February 5th, 2011
By Sheri Lapidus, Founder MitzvahMarket.com
Many of you know that my family celebrated my daughter’s Bat Mitzvah in November 2010. We wrote about all the details in the Lapidus Bat Mitzvah Family Spotlight.
Since my daughter is in 8th grade, her Bat Mitzvah was one of the last ones of the grade. In line with the MitzvahMarket.com mission, I wanted to infuse clever and unique ideas into Carly’s celebration.
Carly and I are big fans of TLC’s show, Rock The Reception. Although it’s all about brides and grooms surprising their guests with a choreographed dance, my husband thought we could pull this off at her Bat Mitzvah.
With only 3 weeks to go until her big day, we sat down with our MC Carl from Entertainment Tonite to go over all the details. My husband Roy told him about his idea. He wanted to start his father/daughter dance with a traditional slow song and then have the music stop, causing guests to think something went wrong. In an instant, a new song would begin as pre-determined guests would join them on the dance floor for a choreographed dance. He thought it would be nice to include the 8th grade girls and their Dads and the 8th grade boys and their Moms in this surprise dance.
Carl loved the idea and thought his dancer Matt would be the perfect instructor. On a cold Wednesday night, only 10 days before Carly’s Bat Mitzvah, 24 kids and their Mom or Dad met us at Ultimate Gaga in Syosset for the one and only dance lesson!
Working hard to learn the moves!
In about 1 hour, everyone followed along as Matt taught simple steps to Usher’s song, DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love. He explained where they should stand during Carly and Roy’s father/daughter dance and reassured everyone that he would be in the front of the line so they could follow along.
Roy and Carly enjoy about 15 seconds of their slow dance before the surprise!
On cue, 24 guests jump onto the dance floor and begin the surprise!
To see how this turned out, click here to watch our video – our guests seemed to love it!
If you take this idea and make it your own, please let me know how it turns out by writing to me at Sheri@MitzvahMarket.com.
February 5th, 2011
We talk so much about what the Bat Mitzvah girl, Mom and sisters will wear, but let’s not forget the Bar Mitzvah boy, Dads and brothers!
For more than 55 years, Lubin’s has served the Westchester and surrounding community.
They have everything from suits and sport coats, shirts, ties and shoes with the convenience of a full-service operation that enables you to satisfy all your shopping needs at one location.
Their boys’ department presents the most extensive selection of everything you would need to outfit your Bar Mitzvah boy and his brothers. Sizes range from 4 to 24, including odd sizes, slim, husky and stout. Alterations are all included with your initial purchase.
Their knowledgeable, personable and attentive staff is devoted to making your shopping experience pleasant and efficient. They are now located in Rothmans of Scarsdale.
Visit their Website here.
February 2nd, 2011
The Bass Family celebrated their son Eric’s Bar Mitzvah on October 30, 2010 at Temple Beth David in Commack, New York and then guests went to Temple Or Elohim in Jericho, New York for a daytime celebration.
They very cleverly incorporated their last name into the theme!
We are excited to share their ideas with our Mitzvah Market readers.
All photography was done by Cathy Slatas Photography.
Featured L-R Dad Brian, Mitzvah boy Eric, brother Jason and Mom Lori
Mitzvah Invitation
Mitzvah Mom Lori told us she selected this invitation for Eric’s Bar Mitzvah because the blue layer of crinkle paper looked just like waves of water and went perfectly with the theme. She worked with Beth Regino from You’re Invited.
Edible fish seating cards greeted guests
Mitzvah Details
Sometimes it’s hard to come up with a theme, but with a last name like “Bass,” it was easy! We love how they incorporated unique touches into their decor. Lori’s friend Carolyn came up with the creative centerpiece idea and created them herself for their celebration decor!
Edible fish seating cards greeted guests
Paper seating cards were attached to these delicious cookies!
Various "fish" represented table numbers created by Lighter Than Air
Another fish-themed table number
Bunches of blue balloons by Lighter Than Air
This part of the centerpieces were hand-made with love
The blue centerpieces really helped guests get that under the sea vibe!
A photo session with Cathy Slatas resulted in many terrific pictures of Eric. Lighter Than Air made one into a magazine cover for his sign-in book
Music & Entertainment
Party Harty, with MC Howie provided the music entertainment for their celebration.
The family with the Party Harty crew!
The young guests loved a large game of twister!
Mitzvah Mom Lori and Eric share a special dance
Mitzvah Favor & Exit Treats
Eric’s friends received a black sweatshirt from Jaylor Favors with the clever saying, “I came, I cast, I kicked Bass!”
Hasson Caterers created this delicious "Bass" cake that matched the theme and the young guests sweatshirts
The left side is the front, right side is the back
Hasson Caterers provided a candy bar for guests as they were leaving
Mom to Mom
Mitzvah Mom Lori has now successfully planned both her sons Bar Mitzvah celebrations and has this advice:
“You have to be calm, cool and collected once you get a great idea, stick to it as long as your child agrees. Work with people you like and trust.”
Vendor Directory
Here is a list of vendors who helped make Eric’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you call any let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Temple Or Elohim
Caterer: Hasson Caterers
Music Entertainment: MC Howie Party Harty
Favors: Lori Goldstein, Jaylor Party Favors
Invitations: Beth Regino, You’re Invited
Decor/Florist: Lighter Than Air
Photographer: Cathy Slatas
Hair/Make-up: Natural Style Cosmetics
Dress: Omnibus Fashions
January 30th, 2011
By Cindy Silvert, www.easybreezygourmet.com
I’m thinking of putting up a tent in the backyard for a classy garden brunch after shul. Two gentlemen arrived to give estimates for said tent. Their demeanors, suggestions and quotes couldn’t have been more different.
Gentleman A was a middle aged professional type who’s been in the business for years. He was most pleasant and even had a measuring tape! He emailed me a detailed layout an hour after he dropped in and an official estimate arrived the next day. So why can’t I get past the fact that he was wearing dress shoes with a casual get up? I’m talking dark loafers and Italian socks, with khakis!
I know what you’re thinking: How long has this girl been married? By which you mean one of two things: a) who’s the lucky fella? or b) you’re telling me her husband dresses any better?!
Anyhoo, it’s not that I think he’s evil or anything… but if it were an after school special, the kind where you’re supposed to watch out for incongruities that tip you off as to who’s responsible for the heinous crime in Black Bottom Creek… Oh, never mind.
Gentlman B was at least a decade my junior (oh, who am I kidding, I could have been his grandmother). He drove for two hours to look at my backyard for approximately five minutes to tell me I needed half the tent Gentlman A had recommended. Thankfully, his socks & shoes were a lovely match and even complimented his compliment of piercings, which incidentally, matched my son’s new eraser collection. But I digress. (Moi?) It’s not that I have an age or experience or even a piercing bias, it’s just this: He drove four hours total, spent five minutes scoping the joint and gave me one, teeny weeny (highly informative) single page brochure. So why the ninety pound supersized briefcase? For what purpose, pray tell? The dead body? (Yes, from Black Bottom Creek) Piercing apparatus? Lots and lots of low fat muffins? (Young man, you’re hired!)
If I were a betting man, which of course I’m not, I’d go for door number one. Why? (Not why am I not a betting man, silly, why would I assume that an older guy who can send an email is more reliable than someone who walks around with a body bag?) Cause! Am I right? Isn’t that who you would choose?
But here’s the thing: Gentleman B is probably right. And even if he’s not, I’d rather have a squishy-rockin’-good-time-fits-like-spandex-party-of-a-tent than a when-are-all-the-guests-going-to-get-here-and-fill-up-this-graveyard sort of tent. Also, (and I use the term loosely) name one Italian designer that doesn’t believe in the oversized valise.
Do I share any of this with my husband? Do I cap the number of tent estimates just when it’s getting good? Why do I even want a tent? Speaking of which, are Victor and Nicky still in love? This and much more, next time…
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
January 27th, 2011
The Silverman family decided to celebrate their daughter Jillian’s Bat Mitzvah at Camp Pontiac in Copake, New York on a beautiful fall weekend. They told their guests to pack for a “dark denim chic” party. Since the camp colors are red and white, this was carried out throughout all their details. We thank them for sharing their weekend celebration with Mitzvah Market!
All party photography and videography was done by Salzman & Ashley.
Pictured L-R: Sisters Amanda, Tess, Mitzvah Mom Fran, Bat Mitzvah girl Jillian, Mitzvah Dad Scott and sister Rebecca.
Camp Pontiac was the perfect setting for their fun-filled action packed 2 days! It also happens to be where the Silverman girls spend their summers. Bat Mitzvah girl Jillian at the camp entrance
The Silvermans used red and white on their pocket pull-out invitation that was created by Susan Lehrhoff of Ethan Niles. They also had Amy Wohl design a Website providing additional information for their guests about the weekend
Custom Bat Mitzvah Website
As guests arrived, they were given their bunk assignments. On each bed there was a logo’d sheet and pillowcase along with a towel.J illian’s friends arrive by bus
Beds are made and ready for Jillian’s guests
Jillian’s bed was decorated by friends
A BBQ lunch was served and then color war broke out!
Guests were divided into two teams with red and white shirts. There were color war captains and generals
Everyone moved to the soccer fields where there were organized games and races including tug of war
Guests could be found playing football, basketball, soccer, tennis, and even Mah Jong!
After shower hour, guests were asked to meet at The Paramount Theatre where guests enjoyed a few different videos including Jillian’s montage. Jillian and her friends helped make this American Idol spoof. Carolyn Schwartz (Poems By Carolyn) wrote the script. Camp Pontiac surprised the Silvermans with another video that Jillian had done while she was in camp last summer
Pat James from Parties By James transformed The Playhouse into their beautiful party space complete with farm tables, matching plates, beautiful flowers and lanterns
The young guests enjoyed their cocktail hour food “take-out” style!
Guests also surprised Jillian by singing “Sweet Jillian,” a take-off of “Sweet Caroline” written by Carolyn Schwartz
The talented Bat Mitzvah girl Jillian made her entrance and then sang a song for her guests. For Jillian’s party, dress designer Marianna created her beautiful red gown. Guests soon learned that with one zip, the full gown came off to reveal white denim jeans underneath for her “dark denim chic” party
Jillian’s red and white cake kept with the theme and was created by Morrell Caterers
And That created the sweatshirts with a big number 13 on the front and “Off The Cuff” created customized red silicone bracelets
After the party ended, flip flops were given to the women along with blankets and everyone headed to the lake for a bonfire, s’mores and more desserts. Jillian models the flip flops and sweatshirts
They lit up Jillian’s name in flames. WOW!!!
Some Mom advice from Fran:
“The most important thing (I think) is pick people for your team that you connect with. Even if they are a little extra it is important to LIKE the people that you work with. Get recommendations from people. Ask a lot of questions. What is included in that price and what is not included. PLAN PLAN PLAN. I am a huge planner. I do NOT work well at the last minute. I planned Jillian’s Mitzvah 2 years in advance with the last 6 months working very hard on all of the details. Some people like to have their team do most of the work. I had my hand and nose in every single detail and made them come to life. It was a labor of love!!! Do not procrastinate. It only makes for a stressful situation in the end.”
Jillian’s Bat Mitzvah Project
Jillian’s Mitzvah Project is very special to her and her family. She explains, “The Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children’s Medical Center” (formerly Schneider Children’s Hospital) will hold a very special place in my heart forever. What was thought to be a common cold virus turned emergent very quickly for my baby sister Tess. She ended up with RSV and double pneumonia and was put in Pediatric ICU for 2 weeks. Tess was in a drug induced coma for almost 2 weeks and my family was very scared. The doctors and nurses took great care of her and saved her life. She is an inspiration to me because she really had to fight for life. Something that I will never forget.
Jillian with her sister Tess
To this date I helped to raise $14,000. Thanks to all who participated and donated money to help me to reach this unbelievable goal. I was very proud and will remember this special day forever.
Vendor Directory
Here is a list of vendors who helped to make Jillian’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you call any of them, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Photographer/Videographer: Salzman & Ashley 516-349-9500
Caterer: Morrell Caterers 516-364-2000
Party Planner: Pat James, 212-377-1911
Venue: Camp Pontiac, Ricky Etra 516-626-7668
Invitation: Susan Lehrhoff, Ethan Niles, 516-626-3666
Dress Designer: Marianna, 516-496-4615
Website design: Amy Wohl, FabuDesigns.com, 312-513-1698
Sweatshirt Favors: And That 516-364-9222
Silicone Bracelets: Michelle Collins 516-459-6495, 516-312-0727
Script writer/Cheer: Carolyn Schwartz, Poems by Carolyn,
January 13th, 2011
The Sollender family celebrated their daughter Paige’s Bat Mitzvah on September 25th, 2010 at the Brooklake Country Club in Florham Park, New Jersey.
They had a morning service, followed by a kiddish and then an evening party with a “skiing” theme. Her logo, which included her initials, was used throughout the party elements – “PS I (heart) love Skiing.”
All photography is courtesy of Brad Photography. Vendor information is at the bottom of this spotlight.
Featured L-R Brother Ethan, Bat Mitzvah girl Paige, Dad Marshall and Mom Shari
Mitzvah Mom Shari had her dress custom made by Lyn Kohls and Bat Mitzvah girl Paige found her dress at Party Girl in Tenafly, New Jersey
The invitation was lime green on the bottom and lavender on top with a ribbon of flowers on the bottom that were lime green, lavender and a hint of royal blue. The writing was purple and lime green and the invitation was created by Invitations Etc. in Livingston, New Jersey
Their place cards fit in perfectly with their theme. Each one had the adult name, table and which “ski mountain” they were sitting at
Skiing was the theme created by Debbie’s Design. Colors white and icy blue were used throughout the room to set the ski mood and all around the room there were pictures of Paige at different ages skiing
One area of the room included this large tree bark with pictures of Paige skiing at different ages
Each adult table had a different sign for a ski mountain
Paige standing below her large logo!
In the kids area, there was a large display of a ski mountain and a fireplace to set the ski mood
Adult guests sat at tables with beautiful floral centerpieces
Unique Musique provided the musical entertainment for Paige and her guests with Larry as the MC
Paige sharing a dance with her Dad
Wendy The Pipe Cleaner Lady kept the young guests entertained
Magic Marc provided spectacular tricks
Paige’s friends all received these blue sweatshirts with her logo, created by their party planner Carrie Gold. Here’s the front…
And the back
Mom Shari has a montage business called, Images4Ever and created her daughter’s fantastic montage. Watch here.
Mitzvah Mom Shari has this advice for our readers:
“My advice would be to take deep breath before the day begins. Try to take notice of everything in the event room because the party goes by very quickly. Relax, have fun and make sure you drink water to stay hydrated throughout the night. It truly is a wonderful and special day no matter what you do. Just enjoy.”
Mitzvah Project:
Paige decided on a Mitzvah Project that had a lot of meaning to her family. Her grandfather had a stroke about 12 years ago and for the last 8-9 yrs of his life he lived in a nursing home. Whenever they visited, they always brought along their golden retriever, Sonny.
Paige and Sonny
Everyone loved seeing Sonny. Unfortunately Paige’s grandfather passed away almost 2 years ago but they will never forget how much joy Sonny brought to all the residents of the home.
For her Mitzvah Project, Paige decided to visit local nursing homes with Sonny so other people can enjoy her. She visits about once a week and really enjoys seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces when they see Sonny.
Vendor Directory
The following vendors made Paige’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you give any a call, please tell them you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Brooklake Country Club. 973-377-2235
Party Planner/Favors: Carrie Gold
DJ/MC: Unique Musique, Larry Gold 732-431-4082
Photographer/Videographer: Brad Photography, 973-696-8763
Party Entertainment: Magician: Magic Marc 917-861-7963
Party Entertainment: Wendy The Pipe Cleaner Lady, 631-757-5342
Invitation: Invitations Etc., 973-992-3020
Video Montage: Mitzvah Mom Shari! Images4ever 973-945-0573
Décor/florist:Debbie’s Designs, 973-696-7930
Place cards: Mark, Pleased To Seat You
Mom’s Dress: Lyn Kohls-973-467-7800
Paige’s Dress: Party Girl
Suits for family members: Sam’s, Livingston, NJ
Hair/makeup: Subway Salon, Millburn, NJ
January 13th, 2011
We all want to capture the special moments at our child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration.
We hire a photographer to take special pictures, a videographer to grab a moment in time and we have a sign-in board to keep our guests sentiments about our children.
Surf Board Beach Art specializes in hand painted 5 foot surfboard and snow board party sign-in boards and decorative wall signs. Each board is one-of-a-kind and signed by the artist and is a unique way to treasure the way your guests felt on your child’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah day.
It will be personalized for free with a name, saying, date, color, theme, logo or even created to match bedding.
Tie dyed snow board
Can be done to match your theme
Party signs
This makes a great and unique way to remember any special occasion.
Contact: MARJY@SurfboardBeachArt.com
631-374-3399
Tell Marjy that Mitzvah Market sent you and get 10% off. She can also make centerpieces.
January 12th, 2011
Jacqueline Maier of Tenafly, New Jersey celebrated her Bat Mitzvah on May 15, 2010 and her Mitzvah Project tied directly into her celebration. This young lady did something incredible! She put a special note in her Bat Mitzvah invitation asking for donations to two charities in lieu of gifts for herself.
As a result, more than $22,000 has been raised and given to Jewish Family Service of Bergen County and North Hudson, and Bergen Reads at the UJA Federation of Northern New Jersey.
We asked Jacqueline some questions about this very generous Mitzvah Project.
MM: What made you decide on this Mitzvah Project?
JM: My parents are both very generous people and we kind of came up with the idea together. We thought it should be something that’s Jewish. I decided that having a nice party and getting other things was enough and that the money could be used for a good deed.
MM: Why did you choose those two charities?
JM: I decided on these two charities because at JFS, I can help many different types of people in many different ways and be totally involved on how the money is used. I chose Bergen Reads because I personally love reading and wanted to give others that opportunity.
MM: How does making such a large donation make you feel?
JM:I feel like it is a very nice thing to help others and impact them in a positive way. I have been very fortunate and wanted to help those who have not been as fortunate as me. By donating all of my Bat Mitzvah money to these charities, I am able to help many different people in many different ways.
MM: Explain how you let your guests know.
JM: Guests received a short note from me that was inserted in the invitation. It invited guests to make a donation to either charity in lieu of typical gifts. There was an “in lieu of gifts” card printed and enclosed with the invite that gave all the information they would need to make the donations for this.
MM: Your Bat Mitzvah was many months ago, if someone wanted to still make a donation on your behalf, could they?
JM: Yes, you can donate for as long as you like. The more money that is raised, the more people we can help.
We thank Jacqueline for sharing her generous project with Mitzvah Market and we hope it inspires other children to do something similar!
January 9th, 2011
When Randi Lehman was planning her son’s Bar Mitzvah, she realized there wasn’t a place to go for all the things on her last minute to-do list.
That One Special Touch Inc. was created to handle so many of the “little” things you may have forgotten or perhaps weren’t even aware you needed.
Their products and services include ordering your yarmulkes and ladies’ headpieces, custom-designed yarmulke and ladies’ room baskets, hotel hospitality bags, socks and gift bags for your giveaways.
Each customized ladies’ room basket is designed for your event, using your colors and a style exclusive to your theme
Each basket is one of a kind
That One Special Touch will take your invitation so they can get your colors just right!
You’ll find their prices are competitive and they will give you something “extra” that people will remember long after your party is over.
For more information, visit their Website.
January 9th, 2011
By Cindy Silvert, www.easybreezygourmet.com
It’s in six months, eleven days and eighteen hours, but who’s counting? It’s not that I’m dreading or avoiding it, ok, that’s a lie. I’m avoiding every decision and dreading all the nonsense. My son B couldn’t be more delightful or deserving of a fine Bar Mitzvah celebration, but the fact is, he really couldn’t care less if we have hundreds of people and a tacky theme, or a couple of friends for pizza and soda. So why bother? The Bar Mitzvah, after all, is the Bar Mitzvah. Not the video, the band, the caterer or center pieces, not even my dress! He lays Tefillin, reads the Torah, delivers a mind blowing d’var Torah, amen. That’s a Bar Mitzvah.
But while I’m fully mindful of this right now, I can still recall spending the better part of a month picking out the exact perfect shade for the tablecloths at my daughter’s Bat Mitzvah, six and a half years ago. (Yes, I chose Almost-Barely-Minty-Mellon-Irish-Mist-Dream). I was (and am) a control freak and obsessed over all the wrong stuff. I almost missed the service because I “had to” bike over to the scene of the crime and make sure they were arranging every table, plate, fork and molecule just so. I break into a cold sweat every sickening time I recall “sneaking in” to the service long after every guest. (Whose brilliant idea was it for me to sit in the front row?) So you see, I fear my own inner OCD Party Monster as much as the gussied up social “norms.”
It’s not that I’m cheap, (lie), it’s really more the principal of the thing. It starts with the invitation, (has anyone heard of the “World Wide Web”?) and it doesn’t stop: Is a backyard tent classy or cheap? Do you force your kid to do a Mitzvah Project or let him grow into it naturally? Is it a culmination or a process or a show? Do you set a strict budget or just pay what you have to while crossing your fingers and toes? Do you delegate (ie. trust your husband to do anything), or just suck it up and get ‘er done? Woe is me. So much time, so many life threatening choices when the uber bare bones Bar Mitzvah is what I yearn for. Which brings me to my mission statement:
I hereby solemnly swear that I will try (at times) to bear in mind that this is supposed to be:
For my son
Meaningful
Affordable
Fun (good one!)
I will herein share my trials and tribulations, dilemmas, confessions and fears. You are free to offer advice and ask me questions (eg: “Are you still glad you spent the night before her Bat Mitzvah cleaning the laundry room, instead of hanging out with your out-of-towners?”) but I might not be qualified to answer.
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!
READERS RESPOND!
Share Your Thoughts At Sheri@MitzvahMarket.com
I just read your Eat Pray Save blog and relate to everything you’ve said. My daughter’s Bat Mitzvah (my first) is 5 months away and while I don’t want to break the bank, somehow it keeps adding up (and up). I’ll try to stay sane and centered as I read your future entries. Good luck to both of us!
–Karen R.
