October 19th, 2012
We know our readers love unique candle lighting ideas, so we rounded up a new bunch to share with all of you!
Families are getting very creative and it’s no longer unusual to see a display that ties into the Bar/Bat Mitzvah theme.
Take a look at all we have found below:
From Creative Events Charlotte, this display is set right into a log!
Sammy Lustberg used an ice sculpture of her name for the candle lighting ceremony
Fishing theme candle lighting with real fish from East 7th Street Promotions
For Carly’s Bat Mitzvah Candle Lighting her Mom Sharon did the display herself! Those are paper flowers with rhinestones. They are actually hair clips from the baby section of a Joanne’s Fabric store. She clipped the flowers onto the tulle ribbon that was wrapped around each candle. In between the candles are tea light holders that are filled with gems from the wedding section of Party City
For Emily’s Eatery celebration, this family used cupcakes – an idea they found on MitzvahMarket.com
This “Really Rebecca” themed Bat Mitzvah used mini donuts as their candle holders from Peter Oberc Photography
For a camp theme, this Mitzvah boy had acrylic sneakers for his candle lighting from Heather Chick Photography
For a different feel, this camp themed Mitzvah, from East 7th Street Promotions created a unique display with candles floating in the the lake!
Did you have a unique candle lighting display? Let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com and share it with our readers.
October 17th, 2012
By Tara Silberg
It’s Tara, telling YOU what’s happening on the Bar/Bat Mitzvah circuit today.
I’m now in 8th grade and my time “on the circuit” is winding down, but I’m still seeing lots of new ideas at the Bar/Bat Mitzvahs I’m attending.
I would like to tell you about a new giveaway that I received at a party last weekend. My close friend Jason did a great job at his service and then it was off to his celebration. Us kids received a great giveaway in addition to the sweatshirt favor. Yes, that’s two giveaways!
Simon Elliot Events created a “beatz” station in the kids lounge area. Think that’s it? That was only the beginning. When you approached the station, you were given lots of choices so you could customize your beatz headphones. Both sides had a sticker with whatever picture you wanted. There were lots to choose from, including Justin Bieber, “YOLO,” Taylor Swift, and many others! Next, you were asked to choose a top. Just like the sides, the amount of tops to choose from were never ending. After you told them all your choices, you were done. As easy as that!
At the end of Jason’s party, it was time to collect our favors. I was expecting my headphones to be in a bag, but I was taken by surprise when I saw what they were in. A box that read, “beats by jason,” and a great picture of him wearing them.
The sides of the box (shown below) had “jason’s bar mitzvah” and the date displayed. Inside were my beatz, that came out just perfect! I couldn’t have had a better night.
Mazel Tov to Jason and his family. Till next time…On The Circuit With Tara!
About Tara Silberg
I’m in 8th grade at Jericho Middle School and I love art. When I say art, I’m talking about photography, painting, and drawing. I also love music. When I feel stressed, I listen to my iPod to calm down. I will most likely attend between 60-70 Bar/Bat Mitzvahs before I finish 8th grade. I’m excited to be reporting from “The Bar/Bat Mitzvah Circuit” for Mitzvah Market.com.
October 12th, 2012
By Jeffrey Lowell, Long Island
I love birthday parties. I have had twelve in my life and I will soon celebrate my 13th. I can’t imagine being unable to celebrate the day I was born, but many homeless kids aren’t so lucky to have the opportunity to celebrate something as simple as their birthdays each year.
That’s why, for my mitzvah project I chose to participate in the Birthday Wishes organization.
Birthday Wishes is a non-profit that helps underprivileged, homeless children have the birthday party of a lifetime by bringing the excitement of a party to them in the shelters where they are living.
Birthday Wishes was founded in 2002 by three friends who wanted to help homeless children build self-esteem. While volunteering in several homeless shelters, they noticed that children’s birthdays would often be overlooked. Parents there were embarrassed that they didn’t have enough money to buy a cake or presents so they didn’t even tell their children that they had a birthday. The three women thought this was unacceptable and started throwing birthday parties at the shelters for all the children. The first parties were held at the Second Step shelter in Newton, MA. Today, the volunteer organization serves more than 165 homeless shelters and thousands of homeless children in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and on Long Island.
Through this group I will be able to make several kids’ dreams come true and help them feel special on their special day by bringing party favors and gifts (all donated) for them. I have been collecting gifts, games and party favors from my friends and family. I’ve already collected some board games, super hero action figures, stuffed animals, and my favorite – Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots! I will be getting many more the weekend of my Bar Mitzvah and I will be buying more. I am truly excited to present the children with these gifts they would never have had the chance to receive otherwise.
I like that I will be able to be involved firsthand and I can’t wait to see the smiles on their faces when they see what we have planned for them. I may even bake them a cake!
Choosing this mitzvah project makes me think how fortunate I am to not only have a home and everyday luxuries, but to be able to celebrate my birthday each year and to also have a Bar Mitzvah. I never even thought about not having a party or even a cake and it makes me sad to realize not everyone is as lucky as I am.
Next month, I become a Bar Mitzvah. It is very important for me to make smart decisions and feel good about myself. My feelings of pride and accomplishment in learning to think about others and their life challenges have made me a more compassionate person. This mitzvah project has really changed my outlook on the world. I will no longer take things for granted. These kids have a tough life that hopefully I will never have to experience personally. I am glad I’m able to help make them feel special for at least one day. And I hope it will be a day they will remember forever. I can’t wait to spread the birthday cheer! I know it will be a humbling and rewarding experience.
Jeffrey Lowell is an 8th grader at Merrick Avenue Middle School on Long Island. Mazel Tov on your upcoming Bar Mitzvah!
October 10th, 2012
We spend a lot of time on the Mitzvah girls. Did you read our previous story What The Girls Are Wearing? There’s a lot to say!
But now we are asking about the boys. Although suits, slacks and shirts come in a variety of colors and patterns, we usually don’t focus much on them, but today’s story will.
These boys have dressed very creatively for their Bar Mitzvah celebration!
Check it out below:
For his 007 theme, Garrett Jochnau entered looking sharp in a white tuxedo. Check it all out in his Mitzvah Family Spotlight
From the Mendelsohn spotlight, these brothers created custom sneakers for their Bar Mitzvah celebration
For his Jeans, Jewels and Jersey theme, Tyler Gersten wore a jersey with the number 13
Zach Keller wore a baseball shirt custom created for his celebration at the Yogi Bear Museum
For a Dylan’s Playboy Club theme from East 7th Street Promotions
Did your son dress creatively for his Bar Mitzvah? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
October 3rd, 2012
Are you looking for wearable Bar/Bat Mitzvah favors?
Work Factory-Direct with A Promos USA. Not only do they cater to the Bar and Bat Mitzvah party market, they also provide screen printing, embroidery and promotional products for camps, businesses, concerts, schools and teams, fire departments, anniversaries, fundraisers and more. They have hundreds of thousands of promotional items to choose from and they ship nationwide.
Here’s something new!
These sunglasses can be imprinted with any saying or logo in any color. They are a great inexpensive favor for your adult and young guests.
Call A Promos USA/Imagemaker at 800-987-8766 to learn more or visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
October 3rd, 2012
Camryn Glick celebrated her Bat Mitzvah on February 4, 2012 at Carlyle On The Green.
This family went with pink and white decor along with a chic club vibe. We thank them for sharing all their ideas with Mitzvah Market.
Hi-Tech Photography provided the photography services.
Pictured above: Brother Austin, Mom Andrea, Bat Mitzvah girl Camryn and Dad Larry
Theresa from Sealed With A Kiss created the invitation using layers of shimmer paper.
A crystal under Camryn’s name added a touch of sparkle
Camryn’s pretty dress was from It’s Simply For You.
Camryn shows off her pink gown with crystals on top
Mom Andrea’s pretty long gown in deep blue was from Runway Couture
Bestkippah.com supplied the yarmulkes for their service with Camryn’s name in silver foil.
Steve Carl from Carlyle on the Green transformed the ballroom for this celebration.
Her name lit up the floor with pink up lighting
White lounge furniture provided additional seating for young guests
Tables are set and ready for guests
Hi-Tech Photography Events provided blow-ups of Camryn
Entertainment Tonite with Carl as the MC provided the music entertainment.
Camryn makes her entrance
Camryn with the ET crew
Guests enjoying the party
Hi Tech Photography Events created her sign-in book.
Carlyle on the Green created her pretty cake.
Camryn with all her friends
There were many special moments during Camryn’s celebration.
Camryn and her Dad Larry share a special dance
Camryn poses with special guest Johnny Damon formerly of the NY Yankees
Long sleeve off the shoulder t-shirts created by Michelle Weissman was the favor for the girls and autographed Jets t-shirts were the favor for the boys.
This dark grey off the shoulder top featured a design on back of shirt & on the sleeve
The boys t-shirts were autographed by Mark Sanchez & Nick Mangold
As guests left Camryn’s celebration they were treated to donut zeppoles to go and a little gift!
Guests enjoy zeppoles
The box read, “Every party girl needs her Beauty Sleep. Here’s a little gift for you to keep! XO Camryn”
Here’s some Mom to Mom advice from Mom Andrea:
“Using most of the same vendors that we used for my son’s Bar Mitzvah really made the party planning for Camryn’s Bat Mitzvah much less stressful. They were all very experienced and were very familiar with our family. I think it is extremely important to ask around and get as much information from other moms who have already gone through the planning process. Also, try to take in everything and really enjoy the day. In the blink of an eye it is over!”
The following vendors helped to make Camryn’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Steve Carl, Carlyle On The Green, 516-501-9700
Music Entertainment: MC, Carl, Entertainment Tonite, 516-826-6900
Photography/Videography: Laura, Hi-Tech Photography Events
Invitation: Theresa Gordan, SWAK, 516-921-7227
Decor/Cake: Steve Carl, Carlyle On The Green, 516-501-9700
Favor/Adult giveaway: Michelle Weissman, Creative Specialties, 516-637-0493
Kippot: BestKippah.com
Camryn’s Dress: It’s Simply For You
Mom Andrea’s Dress: Runway Couture, 516-308-4639
Suits for family members: Jack Victor, 212-399-0020
Hair: Anna, ID Salon, 516-921-5541
Make-up: Krystal, ID Salon, 516-921-5541
October 3rd, 2012
Austin is from Ohio and celebrated his Bar Mitzvah in August, 2012. He worked on his Mitzvah Project, which benefitted Happy Trails Farms with both his grandmothers.
Pictured left: Austin and a horse at the Happy Trails Farm
We asked them some questions to learn more about this project:
MM: Can you give us details about your Mitzvah Project?
Austin, along with Grandma Sandy and Grandma Carole held a garage sale at Carole’s house for 3 days. Neighbors, friends and other family members helped to donate and set up for this sale. Austin’s sister (who is 16 years old) baked cupcakes to sell. We were able to raise $460. After the sale, the rest was donated to the Salvation Army.
Austin makes his donation to Happy Trails Farm
MM: We asked Austin what it meant to him to do a Mitzvah Project for his Bar Mitzvah?
It means that I will take on more responsibility and I’m now aware that help is needed in the world. My grandmother and I visited Happy Trails Farm last year and saw the extent of abuse and neglect some farm animals endure. Pigs, sheep, roosters, ducks, mini horses, and full size horses are among those that are re-habilitated and put up for adoption as pets. The farm exists on the generosity of others and volunteers.
MM: What are you doing to spread the word about the work at Happy Trails Farm?
We hope to get articles in Mitzvah publications. We also passed out the “Farm’s newsletter” to those interested at our garage sale. We publicize by talking about it to others.
MM: How long can people donate?
People can donate all the time, since there are on-going needs for food, shelter and treatment.
We thank Austin and his grandmothers for sharing this Mitzvah Project with our readers. To learn more about Happy Trails Farm, visit their Website.
September 25th, 2012
Lauren Futterman celebrated her Bat Mitzvah on April 28, 2012, at the New City Jewish Center in New City, Rockland County, New York. She had a Havdalah service followed by an evening of food and music in the ballroom of New City Jewish Center. Her party’s theme was “Lauren in the Spotlight.”
Lauren’s mom, Nicole, planned the entire celebration without the help of a party planner, so she has an endless amount of first-hand advice for other planning families.
Jeff Siegel of J. Michaels Photography was the photographer and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Pictured above (L-R): Mom Nicole, Dad Jeff, Brother Matthew, Bat Mitzvah girl Lauren
Sherry Schneider of Party Perfect created Lauren’s invitations.
The invitations were hot pink and black with two sparkling chips beside her name, Lauren Leslie
A matching stamp with her full name (Lauren Leslie Futterman) was created at Zazzle.com
The room was decorated by Balloon Artistry. They were given the task of turning the temple’s ballroom into a club-like atmosphere.
As guests entered the room, they passed through an archway of white festive balloons
The archway led them into the magnificent ballroom, decorated in hot pink and black
The centerpieces were enormous clear balloons with white silver sparkle blown into the center of the balloons
This large sign was decorated with mini lights around the edges of the board which flashed all night long!
Balloon Artistry designed the place cards to match the rest of Lauren’s decor.
The place cards had flashing stars, and each of the children’s tables were decorated with flashing glasses they took home at the end of the night
Starlight Express provided the music for the evening, and Lauren’s MC for the night was Flip.
Lauren makes her big entrance
Flip the MC kept the crowd dancing all night long
The caterer, Marc Aaron Caterers, provided a delicious and beautiful cake from Strauss Bakery.
Simon Elliot Events provided the digital sign-in board. Simon created backgrounds with Lauren’s interests which included dance and her Lauren in the Spotlight theme.
Mindy at ImageMaker helped design and print the awesome t-shirt favors for the boys and girls.
A graphic of a necklace with charms was designed to hang from the neckline of the girls’ shirts. The charms were printed in purple and silver sparkle.
The charms on the necklace graphic included the letters L.L.F. for Lauren’s initials, rings with the date of her party, and “In the Spotlight” theme. Other charms included ballet shoes, hearts, peace signs, flowers, a diamond ring, and a dove.
A graphic of two dog tags was designed for the boys’ t-shirts
For entertainment, Steve Seifer of Steve Seifer Wire Sculptures, Inc. and his assistant created wire sculptures throughout the evening. The children chose their sculptures based on their interests. The kids loved the wire sculptures, and they were a unique activity that guests had not seen before.
Steve and his assistant created wire people with various themes including football, baseball, dancing, shopping, and many others
Lauren and her dad shared a special father-daughter dance to the tune of Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Wanna Close My Eyes.” Her dad chose the song because he remembers it was playing the day after Lauren was born and he was going to the hospital to see her.
Mom Nicole did not use a party planner, opting instead to find vendors on her own. She has a lot of advice for moms, whether you’re planning on your own or not:
“I would recommend to start by deciding what your budget is for your party. Then start planning about seven months prior to the event. This gives plenty of time to research and meet with vendors and plan the party leisurely. Get recommendations of vendors from friends who have had parties. The Internet can also be a great source to find fun and different ideas to entertain your guests. Most importantly, pace yourself. Don’t look at the whole picture at once. Break each part of the party planning into separate projects with deadlines. For example, the venue, the DJ, the photographer, the invitations, the decor, the party clothes, the entertainment. Once you have made your choice, move on to the next task. Keep contracts and contact information in a folder. Program the contact information into your phone so that they will be ready when you need them. This is really helpful especially if you have contracted with vendors months before your event. You might not speak to them again until a week prior to the event. You don’t want to search for phone numbers at the last minute.
Another tip I would offer is to take the invitation to a few different post offices to determine the postage. It’s so important the invitations have the correct postage. I also ordered my stamps for the RSVP and thank you cards ahead of time at the USPS.com store online. This saved the headache of having to go to the post office and buy the stamps in a large quantity. Our post offices are small and don’t stock large quantities of decorative stamps. I shopped online and the stamps were delivered to my mailbox.
Most importantly, on the day of your event just kick back and enjoy the hours of hard work. The day goes by so quickly but is so worth the many hours and months of planning.”
For her Mitzvah Project, Lauren and her friend Julia created a lemonade stand to raise money for a horseback riding program sponsored by Jawonio. The girls sold lemonade and raised close to $200 for the program. Jawonio is a nonprofit organization with headquarters in New City, Lauren’s town. The organization’s goal is to advance the independence, well-being, and equality of adults and children with disabilities or special needs.
Lauren also collected supplies for Hi-Tor Animal Care Center in Pomona, NY, which is the only animal shelter in Rockland County and is in desperate need of supplies and funding.
The following vendors helped to make Lauren’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you heard about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: New City Jewish Center, Rockland County
Caterer: Marc Aaron Caterers, 845-353-5578
Music Entertainment: Starlight Express, 516-742-1100
Décor/Florist: Balloon Artistry, 845-352-2828
Favor person: The ImageMaker, 516-377-0186
Photo Booth: Action Entertainment, 800-605-4383
Wire Sculptures: Steve Seifer, Wire Sculptures, Inc., 718-846-4024
Invitation: Sherry Schneider, Party Perfect, 845-638-2602 or 845-638-2381
Cake: Strauss Bakery, 718-851-8751
Sign-In board: Simon Elliot Events, 516-586-6822
Mom Nicole’s Dress: Neiman Marcus; shawl from Jaques Ferber,
Lauren’s Dress and Shawl: David’s Bridal, 845-578-1861
Suits for family members: Men’s Warehouse, 845-624-1003
Hair: Linda Prevot, Beauty Plus Salon, 845-634-3115
Makeup: Divya Kumra, Yuva Laser and Skin Care, 845-709-6300
Photographer: Jeff Siegel, J. Michaels Photography, 516-536-3456
Videographer: Starlight Express, 516-742-1100
September 25th, 2012
Are you in the middle of planning your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah and are looking for something different for your child’s entrance or montage? Or maybe just a special gift. Give the gift of rap for your child’s special day and have your party be the talk of the town!”
GiftRapps.com is the newest virtual gift.
After gathering information from you about the guest of honor, they create completely personalized songs and slide shows for any celebratory occasion like a Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
Here’s an example of a song written for Bat Mitzvah girl named Hannah!
Watch here
Here’s how it works: You provide them with suggestions and inspiration for the song and then send in pictures for the slide show. They will create a fully customized song for your review within 3-5 business days.
Check out their other samples here.
For pricing and more information, visit their Website.
September 19th, 2012
Michael Marcus is a prominent Hebrew tutor and Bar/Bat Mitzvah officiator with over 25 years of experience working with all types of children. He has had amazing success because of his intense devotion to the needs of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah family.
He tells Mitzvah Market that there are two frequently asked questions which we thought would be important to share with our readers:
1. How long will it take to prepare my child for this most important day?
I assure all of my clients that their goals and mine are exactly the same; and that is, I want their child prepared and “ready to go” with complete confidence, knowledge and understanding of their Torah, Haftarah, blessings and with their speech as well. If parents want my instruction to include some history, customs and traditions, that can be provided as well. Most children are tutored for one hour each week; however, some with less Hebrew background prefer more frequent instruction. I am available 7 days a week and even tutor by video chat when face-to-face lessons are not plausible. My goal is to accommodate the needs and aspirations of the parents and the Bar/Bat Mitzvah. I pride myself on my flexibility to meet the needs of the students and parents, and bring everything together in a beautiful, personalized, caring service.
2. Should we invite our children’s friends to the Bar and Bat Mitzvah service?
There is a trend not to invite friends because the equation “kids equal noise” at services is essentially true and as we all know, we adults want a quiet dignified service that is filled with reverence and meaning. I am of the opinion that we can have a multitude of kids at the service with a minimum of disruption and have a reverent and meaningful service as well. The responsibility for this falls upon the leader of the service and how the service is conducted. If the service is meaningful and the congregation is involved then kids will participate.
During the service the Bar/Bat Mitzvah is up at the podium leading the service about 75% of the time. They actually “conduct” the service, with me always standing alongside them, helping when needed and supportive all of the time. When kids in the congregation see their friend lead the service, it seems more meaningful to them. The kids actually participate and soak up the “hamishness” and warmth and beauty of Judaism and hopefully come to the conclusion that Judaism is a wonderfully meaningful, inclusive and a vibrant religion. Does the fact that their friend is up on the Bima leading the service quiet all of them all of the time? The short answer is, “no,” but the longer answer is that the vast majority of kids participate and are impressed that their friend is the leader and they’re much more respectful. Despite any downside, I opt for having as many kids at the service as possible. They’re needed at the service because they are the future of Judaism.
For more information about Michael Marcus Tutoring visit his extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
