March 27th, 2021
Like many other Bar Bat Mitzvah planning families across the country, the Gerstels had planned a traditional party at a local venue for their daughter Gabby’s Bat Mitzvah. Gabby’s dad, Alan, is an ER doctor and on the front lines so they needed to adjust their plans. With COVID and cold weather, they decided to invite a few friends and family members to the service followed by a mask safe, drive-by at their temple in Livingston, New Jersey.
Pictured above (L-R): Brother Joshua, Mom Diana, brother Asher, Bat Mitzvah girl Gabby and dad Alan.
Mom Diana tells Mitzvah Market, “Despite the adjustments for Covid, Gabby’s Bat Mitzvah was beautiful and joyous, and the drive-by celebration was a blast.”
Gabby with her proud parents
Rain didn't stop the car parade!
Guests stayed in their cars with masks
Gabby handed out sweatshirt favors in bags which also included a logo cookie
Gabby with her brothers
They had also planned for a balloon backdrop for photos but the forecast called for a 100% chance of rain, so once again, they adapted. Despite the rain and snow and covid related disappointments, they had a wonderful day!
Bat Mitzvah Vendors:
Event Planner: Amy Rubel, Rubel Event Management
Photography: Joy Glenn Photography, 917-841-8866
Logo Design: Ilysia Design, 917-992-4901
Sweatshirts: Just Name It, 973-868-5887
Logo cookies: Splurge Bakery, 973-379-0740
Bags and tissue paper: Nashville Wraps
Gabby’s Dress: Jacqueline Evening Wear, 973-992-3535
Gabby’s Faux fur shrug: Nordstrom
Design consultant: LH Event Design, 917-806-1654
Gabby and Diana’s makeup: JULU Beauty, 917-528-0659
March 21st, 2021
The Glidewell family celebrated their daughter Allie’s Bat Mitzvah from their home in St. Louis in February, 2021. The service was zoomed from their garage with 13 family members present plus a tent was installed off the garage to socially distance the service guests, zoom coordinator and photographer.
Pictured above (L-R): Mom Darcy, Bat Mitzvah girl Allie holding Leo, sister Natalie and dad Dan.
Following the service, they held a tent “pop in” throughout the afternoon and evening for close friends, family and all of Allie’s friends. The tent was partially open, heated and decorated with her theme “Allie’s Silver Linings.
Video Gate Studio was the photographer and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom.
They sent actual invitations and used email to communicate the link for the service and other updates
Creative Mitzvah boxes were sent to out of towners and delivered to all those in town
You would never know they were in their gargage!
Allie's logo'd hoodie was included in all the teen boxes. Her friends wore them to the tent pop in which made her feel like it was her celebration!
Pop in tent decor
To-go goodies for guests included a cookie, mug, cotton candy and hot cocoa bomb
Item in the to-go bags
The chocolate bombs were a big hit
Sign in to match the theme
Sign in to match the theme
Pretty cake
Mom to Mom Advice from Darcy
“There’s no wrong way to do a Mitzvah these days! The silver lining of a virtual service was that so many out of town family and friends could join us. Send your guests something so they feel a part of your celebration. Whether that is a physical invitation, a request to send a video or take a photo while on the zoom or a treat or coffee mug. For virtual services, sound and lighting make all the difference. Make sure your guests can hear and see everything your child has worked so hard to accomplish.”
Mitzvah Project
Allison has always wanted to work with the senior community in St. Louis. Because of Covid, in person projects were limited so our Temple connected her with a pen pal. They write letters, talk on the phone and have had a couple of socially distanced meetings. It has brought so much joy to each of their lives, especially during Covid. Allie has also raised funds that will help off set programming costs for many seniors that want to participate in virtual and in person programs but are unable to do so because of costs.
Bat Mitzvah Vendors
Venue: Family home
Party Planner: Lauren Brown
Music Entertainment: Utopia Entertainment, 636-532-2777
Photographer/Videographer: Video Gate Studio, 314-994-9018
Invitations: Tammy Sallis, Stationery Designs, 314-583-9138
Cake: Made. by Lia, 314-551-2383
Decor/Sign In: Decorum Events, 314-447-4000
Want to save thousands on your upcoming Bar or Bat Mitzvah through December 31, 2024? Enter The Great (Bar/Bat) Mitzvah Giveaway!
March 21st, 2021
Lily Pillette (pictured above) from Scarsdale, New York will be celebrating her Bat Mitzvah in a couple of months, but her Mitzvah Project called, Hats For Hope is well underway!
We asked Lily to answer some questions for Mitzvah Market about her special Mitzvah Project:
MM: Please give us details about your Mitzvah Project?
LP: My Aunt Hope passed away May 2019 after a brave 20-month battle with a rare form of cancer. Last summer, when I was unexpectedly home due to COVID, I took up knitting to pass the time. I learned that I’m good at it and I love it!
Aunt Hope
Lily knitting during the summer
MM: Why did you decide to knit hats for your Mitzvah Project?
LP: Hats were one of our first knitting projects. My mom and I came up with the idea to knit hats for cancer patients, and others in need, in my Aunt Hope’s memory. I named the project “Hats for Hope.” I also thought it would be great to raise money for cancer medical care and research. Watching my Aunt suffer was one of the hardest times of my life, I want to do whatever I can to help find a cure for those that are praying for one every day. Hope was treated at NYU Perlumtter Cancer Center, and all of the funds raised are donated to their efforts. I’ve raised over $5,000 so far!
Lily modeling one of her knitted hats
MM: How long do you plan to keep knitting hats?
LP: I plan to continue knitting hats for cancer patients and others in need, and raising funds for cancer medical care and research forever. I’m donating all funds to Perlmutter because that’s where Hope was treated and they took very good care of her. Once we’re past COVID, I’m hopeful they will accept our hats for cancer patients. In the meantime, I’m donating hats to those in need through White Plains Hospital. I also welcome people to reach out to me or my mom at lynnpillette@yahoo.com directly, if they know of anyone in need of hats – kids, families, cancer patients. I’m happy to help!
MM: What does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bat Mitzvah?
LP: A Mitzvah Project is an opportunity for me to do good and to help others. This has also been an opportunity for me to have new experiences, like fundraising. It feels really good to have found a way to keep Aunt Hope alive!
MM: How are you spreading the word about your Mitzvah Project?
LP: My mom posted the project on her Facebook and Instagram pages. Additionally, my cousin Jodi is an awesome yoga instructor, last summer she taught me and a group of friends yoga every week in our backyards. I came up with the idea to offer a free yoga class with Jodi in Hope’s memory, we invited people to make a donation if they chose to.
MM: What should readers do if they are interested in donating?
LP: You can reach out to the NYU Langone Perlmutter Cancer Center and/or White Plains Hospital Foundation.
We thank Lily for sharing her special Mitzvah Project in memory of her Aunt Hope. Mazel Tov on your upcoming Bat Mitzvah!
March 13th, 2021
By Robin Levinsohn
For three years my daughter Alexandra (pictured above) was looking forward to a big, catered Bat Mitzvah celebration in January 2021. Seven months into Covid-19 craziness we realized that dream would never happen so we cancelled our catering hall, DJ, and photographer. After months of uncertainty, we decided to figure out a way to make the day as special as we could rather than postponing. The first thing we did was reserve a yard sign that read, “Mazel Tov Alexandra” and a Doughology Donut/Hot Chocolate truck for a car parade.
The service at Temple B’nai Torah in Wantagh, NY was so meaningful and intimate with only 10 of us in the room. After not being allowed in the sanctuary for 10 months, we appreciated every minute of it. Alexandra had done all of her Bat Mitzvah tutoring on zoom with the Rabbi, Cantor, and her tutor. We were beyond happy that they could share this day in person with us.
Mom Robin, brother Aaron, Bat Mitzvah girl Alexandra and dad Norm
After the service, Alexandra’s friends stopped by our house in small groups for scheduled 25 minute time slots so we could keep it small, safe and socially distanced. The kids arrived, enjoyed a donut and hot chocolate, signed the board, took some pictures together, hung out, took a favor, and then left. We hired someone to help keep the flow and to make sure that the kids did not linger. Kids were required to wear masks and we gave out stretchy winter gloves for warmth and to keep the kids from touching the sign in board markers. For favors we gave out hot chocolate bombs with her logo.
The lighting bolt sign in board was 5 feet tall
Since my daughter really wanted sweatshirts, we ordered them for our family
As time grew closer, I quickly realized that I needed help with outside decor so I contacted Jenn at Redbird. She and her crew came up with some pretty fantastic ideas including a red carpet flanked by funky light up stanchions leading up to our garage photo set up. We had huge greenery boxwood with our logo and lightning bolt designs with a black and white vinyl floor which was the perfect spot for pictures with family and friends. On the garage wall we hung blown up pictures of Alexandra from her pre-bat mitzvah photo shoot (Photo by Kimberly) and a sign that read, “Right Up My Ali.” We had a huge “Alexandra” sign hung above our garage. They took our driveway/car parade concept and turned it into an event.
The next day we celebrated with our immediate family. We had 3 small groups come for 90-minute time slots. I ordered individually packaged brunch meals from Bagel Boss. Each family ate at a different table or couch area on the driveway. We were able to take pictures and just be together, which during these crazy times we are living in is not something we take for granted.
Our Bat Mitzvah weekend was not as we originally planned, but it was more than we ever could have hoped for. My daughter said it was an amazing weekend! My heart is filled with pride and happiness. I don’t feel like we missed out on anything.
Bat Mitzvah Vendors
Venue: Family Driveway & Garage
Photographer: Photography by Kimberly, 516-510-6921
Favors: Hot Chocolate Bombs by Rockstar Chocolates and Confections
Invitations: Greenvelope
Cake: Dot Cake by Okay, But First Cake, 516-414-1512
Decor/Sign In Board: Jenn, Redbird, 917-539-8013
Truck: Doughology Donut and Hot Chocolate Truck
Sweatshirts: Dawn, Stitching Gone Wild, 305-302-0938
Tallit: Yussel’s Place, 516-223-7050
Kippot: Randi, That One Special Touch
Lawn Sign: Sign Gypsies Long Island
Alexandra’s dress: Bergdorf Goodman
Mom’s dress: White House Black Market
Dad and Brother: Bloomingdales
Hair/Makeup: Alexandra – Jenn, Redbird
Hair/Makeup: Mom – Lana, DeMaine Hair Salon, 516-280-5444
March 6th, 2021
Jake Weiner from Maryland celebrated his Bar Mitzvah on his original date, February 20, 2021. Following their service at B’nai Israel Congregation in Rockville, Maryland this family celebrated with a Covid friendly kiddush lunch for 15 in their driveway.
Pictured above (L-R): Dad Andy, mom Emily, Bar Mitzvah boy Jake, sister Mallory and brother Ryan
“Although it wasn’t the Bar Mitzvah Jake was originally expecting, the excitement on his face when we got home from the service and saw the surprised graffiti’d theme sign outside our house, was priceless,” mom Emily tells Mitzvah Market.
Christine Ash, from SAVE the DATE, LLC EVENTS helped this family shift many times since COVID hit. Mom Emily tells us they helped figure out the fun sign in board stickers, brainstormed ideas for vendors and couldn’t have pulled this off without them!
Bradley Images was the photographer and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom.
Celebration Details
Invitation designed by Invitation House
Back of the invitation
Jake wearing his logo'd mask
The family took photos in their dress clothes
...and then in the Bar Mitzvah swag
Jake loved his graffiti signage in front of the house
Friends were delivered a logo'd bag with their sweatshirt favor and were asked to wear it to drive by/hang out
The logo'd sweatshirt
Boxes with Jake's logo were sent to out of town guests with stickers for the sign in board and instructions for mailing them back along with sweatshirt favors
Local friends were hand delivered their invite, direction card and sticker for the sign in board
Jake's creative sign in board featured messages from guests on stickers that they all previously mailed to the family
The completed board!
There was also a graffiti box for guests to drop extra sticker messages for the sign in and cards
Guests enjoyed fresh donuts from Mama's Donut food truck
Custom trays held the donuts to go
Carmen's Italian Ice served hot chocolate
Guests filled their boxes with delicious lunch items
The logo'd cake
Jake wore personalized Nike kicks!
Friends and family stayed warm around the fire pits
Driveway horah with friends!
Mitzvah Project
Jake raised money for a local organization called Food and Friends. He delivered meals for them on Thanksgiving Day. Jake also make sandwiches and cookies for those in need through Small Things Matter.
Mom To Mom Advice from Emily
“Try to make your guests feel part of the day and the celebration. We did this by sending kippahs to our out-of-town family and Bar Mitzvah swag to all the kids (near by and far away). We had our photographer turn our synagogue’s live stream into a Zoom, so our family and friends could leave messages and he could record them watching. This way we have memories of all our relatives. I also recommend that you listen to your child. I had a lot of ideas, but Jake knew what he wanted and the day was about him!”
Bar Mitzvah Vendors
Venue: Family Driveway
Party Planner: Christine Ash, SAVE the DATE, LLC EVENTS, 301-523-3107
Photographer/Videographer: Brad Zisow and Eric Seibert, Bradley Images, 410-499-9945
Decor/Sign In Board/Logos: Aaron Camper, Camper Design Studio, 703-347-1795
Favors: Sweatshirts, Kenny Singer at Planet Cotton, 301-948-0400
Catered Lunch: Mitchell Wool, The Bean Bag and Deli Catering Company, 301-251-4794
Masks: Magan Forman, 443-386-2365
Invitations: Debbi Lee, Invitation House, 516-681-0664
Cake: Sweetly Anchored, 301-299-8809
Custom Trays: Bridget Calhoun, Cute Cuts Designs, 301-602-6059
Food Trucks: Rod and Kristy, Mama’s Donuts Bites, 703-608-7056
Ices Truck: Lauren Russ, Carmen’s Italian Ice, 301-545-1154
Mom Dress: Mae’s Boutique, 703-356-6333
Daughter Dress: On Cloud 9, 301-251-1331
Suits: Nordstroms and Macys
Hair: Kevin Hwang, 240-478-0739
Make Up: Stacy Ferguson, 301-233-5323
February 27th, 2021
Jackson Calder (pictured above) from Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania will be celebrating his Bar Mitzvah in May and along with his cousin Jacob, from Bethesda, Maryland, they have created a Mitzvah Project and movement called, #IGOTVAX to help generate COVID-19 vaccination awareness while raising money for World Central Kitchen.
Jackson tells Mitzvah Market, “My Mitzvah Project involves selling wristbands with the hashtag #igotvax so more and more people will be motivated to get the vaccine so we can start living a normal life again. I hope the facilities administering the vaccine will eventually give out the wristbands to people as a memento after getting their vaccination.”
Jackson and his cousin Jacob
All of the proceeds from the sale of the wristbands on www.igotvax.com will go to the World Central Kitchen, who use the power of food to heal communities and strengthen economies through times of crisis and beyond.
You can follow igotvax on social media: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok.
Mitzvah Project Idea
Jackson also hopes that other kids will jump on board and for their own Mitzvah Projects and become “igotvax Ambassadors.” To learn more about how other kids across the country can help, reach out to Jackson’s Dad Stephen at info@igotvax.com.
February 16th, 2021
Are you beginning to plan your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration in the Philadelphia area? Some of the items on your to-do list will include finding a Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah venue, perhaps a party planner, DJ and music entertainment, caterer, an invitation and favor supplier, along with a Bar Bat Mitzvah photographer, montage maker, event decor and much more.
We have provided a list of the best Bar Bat Mitzvah experts in the Philadelphia area. They are all ready to provide a creative, unique and special Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration for your family and friends.
You can also ask questions and get advice in our Philadelphia Bar Bat Mitzvah planning group on Facebook. Join here.
February 14th, 2021
Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah sign-in boards have always been a special way to give your family and friends the opportunity to send a heartfelt message to the guest of honor – the Bar or Bat Mitzvah child. Due to Coronavirus, the options for sign-in’s have evolved once again.
Families are trying to find ways to keep the Bar Bat Mitzvah sign-in tradition going but in a safe way. Here are a few tips from families who have recently celebrated and had sign-ins.
If your event is in person:
* Put out hand sanitizer and/or disposable gloves so guests feel safe when using a pen or sharpie.
* Offer enough pens so each person gets a new one and they can take it with them as a favor when done.
* Identify an area for “used” pens vs. “unused” pens or if possible make sure someone is available to clean pens between use.
Covid Safe Sign-In Options
A Favor & Flatter Box from
Favor & Flair comes with a unique website for your guests. Once you share the link, each guest is invited to include a personal sentiment. Messages are then printed on high quality stock, with a customized back, and placed in a keepsake box
This ideas is from
Meaningful Frames. Every drop frame has an opening to allow your guests to drop tokens they fill out with special messages for the guest of honor. Many designs to choose from or custom is available too
Kudoboard.com is an easy online tool to gather and send messages using words, pictures and video. You can download, share and coming soon have your messages printed into a book!
Guests can sign individual Jenga blocks
LoveNoteVideo.com turns individual Bar and Bat Mitzvah well-wishes into one shareable, professionally edited video that is easy and convenient for everyone to use!
Etsy's EventsTableDecor offers this Bar Bat Mitzvah drop guest book. Sign on lucite hearts and drop in through top slot
Did you have a clever Covid safe sign-in board? Please let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
February 7th, 2021
Let your Bar and Bat Mitzvah guests know about your child’s upcoming Bar or Bat Mitzvah Zoom service, Micro Mitzvah, drive-by parade and much more using APP all about it!
At APP all about it, they create a shareable, interactive custom app that is personalized with all your important Bar or Bat Mitzvah service and celebration specifics. Everything will be at your Bar Bat Mitzvah guests’ fingertips!
Features can include: digital invitations and RSVPs, custom logos, Zoom virtual ceremony set up and viewing, push notifications, special dedications, photos and video, and much more!
APP all about it will design, set up/code, upload and maintain each individual app. They will also make sure the app is personally sent to each guest using the contact list supplied by the family. Additions, changes and reminders for your event can be sent out as push notifications easily keeping all guest up-to-date.
Each app is custom designed. Click through and check out all these samples...
They offer 3 different package levels, depending on the amount of features requested, at 3 different price points. Learn more by visiting their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
February 6th, 2021
More and more families across the country who postponed their child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah date are deciding to move forward with a Zoom Mitzvah, micro celebration and or drive-by. These families are getting creative and are finding unique ways to give their child a special day which includes Bar Bat Mitzvah favors for the young guests and even the adults! Some favors are being delivered in-person or via the mail before their date and others are being handed out the old fashion way as guests stop or drive-by!
Here are some examples:
Prior to the big day, guests received these goody bags at their homes. See more from this celebration
here
The favors for the drive-by guests included a rolled up light weight hoodie and a color changing stadium cup. See more from this celebration
here
Out Of The Box Creations can set up a coffee/hot chocolate cart along with other treats
This family from Maryland gave out cupcakes from Harris Teeter with labels to match their theme
Did you have a unique favor for your drive-by, Zoom or in-person guests at your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
