March 2nd, 2011
New From Interactive Entertainment Concepts!
Party Chat is the newest and hottest activity at events. Where guests can text a message to the guest of honor right at the event. Guest of honor also would get a master cd of all the messages after the event. They can customize the picture behind all the texts.

I-Skins is a big trend. They take guests photos at the event and add text and backgrounds. Guests get to go home with their customized vinyl skin to apply to the device they chose with a non residue cling.

For more information, visit their extended profile page on MitzvahMarket.com.
February 26th, 2011
A friend in Chicago told Mitzvah Market about Cookies By Joey and had a box shipped to us for a tasting.
Their beautifully wrapped box arrived and we truly have never tasted a cookie like this!
We now understand why they have been selected to be included in the Academy Award Nominee gift bag for this year’s 83rd annual OSCAR® ceremony on February 27, 2011.

Cookies by Joey was founded in 2008 by Chicago native Joanne Sherman, affectionately known as “Joey.” An 18-year-old single mom in 1988, Joey always baked from scratch for her son which led to the creation of her first signature cookie flavor, “Classic Chocolate Chip.”
Now her other cookie flavors include Chewy Chocolate Toffee, Chocolate Almond Crunch, Decadent Dark Chocolate, Snikerdoodle Sensation, White Chocolate Brownie Bliss, Chocolate Peanut Butter Passion and Sweet Korie Leigh Sugar.
Of course we had to try all of them and each one was more decadent than the next! They ship anywhere around the country and donate a portion of their profits to Food For Orphans.
We think this makes a terrific favor or ending to any Mitzvah! If you want to be eating what this year’s Oscar nominees will be snacking on, visit Cookies By Joey for more information.
February 26th, 2011
With so many local and online Bar/Bat Mitzvah invitation printers to choose from – finding the perfect place can be a difficult task. How do you decide which one is right for you?
BarMitzvahCards.net is providing a checklist of seven questions that should always be addressed before placing an order for your child’s invitations.
1. What is the quality of the invitations I am receiving?
Certain invitation printers advertise their dirt low prices – and they are often the result of inferior paper quality and printing techniques. Decide what you are looking for (cheap price or high quality) and ask about your invitation paper stock before placing any order. If you want to be even surer of quality, ask specifically about the printing methods and type of printer used to create your invitations.

2. Does your Bar Mitzvah invitation company do their own printing?
Many invitation retailers on the internet do not do their own printing. This is important for a number of reasons. If a company does their own printing, you are eliminating the middle man. This results in better quality control, more efficient customer service, and shorter production times.
3. How long will it take until my order is printed?
Bar & Bat Mitzvahs require invitations to be sent out a good deal ahead of time in order to allow for guests to RSVP. It can be helpful to find a printer that can fulfill and ship your order the same or next day. This is also important in the case that your guest list increases and you need to order additional quantities of invitations in a hurry.

4. Is there a quality guarantee?
It is critical that Bar Mitzvah invitations and stationery meet your quality requirements. Invitations are the first impression that guests will receive of your child’s big day. As a result, it is extremely important to inquire about quality guarantees, return or re-print policies, and the time frame involved.
5. What is included with my order?
Before hiring a Bar Mitzvah invitation printer, find out what is included with your order. Most invitations come with matching envelopes. However, some cards may require assembly, extra postage (due to large or square size), or return addresses. It is important to “address” these issues before making your purchase decision. *You can also ask about matching ensembles and accessories at this time.

6. Are there any promotions I can qualify for?
Check to see if there are any discounts or promo codes to be found. Bar/Bat Mitzvahs are often very expensive affairs, so it’s always beneficial to save money when possible. Don’t be afraid to call and ask if no coupons or specials are being advertised.
7. Can I see a sample or print ready proof of my card before I order?
Mistakes can happen. For those on strict time schedules, an extra week or so of re-printing and shipping just wont do. Many companies will typeset your information, while others print exactly what you give them. In both cases you will want to request and double check a print ready proof. This will lower the risk of any spelling, grammatical, or design errors and possibly avert a disaster.
So there is the checklist: 7 of the most important questions to ask before ordering Bar/Bat Mitzvah invitations. If a business cannot clarify any of these questions or doesn’t give satisfactory answers, move on…there are plenty of others that will.
BarMitzvahCards.net, knows how important your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah truly is…That’s why all of their invitation orders ship out the next business day, for free – and are always backed by a 100% quality guarantee. Matching thank you notes, save the date cards, keepsakes, party favors, and photo gift wraps are also available to create your very own personalized Bar/Bat Mitzvah stationery ensembles.
February 16th, 2011
The Divorce Dilemma – B’nai Mitzvah Planning for the Modern Family
By Cantor Shira Adler
Are you one of the 30% of American Jewish families who are divorced? If the answer is yes, then you’re a survivor, having successfully managed one of the most painful chapters a family can endure. Whether you’re amicable or barely speaking to your ex, planning your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah can be a wonderful growth promoting process so setting aside differences may be worth it in the long run. A good place to start is to draw upon the skills you have already learned and put to good use in your divorce process.
Whether your divorce was high vibe or litigious, everyone can agree, what is so special about a Bar or Bat Mitzvah is that it honors and celebrates the spiritual maturation and educational achievements of your child. When both parents remember this, finding common ground is so much easier.
There will be many details to discuss and decisions to be made from caterer to DJ, invitation colors to seating plans. Keep in mind, what matters most is the ceremony. As is typical in B’nai Mitzvah ceremonies, honors assigned during a service such as who gets an aliyah, become more emotionally sensitive when dealing with remarried spouses, interfaith family members and step-siblings. So which area do you tackle first?
The location: If either or both parents are affiliated, be mindful that this doesn’t become a territorial match. Think of your child first and where he/she is most comfortable. This may mean choosing an independent “off-site” location that is unassociated, thereby avoiding any painful memories or split family loyalties.
The clergy/officiant: Meet with your clergy/officiant early in the process to discuss your needs. Design a unique and personalized service that is sensitive and inclusive of everyone. The emotion and timbre of the ceremony will matter much more than which DJ you choose.
The guest list: Be fair to both sides of the family and show sensitivity. You do not need to overcompensate by inviting the entire class and every second cousin out of guilt for wanting an all out extravaganza. Often the best events are celebrated by those who share the greatest connection to the Bar or Bat Mitzvah.
Remember, children often feel responsible for their parents divorce so I caution parents to consider the Bar/Bat Mitzvah process can be intense for your child. Be careful not to add to their stress level with weighty decisions that are better left to the adults.
Once you have a shared vision of the overall ceremony you should approach your child and ask their opinion. Their voice needs to be heard as much, if not more than yours.
Finally, planning an event of any magnitude can be stressful whether you are divorced or not. Try this simple visualization that may help melt the stress away. Picture yourself, standing by your child’s side as he or she chants from the Torah and reads their speech. It is this moment that makes all the hard work, sacrifice, compromise and intention worth it. If you look carefully, you will see in your child’s eyes something reflected back at you… their love. It is the same love you beamed at them on the day they were born. This is the only moment that truly matters and it is one that will last a lifetime. Regardless of which roof you live under, you are still after all connected, a family and you will always be able to share love for your child.
Learn more about Cantor Shira Adler here.
February 16th, 2011
By Cindy Silvert, www.easybreezygourmet.com
When it comes to a wedding, the three most important elements are the DRESS!
With a Bar Mitzvah, it’s impossible to know where to invest your energies, what really counts. The music, the food and the venue are all priced out of the ballpark, so unless you’re planning a potluck jamboree your options are limited. About that potluck jamboree…
We all know how it (the standard simcha) goes: you gorge on sushi, get screamed at by the DJ and rave about the centerpieces (if you expect to be asked back). May I ask why? (Yes, to all of the above.) Don’t even get me started on those “must have” second tier money pits such as the photographer and videographer, party favors, décor and invites? Regarding the photographer, let’s see… one can topple a government, fuel a revolution or catapult oneself to international stardom with a cheap cell phone and the click of a mouse. Ditto for the invite. And why can’t the door prize be that yummy feeling of sharing in a simcha? Also, wouldn’t it be nice if the overpriced centerpiece didn’t wilt within hours? (This from a former florist!)
Whether you have the funds or not, isn’t it time we took a collective look at what’s become the norm? We all gag when we read about those monster Bar Mitzvahs, but are we, the forschbite feasters, really so innocent? A local bakery just reported that its most expensive cake to date cost $20,000 and was, needless to say, for a Bar Mitzvah. Let’s do some math, shall we? $20,000 could buy two basketball courts for an Israeli development town, 10,000 hot lunches for hungry school kids, 3,000 iPads for no one in particular… When does it stop? How about now?

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.
READERS RESPOND
“Can’t agree more, I was born and raised on LI, but have since moved up to Connecticut almost 13 years ago. We are in the process of planning our daughters Bat Mitzvah for this May. Although we want a fun NY party, I want it with a Connecticut price tag. I keep reminding myself, this is a 13 year olds b-day party.
I even purchased adorable invitations online, without breaking the bank! I even bought a fabulous dress for myself on the Website, Ideeli. Why do We need to spend a ridiculous amount of money? I’ve also been on the Website rent the runway. This is another great option for some. This will be our first Mitzvah, just trying to keep it all in perspective!”
— Abbe
“Just wanted to drop you a note and say that I really liked Cindy’s column. I’m planning a Bat Mitzvah (my third and last) for my daughter in November 2011, and I’m constantly stunned by the incredible excess of Bar and Bat Mitzvah parties.
I really appreciate Cindy’s efforts to get people to take it down a few notches, and the fact that the Mitzvah Market is encouraging parents and kids to think about what their party says, what it represents, and how to make it more of a spiritual experience. Thanks again, and keep up the good work.”
— Laaren
Catch up on what you missed!
Read Part 1
Read Part 2
February 13th, 2011
Corey Miller had one request when it was time to start planning his Bar Mitzvah celebration…he didn’t want to wear a suit!
That made the venue choice very easy for his parents Shari and Gregg. Since he’s been playing basketball at Island Garden in West Hempstead since he was 8 years old, this was an easy decision.
They knew they made the right choice when all the pieces started to fall into place. Corey’s initials are CMM and his party was the night between the semi final and the final game of the NCAA Final Four, thus Corey’s March Madness was born!
We want to thank the Millers for sharing their celebration with our readers. All photography was done by Ira Rosen and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Featured above (L-R): Sister Ally, Mom Shari, Bar Mitzvah boy Corey, Dad Gregg and younger brother Jordan.

Robin Cohen of Robin Writes helped design an invitation that was traditional yet gave a basketball feel. Guests were asked to “Dress to play”

Duke is Corey’s favorite team, so Louie Max made basketball jerseys for the family to wear in the Duke colors of white and royal blue


Mom Shari worked with Kimberly from Runway Couture to design a white leather dress with royal blue suede panels to look like a jersey

If you spend anytime at your child’s basketball games, you know what a basketball facility looks like! With the help of Jamie from Artistry in Flowers (who acted as the party planner), they transformed the gym into a cool party space! Since the space is so large, it was divided into 3 sections: the front court was set up for basketball, the center court was transformed to have a feeling of a ballroom and the far court had several blow-ups for the kids to play on

As the young guests arrived they were broken up into 4 teams and each were given a bandana to correspond to a team. The DJ dancers acted as “counselors” and the kids had color war activities while the adults enjoyed their cocktail hour in the front lobby area

Using draping with lighting, vibrant linens and bright centerpieces, the center court is ready for guests

Mesh table linens from Table Wraps look like jerseys and NCAA balls fill the vases

Corey during his traditional candle lighting ceremony

Blow-up games filled the far court and were open for play during the cocktail hour and during the last hour of the party

White curtains draped part of the courts with NCAA posters and…

team pendants

Mini basketball jersey shirts from Parties By Debi told guests which college named table they would be seated at


Corey did a photo session at Hi-Tech Photography Events in all his different jerseys. Those were placed in lucite frames and put on a locker which served as his sign-in board


The crowd goes wild as Corey “makes his entrance” on the dancers shoulders

EJ The DJ provided the musical entertainment with Paul as MC. The crowd danced the night away!


Mark Of Excellence provided the delicious and creatively displayed food and made this cake specially for Corey

Michelle Weisman created the sweatshirt favors for the young guests. The NCAA logo was on the back and “One Shining Moment,” the theme song of March Madness!
Mitzvah Advice
Mom Shari said that having a party at this type of venue is a big undertaking! She was lucky to have 3 Mitzvah vendors: EJ The DJ, Artistry In Flowers and Mark of Excellence who worked together to give her family a terrific celebration.
She has this advice for our Mitzvah Market readers, “At the time I was planning Corey’s Bar Mitzvah, a close friend was also in planning mode, although her party was far more traditional than mine, it was very helpful to share ideas with each other and go thru the process together.”
Here is the list of vendors who made Corey’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you call any of them, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Rosemary, Island Garden
Caterer: Mark Of Excellence
Decor/Flowers: Jamie, Artistry In Flowers
Jerseys for family: Louie Max
Sweatshirt favors: Michelle Weissman/Creative Specialties 516-637-0493
Mom’s Dress: Kimberly, Runway Couture 516-308-4639
Place cards: Parties By Debi
Invitation: Robin Cohen, Robin’s Writes and Invites, 516-822-5108
Musical Entertainment: MC Paul, EJ The DJ
Videographer: EJ The DJ
Linens: Table Wraps
Sign-In Locker: One Way Furniture
Photographer: Ira Rosen Studio
Photo session: Hi-Tech Photography Events
February 13th, 2011
The Katz family from East Rockaway celebrated their son Ryan’s Bar Mitzvah on January 15, 2011 at Temple Avodah in Oceanside, New York.
The time of year worked well with their theme: Chillin’ At Ryan’s Sports Klub (Ryan’s initials are RSK!). Mitzvah Mom Lauren was the party planner and did many of the special touches herself.
We thank the Katz family for sharing all their great ideas. All party photography was done by Art Photography and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of this feature.
Pictured above L-R: Bar Mitzvah boy Ryan, Mom Lauren, Dad Louis and older brother David.

The family wanted to set the tone with their elegant navy and silver Arlene Segal invite from Invitations and Beyond. The monogram of RSK were used on the invitation and on various touches throughout their party.


Their customized stamp matched the logo on the young adults favors as you will see below

Mitzvah Mom Lauren’s navy velvet dress was from Saks and the cream bolero jacket is from a Canadian designer named Catherine Regehr. Dad Louis is wearing a black velvet dinner jacket by Ralph Lauren. A terrific tailor named Charles Sanzone did alterations on the boys clothing and trimmed Lauren’s jacket to include the navy velvet piping.


When it came time for planning the decor, Mom Lauren explains, “My son wanted to include sports and I wanted an elegant atmosphere, so we came up with “Chillin'” as an overall theme and I was able to incorporate the colors silver and navy with ice and snowflakes.

Pictures from a photo session with Ryan lined the walls of Ryan’s Sports Klub

Tables in the cocktail room had snow globes that Lauren found at CVS. She added Ryan’s picture as well as snow flakes and pine cones as shown above and below


These snowmen found on Oriental Trading Company became sporty once Lauren hot glued helmets and sports equipment to them. They were used around the party for the “chillin’ effect!

Lighter Than Air were responsible for many of the unique touches like the large balloons and glow cubes at each place setting

Premier Skirting provided table clothes and silver napkins while Kombert Caterers designed menu cards with Ryan’s monogram

Ryan’s “sports” photos were worked into the centerpieces – each table number was incorporated into the picture as seen here and below


The Main Event provided the furniture for the lounge area and Lighter Than Air created the light-up cylinders

Custom pillows with Ryan’s monogram were created by Stitch This, Print That

Mitzvah Mom Lauren got this idea from the Lapidus Mitzvah Family spotlight and created her own seating cards using M&Ms inside small containers with a monogrammed label on top.



A sign-in book was created by Lighter Than Air and was displayed on the table below.

Shown above, Ryan’s sign-in book cover is on display using a photo light box. Two LED trees were brought in by Mom Lauren to surround the table

The music entertainment was provided by EJ The DJ with CL as the MC.


The dancers wore matching t-shirts with the same logo as the young guests sweatshirts made by Stitch This, Print That

EJ The DJ had Ryan’s monogram as a gobo light on the wall

Mom Lauren and Ryan during their special dance

The young guests enjoyed games and activities provided by Parties By Gail.

Table tennis

Bingo

Custom engraved key chains


A talented magician named Kevin Nicholas performed for Ryan’s friends.


Kombert Caterers made this silver and blue cake with Ryan’s monogram.

Snowflakes found on Oriental Trading Company were placed around the base of the cake

Young adults received alternative apparel hoodie sweatshirts that were created by Paul from Stitch This, Print That. Lauren designed the logo with Paul’s graphic art help.

Each child’s name was on the back – talk about personalized!

When you celebrate during the winter months, you just never know what the weather will be. We love how the Katz family was prepared and every adult guest received a snow scraper with a bag of sports chocolates for their ride home.

The scrapers were personalized and said “Chillin'” with Ryan’s initials and date of the party. Mom Lauren found these at Staples Industrial

Ryan purchased various sports equipment which was used to decorate the party. After the party, the equipment was donated to Camp Sizanani, in Africa.

Ryan learned about this summer camp from his counselor, who had worked there. It is a free camp for children who have AIDS or whose family members have AIDS. Ryan’s counselor turned to helping people rather than crime or violence like others had in his neighborhood. His decision to take the right path eventually led him to work at Ryan’s camp and Ryan was lucky to have him in his bunk, as his counselor. His stories touched many children’s lives and they were all very grateful to know him.

Lauren has now successfully planned both of her son’s Bar Mitzvah celebrations and has this advice to share:
“Plan ahead. I like to be organized so I used a 3” binder with a separate section and folder for each vendor. This helps to keep track of contracts, bills, and any photos or ideas you want to share with your vendors. Also, this helps you sleep at night because you know where to write all of your thoughts and you don’t have to try to remember where you put them in the morning, they can all be found in one place, just don’t lose the book! I like to be involved, some people like to let others make their decisions, whatever your style is, it always helps to be organized. Don’t waste a minute of your party being stressed or upset about the small stuff, just enjoy it, it’s over in a blink. When my son Ryan told me “it was the best five hours of his life,” that was worth everything to me.”

Here is a list of the vendors who made Ryan’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you call any of them, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue/Caterer: Kombert Caterers 516-678-6161
Party Planner: Mom Lauren Katz
Musical Entertainment: EJ The DJ, MC CL 631-348-7848
Favors: Dancer shirts, Pillow: Sweatshirts, Paul from Stitch This, Print That 516-308-3833
Magician: PopStar Magician, Kevin Nicholas
Invitations: Debbie, Invitations And Beyond 516-536-3300
Decor: Lighter Than Air
Sign-in Book: Lighter Than Air 516-933-3210
Mom’s Dress: Saks, bolero jacket by Catherine Regehr (Vancouver)
Tailoring: Charles Sanzone 516-887-9010
Dad’s Jacket: Black velvet dinner jacket by Ralph Lauren
Boys Clothing – Hickey Freeman (black velvet dinner jackets)
Photographer: Scott from Art Photography 516-569-3444
Photo booth: The Main Event 718-724-1007
Linens: Beth Yudin Premier Skirting 516-239-7992
Entertainment: Parties by Gail 516-569-3962
Video Montage: Lenny Manzo 516-599-7808
Hair: Nella at Pravana 516-766-1961
February 9th, 2011
This Mitzvah Inspire is courtesy of Christine Foster Photography.
The Zeiberg family is from Marlton, New Jersey and celebrated their daughter Julie’s Bat Mitzvah this past December, 2010 at Temple Emanuel in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

Bat Mitzvah girl Julie was looking for a laid back feel for her Bat Mitzvah celebration and was thinking about an island atmosphere but also wanted to include the feeling of celebrating life. She decided on a DON’T WORRY BE HAPPY theme which had her literally jumping with joy!
Check out the photos below:

Photographer Christine Foster met Julie and her Mom one day at a gym in Cherry Hill, and Julie did her jumps for the camera…

Photos from the gym shoot were transformed into silhouettes which became the design for Julie’s celebration with silhouette cut outs for table settings and a design for her place cards

Seating Cards!

Her party was vibrant with many bright colors

The room is ready for guests to arrive

The band, Milan, provided non-stop dance music topped with some island music which led to lots of dancing the night away
We would like to thank Christine Foster Photography for sharing this upbeat themed Bat Mitzvah with Mitzvah Market.
February 9th, 2011
If you like reality shows, you need to hear about this new idea, My Paparazzi Event from Jamye Perelli Photography in Texas.
**PLEASE KEEP READING TO THE END TO LEARN HOW YOU CAN WIN A MY PAPARAZZI EVENT PACKAGE FOR YOUR CHILD’S BAR/BAT MITZVAH CELEBRATION!**
We spoke with Dino Perilli from Jamye Perilli Photography to learn more.
MM: Please describe what The Paparazzi Bar/Bat Mitzvah Show is?
DP: This is a new video product presented by Dino & Jamye Perelli with Jamye Perelli Photography.
Learn more by watching this video here.
The Paparazzi Bar/Bat Mitvah Show is THE hottest new way to capture your Mitzvah event. We send you a package with anywhere from 5 to 20 video cameras. You choose a “Director” (guest) who will hand them out to your “Paparazzi Team Members,” and let them have fun and be creative shooting your event, doing interviews, etc!

Then you simply put all the cameras into a pre paid overnight bag, and we take all that raw footage and our professional editing staff will turn it into a fun, exciting, 1/2 hour Reality TV Show called, “The Paparazzi Bar/Bat Mitzvah Show” made just for you! The content of your show is totally up to you! Be as creative as you’d like! Play it loose, or actually come up with a script for your show. Remember, it’s all about your family!
MM: Please explain how this would work?
DP: Our primary staff has been in the photo and video business for over 14 years and we have found this to be a great way to preserve your special memories while having some great fun at the same time! We edit everything with Final Cut Pro to produce professional looking results. Even though the people shooting the video are not professionals, our system provides so much raw footage that our editors rarely have any problems with not having enough usable footage. In fact, there are usually calls an editor has to make as to what to prioritize, often leaving a lot of still good footage on the cutting room floor. This is why we include all your raw footage on an external USB hard drive, so you can view everything that was shot, at your convenience.

We also provide you “full use rights,” so you can send clips to friends or put them on the internet. We will also put your finished show up on YouTube for all the world to watch (unless you choose privacy settings, in which case only you and people you send the link to can view it.)
MM: Should a My Paparazzi Event package replace a professional videographer?
DP: Although this concept could replace a videographer, we never recommend using our service exclusively (since we can not be there to know what is being shot and therefore have no control over that part of the process). Our cameras also do not shoot still photography, only video. We like to think of our service as a unique, fun, add on to your traditional Mitzvah coverage.
MM: How should you go about selecting shooters?
DP: Choose beforehand which guests will be responsible for your cameras (your “Director”). Because our cameras are so user friendly, virtually anybody can operate them, and people will find it quite fun, but these cameras are expensive recording equipment and ultimately (as with any rental product) you are responsible for any loss or damage.

Choose “shooters” who are not likely to drop, misplace, or mishandle the cameras. Choose people who would probably have their own cameras there to shoot anyway. The more “into it” your shooters are, the better your results will likely be!
MM: I’m guessing adults are better choices than the kids?
DP: Not necessarily! These days young people are very dialed in to the new technology and as long as they are old enough to treat the equipment like they would say, their cell phones, age shouldn’t be a problem. After all, kids relate best to kids.

We suggest maybe choosing an adult to handle the “Director” responsibilities of handing out and collecting the cameras and steering “Team Members” toward who and what to shoot for best results.
MM: Do your guests feel like hired help for the night?
DP: On the contrary, our initial testing has shown that many guests are in fact “eager” to be a part of the production. They like playing camera person and interviewer! You can also assign more shooters than cameras so that if someone gets tired of shooting they can pass off their camera to a new team member.
MM:. How much footage do you need from a 5 hour party to make a successful 1/2 hour show?
DP: Each camera is pre-loaded to capture up to two hours of high definition video. That equals 10 hours of raw footage from each set of five cameras. As long as someone doesn’t turn on the camera and stick it in their pocket, that is more than enough footage to fill a ½ hour Reality Show format. With larger packages, you can even use table top stands (provided) and set some cameras up to run constantly for two hours while encouraging guests to “say a few words” into the camera. Also, in case overzealous team members use up all their time too quickly, you can have extra cameras ready. You will also have the equipment for three days, so having extra cameras for additional things to shoot is recommended.

MM: Do the shooters need special instructions?
DP: If every “Director” and “Team Member” reads the “Tips & Tricks” guide on our Website (and enclosed with their package), and follows the simple directions, there is no reason why you can’t produce a wonderful show filled with great and exciting memories of your Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration!
For more information on this new concept, please visit their Website.

Dino has generously offered to raffle off one prize package to our Mitzvah Market readers!
Prize Package Includes:
* 10 Cameras shipped pre-paid overnight in both directions
* 10 Cameras pre-loaded with memory cards and batteries
* Up to 2 hours recording time per camera
* Easy to follow instructions
* Handy “Tips & Tricks” guide for pro results
* 30 Minute, fully edited, “My Paparazzi Bar?Bat Mitzvah Show” DVD,
includes music, titles, special effects, and 3D transitions
* External USB hard drive with ALL your raw footage
* Your show loaded up to YouTube.com
10 Camcorder package………………..Valued at $1,350
Note: A credit card will be needed on file, in case cameras are missing or damaged when sent back.

HOW TO ENTER
We are asking our Mitzvah Market readers to invite 3 friends to SIGN-UP for our free email newsletters. They can be Mitzvah planning families, Mitzvah kids and/or Mitzvah related vendors. You will then be entered to possibly WIN the free Bar/Bat Mitzvah video package!
**You must ask 3 friends to place your name in the “How Did You Hear About Us” line when signing up so you will be entered to win!**
The contest is from Thursday, February 10, 2011 till Sunday, February 27, 2011 at 5PM – we will announce the winner in our newsletter on Monday, February 28, 2011.
Good luck!!!
February 5th, 2011
Your child will be invited to many Mitzvahs during their 7th and 8th grade school year. It’s common and (let’s face it) easy to send a check as the Bar/Bat Mitzvah gift.
We found another option that we wanted to share…
Sew Many Gifts are keepsake pillows that are custom made to complement any invitation, announcement or photo.
Below are samples of pillows in different color schemes.



Priced at $55 a pillow, this is a unique way to commemorate a special occasion.
To place an order or for more information, contact Eva at 609-275-4532 or at Eva@SewManyGifts.com.