January 24th, 2021
The Enda family from Voorhees, New Jersey celebrated their son Sebastian’s (who goes by Sebbie) Bar Mitzvah in December a few days after a snow storm.
Pictured above (L-R): Dad Jeff, Bar Mitzvah boy Sebbie, brother Caleb and mom Lisa
Mom Lisa tells Mitzvah Market, “Like so many other families, it was not what we had originally planned, but in many ways, it was so much more, and so unique, memorable, and special. We hope to inspire other families with what we were able to accomplish, even in these very uncertain and crazy times.”
The entire event, including the service was held in their backyard. They draped the garage space and used it as a walk-through tunnel from the driveway to the tent.
Hy Paul Studio provided the photography and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom.
Bar Mitzvah Service
Adding to an already stressful situation, there was a snow storm days before their event, but it did help create beautiful photos!
The afternoon service was held in their backyard in an open tent with heaters
They were lent a beautiful handcrafted wooden Ark and lectern and the Torah was from the Enda's synagogue
In-person guests received a large logo'd blanket to use during the service
All Around Entertainment took care of all the on-site tech and production for the Zoom and live stream, and also draped the garage with red curtains and uplighting
The welcome table even had hand and foot warmers for guests to grab on their way to the tent!
Next to the welcome table was Sebbie's sign-in board, a framed personalized #13 Jersey behind plexiglass
For the service, a bimah was constructed and there was wintery greens with white branches on each side of the Ark
Guests were invited to dress warmly and comfortably!
The family during the Havdalah service, with the custom color Havdalah candle in Sebbie’s Mitzvah colors red, black, and white
Mitzvah boxes were sent to guests who would join the service virtually. Each box contained the program, kippah, Havdalah candle and spice set, mini wine bottle and wine glass, logo’d matches and sanitizer, and delicious treats
Copies of the service program
As guests from the service were leaving, they were able to order and grab food to-go from the Shake Shack food truck parked in the driveway
After the service ended, the crew from All Around Entertainment turned over the tented area into a fun party space for a small group of Sebbie’s friends.
Small Bar Mitzvah Party With Friends
Sebbie's logo was a take-off of the Sportscenter logo with his initials
Each family member had a cool pair of kicks!
The neon color wash lighting gave the tent a club-like vibe
Friends enjoyed a Street Hoops pop-a-shot, LED cornhole, and listened to Sebbie's Spotify playlist
There was even time for a traditional Horah!
The kids all dressed casually and warmly, and were having so much fun that they didn’t even seem to notice the cold
There were two separate lounge areas with ottomans and LED cubes
Custom cornhole
Kids enjoyed a variety of desserts, all individually wrapped, and at the end of the night left with a logo’d blanket and beanie hat
Mitzvah Project
Sebbie worked with an organization called Leveling the Playing Field. In addition to raising over $1200 in monetary donations, he also ran a sports equipment drive in which he collected new and gently used sports equipment to be donated to LPF to be distributed to kids across the country who want to play sports but can’t afford the equipment. Sebbie was particularly excited about this project because he loves to watch and play sports and it made him feel great to be able to help other kids do something he loves.
Sebbie collected so much equipment that they were able to fill up an entire van of items
Sebbie with Max Levitt, Executive Director of Leveling the Playing Field
Bar Mitzvah Vendors
Music Entertainment: Jared Tangir, All Around Entertainment, 215-354-0124
Photographer (Formals/Bimah, Havdalah Service/Celebration): Hy Paul Studio, 215-364-4144
Photographer (Pre-shoot & Sports Photos): Deziree Rose Photography, 856-904-9021
Invitations: Erin Levine, Luv Notes, 856-616-1108
Invitation Reminder & Hype Video: Elissa Owen Montages, 617-480-4935
Video Montage: Ethan Kornfeld, 516-678-7180
Favors: Howard Simon, HALO Branded Solutions, 631-232-0590 x224
Decor: Designs by M.C. James, 856-906-7080
Kippahs: Randi Lehman, That One Special Touch, 516–567-8893
Sign-In Board: Jersey by customizationdepot.com, Custom framing by MFC Authentics & Framing, 856-535-3500
Lawn Sign: Elisa Simkovitz, Sign-A-Riffic, 856-426-1552
Tent Rental: TNT Rental, 856-727-9248
Food Truck: Shake Shack, Joshua Enriquez, 347-514-3887
Chocolate Chunk Cookies: Insomnia Cookies Philadelphia
Rice Krispie Treats: Trendy Treathouse, 856-870-5519
Logo Stickers & Packing Tape: Sticker Mule
Custom Cornhole: Carl Gamache, Etsy ThinLineCornhole
Chocolate Dipped Oreos: Williams & Bennett, 561-276-9007
Treats: Red licorice bites, nuts.com
Custom Havdalah Candle: Stargaze Candles, Etsy
Spices: Havdalah Besamim Spices, Jaz’s Herb Garden & More, Etsy
Fashion/Attire: Nordstrom’s, Eliza J. Faux Fur Wrap, Men’s Peter Millar Suit
Boys’ Suits & Accessories: 580 South, 973-758-0580
Hair: John Joyner, Thriv. Salon & Spa, 856-751-0014
Makeup: Lisa Severino, 609-685-1648
Mitzvah Project: Max Levitt, Leveling the Playing Field, 301-844-5620
January 12th, 2021
The Cohen family celebrated their daughter Hayden’s Bat Mitzvah in October. They had their service overlooking the beach at Orienta Beach Club in Mamaroneck, NY. This was their original venue and they were thrilled that they were able to have a covid safe environment. After the service, their guests enjoyed a luncheon outside under a tent and were entertained by watching the montage and tricks from a strolling mentalist. The next day, a food truck set up at their home so Hayden’s school and camp friends could stop by in small groups to celebrate.
Pictured above (L-R): Mom Debra, Bat Mitzvah girl, Hayden, brother Josh and dad Larry. The photographer for their Orienta Beach Club event was Elana Goodridge and Jessica Shayn Photography for the next day at home. The rest of their vendors are listed at the bottom.
Day 1 Details
Invitation by Out of the Box NY
Menus cleverly looked like camp letters!
Strolling mentalist
Day 2 Details
Sweatshirt favors
There was Hayden's canteen favorites and s'more to-go kits!
S'more To-Go kits
Mom Advice From Debra
“In the end, this was not what we originally planned, but we realized it was the perfect intimate celebration and that a small gathering was very meaningful. We knew from the beginning that we were not rescheduling and wanted to celebrate Hayden in whatever way was safe and allowed. There are still so many fun ways to celebrate, even on a small scale.”
Mitzvah Project
Their Temple, Congregation Emanuel of Rye has a program called, Hineni where the kids participate in community service all year long. However, while home in the spring, Hayden participated in “Bakers Against Racism.” She sold over 100 challahs and donated $1000 to the Southern Poverty Law Center and several more challahs to Caritas, a local organization that provides fresh meals to those in need in Portchester. Hayden also volunteered monthly at Pleasantville Cottages. She would visit with kids and hang out, have dinner and do crafts.
Bat Mitzvah Vendors
Venue: Orienta Beach Club, 914-698-1900
Photographer: Elana Goodridge, 917-270-9365 (Saturday), Jessica Shayn Photography, 914-830-9478 (Sunday)
Invitations: Leslie Goldberg, Out of the Box NY, 914-934-2323
Decor/Box Hedge with Balloons: Sammz Designz, 203-893-6317
Yard Sign: Yardbird Greetings, 917-202-7223
Favors/Step n Repeat: Ellen Elmaleh, Triple Eee Productions, 917-727-4197
Mentalist: Chris Anthony, 718-518-8030
Menu: MaxandMae, Etsy
Sign-In Board: Personalized Jenga from Etsy
Dresses: Hayden’s, Blue by Christina 917-214-5030, Debra’s, Saks Fifth Avenue
Suits: Josh, Lubin’s of Westchester, 914-713-0300, Larry, Bloomingdale’s
Hair: Stacey, Beauty Bar, 914-939-7800
Make-up: Michelle Zadrima, 914-548-1647
Montage: Ben Seligson, 631-965-9500
Food Truck: DCW Truck, 203-309-7266
January 10th, 2021
By Tanya Singer, a Mitzvah Mom
While our daughter Abigael never wanted a giant Bat Mitzvah party, she certainly never imagined a legal maximum of ten people could be gathered for her big day – or that her venue would be our garage!
Pictured above (L-R): Dad Jonathan, Bat Mitzvah girl Abigael, mom Tanya and brother Samuel. Sarah Merians Photography & Video was the photographer and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom.
Before the Pandemic, we researched and liked a large venue but Abigael hoped for something a bit more intimate. We planned to host her Bat Mitzvah at a local restaurant, with 100 friends and family present. As soon as the pandemic hit, that restaurant stopped returning calls and emails. Within a couple of months, news came out that they were bankrupt.
As her Bat Mitzvah drew near, family and friends were sure they would come celebrate no matter what. As fall drew to a close, Covid-19 rates began to spike and in advance of our daughter’s 13th birthday and Thanksgiving, New York State Governor Cuomo mandated at home gatherings could include no more than 10 people.
Once again, in an experience quite familiar in 2020, we had to pivot and asked our daughter to do the same. With immuno-compromised parents, we decided to make safety the top priority. With that, the biggest open-air space we could think of that made sense was our garage.
Our garage was an unpainted mess. We called our contractor back, having completed our basement over the months of quarantine, and asked if he could make our garage a bright white box. My handy husband hung what looks like a zip line and I ordered white outdoor curtains on Amazon. My husband, determined to make the space fun, ordered a set of up lights as well.
White curtains from Amazon
Uplighting
Balloon Artistry made our front porch into the perfect photo spot with an organic balloon arch that picked up the colors in Abigael’s watercolor logo. When I was nervous about needing more color in the garage, Balloon Artistry created a big logo-inspired sign for Abigael, dropping the date to extend its shelf life. The company also provided incredible ombre balloons which picked up the lavenders in the logo design.
Front porch balloon arch
Ombre balloons and cake
Abigael's brother Samuel and their dog Cody
Balloon Artistry also created the pillows and warm blanket favors
We picked up the lavender again with organza table cloths and napkins provided by West Side Party Rentals in Mount Vernon. Tables were finished with handmade pottery vases created by Abigael’s favorite pottery teacher, her Great Aunt Denise. The vases were made at The Potter’s Wheel in Queens, NY. The organic textured vases were the perfect vessels for the clustered purple, white, silver and green floral centerpieces created by Scarsdale Flower Boutique in Scarsdale, NY.
Handmade vases with beautiful flowers
Custom napkin rings from Etsy
Expecting a very limited turn out, Abigael held zooms with family and friends and hosted small groups of in-person visitors on Sunday for 30-minute socially distant visits. Thankfully, Temple Israel Center of White Plains has been able to safely host small services in the Sanctuary and Abigael had the experience of chanting on the bimah. Close friends and grandparents received Havdalah sets by mail with hand-dipped candles like the one Abigael used in the service, to make them feel a part of the moment, even from home.
The locally-famous and beloved Torah tutor Georgia Davis with Abigael
When Abigael asked me to create something she could wear on her big day, I was delighted. We chose yarn together at our favorite local shop, The Observatory Shop, in Hastings-on-Hudson. Once I made progress on her cabled shawl, I determined I had enough time to knit my own sweater for the big day. While there was so much that didn’t go according to plan, we both felt warm and cozy, even for outdoor photos without a jacket!
For those in the same position not sure if they should move forward with their child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah, I would say don’t wait to honor this moment. Here are 3 tips:
Include those who cannot be physically present – I created a binder filled with letters for Abigael by asking family and friends to handwrite letters which I put into a plastic sleeve for safe keeping. My mother-in-law did this for my husband in 1986 for his Bar Mitzvah and it’s incredible to read reflections from his family members who were 13 years old so long ago.
Make It Personal – Use your talents to make the event special. My aunt made the vases, I knit sweaters, and everyone (even those who couldn’t make it) had a hand in writing letters our daughter will have forever.
Speak Up – Our synagogue has not historically invited parents to address their children. During the pandemic, with so many guests joining online, that policy changed and we jumped at the chance to address Abigael on the service livestream. Address your child in a way that brings family members up-to-date and helps them feel closer to you and your child.
Mazel Tov! to the Singer family and we thank them for sharing Abigael’s Bat Mitzvah with us!
Bat Mitzvah Vendors
Venue: Family garage
Photographer: Sheila, Sarah Merians Photography & Video, 212-633-0502
Decor and Favors: Balloon Artistry, 845-352-2828
Invitations: Balloon Artistry & Paperless Post
Cake: By The Way Bakery, 914-478-0555
Florist: Scarsdale Flower Boutique, 914-732-0852
Vases: Pottery By Denis Matis
Table Cloths: Westside Party & Tent Rental, 914-664-6168
Tutor: Georgia Davis
Hair: Andrea Mendez, BLVD Scarsdale, 914-999-2583
Personalized Napkin Rings: Etsy
Suits: Brooks Brothers, Mens Wearhouse
Mom skirt: JCrew
Abigael skirt: Neiman Marcus
Handknit shawl and sweater: Knit by mom, with yarn from The Observatory Shop, 914-231-9061
January 3rd, 2021
Despite the pandemic, the Schwarcz family from New Rochelle decided that their son Ben would still become a Bar Mitzvah as scheduled.
Melisa Imberman, The Event Of A Lifetime tells Mitzvah Market, “After hearing about one of my mini Mitzvahs, they decided that they wanted to celebrate now. So with just 6 weeks before his date, we transformed their backyard into not one, but two celebrations! We billed this as a double header – since it was a baseball theme.”
Pictured above (L-R): Brother Noah, mom Dana, Bar Mitzvah boy Ben, dad Jeff and sister Olivia
The photographer was FX Photography.
Luncheon For Family
Ben's Bar Mitzvah service was held at Beth El Synagogue Center with immediate family and live streamed for those not in attendance
After the service there was a 2 hour luncheon in their backyard for family and friends
When guests arrived the first stop was a welcome table with logo'd masks & hand sanitizers, escort cards and a sign-in "home plate" which went perfectly with the theme!
Custom hand santizers were available
Guests were seated by family, each at their own table
With COVID safety measures in mind, guests remained seated until their table was called up to the buffet
Baseball themed centerpieces
When guests left they received delicious cookie dough in branded jars
Evening Party With Friends
The family is ready for the nighttime party!
For the kids party, Melisa repurposed the same tent, just changed out the large tables for smaller tables and hi tops
A small group of Ben's friends, who are in the same "pod" enjoyed cornhole and other games
They also received logo'd drawstring bags with a sweatshirt
Ben's brother Noah models the sweatshirt
Friends continued to sign the "home plate"
Kids loved the food truck that’s known for their selection of toppings they offer on cheesesteaks, hot dogs, hamburgers & tater tots
They also loved the ice cream truck that offers a wide array of sundae toppings!
We thank Melisa from The Event Of A Lifetime for sharing this celebration with our readers. To learn more about The Event Of A Lifetime, visit their extended profile page.
January 3rd, 2021
Jason Silberman has spent most of his career blending magic and mentalism while performing inches away from guests at Bar and Bat Mitzvahs and other events in the Tri-State area. Once the Pandemic started, he invested in a better camera and set-up, re-designed his tricks and has gone on to perform over 150 virtual shows!
Jason tells Mitzvah Market, “Back in March, all of our lives changed. As an entertainer, it’s my job to work with people, in-person. Many of my events were cancelled and some rescheduled but I had to make up for that lost business and keep my skills sharp. I now get to perform for people all over the country and all over the world! I’ve performed for people in London, Chicago, Canada and of course, the New York tri-state area.”
The show is an interactive experience that takes tricks from his professional repertoire as well as specially designed magic just for the virtual medium. Viewers will watch magic on screen as well as participate throughout causing some of the tricks to unfold in their own homes! He’s performed this show for 4 people on a call all the way up to 200+.
Look At These Amazed Faces!
Here’s what some of his clients had to say:
“Jason Silberman puts on a show that will blow your mind! He gets everyone to participate, is charming and entertaining (even over Zoom, which can be a challenge!), and is SUPER TALENTED. We couldn’t be happier and we all signed off in a great mood – MUCH needed lately. You and your friends will be talking about it for days after the event!” – Amy A., New York, NY
“Jason’s “Virtual Show” was fabulous! We had a huge attendance, and everyone loved it.” – Elaine G., Sarasota, FL
“Jason was fantastic! He performed on a zoom call for my son’s Bar Mitzvah and it was the perfect way to bring everyone together and find a way to make the experience a celebration. The kids loved it and he did a great job of engaging with he entire crowd. My son told me it was the highlight of his entire Bar Mitzvah. We have seen a LOT of magic shows and this was up there with the best!” – Jenifer G., New York, NY
To learn more about Jason Silberman Magic, visit his profile page.
December 13th, 2020
Since the start of the Pandemic, Lynn Osband from Lynn Osband Events has been planning virtual and socially distant events around the country. She put her new skills to work for her own daughter Sarah’s Bat Mitzvah over Thanksgiving weekend.
Lynn tells Mitzvah Market, “As an Event Planner, I love helping families come up with unique and meaningful ways to celebrate their Bar/Bat Mitzvahs. When the pandemic hit, we had to use some creative thinking to turn a huge bash into a COVID-safe celebration. Throughout the weekend, we were able to include our family and friends in a Zoom service and a series of mini celebrations. The “Car”-ebration was the best! My daughter’s Broadway theme inspired a Broadway backdrop, red carpet, and Broadway BINGO for all to enjoy from the safety of their cars. Everyone was able to celebrate with us 6 feet away and Sarah had a great time!”
Pictured above (L-R) Sister Rachel, dad Steve, mom Lynn, Bat Mitzvah girl Sarah and brother Jonathan
This Bat Mitzvah was a labor of love for Lynn and she planned 3 individual events during the weekend to celebrate Sarah.
1. Zoom service from Congregation Sinai in San Jose, CA on Saturday morning.
2. A fun Saturday evening family-only Zoom party.
3. A “Car”-ebration in the parking lot of the synagogue on Sunday with their original theme of Broadway!
Scott Lasky was the photographer and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of the story.
Details Below
Sarah during her Zoom service at Congregation Sinai
Many friends and family were able to virtually watch
Since they weren't allowed guests in the sanctuary, these cut-out heads made them feel like everyone was there, including a few Broadway stars!
For the Zoom family-only party, guests played a trivia game about Sarah with Kahoot.it, and watched the photo montage and Cameo messages from Broadway stars! The "Sand Ceremony" honored special guests
Guests arrive on Sunday at the "Car" - ebration
As guests pulled up, they were given a favor bag. Inside the bags were a personalized water bottle, matching masks and kippot, hand sanitizer, a Bingo game board and pen, candy and a personalized Word Search game with words related to Sarah
Favor bag contents
The family wore Broadway show T-shirts
Guests could get out of their cars and take a photo in front of the Broadway backdrop
Guests played BINGO from their cars. Sarah called out a square and held up a picture of the logo in the square so people in cars could see and hear
Adorable custom BINGO card
The immediate family participated in the Horah in the parking lot
Sarah mans her sign-in board station
Guests could get out of their cars and enjoy Kona Ice
Bat Mitzvah Vendors
Event Planner/Photo Montage: Lynn Osband Events, 408-981-8422
Photographer: Scott Lasky, 408-807-4770
Video message from Broadway stars: Cameo.com
Personalized Masks: ElectricStyles.com
Personalized Kippot: Klipped Kippahs, 954-228-3518
Sand Ceremony engraved box and colored sand: orientaltradingcompany.com
Broadway backdrop: Etsy.com
Balloon Sculpture of Sarah: Balloonatics, 408-205-4559
Cardboard head cut-outs: Build a Head, buildahead.com/basketball
Bingo game: bonus.com/bingo/
Trivia Game about Sarah: www.kahoot.it
Shave Ice Truck: Kona Ice West San Jose, 408-621-4373
Videographer: Bob Farnsworth of VideoMadness, 408-441-1619
December 6th, 2020
Stephanie Feldman from Cutie Patootie Creations located in Charlotte, North Carolina has been working with clients across the country on virtual Bar and Bat Mitzvah event planning since the start of the pandemic. In addition to invitations, event branding, masks, favors, virtual mitzvah boxes and more, Cutie Patootie Creations provides virtual event planning services that are done via Zoom, email or phone. For those not local to Charlotte, NC, on the day of the client’s event, they can have family, friends or hire a day of coordinator to execute the design and décor.
For this local Bat Mitzvah, Stephanie was hired to do all of the design, branding, event accessories as well as virtual event planning for the kids side of the event. Since she’s local to this family, she was able to take care of the day of set up for the kid’s outdoor party.
Pictured above: Abby and her mom
Stephanie tells Mitzvah Market, “This family was able to celebrate Abby’s Bat Mitzvah on her original date and did not skip a beat with any last minute changes that came their way. They adjusted their plans accordingly to have a safe, simple, but classy celebration with the closest people in their lives.”
Abby’s service was held at Temple Beth El Charlotte followed by a 2-part celebration at Quail Hollow Club. The first half of the night was an intimate adult family sit down dinner inside and when the adults went home, the kids came for the 2nd half of the night to party under the tent outside.
Bat Mitzvah Details
Hot pink and gold set the theme for the outside kids party
Inside was the intimate family dinner
Sit down tables & high tops spread out under the tent to promote appropriate social distancing
Oversized gold balloons added to the festive feel
Beautiful gold glitter table cloths, custom napkins and simple centerpieces
Face masks, hand sanitizers and custom wrapped chocolate bars were provided to all guests as they arrived along with flashlights to provide more fun, glow and lighting as it was at night time
Flashlight favors were engraved with Abby's name and date
Masks with a simple gold design
Pink yarmulkes
Bat Mitzvah Vendors
Planning & Design (Kids outside): Stephanie Feldman, Cutie Patootie Creations, 704-776-0738
Planning & Design (Adult inside): Quail Hollow Club, 704-552-1800
Masks/Logo/Signage/Accessories/Centerpieces: Cutie Patootie Creations, 704-776-0738
Balloons: Tropical Images, 704-598-9011
Florals: The Blossom Shop Florist, 704-376-3526
Linens: Party Tables Linen Rentals, 704-301-8088
Tent: Party Reflections, Inc, 704-332-8176
Music Entertainment: Split Second Sound, 704-907-9507
Photographer: Deanna Dura Photography, 704-389-0688
Photo Booth: ShutterBooth Charlotte, 704-469-8420
November 29th, 2020
Like many other families around the country, the Hidalgo’s plans for their son Mateo’s June, 2020 Bar Mitzvah was postponed and then changed again. By mid-summer Mom Lauri knew that a date in December wasn’t going to work and Mateo’s grandparents wouldn’t be able to travel from Panama. Heidi Hiller from Innovative Party Planners, who was working with them on their original big celebration, was asked to redesign their plans into an intimate and stylish backyard celebration at their home in Pikesville, Maryland.
As Heidi tells Mitzvah Market, “It was such a pleasure working with Lauri throughout, from Plan A, to Plan C. When we first started out, she mentioned that she would actually prefer a small celebration, but she was doing this original larger event to honor her Dad. She wanted the re-designed backyard service and celebration to feel different than their typical family gathering and when we presented the idea of tenting over the pool with a clear top tent, Lauri said it was the perfect setting to create the feeling she was going after.”
Pictured above (L-R): Mom Lauri, brother Elan, Bar Mitzvah boy Mateo, dad Rufino
The photographer was Daniel McGarrity Photography and the rest of the vendors are listed below.
Re-imagined Bar Mitzvah Details
A clear tent was used over the pool to create an intimate setting
As the sun set, Mateo and his tutor Steve Land finished up the a short Torah reading and recited Havdalah
A floating bimah was used over the pool
During the Havdalah service Mateo holds one of the candles handmade by Innovative Party Planners
Guests passed the flame from their individual Havdalah candles
Sign-in book created by Mom Lauri
Mateo's Dad smells the spice pouches
The handmade spice pouches by Innovative Party Planners contained cinnamon and cloves
The tradional Horah
Place cards and custom masks
The cocktail hour featured Sangria, followed by a Venezuelan and Latin inspired dinner and delicious dessert
Beautiful place settings
Pretty florals
Centerpieces for Mateo's love of soccer
Mateo's cool kicks matched the color scheme
Bar Mitzvah Vendors
Party Planner (table décor, masks, place cards, Havdalah kits, candles, glow balls in pool, high top centerpieces): Heidi Hiller, Innovative Party Planners, 410-998-9999
Caterer: Cielo Verde, 410-244-8444
Photographer: Daniel McGarrity Photography, 301-758-9512
Tent, heaters, café lighting, tables, and chairs: Loane Brothers, 410-823-6050
Linens: Gala Cloths, 410-526-4252
Chargers, china, glassware and utensils: Select Event Group, 301-604-2334
Flowers: Flowers and Fancies, 410-653-0600
Tutor: Moses Montefiore Anshe Emunah, Steve Land, 410-653-7485
Sign-in Book: Mom
November 22nd, 2020
Melisa Imberman of The Event Of A Lifetime Inc. helped the Topf family celebrate with two mini Bar Mitzvahs in one weekend! Having planned their older daughter Lindsey’s Bat Mitzvah celebration in 2017, Melisa’s been working on Josh’s Bar Mitzvah plan for 2 years, but will postpone that party another year.
Melisa tells Mitzvah Market, “It was important to this family to celebrate Josh’s Bar Mitzvah now so we did just that with two mini parties!” On Saturday, they had a small Bar Mitzvah service and luncheon at the Scarsdale Golf Club for family and “zoomed” with friends and family that couldn’t be there in person. The next day there was a small kids party with lots of surprises!
Peter Oberc was the photographer.
Mini Mitzvah #1: Bar Mitzvah Service & Luncheon
Friends & family were able to watch the service via Zoom
After the service, they held a luncheon for their guests
Everyone was social distanced, each family had their own table
The logo on their custom masks is a modified version of the logo which will be used for the party next year. It’s a kind of foreshadowing of what’s to come!
Delicious cake was served with a "T" initial
Mini Mitzvah #2: Small Kids Party
On Sunday there was a small kids party with only friends of Josh's that are in his “pod”
The friends were told to dress casually and were surprised by 2 of The World Famous Harlem Wizards!
The Wizards did an exhibition, taught the kids some of their tricks and then Josh and his friends played basketball with them!
They worked up an appetite and had made to order pizzas from a mobile pizza oven
There's always room for dessert! This ice cream truck had everything you could think of including cups, cones & pops, soft serve; sundaes (including: brownie, cookies, cannoli, churro, waffles + tons of toppings), shakes, water ice & hawaiian shaved ice
Josh and his friends received some swag from The Wizards and had a day they will never forget!
Mazel Tov to the Topf family and we look forward to hearing about Josh’s big celebration next year!
November 14th, 2020
The Master family from Larchmont, New York celebrated their son Owen’s Bar Mitzvah on his original date which happened to be a beautiful sunny Saturday in September. They were excited to be the first family to hold a Bar Mitzvah service outside at Larchmont Temple. Following the service they had a fun afternoon with close family and friends in their backyard.
Pictured above (L-R): Bar Mitzvah boy Owen, older brother Jack, Mom Lori and Dad Rob.
Mom Lori has a busy and stressful job as the Senior Talent Executive/Producer for The Ellen DeGeneres Show and tells Mitzvah Market, “I was very unmotivated to do any real planning in this moment, but with one week to go until Owen’s date, I had a change of heart.” She continues, “I realized this may be the only celebration Owen will have around his Bar Mitzvah and I wanted him to remember it as a special day. I’m so grateful I made the effort because although it was just a small outdoor party, it felt very festive and Owen loved it! Logos, sweatshirts, hiring a photographer, these touches really do make a difference, and I’m so glad my family will have these memories.”
Chad David Kraus was the photographer and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom.
Photos From Owen’s Special Day:
The Master family is all smiles before the Bar Mitzvah service
This was Larchmont Temple's first outdoor in-person, half zoom service
Tables for food were set-up in the garage
Lori tells us she borrowed tables and chairs from neighbors and got most of the food at Costco. The fruit bowls were from a local store, Cherry Lawn
Owen's logo was designed to resemble the University of Wisconsin logo - same font and style. Wisco is a fam fav!
A friend suggested printing stickers with the logo and creating candy centerpieces by ordering candy on Amazon
Owen and his dad showing off sweatshirts with his logo that were created for friends
A Cowabunga food truck was on hand
Owen's friends enjoyed spike ball, ping pong, basketball and corn hole too!
Bar Mitzvah Vendors:
Photographer: Chad David Kraus, 917-532-3478
Favors: Jon, Scoop Shop, 914-261-7765
Food Truck: Cowabunga, 203-943-8168
Balloons: Balloon World, 914-804-8385
