October 31st, 2020
Like many Bar Bat Mitzvah parents across the country, Caryn and Jeff Fried had to postpone their daughter Lauryn’s May 2020 Bat Mitzvah until the fall due to COVID-19. As their new October 2020 date was approaching, they decided to go with a virtual service at their local synagogue, followed by a “Mitzvah Motorcade” in front of their house. Lauryn’s theme “Love Yourself First” utilized her initials and love of the color purple.
Pictured above (L-R): Brother Dylan, mom Caryn, Bat Mitzvah girl Lauryn, dad Jeff and brother Hayden.
“Lauryn didn’t want to wait any longer so we decided to move forward with our re-imagined Bat Mitzvah,” mom Caryn tells us. “Through Mitzvah Market we found options for a meaningful way to embrace today’s challenges by introducing us to Xtreme Event Group. Scott and his team worked with us and our temple to make our event so authentic and enjoyable.”
Stephen Andrews Studio provided the photos and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom.
Bat Mitzvah Details Below
Lauryn outside Temple Or Elohim before her Bat Mitzvah service
Kippah basket for the close family members who attended the service in person
Scott from Xtreme Event Group talking with Lauryn and her brother prior to the start of the festivities
About 100 family and friends joined via Zoom for Lauryn's Bat Mitzvah service
After the Bat Mitzvah service, the Fried's were able to "see" their guests on Zoom
Lauryn and family cheer on guests who are playing Kahoot! A trivia game all about the guest of honor and organized by Xtreme Event Group
Guests were able to watch the traditional horah which took place in the temple lobby
Lauryn is ready for her "Mitzvah Motorcade" in front of the purple balloon arch in her driveway
Photos of Lauryn from a pre Bat Mitzvah shoot were visible on neighbors lawns as guests rode by
Guests were clever when pulling up during the drive-by. Some sprayed Lauryn with confetti...
...others used a bubble machine!
These guests held up a "Mazel Tov" sign
Others came with messages on car windows
One drive-by guest gave Lauryn this candy cake!
Lauryn gave drive-by guests a favor. It was a cozy warm blanket embroidered with her logo
Blanket favor
At the end of the motorcade, guests grabbed candy from their car window from a Mikes Delights truck
And warm food was available too!
Family and friends showing how much they love Lauryn!
Bat Mitzvah Vendors
Virtual Simcha: Scott Present, Xtreme Event Group, 732-536-8155
Photography: Stephen Strutt, Stephen Andrews Studio, 516-780-9100
Motorcade Decor: Balloons By Amanda, 516-242-3484
Logo/Invites/Blankets: Suzy, Wow! Creations, 516-662-9558
Food Truck: Mikes Delights, 516-983-8345
Make-up: Vanessa, All Dolled Up, 516-776-2947
October 25th, 2020
Melisa Imberman from The Event Of A Lifetime had been working with this family for almost 2 years on a unique themed B’nai Mitzvah celebration for their twins until COVID changed everything.
As Melisa has been doing during these crazy times, she switched gears and planned a Mini Mitzvah in the backyard of the house that they had moved into only three weeks before!
Melisa tells Mitzvah Market, “This family was very COVID conscious and wanted all of their guests to be safe and feel comfortable.” She continues, “When a party is small like we’re doing now it’s possible to incorporate personal touches.”
As you will see below, Melisa was able to use their logo and brand the small celebration into something special. As the Mitzvah Mom told her, “everything looked magical!”
Photo credit: Suzanne Cohen Photography
B’nai Mitzvah Details
As guests arrived, they saw balloons marking the path to the backyard
First stop was a table with custom logo masks & hand sanitizers. Additionally, there was a photo of Ethan & Lexie holding up onesies that they were given when they were born that read, “Save the Date: Bar/Bat Mitzvah 2020”
They used the largest tent they could so guests could be spread out and seated only with their family members
The tent was uplit in amber with string lights and black paper lanterns hanging from the top. The only time guests got up from their seats was for the food stations & they were called up by table. Hors d'oeuvres & dessert were both passed to guests while they were sitting at their tables
Melisa making sure everything was ready before guests arrived
The centerpieces were bright & cheery sunflowers in a container that was wrapped in the twins logo
The logo was used on the napkin rings too
Instead of table numbers, each table had a framed photo featuring the twins with the people sitting at that table - great idea!
Guests were excited to learn they could take the pictures home!
For their candle lighting, the twins Grandmother made the birthday cake that she makes them each year and it was used for the candle lighting ceremony. Guests each received a cupcake (shown here) with a candle. When the twins read their candle lighting poems for each table, those guests stood up when it was their turn & lit the candle on their individual cupcakes
On each chair hung a logo tote bag with a logo hand sanitizer and a shirt inside
There was a DJ who played songs meaningful to the family, but no dancing. Guests enjoyed the customized digital games of trivia and BINGO created by the DJ
We thank The Event Of A Lifetime for sharing this special celebration with our readers. To learn more about The Event Of A Lifetime, visit their extended profile page.
October 23rd, 2020
When the coronavirus pandemic started in March 2020, families across the country were forced to postpone their child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration. Many pivoted to Zoom Mitzvahs with the hope of a Bar or Bat Mitzvah party at a later date. Now that Fall 2020 is here and Spring 2021 coming soon, many are moving ahead with plans for what’s being called Mini Mitzvahs and Micro celebrations.
Get In Touch With a Vendor Below For Coronavirus Tips For Planning a Micro Bat Bar Mitzvah
Cutie Patootie Creations
704-776-0738
CutiePatootiesNC@gmail.com
We have been working with clients on personalized face masks, hand sanitizers, digital invitations, virtual Bar and Bat Mitzvah party boxes that we are shipping to guests across the nation as well as virtual event planning for branding virtual Bar and Bat Mitzvahs which includes logo, favors and decor.
The Event Of A Lifetime
914-762-5770/212-251-0163
melisa@theeventofalifetime.com
We are still planning backyard mini mitzvahs. We have tents with heaters & will celebrate safely outdoors. Instead of dancing we play songs that everyone will enjoy listening to. When you’re restricted to 50 guests you have those who are closest to you, so you can take time & chose a play list that’s meaningful to your friends & family (favorite songs, songs that remind you of them, songs from common experiences/vacations…). We’re also always coming up with new interactive games that everyone can play from where they’re sitting. We are keeping gatherings to 50 guests and in some cases we are having two parties in the same day/weekend, one celebration for family & family friends & then another for the kids.
Once it gets colder we’re going to have to switch gears to Zoom Mitzvahs. In order to keep them festive & interactive we are shipping/delivering packages to those who can’t celebrate in person. Packages may branded swag &/or food.
Party Logo Design
Stephanie@partylogodesign.com
For those who are opting to have a virtual Zoom Mitzvah, we offer customized Zoom backgrounds that can be used digitally or that can be printed and used as a live backdrop. We also offer animated logos that you can share with friends and family before or after the service as part of the Zoom event or included in your montage. We create animated invitations, postponements and save the dates which are a fun way to let your guests know about your new plans. For those who are planning small outdoor events, we design logos that can apply to things like a mask, hand sanitizer and stadium blanket to keep their guests safe and warm. Alternatively, the logo can be used to prepare to go boxes that can be picked up or mailed to Zoom Mitzvah guests.
Marvelous Montages
732-431-4931
montage@marvelousmontages.com
A video photo montage has become even more meaningful to share with family and friends as Mitzvahs are being celebrated in this new way. Whether your Mitzvah is months or weeks away, virtual or micro, it’s never too early or late to get in touch! I’m here to design a beautiful video for your family, showcasing your favorite photos, home movies and music. With over 15 years experience, I am happy to share tips and suggestions on gathering your Montage items and want to make your Marvelous Montages experience as easy going as can be! Anytime you would like to go over anything, I am happy to chat by email and/or phone. Let’s collaborate on a special montage to share at your virtual and/or Micro Mitzvah…and to enjoy watching many times throughout the years!
Rabbi/Cantor Ronald Broden
914-720-8509
info@jewish-ceremonies.com
While at the beginning of the pandemic I performed numerous ceremonies on Zoom, I am so pleased to be performing Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremonies in-person once again. For celebrations that are outdoors I am comfortable without masking while for those indoors the wearing of a mask ensures that everyone is safe. Many family members and friends are often “zoomed” in. It is so nice that for those families who don’t want to have an entirely virtual celebration can now do so with a sense of comfort for all. I am delighted to be able to be physically present once again during this unprecedented time.
A Speech To Remember
917-538-9300
aspeechtoremember@gmail.com
A Speech To Remember guides you through the speechwriting process from start to finish. Whether your speech is virtual or in-person, or you need help with writing or delivery, A Speech To Remember will create a customized speech that sounds like you wrote it yourself. Through a comprehensive, stress-free process you can express your love and pride for your child with confidence and leave your guests wanting more. Together, we’ll make it a speech to remember.
Glam On The Go
732-983-1065
glamonthegonj@gmail.com
We have added several stations to help families celebrate safely while still adding a special touch. At our mask chain station guests can choose from array of different beads and charms to create unique, practical favors. Another fun idea is our patch station. We provide a wide assortment of patches that can be applied to pillows, totes, hats, shirts etc. We also offer a perfume station where guests can choose their scent in a perfume bottle customized with the Mitzvah logo. All of these are socially distant and pretty much contact less stations. These are a safe add on to any party while still bringing a fun activity for guests to participate in. For our glam bar we of course wear masks and gloves, and we use disposable sponges and disposable make up brushes, so everything is single use and gets thrown out afterwards. Even though you can’t celebrate the way you planned there are still plenty of options to make your event special.
Amazing Bottle Dancers
800-716-0556
PasProductions@yahoo.com
Zoom Mitzvah Services always fizzle at the end as there’s never a big finish. However, imagine everyone’s surprise when The Amazing Bottle Dancers (like Fiddler) make a surprise appearance on the screen in the most UNIQUE way that you have to see to believe! We also have “HYBRID” programs where we can appear LIVE at your smaller Micro service, luncheon or party and your ZOOMERS can watch everything from their screens. At DRIVE-BY PARADES, imagine The Amazing Bottle Dancers jumping out of their cars and performing their iconic dance right on your front lawn or drive way! Since our programs are always evolving, our latest videos may not yet be posted on our site. Please call us and we’ll get you ASAP the ones that will pertain to the type of simcha you’re planning!
Cantor Debbi Ballard
954-646-1326
debbi@mypersonalcantor.com
While Covid has impacted us all, I’m proud to say that my passion for working personally with families and my awesome technology skills combined allowed me to be highly responsive to the needs of families in the Virtual Mitzvah space. Whether you belong to a congregation or feel ready to hire someone freelance, I’m able to help you create the perfect ceremony for your online experience. I combine my expertise in creating virtual events with guidance and advice to help you maximize the impact of this precious event. All you need to bring is your desire to create a warm, inclusive and meaningful B-Mitzvah service and include everyone you love in a safe and efficient way. I’ll take care of the rest!
Lisa Ivler Events
973-826-2108
lisa@lisaivlerevents.com
Lisa Ivler Events has been working with new and existing clients in creating fun and safe ways to celebrate this joyous occasion with friends and family. Tented parties with or without heaters were the way to go September-November. Currently we are working with clients who have scheduled dates starting in March to allow for Covid safe outdoor tented celebrations again. Lisa Ivler Events is running an all-in-1 tented party celebration package for Spring 2021 celebrations. Call for details.
October 12th, 2020
When Matthew Zeitz and his family learned he would be able to have his Bar Mitzvah service on his original date, they found ways to celebrate and include friends and family from near and far despite the changes to their original plans. Matthew’s Bar Mitzvah service was held inside their synagogue, Shaarei Tikvah in Scarsdale, NY with a limited number of immediate family seated in “pods.” Following the service they held a socially distant backyard brunch with a few family members.
Pictured above (L-R): Dad Dan, Bar Mitzvah boy Matthew, mom Heather and sister Emily
Leading up to the service, they created and sent “Mitzvah Boxes” to close family and friends with a letter, service program, challah, swag cup, candy and kippot. The festivities began with a drive-by a few days before the service giving local family and friends the opportunity to wish Matt “Mazel Tov” and to give him the chance to collect items for his Mitzvah Project.
Favor & Flair not only designed the logo and took care of all the favors, but they also set up a Website that featured details for the day as well as the drive by info. The site also had a spot for those invited to leave messages for Matt which were made into cards for a memory box.
Bar Mitzvah Details
Invitation by Paperless Post with a link to a Website set up by Favor and Flair
The "Mitzvah Boxes" contained a letter, service program, challah, swag cup, candy and kippot
Matt is all smiles!
A hundred guests, including family and friends joined into the Bar Mitzvah service via Zoom
Custom programs for those present
Masks and childhood photos added a personal touch and were on display at the Temple
Kippot were available to match Matthew's colors
The logo and favors by Favor & Flair included a rolled up light weight hoodie and a color changing stadium cup. These were given to friends who attended the drive-by
These cool cups turned blue when a cold beverage was added
Their 6 month old puppy Finn was dresed for the occasion
Bar Mitzvah Montage
At the end of the zoom call, Matthew's montage was played. Mom Heather's sister Jen Ostrager lovingly created it as she does for close friends and family. Watch
here
Mitzvah Project
Matt collected snack foods for meal delivery to seniors impacted by COVID-19 through JASA – Jewish Association Serving the Aging.
In addition, Matt participated in the Yad Vashem twinning program which meant a lot to this family as Matt’s great grandparents were impacted by the Holocaust.
Bar Mitzvah Vendors
Favors/Website/Logo/Mitzvah Box/Sign-in: Favor & Flair, 914-949-0133 or 203-817-0300
Photographer: Jessica Shayn Photography, 914-830-9478
Invitation: PaperlessPost.com
Florist: Frank, House of Flowers, 914-698-2522
Technology: Right Click Solutions, 914-242-3212
September 30th, 2020
Lisa Ivler Events recently helped plan Benjamin Paradise’s Labor Day weekend Bar Mitzvah celebration at Stone House at Stirling Ridge in Warren, New Jersey.
Pictured above: The Paradise family
This was the third date for this celebration and once rescheduled for the month of September, Lisa knew she had to make many changes. The lounge furniture was removed so all kids could safely sit at tables and masks were readily available for guests making sure everyone wore them the entire party unless eating or drinking. Only family members helped out with the horah and non-family guests watched the candle lighting ceremony from their seats without going up to light a candle. Xplosive Entertainment provided the music outside with an area for the MC and dancers to perform, but no dance floor.
Although not your usual Bar Mitzvah celebration, Mom Jennifer said, “We had an amazing “Covid-friendly’ Bar Mitzvah and Lisa helped to make it all happen! Before and during the event, Lisa focused on all the vendors allowing us to enjoy the party and she even helped remind everyone to keep on their masks. She assisted as we re-imaged/executed all the typical Mitzvah activities in a new safe way. She was so easy to work with and really made the entire evening memorable.”
Benjamin loves money and is interested in investing so the theme was a no-brainer for this family! It really was all about the Benjamins!
Bar Mitzvah Details
FabuDesigns.com created all the logos and captured the theme perfectly
Another logo was used for the pillows
Outdoor area at Stone House at Stirling Ridge
Guests wore logo'd masks
Young guests enjoyed a mechanical bull which was cleaned and sanitized after each ride
Lisa Ivler (middle) and the Exposive Entertainment team
There were plenty of hand sanitiers and masks available for guests
The seating chart
Place Card table
Place Cards were stacks of faux money
The ballroom
Money themed centerpieces
To match his theme, Benjamin entered his party shooting out money!
Menu card
Candle Lighting ceremony
Logo'd water bottles
Money bag containing sweatshirt favors for Benjamin's friends
Sign-in board
Cake
Gift Vault
Bar Mitzvah Vendors
Party Planner: Lisa Ivler, Lisa Ivler Events, 973-826-2108
Music Entertainment: Xplosive Entertainment, 732-866-1620
Logos and branding: Amy Wohl, FabuDesigns.com, 312-513-1698
Decor: Debbie’s Designs, 973-696-7930
Favors/Masks/Hand Sanitizer: Swish, 917-907-0402
Photographer: Stark Studio, Linda Stark, 973-227-7878
Venue: Stone House at Stirling Ridge, 908-754-1222
Mechanical Bull and Casino games: Royal Entertainment, 973-826-7011
September 28th, 2020
In March 2020, Ethan Diamondstein’s Bar Mitzvah plans came to a screeching halt, a week before the event, due to COVID. Like many other families, the Diamondsteins decided to reschedule and picked a date in November, hoping for the best. Over the summer they realized that November was likely not going to be much different so they decided to move forward with a backyard Bar Mitzvah being able to accommodate more people than their Temple would allow in the sanctuary.
Pictured above: Ethan with his parents, brother and sister.
Mom Rebecca tells Mitzvah Market, “There were a lot of firsts and unknowns going into this process. Our two biggest concerns were how to figure out and manage the technology required to pull off the event and how will it be for Ethan to have the clergy not here with us?”
In the end Ethan did an amazing job, as they knew he would. After their backyard Zoom service, they had a total of 27 in the backyard, including all 6 of his grandparents, a couple of cousins, one aunt and uncle and a few of his friends. Everyone sat socially distanced and just with their families.
Below are photos and details of how everything turned out!
Temple Beth Elohim lent them a Torah to use which was very special – and it was the first time they’ve done that in temple's history
The Diamondstein's created an intimate and sacred space in their backyard for their son Ethan's service
Shana Gondelman helped with the back end production and guided this family on what would work and would not!
One set of Ethan's Grandparents proudly present him with his tallis
Ethan’s sister, who had practiced for months, played a wonderful rendition of Hava Nagila on the piano
They even figured out how to have Ethan's aunts and uncles do a motzi remotely and pass the challah through zoom to one another!
Ethan was surprised and delighted when he was lifted in the chair for the horah - it was one of the things which meant a lot to him
After the service, the 150 online guests watched a Tribute Video/montage. Other entertainment included Ethan's uncle who did an amazing job organizing a Kahoot filled "Ethan trivia" game which kept guests "hanging around" to celebrate
Masks with custom logos were provided to guests. Lights Camera Ethan was the theme for their original celebration
A Cookie Monstah truck was parked out front with their amazing ice cream sandwiches
Kids used a sign up genius to register for 20 minute slots so that it was never too crowded
Ethan with his siblings
Events by Chrissie Sue helped integrate Ethan's love of books into the design for their backyard dinner
The literary mocktail was called the Bookworm and came with a gummie worm!
There were wooden engraved bookmark favors and custom library due date place cards
The creative personalized folded books were from Etsy. Some had his name, birthday and others were based on Ethan's various hobbies
The dinner was special and kept to all guidelines with masks and safety protocol
Chrissie Sue Chubka made sure everything looked special, beautiful and in the spirit of the day and worked around all the AV equipment perfectly!
Morins Catering + Events provided delicious food and exceptional presentation for the three course dinner
Mitzvah Advice From Mom Rebecca
Let it go. Even if you are planning for a big party sometime in the future (which we might still do) – don’t “save it all for then.” You are celebrating their accomplishment from now and let them see and feel it. Remember what is most important. Decide what means the most to you and to your child and build the celebration around that.
Mitzvah Project
For his Mitzvah Project, Ethan spent two years volunteering at Cornerstone at Canton, a Senior Living Facility for Adults with Dementia. He also has been volunteering at the Newton Food Pantry for 4 1/2 years. When his March date fell through, the family donated a ton of food that they had gathered to use as a sculpture – and donated it all to the food pantry. Ethan is now on the Teen Advisory Council of the Newton Food Pantry.
Mitzvah Vendors
Venue: Family backyard
Party Planner: Chrissie Sue Chubka, Events by Chrissie Sue, 978-621-5932
Zoom Mitzvah Production: Shana Gondelman, 617-201-7499
Photographer: Robert Castagna, 617-833-9271
Invitations: Greenvelope.com
Caterer: Rusell Morin, Morins.com, 888-552-7822
Flowers: Red Fire Farm, 413-467-7645
Folded Books: JoJosReticules, Etsy
Logo: Logo Design Emily Hoadley, 917-696-1749
Masks: Masks by All Sportswear, 617-244-4220
Suits: Simon & Sons, 781-559-3212
Hair/Make-up: Traveling Beauty To You, 617-966-8572
Tent: Come Rain or Shine Tent Works, 508-620-1961
Food Truck: Cookie Monstah, 978-539-8564
September 16th, 2020
As the B’nai Mitzvah date for their youngest two children approached, the Lantzman family knew they had to rescheduled due to COVID. Later in the summer, they celebrated Hunter and Kai’s (featured above L-R) with a Zoom service on a Friday night in their living room. After the service they invited all local guests to a “Greet & Treat.” Cars arrived in their driveway and the kids got out to enjoy a Kona Ice treat and to write messages on their sign-in letters that were set up on the driveway.
The next evening, they celebrated their B’nai Mitzvah and were able to read their torah and haftorah portions from their original June date. Immediately following the service they had a small backyard gathering with immediate family and very limited friends. A SPACE Kitchen food truck provided dinner in individual portions and Kona Ice and Lexylicious food trucks provided individual desserts. There were tents, tables and chairs set up in the backyard, along with socially distanced lawn games to keep the kids busy. They also set up an inflatable movie theater to show the montage and then a movie so everyone could stay and hang out longer. In advance of the backyard celebration, they asked everyone sign an electronic card to the kids through Kudoboard and had all the great pictures and messages on display for all to see.
Friday and Saturday Festivities
The original invitation was created by EventPrints and the new date and info was sent to guest via evite
The Lantzman's: (Top Row L-R) Sister Macen, Dad Scott, Mom Zanna, Sister Zara. (Bottom Row L-R) Kai, Oakley and Hunter
Hunter and Kai during their B'nai Mitzvah service
Sign-in boards on display in the driveway
A step and repeat with the kids logos served as the backdrop for photos
The colorful kippot for the B’nai Mitzvah was from Mayan Hands
This fair trade hand-knit product is made by Guatemalan women to help support their families in Guatemala
SPACE Kitchen truck provided the food on Saturday and desserts were by Kona Ice and Lexylicious (ice cream sandwiches)
Tents, chairs and tables were set up in the backyard following socially distant guidelines
Mom Zanna created these soccer centerpieces
Guest under the backyard tent
Guests watching the montage on the inflatable screen
SPACE Kitchen mobile food truck provided the delicious main meal
Many giveaways were available for guests including cooling towels, fans, lip balm and mini hand sanitizers
Their custom logos were created by friend Alyssa Rosania
Custom sanitizer
Kia Racing cars was changed to Kai Racing since Kai runs track!
Hunger Games cleverly became "Hunter Games"
Everyone signed an electronic card through Kudoboard so the family put the great messages on display for all to see
Mitzvah Advice
Mom Zanna says, “Given the COVID situation and the uncertainty of the times we find ourselves in, you should definitely be flexible while also finding unique ways to make your children feel special after all the hard work they put in to study for their special day.”
Mitzvah Project
Kai and Hunter collected monetary donations over $700 and also collected used soccer equipment for Beyond the Walls that operates soccer camps in Guatemala City, Guatemala for children that live on the garbage dump. Kai was adopted from Guatemala and Hunter plays competitive soccer and this charity was the perfect fit for them.
Hunter and Kai used all the equipment they collected creating a "Thank You" sign for family and friends!
B’nai Mitzvah Vendors
Venue: Family backyard
Food: SPACE Kitchen, 201-567-3810
Invitations: EventPrints, 404-745-9590
Photographer: Lou, JanPress Photo Media, 973-992-8812
Music Entertainment: Hunter’s spotify playlist
Montage/Logos: Alyssa Rosania, Thousand Word Montages
Kippot: MayanHands.org
Dessert food trucks: Kona Ice Truck, 908-425-0320, Lexylicous, 732-505-5400
Dresses: Hunter’s party dress, Envie Our Style, 973-671-8883, Zanna’s dress, Bernsteins, 732-516-1112
Make-up: Danielle Recchoa
Hair: Stephanie Thomas
Electronic messageboard: Kudoboard.com
September 9th, 2020
The Friedman family (pictured above) successfully hosted a hybrid/in-person Bar Mitzvah event that was not only “covid legal” but actually “covid safe” for their son Jason. They were very clear in what they expected of guests and their guests complied. Mom Meredith explains further, “I was very specific, no hugging, even in pictures – with anyone outside your household.” She continues, “It wasn’t nearly as awkward as I had feared and it went by so fast. We also only kept it to around 2 hours – again for safety.”
Their Bar Mitzvah service consisted of approximately 30 guests (10 households) outdoors in the garden of their synagogue. Immediately following, they took those same 30 guests plus one more family to a celebration at Cal Shakes, a local outdoor theatre venue in Orinda, California. The space has large picnic tables spread far apart from one another, and each household had their own table for social distancing. One table was even a guest of ONE! Each household’s meal and drinks were pre-set in picnic baskets before their arrival.
In addition to lunch, they had a hybrid in-person/zoom celebration hosted by their DJ. In a short and condensed format, the celebration included a welcome speech, a sand ceremony (similar to a candle lighting), a mother/son dance, and a modified hora. The Bar Mitzvah boy was lifted into a chair, but there was no group dance in a circle.
To encourage cooperation by the “teens,” each was invited to attend with a parent/chaperone. Everyone who attended seemed to really enjoy the opportunity to not only celebrate Jason, but to also spend quality time with their families in a unique social setting where it felt OK to relax and have fun in public with others. A unique situation during the current world conditions.
Mitzvah Service and Celebration
The service was hosted outside their Temple with approximately 30 guests
The Friedman family
Each household of guests were seated with 6 feet of space between them
There was a large zoom screen that was off to the side to incorporate participation from family who weren't local
At Cal Shakes each household had their own 6-8 foot table. Lunch and first round of drinks were pre-set along with favors (gaiters and hand sanitizer) as well as extra wipes and strict instructions for the "rules" of the day
A creative "sand ceremony" instead of candles
Each family contributed a layer of sand (one layer for each year of Jason's life) into an art vessel
The final results!
Jason even got to go up in the chair for a hora (with the help of one trusted family)
Sign-in message
Guests were asked to sign-in on a photo frame mat
Socially distant fun!
Mom Meredith got her mother/son dance!
Custom hand sanitzer
Gift box
Mitzvah Advice from Mom Meredith
Having a “hybrid” event was more complicated than you would think, both technically and emotionally. Running a zoom only event from indoors is fairly straightforward, but trying to incorporate a two-way feed of video and audio to guests both on zoom and in person really requires an AV expert, so be sure to hire one – even if it’s in addition to a DJ. Have backup systems in place to record your event, even if the professionals appear to have it covered. (Anyone can record video on their own computer screen using simple free programs like Quicktime.) What we’re trying to accomplish requires a huge amount of bandwidth and data – more than many laptops can handle. Don’t forget to “visit” with your zoom guests, which can be hard to remember to do if you’re also hosting live guests. Think of them as another table at the event, grab a laptop, and sit down with them for a few minutes. We didn’t think to do this, and regret that we missed out on that interaction. This will allow zoom guests to feel more like participants and less like spectators.
Mitzvah Project
Jason designed and built face shields using acetate and foam for use as PPE. He made over 30 face shields and sold them locally for $10-$15 each. Between sales and additional donations, he collected $500 through a Go Fund Me to support the Contra Costa Food Bank, that feeds over 1000 children, seniors, and family every week.
Bar Mitzvah Vendors
Venue: Cal Shakes, 510-548-9666
Party Planner: Simcha Sisters, 925-487-5009
Music Entertainment: AG Productions, 925-322-0849
Photographer: Clayton Mitchell, 510-812-8887
Food: Catering by Wilma Lott, 925-372-8612
Invitations: Simply To Impress, 800-779-6177
Decor: Balloon Thrills, 925-383-6961
Rentals: C&M Party Props, 925-934-3181
Sign-In: Photo Picture Mat from Michaels
Dress: Designs 2 Consign, 925-247-5623
Suits: Men’s Warehouse
September 7th, 2020
Like many families, the Rothschilds had to postpone their son Ben’s Bar Mitzvah due to COVID-19. Their original date of June 6, 2020 was moved to August 29, 2020. The Bar Mitzvah service was scheduled to be outdoors at their Temple but due to Hurricane Laura they made a last minute switch becoming the first indoor service at Westchester Reform Temple since March.
Pictured above: Sister Sydney, mom Elana, Bar Mitzvah boy Ben and Dad Peter with a rainbow cake from Carlo’s Bakery.
As the Bar Mitzvah date was approaching and with only 2 weeks to go, Mom Elana made the decision to hire Melisa Imberman, The Event of a Lifetime. She tells Mitzvah Market, “I thought I had planned for everything, but Melisa knew exactly what I didn’t think of.” She continues, “Melisa and her team pulled everything together and gave me peace of mind to enjoy the day. I’m not sure what we would have done without the tent, fans and generator. They were always thinking and one step ahead and gave our family exactly what we needed!”
Service & Party Details
The Rothschild family at Westchester Reform Temple
Ben's service was attended by 20 family members each sitting in their own row 16 feet apart
Invitation with virtual service and luncheon details
Balloons in front of the house
Melisa Imberman and her assistant from The Event Of A Lifetime got everything ready for the luncheon while the family was at Temple
The celebratory luncheon included 45 guests in the family backyard following
the current NY regulation of no more than 50 people for social gatherings
Gourmet boxed lunches were served
The family was able to include their beloved dog Charlie in the fun!
Clever signage near the logo'd masks and seating cards
Guests played virtual BINGO with iPhones run by ESP Creative
Ben enjoyed his Horah...
...and watching his montage!
Guests waving to photographer Chad David Kraus wearing their masks and logo'd t-shirts
Guests received lots of favors including a t-shirt with the phrase "Let's Roll With It" on the back!
Guests signed-in on a board created by Canvas Kudos Shop on Etsy
Mitzvah Advice
After postponing to a new date and then being affected by a hurricane, Mom Elana told Mitzvah Market, “We used the phrase “Let’s Roll With It” on the back of the t-shirts. This is the best advice we could give at this time. Nothing will be as planned or expected, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be a wonderful, meaningful and loving event!” Most importantly, at the end of the day Ben said, “My Bar Mitzvah was lit!” That’s all that matters!
Mitzvah Project
Ben volunteered at the JCCMW for the past year in the social skills group with a social worker helping out with the children. He also helped out with the monthly teen program where special needs teens get a night out away doing fun activities such as watching a movie or playing board games.
Vendor Directory
Party Planner: Melisa Imberman, The Event Of A Lifetime, 914-762-5770, 212-251-0163
Photographer: Chad David Kraus Photography, 917-532-3478
Music Entertainment: ESP Creative, MC Rae Rae, 212-844-9954
Favors: Charles Products, 301-881-1966
Invitations: Invitations and More by Sharon Sohl, 914-804-7575
Cake: Carlo’s Bakery ordered via Goldbelly
Caterer/Boxed Lunches: Standing Room Only, 914-472-3002
Florist: House of Flowers, 914-698-2522
Sign-in Board: Canvas Kudos Shop, Etsy
Tent: Atlas Party Rentals, 800-695-6565
Bathroom Trailer: A Royal Flush, 877-812-4453
Pizza Truck: Abeetz, 845-590-7307
Ice Cream Cart: Penny Licks, 914-525-1580
Dresses: Bloomingdales online
Tailor: Haute Hamper, 888-982-5326
Hair: Plushblow, 914-472-1112
Kippah: Kippot World, 305-932-5472
September 2nd, 2020
Kombert Caterers in Oceanside, New York is always thinking about their Bar and Bat Mitzvah customers and what type of celebration will work best for their family. These last few months have been difficult for those with previously scheduled Bar or Bat Mitzvah dates. Many have continued with their service, but put the celebration on hold. Now there’s a new and exciting way for your 14 year old to celebrate!
Introducing…#FUN14!
Learn more about how Kombert Caterers can help with your event:
Visit their extended profile page and send them a message now!
