June 22nd, 2011
We have reported on unique ways to sign-in at your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah including the new digital iSign.
Now from Intertactive Entertainment Concepts is the video sign-in. Instead of just writing a message to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child, you can be recorded and leave them a video message!
IEC is a full event production facility providing the highest quality entertainment for Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. Their diverse inventory is filled with state-of-the-art interactive games & amusement designed to make your Mitzvah unforgettable. They pride themselves on customer service and their reputation as one of the largest entertainment companies in the tri-state area.
Video Sign-In at a recent Bat Mitzvah. The top portion is customized with the Bat Mitzah girl’s name and picture
Your guests are able to take 4 photos first, just like a photo booth, then simultaneously, as the photos are printing, your guest can record a video (exactly what they would normally write in a sign-in book).
After your celebration, the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child is given a DVD with all the recordings and the videos are uploaded to a Website for easy access. You can also send your guests a link to the Website so they can view their recording and see photos from the party!
To learn more, visit the extended profile page for IEC in our Vendor Directory.
June 19th, 2011
We love finding Mitzvah Inspire ideas right in our own homes!
Kids love playing board games so why not incorporate that into your Bar/Bat Mitzvah theme?
Take a look at some of these fun ideas for those out there who still love playing board games, on actual boards or online!
From Evoke Events Scrabble linens
We found this idea on Party411.com. The Bat Mitzvah girl had signs on each table explaining to guests that the centerpiece board games would be donated to childrens charities, after the celebration
A cute RSVP card from Ribbon Box Events utilizing the fonts of a few board games…do you know them all?
Monopoly theme centerpiece accented with colorful napkins from Above All Catering
Also from Party411.com, personalized memo cubes serve as seating cards
A “Roseopoly” sign-in board from Audience Pleasers
A custom design for a favor based on the game “Life” by Sayings For You
Customize your dance floor in the shape of your favorite board game with Party Floors
Scrabble cake from CMNY Cakes
Monopoly Tie for the Bar Mitzvah boy, Dad or brothers!
From Jackie Sorkin’s Custom Candy Buffets
Have your guests greeted by this large entrance banner from The Prop Factory
We hope you enjoyed some of these creative ideas. If you are thinking about a board game Bar/Bat Mitzvah, now it’s your turn to go!
Please share your ideas with us at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
June 12th, 2011
Alexa Miller from Woodbury, New York will be celebrating her Bat Mitzvah in May, 2012 but has already completed her Mitzvah Project.
Wait until you hear her story! She loves to dance and created a fundraising event, got lots of sponsors and raffle tickets and then raised a substantial amount of money for Dancing Dreams in Queens and The Dizzy Feet Foundation.
We asked Alexa some questions about her Mitzvah Project, please see her responses below:
MM: Please tell us how you decided to come up with your Mitzvah Project:
AM: Last summer, I was watching my favorite show, So You Think You Can Dance. I was amazed when I saw that the producers and some of the choreographers started a foundation for talented kids who did not have the funds to get a dance education to pursue their dreams. It occurred to me that I was so lucky that I am able to take several dance classes a week and do what I love to do more than anything. I started thinking that I did not know what I would do if I could no longer dance because of monetary issues. I decided to do a “little” fundraiser and donate whatever money I made to that foundation, The Dizzy Feet Foundation. I made custom beaded bracelets and raised $600 for the organization.
Editor’s Note: Alexa received a letter of thanks from The Dizzy Feet Foundation with a signed photo from Nigel Lythgoe and a few t-shirts!
MM: That was before you planned your Mitzvah Project?
AM: Yes, after selling those bracelets, I realized I needed to plan a Mitzvah Project for my upcoming Bat Mitzvah. My Mom told me that the amazing job I did with the beaded bracelets would be a great project, but it wasn’t enough for me. I decided to organize a Dance-a-thon.
MM: How did you go about coordinating such a huge event?
AM: I spoke to Mike Wagenberg, owner of Driftwood Day Camp, a local camp on Long Island. He was so moved by my passion and determination that he very generously donated the Field House at his camp for the event. Then I spoke with a good friend at my dance studio that has an uncle who is a DJ and the next thing you know, Docs DJ generously donated their time to the event. I was also able to get another donation from Voss water who donated water for the event and Popchips snacks sent 10 cases of their chips for the dancers to munch on. A local pizzeria that I love, La Venezia, donated pizza pies for the event.
MM: Coordinating all the details for a big event takes a lot of time, how did you pull this off?
AM: I tirelessly recruited donations and sponsors every single day. I did this between going to school, completing hours of homework and studying each night (I am so proud to maintain honor roll status at HB Thompson Middle School), Hebrew school and my dance practices which are every night until 9 or 9:30PM. In addition, I talked relentlessly about the event to my friends at school, at dance, from camp and rounded them all up to come and support the event and to join me and dance all day. I went to local stores and restaurants explaining what I was doing and before I knew it, I had 25 raffle prizes to raffle off! I looked at my Mom and said, “Mom, guess we have to get some raffle tickets!” I designed and had t-shirts printed which every participant got with their entrance fee at the event and they listed the donors and sponsors thanking them publicly whenever and wherever the t-shirts are worn.
I also asked everyone who attended to bring with them a donation of gently worn or new dance shoes and/or tutus or costumes. These donations I am taking to a wonderful place called Dancing Dreams in Queens, New York. They offer a program for kids with disabilities to be able to take a dance class and even be a part of a dance recital. Without this place, these children would never be able to dance. Being able to dance has changed so many of their lives in so many ways.
MM: Tell us about the Dance-A-Thon.
AM: On Sunday, March 20, 2011 the day was finally here. The participants arrived and paid a $25 entrance fee. With that they got their t-shirt, which they promptly put on, one raffle ticket and a pizza ticket. The kids had a blast. The DJ handed out awesome things. I had printed up “shout outs” which people purchased for a dollar and the kids got to hear the DJ announced message to their friends. I sold extra raffle tickets and had a candy bar which I sold candy. The pizza came and the kids ate and water was free flowing all day as were popchips. The event was a huge success.
Alexa’s Dance-a-Thon of Dreams!
MM: Tell us the results.
AM: I called the event “Alexa’s Dance-a-Thon of Dreams” in honor of a charity, which I see as giving talented dancers the opportunity to realize their dreams. Dreams that I could not imagine being unable to strive for. When all was said and done, I raised $5,200 for Dizzy Feet and $1,000 for Dancing Dreams. After all company matches are dispersed, the total will be $9,000.
MM: What lessons did you learn from your project?
AM: My parents and all my sponsors were so proud of me. More than anything, I was proud of myself. I learned a lot about what it means and how it feels to give back. After the exhausting day, we were on the way home and I had one more question to ask, “Mom, when can we do it again?”
We are excited to report that Alexa has been chosen as a winner for the Kids of Distinction program through the Town of Oyster Bay! Six kids were chosen for this honor. She will receive a plaque at the Town board meeting the end of June and has also been awarded a $500 scholarship.
Congratulations to Alexa on this terrific Mitzvah Project and amazing honor! Thank you for sharing your story with our readers.
June 5th, 2011
Are you looking for a Bar/Bat Mitzvah venue? Want more of a club feel with a four hour party?
K Lounge is a division of Kombert Caterers at Temple Avodah in Oceanside, New York. They are offering the same great food and outstanding service, with a new vibe!
Club feel…
Cool vibe
Creative Cuisine
Delicious food!
For more information, give them a call at 516-678-6161 and visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Direcotry.
June 5th, 2011
Many Bar/Bat Mitzvah kids look forward to their own photo shoot. It’s a way to have their personality shine and can add to your Bar/Bat Mitzvah decor.
Once your date is booked, it’s time to start thinking about what your child is going to wear and the look you are trying to achieve.
We turned to photography expert Laura Mastorides from Hi-Tech Photography Events to get some pointers and tips about how to make the most of these private Bar/Bat Mitzvah photo sessions. Here’s what we learned:
MM: Any pointers for the casual family shoot?
LM: If you are going to go to the beach or park, make sure to schedule at the right time of day, preferably sunset to avoid squinting. Uniform colors for the family looks great, whether it’s khaki and white or denim and purple…whatever works for your family!
This family chose various shades of purple and look great!
MM: What are some accessories that work well with these type of photo shoots?
LM: If your child is into sports, bring along their favorite ball which will add an element of fun to the shoot.
Gowns and soccer balls are a fun combo!
Bring your pets
Leather jackets work well for a Bat Mitzvah modeling shoot
So do sunglasses…
MM: Superimposed photos are very popular, any suggestions?
LM: If you are going to be superimposed with sport figures, don’t forget to wear their team jersey!
MM: When selecting your outfits for the shoot, what should you think about?
LM: When selecting your clothing for the Bar/Bat Mitzvah modeling shoot, think about the colors you will be using for your celebration.
For blue decor, the pictures feature the Bat Mitzvah girl in coordinating colors
For more information about Hi-Tech Photography Events, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
June 5th, 2011
We are excited to show you this colorful Bar Mitzvah with an “Under The Sea” theme. It took place at the DoubleTree Hotel in Boston on March 26, 2011
All photography was taken by Nicole Chan Photography.
This Underwater Adventure was colorful as well as clever incorporating balloons, gobos and linens to make guests feel that they were “Under The Sea.”
Balloons in bright colors decorate this ballroom
Schools of fish are projected onto the walls
The balloons at this party were shaped like creatures from the sea! Check out the octupus and crabs
A simple touch likes this adds a great splash of color and a smile!
Even the socks matched the decor!
The Bar Mitzvah boy being lifted in his chair
DJ Amanda McGrail from Northern Lights Entertainment kept this party rocking
A creative matching cake from Konditor Meister
The following vendors were used to make this Bar Mitzvah special. If you call any of them, be sure to tell them you found their services on MitzvahMarket.com
Venue: Doubletree Hotel
Photographer: Nicole Chan
Music Entertainment: Northern Lights Entertainment, Inc. DJ Amanda McGrail
Videographer: FX Productions, Bob Douglas
Decor/Balloons: Creative Celebrations, Ruth Helman
Cake: Konditor Meister 781-849-1970
June 1st, 2011
We just couldn’t resist!
From the file of “Now I’ve heard of everything!” we need to report on a new product from ExtraColorful.com.
Toilet tissue rolls are now available in an array of vibrant colors including verdant green, sunny yellow, light blue, orange, red and fuchsia. There is a color to complement every theme.
They are becoming a must-have in the “staging” world when trying to sell a house. All colors are guaranteed to be colorfast and chlorine free and are sold in two-pack, three-pack and six-pack sizes.
They are dermotologically and gynecologically tested and certified to be safe for the most sensitive skin.
To see the rest of the available colors and to learn more, visit their Website.
June 1st, 2011
Jolie Goldberg from Munster, Indiana will be celebrating her Bat Mitzvah in May, 2012 and has already started on her creative Mitzvah Project that she is calling, Pop Top Bracelets.
We spoke with her to learn more about her project:
MM: Can you give us details of your Mitzvah Project?
JG: For my Mitzvah Project, I am making Pop Top bracelets. They are made with ribbons and lanyards in all types of colors and patterns. They can also be made into school or team colors. All boys and girls love them because they are great ways to recycle and are a huge fashion statement. My sister helps me make them to get the process done quicker.
MM: Which charity is benefitting from your project?
JG: Susan G. Komen for the Cure. It is for breast cancer research and they can be contacted at 1-877-465-6636.
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project?
JG: I decided to do this charity because my Grandma died of breast cancer a couple of years ago. She was a brave fighter for 10 years and I admire her for that.
MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bar/Bat Mitzvah?
JG: I think the whole reason we have a Bat Mitzvah is to become a Jewish adult. And with being an adult comes responsibilities such as giving back. But giving back should be fun, and mean something to you. That is why I chose this because of my beloved Grandma passing away, and I learned how to make these bracelets at camp, which is something I love.
MM: How are you getting tabs to make these bracelets?
JG: Because my family doesn’t drink much pop and each bracelet is made up of many tabs, I am asking synagogues, businesses, offices, schools, and friends for tabs. I am putting up signs at the places I am asking for tabs. Also, I just tell my friends and they spread the word. Each bracelet costs $5.00.
MM: If readers would like to send you pop tabs or buy bracelets, how do they get in touch with you?
JG: They can email me at joliebean419@yahoo.com and/or send pop tabs to my Dad’s office:
Dr. Cary Goldberg
The Center for Dental Excellence
19615 Governors Highway
Flossmoor, Illinois 60422
Please be sure to write my name on the envelope so my Dad knows it is for me!
We want to thank Jolie for sharing her creative Mitzvah Project with our readers!
June 1st, 2011
By Cindy Silvert, www.easybreezygourmet.com
Location. Location. Location. I lamented on my tent woes to the Rabbi’s wife, party planner extraordinaire, who suggested that I have the brunch right outside our Synagogue. This way, there would be no need to switch locations mid affair, it would meet my outdoor criteria, and the price was right. “Are you crazy?” my husband burst out, “We are not having the Bar Mitzvah in a parking lot!” “It’ll be in a beautiful tent,” I whined. “We’ll put down a nice floor, decorate it out to wazoo and there’s great parking! Plus, we can just tell the boys they’re in a car showroom and they’ll be in heaven!” Next…
There’s a charming farm just down the street. It boasts a private banquet room, a view of the fields and a decent size kitchen. They’re not picky about caterers and don’t mind a band. It’s affordable, nice enough and again, has terrific parking. Here’s the thing, not only did we have a pumpkin picking birthday party there (ie. baby town), but I had an out of body experience there that scarred me for life. Ever been in a corn maze? This one required an IQ of 120, mastery of 3D maps, code breaking skills and a memory. My darling children abandoned me within seconds. The maze was supposed to take 45 minutes, it took me two days. I cried and cheated and begged strangers for mercy. Eventually, I used my high heels as a machete and escaped via a maze of my own making. As I crawled off his damaged property, the owner lifted his shotgun and recommended that I “Get off and stay off.” So we might have it someplace else.
Am I being unreasonable here? All I ask for is a magnificent, breezy space that’s around the corner and free. Oh yeah, and I wouldn’t mind if it had tons of stuff for both kids and adults to do (and I don’t just mean another award winning round of DJ Pepsi/Coke). I dread being indoors when it’s stunning out (yes, I will control the weather), and really don’t want to spend a sizeable part of the budget on four ugly walls. Our synagogue’s too small, banquet halls are too large. I realize I may have to compromise on one or two points, but everything? All I really want is a room-less room with a view. Anyone?
With no choices at hand, I was getting close to desperate. Then one sad day as I was envisioning the Hora at Chuck E Cheese’s it suddenly hit me: I had the place. It was laid back, could accommodate any number of guests, had endless fun potential and was a thing of beauty (ie. muddy, rustic and green). Needless to say, I assumed it was too good to be true so I didn’t bother telling my husband. With the thinnest shred of hope and a sprinkle of courage, I picked up the phone and asked: “Hey Mr. Director, can we come to camp and play?” The dear man said yes. So that’s the plan. The Bar Mitzvah shall be a day of outdoor festive fun at a local camp. Mission accomplished. I am one happy camper.
About Cindy Silvert
Cindy Lynn Silvert took the long route to the States from Canada via Israel, where she studied, worked and had her first two children. A lover of the Arts, Cindy is a professionally trained actor, prolific artist and writer. She has designed educational software, curricula and museums exhibits in addition to editing two books. She writes for a number of sites including easybreezygourmet.com where she shares culinary secrets, shortcuts and tips. She is also a featured chef and lead contributor of metroimma.com.
Follow Cindy’s new blog Eat Pray Save, right here on MitzvahMarket.com as she challenges the status quo all the way to the Bimah, while planning her son’s upcoming Bar Mitzvah. Eat Pray Save will be the place to get a fresh perspective and a classy, yet fun and affordable solution to the out of control phenomenon of the American Bar Mitzvah.
It’s funny stuff we know you will enjoy!
Share your thoughts by writing to us at Sheri@MitzvahMarket.com.
Catch up on what you missed!
Read Part 1
Read Part 2
Read Part 3
Read Part 4
Read Part 5
Read Part 6
Read Part 7
May 29th, 2011
Mitzvah Market was created on the idea of Mom-to-Mom advice!
We love receiving our readers email questions and if we do not have the answers, we will go to the experts (our readers) for some advice.
Many of our readers are celebrating a Bar/Bat Mitzvah for their twins or children close in age. It’s challenging enough to plan a party for one child, we can only imagine how much more complicated it gets when there are multiples involved.
A reader recently wrote in for some help. She is planning a B’nai Mitzvah for her son and daughter and they are having trouble coming up with a theme that works for both of them.
He’s into sports and she’s into the usual girly things. Do any of our readers have advice or a suggestion on a theme?
Please let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com. We will pass along the results to our reader and post them below.
Thank you for your help!
Don’t hesitate to write in if you have a question we can help you with.
If you are planning for siblings or twins, you might want to read about a creative favor and invitations that are double the fun!
READERS RESPOND:
“We helped a friend in a similar situation and ended up with a “Have A Ball!” theme. Their son’s theme is all sports (soccer, basketball & baseball) and their daughter’s all elegance! They’re planning really cute Save the Dates! Anything under 13 ounces can be mailed relatively cheaply without an envelope (check out this blog), so they plan to send actual bouncing balls to their son’s friends and plastic Cinderella slippers to their daughter’s (both ordered from Dollar Tree). Family and friends without children will receive a more traditional Save the Date. Both will have the same wording “You’ll Have a Ball at <Child’s Name> Mitzvah! Save the Date <Date>!”
— Diane, Name With Flame
