April 24th, 2013
Kids Star in One-of-a-Kind Bar/Bat Mitzvah Musical Experience
Every kid deserves to be a star on their Bar or Bat Mitzvah day and families looking for an unparalleled musical experience will find it in Rockmitzvah—a band that truly puts the B’nai Mitzvah kid in the spotlight on their very special day.
“We provide a hands-on rock-star experience as the child is surrounded by people who are active working rock musicians,” says Marc Jacoby, founding partner in Rockmitzvah, Columbia Recording Artist and music educator. “Our musicians have all recorded albums, toured around the country, and toured around the world.” Rockmitzvah’s talented group of performers have toured with the likes of Bonnie Raitt, Bruce Hornsby, the Blues Brothers and more. The band customizes the music to match the needs and tastes of those in attendance and offers a variety of options ranging from pop music, to rock, R&B, Broadway, well-known Jewish music, and classics appealing to older generations.
If the child is an active music student, the Rockmitzvah band members can act as a liaison with the child’s current music instructor in preparation for the big day. Recently, Adam Zerman, a drummer and guitarist who trains regularly with Rockmitzvah co-founder Cliff Mays completely wowed his guests by performing an entire set of songs at his Bar Mitzvah.
Adam practices with Rockmitzvah before Bar Mitzvah celebration
Photo credit: Jen Parente
His proud mom Amy said her son’s performance was absolutely incredible. While she had watched her son’s rehearsal a few weeks ago at Life, The Place to Be (in Ardsley, New York), she was totally surprised when her son performed, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want,” just for his parents.
Adam performs with Rockmitzvah at his Bar Mitzvah celebration
“He literally blew us away,” Zerman said of her son’s performance. “We listen to him take his lessons every week with Cliff but it was a totally different thing than what we saw at the rehearsal and at the party. Our jaws were on the floor,” she added.
Adam, who plays the bass guitar and the drums, also got the chance to perform with his older brother Mitchell, a guitar player and songwriter who performed with Rockmitzvah a few years ago at his Bar Mitzvah. Mitchell and Adam entertained family and friends with a performance of “Scarlet Begonias,” by the Grateful Dead.
While Mitchell and Adam are two incredibly talented brothers, you don’t have to be a child phenom to be a star at your Bar or Bat Mitzvah. The band works closely with every kid to help showcase their talents and are able to accommodate groups singing today’s popular music as well. The band also encourages kids and even adults to strap on the band’s instruments and perform right alongside the veteran rockers. “We find that the best events are when multiple guests are coming on and off the stage throughout the entire party,” says Jim Weingast, founding partner in Rockmitzvah, drummer, musical instructor and producer.
Zerman says that she was pleasantly surprised to see her guests getting in on the act. “A bunch of his friends got up there to perform, they were really into it. Three to four girls got up there and did a couple numbers. Two different guys came up and sang a song and another kid played the drums. There was a ton of participation.” She adds that even adults took the stage. “One guy played guitar and there were a couple of adults who performed but we really wanted to keep it focused on Adam and the kids and it was a perfect mix of that.”
Rockmitzvah engages partygoers through music-inspired games including air guitar contests, percussion jams, and more. Additionally, depending upon the request of the family, Rockmitzvah is able to add a DJ so guests can enjoy the unique mix of music and traditional games along with the distinct elements of a rock band. At Adam’s Bar Mitzvah, his mom says the band “brought an iPod to play the rap kind of stuff that I hate and the kids love during a couple of the breaks.” Rockmitzvah’s goal is to get everyone involved in the musical fun, making for a one of a kind B’nai Mitzvah experience.
Now that both of her sons have been through the Rockmitzvah experience, Zerman says she was really impressed by how the band has grown since her older son’s big day. “We couldn’t have asked for anything better and it’s interesting because we were one of the first families to hire Rockmitzvah when they started out. And with Mitchell, they were fabulous and they’ve also progressed in how they manage the kids and the party. It was definitely as good as Mitchell’s was and this was even better and it was just because of the band.”
To learn more about Rockmitzvah, visit our extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
April 24th, 2013
Maxwell Miller is from East Hills, New York and has created a Mitzvah Project called, Max ¢ent$ 4 $unrise (M¢4$).
This project will benefit Sunrise Day Camp, the first dedicated day camp in the United States for children with cancer, and their siblings, which is completely free of charge.
Max hopes his Mitzvah Project idea can spread to other towns and we hope so too!
We asked him some questions to learn more:
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project?
MM: My family has been involved with helping Sunrise Day Camp since it’s inception. My parents are chairpersons of “Friends of Sunrise,” an organization that plans events and fundraises for Sunrise. In addition, my father also plans and participates in volunteer days during the summer at the camp. As a family, we go every year to plant flowers on the campgrounds, and participate in the annual Sunrise Walkathon. I’m also excited to have my Bar Mitzvah Havdalah service and celebration at the newly built Sunrise Day Camp Pavilion. When I was in first grade, one of my friends was diagnosed with cancer. He and his brother were both given the opportunity to go to Sunrise Day Camp, which gave me an even more personal connection to the camp.
MM: Can you give us details of your Mitzvah Project?
MM: “Max ¢ent$ for Sunrise” (M¢4$) is a recycling program that turns trash into cash for Sunrise Day Camp, while at the same time helping our environment. We are currently collecting recyclable bottles and cans from over 50 homes in my neighborhood, as well as several local office buildings and public venues. We have partnered with a recycling company that picks up the bottles and cans, and donates the money from the deposits to Sunrise Day Camp.
MM: Does your project have a start and end date, if so what are they?
MM: I started my project in February, 2013 by launching a home pick up service in my neighborhood. The best part about my project is it will continue to help Sunrise Day Camp long after my Bar Mitzvah has passed. There is no end date for my project.
MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bar Mitzvah?
MM: My Mitzvah Project is like answering the extra credit question on a test. Becoming a Bar Mitzvah is about dedicating yourself to the principles of the Jewish religion. By working hard at making my Mitzvah Project a success and helping children with cancer, I’m showing my commitment to try to be a better person and a better Jew. Which is what I think a Bar Mitzvah is really all about.
MM: What are you doing to spread the word?
MM: To get my project started, I sent letters and emails to friends and neighbors, encouraging them to collect cans and bottles for Sunrise Day Camp. My dad and I drove around and supplied them with plastic bags to use to collect bottles and cans. We have continued to spread the word in our community by word of mouth. Wherever we go, we speak to our friends and family and try to bring this program to their schools, businesses and organizations.
MM: For how long can people donate to this charity?
MM: This charity is set up to keep going for as long as I can run it. People can continue to support Max ¢ents For Sunrise long after the date of my Bar Mitzvah. If you want to bring MC4S to your business, school or organization, we can arrange to provide clear plastic bags and pick up service. We also have the ability to organize a joint fundraiser with other charities using our pick up service. For more information contact my Dad, David Miller at pizzabagel@aol.com.
People can also make direct cash donations to Sunrise by contacting Beth Fetner at 516-634-4196 or at bfetner@FriedbergJCC.org.
We would like to thank Max for sharing his terrific Mitzvah Project with our readers. We hope it inspires you to start something similar in your hometown.
To learn more about the work at Sunrise Day Camp, visit their Website.
April 24th, 2013
Eventastic Parties is a full service event planning company that provides personalized attention to each client.
Most of their customers are through referrals and their goal is to ensure that your event is stress free and enjoyable as they handle all the details, phone calls and coordination of your event.
Their creative style combined with their business savvy allows them to offer out of the box thinking– not out of the box pricing.
They recently planned a Bar Mitzvah celebration at the Renaissance Westchester Hotel for Noah. He loves college sports (especially the University of Michigan) and wanted a Bar Mitzvah celebration filled with lots of college spirit. Eventastic Parties delivered exactly want this Bar Mitzvah boy wanted!
Check out the below:
The party room is all set up for a touch down event. Decor by Diana Gould
All of Noah’s favorite college teams were represented at the candle lighting. His favorite team took center cake– Go Blue!
Cake by Lu Lu’s in Scarsdale, New York
Noah’s Party in the Big House set the mood for a really spirited night!
College themed pillows carried the theme all the way through
College logos on the coffee tables put everyone in a real party zone!
The theme was all lit up in the end zone for all the guests to see
The centerpieces represented each of Noah’s favorite college teams. Wheat grass, college logos and a giant acrylic football player were a real hit at every table
Pre-gaming was fun with these great college themed centerpieces placed on the cocktail tables
A glowing ping pong table with custom Michigan paddles from Interactive Parties kept the young guests busy
Noah “shot out” custom t-shirts to all the guests during his grand entrance which really set the stage for a fun night!
To learn more about Eventastic Parties, visit their profile page in our Vendor Directory.
April 23rd, 2013
Mitchell Abes celebrated his Bar Mitzvah on August 25, 2012 at Camp Barney Medintz in Cleveland, Georgia, about 90 miles north of Atlanta. This is where he spends his summers so the theme was appropriately, Camp Mitchell! Their “Camp Mitchell” theme kicked off when guests arrived. Waiting in their cabin was a “care package” filled with items they would need for the weekend (flashlights, bug spray, sunscreen, Mad Libs, granola bars, etc.).
Pictured L-R: Sister Amanda, Mom Julie, Bar Mitzvah boy Mitchell and Dad David.
A welcome sign greeted guests as they arrived
The sign-in flag! It flew all weekend long, then guests signed it at the party
The Abes know how to have fun!
The centerpieces above and below were used at the Kiddish lunch
Creative signage all over
Amy Wohl of FabuDesigns.com created the invitation, website and logo
There were many friends and family who joined them for a weekend of fun! After lunch, camp was open for tie dying “Camp Mitchell” shirts at arts and crafts
The lake activities were in full gear with paddle boarding
The inflatable iceberg
Rock wall and water slides
Place cards were placed on little tree stumps found on Etsy
Above was a laundry line of photos of Mitchell through the years
After guests showered and “dressed” up for the camp dance, the Saturday night party began! The adults had a cocktail hour followed by a seated dinner.
Table decor from the evening party included lanterns, burlap, and candles
Guests enjoyed a green screen photo booth with fun signs
Mitchell makes an entrance
Vibe Entertainment provided the music entertainment
Up on the chair!
The horah gets crazy!
They had a video montage that used the theme of the Muppet Show that ended with people in Mitchell’s life singing “mahna mana”
The “canteen” was open to all so you could take home candy treats
Dessert was from a local frozen yogurt shop with plenty of toppings
Wide World Shirts created the T-shirt favors with Mitchell’s logo
A great idea! Mom Julie had postcards made for their guests. They asked that everyone surprise Mitchell with a note after the weekend. He loved getting the postcards for weeks after his Bar Mitzvah
Drop in box for special meesages
Some Planning Advice from Mom Julie
“Planning a Bar Mitzvah can be completely overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! The best advice is to start early by researching reliable, amazing vendors in your area. Then, find ideas to execute your theme and talk to your friends who have been through it before. I also found it best to stay organized by keeping a notebook with contracts, invoices, pictures of my ideas, and contact information of all my vendors. There was also a Bar Mitzvah computer program that kept my database of guests, their addresses, gifts, and to do lists. It was invaluable! I happen to love party planning and love all of the details that can go into a Bar Mitzvah. Keep in mind, if you can’t do it all, hire a party planner to help you along. Our son’s weekend was really something different, having to plan an entire weekend as a ”destination” Bar Mitzvah. It made it extremely special as it was at a place he feels so connected. I feel with each Bar/Bat Mitzvah you have to know your child and know how they want to celebrate. The best part is stepping back during the service and the party and taking it all in. It is one of the few times everyone you love is in the same place dancing, smiling and celebrating your child’s big day!”
Bar Mitzvah Project
Our whole family has been involved with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) since Mitchell was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of 2. Mitchell spearheaded our family team for the annual Walk to Cure Diabetes, raising $55,000 last October.
In addition, Mitchell volunteered his time as a Junior Volunteer at the JDRF Black tie gala in Atlanta. He spoke to the 700 attendees about having type 1 diabetes and helped kick off their fundraising part of the evening. The entire event raised $1.6 million for diabetes research.
Vendor Directory
The following vendors made Mitchell’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Camp Barney Medintz
Caterer: Goldfish
Music Entertainment: Vibe Entertainment
Favors: World Wide Shirts, 404-875-1291
Green screen photo booth: Scenesations Photography, 770-616-0553
Photographer: Patti Covert, Scenesations Photography
Videographer/Montage: Blue Orchid Productions, 404-275-2290
Invitation/Logo/Website: Amy Wohl, FabuDesigns.com, 312-513-1698
Décor/florist: Lorena Rothfarb Events and The Flower Buds
Sign-In flag: NorthStar Flags
Dresses: Mom, Milly (boutique in Memphis) and Amanda, Free People (boutique in Boston)
Suits: Nordstrom
Hair/makeup: Jocelyn Ryan, Structure Hair Studio, 706-867-6320
Transportation: Atlantic Limousine & Transportation 770-751-7078, Crown Mountain Limo
Place cards stands: Etsy
April 20th, 2013
The Portrait Shoppe has been providing the highest level of photographic service for over 30 years. In that time, they have photographed the life events of many generations in the same family, from weddings to Bar Bat Mitzvahs, newborns, anniversaries, retirements and even Sweet 16s.
Recently they were the photographer at a Bar Mitzvah celebrated at Temple Or Elohim in Jericho, New York. See the details below:
Richie Hart Events provided the music entertainment, United Floral provided the decor and The Main Event added some extra entertainment! Family and friends got into the dress code and had a great time at this sports themed party!
Every event begins with the invitation. This one is by Debbi Lee of Invitation House
United Floral provided the decor which included various jerseys hanging from the ceiling
The ballroom at Temple Or Elohim is ready for Eli’s family and friends
Cool lamp shade centerpieces from United Floral
Eli’s immediate family all wore referee shirts from Woodbury Sports complete with their names on the back!
Mr. Met made an appearance and posed for a picture with Bar Mitzvah boy Eli
Richie Hart from Richie Hart Events provided the music entertainment and Dancing Larry from the NY Rangers helped celebrate with everyone
Eli’s friends, all wearing jerseys, surround Eli and his cake created by Hasson Caterers
The Portrait Shoppe created Eli’s sign-in board featuring various pictures of him
Guests enjoyed magician Henry Carlyle, a photo booth by The Main Event and games like Foosball above
Eli’s friends received their favors in matching drawstring bags by Best Express
These Jerseys were created by a family friend for Eli’s friends
Mazel Tov to Eli and his family!
We thank The Portrait Shoppe for sharing this celebration with our readers. To learn more about them, please visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
April 12th, 2013
It was time for the second Mitzvah celebration for the Imberman family from Chappaqua, New York. Mom is event planner Melisa Imberman owner of The Event Of A Lifetime, Inc. and we have previously written about her son Alex’s celebration, as well as several others that she’s planned for her clients.
For Morgan’s Bat Mitzvah, Melisa combined her daughter’s love of monkeys with her gymnastics to create a “wild” night at Temple Beth El in Chappaqua.
Peter Obrec was the photographer and the rest of the vendor information is at the end of the spotlight.
Pictured L-R: Mom Melisa, Brother Alex, Bat Mitzvah girl Morgan and Dad Marc.
Morgan’s service and celebration took place at Temple Beth El.
Bat Mitzvah girl Morgan holding the torah
The zebra print yarmulkes, a hint of the party theme to come, were placed on a table alongside Morgan’s invitation created by Small Fry Press
The entire Imberman family got into Morgan’s theme!
Bat Mitzvah girl Morgan wore a neon pink high low gown that was lined with zebra print fabric
Mom Melisa’s dress is from Designing Dreams and the men’s black suits and hot pink ties are from Nordstrom
Their feet even got into the animal theme! Check out Melisa’s zebra print shoes and the zebra print socks on Marc and brother Alex!
Morgan’s nails were neon pink with two nails zebra print
Melisa has planned many Bar and Bat Mitzvahs in the New York area. With the help of Diane Amante, co-owner of Xquisite Flowers and Events, they “went wild” in planning her daughter Morgan’s celebration by converting their temple ballroom into a jungle of neon pink with monkeys everywhere!
The ballroom is ready for guests to arrive
For their seating cards, each guest found their name and table number written in neon pink on a silk leaf that could easily be plucked off of a vine
The place card leaves against the bark
The kids lounge area was a fantasy jungle of neon pink and zebra print with a giant decal of Morgan’s logo on the wall
The dance floor featured a jungle canopy with monkeys hanging down
Beautiful tropical arrangements surrounded the table numbers
The adult tables were wrapped in neon pink spandex with zebra chair coverings and the centerpieces were trees with monkeys and exotic flowers
The plate chargers were actually slices of a tree trunk
The menus designed by Small Fry Press were printed on paper that looked like wood and were wrapped in zebra print napkins
Mom Melisa really incorporated special details into her daughter’s party.
The bathroom basket was chic and had just the right touch of animal accents
A Pinot Noir called Morgan was served to the adult guests
Plastic monkeys swinging from the wine glasses reinforced the theme
Printed on a wood grain paper, the bar menu described specialty drinks such as Jungle Juice and Monkeytini, while a lovable gorilla held the zebra framed menu. The kids dinner selections were displayed the same way.
Morgan’s young guests had many different animal patterned socks to choose from
A giant decal of Morgan’s logo on the dance floor
Morgan’s sign-in pink beanbag chair featured her logo.
Guests wrote Morgan special messages using Sharpies wrapped in zebra duct tape which were attached to the oversized beanbag chair
Video Solutions of NY created a jungle themed entrance video which set the tone for Morgan’s celebration. She is a competitive gymnast who loves monkeys and this video cleverly combined both and showed their similarities.
Some of the video was shot at the Bronx Zoo and some at her gym. The video ends with the song Welcome to the Jungle, as Morgan makes her entrance. Watch here
Morgan was carried into the room by her DJ dancers. The “Queen of the Jungle” was on a raft that was adorned with zebra print fabric, neon pink ruffles, leaves, and flowers
MC Ali and the Starlight Express crew kept the energy high and everyone on the dance floor all night.
The family on the dance floor
Morgan and her friends having fun
Dance floor giveaways included animal print hats, glasses, and little stuffed monkeys with shirts featuring Morgan’s logo
From social media to magic and even custom nails, there was lots of fun entertaining the guests.
The kids lounge had cards encouraging guests to use Instagram with a special #hashtag. Cards read: “If u take a pic, we want to c, plz post them on Instagram #3213”
Magic Dave entertaining Morgan’s guests
Guests were able to take photos or download images onto a set of nails that could be applied at the party or taken home
Morgan’s cake was created by Lulu Cake Boutique in a zebra print and some edible monkeys too!
A little bit of bling for the jungle queen’s cake
Morgan blowing out some candles
The girls’ sweatshirts were white with one logo in the back and another on the front. The front of the sweatshirt was hand cut into a v-neck and studded.
Favors were presented in cool zebra print bags
The inside of the hood was lined with zebra print fabric
As guests left, they could grab a cake pop off of the hot pink and zebra print dessert table.
Additionally, there was a cupcake dispenser that looked like a giant gumball machine. Each guest was given a token and when they put it in the dispenser, a mini cupcake in a pod came out!
Mom and event planner Melisa gives us some advice:
“Stay organized, rely on your vendors’ expertise & enjoy yourself…it will be over before you know it.”
Morgan organized a Cartwheel-A-Thon where she practices gymnastics. The money that was raised will be used to send a less fortunate kid to the The International Gymnastics Camp. She also collected old cell phone batteries to help save gorillas from extinction. Recycling the batteries help save the gorillas because the trees in the African Rain forests contain something called, colton which is used to make cell phone batteries. Now that more and more people have cell phones they have to cut down many trees. When they cut down trees, they are cutting down gorillas’ homes. By recycling old cell phones, we are saving gorillas and trees.
The following vendors helped to make Morgan’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 El of Northern Westchester, 914-238-3928
Party Planner: Melisa Imberman, The Event Of A Lifetime, Inc, 914-762-5770
Caterer:Karen Epstein, Encore Catering 973-515-8000 www.encorecateringnj.com
Music Entertainment: MC Ali, Starlight Express, 516-742-1100
Décor/florist: Diane Amante co-owner, X-quisite Flowers and Events, 914-632-8700
Photographer: Peter Oberc, 914-835-3440
Videographer/Montage/Entrance Video Video Solutions of NY, 516-752-2020
Favors:Do Me A Favour, caridigirls@aol.com
Party entertainment: Jim Cohn, Photo Clings, Coco Events: 631-274-4929
Nail pics: Peter Ziffer, 201-424-5154
Superbooth: Julie Radino, Video Solutions of NY
Magician: Magic Dave, 917-886-6364
Invitations/Menus: Small Fry Press, 914-747-6668
Cake: Lulu Cake Boutique, 914-722-8300
Sign-In board: Yogibo Bean Bags, 877-964-4266
Dresses for family members: Designing Dreams, 516-248-1988
Suits for family members: Nordstrom
Hair/makeup: Rhona Kraus, Susan Esposito, rhonakrauss@aol.com,
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April 9th, 2013
Mitzvah Market is conducting a survey to better serve our readers.
Your response would be greatly appreciated. In return for completing our short 10-question survey, we will email you a FREE downloadable guide to help plan your Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
Please take our survey now, click here.
Please note that this link is uniquely tied to this survey and your email address. Please do not forward this message.
Thank you in advance for your participation!
The Mitzvah Market team
April 9th, 2013
By Lindsey Sklar
This year I will begin attending Bar and Bat Mitzvahs for my friends and family. I’m so excited to write about each unique celebration. Bar and Bat Mitzvahs are so much fun and I love looking at all of the different trendy dresses, themes, party favors, and more! I’m very excited to share with everyone all of the unique ideas I see at each and every party!
Recently, I went to my friend Alexa Jill’s Bat Mitzvah. It was definitely unique and I think she had some special touches.
At the service, when everyone walked in they received a cupcake wrapper filled with Hershey’s kisses. On the bottom of the kiss, Alexa’s logo was on a sticker. We also got a custom water bottle with her logo. It was very cute and different.
Her service book was significantly different too. The service did not take place in a synagogue, so they were personalized small pamphlets with a picture of Alexa on the front. Her shirt was color splashed purple and it was definitely cute. The book explained her Mitzvah Project, featured her parents’ message, and her blessings. I really liked that.
Alexa’s cocktail hour started immediately after her service ended. The adults went into their own room and the kids went into the party room. Alexa had a lot of lounge furniture that glowed under black lights. There were also a lot of other entertainment options besides the DJ. She had an airbrush station where you could choose any pattern and any color to have as a temporary tattoo. I really enjoyed that because my friends and I all got matching tattoos.
Another fun piece of entertainment was airbrushing on boxer shorts. Each child was allowed to have one pair of shorts. You got to choose two colors and the word you wanted. Mine are pink and purple and say ‘Dance’ on the behind.
Another entertainment option was a photo booth. Alexa had two green screens set up and four binders filled with different backgrounds. That was definitely the biggest attraction of the night. I took 13 pictures with all of my friends.
Alexa had a very good DJ. The dancers were going around and trying to get all of the seated people to dance. They gave out prizes like glasses and hats-the usual prizes at a Bat Mitzvah.
There wasn’t really a set time for the kids to eat, so the food was out all night. Alexa had a large taco bar, which was amazing, a nacho station, and a dessert station. The taco station had toppings like tomatoes, cheese, salsa, etc. The nacho station was just a standard nacho station. It had regular chips, and you could get a side of cheese or salsa dip. Lastly, the dessert bar. That may have been my favorite out of all of the food. You had a choice of popcorn, a chocolate fountain with crackers and such, and a grape slushie. I was definitely stuffed by the end of that affair.
I was upset when it was time to leave, but I absolutely LOVED the favor! It was a simple black, long sleeved shirt and Alexa’s logo was on the front. It’s definitely a comfortable shirt and I am obsessed with it.
Alexa was flawless and she looked like she had a great time. Mazel Tov to her and her family.
ABOUT LINDSEY
I’m 12 years old, from Bucks County, Pennsylvania and more than halfway through 6th grade. Dancing is my favorite after school activity, whether it’s tap, jazz, ballet, or hip hop. Somehow I’m able to fit in my other hobby, softball, during my busy week. On top of all of that, I do whatever it takes to have time for my friends. My own Bat Mitzvah is coming up soon. It will be taking place in November, 2013. I can’t wait!
April 3rd, 2013
While planning your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah service and celebration, there might be a few curve balls and unexpected surprises.
A family from Chicago contacted us about a problem they encountered and we were able to offer some helpful suggestions that we thought we would share. If they encountered this situation, other readers might as well and we wanted to share what worked for them!
PROBLEM: After their daughter’s Bat Mitzvah invitations were mailed, they realized they neglected to let their guests know the time of the Bat Mitzvah service. Yes, they did approve the copy and no, no one from the invitation company thought to ask why it was missing.
They could have printed another card with a note about the time, and mailed those to their guests, but that would have been an additional expense they didn’t want to incur.
SOLUTION: Write a clever poem and send the correction via email using PaperlessPost.com!
Mazel Tov Peri, we are glad we could help and that your guests will now be on time!
If you have a problem, we are here to help. Reach us at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
March 31st, 2013
A Name is a name is a name…”
By Rabbi Matthew A. Reimer, Congregation B’nai Jeshurun, Short Hills, New Jersey
Our names are as much a defining characteristic of who we are as our physical attributes, our likes and dislikes, and our values and personal stories. But, as the Tanchuma text illustrates, that name can change. It can evolve. It can become something new. Becoming a bar/bat mitzvah is just such a moment when all three names meet in one sacred moment.
Our Family Name
Becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah is a significant individual milestone in one’s Jewish life. But it is also much more. It is a moment that becomes a part of one’s family history. At Temple B’nai Jeshurun, we want each of our B’nai Mitzvah students to understand and appreciate that part of what got them to this moment was their family: their parents, their grandparents, their great-grandparents, their siblings. The Bar/Bat Mitzvah’s family name can beam with pride having reached this Jewish milestone.
Our Public Name
Ideally, the journey of becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah is a personal and meaningful one. We ask our students to begin to take responsibility for all aspects of this journey, and, of course, we encourage students to begin to think for themselves and bring “themselves” into the process. Students, in consultation with our clergy, and in discussion with their family, determine what aspect of their Torah portion they will speak about from the bimah. Mitzvah projects are highly individualized. Choosing a project that one is passionate about will only add to the meaning gained and, hopefully, will introduce them to a life of Tikkun Olam, of repairing the world.
The Bar/Bat Mitzvah’s public name gives each student a sense of self, and that self comes with all of its special qualities, its imperfections and its uniqueness…and all of that is sacred.
The Name We Acquire for Ourselves
On Saturday morning, the Bar/Bat Mitzvah is called to the Torah with a new name (their Hebrew name followed by the Hebrew words, ‘Ha Bar/Bat Mitzvah’). This new name connects them to the Jewish collective past. He/she is now a part of the chain of tradition that began at Sinai and has been passed down l’dor v’dor, from generation to generation.
A Name is So Much More than a Name…
To help our B’nai Mitzvah students and their families understand their various “names” we have introduced the Family B’nai Mitzvah Class as part of the regular Bar/Bat Mitzvah process. Its goal is for families to experience the Bar/Bat Mitzvah journey together. Families spend four weeks together learning about the history of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah service, how to write a d’var Torah, the connection between mitzvot and becoming a Bar/Bat Mitzvah and personal theology. Families share stories; often ones that the student is hearing for the first time; ask questions and discuss the importance and role our tradition plays in their lives.
On the day our Temple B’nai Jeshurun students become B’nai Mitzvah, they will be called by all three names. We hope and pray that they will understand their names – their family stories, their personal choices and challenges and the values of their tradition – as they come of age and become a Jewish adult.
And this is something that all B’nai Mitzvah students can do as they take this next step in their Jewish journeys.
This story is from the 2012 Mitzvah Market magazine. If you would like a complimentary copy of our magazine, click here.
