January 7th, 2014
Bar Mitzvah Bouncer, Inc. is a full service professional chaperone company specializing in the supervision of children at Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Sweet 16s, Graduation and Birthday Parties.
Parents can relax and enjoy the big day while the children are supervised. Their services include the supervision of the children at the party, during the Temple services and while in transport to and from the party.
As a new season of Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrations are about to begin, here are a few reasons it’s important to have the Bar Mitzvah Bouncer company at your affair:
1. Supervise Your Young Guests
The dancers from your entertainment company will be keeping your guests on the dance floor, while the DJ will be socializing and keeping the party flowing. The Bar Mitzvah Bouncers are at your affair for the sole purpose of supervising your young guests.
2. Your Candle Lighting Ceremony
You and your child prepared a wonderful candle lighting ceremony, and with Bar Mitzvah Bouncers present you will not be concerned that the children will be making noise during this memorable portion of the party.
3. Transportation Supervision
If you are providing transportation to the party, you will not have to ask someone to ride the bus with the children- the bouncers do that for you as part of the many services they offer.
4. Monitoring The Bathrooms
The thought of children playing around in the bathrooms or outside the ballroom will never be a concern for you.
5. Enjoying Your Celebration
Knowing that your child’s friends are being properly supervised will allow you to relax and enjoy the party.
To learn more about Bar Mitzvah Bouncer, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
January 5th, 2014
By Stephanie Kepke Kaplan
In today’s increasingly wired world, it’s no surprise that the hottest Bar Bat Mitzvah trends are digital. Whether it’s an Interactive Centerpiece, an electronic sign-in board, strolling photographers who snap photos that can be instantly personalized or even an app that allows smart phone pictures and videos taken at your child’s celebration to be pulled together and compiled into a keepsake video, there are more ways than ever for your guests, young and old, to connect with the guest of honor and each other.
With so many options available, you can simply dip your toe into the digital pool with electronic invitations, which are budget and Earth friendly. Or you might choose to dive right in with a digital graffiti wall that guests can “spray paint,” a hashtag specific to your party that allows photos to be posted on Instagram and instantly printed for your guests or even a favor featuring a QR code that will bring guests to a website with a thank you note and photos of the party.
Read on to find out more about some of the hottest trends as Bar Bat Mitzvah celebrations go digital.
What if your centerpiece was actually an interactive part of the celebration fun, rather than just a stagnant bouquet of flowers or a cardboard cutout with balloons? How amazing would that be? Well, Keep Interacting offers the Interactive Centerpiece, which is just that – an interactive part of your event. Guests can not only watch a slideshow of photos as they are taken, but thanks to the company’s proprietary software, they can also select photos to share on social media, email photos to each other, and even edit and print their favorites all right then and there.
You can also incorporate your montage photos – plus the piles that didn’t make the final cut –into the Interactive Centerpiece slideshow. Best of all, it solves the age old dilemma of finding the perfect party favor; simply order a photo print package and guests can order prints of their favorite photos and enjoy the happy memories of your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah any time they wish.
In addition to making your Bar Bat Mitzvah centerpiece part of the action, how about giving the tired old sign-in book or board a digital-age makeover? The iSign® by Simon Elliot Events is sure to engage your guests and have them talking about your event long after it’s over. The iSign® kiosk features custom graphics, a large display screen, and the iSign® app, which enables guests to use a stylus to write a guestbook message in their own handwriting. Messages are transmitted wirelessly to the LED screen for all to see. Guests sign on a page that corresponds to their relationship with the Bar Bat Mitzvah child – school friends sign a school themed background, camp friends a camp themed background, etc. –and not only do their words and drawings show up on the screen for all to see, but a professional photographer snaps their photo to add to the page. The iSign® is even portable and can be brought right to your guests. After the party, the greetings and photos are compiled into a customizable keepsake book to be treasured forever.
In addition to the iSign®, Simon Elliot Events offers Strolling Photos™ – photographers dispatched throughout the party venue to snap candids, which are instantly transmitted to iPads. Guests are then free to add their own personal stamp to the photo, drawing on it, adding stickers, filters, borders or any number of other special effects. The photos can be instantly emailed, posted to social media or printed and presented in your choice of frame options as the perfect party favor.
Simon Elliot Events also offers fantastic favors for the younger set – why give out a simple t-shirt or sweatshirt when your child’s friends can decorate headphones at a “Custom Beatz” kiosk, customize near field technology portable speakers (just lay your device on it and it instantly plays your music) or their new Selfie Photo Booth where guests can trigger the exposures with a wireless remote and then print and edit on site. Simon Miller, owner of Simon Elliot Events, explains their philosophy on favors: “We’re always on the lookout for new electronic trends and try to stay one step ahead of what is currently the popular fad.”
More than just a fad, apps are a way of life for most people, making everything from organizing your day to making dinner reservations easier. And the Bar/Bat Mitzvah scene is no exception. So many guests snap pictures on their smartphones, but the hosts never get to see them; now you can preserve those memories forever and see your party as your guests see it with an app for that.
You can’t be everywhere at your child’s party, but you can relive the wonderful moments you may have missed with the MitzvahMix app from Storymix Media. Share the app with all your guests beforehand and then let them capture all the party fun and post it to Facebook. Afterwards you’ll get all the great photos snapped and videos shot from your guests’ smartphones into one professionally edited video, plus you get all of the raw footage.
Or pair the app with video cameras. Storymix Media can send you up to five video cameras (with two hours of video capacity each), so your guests can record all the special moments of this once in a lifetime event themselves. Simply send the cameras back and in return you will receive an up to sixty minute professionally edited video with all they shot, plus whatever they captured with their own smart phones. You can choose from seven editing themes and personalize the video with scenes and titles or let Storymix Media do it for you. “The kids really enjoy having the cameras to run around and take video,” says Mike Fisher of Storymix Media. “It’s a really great way to go about capturing the essence of the event.”
This story is from the 2013 Mitzvah Market Magazine. If you would like to request a free copy, click here.
January 1st, 2014
Jimmy Dee Entertainment is one of New York’s most sought after sources for Entertainment and Enhancements for Private Events.
Recently, Jimmy Dee Entertainment celebrated their 25th year in business and was awarded the prestigious “Best of Westchester” award in 2012 and 2013. Boasting a talented roster of MCs, DJs, Motivators, Musicians and Specialty Talent, Jimmy Dee has every option imaginable to make any event unique.
We spoke with Alex Lampert, a partner with Jimmy Dee, to learn more:
MM: With so many entertainment companies to choose from, why do you think Jimmy Dee has had so much success?
AL: I believe our success is due, in part, to our meticulous attention to detail when working with our clients. We’re not the type of company that sits back and waits for clients to present us with their ideas. Our team of event planners is very assertive in letting clients know when it’s time to start putting “event-blips” on their radar.
Our attention to detail in the planning phases of an event carries through to the talent that is placed at the event. We have very high standards for our own staff, as does our clientele, and they take comfort in knowing that they are trusting the success of their event in the hands of people who care about it just as much as they would their own.
Being in business as long as we have, you see trends come and go as well. In order to not only stay in business but to be renowned within our market, we are constantly innovating and expanding to keep up with the trends in events and trends in technology. When guests attend any event, they will always note what was “different” or something they had never seen before. Whether or not they want it for their own event, those things stick out in people’s minds and show that our company is not just full of great entertainers and music, but great ideas as well.
MM: One of the many strengths you talk about are your talented MCs and the variety of personalities on your staff. Please tell us about them.
AL: Our clients have the privilege of working DIRECTLY with the MC of their choice. Whoever they would like to have at their event is a guarantee from day one. As their date approaches, our MCs meet with their clients either at their home, their venue or at our office to review all details and logistics for their big day. Each one of our MCs has 10+ years of experience in the industry so you know you’re not getting any Rookies! Learn more about our MCs here.
MC Kevin and a guest having fun!
MC Alex working a Mitzvah
MM: You offer many other services. Please describe what else families can book with Jimmy Dee.
AL: We are always adding more options for our clients. By the time you have finished reading this, we’ve probably already released some of our newest photo favor options!
Chocolate photo favors!
Aside from DJ and MC Entertainment, we offer everything under the sun! Some of our most popular options are our Photo Booths and Photo Favors Stations, Airbrushed items, Lounge Furniture and Cubbies, Arcade Games, Creative Stations and Specialty Talent.
In 1991, Jimmy Dee joined forces with Fantasy Flash Photography and Video. Through Fantasy Flash, we offer our clients the option of packaging in photojournalistic photographers and videographers to capture, creatively, our clients’ events. Package rates and savings are offered when combining multiple services.
MM: How has your business evolved over the years?
AL: Years?! Try decades! We have grown immensely in the past 25 years and with each year we continue to raise our own bar. We started as just a DJ company and through the years have continually added tons of services and options but we have not lost quality control on our flagship service – our Entertainment. However, being that we offer so much, our management team has evolved from their role as a point-of-contact for just the DJ service. We have five full time event coordinators that can be reached at any time during the week or weekend to plan anything from the largest scale event to answering the most menial of questions. Our event coordination team not only helps you plan and produce your event, but they also take part in graphic design, video editing and facilitation of outside vendors to ensure that every detail about your event is EXACTLY as vibrant and unique as you want it to be.
To learn more about Jimmy Dee Entertainment, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
December 18th, 2013
Is your son or daughter interested in writing? Are they in 7th or 8th grade and attend many Bar/Bat Mitzvahs each weekend?
Mitzvah Market has grown and we have readers from around the country. Everyone loves to see how other families celebrate because we all can get ideas from each other.
Molly Alexander, our Westchester kid reporter has just finished up her Bar Bat Mitzvah circuit. Her stories gave us perspective about celebrations from a different point of view. See Molly’s most recent post here.
We are looking for other Mitzvah kids to begin filing stories for us “from the field,” we mean Mitzvahs!
We want to know what type of parties are the most fun and all the details from the most creative celebrations. Perhaps you might even find us a Mitzvah Find to share with our readers!
If you are interested in learning more, please contact Sheri@MitzvahMarket.com.
Thanks!
December 17th, 2013
Tobo Foods offers a very unique “post party” presentation. Their shiny, stainless steel coffee trucks can be decorated with signs, photos, disco light shows, taped music and other motifs to match your party’s theme.
As your guests leave, they are served a variety of items such as a complete assortment of baked goods, fantastic “candy store” presentations, hot and cold beverages of all types, candy apples, hot salted pretzels, White Castle burgers, McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Nathan’s hot dogs, bagels, croissants, muffins, newspapers with “custom” front pages, flavored popcorn and much more. Friends and family will not soon forget this wonderful way that you have chosen to end your party.
To learn more, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
December 14th, 2013
By Molly Alexander, Mitzvah Market Teen Columnist
Many of my friends celebrated their Bar/Bat Mitzvahs this year so I decided to get their best tips on what worked, what didn’t and what they’d say to their parents about the celebrations. If you need advice on throwing your own celebration, these are definitely the kids to ask!
“I loved my celebration, but if I could advise on a couple of things, it would probably be length of the activities. I know a long montage can get boring, especially if you’re not close with the Bar/Bat Mitzvah kid. I also think that the candle-lighting should be short and sweet, because it can take up a lot of the party time, and it gets tiring. I love the daddy-daughter (or mother-son) dance. I think it’s a great touch to the party, and it’s a great way to get the adults dancing too!”
-Katie, 13
“The overall party for me was great, but hanging out with friends and seeing them all there for me was the best. These were people I was closest with and it meant a lot that they were there to celebrate with me, especially those who came from great distances to be there. Advice for the kids and parents planning the celebration: you can’t wait till the last minute. Things can fall apart or get cancelled and you need to begin planning early to avoid anything going wrong. Double check and make a checklist so that you can prioritize and organize everything because the day deserves to be perfect!”
-Josh, 13
“I think candle lighting is a way of saying thank you to family and friends and it’s a way of remembering those who are there and those who aren’t. I feel that it is crucial to the celebration. During candle lighting, instead of doing all the friends, have one candle for camp friends and one for home/school friends. Camp friends are special, and you only see them a few times a year. My brother made my montage, and I find that montages made by family are much sweeter than the ones you pay for. People can tell when it’s “artificially” done verses done by a family member. If I could say anything to my parents after my bat mitzvah, it would be, “Thank you so much for everything you have given me, and I truly appreciate you and all your hard work to make my Bat Mitzvah such a success and special.”
-Madison, 13
“Practicing what you need to and staying on top of everything is really important. You should make time to practice for about 15 minutes a day and that can include your Hebrew and speech. Making time out of your day to just sit down and practice is a good way to stay on top of things. Run it with your tutor, Rabbi, family member or friend a few times so you learn to be comfortable in front of an audience (which is basically friends and family) during your service. Try to be loud and proud so that all your family and friends can hear you. It is your mitzvah after all so take it easy, relax and don’t forget to smile.”
-Alec, 13
“If I could redo my Bat Mitzvah day, there are a few things I’d like to change. For starters, I would have never taken off my shoes! I loved wearing them so much! I would also make my dress a little shorter (it was a long dress), maybe to my feet because it was a bit of pain walking around and dancing in it. I would also have a different photographer. You don’t want a photographer that’s slow because the party goes by so fast! I would like my hair maybe a little simpler, less bobby pins and more relaxed. To my parents I’d say, “Thank you so much! I am so lucky to have you both and I couldn’t have had a better time!”
-Madi, 13
“A definite necessity at every party is a good DJ. This is what gets your party started and your dancing going. If you get a good DJ, you’ll have everyone up out of their seats. Our DJ was amazing. Songs that get the kids dancing are ones like Shots, Turbulence, Wobble, and Harlem Shake. If there was anything that we could say to our parents, it would be, “Thanks for putting this thing together because we know how stressful it can get, and we had a great time!”
-Zack & Jake, 13
“For my gifts, I really only got money, which is a great gift because I plan on saving up for things I want, and for college too. What’s good for girls is that you can also get jewelry, which is nice too. You can go to local jewelry stores and pick out things, so when people come in to buy you a gift, they know what they should get you. This is especially good if the person doesn’t know you (and your taste in jewelry) that well.”
-Rachel, 13
“Inviting people was a problem for me. You can go through phonebooks, contact lists and address books over and over again and still forget to invite people. I would have invited more people to help me celebrate. Even though a big party can sometimes seem troubling, I would’ve wanted a bigger party, especially because I had a big place. I also would’ve not worn the shirt I had because I didn’t think it looked that good. Just a tip: I would not start talking about your celebration to everyone everywhere you go because people will just start asking you questions that you don’t want to answer about the party. Just have fun, and be grateful that everyone could celebrate with you even if you left a few people out.”
-Zach, 13
“Everyone’s celebration is different and special in all their own ways. For me, I think having a montage is great, it’s like a fun little touch that all parties should have. I love the daddy-daughter (or mother-son) dance during the party, because it’s sweet and teenagers don’t really love dancing with their parents any more. I don’t think candle lighting is necessary. It takes up time during the party. I know some people think it’s a sweet touch and it’s much needed in the celebration, but if you’re trying to save time you’re better off without it. Parents: when you’re planning your child’s party, keep some stuff a surprise. I wish my parents had. A sweet surprise adds to the joy of the day and the party!”
-Sam, 13
“The best gift I got was my MacBook Pro 15. Computers are always great gifts because kids, like me, use them for school work and other stuff. I didn’t get anything bad because the rest was money and money is never a bad gift. If kids get money, most of it goes towards college or something for the future, but getting a little spending money is great, too! I prefer cash because you have more of a choice of what you can get with it or you can save it. Checks have to be processed, and that can take a few days or weeks and allows less ‘spending’ time. I wish I had gotten to keep more money for things that I wanted, or things I wanted to save up for. I would want to say thank you to my parents for this incredible party. It was really fun and worth going through those years of Hebrew school.”
-Ross, 13
“The highlight of my Bat Mitzvah was my father-daughter dance, because for me it was a way of showing thanks to my parents for what they did for me on my special day. I know some kids think it’s “lame” and “embarrassing,” but when it comes down to it, it’s really a sweet thing that deserves to be at every celebration. I love the presents that come from the heart, for example hand-made jewelry or even a jewelry box. You have to think about what else the Bar/Bat mitzvah kid is getting; if a girl is getting jewelry, why not (give) a jewelry box?”
–Hannah, 13
“I would definitely change a few things about my party. I would have invited more adults because my party was mostly a kid’s party. We have some family friends that I think should’ve been there. When planning your guest list, it’s crucial to pick who should be there and who shouldn’t. I would advise other kids to enjoy the experience and enjoy the moment. Just soak up all of the enjoyment and make it last because it actually goes by so fast!”
-Greg, 13
“The advice I would give other kids about to embark on their Bar/Bat Mitzvah year is Just Do It! It is very hard work, all that studying, practicing, and meeting with the rabbi/cantor, but you will feel very proud up on the bimah when you know you’ve worked hard. Keep some water and candy up there too, for energy. And to parents I say: don’t force kids to have a “traditional” dance party. I had a service, kiddush luncheon, and then we took a chartered busload of kids to an indoor water park. The chair lift and the Hora was more fun than I thought it would be. And I liked when everyone threw candy at me after I finished my haftorah. But the highlight of my day was the party at the waterpark. It was amazing! It was exactly what I wanted. To my parents I say: Thank you! I finally understand how it (my whole Bar Mitzvah) really is a big deal!”
-Harrison, 13
This story is from the 2013 Mitzvah Market Magazine. If you would like to request a free copy, click here.
December 11th, 2013
The Event Of A Lifetime, Inc. is a full service event planning company. They have extensive resources and years of experience. Not only can they save you time and money, but more importantly, you will be able to relax and enjoy your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration.
Recently Melisa Imberman, owner of The Event Of A Lifetime, produced a Bar Mitzvah celebration at The Rock in Bardonia, New York, for a boy with the initials and nickname J.K.
Jeremy loves sports, but didn’t want this as his Bar Mitzvah theme. Melisa came up with a creative theme based on his initials J.K., “Just Kidding,” inspired by Nike’s “Just Do It” campaign.
She used lots of great colors and branding to make this Just Kidding celebration, no joke!
Peter Oberc Photography provided the photos.
Jeremy is a bit of a class clown, so the Just Kidding theme worked perfectly. These are the two logos that were used
Illuminated centerpieces and a gobo on the wall and ceiling
A fun puzzle candle lighting
The branded place card table
A better look at the illuminated centerpieces and branded tables
The kids lounge area
A mirror sign-in board
Delicious candy sushi for all guests
Red velvet dessert station in the signature color of red!
We thank The Event Of A Lifetime for sharing this Bar Mitzvah celebration with our readers.
December 10th, 2013
Meet A Promos USA/ImageMaker!
They can make your Bar Bat Mitzvah party favors the talk of the town!
With over 20 years in the industry, they distinguish themselves by creating custom designs that set the trends for the Bar & Bat Mitzvah world.
Their talented team of artists, digitizers, support staff and production staff work hand in hand to make sure that your custom party favors exceed your expectations in both quality and creativity. They utilize the newest techniques in Screen Printing and Embroidery, offering metallic inks, glitter inks, foils, rhinestones, heat transfers, appliqués, and 3-D Puff embroidery.
Their attention to detail truly sets them apart, and undoubtedly will make your favors stand out among the crowd.
We spoke with Mindy Younger to learn about what’s trending in party favors to keep you on top of the hottest favor trends of the season!
HERE ARE 10 TRENDS FROM A PROMOS USA/IMAGEMAKER
1. VINTAGE IS BACK
Soft, worn fabrics, along with the newest print techniques and design brings ‘tween fashion back from the late 60’s into 2014. Kids want their favor not only to represent a part of them, but to make a fashion statement with a garment that they can easily find in a top trendy teen shop at a fraction of the cost since we are factory direct. We know what the kids want, since we sell to top fashion outlets nationwide. No middle man here, talk directly to the source!
2. BIG IS IN
Think Big….Big Letters, Big Words or just Oversized Graphics. Whether you decide to print one color or multi-color, our knowledgeable, patient sales staff and in-house superior design staff will make it happen!
3. SOFT AND YUMMY
Most kids agree…Soft and Yummy fabrics are what they want to wear. Some of the hottest fabrics out in today’s market are tri-blends, burnouts, french terry, slub jersey and thinner tissue-weight fabrics. This statement also holds true with the inks we use. Some printers print with thick ink, we understand the fabric and use fashion-soft inks designed specifically for these fashion soft garments.
4. KEEP WARM MUST HAVES
For fall and winter events, why not think outside the box with embroidered hats, blankets and scarves? All embroidery is done here on premises, no job is too small or too big. For printed garments, we recommend flannels, sweatpants and polar fleece trimmed hoodies.
5. THINK GEEK
For all future Bill Gates’ and their friends. GADGETS! Our kids love them.
Some of the favorites are headphones, portable speakers, jump drive wristbands, touch screen gloves and power supplies, which will keep them always connected.
6. SUMMER SPLURGE
Neons and bright colors are always in style. Our Neon two-tone pinnies are a hit. Available in lime green, bright orange and neon pink. How about a beach towel available in vivid colors and tie dyes or a fun tote bag? Like our girly shorts? No need to worry about the boys. You can always change the ink color and change the garment so the girls get what they like and the boys do too.
7. HOLLYWOOD BLING
Bling it on baby! Stones, foil and glitter inks make all the difference. If you are looking for that added touch, enhance your garment with that little bit of bling. Foil is not just for girls anymore, boys are loving that bit of shine also. For a new look, customize each garment with a name in glitter flake.
8. THE SPORTS CRAZE
We carry all kinds of jerseys in all colors – basketball, soccer, baseball, lacrosse and football. Want just a bit more than a t-shirt? How about a dry fit t-shirt available in short and long sleeves? Check out our themed draw string bags, perfect for that special favor with a sports theme.
9. GIRLS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN
Looking for the ultimate in new, trendy, girly girl items? Check out our new fringe crop tanks, back or front knotted tanks or why not double the fun with two-tone shorty shorts? You will be the “hostess with the mostess” when it comes to mitzvah favors with these new trend setting apparel ideas. What to do for the boys? No worries…We can find a complementing favor for the boys, whether it be a tank, muscle tee, soft tee, or longer length mesh or jersey shorts with the same or similar theme.
10. THE SKY’S THE LIMIT
At A Promos USA, we are not just known for our super creative Mitzvah Favors. Think of us when you are in the market for School Fundraisers & Spiritwear, Team Uniforms, Business Apparel and Company Gifts, Birthdays, Sweet 16s, Family Reunions, Fire Department T-shirts and more. We offer vinyl banners and back drops, life size and table top stand ups for events and businesses, step and repeat walls, tablecloths, pillows and more. Additionally, we offer competitive pricing, an outstanding art department, knowledgeable and helpful sales staff and in-house embroidery and screen printing with 24 hour rush service.
To learn more about A Promos USA/ImageMaker, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
December 7th, 2013
If you like candy and you’re a basketball fan, you’ll love the Sports Candy Store!
They are a confectionery and candy company specializing in licensed and entertainment brands. They offer a wide selection of high quality confections and candy, branded with NBA teams and players. The Sports Candy Store has the capability of customizing and designing a full assortment of candy and delivering the product within 7 days.
Candy filled cylinders, customized with your favorite NBA Team. Available in gum balls, gummy bears and sour gummy candy
NBA Tins are available in your choice of mints, jelly beans or chocolate buttons
For more information about the Sports Candy Store, visit their Website.
December 4th, 2013
By Ema Schumer, New York City
From an early age, basketball has been my passion; whether it was working on the fundamentals of the game until I mastered them, or watching and rooting from the sidelines for my favorite team, the Knicks. As the time came for my Bat Mitzvah — a time when the B’nai Mitzvah assumes new responsibilities as an adult under the laws of Judaism — I wanted to apply the principles of tzedakah that had been discussed and practiced for years in Hebrew school. To me, this meant giving on two levels: the donation of money to further a cause, and volunteering to make a difference somewhere where it would be appreciated. Given that basketball has been a huge part of my life, I wanted to be involved in a mitzvah project that related to it. However, I struggled with the idea of how I, Ema Schumer, a 7th grade girl living in Manhattan, could help people who do not have the same opportunities as I. What could I do to make a difference?
Pictured left: NY Knicks MVP Carmelo Anthony presenting Ema Schumer with a customized jersey in thanks for her work volunteering and donating to the Garden of Dreams Foundation
After much consideration, I decided that the Garden of Dreams Foundation was the perfect organization to become involved with. Garden of Dreams is a charity associated with Madison Square Garden. Its mission is to help inner city kids and kids who have life threatening diseases. The foundation does this, in part, by organizing activities for them to participate with professional athletes, entertainers, coaches and others who are part of the Madison Square Garden community.
In addition to requesting that my friends and family donate to Garden of Dreams, I was mindful of the second level of tzedakah, which is giving of your own time in furtherance of a cause. And so, last August, I spent a week volunteering at the Garden of Dreams summer camp known as “Dream Week.” During this week, the participating kids played basketball with Knicks players and coaches at the Knicks training facility, played hockey with some of the Rangers, and danced with the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall.
One of the main objectives of Dream Week is to expose the participating kids to a positive, caring environment away from the struggles that they are so often faced with in their daily lives. Another goal is to make these kids see that there is hope in life, and that many people are rooting for them to succeed, even though it may not seem like it at times. After Dream Week, volunteers, staff members, and some of the athletes involved told me how great it was what I was doing for the foundation, and even though I might not realize it, I am helping to make a difference in these kids’ lives.
My experience at Garden of Dreams was enlightening in several respects. First, until that very moment when members of the Garden of Dreams community thanked me for my support of the foundation, I had not realized that I could contribute in a meaningful way to the lives of so many children. Individually, my mitzvah project may not be of such a force to shake the world, but if every B’nai mitzvah contributes in his or her own personal way to improving the lives around them, this combined impact will certainly serve to make this world a better place. Second, even though I have heard people say how great it is to participate in charity work, the satisfaction I felt helping others was more rewarding than I had imagined. And while I had decided to completely forego bat mitzvah gifts in favor of contributing to a charity, I must confess that at the time I did have mixed emotions. Some of my friends talked about how excited they were for their Bat Mitzvahs; however, what they were excited for was not the religious part of it, but the huge parties that they would have, and of course, the numerous gifts that they would receive. This is completely understandable. Who doesn’t love gifts and parties? I could say that I did not care about these things, but that would be a lie. However, from a young age I knew that when my day came to read from the Torah and assume my adult responsibilities, I wanted to have earned the title of becoming a B’nai mitzvah.
At the end of my volunteering, I left the foundation pleased with my work, because not only was I happy with the difference I was making in the Garden of Dreams community, but I realized that I had earned the title of becoming a B’nai mitzvah. I also realized that my participation in this mitzvah project created a lasting memory of helping others that will live on far longer than any gift I would have received. This confirmed that my decision to engage in a mitzvah project in lieu of gifts was the right one.
Ema Schumer, 13, is an 8th grader at The Dalton School in Manhattan. She raised $36,000 for the Garden of Dreams. For more information about the organization, go to www.gardenofdreamsfoundation.org, or call 212-465-4170.
This story is from the 2013 Mitzvah Market Magazine. If you would like to request a free copy, click here.
