November 19th, 2012
Tyler Berger celebrated his Bar Mitzvah in May, 2012 at the Old Westbury Golf and Country Club in Old Westbury, New York.
This was the second Mitzvah for this family of five. Jordyn’s Bat Mitzvah celebration was held at the same venue two years earlier and with the help of Pat Glenn Productions the room looked completely different for Tyler’s party.
Simon Elliot Events was the photographer and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Pictured above L-R: Dad Steven, Sister Jordyn, Bar Mitzvah boy Tyler, Sister Alexa and Mom Nicole
Tyler’s invitation was created by Ellen Futterman from Proper Notice.
The 2 sided metal invite featured rounded corners with silk screen prints and came with custom black envelopes with white foil stamping and a custom response set
Old Westbury Golf and Country Club was the location of this celebration.
Guests enjoyed an outdoor cocktail hour
Pat Glenn Productions transformed the ballroom at the Old Westbury Country Club. The Bergers wanted a modern, sleek, handsome look using black, silver and green accents in the flowers and lighting.
The room was filled with square and rectangular tables, silver chairs and linens
Some tables featured mirrored tops
Beautiful flowers with black chargers and stemware complete the look
Tyler shows off the kids lounge area with black couches, silver ottomans and custom pillows
Young guests enjoyed lighted highboy tables
Blow-ups of Tyler from a photo shoot with Simon Elliot Events were around the room and added to the sleek look
Simon Elliot Events conceived, shot and produced Tyler’s entrance video featuring many of his friends on a fun adventure in various locations throughout NYC.
The Bar Mitzvah boy escapes studying for “one crazy night” in New York City with all of his friends
Watch it here
The graffiti wall created in Tyler’s video was used as a photo backdrop at his celebration
Pat Glenn Productions provided the music entertainment with Geo as the MC.
Tyler makes his entrance wearing a handsome white dinner jacket from Victor Talbots
Tyler poses with MC Geo and the rest of the crew
Tyler with his friends having fun and wearing pinnies that were given out on the dance floor
Pat Glenn Productions provided lots of extra fun for all of the Berger’s guests.
Multiple pop-a-shot basketball games
Blackjack tables
Airbrush artist
Tattoo artist
Tyler’s candle lighting featured tall vases with floating candles.
And That designed the sweatshirt favors, pinnies, drawstring bags and fluorescent glasses for Tyler’s friends.
Pat Glenn Productions provided cubbies to hold the favors
A cool graffiti design created by And That was on the back of each sweatshirt
As guests left Tyler’s celebration, an Eddie’s Pizza truck was waiting outside.
Pat Glenn Productions made sure the pizza boxes featured Tyler’s logo
Mom Nicole has this advice for our readers now that two of her three children’s Mitzvahs have happened.
“Although I’m a last minute person, I would recommend to start early in your planning to alleviate the pressure! You might want to think about encouraging your child to start writing their “thank you” notes in advance – at least to those you know will be attending. I’ve been thinking about my kid’s montages since they were born and made sure to get just the right picture at every stage of their childhood which was a big help when pulling pictures. It can all be very overwhelming, but it’s a milestone event you will never forget.”
Here is a list of the Mitzvah Vendors who helped make Tyler’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you call any of them, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Old Westbury Golf and Country Club, 516-626-1810
Party Planner: Pat Glenn Productions, 631-642-9222 or 212-337-1911
Music Entertainment: MC Geo, Pat Glenn Productions
Favors: Jen Stoler, And That, 516-364-9222
Photographer: Michelle Collins, Simon Elliot Events, 516-586-6822
Entrance Video: Simon Elliot Events, 516-586-6822
Invitation: Ellen Futterman, Proper Notice, 516-621-9523
Décor/florist: Pat Glenn Productions
Dresses girls: Designing Dreams
Mom’s Dress: Designer Christina Makowsky
Suits for family members: Kenny’s Mens & Boys Wear, 516-921-2660
Tuxedos: Victor Talbots
Hair/makeup: Alexis, Shelly & Victoria, Salon Mayne, 516-750-5005
November 18th, 2012
Zachary Lipson from New City, New York will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah on November 18, 2012 but has already began his Mitzvah Project.
The first “Laps For Legs” Swim-A-Thon took place in April 2012 to benefit Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP). Zachary was diagnosed with this disease that causes progressive spastic weakness of the legs.
We asked Zachary some questions to learn more about his Mitzvah Project:
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular Mitzvah Project?
ZL: When I found out that I had Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia, I wanted to help find a cure for me and for other people who have it.
MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bar Mitzvah?
ZL: My Mitzvah Project means so much to me. When I found out I had Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia, I started researching all about the disorder online. The SPF foundation said they needed to raise money for research and to help find a cure. I wanted to make a difference in helping people around the world so I decided to start a fundraiser and raise money by having a Swim-A-Thon. Swimming is my favorite sport. I thought if we all stick together we will get one step closer toward finding a cure!
MM: Please give us details of your Mitzvah Project?
ZL: Before the Swim-A-Thon, I went around to many stores and restaurants asking them if they wanted to make a donation for a great cause. We also posted flyers all over town. My best friend, Eylon came with me and he helped me so much with raising money. We raised $200.00 our very first day! From that day on, I became more confident and really enjoyed telling my story to other people. Our local newspaper, the Journal News found out about my mission and featured an article on the front page of the Journal News!
MM: How did the Swim-A-Thon go?
ZL: My goal was to swim 100 laps and I did it! My friends swam with me and even people I didn’t know came to swim and show their support. It was a huge success! I raised almost $6,000 for the SPF foundation.
MM: What are you doing to spread the word about your Mitzvah Project?
ZL: We had T-shirts made and we gave T-shirts to all who swam. We also gave T-shirts to the kids in my school that made a donation. We also had wristbands made and I gave them out to many kids in school.
MM: For how long can people donate to this charity?
ZL: Whenever they want, it is ongoing. It is not going to stop here. I am thinking about starting a support group in Rockland County.
Great job Zachary! One person can make a difference. Thank you for sharing your Mitzvah Project with our readers and Mazel Tov on your Bar Mitzvah!
November 14th, 2012
Jaylor Party Favors is a screen printer and embroidery company that specializes in designing wearable favors for your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah.
They are now offering crystal applications with a custom design. Use clear and/or colored rhinestones, studs and nail heads in assorted new fashion colors to bling your wearable favors!
They can bling sweatshirts, sweatpants, T-shirts, cropped tops, jean jackets and bags and more.
Call Lori Goldstein for a complimentary consultation 516-643-2511 or visit their extended profile page.
November 14th, 2012
Carly Heitner celebrated her Bat Mitzvah with a celebration at East Meadow Jewish Center on December 3, 2011.
Chocolate is this Bat Mitzvah girl’s favorite thing, so the perfect theme was Carly and the Chocolate Factory!
We thank the Heitners for sharing all their great ideas with Mitzvah Market.
Stephen Andrews Photography took all the photos and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
Pictured left (L-R): Younger brother Justin, Dad Kenny, Bat Mitzvah girl Carly, Mom Andrea and Brother Adam
Mom Andrea’s sister is Dara Grunberg/Dear Friends who created the adorable theme-matching invitation.
This invitation featured Carly’s name in bright bold letters with a hot pink envelope and striped colorful liner. The invitation itself was the “golden ticket” which contained all the party information
Carly’s pretty long pink gown was from Designing Dreams.
Party Interiors & My Glow Party provided the decor for the ballroom at the East Meadow Jewish Center.
The ballroom is ready for guests
Crystal centerpieces with light-up bases created a special look
Beautiful table cloths from Finishing Touches
Mom Andrea created the centerpieces for the cocktail table décor. She bought materials at Michaels Arts and Crafts and used kosher candy from Oh Nuts
Photos of Carly with candy were created and used as part of the decor after a photo shoot with Stephen Andrews
Entertainment Tonite provided the music for their celebration with Carl as the MC.
Carly makes her entrance
Guests enjoying the music
Carly with the ET crew
And That…Gift created blinged out shirts for the dancers; brothers Adam and Justin model them here
Young guests enjoyed Wendy The Pipe Cleaner lady!
Carly and her Dad Kenny surprised their guests with a choreographed dance. They started fast and then danced slow to Time of your Life.
Carly’s cake was created by Hasson Caterers.
Pam Krauss from US Sales Boosters created the blanket favors in two colors.
Pink for the girls
Gray for the boys
Carly in front of her candy cart provided by Hasson Caterers!
Some Mom to Mom advice from Andrea:
“Don’t sweat the small stuff. It all comes together in the end. Carly was very creative so I enlisted her and she made her own montage which saved on some of the expense. All my children helped make the cocktail hour centerpieces. I also did a lot ahead of time. If you do a little each week then the panic won’t set in. Also an invaluable lesson I learned after my first son’s Bar Mitzvah – I put a line for the guests to write their name on the RSVP card – you have no idea how many people forget to write their name when given a blank card. Also, tell your vendors your budget, you will be surprised how well many will work with you, especially if you can give them referrals of your friends.”
Carly wanted to “go green” where she could. Not only did she borrow a friend’s dress for her service and celebration, but she also decided to hand deliver every single invitation to all the people in Roslyn, saving over $600 in postage. She took that money and donated it to Mazon, a Jewish response to Hunger.
Carly and her little brother Justin ran up and down every driveway to hand deliver the invitations.
The following vendors helped to make Carly’s party special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Scott Hasson, Hasson Caterers, East Meadow Jewish Center, 516-483-4991
Music Entertainment: MC Carl, Entertainment Tonite, 516-826-6900
Invitations: Dara Grunberg, Dear Friends, 516-367-7877
Photographer/Videographer: Stephen, Stephen Andrews Photography, 516-780-9100
Favors: Pam Krauss, US Sales Boosters, 516-316-0017
Photo Favors: Entertainment Tonite
Kids Entertainment: Wendy The Pipe Cleaner Lady, 631-470-3308
Cake: Hasson Caterers
Décor/florist: Paul Caracappa, Party Interiors & My Glow Party, 516-997-4520
Sign-In book: Stephen Andrews Photography
Dress Mom Andrea: Fillys, 516-739-9090
Bat Mitzvah girl Carly: Designing Dreams, 516-248-1988
Dad’s Suit: Lawrence David Custom Apparel, 212-987-7866
Justin/Adam suits: Kenny’s Boys & Menswear, 516-921-2660
Hair: Paragon Salon, 516-484-2901
Makeup: Anne DeMarco Cosmetics, 516-484-0416
Dancer shirts: And That…Gift, 516-364-9222
Tablecloths: The Finishing Touch, 516-827-7433
Candy: Oh Nuts
November 7th, 2012
Party Excellence has been providing their clients and leading venues throughout the tri-state area with unique event design and décor. Meticulous attention to detail and a dedication to their client’s needs is their hallmark.
Party Excellence created a NYC/Urban theme for a recent Bar Mitzvah. Ben’s Underground Station featured a brick wall backdrop with graffiti behind the kids buffet and many other NYC touches.
Instead of the traditional sign-in board, this celebration featured subway doors that were on either side of the marquee entry to the kids lounge that everyone signed!
The place cards were subway station signs (like the logo for the sweatshirts) and were hung from a 4 sided skyscraper
They used small cool accents like these sewer caps on the dance floor
The sweatshirt favors had the same logo
Ben and his family wanted half florals and half foam core centerpieces so they used paint cans to feel urban and tree branches along with very non traditional flowers
Each table piece each featured a different iconic part of NYC
We thank Party Excellence for sharing this creative Bar Mitzvah celebration with our readers.
November 6th, 2012
Jordan Haber celebrated his Bar Mitzvah on June 9, 2012 at Crestmont Country Club, West Orange, New Jersey.
He had a rain forest theme complete with a live snake and bird! Mom Mindy found many of her ideas on Mitzvah Market and we thank them for sharing their son’s party with our readers.
Jesse Hernandez was the photographer and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom.
Pictured above L-R: Mom Mindy, Sister Samie, Bar Mitzvah boy Jordan and Dad Mark
Brenda Gold from Invitation Location created their invitation.
The response card cleverly used each of the letters in Jordan’s name
Here’s a better look
The front of the invitation featured a piece of copper which tied in with the rain forest theme!
Jordan’s grandmother needle pointed his Kippah and tallis bag, to match his tallis which his other grandparents brought back from Israel.
Dayna Platnick, the Haber’s party planner, worked with Where Flowers Bloom to create the “rain forest” effect inside the Crestmont Country Club. They also incorporated faux birds and giant dragonflies throughout to go along with the theme.
The trees were lining the entrance way to the Country Club
Jordan shows off the “live” snake (there was also a bird) for photo opps in the “rain forest”
The ballroom is ready for guests
Where Flowers Bloom used a combination of tropical flowers and elephant ears to create the feel of the rain forest. They hung greens from the dance floor chandelier as well
The napkins were custom made of bronze crinkle silk and tied with raffia to complete the jungle feel
A custom bar area
The kids lounge area
For seating cards, they used hand painted silk leaves on real trees!
Party Planner Dayna Platnick hand painted each silk leaf and attached them to the trees
Shine Events provided the music entertainment with Matt as the MC.
The Habers “make their entrance”
Guests enjoy
Shine Entertainment provided extra fun featuring a photo booth with a trampoline, 3 way air hockey, foosball, virtual horse racing, the live snake and bird, 60 Second Novelist and a digital iSign sign-in board.
3-way air hockey
The 60 Second Novelist
The Crestmont Country Club created their cake complete with Jordan’s logo.
Alison Halper from ID Clothing created the sweatshirt and t-shirt favors for Jordan’s friends.
Dayna created a to-go table of treats for guests as they left. Little kraft bags with freshly baked cookies and a witty sticker, along with custom water bottles and cocktail napkins were available.
The label reads, “When you are fishin’ for something sweet to eat…Thanks for helping me celebrate! Jordan”
Custom water bottles
Some advice from Mom Mindy: “The best advice I can give when planning your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah is to listen to your child. Jordan had some definite ideas as to the theme and when choosing his invitation. He loves nature as well as tennis, so we did the party as a rain forest theme and for the giveaways we did a t-shirt with his logo from the party and added the sweatshirt with a tennis logo. I always thought that with all of the planning for the party itself that would be the most exciting which it definitely was a lot of fun but the most memorable was seeing Jordan during the service reading from the Torah. Remember what the day is all about and ENJOY every moment because it goes by way to fast.”
The following vendors helped to make Jordan’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please tell them you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue/Cake: The Crestmont Country Club, 973-731-2060
Party Planner: Dayna Platnick, dakamiel@aol.com, 973-945-0884
Music Entertainment: MC, Matt Toubin, Shine Events, 845-535-3100
Favors: Alison Halper, ID clothing, alisonhalper@aol.com
Extra Entertainment: Shine Events
Photographer: Jesse Hernandez. Jesse Hernandez Photography, 732-781-5935
Videographer: Lorenzo Esquivel
Invitation: Brenda Gold, Brenda@invitationlocation.com, 973-945-4796
Décor/florist: Debbie Cohen, Where Flowers Bloom, 973-476-0097
Mindy’s dress: Service, Hartly Fashions and Jacket was made by Helena of Helena Fashions, Evening dress: Hartly Fashions, Long gown, Red Carpet Boutique, Millburn, New Jersey
Samie’s dress: Temple dress and cocktail dress were from Lola’s in Manalapan, New Jersey
Hair: Subway Salon, Millburn, New Jersey
Make up: NINA, Chanel counter Short Hills Mall
Suits: Sam’s Clothing, Livingston, New Jersey
Party security: Bar Mitzvah Bouncers
October 28th, 2012
We know our readers love unique candle lighting ideas.
In the past, we have written about a Cooking Candle Lighting, Karaoke Candle Lighting and the All-Inclusive Candle Lighting.
A Mitzvah Mom sent in this creative idea using chocolate kisses to fill up a large lucite heart.
Party planner Stephen Kolins from SBK Associates created a clear heart for this Mitzvah family.
The Bat Mizvah girl read a short one line poem about each guest that she wanted to include in her candle lighting ceremony. She ended each poem with words such as, “Please come up and help ‘fill my heart'”
Guests were asked to fill the heart with chocolate kisses that were in containers on the table
Jenny’s heart is almost filled to the top!
If you have a unique candle lighting idea, please send it to us at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
October 24th, 2012
Gotham T-Shirts is a full service screen printer who uses award winning artists to create logos and designs for all Bar/Bat Mitzvah needs.
When you design and print for over 200 Bar and Bat Mitzvahs a year you are the screen printer everyone uses. Gotham T Shirt offers personalized custom screen printing, embroidery, art and theme designs for your Bar and Bat Mitzvah. Our fashion designs look best on hooded and zipper sweatshirts, T-shirts, flannel PJ sweatpants & nylon draw string back packs.
Take advantage of their special referral plan and make some money!
EARN $50.00 when you refer a friend (even if you didn’t use Gotham yourself!). Recommend them to a friend and if they use Gotham T-Shirts, you get $50.00. It’s that easy!
Limited time only. Call Howard at 516-676-0900 and tell him Mitzvah Market sent you!
Visit their extended profile page to learn more.
October 23rd, 2012
Our Mitzvah Family Spotlight stories are very popular with our readers. We find that everyone loves to see pictures and read about how other families celebrated.
For today’s spotlight story, we are trying something new: A video spotlight and first-hand account from Mitzvah Mom Sandra:
First here’s a description of her daughter’s celebration:
“We had an over the top Candy extravaganza Bat Mitzvah on September 8, 2012. My daughter Vivian Ruth was the Bat Mitzvah girl, and because her name so closely resembled “Baby Ruth,” it became the inspiration for our theme.
I am the Art teacher at Golda Och Academy in West Orange, New Jersey, and have been working as an artist for about 25 years. When we locked in on this theme I became excited and filled with all sorts of ideas for how I wanted the venue to look, the centerpieces, sign-in boards, t-shirts, candy bar, you name it, we did it!
Photo above is a centerpiece made entirely from candy by Mom Sandra!
It all started with their invitation – Keep Calm and Candy On from Paper + Love on Etsy
Check out the mad lib style RSVP
We thought it would make a great dramatic impact to have the centerpieces very large so that when you came into the room you would really get the WOW factor. It certainly did, everyone was very excited about them, and I was thrilled with the feedback.
Watch this video and you will see Sandra’s AMAZING creations here
We worked with Michael Sage from Lightning Shakes New York Entertainment. He is amazing! I had first seen him and his team in action at a students Bnai’ Mitzvah last year and was very impressed with his control over the crowd, the fun everyone was having and the great energy in the room.
So, even though I had hired a party planner for my other daughter’s Bat Mitzvah, I felt confident that working with Michael and using his vendors and Photo Booth along with handling all the decorations on my own that we would be in great hands to have a fabulous event. The Lightning Photo Booth was a huge hit with the young and old and being able to continue the theme with the candy backgrounds was amazing.
Candy themed photos from Lightning Photo Booth
To be honest, the Bat Mitzvah celebration so exceeded our expectations that it’s hard to even describe. We had 132 kids and 80 adults, and there was not a moment that there wasn’t a crowd on that dance floor. Everything was planned and executed so well. Even Cedar Hill Country Club’s manager Bob Mueller shared that in all his years of Bar/Bat Mitzvahs at their club there had never been such a well- behaved group of kids. They were doing what they came to do, dance, play games, hang with their friends and eat the delicious food.
One of my students, 15 year old Jordan Bialik did the exceptional montage and it just blew the crowd away with its originality and professional look. We loved the photographer and videographer from LSNY Events as well. They were unobtrusive but made sure to really capture our event so we could relive it again and again.
Because we had so many kids, we used 5 motivational dancers from Michael’s company, and each one was truly better than the next, both kids and adults had fun with them, and they kept the party flowing and fun at all times.
I know I’m over the top kvelling, but it really was that awesome! My daughter was very concerned about the music and dancing, but I tell you, that D.J. was so fantastic! He kept the music and dance floor thumping all night long. We practically had to extract everyone off the dance floor at midnight when our party ended!
A friend created trays of candy sushi to match the theme!
OO-tshirts.com did our shirts and they came out amazing. We used 6 colors and the quality and price of the shirt was very reasonable and very well made. BestKippah.com did our Kippot for the service, and going along with the theme, they were brown suede with silver Hershey kisses.
I had some amazing friends as helpers and builders and they did an excellent job too. All the work and energy that went into the party truly showed in every detail. The great Caricature artist Michael Arnold came for the cocktail hour and made excellent pictures. The food was off the hook, and even the cake that the club provided was outstanding.
I could go on and on, because honestly…it was THAT GOOD!!!!
Watch this video to get an idea of the fun at this celebration!
Watch here
To see photos of all the centerpieces from this candy extravaganza, click here.
There were many more “candy” touches at this celebration.
A Vivi Ruth step n repeat for photo ops
Custom wrapper on candy
A candy dots cake!
Chocolate moustache place cards
Sign-in board
The following vendors helped to make Vivian’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Cedar Hill Country Club, 973-992-4700
Party Planner: Mom Sandra
Music Entertainment/Photographer/Videographer: MC Michael, LSNY
Favors: OOtshirts.com
Photobooth: Michael Schindler, The Lighting Photo Booth
Caricature Artist: Michael Arnold, Speedy Doodle Studios
Montage: Jordan Bialik
Invitation: Rachel Westerman, Paper + Love Etsy
Décor/florist: Peggy Stone, Lotus Petals
Sign-In board: Joanie Schwarz photography
Balloons: My Deco Balloon
Candy Sushi: Dana Feinberg
Hair: Sue, The La Salon
Makeup: Linda
Special Thanks: Sofia Petros, Julian Petros, The brothers Brodsky, Tom Pinzino, Archie Henderson as well as Amadeo Gallart and Alison Bekendahl
October 21st, 2012
On October 20, 2012, Justin M. Smith embarked on a very special sail. Though the 12 year old from Muttontown, NY has been sailing for three years, he had never done something quite like this before: Justin sailed his 8-foot Optimist across the Long Island Sound entirely by himself, as a way to raise money to help fund a project run by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation that will restore the Sound’s ecosystem. Justin plans to accept donations for the project up until his Bar Mitzvah in January 2013.
When Justin’s synagogue, Woodbury Jewish Center, asked that he choose a Mitzvah Project, this cause seemed like the obvious choice. When asked to explain in his own words why he decided to do this project, Justin said he had a lot of different reasons. “I sail and swim in the Long Island Sound and I want to continue to keep it clean so others can continue to use it,” he told Mitzvah Market. “It is also very important for the plants and fish.”
Justin chose the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation because of their mission to preserve and restore the nation’s native wildlife species and habitats. Their plan to help the Long Island Sound involves nutrient bioextraction, also known as bioharvesting, and is thought to be a promising solution.
In order to spread the word about his project and increase the likelihood of getting donations, Justin created a Facebook page and handed out flyers everywhere. He also partnered with both non-profit and for-profit organizations that were able to get the word out through their websites, press releases, and general presence, and his project sparked so much interest he was even featured on TV in The Long Island News’ “Heroes on Our Island” segment!
Justin M. Smith from Muttontown will be celebrating his Bar Mitzvah in January of 2013
So was Justin’s project a success? Yes! He traveled from Stamford, Connecticut to Oyster Bay, NY via the Long Island Sound in his boat all by himself, and upon completion of his journey, there was a celebration at Jack Halyards American Bar & Grill.
Congratulations, Justin! Thank you for sharing your incredible journey with us, and good luck raising more money through donations leading up to your Bar Mitzvah. Read an article and watch a video about Justin in Newsday here.
