May 9th, 2011
We profiled Nicholas Lowinger in the past for his unbelievable Mitzvah Project! He created a non-profit organization called, Gotta Have Sole which helps kids in shelters get new shoes.
On November 13, 2010 the Lowinger family celebrated his Bar Mitzvah at Temple Sinai in Cranston, Rhode Island followed that evening by a party at the Alpine Country Club.
All photography was done by Skorski Photography and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Pictured L-R: Dad Danny, Bar Mitzvah boy Nicholas, Mom Lori
Their classic navy and white invitations were created by Crosstown Press.
Mitzvah Mom Lori tell us, “Not only is Nicholas a ‘sole’ man, but he is a Beatles fan, as well!” The Beatles became his theme, so any time she saw Beatles related things she bought them to use as part of the decor.
Tie dye t-shirts with guitars were used as chair covers on everyone’s seat and certainly added to the decor!
The images in the centerpieces above were all made by Nicholas’ creative parents!
Friends love their new shirts!
The theme continues on the tables
Check out all the posters below (with Nicholas’ photo included!) that were used as decor around the room and in the lobby.
These unique seating cards were created by Parties By Debi. Additionally, corresponding Beatles 33 records were used as the charger underneath the vase of flowers on each of the adults’ tables.
Guests grabbed their “records” placed in guitar holders to see where they were sitting
This home-made poster told the kids where they were sitting!
For his sign-in board, Nicholas used a real guitar.
Siagel Productions from Boston offered great music and entertainment for Nicholas’ celebration.
Nicholas “makes his entrance”
Young guests were given blow-up guitars
Nicholas and his Mom share a special moment.
For his Mitzvah cake, a cupcake display was created by Nancy’s Fancies.
This label was placed on boxes for guests to take home a cupcake treat!
Some advice from Mitzvah Mom Lori: “As soon as we received my son’s Bar Mitzvah date 2 ½ years before, I booked the venue, photographer and videographer. I created a timeline for all of the tasks that needed to be accomplished and stuck to it. I also made sure everything I needed to do was finished 1 week before the event, and therefore, the week of his Bar Mitzvah was a time I was able to reflect on the young man Nicholas was becoming and what the upcoming simcha meant to my family and me.”
She continues, “It is important to make sure your child picks a theme early so you have enough time to put ideas together, whether or not you go through a party planner or are going to create things yourself.”
A great idea! “If you have any family heirlooms that could be incorporated into your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah, it creates a very meaningful touch. We used candle stick holders during the Friday night Shabbat services that belonged to Nicholas’ great, great, great, great grandmother, and a special tallit that was handed down from Nicholas’ grandfather to his father on his Bar Mitzvah. We wrapped it around the Torah.”
Special family tallit
Here is a list of vendors who made Nicholas’ Bar Mitzvah special. If you call any of them, please let them know you heard about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Alpine Country Club 401-943-2670
Party Planner: Laurie Robinson, Event Planning Specialists 401-523-51073
Music Entertainment: DJ/MC: Greg/Jasper from Siagel Productions 617-614-5427
Invitation: Crosstown Press 401-941-4061
Place Cards: Parties by Debi 713-662-6039
Photographer: Skorski Photography 401-821-7639
Videographer: Prime Time Video 401-941-1202
Décor/florist: Stone Blossom 401-884-3220, All table arrangements: Mitzvah Mom Lori
Favors: Aardvark Annies
Party entertainment: Airbrush Tattos, Fun Enterprises 781-340-0180
Cake: Nancy’s Fancies Cakes 401-421-2253
Mom Dress: Mel and Me, 401-943-4646
Suits for family members: Simon and Sons, Paul Simon 617-969-8844
Hair/makeup: Coiffurium Salon, Patti 401-331-1115
May 9th, 2011
By Shelley Tunis, Owner, Occasionally Yours
There’s nothing quite like throwing a big party, especially a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. If you’ve planned one, you know what an experience it is. You’ve probably also been to dozens of affairs…but have you ever wondered what it takes to be the best party guest?
Here’s the top ten ways to make your hostess be glad she invited you as a guest!
1. Show Your Support: Everybody could use a hand, so don’t sit on yours. Offer support to your friend as she’s planning the event, and advice if you have experience that’s of value. As much as possible, soothe nerves, offer encouragement and anticipate problems. Be a Big Sister.
2. Be Outgoing at the Temple and the Reception: Engage out of town relatives and friends so they don’t feel disconnected. If you see someone who looks lost, or if they seem not to know many people, introduce yourself and share your relationship to the family. Bring another friend over to join you in making them feel welcome.
3. Break the Ice: When you get to your table, step up and be the hostess. Do the introductions — always a good way to break the ice – and be enthusiastic about the party.
4. You Should Be Dancin’: Don’t get comfortable in your chair! Get up and participate in all the action. Go onto the dance floor and have fun. Kick off your heels, wear the boas, the hats, the beads and necklaces and dance with the group. Remember this rule of thumb; the more people packing the dance floor, the better the party.
5. Go Wild…But Not Too Wild: You want to have a good time, so feel free to be silly and let loose. Laugh heartily, sing along with the band, be funny… but don’t overindulge. Your hostess will appreciate you so much more if you refrain from getting drunk. Everyone remembers the guests who “over-do” it!
6. Lend A Hand: Seek out the hostess and offer your help. See if she needs anything done. Offer your services, like checking the hallways and bathrooms to make sure children are not roaming around unsupervised.
7. Be A Problem-Solver: If something looks out of place, try to solve the problem without concerning the hosts. For instance, if you see dirty dishes piled up by the buffet, speak to the catering manager. If the seating cards are askew, straighten them out.
8. Pay Attention: Make sure that everyone’s having a good time, especially the young teens. Be sure they’re inclusive so that nobody is made to feel isolated and lonely. All of us can remember that feeling.
9. For the Duration: You’re at a party, so enjoy yourself and plan on being there all night long. Don’t be the first to leave and, if possible, stay until the last dance.
10. The Morning After: Don’t forget to call the hostess the next day to let her know what an awesome party it was. Remember that everyone loves a compliment and after all the time and effort she put into the party, she’ll be anxious for your positive review.
About Occasionally Yours
Occasionally Yours helps you choose your Bar & Bat Mitzvah invitations in a relaxed, friendly environment where you get the full expertise and knowledge of a professional stationer.
Here you will see the largest selection of invitations, customized for you in all price ranges. Once your invitations are delivered, Occasionally Yours offers Custom Computer Calligraphy to ensure your invitations get addressed in style.
May 7th, 2011
There’s no doubt that video is starting to play a much bigger role in Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrations. We reported on the “entrance video” trend in the past and now we are going to get expert tips on how to make your child’s stand out!
Showcasing your child’s talents and personality in a custom video is a perfect way to introduce your child at his or her big party!
We asked Wanda Weber from Spot On Pictures to give us some things to consider if you are thinking of doing an entrance video for your child.
Here are a few tips she would like us all to think about:
BE REALISTIC
Is your child really comfortable in front of a camera? Do they really share your vision and idea for a video?
If the answer is YES, then collaborate with your child on an entrance video concept. Get them involved as early as possible. Their enthusiasm will be infectious and will create a more cooperative atmosphere when the camera is rolling.
KEEP IT SHORT
A two to three minute entrance video is all you need to set the stage for the perfect entrance!
Work with a professional video production company that has a good track record in producing entrance videos. Be sure to ask for examples of their recent work and ask to talk to their recent entrance video clients. There’s nothing like the recommendation of another parent to give you confidence in your video production company.
Write down your concept in detail and review it with your video production company prior to hiring them. Make sure they understand your ideas and see if they’ll collaborate with you. You want to work with a company that will not only make your ideas a reality, but will creatively build on those ideas to make the biggest impact.
Once hired, make sure your video production company gives you a detailed shot list; script (if any) and a prop/wardrobe list at least three weeks before your shoot date.
Be sure to gather all props and wardrobe items as early as possible. You’ll save time and money if you’re well prepared.
Make sure your child is well rested, rehearsed and prepared for the day of shooting. Will he or she be lip-synching to a song? If so, make sure they know the song inside and out. Again, this will save you time and money because your video crew will “get the shot” with fewer “takes”…and less editing time in post production.
Last bit of advice – everyone RELAX and have FUN! FUN shows up on video and everyone will be thrilled with the results.
About Spot On Pictures
Spot On Pictures is a full service video production company ready to help you create a high impact entrance video or innovative multimedia montage that will be the highlight of your celebration. They have been in the video business for over 20 years and have been developing creative and entertaining montages for well over 10 years. The head of production, Gemma Tummolo used to cut movie trailers, network commercials and PBS Documentaries – so your montage will be produced and edited by one of the very best in the business.
To learn more about Spot On Pictures, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
Here are a two recent entrance video examples from Spot On Pictures:
Ally’s Entrance Video
Ben & Julia’s Entrance Video
May 4th, 2011
At some Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrations, families want to let guests know the date for the younger siblings upcoming Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration.
We’ve reported on Big Huge Labs in the past and have also heard about families that have a message at the end of their montage announcing the young child’s upcoming date.
We love this idea below sent in from a Chicago Mitzvah Mom. She recently celebrated her son’s Bar Mitzvah and had this life-size blow-up created of younger son Zach announcing his upcoming date. She says it was a BIG hit.
Although this looks like the real Zach, it’s just a life-sized blow-up of him!
Mitzvah vendors like Simon Elliot Events or Party 411 can create this type of blow-up for you. Did you have a creative “Coming Attraction” idea? Let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
May 4th, 2011
In the past, we have written about creative place cards for your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration.
We recently found an edible option on Facebook that we wanted to share.
MolliPops was started in September of 2010 and the response from anyone who tasted a cake pop was overwhelmingly positive.
Each MolliPop is handmade with cake and frosting, then coated with chocolate or white chocolate in any color and decorated however you’d like! The cake combinations and decoration possibilities are endless
MolliPops can make hand deliveries in Northern New Jersey for a fee (which varies by distance) and can ship by UPS or FedEx for an additional shipping fee anywhere in the country.
Football themed Mollipops
Customers may pick from a variety of standard cake flavors; however, everything from the cake flavor to the chocolate coating to the decoration style is customizable. They can even make special shapes! Individual tags are also customizable.
MolliPops have been used as place cards at Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. Each MolliPop matched the theme and colors of the party.
The tag on each MolliPop stated the guest’s name and their table
MolliPops can easily be customized as favors to include a tag, such as “Mollie’s Winter Wonderland 2-28-11.”
They can make MolliPops for individuals with peanut allergies using a different type of chocolate coating than we regularly use. For individuals with peanut allergies, they use a chocolate coating from a peanut-free factory.
MolliPops start at $20 a dozen for the most basic pops (round shape with your choice of sprinkles, sugar, or other topping). The price per dozen increases based on the complexity of the design.
We can be reached by email at mollipops4me@gmail.com.
MolliPops are prepared with lots of TLC, so they request at least one week’s notice on orders with quantities fewer than 50 MolliPops. For large affairs, we require at least one month’s notice.
MolliPops can only produce a certain number of MolliPops each week, so please contact them at mollipops4me@gmail.com if you are interested in their product.
May 4th, 2011
Eventful Productions is a full service event production company, specializing in social, corporate, and wedding events. They are trend makers and setters constantly looking out for the next best idea, design, innovation and wow factor as seen in their last Mitzvah Inspire: Will’s Wonka.
Today it’s all about the Hamptons which make us think about A-listers, beaches, mansions, and vacation. Eventful Productions brought the Hamptons home to Nassau County for a relatively moderate budget with a B’nai Mitzvahs at Tam O’Shanter Club in Brookville, New York. See below:
Pylons with life preservers hanging on them and a highway sign lined the beautifully lit hallway leading into the ballroom
Once the guests entered the ballroom, they found themselves in the adults section. Here the tables were a combination of rounds, rounds with umbrellas, a long banquet, and high 8’ banquets
Each table had a variety of different tablecloths and centerpieces in blue and white and had a customized sign displaying the table name (various Hamptons locations). Special navy blue, light blue, and white chiavari/ballroom chairs were utilized
A stunning backdrop of blue skies and an endless ocean was placed at the center of the room. Right in front of it was a 3-level wooden boardwalk adorned with street lamps and various signs. This was used as a dance platform and as an additional seating area for the kids
The kids area had picnic tables with umbrellas, 2 cabanas, and a “Snack Bar” which later changed into “The Fudge Co.” when dessert was served
All 5 dancers had fully customized lifeguard uniforms in navy blue, light blue, and white that were provided for them
To learn more about Eventful Productions, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
April 30th, 2011
We saw something new at the recent ORT Party Planning Showcase and wanted to share it with our Mitzvah Market readers.
Are you a fan of the game show Million Dollar Money Drop on Fox-TV? Make It Snappy has created a Bar/Bat Mitzvah version called, Million Dollar Candy Drop – the newest game in town!
Contestants man the 4 slots to answer questions to possibly win money and/or candy. You can even customize the questions. Bet small or bet all, just hope the candy doesn’t fall!
To see the game in action, check out this video here.
For more information on having Million Dollar Candy Drop at your event, contact Sol from Make It Snappy at 917-567-7383.
April 30th, 2011
Alec Rubin from Langhorne, PA will be celebrating his Bar Mitzvah in October, 2011 but has already started his Mitzvah Project called, “Discs For Dogs.”
Pictured left: Alec and his dog Lola.
He combined his two loves: Animals and movies into one terrific project. We got the chance to ask him some questions about his Mitzvah Project:
MM: Please describe your Mitzvah Project.
AR: I will be collecting used DVDs (CDs and video games are also acceptable). I’m going to sell the items at the second Annual Tail Waggers Strut at Shady Brook Farm in Yardley, PA. 100% of the proceeds from this sale will go to EASEL animal rescue league in Ewing, NJ.
EASEL Animal Rescue League is an all-volunteer, community-based 501(C)(3) action group dedicated to saving the lives of homeless animals in Mercer County, NJ. They work with the community to reduce the number of unwanted dogs, cats, and horses being euthanized and are working toward building and operating a state-of-the-art NO KILL shelter. They will house and care for homeless animals while striving to adopt them out to loving forever homes.
MM: Does your project have a start and end date, if so what are they?:
AR: The start date was March 27th, 2011. My goal is too have 300 DVDs by May 10th, but I will still accept donations after May 10th.
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project/charity?
AR: I’m an animal lover and I chose this charity because I don’t want animals to have a short life due to shelters not being able to afford to care for them. Since I love movies and I love dogs, I will use the money raised from selling the DVDs to save a dog’s life. The buyer of the disc gets to enjoy the movie and the money will help a dog enjoy life.
MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bar Mitzvah?
AR: I believe that when you become a Bar Mitzvah you’re becoming an adult. With the privileges of being an adult I think you should also hold the responsibilities of giving back to your community.
MM: If it involves a donation, what are you doing to spread the word?
AR: I am giving out flyers to my neighbors, my family and to my congregation at Shir Ami. I’ve also posted my project on Facebook and Craigslist and my mother has spread the word at work. The project has taken on a life of its own as my friends, family and neighbors continue to spread the word on my behalf.
MM: For how long can people donate to this charity?
AR: The Tail Waggers Strut is on May 15th, 2011. I would like to have 300 discs to sell that day. The proceeds will support the EASEL animal rescue league in Ewing, NJ.
Any discs I collect after that time will be shipped to a used CD/DVD shop in Kenmore, NY. This shop will sell the discs and give all proceeds to the ASPCA in Erie, PA. Their site is www.discsfordogs.org
MM: Anything else we need to know about your Mitzvah Project?
AR: If you have any spare DVDs please send them to: Hallie Rubin, D&B, 101 Lindenwood Dr # 430, Malvern, PA 19355-1769, 215-850-1553
Mitzvah Market would like to thank Alec for sharing his project with us. Let’s help Alec reach his goal, please send your used DVD’s, CD’s etc to the address above!
April 30th, 2011
By Carolyn Schwartz, Poems By Carolyn
It’s a big day for your whole family when celebrating a milestone, such as your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Many parents are concerned about what to say when toasting their child in front of all their guests.
Here are some tips in writing a memorable toast:
Introduction – This is where you welcome everyone and thank them for celebrating with you and your family. You may want to acknowledge grandparents, a great-grandparent or family/friends that traveled great distances to attend.
Body Paragraph – Express the pride you feel for your child on becoming Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Share with your guests a short story about what makes him/her unique. I always find that speaking of your child’s character gives insight into who your child really is.
Conclusion – It is important to briefly acknowledge your spouse and other children in the family on this special day. In addition, this is the time to express your wishes for your child’s future as he/she moves toward adulthood. And of course, toast the moment with a big I LOVE YOU and MAZEL TOV!
Practice your speech several times before the big day. This will help you feel comfortable and confident.
Remember, everything you want to say comes straight from your heart. As long as it is genuine and heartfelt, your speech will be meaningful and memorable.
About Carolyn Schwartz
Carolyn Schwartz is a creative writer for special events and celebrations who has been providing personalized writing services for over the past 17 years.
She started writing poems and speeches for others when a friend asked her thirteen years ago to help with her daughter’s candle lighting for her Bat Mitzvah. She knew Carolyn was a great writer and poet, and Carolyn wrote something for each of the guests who were coming to light a candle at the Bat Mitzvah.
Carolyn’s special gift of putting others thoughts and feelings into words stems from working one-on-one with individuals to create a personal experience that develops the true connection of what they are trying to express.
Helping bring thousands of celebrations to life, Carolyn has been working with clients for more than 12 years to write speeches, toasts, roasts, poems and candle lighting ceremonies.
April 26th, 2011
The Caterer Conundrum
By Cindy Silvert, www.easybreezygourmet.com
It doesn’t take an MBA to know that “the customer knows best.” This formula for success varies from country to country. In Israel for example, there’s typically a slight twist. It’s more like: “You gonna buy it or not?” Back in the USA, the man at AT&T thanked me fourteen times for giving him my phone number and zip code. The lady at the post office welled up as she apologized for giving me a pen that didn’t work. The company that printed my business cards is going to print them all again for free, since I called them to say “hi.” (Okay, I also mentioned that the colors were off, but still…). In this economy, customer service can make or break you. Meanwhile, kosher caterers charge twice as much as their non-kosher counterparts and apparently make up the difference by not returning phone calls.
In my previous blog I declared that I would reach out to caterers, and I did. They just didn’t reach back. One outfit took six months to return my call. I do not exaggerate. (Fine, I always, always, always exaggerate, but I happen to be telling the truth this once.) The second time we spoke, she said she would send me an estimate within two weeks. I don’t like to be pushy, but I called her two months later to find out what was up. Her food is superb, otherwise I wouldn’t have put up with this, (and might have gotten the hint last Fall), but how can I be sure she’ll serve it on the right day?
Caterer #2 basically opened the conversation with “trust me” (case closed). He immediately told me how much better, classier and cheaper he is compared to the bigger caterers. He then suggested that a “light” afternoon snack for kids could include rib eye steak & cheese steaks, without the cheese, at $85 a pop. (At that price, I’ll take the cheese in a doggie bag please). As if that wasn’t bad enough, he asked me if I knew what “haimesh” meant. Sorry, but anyone who’s xenophobic and haughty enough to ask if you know what haimesh means, is not someone I can work with, or frankly, all that haimesh.
Caterer #3 said he wanted to speak to me again the very next day to make sure he understood exactly what I wanted. He also said he wanted to visit the Bar Mitzvah location to make sure everything would work out perfectly. I was impressed. I’m still waiting by the phone. Someone just asked me if the antics I share with you are based on actual events. Since reality is so much stranger than fiction, why would I make it up? (That’s a yes.) My friend who wants to cater the event from his kitchen over his wife’s dead body read my last blog and wants to have “the talk”. I’ve got no alibi, no caterer, no estimate, not even a phone call. Doesn’t he realize I have everything under control?
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
