May 29th, 2011
By Sheri Lapidus, founder MitzvahMarket.com
Many years ago, mostly through our children, six families became close friends and started a Bar/Bat Mitzvah tradition which we have repeated through the years. This is something that is easy to start with your own friends, so I wanted to share the details with our readers.
Among these six families, we have 12 children. Each time one of the families is celebrating their child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah, we start the weekend off by hosting a Friday night Oneg dinner after Temple services at one of our homes for the Mitzvah family.
Recently it was my turn for our dear friends the Cohens, who were celebrating their son Drew’s Bar Mitzvah. (Drew is pictured left). He was the 9th of 12 children to celebrate their Bar or Bat Mitzvah and each time one of our friends has hosted this type of dinner on the Friday night of their special weekend. We have 3 to go and then we will have to come up with a tradition for their weddings!
My husband Roy (far right) and I with Adam and Tammy Cohen, the proud Mitzvah parents
There are usually about 40 guests (including the six families) and the host family organizes the food. While everyone contributes by making a dish or dessert, we also order from a catering company. For our dinner Bernard’s Fine Foods & Catering sent delicious Teriyaki Glazed Cedar Plank Salmon with grilled pineapple, Chicken Marsala, Eggplant Parmigiana, Penne alla Vodka and Chicken Fingers with honey mustard dipping sauce for the kids. Our friends filled in with additional homemade dishes and desserts. The beautiful centerpiece above was from Spitz & Peck.
We go with a casual buffet style dinner
We want each child to receive a keepsake they will always remember, so as part of their gift, each family chips in to buy the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child a watch. We present him/her their gift by each reading a verse of a poem, written specially for the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child
The gang presenting Drew with his watch
L-R: Sheri, Michelle Collins, Bar Mitzvah boy Drew, Sue Brett, Leslie Adler (our other friend Donna Reisman was celebrating her parents 50th Wedding anniversary and couldn’t be with us on this night)
Mazel Tov to the Cohen family. Drew did an amazing job reading from the Torah. Look for the Cohen Bar Mitzvah Family Spotlight soon!
May 29th, 2011
At most Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrations, there is a book or board or something else creative so guests can “sign-in” and leave a special message for the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child. Here are other inspirational ways to sign-in and be unique!
From Party Excellence, this puff fabric frame (outside is 24″ x 32″ and the inside is 15″ x 20″) can be written on with markers and then hung in your child’s room with a Bat Mitzvah picture in the center
A Diva With A Fork created a star-studded Bat Mitzvah. These custom two-dimensional, 6 foot pink glittered statues flanked the doors to the entrance of the ballroom. Sharpie pens tied with black satin ribbon were attached to one of the statues for guests to use for signing. This unique sign-in board now resides in the Bat Mitzvah girl’s bedroom as a loving reminder of her big day and all who attended!
A picture is mounted in the center of a mirror to create a sign-in mirror from Hi-Tech Photography Events
From The Pieced Palette, your logo or invitation is printed on fabric, then it is mounted taut so that it can stand on an easel at your party for your guests to sign. After the party, the fabric is made into a comfy floor pillow for lounging
Still one of our favorites! Use your child’s bedroom closet door as the sign-in. This idea is from the Barzilay Bar Mitzvah Family Spotlight
From The Kratz B’nei Mitzvah Family Spotlight, a sign-in locker
From the Nussbaum Bat Mitzvah Family Spotlight: This cell phone chair matched their theme and is now in the Bat Mitzvah girl’s room as a piece of furniture
From The Margolis Bar Mitzvah Family Spotlight: This jersey was framed in a plexiglass frame and guests signed-in right over the jersey
Also from Party Excellence, a mailbox was used and guests were asked to write their special messages on customized postcards
Sign-in on a surfboard from Surfboard Beach Art
Sign-in right on a guitar. This example is from The Lowinger Bar Mitzvah Family Spotlight
From The Morris Bat Mitzvah Family Spotlight: This sign-in board was stocked with postcards from Long Beach Island (the theme), and guests were encouraged to “Drop Beckett a Line” by signing a postcard and dropping it into a red crab trap (complete with a big old crab)
Is your child into Science? How about signing in on a lab coat!
Did you have a unique way for your guests to sign in that you can share with our readers? Let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
May 29th, 2011
By Jill Selby, EVENTually Green
One very significant way a teenager can help the Jewish environmental cause is to make “going green” a part of their Bar/Bat mitzvah celebration.
After all, Mitzvah means “good deed.” A Bar or Bat Mitzvah signifies the rite of passage from childhood, into adolescence and toward adulthood. With this coming of age, there also comes a broader level of responsibility. What bigger responsibility could there be than to be thoughtful of God’s creation and what better occasion is there to address it and celebrate it?
There are many ways to celebrate and at the same time, be mindful of the planet. It is probably easier to get your 13 year old on board than most adults.
To show respect for the environment and have a great time, the following are “10 Ways To Go Green”:
1. Use cork if you can instead of Styrofoam, which is widely used for centerpieces. Styrofoam is actually banned in many places. It fills approximately 30% of landfills worldwide and ends up getting burned which lets out a carcinogenic chemical called benzene into the air. When put out in the garbage, it can be ingested by animals and ultimately causes death.
2. For a party theme, use already existing materials for décor. For instance if you have a music themed party, try utilizing old CD’s in a centerpiece.
3. During a candle lighting use soy candles. They burn longer and cleaner.
4. Often, fun and crazy necklaces are given out by the DJ are from plastic. Necklaces, bracelets and even loose beads made from recycled paper are cool looking and available.
5. Instead of printed invitations, directions, rsvp’s, etc. use either email, the web or at least tree-less paper.
6. Since corks are biodegradable and easily available, they can make great place card holders.
7. Sign in boards are usually styrofoam. Alternatively you can use an already existing object such as a surfboard for a beach theme.
8. Suggest carpooling as an option for guests, and with the price of gas, I don’t think there will be much resistance.
9. Donate leftover food and useful materials to charities. It may also be a tax deduction.
10. Choose balloons for decorations which are latex, not plastic, therefore biodegradable. Just don’t let them fly into the air.
Many people are under the assumption that “green” is more expensive. That is not necessarily true. In some cases, you can save money.
There are so many things that can be done. In many cases you can create a gathering that is far more interesting and memorable besides being budget-friendly and green!
EVENTually Green is an eco-friendly party planning, consulting and sourcing company that serves the tri-state area. Their innovative services are available to any person or business looking to throw a fantastic event while “leaving their carbon footprint at the door.”
May 22nd, 2011
Here’s a terrific example of being creative when it comes to selecting a Mitzvah Project and getting friends involved to help!
Jordana Cohen from Briarcliff Manor, New York celebrated her Bat Mitzvah on Sept 17, 2011.
When it came time to decide on a Mitzvah Project it was easy because she’s always been involved with the Pediatric Cancer Foundation.
We spoke with Jordana (pictured above) to get more details:
MM: Can you please give us details of your project?
JC: I created a club at school and got the help of 50 kids in my grade to participate in this Mitzvah project. We took shoe boxes, and decorated them in “themes.” For example: cars, Barbie, Justin Bieber, planes and sports. Then we sold Jak Vanek type bracelets and with that money raised, we bought and put into the shoe boxes, activity books, mad libs, markers, crayons, stencils, lego, art projects and bracelets.
MM: What did you do with all the boxes?
JC: The boxes were donated to the Maria Fareri Children’s hospital last month and were very well received by the patients in the hospital.
Jordana and her friends with the TLC boxes
MM: Why did you call your project TLC?
JC: I called my project TLC because we created “Tender Loving Care” boxes.
MM: Why did you decide to do this particular Mitzvah Project?
JC: I decided to create this project because I’ve always been involved with Pediatric Cancer and wanted to do something by myself. I think it is important to take on something to your best ability and do a good deed.
MM: What else are you doing to raise funds for www.pcfweb.org?
JC: I will be riding in the Pediatric Bike-a-thon on May 22 and taking donations. Will do it every year.
Thanks Jordana for sharing your terrific project with our readers!
May 22nd, 2011
This Mitzvah Inspire is courtesy of Christine Foster Photography.
The Liss family is from Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania and they celebrated their son Josh’s Bar Mitzvah in October 2010 at a bar/restaurant called Distrito.
This is the perfect example of a family thinking outside the box to come up with their celebration location!
Here’s what Mitzvah Mom Caryn said about choosing this venue:
“We chose Distrito primarily because Josh wanted to do something different. He did not want the traditional hotel/country club/synagogue setting. Rather, he wanted something more fun and casual. We took our cues from Josh and thought outside the box. We had been to a small engagement party upstairs at Distrito about 2 years ago and we thought it was a great setting. We had taken Josh and his sister Ilana to eat there a few times and they both loved the food and decor. That in a nutshell is how we chose to have the party there. I was very happy that I did not have to hire a party decorator and I found the staff to be very accommodating.”
The family got into the fun atmosphere of this location with a great night of dancing and good food. The children all got a kick out of the Mexican Taxi and everyone had fun with the wall of Mexican wrestling masks.
Check out their pictures below!
Thank you to Christine Foster Photography and the Liss family for sharing this fun party with MitzvahMarket.com.
May 22nd, 2011
Congratulations! Your son or daughter just celebrated their Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
After all the money you spent on hair/make-up/clothing and accessories, we want to share with you various ways to re-use, re-purpose all your Bar/Bat Mitzvah photos into fantastic gift options for years to come.
Whether you need a gift for a grandparent, uncle, aunt or friend, we have found great ideas on how to use all those fabulous photos.
BlanketWorx is a source for personalized woven products. Their unique gift items include woven afghans and throw blankets, pillows, towels and wall hangings.
Photo Wow offers forty unique, beautiful, fun and colorful designs from your photos. From Warhol-style pop art, to comic designs, to a multitude of collage choices, photo wow can create anything you can imagine, including photo canvas.
PicPads produces custom-made photo notepads for people all over the world. Rachael Ray selected PicPads as one of her top 10 gift products in 2007.
Mitzvah Market founder Sheri Lapidus used a photo from her daughter’s Bat Mitzvah to create a photo pad for Mother’s Day
Easy123Art.com – Very cool concept. You send in your picture and get back a “paint by number” kit. After finishing your painting, you will have an exact replica of your original photo!
Quilts Of Distinction – Created by artist Jane Pearlson these photo quilts are customized.
Calendars from Kodak Gallery – Why not take your favorite 12 pictures (or more) and create a calendar? It’s very easy to do and your recipient will love it!
New York Canvas Art – They provide a unique, yet affordable way to enjoy your favorite photos. They can preserve your Mitzvah photos by having some of the pictures printed on canvas. The finished product makes a great gift!
Use your photos for a personalized cookie jar from Mrs. Field’s. The jar comes with 48 Nibblers® bite-sized cookies and you can use up to three images
Did you do something unique with your Bar/Bat Mitzvah photos? Let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
May 18th, 2011
The Invitation
By Cindy Silvert, www.easybreezygourmet.com
My son told me his friends don’t have e-mail addresses. But that’s just his coded, tortured, rebellious, generation X way of saying “My friends don’t have e-mail addresses.” Read: e-mail is for old people who confuse high internet bills with being cool. To what end? To inform Aunt Bertha that I received her fifteenth crocheted tea warmer? Adults like e-mail because it’s still a letter, written with two hands on a really pretty typewriter. See, I had this “cutting edge” idea to e-mail an animated invitation rather than burdening everybody with more junk mail. One of my “awesome” concepts had the words “TOP SECRET” superimposed on a set of Tefillin, set to the Mission Impossible sound track –oh yes, I’m a “with it” gal.
I’m opposed to the printed invitation for a number of reasons. Reason Number One: The second Seder. As you surely know, I’ve been campaigning against it for years. Not that I need to explain, but in the 21st Century, featuring the clock, the satellite, the ‘world wide web,’ instant messaging, video conferencing and the Dixie cup, we no longer have to rely on the speed and accuracy of smoke signals billowing from the hilltops of Jerusalem to places like Tel Aviv, Haifa and South Beach. Yup, we pretty much know the time.
Just as the second Seder is an anachronistic hanger-on-er (did someone say mother-in-law?), so too, is the printed invitation. “But look everyone, when you add just a drop of water, Harold’s invitation turns into a life size blow up of Al Gore recycling Harold’s invitation!” The other reasons (for my crusade against the printed invite) are, of course, Al Gore, his planet, and stamps.
Perhaps what my son was trying to say was: “For the love of scarred suburban children everywhere, please don’t make my party ‘creative and special,’ again.” Well, if he’s still upset about the time I served that (½ price) Barbie birthday cake, he’ll just have to take it up with his shrink. So here’s the kicker: I’m about to design, order, pay for and stamp a bundle of cellulose for the very people I’m saving the planet for. No, it’s not ironic people, it’s plain stupid, because the gizmo thingie they text on all day can also be used as a phone! So why doesn’t he just call his bloody friends and save me the hassle? You know those crazy things you look back on and laugh about? This isn’t one of them.
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
May 17th, 2011
Attention all Mitzvah Moms, how easy would it be to plan our child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration if our husband was EJ The DJ?!
This was the case for Mitzvah Mom Maria who is married to Ed Jacobs, EJ The DJ. They celebrated their daughter Sarah’s Bat Mitzvah in January 2010 at The Metropolitan in Glen Cove, New York.
Her adorable theme was “Sarah In The City” and all the details are below!
All photography was done by Ira Rosen and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Pictured above L-R: Brother Joey, Dad Ed, Bat Mitzvah girl Sarah, Mom Maria and brother Ricky with his wife Andrea.
As you will soon see, Sarah loves purple and selected that as the color theme for her party. Her dress was off the rack from Bloomingdales. Here’s Sarah in front of her step and repeat wall
The beautiful invitation, with shades of purple were from AGI Events
Their theme of “Sarah In The City” was carried out through many party elements
NYC signage
Sarah’s logo a take-off of the popular tv show
NYC signs matched the theme
Sarah’s place cards matched perfectly with the theme
Denay from Stefan’s designed the beautiful centerpieces
Of course the musical entertainment was provided by EJ The DJ, with CL as the MC. Sarah makes her entrance!
Friends having fun
The DJ set-up
MC Robin (from EJ The DJ) wrote a special song which was played for the father/daughter dance
A beautiful ice sculpture
Candle Lighting with Mom and Dad
This sign-in book was coordinated to the theme and was created by AGI Events
To entertain the young guests there was a glass blower, hot waxy hands and airbrushing
Guests loved the Wax Hands
Here’s the airbrushing station
The Metropolitan Caterers made a beautiful cake for Sarah
As guests were leaving a candy truck was waiting
Mom Maria has this advice: “Having a husband in the event business for 25 years helps!”
Here is a list of the vendors who made Sarah’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you call any of them, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: The Metropolitan
Party Planner/Favors: National Event Connection
Music Entertainment: MC: CL, EJ The DJ Inc.
Party Entertainment: Photo booth, magician, EJ The DJ Inc.
Invitation/Sign-In Book: AGI Events 516-374-6867
Cake: The Metropolitan Caterers
Décor/Florist: Denay at Stefan’s Florists
Custom Video Production: Entrance Video & Montage, EJ The DJ Inc.
Suits for family members: Marshs, Huntington
Hair/makeup: T.Carlton’s Salon
Transportation: Bus, Starlight Limo Services
Photographer: Ira Rosen
Videographer: Penny Lane Productions
Coffee Truck: National Event Connection
Creative Song Written for Father/Daughter Dance: MC Robin
May 15th, 2011
By Bonne Marcus
As a proud MItzvah Mom you will want your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah to be one he/she will remember with fond memories always. Creating the perfect photo opportunity in a fabulous Bar/Bat Mitzvah dress is one way to do it.
Are you planning to wear a halter, tank top, spaghetti strap, or strapless gown, but your arms and shoulders aren’t looking anything like you’d really like them to?
Here are a few of my favorite arm and shoulder exercises to help you tighten and tone your arms for the big day.
While the actual ceremony calls for a suitable covering, you will have the chance to show off your beautiful arms and sexy shoulders at the party afterwards.
Do the following four arms exercises in a circuit. Repeat 2-3 times.
Triceps Extensions with a Resistance Band
Position yourself on your knees with a resistance band under your shins as pictured.
Hold the band in both hands and raise your arms above your head, biceps aligned next to your ears.
Bend your elbows to a 90-degree angle behind your head and then fully extend the arms without locking your elbows. Repeat 30 times or until the arms are fatigued.
Biceps Curl with a Resistance Band
In a seated position with your knees bent, wrap the resistance band around the tops of your feet as pictured. Lean slightly back with your arms extended, palms facing up.
Curl both arms toward your shoulders. Repeat 30 times or until arms are fatigued.
Alternating Triceps Press to Extensions
Lie down on your back with your knees bent, arms extended as pictured. (Photo A)
Bring the right elbow to the floor and as you extend the right arm up, simultaneously lower the left elbow to the floor. Repeat 30 times.
On the last repetition extend both arms to the start position (see photo A) and then bend both arms at the elbow bringing the weights close to the floor on opposite side of your head next to your ears. Straighten the arms, making sure to keep the upper arm and elbow stationary throughout the movement.
Static Biceps Curl
Standing with knees slightly bent you will hold one arm at a 90 degrees as pictured.
While one arm curls the dumbbell the other arm remains in a static hold. Do 5 reps and switch arms 4 times.
SEXY SHOULDERS
Do the following 3 exercises in a circuit. Repeat 2-3 times
“L” Raises
Stand with the right arm by the side and the left arm in front of the thigh as pictured.
Raise both arms to create the letter “L”. Repeat 20 times and switch side.
“V” Press
Hold weights just above your shoulders as pictured.
Press the arms up and out slightly, so that at the top of the motion your arms create the letter “V”.
Bent over “T” Raises
Stand with feet aligned beneath your hips, bend your knees slightly and fold your upper body forward allowing your arms to hang straight down as pictured.
Raise your arms parallel to the floor to create the letter “T” and lower to start position. Repeat 20 times.
To get optimum results, work your arms and shoulders twice each week. After each workout, allow at least 48 hours for proper recovery.
Keep in mind you cannot spot-reduce an area. The emphasis should be on the entire body. Diet plays an important part. If you work the arms and don’t see the results you desire look at what you’re eating. Also, you will need to push yourself a little. If you want to tone and shape your arms you have to use heavier weights. NO! You are NOT going to get bulky. That’s a myth that just keeps women from getting strong. When you’re training efficiently, your last reps should feel really hard, and you should not be able to do another without compromising proper form. And finally, remember that toning the muscle is only part of the battle; if your muscles are camouflaged by a layer of body fat, make sure you are doing cardio exercise to burn fat so your newly sleek muscles will show.
About Bonne Marcus
A sought after fitness expert, Bonne Marcus is a columnist for Village Connection Magazine. She is the author of The Complete Bride’s Workout Guide (New Page Books), and has written/contributed to many national magazines including Modern Bride, Bride’s, Bridal Guide, Self, Shape, Marie Claire, Family Circle, Prevention, and Fitness magazines. Marcus is the creator of three special training programs, one for brides, appropriately titled “Fit To Be Tied”, and one for moms-to-be, “Fit To be Mommy” and her latest program the “Mitzvah Mom Makeover.”
2011 marks 25 years that Bonne has worked in the fitness industry and has taught for New York City’s top health clubs including Crunch, Reebok Sports Club, the JCC of Manhattan and Equinox. Bonne is married, living on Long Island and can be found leading classes in everything from sculpting and spin to fat burning and fusion.
Have a question or want to train with Bonne? Email her at BonneMarcus@gmail.com.
May 15th, 2011
Crop Tops & Burnout Dolmans are all the rage this spring & summer according to APromosUSA /The ImageMaker in Freeport, New York.
For kids who are looking to do the non-traditional wearables in Bar & Bat Mitzvah Favors, these new items really stand out from the rest.
Burnout Dolmans are not only trendy, they work for just about every body shape. Designed to be oversized on the top and stomach, and narrower around the hips, these tops really are a crowd pleaser. Layer them with a sugar lips tank underneath and personalize with your custom bar or bat mitzvah logo for a perfect fit!
American Apparel crop tops are also a favorite this spring with Moms finally getting onboard with this re-emerging trend. Parents are realizing that crop tops of 2011 are not the same as crop tops from the 90’s. Kids aren’t looking to show their stomach off, instead, it’s the exact opposite…they’re looking to layer the crop top over a tight tank top for a mixed match look. Both the crop tops and the burnout dolman shirts can be worn off the shoulder for that 80’s look and feel.
If you’re looking for what’s the latest and greatest in the Bar/Bat Mitzvah party favor world, check out these trendy tops as giveaways for your child’s upcoming celebration.
To learn more visit the extended profile page for the ImageMaker.
