancing event in our family, our youngest child Hank was born! Our daughter Emily’s Bat Mitzvah was scheduled for September 25, 2010, talk about blessings, this was one for the books! I had a really great pregnancy and our kids were so excited about the possible notion of having a Bris and a Bat Mitzvah in the same weekend. My husband and I laughed at the notion. We didn’t even know the sex of the baby and my amniotic fluid for some reason was high the whole pregnancy and the doctors thought I would deliver early. I didn’t even have a dress for myself. I refused to commit to wearing something maternity, adjustable or “tentish.” After-all, I figured that I would have a little time.
I guess we have to always believe in the power of prayer, and our kids must have prayed hard. Their WISH was ANSWERED! Our son Hank was born on the 16th with a little jaundice. As a result, the date of his bris was Sunday September 26th. Thus making this the “Bris Mitzvah” weekend.
The children who prayed hard for their Bris Mitzvah weekend!
Pictured clockwise: Bat Mitzvah girl Emily holding baby Hank, Matthew, Simon and Charlotte
Our family was thrilled, and Emily was beaming being photographed at her Bat Mitzvah with her less than two week old brother. I was in disbelief, excited, enthusiastic and recovering from a C-section. My friend Lisa suggested a personal shopper on the miracle mile for a dress and everything came together, I bought a dress off the rack and it was perfect.
The baby was only photographed with my immediate family at the synagogue, and then he was whisked away to the Lawrence Club, where Emily’s party took place. We were extremely comfortable with the nurse because we had her previously – that was a big load off of my head.
There were some mishaps that night and I was alternating between attending the party and nursing the baby (who remained upstairs in a bridal suite with the nurse) so there were some things that were out of my control. The evening was incredible and we arrived home at 2am, to get ready for our next event.
The bris took place at 9am in the morning, at our house and we used the fabulous balloon centerpieces from the night before, to give Hank’s day a festive flare. For months I heard that people were talking about our incredible weekend.
I am so glad to have shared this incredible story with Mitzvah Market, and remember, no matter how hard you plan, sometimes the unexpected happens. Ultimately, what’s important is that the people that matter are in the room to share in your celebration.
My father Hank Held, whom our son Hank was named for, always said, “Life is meant to be lived and enjoyed and sometimes what seems impossible to achieve becomes your finest hour.” I live by those words and cherish my 5 incredible children, my husband and our good friends and family.
Elyse and her husband Andrew with their 5 beautiful children
Mazel Tov to the entire Goldstein family and we thank them for sharing their special weekend with our readers.
February 9th, 2014
By Melissa Stoller
“Welcome Home.” That’s the message we got throughout our two trips to Israel to celebrate our two daughters’ Bat Mitzvahs. It’s a poignant message that resonated strongly with us as we were being welcomed to our Jewish homeland and land of our ancestors.
The Israel Ministry of Tourism welcomes visitors on its website and encourages Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrations there. “No one belongs here more than you,” it states. And that is just how we felt when we decided to travel to Israel in honor of our daughters’ accomplishments and to forge deeper connections to Israel, our religion, our family and our Jewish community.
Many families decide to make this trip before or after their child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah service at their home synagogue to make the mitzvah year more meaningful. Others travel there to actually conduct the service in Israel and there are many ways to accomplish this long-distance event by participating in a specialized Bar/Bat Mitzvah tour, working with a private guide or even planning it yourself.
However you do it, the welcoming spirit of the country makes it a special place to celebrate. Here are some tips on how to have a great trip:
The Ceremony, Celebration and Tour – With a Group, a Private Tour, or Do It Yourself
When you are traveling to Israel for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony or just to celebrate your child’s milestone, you can choose to take a group tour, use a private guide or plan it yourself. There are pros and cons for each choice. Here’s what you need to know to make the decision.
With a group tour and Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony, everything is taken care of for you from the travel arrangements, touring options and enrichment, many meals and the actual service and festivities. Such groups usually consist of families with children the same ages so there will be much bonding over shared experiences. These trips can also be intergenerational, so parents, grandparents, and even siblings can potentially meet peers with whom they can form friendships. The tour company will take care of all logistics and will arrange for the rabbi, the Bar/Bat Mitzvah service and the celebration afterwards. Usually with a group, all your airfare and hotels will be included in the price, and many tour companies offer a fully complimentary tour for the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child.
On a private tour a qualified Israeli tour guide will handle all the logistics and can customize the tour to your exact specifications. A private guide can also handle all the Bar/Bat Mitzvah service and party details. You have maximum input on the type and location of the ceremony as well as the sites you will explore, and complete flexibility on travel dates. Also, the tour guide will accommodate all reasonable requests about touring options, hotels, restaurants, and timing of each day. (If you are late risers this might be very helpful and if you’d rather have a less regimented schedule, this allows you to dictate the pace of the day.) Also, if you are traveling with elderly grandparents who might need extra assistance, or with very young children, a private tour might allow you to best accommodate their needs. Further, on a private tour, you can really maintain an in-depth dialogue with your tour guide about your personal interests including historical, biblical, political and current events. If you have a large family group, this is a wonderful option, but with a smaller group, your child might prefer being with other same-aged children on the journey. On a private tour, you will likely plan your own flight and hotel arrangements, although many tour companies do offer these services.
For a Do-It-Yourself Tour you need to do thorough research yourself regarding the Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony, celebration, plus all your day trips. This is the ultimate in flexibility and it works very well if you have family in Israel that you are visiting or if you have been to Israel before and know exactly what you want to see and do.
The Israel Ministry of Tourism can help with logistical details including providing names of rabbis and suggestions about where to hold the service, party locations and accommodations. Go to: www.goisrael.com and search “Jewish themes” under “tourist information.”
Your hometown rabbi and/or a Bar/Bat Mitzvah tutor may also be able to assist you in gathering the appropriate materials, Torah portion and prayers to include in your own special service.
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Ceremony Sites
The Israel Ministry of Tourism offers a comprehensive website of ideas and resources to plan bar/bat mitzvah services and celebrations in many locations. Go to: www.bar-and-bat-mitzvah-in-israel.com. The most popular locations include The Kotel (Western Wall), Masada, Neot Kedumim (a nature preserve between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem), Safed, and the Jerusalem Archaeological Park/Davidson Center. The most popular days for services are Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays (although the Davidson Center is closed on Saturdays).
For specific information about having a Bar Mitzvah at the Kotel, visit www.barmitzva.thekotel.org/en. Bar Mitzvah services are held on Monday and Thursday mornings when the Torah portions are read. Note that services are held in the Orthodox tradition, so if you choose a Bar Mitzvah at The Kotel, men and women will have separate prayer areas and female relatives will not be able to stand with the Bar Mitzvah boy. It is recommended to coordinate the details at least a month in advance, and six months in advance if you are interested in also touring the Western Wall Tunnels or other areas of interest. Note that Orthodox ceremonies are also conducted in the Western Wall Tunnels. At this point, girls are not permitted to have a Bat Mitzvah at The Kotel, although the Israeli Government is studying the issue. For further information about Bar and Bat Mitzvah ceremonies at The Kotel and the Jerusalem Archaeological Park, see http://www.jewishjournal.com/bar_and_bat_mitzvahs/article/bat_mitzvah_at_the_kotel_is_it_possible.
The Jerusalem Archaeological Park is also a good choice for Bar and Bat mitzvahs. Families may celebrate together as the service is conducted according to the family’s religious affiliation. The ceremony may take place at Robinson’s Arch adjacent to the Western Wall prayer area. During ceremonies at the Southern Wall, the guests and congregation sit on the Hulda Steps, which are the ancient stone steps that led up to the Second Temple.
There are also many other sites throughout Israel that are conducive to ceremonies such as the Tower of David Museum, the Hurva Synagogue and other synagogues throughout the country (several are listed on the Israel Ministry of Tourism site).
Planning for an Israeli Bar/Bat Mitzvah Service
Age of the Celebrant
According to the Israel Ministry of Tourism, it is customary for a Bar Mitzvah boy to be at least 13 years and a day old, according to the Hebrew calendar. For a girl, it is customary to be at least 12.
Bar/Bat Mitzvah Certificate
The Israel Ministry of Tourism will provide a beautiful Bar/Bat Mitzvah certificate. Contact them at least 21 days in advance of the ceremony and fill out the online form on their website. If you are participating in a group or private tour, the tour operator will arrange for a certificate.
Learning a Torah Portion
Once you finalize your travel dates, the rabbi you work with in Israel, either through your tour or privately, will coordinate your Torah portion and study materials based on the date of the service. You will have time before the ceremony to become familiar with the materials and to be fully prepared for the special day.
Travel Tips
When to Go
If you are working with a tour group, the most popular times to go are summer vacation or in December during winter break. If you are doing a private tour or DIY, you have more flexibility in timing.
Also, consider the weather when planning the service. Most tour companies recommend that if the service is in December, plan for Masada or another southern location rather than Jerusalem as it can get too cold there for an outdoor service. Conversely, the summer heat can be very intense, so if you plan to hold the service in Masada or another outdoor destination especially in the southern parts of the country, secure a shady spot in advance.
Essentials to Pack
If you are traveling in the spring or summer, pack lots of sunblock, hats and long skirts and shawls for girls and women to preserve modesty when going to The Kotel. Also, make sure you carry lots of water. In winter, a light jacket and sweaters are recommended. An adapter is essential for plugging in American appliances.
You can bring your own tallit, but if you wish to buy one when you are in Israel you’ll find many specialized shops such as the famous Gabrieli Talit Shop located in Old Jaffa in Tel Aviv and in Jerusalem. www.gabrielirubin.co.il.
Flights
Flight time is approximately 11 hours with many different carriers available. We have flown El Al, where you feel an immediate connection with Israel as you start eating hummus en route. Take advantage of the long flight by reading about the history of Israel and sharing Jewish-themed children’s books with any younger family members.
Length of Trip and Destinations
The Bar/Bat Mitzvah trip can be any length that suits your family’s timeframe and budget. If you plan to tour Israel along with conducting a ceremony, stay at least 8 nights if possible, although 10-12 nights, or even 15 nights, is really ideal. A longer trip will allow for more in depth travel throughout the country.
On our first trip, we stayed 10 nights; two nights in Tel Aviv, three in Tiberias/Golan Heights, and five in Jerusalem (with a day trip to Masada and the Dead Sea). With eight nights on our second trip, we stayed two in Tel Aviv; then we went south with our guide and stopped for lunch and a camel ride at a Bedouin tent and for a drive through the Makhtesh Ramon; then three nights in Eilat (with a day in Petra, Jordan), and three nights in Jerusalem, stopping for a swim at the Dead Sea and hiking at Ein Gedi along the drive north. On both trips, we enjoyed Shabbat dinners in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, truly highlights of our experiences.
I am already planning another trip to celebrate my third daughter’s simcha in 2018!
Making it Fun for Siblings and Family
Make sure you include activities and sights that the whole family will enjoy. Of course the focus is on the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child but also consider the interests of older or younger siblings, as well as any grandparents. Either before or after the ceremony, add activities such as river rafting, camel riding, participating in an archaeological dig, doing a scavenger hunt or other wonderful enrichment opportunities.
Activities to consider:
In and Around Jerusalem:
*The Israel Museum and the Scroll of the Book
*The Tower of David Museum
*Walking the Old City Ramparts in Jerusalem
*Jerusalem Scavenger Hunt with Ross Culiner in Jerusalem (they are working on a Bar/Bat Mitzvah scavenger hunt)
*Western Wall Tunnels
*Hezekiah’s Water Tunnels in Jerusalem
*Machane Yehuda market in Jerusalem
*Yad Vashem
*Chagall Windows at the Hadassah Medical Center
*Archaeological Dig at Beit Guvrin Caves at Tel Maresha with “Dig for a Day Archaeological Seminars”
In and Around Tel Aviv:
*Independence Hall
*The Ayalon Institute
*The Palmach Museum (for ages 6 and over)
*Nachalat Binyamin Arts and Crafts Market
*Carmel Market (Shuk Ha’Carmel)
*The Tel Aviv Museum of Art
*Tel Aviv Port
*Swimming in the Mediterranean Sea
In the North:
*Jeep Ride in the Golan Heights
*Rafting on the Jordan River
*Lunch or overnight at a Kibbutz
*Boat ride and dinner at Decks on Lake Kinneret
*Tree planting at a Jewish National Fund site
In the South:
*Bedouin Tent experience
*Touring The Makhtesh Ramon in the Negev Desert
*Touring Masada
*Swimming in the Dead Sea
*Hiking and swimming in a waterfall at Ein Gedi
*Coral World Underwater Observatory and Marine Park in Eilat
*Boat ride on the Red Sea
Other Overseas Locations for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah
On our trip to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, this past December, we toured The Hebrew Congregation of Saint Thomas Synagogue, and happened to witness two girls from the United States preparing for their b’nai mitzvah ceremony. To find out more go to: www.synagogue.vi. Also, Touro Synagogue in Newport, Rhode Island, which is American’s oldest synagogue, is available for Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremonies. Go to: www.tourosynagogue.org.Totally Jewish Travel offers Bar/Bat Mitzvah trips to Israel, Hungary and London. www.totallyjewishtravel.com/bar_bat_mitzvah/.
Melissa Stoller is the co-author of The Parent-Child Book Club: Connecting With Your Kids Through Reading (HorizonLine Publishing, 2009), and the author of numerous articles about family-related topics.
This story is from the 2013 Mitzvah Market Magazine. If you would like to request a free copy, click here.
