December 18th, 2011
Emma Newman celebrated her Bat Mitzvah in November, 2011 and completed a terrific Mitzvah Project that’s easy to do in any city or town around the country!
She called her project, “Make A Sandwich Day” and with the help of family and friends, made sandwiches for the homeless and donated the food to The Inn who serve the hungry and homeless Long Islanders with dignity, respect and love.
We spoke with Emma to get more details about her project:
MM: Why did you decide on Make A Sandwich Day for your Mitzvah Project?
EN: I decided to make sandwiches because the food pantries are low in supplies since there are so many people out of work. People have lost their homes because of the economy. I wanted to help many people who can’t afford to buy food to survive.
MM: How many people showed up to help you on the day you made sandwiches?
EN: About 40 friends and family came to my house during the day to help make the sandwiches and donate supplies.
MM: How did you get the word out about the sandwich making day?
EN: We sent out an evite invitation to all our friends and family inviting them to our house on a particular Sunday with a 4 hour window of time. We asked them to help make sandwiches or donate supplies. We also sent out reminders the day of the event.
MM: There could be other families reading this who would like to do the same thing. Please explain exactly what you did?
EN: We purchased 30 pounds of cold cuts, used 500 baggies and 40 loaves of bread! With the help of our 40 friends and family we created 491 sandwiches which we stored in coolers all over our house and in our refrigerator until we could bring them to The Inn.
MM: What happened on the day you delivered the sandwiches to The Inn?
EN: We had called in advance to make sure they needed the sandwiches. The soup kitchen was very crowded and there were volunteers all over making baskets of food and having a coat drive. They welcomed us and thanked us.
Great job Emma! We would like to thank Emma for sharing her Mitzvah Project with our readers.
December 16th, 2011
We learned about GiftRapped.com in November and featured them as a Mitzvah Find.
Our mission is to bring our readers unique and special ideas for their child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah and we wanted our holiday greeting to be different too, so we reached out to GiftRapped!
After providing them with photos and information about our Website, we are excited to bring you our 1 minute Giftrapped Holiday song and our best wishes for a terrific holiday season!
Watch here
We hope you enjoy!
From the Mitzvah Market Team
December 14th, 2011
We recently saw Hoda Kotb on NBC’s TODAY raving about this new product!
Inside one little cup of My Cup Of Cake are all the ingredients you need to create your very own delicious, all-natural Belgian chocolate cake. In just three minutes, you can whip up a luscious dessert that’s fun, fast and easy.
This is a great Mitzvah Exit treat. They can print your personal logo right on My Cup Of Cake. Just email them your hi-res art and their design team will do the rest.
There’s a minimum requirement of 100 per order.
You can also order their delicious “soufflé pack” refills.
For more information, visit their Website.
December 10th, 2011
Our Mitzvah Family Spotlight stories are very popular among our readers. We find that everyone likes to see how other families celebrated their son or daughter’s milestone event. Our readers get great ideas and then make them their own.
We have run spotlight stories on over 75 families and receive emails regularly from readers who would love to be profiled. It’s a great way to thank your vendors with additional press!
There have been many great ideas within each story from families around the country. As we come to the close of another year, let’s look back on some of the creative ways these families have inspired us all:
Your Bar/Bat Mitzvah invitation usually sets the tone for your party. Here are a few from our Mitzvah Family Spotlight stories:
The Lee Family sent their guests an invitation on a box of gobstoppers letting them know it would be a candy theme
The Weingast Family used invitations from JNF. At the bottom of each invitation it said, “A contribution toward water resource development in Israel has been made in honor of Jacob becoming a Bar Mitzvah”
This invitation arrived as “Victoria’s Secret Diary” and said “Secret Celebration” following services. Everyone wondered what the surprise could be. Check out the Engler Family Spotlight to learn the secret!
Adam arrived in a shopping cart for his “Adamcrombie” theme from the Farber Bar Mitzvah Family Spotlight
The Milbauer Family had Mitchell’s hockey team friends line up so he could enter under a tunnel of sticks!
For the Dukofsky Family, the paparazzi greets Arielle as she arrives for her “A-List” party
From the Imberman Bar Mitzvah Family Spotlight, Alex surprised his guests by breaking through a white screen
In keeping with their hotel theme, the upcoming Babbush Family spotlight had their daughter enter on a hotel rolling luggage rack
Everyone seems to have a way for their guests to sign-in and leave a memory/sentiment for their Bar/Bat Mitzvah child. Families are getting very creative in this area.
The Siegel Family got their idea to use their son’s closet door from Mitzvah Market!
For their “Miami Beach” theme, the Cohen Family used a surfboard from Surfboard Beach Art
The Udell Family used a guitar case for their guests to sign-in
The Imberman Family used the digital iSign from Simon Elliot Events
Here are some creative ways to let your guests know where they are sitting.
The Goldenberg Family used place cards resembling iTune cards.
They look like the real thing, and notice the price of $10. 23 (Jared’s Bar Mitzvah date)
The Ryder Family used an actual pen with a gerber daisy glued on top for their place cards. The pen said “Melanie’s Enchanted Evening”
The Sorting Hat, made by the Robinson Family for their Harry Potter theme, was at the center of the place card table. It magically roared, “You are Gryffindor!” and other phrases, thanks to an ipod underneath the brim. So clever!
Guests grabbed their “records” placed in guitar holders at the Lowinger Family celebration to see where they were sitting. They had a Beatles theme!
Who doesn’t love the Mitzvah cake! Check out these great ideas from our past Mitzvah Family Spotlights.
From the Rofe Family Spotlight, a Tiff Candy Cake
The Schuster Family had a shopping bag cake for their daughter’s fashion themed Bat Mitzvah
The Silverman Family had a beautiful red and white cake (camp colors) for their daughter’s Camp Pontiac weekend Bat Mitzvah
From the Lorry Family, a cake in the shape of a soccer field
Here are some cool style moments within our Mitzvah Family Spotlight stories.
From the Imberman Family spotlight, father and son wore matching baseball cuff links from Paul Fredrick. These are made from actual game used baseballs. There’s a number engraved on the back which you enter into their Website to find out information about the game they were used in!
From the upcoming Backalar spotlight, the Bat Mitzvah girl, who is into tennis, changed into her Nike sneakers
For a March Madness theme, the Miller Family females dressed the part with Mom in a white leather dress with royal blue suede panels to look like a jersey and sister Ali in a basketball jersey dress
Many Bat Mitzvah girls (and her sister and Mom) are wearing white! Here’s a trio of white from the Karen Family spotlight
For his 007 theme, Garrett Jochnau did his best James Bond impression – white tux and all. See more in the Jochnau Bar Mitzvah Family spotlight
It’s “Jeans, Jewels and Jerseys” for the upcoming Gersten Family spotlight
While some families decide not to have a theme, plenty have come up with very creative ones!
The Wyner Family celebrated on October 31 and went with an Adam’s Family theme for their Boo Mitzvah
The Aiello Family had a polynesian theme in a restaurant featuring a pool in the center
It was a play on Sex in the City for the Jacobs Family
It was a “Hats Off To Ross” by Dazzling Parties for the Talarico Family spotlight
It was the “Wizard of Oz” and an Emerald City theme for the Senzer Family!
As if we don’t eat enough at Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrations, here are some delicious treats families serve their guests for the ride home!
As guests left the Karen Family party, they found a waffle truck!
As guests left the Udell Family celebration they were given to-go cups of Dunkin Munchkin Donuts along with coffee, tea, hot cocoa and assorted cookies
The Halperin Family gave out bags of “blue” cotton candy with a label that said, “We’re BLUE this day is through…thank you for joining us!”
Many families like to add their own special touch. Here are a few stand-outs!
The Grossman Family had an ice skating rink!
The Ryder Family found these cute flower hair bands that guests could keep and used them for napkin rings. Mom Jill wore her hair band that night as a bracelet!
The Dieber Family had special B&W cookies made with the Bar Mitzvah boy’s nickname D-BO
Once again we thank all the families for allowing us to share their ideas with our readers. Many of you have written in to say how helpful they have been. If you would like your child’s celebration to be spotlighted, please let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com. We will send back all you need to know so we can get started!
To see all our Mitzvah Family Spotlights archived on MitzvahMarket.com, click here.
December 7th, 2011
We’ve been seeing customized ping pong tables at Bar/Bat Mitzvahs and wanted to fill our readers in!
Interactive Entertainment Concepts provides ping pong tables with chasing lights featuring a glass surface with 100’s of ping pong balls inside.
They also have cool metal trusses for legs.
Many people are pairing the table with a ping pong expert to amaze their guests. IEC can provide that person too.
Your guests will be talking about this attraction well after the party is over.
Please click here to see more about this ping pong table
Special offer from IEC, book by December 31, 2011, and receive $100.00 off when you mention Mitzvah Market.
Learn more about IEC by visiting their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
December 6th, 2011
The Weinberg family celebrated their son Evan’s Bar Mitzvah in June 2011, with their service at The Hamlet, Plainview, New York followed immediately by a party at The Carlyle At The Palace, also in Plainview.
Evan is not only an ice hockey player, but also a fan – thus the theme!
Pictured L-R: Dad Ian, younger brother Ben, Bar Mitzvah boy Evan and Mom Stephanie
All party photography was done by Simon Elliot Events.
Evan’s invitations, created by Dara Grunberg were made from a heavy plastic. Block letter font was used in navy and white
Stephanie looked great in her dress from Melony in Williston Park, New York. Evan’s suit was from Kenny’s in Woodbury. Notice Mom Stephanie’s matching gold shoes!
Hi-Tech Party Photography did a great job creating centerpieces from hockey equipment
Lighting sets the mood for this celebration
Centerpieces were created from hockey equipment
There were many creative touches using “hockey” as the inspiration at this party. Hockey pucks featured Evan’s logo: The E Train
A life-size blow-up was on hand for photo ops with guests
Evan’s celebration fell on Father’s Day weekend, so a sign was created for all the Dads!
Evan’s younger brother Ben will be celebrating his Bar Mitzvah in 2014 and had a “coming attraction” poster
The above photo is of Evan’s team at the Jericho Middle School winning the Nassau County Championship game
As a surprise for Evan, the real “NY Islander Ice Girls” helped him make his entrance
The music entertainment was provided by Entertainment Tonite with Nori as their MC
Getting a lift from the ET crew
For Evan’s sign-in board, a hockey jersey with his last name was used
Evan’s hockey cake was created by Carlyle At The Palace
When guests got back in their car after the celebration, the key chains above were waiting. These were created by Michelle Collins/Brace Yourself, who is Stephanie’s sister
The boys received the T-shirt above, each personalized with their last name on the back. The girls received a similar version in a burn-out style. These wearable favors were created by Pam Robbins, 4 The Love of Peace
Mitzvah Mom Stephanie has this advice:
“Don’t sweat the small stuff. I definitely stressed myself out. In the end, no matter what happens, everything gets done. Everything about Evan’s party… the décor, the music, the energy in the room, the food… far exceeded my expectations! So if one or two things turned out to be less than 100% perfect, the night would have still been FABULOUS! It’s about celebrating a Mitzvah with all of your family and special friends.”
Mitzvah Project:
Since Evan’s theme was hockey, and he loves the sport, the Weinberg family decided to donate the hockey sticks that were in his centerpieces to Long Island Blues, a hockey team for children with developmental delays, including children with autism, emotional and physical challenges.
The following vendors helped to make Evan’s celebration special. If you give any a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Steve Kirschbaum, Carlyle At The Palace, 516-756-1600
Music Entertainment: MC Nore, Entertainment Tonite
Favors: Pam Robbins, 4 the love of peace, therobbins5@mac.com
Invitation: Dear Grunberg, Dear Friends, 516-456-2514
Décor: Emily Willens, Hi Tech Party Productions 631-923-2260
Sign-In Board: Hi Tech Party Productions
Yalmulkes: Randi Lehman, That One Special Touch
Stephanie’s Dress: Melony 516-742-4679 melonymazz@yahoo.com
Evan’s Suit: Kenny’s Mens and Boys Wear 516-921-2660
Evan’s Party Shirt: Mr’tique
Ben’s Suit/Shirt: Lester’s
Hair: John, The Salon at 230 West 516-921-2017
Makeup: Nicole Gallo, About Face 516-348-5292
Photographer/Videographer: Simon Miller, Simon Elliot Events, 516-586-6822
Key Chain Favor: Brace Yourself Now, Michelle Collins 516-459-6495
Montage/entrance video: Jen Favorito, jennifer.favorito@gmail.com
December 3rd, 2011
By Tara Silberg
It’s Tara, telling YOU what’s happening on the Bar/Bat Mitzvah circuit today.
Last time my “On The Circuit” was all about incorporating your talents into your party and today’s post is all about the candle lighting ceremony.
In the beginning of the month, I attended one of my good friend’s Bat Mitzvah. A little while after she entered, we all sat down for the candle lighting. To my surprise, there were only 3 candles, instead of 13.
She had decided to do a “Past, Present, and Future” candle lighting ceremony. The past candle was for her grandparents and those who had passed away. The present candle called up her family. The last candle, future, called upon all her current friends and those she would hope to get closer to.
The “Past, Present and Future” candle lighting ceremony only needs 3 candles
If you don’t like the thought of doing a traditional candle lighting, maybe you can incorporate this idea into your party with your own twist.
That’s all for this time. More to come on the circuit soon!
About Tara Silberg
I’m in 7th 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.
November 30th, 2011
Garrett Jochnau celebrated his Bar Mitzvah in May, 2010 with his service at Temple Har Shalom in Warren, New Jersey followed by an afternoon celebration at Westminster Hotel in Livingston, New Jersey.
Mom Sharon explains that Garrett is an avid James Bond fan, so there was never any question that he was going to make this his theme! He kept his theme a secret from everyone until his Bar Mitzvah day, which only enhanced his friends’ anticipation, who were convinced that he was going with his other love, basketball!
We thank them for sharing all their great ideas with Mitzvah Market.
Party photography was by Avi Photography and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom.
Pictured above (L-R): Sister Emery, Bar Mitzvah boy Garrett, Mom Sharon and Dad Stephen
All The Best Invitations created Garrett’s invitation in using black, red, white and silver to create a sleek look.
The color scheme of the invitations coordinated with the colors of their celebration
The stamp used on Garrett’s invitation was a picture of him at 1½ years old, decked out in a tuxedo. This was intended to foreshadow his theme without giving it away!
Garrett was very involved in the planning process and even had a hand in selecting his venue, Westminster Hotel. Since this hotel is home to the well-known Strip House steak restaurant, the food was exceptional.
The banquet manager provided a custom menu that was elegant and fit right in with their theme
Kim from Marquis Florals created all the terrific decor including these place cards.
The adults each received a miniature movie poster place card with their name indicating where to sit
The kids seating arrangements were indicated on a large “seating” board
Garrett’s sign-in board was a photo lineup of all of the past and present actors who have played James Bond (with their heights indicated above them) in their best action pose.
Garrett was photo shopped into the lineup between them and the result was great
Kim decorated the room in black, white and red. The floral arrangements for the adult tables were an assortment of red flowers in giant martini glasses.
The adults’ tables had a mini movie poster identifying the name of the table. There was also small glass containers that contained individually wrapped pairs of ear plugs for each person. On each wrapper, there was a label with Garrett’s 007 logo and the words “Hearing Protection Device” encircling the logo
Black tablecloths, red napkins, and black chair covers with white sashes set the mood in the kids area
For the kids’ tables Kim created themed centerpieces for each of Garrett’s favorite Bond movies. Each centerpiece was modeled around a movie poster and contained 3-D elements that pertained to that particular movie
Part of the decor included a 10 foot light-up sign that was designed to be a movie strip, with each of the movie posters appearing in each frame
Other decorations included a large light-up sign (about 8 feet long) with Garrett’s name and the 007 logo
Party Harty provided the music entertainment with Howie as the MC.
Garrett with the Party Harty crew
Garrett and his friends enjoying the music!
While Mom, Dad & Garrett all color coordinated their clothes, sister Emery could pick a dress in any color she wanted, so she could stand out on her own. We think she did a great job!
Garrett surprised his guests and changed his clothes after the cocktail hour, making his entrance in the signature white dinner jacket and bow tie, flanked by his Bond girl dancers!
All their guests gasped as he walked in looking as dapper as any of the Bonds who have preceded him!
Garrett poses with his Bond girls
Garrett shows off his moves!
Garrett’s tuxedo cake was created by Westminster Hotel.
Garrett helped with the design of his logos, which incorporated his initials and Bar Mitzvah date into the iconic images that make the James Bond 007 brand so easily identifiable.
Each of Garrett’s friends received a sweatshirt with Garrett’s logos packaged in a reusable environment-friendly tote bag
At the end of the party, all guests received custom water bottles and chocolate dipped rice treats
Garrett volunteers his time assisting with special needs children through a local program called Hop, Skip & a Jump!
Additionally, he participated in the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Twinning program through the NCOEJ (North American Conference on Ethiopian Jewry)
Mitzvah Mom Sharon is giving us some advice:
“Lists, lists, lists…make them early and check them often! It’s your child’s day, so let him/her take a strong role in the planning. Find a way to make younger siblings feel important, as they often feel neglected with all of the attention dedicated to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child. Finally, remember to take TWO copies of your child’s speeches and candlelighting ceremony poems with you, giving one to your husband to keep in his breast pocket. Somehow, we inadvertently left Garrett’s in the car, which was with the valet, and we had to scramble to grab it at the very last minute!”
The following vendors helped to make Garrett’s party special. If you give any a call, please let them know you heard about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Westminster Hotel, 973-548-0045
Party Planner: Mom Sharon & Bar Mitzvah boy Garrett
Music Entertainment: MC Howie, Party Harty, 516-845-8585
Favor person: Robin Swerdloff, Corporate Creations, 610-633-5453
Invitations: All The Best Invitations, 973-992-4033
Cake: Tuxedo Cake, Westminster Hotel
Décor/Florist: Kim, Marquis Florals, 732-441-4800
Sign-In board: Kim, Marquis Florals
Chocolate Rice Crispy Treats: Brummer’s Chocolates, 908-232-1904
Mom’s dress: Hartly Fashions, Westwood, NJ 201-664-3111
Sister’s dress: Princess Charming, West Orange, NJ 973-325-1419
Dad & Bar Mitzvah boy: The Clothing Center, 732-254-0870
Hair: The Beauty Company, Martinsville, NJ 732-560-8898
Transportation: Vogel Bus Company, 908-298-0045
Party security: Westminster Hotel
Photographer: David, AVI Photography 908-526-8116
Videographer & Montage: Party Harty 516-845-8585
Logo Design: Sheri Finver, sfinverdesign@verizon.net
November 26th, 2011
We found a new party trend that we are happy to report on. Warning: Don’t read if you are hungry!
Go Cakes! NYC are the push pop cakes you can eat on the go.
They are perfect for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration and can be served instead of or in addition to your Bar/Bat Mitzvah cake.
You choose from a variety of flavors, icings and toppings.
They can also come with a personalized label featuring your photo, text and/or logo.
The best part is that they ship anywhere in the U.S. and only need 2 weeks notice.
There are a variety of party packages that include renting one of their displays.
Go Green: Save your Go Cakes! containers from your party, to be recycled, and receive a $25 Go Cakes gift certificate!
For more information, visit their Website.
November 26th, 2011
GiftRapped.com creates completely personalized songs with accompanying slide shows for any celebratory occasion like a Bar/Bat Mitzvah. This also makes a great gift for a 40th, 50th or anniversary celebration.
Some families have used their GiftRapped as their child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah montage and/or entrance video.
It’s so easy and turnaround time is 3-5 days! Just give them some suggestions for lyrics, a few pictures, and they will create a gift that you will never forget.
Watch this Bar Mitzvah rap for Luke here
Watch this birthday rap for Lenny here
See all the other GiftRapped samples here.
GiftRapped is offering a 25% discount to all Mitzvah Market readers. Use the code MitzvahMarket (one word) to redeem the discount.
