July 28th, 2013
Matthew Tyler Bennett celebrated his Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at Temple Beth Am in Parsippany, New Jersey and a reception at Skylands at Randolph in Randolph, New Jersey.
Mom Inez is a top party planner in New Jersey and incorporated many great details and vibrant colors to capture Matthew’s love of paintball.
Pictured L-R: Mom Inez, Bar Mitzvah boy Matthew, Dad Andy and Sister Kaitlyn.
Joselyn Diaz of Majestic Entertainment was the photographer and the rest of the vendor information is listed below.
There was a beautiful service at Temple Beth Am. Matthew included a memory candle for his grandfathers, Antonio and Albert, who passed in 2007. His maternal grandmother Maria read a prayer in Spanish, which she wrote for Matthew.
A family picture with paternal grandmother Lottie next to Matthew and maternal grandmother Maria next to sister Kaitlyn
Matthew looked very handsome in his suit from Jos. A. Bank.
Matthew’s theme was paintball, one of his favorite activities, and the place cards set the tone for the party.
Each place card was attached to a lanyard and had Matt’s logo with splashes of paint
The majestic entrance to the Skylands at Randolph.
Mom Inez owns Elaborate Parties by Bennett and was involved in every aspect of creating the vibrant paintball themed decor. Working with the florist, The Potted Geranium, they created vivid centerpieces using different primary colors on each table.
The entrance to the adult cocktail area with the adult place cards
This blue table had blue flowers, with blue paint splats, blue menu cards, blue table numbers and blue napkins
The Bennett family created the centerpieces for the kids’ tables, which had a paintball silhouette on top and real paint balls in the tube.
A table decorated in red
Even the ice sculpture incorporated the paintball decor
Displayed in a paint splattered frame, the signature cocktail, “Orange Creamsicle Matt-tini,” was a play on Matt’s name
When it was time for Matthew to make his way into the reception, he changed from his service suit into all black. He stood out in the crowd with a paint splattered tie which mom Inez said was “quite a challenge to find!”
Wearing some cool shades, Matthew is escorted into the ballroom by two Gemini DJ dancers
Gemini DJ’s and MC Joe created a great party and dancing atmosphere.
Matthew’s up in the chair!
Matthew and his friends having a great time
The dance floor was always packed
Always time for a photo op
There was an abundance of entertainment during the cocktail hour.
Listening to the calypso sounds of the Tropical Beat Steel Band
Matthew’s friends enjoyed some gaming tables provided by Events Plus Entertainment
Multi-talented performer R.J. Lewis entertained on the ground
And on stilts
Some of the additional decor elements that also included the paint ball theme were:
The gift box, where envelopes were kept, read “Eat, Sleep, Paintball” and had paint splats with Matthew’s name and date
Personalized chocolate bars and personalized menu cards done in different primary colors to match napkins and table numbers
Matthew had a traditional candle lighting ceremony and a modern cake with pops of color.
Matthew’s cake was baked by the Skylands at Randolph’s own baker
Matthew with his friends after honoring them all with a candle for friendship
After finishing his candle lighting, Matthew posed with his family
The kids favors were white t-shirts with Matthew’s silhouette playing paintball created by Party Art. During the reception, NPA Party Productions provided airbrush graffiti artists that personalized the t-shirts on the front and back any way the kids wanted.
Matthew’s logo and date
Guests picked up their custom made t-shirts on their way out
Guests were treated to a candy buffet which the Bennetts decorated with glass containers and paintball tape.
Matthew chose the Cuban Relief Project which collects over the counter medicines for under privileged Jews in Cuba. Twenty people, including the Bennett Family and 8 students from Hillel at Drew University, personally delivered the medications to Havana, Cuba. The trip required a humanitarian license from the United States Government. Matthew organized a paintball fundraiser in February to raise money for his project. His goal was to reach $1,000 in donations. He surpassed his goal by raising $2,500.
Honoring both his Cuban and Jewish heritage, Matthew showed off his collection of much-needed medicines for Cuba’s diminished Jewish population
Advice from mom Inez:
“Since I am a planner by trade, I plan everything way in advance. Try to tackle projects one day at a time and don’t wait until the last minute to do things because the last month gets really crazy with everything else. On the day of, “take it all in” and enjoy every second. If something goes wrong, don’t sweat the small stuff and remember what’s really important is the unity of all your family and friends and your child achieving such a great milestone.”
The following vendors helped to make Matthew’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their products and services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Temple: Temple Beth Am, 973-887-0046
Venue: The Skylands at Randolph, 973-328-8600
Party Planner: Mom Inez Bennett, Elaborate Parties by Bennett, 973-660-0912
Photographer: Joselyn Diaz, Majestic Entertainment, 973-296-0016
Decor/Invitation/Place cards: Elaborate Parties by Bennett
Florist: The Potted Geranium Florist, 973-515-3433
Music Entertainment: MC Joe, Gemini DJ’s, 973-686-1003
Steel Band: Tropical Beat Steel Band, 800-335-8647
Magician: R.J. Lewis, 908-387-0114
Extra Entertainment: Gaming tables, Phreddy Cantor, Events Plus Entertainment, 973-503-1700
Air Brush Artists: NPA Party Productions, 917-446-2228
T-shirts with Matt’s Logo: Party Art, 973-216-8067
Cubbies: Lounge It Up, 973-616-7818
Cake: The Skylands at Randolph
Gift Card Box/Menu cards/Chocolate Bars: Elaborate Parties by Bennett
Dresses for Mom Inez: Nicole Miller; Kaitlyn Lord & Taylor
Bar Mitzvah Boy Matthew: Jos. A. Bank
Dad Andy’s suit: Calvin Klein
Hair/makeup: Denise, Gabanti Salon, 973-240-7731
Transportation: First Student
July 21st, 2013
We ran our Place Cards We Love last week and asked our readers to send in their ideas.
We heard from a reader in Chicago named Karen. She wanted to share the place card board idea they used for her daughter’s Bat Mitzvah. Here’s what she wrote:
“We shared our Bat Mitzvah party with our best friends. There were 400 people that came – 200 of which were kids. We didn’t have a “theme” exactly, but needed a way to set up all those place cards without a “day of” person. We came up with a board idea.”
She continues, “We were able to have it done a few days in advance and just brought the boards to the temple. The adults had the same boards, but in another area.”
We want to thank Karen for sharing this great idea. Mazel Tov on your daughter’s Bat Mitzvah and good luck with the next one in 2015!
July 21st, 2013
The Lasky Family from Chappaqua, New York, had daughter Allison’s Bat Mitzvah on March 9, 2013, at Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester in Chappaqua, New York. An afternoon reception with a New York City theme was held at Elmwood Country Club in White Plains, New York.
Caryn Posnansky was the photographer and the rest of the vendor information is listed below.
L-R: Mom Roberta, younger brother Dylan, Bat Mitzvah girl Allison and Dad Bob.
The service was held at Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester in Chappaqua, New York.
Allison up on the Bimah with a big smile
The Lasky Family looked great. Mom Roberta’s cocktail dress was Adrianna Papell from Nordstom and Bat Mitzvah girl Allison’s dress was from All Dressed Up. Dad Bob and brother Dylan had matching ties and got their suits from Lubin’s/Rothman’s.
Alli’s Bat Mitzvah invitation from Checkerboard Invitations was bright orange with a pink trim and bow, and ordered from Perfectly Personal by Jen.
The New York City theme was created by Brian Williams Events and included some of Allison’s favorite places: Yankee Stadium, Washington Square Arch, Rockefeller Center and Broadway, which put guests into a New York State of Mind.
In typical New York style, guests received their Metro (Place) Cards
The entrance to the ballroom included a cute subway sign using Allie’s name and Bat Mitzvah date
A Broadway centerpiece for this table
The Empire State Building
Letter luminaries from Paper Acorn added great ambiance to the room
Each centerpiece included pink and white balloons, which added a festive touch to the room
Some additional NYC landmarks added to the decor
Extreme Music Productions kept the kids busy on the dance floor.
Allison up on the chair
Allison’s guests on the dance floor
Event designer Brian Williams made a great NYC themed sign-in book for Allison.
The cover worthy of the Big Apple
Allison’s friends writing their good wishes
Allison’s candle lighting had many great elements including a custom made NYC scene.
Allison getting ready to start her candle lighting ceremony
A close up of the amazing cupcakes from Flour and Sun Bakery
Allison gives a candle to all of her friends
Campus Customs created cozy gray fleece blankets with Allison’s logo.
All rolled up and ready to be handed out
Advice from Mom Roberta:
“Start early, double-check all your vendors, and use Excel spreadsheets for everything. Involve your child- they have the best ideas. Involve your other children as well.”
Allison did her mitzvah project at the Mt. Kisco Child Care Center. She worked with the toddlers for two months on a Friday after school for two hours each time she was there.
The following vendors helped to make Allison’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Elmwood Country Club 914- 592-6600
Party Planner: Mom Roberta
Décor: Brian, Brian William Event Decorators, 845-628-0614
Music Entertainment/MC: Mike Allen, Extreme Music Productions, 914-478-3895
Photographer: Caryn Leigh Photography, 917-544-2066
Favor person: Jeremy Cobden, Campus Customs, 203- 789-1608
Party entertainment: Green screen photos from Extreme Music Productions
Invitation: Jen Prizer, Perfectly Personal by Jen, 914-241-6923
Invitation Calligraphy: Jen Chives, Chives Creative , 914-244-0939
Sign-In book: Brian William Event Decorators
Luminaries: Paper Acorn, paperacorn@gmail.com
Cupcakes: Flour & Sun Bakery, 914- 495-3232
Mini-Black & White cookies: Delancy Dessert Company
Mom Roberta’s Dresses: Adrianna Pappell, Nordstom
Bat Mitzvah girl Allison’s dress: All Dressed Up, 914- 908-5661
Suits for Dad/Brother: Rothman’s for Dad/Lubin’s for brother Dylan
Hair: Cathy’s Hair Room, 914-238-7150
Transportation: Chappaqua Transportation, 914-238-4404
Party security: Provided by Elmwood CC.
Yarmulkes: KoolKippah.com
July 17th, 2013
MazelTovGear.com is a screenprinting company specializing in favors for Bar/Bat Mitzvahs. For the last 20 years, they have focused on the college market (including Fraternities/Sororities.) The depth of their product knowledge, and dedication to their customers, make them the perfect choice to supply favors for your special occasion.
They specialize in favors for Bar/Bat Mitzvahs that the kids love to wear!
Recently, they worked closely with Bar Mitzvah boy Ben. He did a line drawing of what he wanted on his favors and MazelTovGear.com recreated it. Not only was the Bar Mitzvah boy involved with the favor process, but he also decided what type of favors his guests could use.
Since this Bar Mitzvah service took place in Israel, backpacks and water bottles came in handy
MazelTovGear.com also put his line drawing on ties for family members!
To learn more, please visit MazelTovGear.com’s extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
July 7th, 2013
Sarah Merians Photography & Videography has grown into so much more than simply snapping a photo. The “&” in their name represents the company they are today.
They want to be in their clients’ lives for a lifetime, as opposed to just one event. This special relationship they foster with their clients, along with the wide range of products they create and services they offer, is what sets them apart.
Founded in 1986, Sarah and her team have seen many trends come and many trends go and they are on the pulse of what’s happening in the Bar Bat Mitzvah scene today.
While Sarah was planning her own daughter’s Bat Mitzvah, she kept a Mitzvah Mom Journal on her blog. This journal not only explains all about the decisions they made for their family, but it’s also filled with very helpful tips!
If you like “looking” for ideas, check out their trend portfolio at the bottom of Sarah’s Mitzvah Mom blog. You will see 24 image portfolios filled with great ideas in a variety of party element categories.
Below is a small sampling of what you will find:
If you’re thinking about an “on location” shoot with your child, check out these great locations where Sarah Merians can shoot here
Sarah showcases many different types of cakes that Bar Bat Mitzvah kids have been enjoying!
Check out that link here
This section is filled with extremely unique entertainment like this curled up person inside a box!
More here
Are you trying to get your daughter to decide what she wants to wear? Check out the beautiful photography and dresses of these Bat Mitzvah girls here
Let’s not forget the boys here
There are great sign-in ideas and photo decor in this portfolio here
Candy Bars are very popular! They come in many shapes and sizes here
To learn more about Sarah Merians Photography & Videography visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
June 30th, 2013
The Hirsch family celebrated their son Bryan’s Bar Mitzvah on May 4, 2013 at Midway Jewish Center in Syosset, New York. The next day it was a fun bowling bash at 300 Long Island, a bowling and event venue in Melville, New York.
This talented family designed many of the creative touches themselves!
Alex Wolff of The Portrait Shoppe was the photographer and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Pictured L-R: Dad Mark, Bar Mitzvah boy Bryan, Mom Eileen and older brother Matt.
Bryan at the Bimah of Midway Jewish Center.
Bryan at the Bimah
The beautiful Havdalah service
Mom Eileen handmade the invitations with supplies purchased at a variety of art supply stores!
The red and black color combination was used throughout the party
Custom bowling shirts was the style of choice for this Mitzvah family.
The front of the shirt featured each person’s name on the left side
The logo “Bryan’s Bowling Bash” was on the back
The good times really rolled at Bryan’s Bowling Bash! Bryan and his friends bowled and played games in a private room at 300 Long Island, a hip entertainment destination bowling alley.
Bryan outside 300 Long Island
Inside 300 Long Island prior to set up
Bowling pin flashlights found at Shindigz.com were used as lane assignment holders
Photos made into image cutouts of Bryan for the centerpieces were done by Lighter Than Air, designed by Mom Eileen and built by all 4 members of the Hirsch family!
Bryan “strikes” a pose next to his welcome sign which was designed by Mom Eileen and created by The Portrait Shoppe
Mom Eileen made so many of the creative touches for her son’s party. The wooden bowling alley below was 1 of 2 used to decorate the food buffet tables.
She purchased a wood base, painted the ball black, printed the logo and decorated it herself
There was one for the kids buffet and one for the adult buffet
Bar Mitzvah boy Bryan built a Lego bowling alley entirely by himself (not a kit of any kind). He ordered all the necessary bricks from Lego Pick A Brick section on Lego.com.
It features each member of the Hirsch Family bowling and was displayed in the center of the bar for all to see
The lucite display box was custom made for the bowling alley and ordered online
The cover of the sign-in book that Mom Eileen designed was created by The Portrait Shoppe.
Bryan “strikes” a pose
Bryan’s Grandma writing something special to her grandson
Everyone had a ball at this bowling bash.
Dad Mark with great form
Bryan knockin’ them all down
Even Bryan’s Grandma gets into the action
Bryan and his friends
Bryan’s iPod supplied the background music that MC Andre played.
MC Andre all lit up from glow sticks
The cake, in party colors of red back and white, was baked by ZuckerBakers.
The Hirsch family during their candle lighting ceremony
The logo and t-shirt favors were created by Gotham T-shirts.
The logo really popped on the red t-shirt
These fun bowling ball stressballs were also given to guests
The favor bags all lined up like bowling pins
Zucker’s Bakery also created cookie favors to look like bowling balls and Mom Eileen created the great “to go” labels.
These great labels were on the cookie bags
Some advice from Mom Eileen:
“I am a very organized and a well thought out planner. I made a to-do list at least 1 year in advance. After I booked 300 Long Island, I laid out my plan of what needed to be accomplished each month along the way, and this made it stress free.”
The following vendors helped to make Bryan’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com
Temple: Midway Jewish Center, 516- 938-8390
Venue: 300 Long Island, 631-423-3091
Photographer/Videographer: Alex, The Portrait Shoppe, 516-389-6915
Welcome Sign/Top of centerpiece action shots: The Portrait Shoppe
Sign-in Book cover: Designed by Eileen, Created by The Portrait Shoppe
Photo cutouts: Rich, Lighter Than Air, 516-933-3210
Invitation: Handmade by Mom Eileen
Music Entertainment: Bryan’s playlist from his iPod
MC: Andre provided by 300 Long Island
Lego Bowling Alley: Built by Bryan, Lego.com
Bowling Pin Placecards: Shindigz.com
Favors: Howard, Gotham T-Shirt, 516-676-0900
Bowling Ball Party Favors: 1001 Stressballs
Cake/Bowling Ball Cookie Favor: ZuckerBakers, 516-785-6900
Cookie bags: AC Moore
Cookie bag labels: Mom Eileen
Men’s Custom Bowling Shirts: Logosoftwear, 877-535-5646
Mom Eileen’s shirt: BowlingShirt.com, 800-444-1685
June 26th, 2013
Matthew Reid Zapken celebrated his Bar Mitzvah service on November 17, 2012 at Temple Beth Sholom in Roslyn, New York with a Kiddush luncheon following. The next day there was a twilight reception at Temple Beth Torah in Melville, New York.
Pictured L-R: Sister Brooke, Dad Howard, Bar Mitzvah boy Matthew and Mom Mandee.
All photography was provided by Jack Katz Photography and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom.
Matthew at the Bimah during his service at Temple Beth Sholom.
Matthew’s invitation from Elite Invitations gave his guests a tease of his theme using his favorite colors – navy blue and orange.
The outside of the invitation
The full invitation ensemble including the kippot worn at Matthew’s service
Matthew and his sister Brooke looked great. Matthew’s jacket is from Kenny’s Men and Boys Wear and sister Brooke’s dress is from 2 Be Seen.
The paisley jacket and orange shirt are very hip
Matthew and little sister Brooke
Matthew has many hobbies, so selecting one theme wasn’t easy. Their solution was to incorporate everything together with a play on words. His theme was “Matt State…Of Mind.”
The entrance to the ballroom was flanked with signage
Blue Star Promotions created pennant place cards for each guest.
They were placed on turf for an authentic look
The “State of Mind” theme was used to incorporate all of Matthew’s interests. Stefan’s Event and Decor created giant varsity banners throughout the room and props were placed all over the kids lounge to feature Matt’s hobbies.
Centerpieces in the kids lounge area included Matt’s hobbies such as tennis, lacrosse, chess, poker, and computers
Pictures of Matthew adorned one long wall of the ballroom
Custom drawstring bags were used as pillows – so clever!
The adult area of the room was filled with beautiful orange floral arrangements and navy table linens from Table Wraps
The Zapkens selected both round and communal tables in the ballroom
More Than Music provided the music entertainment and kept the guests dancing all night. MC Jared and his dance crew had the dance floor packed with both adults and kids.
Matthew enjoying the ride on the chair
Matthew having fun with the More Than Music dancers
Matthew being lifted by friends and family
MC Jared having fun with Mom Mandee and her guests
The cake, created by Morrell Caterers, was in the shape of a tennis court.
Matt surrounded by his close friends
Elite Invitations created the sweatshirts and Blue Star Promotions created the varsity logo which was used on Matt’s bags and party favor tags.
The back of Matt’s sweatshirt had a silhouette of Matt playing tennis on the back
Each bag had a luggage tag attached with one of Matt’s logos (he had two!) on the back and each child’s name on the front
Matthew standing next to his candy buffet which offered an amazing selection of sweets.
Hurricane Sandy struck the New York metropolitan area just two weeks prior to Matthew’s Bar Mitzvah. Matt switched gears and immediately began collecting, organizing and packing supplies, loading trucks and helping in the relief program to assist the victims of Hurricane Sandy.
Mom Mandee has some advice:
“You can never start planning too early. I joked that the day Matt was born, I began to plan for his Bar Mitzvah. I had booked our venue, caterer, music, and decorators very early in the process. Not only does planning early keep you on schedule and organized, but you have a better handle on pricing and availability. We had an idea for a theme and started developing it a year prior to the party. Invitations and party favors were planned early too. The only last minute decisions were for the kids’ entertainment. New ideas pop up all the time so we waited to see what was new and innovative before making any commitments. Even with all the pre-planning, who would have thought a horrendous hurricane would hit just two weeks before the event? If not for the early start, we would have been in big trouble. I also recommend using vendors that you feel absolutely comfortable with. Each of our vendors were professional, creative, and easy to work with and I would use each and every one of them again. We developed such great relationships with our vendors that I am sad the next Bat Mitzvah is going to be six years away. Pinterest became the rage during my planning stages. I had a ball finding ideas and pinning them on my boards.”
The following vendors helped to make Matthew’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Reception Venue: Temple Beth Torah, 631-253-9100
Caterer: Scott, Morrell Caterers, 631-253-9100
Party Planner: Pejy, Morrell Caterers
Décor/florist: Josh, Stefan’s Event and Decor, 516-239-2402
Photographer/Videographer: Jack Katz Photographers, 718-948-3965
Music Entertainment/Extra Entertainment: MC Jared, More than Music
Invitations/Sweatshirt Favors: Lyssa, Elite Invitations, 516-496-8374
Photo Booth: Laura, Hi Tech Photography Events, 631-923-2260
Cake: Morrell Caterers, 631-253-9100
Sign-In board: Simon Elliot Events, 516-586-6822
Favor Bags /place cards: Adam, Blue Star Promotions, 516-621-2046
Brooke’s Party Dress and Tiara: 2 B Seen, 516-921-5777
Mom’s Dresses: Queen of Hearts, 516-377-1357
Matthew’s Temple Suit, Shirt & Tie: The Annex Shoppe, 516-621-1840
Matthew’s Party Blazer, Shirt, Slacks & Tie: Kenny’s Mens & Boys Wear, 516-921-2660
Makeup: Amanda Evans: 516-455-1408
Party security: Morrell Caterers
Table Linens: Table Wraps, 516-334-8833
Kippot: Best Kippah, 800-435-1621
June 26th, 2013
Security at a Bar/Bat Mitzvah is a must!
Bar Mitzvah Bouncers Inc. work as chaperones for the young guests at Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, Sweet 16s, Birthday and Graduation Parties. They have seen and heard it all while overseeing these events.
We asked them to share some of their memorable moments:
THE BUS RIDE
“When we chaperone the bus rides to and from Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrations, we have a rule of lights always on. One time, a bouncer recalls kids asking for the lights to be turned off. The bouncer asked them why. They said they needed to study (study in the dark?). When asked what it was they were going to study, they quickly replied with, “we need to study for anatomy class.”
“Kids on the bus have the tendency to sing songs during the bus rides. One bouncer recalls repeatedly asking the kids to lower their voices. By the end of the bus ride, not only were the kids still singing, but the bouncer had joined in and was leading the song selection!”
NO ALCOHOL
“A big focus for us is to make sure that the kids don’t consume alcohol. A few times kids have attempted to get the bouncers to sneak them alcoholic drinks. On one occasion, a child said he had a medical condition and needed the drink to get better.”
THE BATHROOM
“The trips to the bathroom: We all know that the kids for some reason end up making their way to the bathroom, often times in groups. The bouncers have provided a list of the top 10 excuses used by the kids when questioned about their trip to the bathroom:”
1. We need to discuss who we are going to ask to dance with.
2. We need to practice our speech.
3. We have to counsel our friend.
4. I have to call my Mom to tell her how much I love her.
5. I am so tired of dancing I have to sit in the bathroom stall.
6. I chipped my nail and need a quick manicure.
7. I can’t go alone to bathroom, I need help with my dress.
8. I have to go to bathroom immediately, I just drank 10 Shirley Temples.
9. I have to check Facebook and I don’t want anyone to see it.
10. We need to discuss a text I just received.
THE MOST UNBELIEVABLE!
“And we kid you not: On one occasion, a bouncer recalls a 13 year old boy coming up to him and saying very seriously, “If I give you $20 will you leave me alone for the night so I can be with my girlfriend uninterupted?”
To learn more about having peace of mind at your child’s celebration, check out their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
June 24th, 2013
You have all the major decisions made: your venue is booked, the invitations are ordered, you’ve hired the DJ, photographer and any extra entertainment – phew! But wait, there are still more details to think about now, so you don’t have these items on your last minute to-do list.
Below you will find vendors that cover those not-so-little details including all the important things that need to get taken care of. Ordering your yarmulkes, finding a meaningful Mitzvah Project, selecting a gift for the special guest of honor and hiring security so you have peace of mind and can enjoy your child’s celebration.
See below for all the details.
Circles of Life
Contact: Mike Glaser, (978)2-KIPPOT, seedkippot@gmail.com
Circles of Life Seed Paper Kippot are made from 100% Recycled, 100% Recyclable, 100% Biodegradable Seed Paper. All Kippot are made in the United States and use only local sources. When exposed to a plant friendly environment (soil and water) a beautiful flower garden will grow from your Kippot. If kept away from moisture and soil the Kippot will keep for years as a memento of your special occasion. Circles of Life Seed Paper Kippot are available in a variety of colors and can be customized with images and inscriptions.
“Customized printed Kippot from past events”
The Mitzvah Bowl
Contacts: Cheryl Friedenberg and Val Franklin, info@themitzvahbowl.com
The Mitzvah Bowl Website guides B’nai Mitzvah students to find meaningful Mitzvah Projects. With over 150 non-profit organizations to choose from, tweens/teens can search for the ideal opportunity based on their personal interests. Projects range from being a dance partner with wheelchair bound individuals to videotaping Holocaust survivors to supplying books for a new library in Africa. To inspire others, students’ Mitzvah Project stories are featured weekly. Go to the “More Ideas Page” for even further inspiration!
Maddie Hunt, a May, 2013 Bat Mitzvah, combined two passions for her Mitzvah Project–baking and helping kids. She baked homemade goods during the month of March to sell at her middle school’s café. After raising $425, Maddie donated the funds to Camp Rainbow, a free non-profit overnight camp in Pennsylvania, in order to give other children the opportunity to go to overnight camp who would not be able to afford it
Jewelry Judaica
Contact: Customer Support, info@jewelryjudaica.com
Jewelry Judaica is a family owned and operated business with decades of experience manufacturing and selling traditional and contemporary Judaica jewelry for all ages, occasions and budgets. We know that one of the most meaningful and long-lasting gifts for a loved-one can be a cherished piece of Judaica jewelry. We make most of the jewelry ourselves and take great pride in our work. Get 25% off any jewleryjudaica.com order through July 31, 2013 using coupon code MITZVAH13 at checkout.
We sell only the highest quality gold and silver jewelry for all your special occasions. Visit us at JewelryJudaica.com to find the perfect Bar or Bat Mitzvah gift!
Bar Mitzvah Bouncer
Contact: Evan Wofsy, 973-758-9800, 631-367-1519, evan@barmitzvahbouncer.com
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 we supervise the children. Our services include the supervision of the children at the party as well as the Temple services and transportation to and from the party.
Our bouncers did not hesitate to wait with these young guests until their parents arrived at 2:15 am, keeping the girls safe and their parents worry-free
June 18th, 2013
Jessie Weinberg celebrated her Bat Mitzvah on March 9, 2013 at Temple Beth Shalom in Roslyn Heights, New York.
The Weinbergs had a traditional Havdalah service where Jessie read from the Torah, and was followed by a fabulous party with a “Jessiegram” theme to celebrate her hard work in preparing to become a Bat Mitzvah and to celebrate her 13th birthday.
Pictured L-R: Mom Susan, Bat Mitzvah girl Jessie, Dad Matt and younger Sister Ali.
Event planner Michelle Farber of M. Studio Events worked with the family on all the party details including this beautiful invitation suite in a purple and silver color palette
Jessie’s beautiful purple gown, embellished with crystals, was from It’s Simply For You
The theme was “Jessiegram,” a play on Instagram. Instagram is a fun way to share photos via social media and it was brought to life by event planner, Michelle Farber. The result was a sophisticated and fun party utilizing many of the popular symbols that all the kids and adults are familiar with. The gorgeous Jessiegram sign that hung from the ceiling featured her logo and was embellished with crystals
Since Instagram is all about pictures, Jessiegram was too! Using a purple palette, Michelle collaborated with Stefan’s Florist to create the decor using lots of pictures of the Bat Mitzvah girl. The place cards featured pictures of Jessie
Beautiful purple draping with pictures of Jessie framed the entrance to the kid’s area
There were oversized pictures of Jessie behind the light up bar
Centerpiece lamp shades included shots of Jessie from her photo shoot
The ballroom walls looked amazing with pictures of Jessie and purple up lighting
Michelle Farber is known for branding events and incorporated “Jessegram” creatively into the decor by using #hashtag symbols throughout. The cocktail sign for the adults was framed in purple bling and highlighted the specialty drinks available
The satin pillow says it all!
LED light up cocktail tables with Instagram symbols
A young guest wearing a t-shirt giveaway = #amazing!
Jessie’s friends wearing socks with her Jessiegram logo!
A few different logos were printed on different color socks to show a “branded” feel for the party
Even #soap and Jessiegram hand towels were placed in the bathrooms
In keeping with the purple color scheme, #earplugs were provided at the grandparents table
The hooded grey sweatshirts and sweatpants with Jessie’s logo were created by M. Studio Events. The back of the sweatshirts were personalized with each kid’s last name
Jessie and her friends showing off their sweatpants
The silver favor bags had Jessie’s logo on a purple label
From the #togo bags to a reminder about changing the clocks, not a detail was missed!
Guests found 2 bottles of water with custom logos and change the clock cards in their cars to remind them that it was daylight savings time
The valet placed a key chain on the guests’ keys
Mitzvah Project:
Jessie donated a portion of her Bat Mitzvah gifts to the Child-Life Services Department of Cohen’s Children’s Medical Center, a division of North Shore LIJ Hospital. This department ensures that the children who are admitted to the hospital are made comfortable by helping them understand the sometimes scary things they see in a hospital. Child Life Specialists provide kid-friendly activities and games to help them cope with their medical situation.
Advice from Mom Susan:
“The best advice I can give to another mom is to trust the professionals you hire to work on your party. This is what they do, and they know what to do and how to execute it flawlessly. Set a realistic budget based on the venue and catering, photo, music, entertainment and decor (and don’t forget to add gratuities into your budget) and try to stick to it because there are always things you will want to add as the date approaches, which can add another 10-20% to the bottom line. There are a lot of things that happen in the last month, like table placement, montage, favors, etc. If you are a working mom it can become overwhelming. There are certain things that you can’t get done until you have your final count, but if you can plan early and finalize the menu, decor, montage, and the favors, you will be able to relax the last couple weeks and really enjoy the event.”
The following vendors helped to make Jessie’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Temple Beth Shalom, 516-621-2288
Caterer: Craig Weinberg, Joseph Craig Caterers, 516-621-8200
Photographer/Videographer/Sign-in book/Photo Blowups: Steven Strutt, Stephen Andrews Photography, 516-780-9100
Party Planner/Invitations: Michelle Farber, M.Studio Events, 516-418-3131
Decor/Florist: Danae, Stefan’s Florist, 516-239-2402
Party Details: Cocktail napkins, socks, earplugs, dancer t-shirts, soap, flashlights: M. Studio Events
Mitzvah Exit: “Togo” cups, bags, custom waters, flashlights, change your clocks cards, M. Studio Events
Music Entertainment: Tom Kaufman, Tom Kaufman Productions, 212-223-0962
Extra Entertainment: Magician: The Amazing Ken Salaz, 917-952-8967
Jessie’s Gown: It’s Simply for You (closed), 516-921-2863
Sister Ali’s temple and party dresses: Fetch Dress Boutique (closed), 516-864-0660
Hair: Kelly Haas, 516-410-8402
Makeup: Amanda Evans, 516-456-1400
