October 8th, 2014
On September 19, 2014, we read an article on Yahoo.com called, Meet The Preteens Who Crashed Fashion Week.
Chloe Cornell from Westchester was the focus of the article. She and her friends “crashed” Marc Jacobs’ show at fashion week to shoot her Bat Mitzvah entrance video for her upcoming fashion themed celebration.
She and her friends wore t-shirts designed by Chloe and her Mom featuring her Bat Mitzvah logo and the Chanel butterfly Cs, coincidentally Chloe’s initials!
Chloe pictured left
Chloe, her brother and 6 of her 8 friends who took a trip to Manhattan
Chloe seemed destined for a fashion themed Bat Mitzvah. As a little girl, she would go into her Mom’s closet and try on outfits complete with the pocketbook and shoes! When she was eight, she celebrated with a fashion themed birthday party, her favorite party ever!
When asked about her Bat Mitzvah dress, Chloe plans to design it herself. Something short and white with feathers.
Her Fashion Week “crash” really inspired the fashionista in her. She loved that Teen Vogue posted a photo of Chloe and her friends on Instagram and people were asking where to buy the t-shirts with the CCs.
It’s not all about the party for Chloe, for her Mitzvah Project she plans to design shirts and sell them with the profits going to an anti-bullying charity.
Look for Chloe’s new blog series, “On The Circuit…With Chloe,” to begin later this month. She will be reporting for MitzvahMarket.com about all the cool things she sees at parties while “on the circuit.” We will also be spotlighting her Bat Mitzvah celebration in early 2015.
About Chloe
I’m a 7th grader and live in Westchester, NY. I love tennis, soul cycle, fashion, hanging with my friends, and traveling around the world. Camp Vega is my summer home and my favorite place on earth! I founded the company #Kindnessistherealcool for my Mitzvah Project, and invite everyone to visit us on Instagram @kindnessistherealcool and join the movement. I am very excited to celebrate my Bat Mitzvah in March, 2015.
October 5th, 2014
Photographer Liz Hartzman of Liz Photo brought us this celebration.
The Ruthen family of Plainview, New York, celebrated daughter Leah’s Bat Mitzvah with an “Under the Sea” theme.
The beautiful venue was Westbury Manor in Westbury, New York and the decor was creatively brought to life by Themes and Dreams of Merrick, New York.
Setting the tone for the theme was this invitation from Mandell Marketing
The Ruthen family outside the beautiful grounds of Westbury Manor. Leah shone brightly in an ocean blue cocktail dress and finished the outfit off with polished silver, iridescent heels
Themes and Dreams created an underwater paradise starting with the place card table
Mandell Marketing created the logo which was used throughout the party
Table centerpieces were 3D arrangements that included shells and colorful tropical fish
The Sea Horse table
Balloons were arranged to look like bubbles in the cocktail room
Leah’s sparkly turquoise gift box
Decorative surfboard designed to be used as a guest sign-in from Surfboard Beach Art
Leah’s up!
Leah’s guests surrounded her during the Horah
Leah and her guests enjoyed the music that MC Matt and the Maximum Entertainment team played all afternoon
NY Flip Books customized the cover with Leah’s logo
Wire art from Todd Yahney was enjoyed by Leah’s friends
Leah and her Dad danced to “I Hope You Dance” sung by Leann Womack
Corina Elgart, owner of Cakes by Taste, created this Under the Sea themed cake. It was accented with seaweed, starfish and seashells. Corina was on TLC’s Next Great Baker
Sweet signage to match the sweets on the candy buffet
Leah’s mother Mary Beth created the candy table with candy in shades of blue to match the party’s theme
Favor bags in bright blue
For her Mitzvah Project Leah chose to help the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation which is an organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine animals. Leah ran a raffle at her Hebrew school to raise money and also collected needed supplies for the organization. As a thank you, the Riverhead Foundation treated the Ruthen family to a behind-the-scene tours of Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center and the Riverhead Foundation itself. Best part…Leah got kissed by a sea lion!
We thank Liz Hartzman of Liz Photo for sharing this great celebration with our readers.
Photographer: Liz Hartman, Liz Photo;Venue: Westbury Manor; Music Entertainment/MC: Maximum Entertainment; MC Matt, Décor/florist: Themes & Dreams Event Planning, 516-221-9092; Invitation/Logo: Mandell Marketing, info@mandellmarketing.com; Sign-In board: Surfboard Beach Art; Flip books: Flip Books NY; Wire Art Sculptures: Todd Yahney Music and Entertainment; Cake: Cakes by Taste, Videography: That’s A Wrap Productions.
October 5th, 2014
TheCoolestgiveaways.com has worked with over a thousand Bar Bat Mitzvah families to come up with creative ideas for Bar Bat Mitzvah giveaways. They are a one-stop-shop for ALL elements of your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah. They have an in-house design team who can create original logos for any theme and then follow it through on other party elements.
TheCoolestgiveaways.com is now offering the “Coolest out of the box Invites” customized to your specifications. Their in-house design team will create the coolest, innovative custom invitation boxes that include invitations and RSVP cards, at a value price.
Check out these Cool Invitation ideas:
This Las Vegas Themed Boxed Invitation ensemble included custom poker chips, “What Happens At Joey’s…Stays At Joey’s!”
For a Bar Mitzvah boy who loves Beatz! A custom Beatz Headphone in a custom boxed invitation with iDirection card and RSVP card
This colorful Tennis themed Bat Mitzvah Invitation featured clever sayings such as, “You’ve Been Served”
Thecoolestgiveaways.com will gladly consult with you about their Cool and Creative, Most Bang-For-Your-Buck custom Bar Bat Mitzvah Invitations.
October 5th, 2014
Two friends, one awesome Mitzvah Project.
Drew Lerman of Merrick, New York and Morgan Mass of Bellmore, New York, are 7th graders and great friends.
Drew and Morgan came up with a fun way to combine their Mitzvah Projects to include their friends and raise money for pediatric cancer.
Their project is called Mitzvah Mash. It will take place on Sunday, October 12, 2014, at the Bellmore Jewish Center in Bellmore, New York. Both families are proud members of the Bellmore Jewish Center and Drew and Morgan will have their upcoming Bar and Bat Mitzvah ceremonies there.
The Mitzvah Mash will raise money for The Cancer Center for Kids at Winthrop University Hospital in Mineola, New York, where close friend Sadie Freifeld was treated.
Pictured L-R: Morgan Mass and Drew Lerman.
We learned more information about this terrific idea directly from Morgan and Drew. Please read below to see how you can be part of the fun and support a great cause:
MM: Can you give us details about your Mitzvah Project?
Morgan/Drew: It’s a party that none of our parents can make! After 13 years of friendship we have decided to work together on a Mitzvah Project that is close to our hearts. We wanted to host a really cool hang-out with all our friends from both our communities who are in 7th grade. It is really hard to get a big group of kids together for a hang out, so we thought about having a two hour social called a “Mitzvah Mash.”
Morgan and Drew as young friends
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project?
Morgan/Drew: A close family friend was diagnosed with cancer four years ago. It was a very overwhelming experience helping her through such a hard time. She battled for close to a year and we were there to support her every step of the way. We are so happy to say that she is in full remission and doing what every seven year old girl should be doing.
MM: Does your project have a start and end date, if so what are they?
Morgan/Drew: Our project will take place on Sunday, October 12, 2014, from 8-10pm at The Bellmore Jewish Center in Bellmore, New York. We asked that admission costs be sent in advance to help the party get started in a timely fashion. We will have a great time, there will be music, snacks and lots of fun.
MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bar/Bat Mitzvah?
Morgan/Drew: Doing a Mitzvah Project for our upcoming Bar and Bat Mitzvahs makes us feel special. Our Mitzvah Project is very close to our heart and it makes us feel good inside that we are doing something important for other children with cancer. We hope that with the money we raise and donate they will come closer to finding a cure to fight this horrible disease.
MM: If it involves a donation, what are you doing to spreading the word?
Morgan/Drew: We have created flyers, posted them on social media sites, and we have emailed our family and friends.
Cancer Center for Kids at Winthrop University Hospital is an organization that will always welcome donations.
MM: Is there anything else we need to know about your Mitzvah Project?
Morgan/Drew: This is an event for only 7th graders in the Bellmore/Merrick communities, regardless of religion. Admission is $20.00/person and we would appreciate it being sent in advance of October 12, 2014. Our DJ is Ben, who is known as DJBEKRO!! He is a community member and high school student. He is volunteering his time for this amazing cause. For any questions please contact our moms, Andrea Mass at 516-313-4986 or Jenn Lerman at 917-648-4952.
If you are interested in making a donation in honor of this Mitzvah Project, please contact Cancer Center for Kids at Winthrop University Hospital.
We thank Morgan and Drew for sharing this special Mitzvah Project with our readers and wish them good luck with their event!
October 1st, 2014
The Terr family of Yardley, Pennsylvania, celebrated the Bar Mitzvah of their son Alex at Congregation Beth El, in Yardley, Pennsylvania. A reception followed at The Buck Hotel, Feasterville, Pennsylvania.
Alex is a huge New York Mets fan so the family came up with an Amazin’ theme, Alex’s Bar Metsvah…how clever!
Pictured L-R: Mom Robin, Bar Mitzvah boy Alex, Dad Hal and sister Courtney.
Serendipity Studios was the photographer and the rest of the vendor information is at the end of the spotlight.
Congregation Beth
The service held at Congregation Beth El, was attended by many family and friends.
The acrylic invitation, designed by Mom Robin was created with the New York Mets color palette of bright orange and royal blue. There was also an RSVP postcard and a round baseball-sized acrylic reception card. The acrylic invitation featured Alex’s initials
The envelope for the RSVP
The party information, made on a baseball-sized acrylic reception card, directed guests to the Terrific Website containing all the party information
The family looked great and incorporated royal blue accents in their Mitzvah style.
Alex’s Bar Metsvah was the obvious choice as Alex is a New York Mets fan. In addition to the invitation, the flowers, kippot, linen, cake, signature adult drinks, and chocolate lollipops all reflected the colors of his favorite team.
Mom designed Alex’s logo and his Website (www.Terrificmitzvah.com), a clever play on their last name, Terr. The logo was used on the invitations, paparazzi backdrop, custom dance floor wrap, flowers as well as the signage throughout the event.
Following the team’s colors of royal blue and orange, the place cards, decor, flowers and linens all followed suit. Balloon Celebrations created the baseball player silhouettes and buffet décor. Precious Petals did the amazing floral arrangements.
The adult place cards were designed as sports tickets directing guests to tables named after sections in Citi Field
This is the centerpiece for the kids’ place card/press pass table
The gift box was decorated with New York Mets gift wrap and the banner featured some of Alex’s favorite New York Mets players
The flower arrangements included over ten dozen regulation baseballs. The family purchased the baseballs and donated them to the North Trenton, New Jersey Little League after the event
Table names were similar to those at Citi Field such as, “The Pepsi Porch,” an area in right field that extends over the playing field
The step and repeat banner for picture-taking featured Alex’s logo
Some of the floral arrangements included orange gerber daisies on royal blue crystals in a clear vase
Baseball player silhouettes sat on top of royal blue linens with orange napkins
The buffet and food signage were actual vendors found at Citi Field
Music Express provided the music entertainment and kept things lively on the dance floor. Alex made his entrance with a smile
Alex waved his rally towel during the horah
Alex looked great in his blue vest
The kids and the adults packed the dance floor
Custom rally towels were fun for guests to wave
Alex’s grandfather, Wally Libenson, did close-up magic during the cocktail hour for the adults as well as an illusion during the Kiddush. He used a New York Mets color-themed changing magic wand during candle lighting.
Everyone had a custom scorecard listing candle lighting participants and the evening’s menu.
The New York Mets themed Bar Mitzvah cake was created by Brendenbeck’s Bakery. You don’t have to be a New York Mets fan to enjoy and appreciate this cake!
Other desserts included a variety of baseball themed chocolates
Creative Screenprinting and Embroidery created the Terrific favors.
Alex has volunteered with the Jewish Relief Agency (JRA) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, since he was five years old. The family volunteers monthly at the JRA’s warehouse packing and delivering food to families in need. In order to highlight Alex’s Mitzvah Project, the family had custom baskets of food in lieu of flowers on the bimah during the service.
Advice from Mom Robin:
“For my daughter’s Bat Mitzvah I used a party planner, but felt that I didn’t get to participate enough in the design aspects. This time, I designed the décor and outsourced the printing and production. For the actual party, I hired a friend to be the on-site coordinator of all of the vendors. This worked out great since I got to participate creatively, but didn’t have to worry about setup or logistics the day of the party.”
The following vendors helped to make Alex’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: The Buck Hotel, 215-396-2002
Party Coordinator: Lori Cohen, loricohen@comcast.net, 267-718-8678
Photographer: Serendipity Studios, 215-354-1140
Music/DJ: Music Express, 800-622-2904
Decor: Balloon Celebrations, 856-346-0158
Invitation: Designed by Mom Robin, produced by Plastic Printers, 800-808-7472
RSVP postcards: Vistaprint, 866-614-8002
Direction cards: Zazzle.com
Envelopes: JAM Paper & Envelope, 212-473-6666
Stamps: Stamps.com
Place cards, press passes, scorecards: Created by Mom Robin, Printed by Kistler’s Minuteman Press, 215-428-4740
Florist: Precious Petals, 215-357-3870
T-shirt favors/rally towels: Creative Screenprinting and Embroidery, 215-493-4511
Paparazzi backdrop: Event Step & Repeat, 888-377-1377
Banner: Build A Sign, 800-330-9622
Paparazzi photos: Pulse Entertainment, 215-354-1060
Magician: Alex’s grandpa, Magic by Wally, 352-391-1670
Cake: Bredenbeck’s Bakery, 215-247-7374
Sign-In board: designed by Mom, printed by www.zazzle.com
Dance Floor Wrap: SpeedPro Imaging, 215-293-9723
Mom’s dress: Marisa, The Art of Apparel, 215-497-7488
Sister Courtney’s dress: Lord & Taylor
Bar Mitzvah boy Alex’s suit: Lord & Taylor
Hair/makeup: Blush Hair Salon & Makeup Studio, 215-321-6186
Soft Pretzels: A Taste of Philly, 215-357-8590
October 1st, 2014
SnapShot Entertainment brings you Fingernail Printing with Tat’z Nail’z, the newest way to decorate your nails with temporary finger tattoos.
At your next Bar or Bat Mitvah, birthday party or corporate event, add glitz, glitter and glamour to your guests’ nails.
SnapShot Entertainment is a family-owned and operated business focused on creating a fun atmosphere to fit your glam party needs.
There are hundreds of designs already in the system, but you can also upload any image or logo.
See how it works by watching this video here
Your finished nails!
For more information, contact Milton at miltong@snapshotent.com or at 973-400-9338.
September 28th, 2014
Who better to find the latest and greatest for all things Bar Bat Mitzvahs than our own Mitzvah Moms!
We have spotlighted over 200 families and we thought it would be fun to call out some of the “Mom Finds” that you might have missed.
The Pollack family celebrated their daughter Lindsey’s Bat Mitzvah on April 26, 2014, at Two Below at K-Pacho in New Hyde Park, New York.
Lindsey didn’t necessarily want a theme, but knew she wanted a color scheme, a cool logo and lots of candy.
Her Mom was very resourceful. One of the many special touches was this custom LED sign which can now be used in their home.
This unique custom LED sign found by Melissa on Etsy.com
To see more ideas from the Pollack Bat Mitzvah Family Spotlight story, click here.
To see our past Mom Finds, click here.
September 28th, 2014
The Ceitlin family of Marlboro, New Jersey, celebrated their son Jared’s Bar Mitzvah at The Palms Plaza in Matawan, New Jersey.
Since Jared’s Bar Mitzvah date was in March, it was an easy theme decision: March Madness! This family loves basketball and follows along with the bracketology of the games.
Pictured L-R: Mom Marcie, sister Lainey, Bar Mitzvah boy Jared and Dad Jeff.
Photographers at 290, a division of El-Co Color Labs, photographed the event and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
Mitzvah Invitation & Service
By Dana created the basketball themed invitation.
The textured invitation in navy and orange really set the tone for the theme
The head coverings for the women were made by Mom Marcie and the kippot for the male family members were made by Grandma. For their guests, there were navy suede kippot with orange rim
Mitzvah Details
They chose “JC Madness” as the logo and were thrilled that Jared’s favorite teams were in the round playing that weekend! Although he didn’t win, he did come in 3rd in his NCAA pool! Wendy Kandell at WayKool Events created the centerpieces.
A table decorated with pictures of Jared and basketball paraphernalia
Jared's logo was created by Mom Marcie and Dana Kaufman of By Dana, Inc.
Centerpieces included foam fingers, college team logos and basketballs
The cube at the base of each centerpiece had a "JC Madness" sticker
The kids' section looked great with a blue, orange and black balloon arch
The kids received a draw string bag and pennant with Jared's logo on the back of their chair
We love this "Team Ceitlin" sports tie-up pillow
Orange and navy custom cocktail napkins
The
Ceitlin March Madness Bar Mitzvah included this seating chart that guests loved and paid homage to a final four bracket
A custom jersey was used as the sign-in and was beautifully framed by Mom Marcie
Music & Entertainment
Total Entertainment provided the music with MC Nebraska entertaining and dancing with the guests while playing Jared’s favorite tunes.
Jared made his entrance with a big smile
Great party giveaways
"Hands up in the air"
Jared’s candle lighting ceremony was very clever. “JC Madness, the Road to the Final Candle” was announced as if it was a draft/seeding similar to the actual March Madness system
Everyone pointed to Jared
Mitzvah Exit Treats & Favor
There were great stadium treats for everyone at the end of the night.
Cotton candy was part of the candy and dessert bar from Palms Plaza Catering
Team colored popcorn in custom bags from Jody's Gourmet Popcorn
Shera of Show Me the Favors created the orange hooded sweatshirt with Jared's logo on the back
Mitzvah Project
Jared has several friends and family members that suffer from loss of hearing. Living with this on a daily basis has become a personal experience. He chose to raise money for the Hearing Loss Association of America and participated in their annual 5K Walk 4 Hearing which took place in October, 2013, in New Jersey with over 50 friends and family joining him for the walk that day. He raised over $4,000 and was named the 3rd largest donor/walker in the New Jersey and one of the top 25 walkers in the United States.
Team Ceitlin and Jared raised over $4,000 and Jared was named the 3rd largest donor/walker in New Jersey and one of the top 25 walkers in the United States
Mom to Mom
Some advice from Mom Marcie:
“Plan for as much as you can, as early as you can! I wanted to personally make and do on my own, as much as possible. From the logo and theme, women’s head coverings, the sign-in board, to the water bottles, custom popcorn, baskets, and some other small favors to even the montage—it all came together. Bounce your ideas off friends and help each other out—most likely they’re going through the planning as well. Involve your child because it is all about them and they have some of the best ideas! Since Jared’s candle lighting ceremony was “JC Madness, the Road to the Final Candle,” writing that out a few months beforehand was one of the most memorable family experiences we shared. And lastly, expect the unexpected. Our transportation for the kids from the temple to the party did not show up. Friends and family took everyone and made sure everyone was ok. Once I knew all had arrived safely and knowing everything would work out, I chose not to focus on why there was no bus, but instead to enjoy every moment because I knew how fast it would be over. There really is nothing better than seeing how hard your child has worked and what they have accomplished. To then be surrounded by friends and family is truly the best!”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Jared’s celebration special. If you give any a call, please make sure they know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com
Venue: Palms Plaza Catering, 732-583-6767
Music Entertainment: MC Nebraska, Total Entertainment, 201-894-0055
Photographer: Photographers at 290, division of El-co Labs, 732-536-1808
Videographer: Eric Fisher, 732-778-8511
Décor/Party Planner: Wendy Kandell, WayKool Events, 732-682-5096
Favors: Shera, Show Me The Favors, 856-905-1101
Party entertainment: The Main Event, 732-431-0820
Invitation/Navy suede kippot: By Dana, 732-625-1471
Sign-In Jersey: Custom jersey and frame created by Mom Marcie
Color Popcorn: Jody’s Gourmet Popcorn
Mom Marcie’s dress: Nordstrom
Sister’s dress: Lola’s, 732-972-5222
Bar Mitzvah Boy: The Clothing Center, New Brunswick, NJ 732-254-0870 & Nordstrom
Hair: Salon Bellaonna, Old Bridge 732-591-1300;
Make Up: Josephine Higgins 732-890-4328
September 28th, 2014
EK Productions is a professional group of entertainers founded in 1986. Their company has grown from a successful DJ operation to a full scale event planning unit, specializing in videos, dancers, automated lighting and special effects, games, percussionists, MC’s and other exciting entertainment for Bar Bat Mitzvah celebrations.
They are a boutique entertainment company only engaging in 3 to 4 events a weekend. They pride themselves on having the most unique and elaborate entertainment set-ups in the industry. They only use the best sound and lighting and they also event plan for their clients at no extra charge.
EK Productions is also a theatrical company, from their costumed openings to their elaborate stage designs, they can take your guests on a ride. They customize every event and pay attention to the smallest details. All of their production is done in-house and never farmed out. That’s how E.K. Production can make your event different.
NEW! EK Productions Offers A “Slo Mo” Booth!
Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Your guests have fun with props in front of high speed cameras that create a custom and fun video in Slow Motion.
The videos are displayed on a large screen for all to see
Step 2: Each guest can received 4″ x 6″ color prints with the Bar Bat Mitzvah logo for great memories.
Prints with Bar Bat Mitzvah logo
Check out the Slo Mo Booth here!
Step 3: Video can be emailed to all of your guests on the spot!
To learn more, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
September 28th, 2014
Personalizing anything for your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah is a snap with OnlineLabels.com. As the name suggests, you can visit this easy-to-use Website to create labels online for just about anything you can think of, including Mitzvah Favor labels, water bottles, CDs, candy and more! We file this under “Mitzvah-Nomics” since it really is a cost saver!
Labels are available by the sheet and by the roll…
…in a variety of templates
Water bottles labels
Adorable microwave popcorn labels
Colorful labels for Hershey Kisses
We learned about OnlineLabels.com from a reader! If you have a Mitzvah Find you want to share, drop us a line at info@MitzvahMarket.com. We love giving our readers Mom-to-Mom ideas!
