September 21st, 2014
Tariko Kendall of Whimzey Events, LLC. out of Cleveland, Ohio, is a special event design and decoration company who recently transformed the ballroom of Temple-Tifereth Israel in Beachwood, Ohio, into a very cheerful Bat Mitzvah celebration.
Welcome to Greta’s Lemonade Stand…
The color palette of yellow, pink and green was incorporated into the vintage logo
Custom pink lemonade stand with hand painted accents including lemons and limes which added to the authentic feel
The place card and sign-in table
Clever (real) lemon place card holders directed guests to their tables
Signage on a blackboard directing Greta’s friends
Guests were asked to write a special note to Greta on lemon and lime shaped cutouts
Yellow, pink and green balloons were just the right touch on the kids’ tables
A very cheerful ballroom
Summer flowers, lemon and limes make for beautiful centerpieces
Keep Calm signage was on each table
The letter “G” was used on this table along with a favor of lemonade mix at each place setting
On display was a poster explaining Greta’s Mitzvah project for LUNGevity Foundation, an organization for lung cancer research
We thank Tariko Kendall and Whimzey Events for sharing this great Bat Mitzvah celebration with our readers.
September 21st, 2014
Five friends from Short Hills, New Jersey, Hannah Klein, Mike Goldberg, Zoe Ades, Nicole Horne and Ilyse Reisman teamed up for a group Mitzvah Project called, Sandwiches For Shabbat.
Their Mitzvah Project benefited three local organizations: Good People Fund, Bridges Outreach and Congregation B’nai Jeshurun.
We spoke with this group of creative kids to learn more.
MM: How did you get the ideas for this Mitzvah Project?
SFS: Our Mitzvah Project began with a conversation that Hannah’s mom had with one of the board members at the non-profit organization where she works, the Good People Fund. His name is Peter Freimark and he has organized his Temple’s ongoing Friday night Peanut Butter and Judaism (PB&J) project. Sandwiches are made by congregants after the Oneg and distributed to homeless people and shelters.
MM: Who helped you make this idea your own?
SFS: When Hannah’s mom told her about this idea, she was inspired but wondered how she would adapt this for her own Mitzvah Project. Peter lives in the Cleveland area and she lives in Short Hills, New Jersey. At her mom’s suggestion, she set up a meeting with Naomi Eisenberger, Executive Director of the Good People Fund. She meets regularly with B’nai Mitzvah students to help them design meaningful projects. She always starts by asking a poignant question. “What makes you angry in this world?” When she asked Hannah, her answer was clear: the fact that so many people are hungry. Her conversation with Naomi inspired her to do something about this injustice. She helped focus her ideas and adapt Peter’s project to something that would work for her project. From Peter’s initial idea, to her meeting with Naomi, Hannah came up the idea of “Sandwiches for Shabbat.”
MM: When did the other four friends become involved?
SFS: This was going to be big so Hannah decided to recruit several other Mitzvah students to join her efforts. Their first step was to make sure that the clergy and staff of their temple, Congregation B’nai Jeshurun, were on board with them using their space and congregants to execute their Mitzvah Project. Thankfully the rabbis and staff loved the idea and were fully behind it. Their next step was to connect with Bridges Outreach, an organization based in Summit, New Jersey, to see if they could help on the delivery end, making sure their bags went from the Oneg at the temple directly into the hands of the homeless population in their backyard — Newark, Irvington, New York City and even Summit. They too welcomed the idea of their project and any brown bag lunches they could commit to making.
MM: How did you raise funds to get supplies for the brown bag lunches?
SFS: To raise funds to purchase the supplies for the brown bag lunches for each Oneg, we launched our project with a huge bake sale after one of the first Sunday school sessions in September. We all joined forces to make the most incredible sweet table imaginable and rather than asking for a specific amount of money, we got creative!
Their signs read, “Give what you can, take what you want.” They hoped this would encourage generous donations
MM: How were the donations?
SFS: The donations came pouring in when we explained the cause and before we knew it we raised $1100 (we even took the extras and snuck into the stands of our local High School football game to sell the remainder). Some of our grandparents matched our earnings up to $200 so we ended up with a nearly $1500 budget. We then designed an attractive flyer and announced the Friday night dates for our event. Our budget supported one Friday night per month starting in October.
MM: How did you prepare for each event?
SFS: For each event we followed the guidelines that Bridges Outreach requires by purchasing supplies for 100 brown bag lunches. Costco became our friend and we even asked local restaurants for some donations. Livingston Bagel always came forth with the mustard packets and Shop Rite always honored a very low price for the turkey.
On each Friday we would announce at the end of the service how great it would be if people could stop by the Oneg not only for a bite to eat but to help feed the many people nearby who are homeless and hungry. We enlisted our fellow congregants to help us in our efforts and in the process also built community. Our assembly line consisted of bread and turkey to make the sandwiches, and a napkin, water bottle, fruit, salty snack (chip or popcorn), sweet snack (cookie) and mustard or mayonnaise pack to fill the bag. It was amazing how working together we could produce 100 brown-bag lunches in a very short amount of time. Once the bags were made we always did a quality control check to make sure all the items made their way to the bags. The final step was transporting the bags to the Bridges Outreach facility for delivery.
MM: Does your project have a start and end date, if so, what are they?
SFS: Our project spanned the entire year of our B’nai Mitzvahs.
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project?
SFS: We decided to take this on because so many people living not so far from us are hungry and without shelter. We wanted to do our share in fixing this problem.
MM: What does this Mitzvah Project mean for all of you?
SFS: It is an amazing feeling to know that we helped so many people. These lunches were delivered to people that cannot afford food or a home so we made a huge impact on their lives by feeding them.
MM: If there is another group of kids reading this story, what should they know about this Mitzvah Project?
SFS: This project is easily adaptable to other communities as well. Our group reunited for our temple’s Mitzvah Day this past March where Sandwiches for Shabbat hosted another assembly line (on a Sunday rather than Shabbat). We made 200 brown bag lunches and had at least 50 volunteers who donated supplies and helped make the lunches. It was another amazing community effort. Additionally, we talked about our group working with Mitzvah families and local catering establishments to commit to finding homeless shelters or other places to donate leftovers. Though we never tackled this piece of the project it certainly is not too late. As we are all entering high school, maybe we can all come together for Phase II.
MM: Any last thoughts?
SFS: Finally, for anyone thinking of starting a Sandwiches for Shabbat at your temple, it truly is a worthwhile experience. One area where we could have improved is soliciting donations from local businesses. We always relied on Livingston Bagel to donate the mustard/mayonnaise packets. And, Shop Rite gave us a very low price on the turkey. I believe we could have received even more donations if our efforts had been more focused on this goal.
We thank Hannah Klein, Mike Goldberg, Zoe Ades, Nicole Horne and Ilyse Reisman for sharing this great project with our readers and we hope it inspires other communities to do something similar.
September 21st, 2014
FIVE PERSONAL BAR MITZVAH TOUCHES
By Dr. and Mrs. Mitzvah (aka David and Danielle Ockman, “Favor It Things“)
Ok…We are getting down to the wire and our invitations have gone out and many responses are rolling in. We are planning a formal reception and people asked what the “dress code” would be. Our invites say, “red carpet attire” and we are planning to honor our son as “star for the night.”
As mental health professionals and parents, we have made a concerted effort to have our children understand the community and their roles as part of a society. We have imparted rules and compassion in our kids in hopes that they will be ready to be successful parts of the much larger communities. Although young, they are learning that whether in school, temple, or in their neighborhood they must be concerned with all members. However, with this in mind…there are times when it is “ok” for our children to be allowed to “shine.” The B’mitzvah is a time to celebrate this one child and stress their individual qualities and accomplishments. So, with just a month left, we finalized ways to highlight and personalize our Blake’s B’mitzvah.
We tried to find a few personal touches and it has been fun. We will share 5 of the ways we loved doing this.
1. Until we heard of Ann McKay we never realized how personal touches on our Judaica could make our B’mitzvah event so special. She created a “challah cover” that heightened our B’mitzvah theme and had our son’s haf torah portion embroidered onto it. It will be used at the reception for the all important “motzi.” It will also be a keepsake for many Sabbath dinners to come in our home and in his (in the future). We also loved finding the perfect “yad” for him to use during his torah reading. Engraving his Hebrew name onto it and making it personal will be a way to remember all of the details that were thought about for him on this milestone.
Blake’s Yad
2. Including a most important family member(s) is another way we want to make this day personal. Even though most “party professionals” warn against slowing down the celebration momentum, we are taking pride in the moment when Blake’s “great grandparents,” Stanley and Evelyn Wissner say some very special words about the boy they have loved so much for 13 years! At the ages of 91 and 90, they wrote their own words and have even injected some humor. Together, they are placing the tallit around him which is a personal moment that will mean the world to us all as our “family history and future” stand and honor each other.
Stanley and Evelyn Wissner
3. What about the cake!? (as they say in “The Mitzvah Song”)
We chose to do a B’mitzvah cake in our theme even though there are other desserts to be served. Many have questioned the necessity of a cake, but we see it as “edible décor.” Our cake company, Dona Doce’ will be making a custom cake topper out of “cold porcelain.” The cake topper is a caricature statue of the B’mitzvah child! We simply provide a picture of Blake to them and they create the fun statue in his likeness. Another momento that will last for years to come and this is sure to give us a few smiles.
Cake topper work of Dona Doce’
4. Creating a menu for each adult is somewhat common place but we personalized it by adding a warm heartfelt message from Blake on the back. We hope our guests know how much they are appreciated as a part of Blake’s life.
5. Lastly, leave it to Mrs. Mitzvah to bring the personalized touches to life in pure chocolate! Edible images of our Blake and his B’mitzvah logo in sugar will be aplenty. They will make their appearances attached to place cards, on a candy buffet, and at each adult place setting. The custom specialty of “FAVOR IT THINGS” is the elegant chocolate picture frame with edible images of the guest of honor affixed in the middle. These are an “eye catcher.” Most people respond by saying that “…they are too pretty to eat,” but somehow they seem to manage! Edible images combined with chocolate are just one more way to spot light our star.
Examples of Favor It Things edible frames
We are now receiving B’mitzvah invites by the truck load. It has been a slide show of personalized stamps and fun to watch. We couldn’t resist putting our son’s face in the upper right hand corner too, thanks to “stamps.com.”
Our B’mitzvah event is almost here. Next time we will use this wonderful blogging opportunity from “Mitzvah Market” to have an after party recap with pictures and “let the credits roll.”
ABOUT DAVID AND DANIELLE OCKMAN
David and Danielle Ockman love South Florida and reside in Deerfield Beach with their 12 year old son Blake, and 7 year old daughter, Skylar. Blake’s B’mitzvah is scheduled for October, 2014.
David is a licensed clinical psychologist practicing in the field of addictions for over 20 years and Danielle is a Social Worker and the Dean of Students at a private Jewish Day School. Danielle’s passion for making people treats lead her to preparing “specialty and custom” chocolate and edible B’mitzvah favors for “Favor It Things.” David and Danielle have become known in the B’mitzvah community of South Florida, as they host the Facebook group, “South Florida Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah Planning Group.” Some consider this group to be the B’mitzvah hub, bringing parents and vendors together for a “virtual B’mitzvah showcase” everyday. Since starting the FB page, David has been called “Dr. Mitzvah” and the couple continue to talk many B’mitzah parents down off the ledge!
Catch up on what you might have missed:
Blog post #1 here
Blog post #2 here
Blog post #3 here
Blog post #4 here
September 21st, 2014
Simon Elliot Events is a New York based event production company that specializes in state of the art digital media. The Simon Elliot creative team is dedicated to providing innovative services and productions that inspire. They live outside the box and welcome you to explore our constantly evolving service offering.
Introducing…. Elite Feet™
What’s a pair of sick kicks without a matching pair of socks!? With Elite Feet™ your guests will have the rare chance to completely customize a pair of Nike Elite socks live at your Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration.
At the Elite Feet™ kiosk your guests will choose from various colors of socks and designs, and even be able to create custom designs on the fly!
Finished socks are bagged and tagged by name, ready for pickup
Graphics are sublimated directly into the fabric producing a full color quality far better than iron-on heat pressing
To learn more, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
September 15th, 2014
The Perchekly family of Plainview, New York, celebrated their daughter Gabriella’s (Gabby) Bat Mitzvah service at Temple Chaverim in Plainview, New York. Later that evening there was a celebration at Temple Or Elohim in Jericho, New York.
Since Gabby loves to dance and the family loves a good party, combining the two was a great way to celebrate.
Using the “The Great Gabby” as her logo, this party had lots of glitz and glamour!
Pictured L-R: Mom Sabina, Brother Aaron, Bat Mitzvah girl Gabby and Dad Alexander.
The photographer was Simon Elliot Events and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.
Gabby during her formal pictures taken at Temple Or Elohim. Her service dress is from Best Dressed New York
The unique invitation was a purple Lucite letter “G” from Debbie Lee of Invitation House.
Gabby’s beautiful white tulle custom designed gown with a gold accented bodice was from It’s Simply for You. Gabby looking very glamorous with her family
This custom logo had an art deco feel and was used throughout the party. Mom Sabina created the logo and Simon Elliot Events produced it.
Simon Elliot Event hung and wrapped these great pictures from Gabby’s photo shoot creating the wow factor as guests arrived. Feather Centerpieces created the dramatic entrance once inside the reception area as well as all the centerpieces on the tables, runners and customized G’s that held the draping back inside the room.
Once inside, guests knew they were in for something unique and special. The dramatic hot pink, over-sized boa feathers with some bling, from Feather Centerpieces, made quite a statement. Hasson Caterers did all the draping.
Even the inside of the ballroom doors were wrapped!
Bottles of champagne for the adults doubled as place cards and favors and were placed on top of a beautiful hot pink table linen
Simon Elliot Events created the labels, Mom Sabina bought and labeled them herself
White feather centerpieces were so vibrant against the black table linens, gold Chiavari chairs and accented with hot pink napkins
Gabby’s logo was used for the table numbers and were placed in crystal frames
The dance floor also included hi-top tables
Simon Elliot Events used photos of Gabby on their light-up tables
A gold bean bag chair, from Bean Bag City served as the elegant sign-in.
Mom Sabina and her friend Julie Klimchak designed Gabby’s Horah chair. Love the bling on the top of the chair!
Gabby looks great in the chair ready for the Horah to begin
MC Showtyme and the ET Events dancers brought their incredible energy! Young guests enjoying dance giveaways like these pinnies from A Promos USA/Imagemaker
With her friends joining in, everyone partied into the late evening
Simon Elliot Events provided the Selfie Booth, an open air kiosk where guests were able to add filters, text message, email, and post pictures to Facebook and Twitter and print as many copies as they’d wanted. This booth was customized with Gabby’s logo as guests posed in front of a step n repeat
Hasson Caterers created the pretty cake used for her candle lighting ceremony. Mom Sabina found perfect votives with crystals to hold the different colored candles surrounding the cake
Gabby surrounded by all her friends
The Coolest Giveaways created the custom logo’d favor bags and sweatshirts. The draw string favor bags ready to be picked up
On the sleeve was the title of a Fergie song, “A Little Party Never Killed Nobody” along with “xoxo Gabby.”
The “xoxo” were in rhinestones.
Gabby modeling her great sweatshirt with her logo on the back
Adults received a “Gabriella” bottle of wine as another favor
Baked by Melissa’s signature mini cupcakes were on hand as guests were leaving.
Mini Baked By Melissa Cupcakes for guests to take home
Gabby raised money for the PKU Alliance. Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a rare, inherited metabolic disorder that is characterized by the inability of the body to utilize the essential amino acid, phenylalanine. This is very dear to Gabby’s heart as one of her close friends has the disorder. It affects the way the body breaks down protein. Gabby had a Shop for a Cause at Carrie’s Closet in Plainview, New York and donated the profits to The National PKU Alliance. This organization works to improve the lives of families and individuals associated with PKU through research, support, and education, while ultimately seeking a cure. The National PKU Alliance not only supports the families and individuals but they are also a leading force in fighting insurance companies to give families the right amount of money to get the proper foods and medicine that individuals with PKU need.
Advice from Mom Sabina:
“Use people you trust and that work with Bat/Bar Mitzvah families on a weekly basis.”
The following vendors made Gabby’s celebration special. If you contact any of them please make sure they know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Temple Or Elohim, 516-433-9888
Caterer: Hasson Caterers, 516-937-0120
Party Planner: Mom Sabina
Music Entertainment/MC: Showtyme, ET Events, 516-826-6900
Photographer/Videographer: Simon Elliott Events, 516-586-6822
Feather centerpieces: Jamie, Feather Centerpieces, 800-896-9669
Favors: Sue, The Coolest Giveaways, 516-466-5728
Party pinnie giveaways: Mindy, A Promos USA/ ImageMaker, 800-987-8766
Party entertainment: Selfie Booth, Simon Elliot Events
Invitation: Debbie, Invitation House, 516-681-0664
Cake: Hasson Caterers, 516-433-9888
Sign-In board: Bean Bag City, 800-800-6050
Pictures for Entrance: Simon Elliot Events, 516-586-6822
Horah Chair: Mom Sabina and Julie Klimchak of Blingsisters, blingsisters@aol.com
Crystal candle holders: Michael’s
Mitzvah Exit: Baked By Melissa, 212-842-0220
Gabby’s service dress: Best Dressed NY, 212-600-4607
Gabby’s custom party dress: It’s Simply For You, 516-921-2863
Mom service dress: Bloomingdales/Party dress: Vera Wang
Dad’s suit: Lord and Taylor
Brother’s suit: Kenny’s Mens and Boyswear/Party shirt: Nordstrom
Hair: Vincenza Suppa, Unique Salon and Spa, 516-932-1348
Makeup: Jacqueline Nicole Cosmetics, 800-833-2250
Transportation: First Student Bus, 516-433-7600
Party security: Hasson Caterers, 516-937-0120
September 14th, 2014
On Sept. 30, 2014, Ben Gavartin, a seventh-grader from Scottsdale, Arizona, and student at Veritas Preparatory Academy in Phoenix, Arizona, will be ready to give back to his community in an ambitious and delicious way!
Ben’s Mitzvah Project, “Ben Feeds Back” is turning a large homeless shelter into a 5-star restaurant.
With the help of his family, friends and generous local merchants they will transform the United Methodist Outreach Missions (UMOM) cafeteria into an upscale restaurant. A great menu, beautiful linens, music and waiter service are all on tap enabling these families to have a wonderful dining experience.
We asked Ben a few questions to learn more:
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project?
BG: I love food and I love helping people. I came up with the upscale version of feeding the homeless for my Mitzvah Project. I am a foodie and enjoy dining out with my family. I realized that many people don’t have the same opportunities so I wanted to share a surprise fine dining experience with UMOM families. UMOM is an outstanding organization that helps more homeless families in Arizona than any other organization.
MM: Can you tell us what type of experience you will be giving these families?
BG: This year, UMOM is celebrating its 50th anniversary and I want to surprise 200 homeless men, women and children at UMOM New Day Centers with a three-course, gourmet meal. When families walk in, they will be greeted by a host and seated as if they’re in a restaurant. Tables will be covered in linens and flowers. There will be live music. Families will be waited on by servers. They will have a salad, short ribs in pasta and dessert. I don’t have dessert donated yet, so I am still looking for a bakery to make 200 individual fancy desserts.
MM: You have an amazing Website, how else are you spreading the word?
BG: Companies that have signed on to help. We just got word that Pepsi is going to provide the beverages!! In addition, Local One helped build my website, Benfeedsback.com. I write blog updates and monitor other social media accounts and e-mail daily. Tempe-based Creative Occasions, an event decor company, is donating the linens and other props for the dining room. McCelendon’s Select will donate almost all the produce, Rocking R Farms and Circle Key Farms are donating all the short ribs. Chef Eddie Matney of Eddie’s House, agreed to run the kitchen that night. Several servers have volunteered to be the evening’s wait staff. I reach out to all my supporters regularly and ask them to help spread the word. I have been lucky with lots of local media coverage as well.
MM: What does it mean for your family to be involved in Ben Feeds Back?
BG: It took a lot of steps at first. I had to ask lots of people to help me, research homeless shelters and try to find a location, design a website, and much more. When I asked Chef Matney to help me, I told him I still didn’t have a location yet. I went with my mom to see a few shelters and spoke to lots, but none were the right fit. Chef Matney gave us a contact at UMOM. I want to make people feel happy and that there is hope. These kids and their families never get to go out for food or do nice things. I wanted to make them feel special.
MM: What else do we need to know?
BG: There are many ways people can help!
One: Help spread the word. Post my website, benfeedsback.com to your Facebook page and share it with all of your friends. The more people who know about this, the more donations I can get for UMOM.
Two: Be cool and make a donation through my Website to UMOM. You can get a dollar for dollar tax credit up to $400 if you select the working poor tax credit. That means your money can go to UMOM instead of your taxes to the state of Arizona. I have a goal of $25,000 and I have raised $8,094 so far!!
Three: I am still in need of the following items: 600 stems of random flowers, a bakery for individual desserts for 200 people, a bakery for dinner rolls for 200 people, fancy plastic plates, silverware and glasses.
We thank Ben and his family for sharing this amazing Mitzvah Project with our readers. For more information you can email him at ben@benfeedsback.com or visit his website at BenFeedsBack.com.
September 14th, 2014
Many children choose to enter their Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration on the shoulders of the DJ dancers, but a growing number of families are getting more creative!
A unique entrance can show off your child’s personality as soon as they walk in. Check out our previous story Creative Bar Bat Mitzvah Entrances and take a look at all the great ideas below:
Sweet Dreams Studios took a great shot of this Bat Mitzvah girl’s special entrance on a throne
A large screen and the Bat Mitzvah girl’s silhouette lead to a terrific entrance from EK Productions
From Lighter Than Air Events, the guest of honor was driven into the party room on the back of a golf cart decorated with her logo
This Bat Mitzvah girl took a ride with Unique Musique Entertainment for her entrance
Since Amanda is on a cheer team, it was only appropriate that during her entrance guests cheered holding purple pom-poms.
See more from this story in the Hally Bat Mitzvah Family Spotlight
Creative Photography by Maya sent us this shot of a Bar Mitzvah boy being escorted into the room by the Amazing Bottle Dancers
Leanna Grau’s Bat Mitzvah was at SPACE in Engelwood, New Jersey. Leanna was lifted and zip-lined across the dance floor to her destination as impressed guests looked on and recorded it on their smart phones. To see more ideas from this celebration, click here
Sarah Merians Photography & Video Company shot this Bar Mitzvah boy entering on a surfboard
From an upcoming Mitzvah Family Spotlight story, Lighter Than Air Events made a breakaway wall for this Bar Mitzvah entrance
Another breakaway idea was used with a Twilight Zone theme when Bar Mitzvah the Bar Mitzvah boy came through a television from HRG Creations
When your last name is “Horror”witz and your theme is Halloween, your entrance is spooky!
See more of this celebration from Party Perfect Orlando here
Did your child have a creative entrance to their Bar or Bat Mitzvah? Please send us a photo at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
September 11th, 2014
Summer is almost over, and we have lots to look forward to! New fall clothes, apple cider, pumpkin carvings, and new ground breaking services from Simon Elliot Events.
The Simon Elliot creative team has been hard at work this summer preparing new games, custom giveaways, and photo favors that are sure to take your event to the next level. Today, Mitzvah Market readers will get an exclusive first-look at what’s in store.
Here’s the deal:
Mention this Mitzvah Market blast 2014 and receive free custom printed graphics on any service listed in this blast.
*New bookings only, package exclusive to extra entertainment services, can not be combined with other offers, event must be booked in 2014.
The Simon Elliot creative team is dedicated to providing innovative services and productions that inspire! Below is their NEWEST in Entertainment for your Bar Bat Mitzvah Guests!
1. StickerBomb
StickerBomb that shiny new MacBook with a customized hardshell cover and a ton of trendy stickers. From the StickerBomb kiosk, guests choose their favorite color MacBook cover and then customize it from our extensive inventory of popular computer stickers.
StickerBomb Kiosk
All of the stickers are designed and printed in-house so we can add tons of custom options to complement any theme. Don’t miss this opportunity to have the coolest MacBook in school this year!
2. Body Bling Tattoos
Bling your body from head to toe with our custom line of metallic temporary tattoos. Guests choose from a wide range of designs in gold or silver metallic.
The Body Bling kiosk is sure to draw a crowd. Your guests will have their tattoos applied right at the kiosk by our trained staff. Body Bling Tattoos are non-toxic and last 4-6 days. With advance notice our design team can create custom metallic tattoos just for your affair!
3. Elite Feet
What’s a pair of kicks without a matching pair of socks!? With Elite Feet your guests will have the rare chance to completely customize a pair of Nike Elite socks live at your Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration.
At the Elite Feet kiosk your guests will choose from various colors of socks and designs, and even be able to create custom designs on the fly!
4. Custom Speaker Station
Let’s face it, the tech revolution is upon us, with product innovation at an exponential pace. Stay one step ahead of the curve this year with our brand new customizable portable speaker station. Give your guests a favor they will never put down when they have the chance to amplify music from their smart phone or iPod in a whole new way. Guests choose their color of speaker, customize it with graphics, and the fun begins. Our proprietary Magic Speaker works right out of the box, guests simply turn on the speaker on their music device, place it on top of the speaker, and wirelessly without any setup , music will begin streaming through the speaker.
Every speaker package comes with our signature kiosk that is sure to be a focal point of your affair. Our helpful staff is on site to help guests with their selections. Speakers come packaged in a full color custom box that can include photos, logos and more. This is the ultimate accesory to take to camp, on long road trips, or even listen to tunes on your bed.
5. Party Time
What time is it? It’s Party Time! No seriously! Colorful watches are where it’s at right now, just ask any kid to see their special edition G-Shock watch collection.
For the first time, guests can now customize their own watch live at your affair. At our LED lit Party Time kiosk guests will have the option to choose one of eight watch band colors, and a custom graphic face featuring some of today’s most popular trends. Our helpful staff is on site to assist guests with their selection and to assemble their watches. Don’t be late to the party, check out Party Time Today!
6. Custom Headphone Station
If there’s one accessory every kid has to have, it’s a custom pair of designer headphones. With our Custom Headphone Station, each of your child’s guests will have the opportunity to customize a pair of headphones to take home with them as a party favor. Our design team has created a series of pop culture decals that include sports, music, celebrities, and more.
Each pair of headphones is presented in a custom box designed for your affair.
The Custom Headphone Station features an LED lit kiosk with a mall style appearance presenting all the headphone colors and customizing options.
7. Touchscreen Arcade
Every great affair is made up of a few very important components, great food, great music, and great entertainment. With our state-of-the-art TouchTech gaming tables, take your event entertainment to the next level where controllers, keyboards, and mice, are a thing of the past. Accommodating up to 8 players simultaneously at a single table, guests can compete in digital air hockey, casino games like roulette and poker, board games, action games, and more. You’ll never have to worry about your guests getting bored with only one game to play, our tables come loaded with hundreds of gaming options. We’ve designed these tables to enhance the look of your affair with sleek LED lit acrylic podiums, customizable backlit graphics, and even multiple table heights so you can make them part of your lounge furniture area. Our tables can easily be moved from cocktail to reception so you get the most playing time possible throughout the affair. Our helpful attendants are on site to make sure everyone gets a chance to get in on the action. Get in touch today to find out more about the TouchTech Arcade.
8. Selfie Photo Booth
The selfie craze is in full force, amplified by the popularity of instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, and more. If you’re wondering, a selfie is a self portrait taken on a smart phone or digital camera. Friends love to send photo updates throughout the day that show where they’ve been, what they’ve eaten, and who they’re with. Our new Selfie booth takes the selfie to the next level with our customized Selfie Photo Booth featuring wireless triggering of photos, automated printing and even full photo editing capabilities via our ultra popular Strolling Photos editing suite.
9. Mitzvah Madness Basketball™
Basketball for Bar/Bat Mitzvahs will never be the same. We’ve rethought, redesigned and rebuilt arcade style basketball from the ground up. Introducing Mitzvah Madness, featuring up to 4 players simultaneously competing in a :60 second shootout. Scores are displayed in real time on a plasma screen built into the backboard that features each guests’ name as they play. At the end of each round, a “round winner” is displayed along with an up-to-date top 10 leader board for your affair.
Watch a video about Mitzvah Madness here
Each player’s stats are tallied and saved in our database enabling guests to keep track of their progress from past events and to see where they stand on the current leader boards. We will be keeping track of stats on a regional and state level offering big ticket prizes to the highest scorers each season.
Mitzvah Madness can be designed as a completely customized experience for your affair. All of the backlit graphics surrounding the game can be designed and printed to match your theme and color scheme. Our custom programmed light shows emanating from inside the game will make Mitzvah Madness a focal point in your ballroom. The pre-round countdown, score board, leader board, and game soundtrack can be customized as well. No two Mitzvah Madness tournaments are the same.
Want more basketball? Mitzvah Madness can be tethered side by side to allow up to 8 players to compete at one time.
10. Fit+ Challenge™
Let’s face it, kids today love shoes and technology. This revolutionary service features Nike’s Hyperdunk+ technology. Guests face off in a fitness challenge that measures vertical jump height and running speed. Guests strap on a pair of our custom designed glow in the dark Fit + Hyperdunks, offered in all popular sizes. The shoes wirelessly transmit each player’s information to our plasma screens in real time. Onlookers will be amazed to see this tournament in action.
Watch a video about Fit+Challenge here
The Fit + stage can be completely custom designed to match your affair featuring custom backdrops, plasma frames, flooring and even custom shoes.
Winners receive prizes including Nike giftcards, Nike clothing and an optional new pair of Nike Hyperdunks!
As an added option, your Fit+ Challenge stats can be posted online to a private gallery on FitPlusChallenge.com so your guests can download and save their performances and stats.
11. Strolling Photos™
This changes everything about photo favors! Strolling Photos is a brand new take on photo favors for your event. Our professional photographers are equipped with editing tablets enabling them to snap your guests photos anywhere throughout your affair, edit the photo in front of you, and wirelessly transmit it for printing. All you have to do is pick it up.
Guests can then edit their photos on the spot, adding filters, borders, digital stickers and even drawing on their photos. Adult guests frequently get caught up in a conversation or on the dance floor and never make it to the photo booth. With Strolling Photos we go to them. Young guests will have a ball editing their photos to their hearts content and without a backdrop and tables you’ll gain valuable real estate in your party room.
Framed prints are ready for pickup in no time at all. Guests can even email themselves their photos and link them to their Facebook pages the moment the photos are taken!
12. Superstar Photo Booth
The Superstar Photo Booth is a completely customized photo booth experience. The booth is designed to fit up to 10 adults comfortably and is completely wrapped in custom graphics.
The outside of the booth features an LED screen that loops all of the photos taken during the party. The inside of the booth features a customized touch screen interface and custom printed backdrop or step and repeat.
Photos can be presented in custom layouts with great framing options.
If you’re looking for a photo favor option that is unlike anything else you’ve seen, the search stops here!
To learn more about Simon Elliot Events, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
September 10th, 2014
Mitzvah Market couldn’t wait to showcase these beautiful centerpieces sent to us by Mitzvah Mom Gail of New York City. She found a way to have centerpieces created from school supplies and then donated all of it to a school in need!
Gail and her husband Rob wanted something beautiful and practical for their son Jonathan’s Bar Mitzvah which was held at the ballroom of TwentyFourFifth in New York City on January 9, 2010. Their son loves to read, so they decided on the theme of “books” and also worked that into the Mitzvah Decor.
Mitzvah Mom Gail explains: “Instead of floral arrangements, our floral designer, Marc Wilson of Marc Wilson Design created individual arrangements for each table out of books and school supplies. The materials were all donated to the Harlem Children Zone after our party. Marc was incredible, and each table had a different arrangement. They were each so beautiful and unique.”
Gail continued, “Twenty Four Fifth was incredibly cooperative about the situation. The Harlem Children Zone did a pick up that Monday morning, and it all went swimmingly. Also, we had a book cake that was really great, and in theme.” She adds, “This all tied together as Jonathan’s Mitzvah Project was working at the NY Public Library, so books really started and ended the Bar Mitzvah, and it brought it all together.”
One of the centerpieces on the kids’ tables
Some of the supplies displayed!
A “paperclip and Sharpie” tree sat next to the placecards
Close-up…so clever!
Placecards were made from regular index cards to keep with the theme
Another centerpiece on one of the kids’ tables
We love the flowers made from construction paper!
A BIG thanks to Mitzvah Mom Gail for sharing this fabulous idea with our readers. Instead of throwing away beautiful centerpieces, everything was donated and is being used by school children!
If you have an idea to share with Mitzvah Market, please send it to info@MitzvahMarket.com.
September 10th, 2014
The Altman family from Newton, Massachusetts, celebrated daughter Jessica’s Bat Mitzvah with a morning service at the Newton Marriott in Newton, Massachusetts.
Later that evening it was time to celebrate at the WGBH Television Studios in Boston, Massachusetts.
Mom Caroline has a gift business specializing in monogrammed gifts and many of the little touches at the party and throughout the weekend were done by her.
Pictured L-R: Sister Lily, Dad Dave, Bat Mitzvah girl Jessica, Mom Carrie and sister Abby.
The photographer was C.A. Smith Photography and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.
Hopple Popple Events created the modern purple acrylic invitation with white font
A “synagogue” was created in the Newton Marriott by Atlas Floral. They did a beautiful job re-creating these Chagall windows and custom purple Bimah. They also did a custom ark to match the color scheme
The view from the back of the ballroom for the service
The “Mazel Tov Jessica” bags were little candies that were thrown at Jessica after she completed her Torah portion
Atlas Florists did the decor for the Friday night dinner and kiddush luncheon after services. We love the modern geometric linens!
Whimsical centerpieces on the buffet
This stylish family looked great. Sister Lily in pink tulle, Mom Caroline wearing a floor length beaded Anne Bowen gown, Bat Mitzvah girl Jessica wearing a cocktail dress with beading and tulle, Dad Dave in a custom suit by Beckenstein Fabrics and sister Abby in a purple satin cocktail dress
The cutting-edge studios of Boston’s public broadcasting station WGBH is one Boston’s most unique event spaces. It was transformed into a wonderful party space for Jessica and her guests
This venue includes a theater, the perfect place to watch a montage
The team from Hopple Popple Events along with NYC based Atlas Florist collaborated on the stunning design and flawless execution. With a purple and white color palette, the decor was modern and chic. Large screens with Jess’ name and photos surrounded the room
Customized throw pillows decorated the lounge
Contemporary flower chandeliers appeared to hang from above, along with the up lighting that provided a glow in the room
Communal tables with purple linens and white accents with chairs and napkins
The flowers and vases were acrylic and were custom made through Mom’s company, Caroline Eva
Every décor detail was accounted for including coasters
Back lit bar with Jessica’s name in different fonts was a great decor element in the room
This raffia bag, filled with awesome goodies, was placed in the hotel rooms of out-of- town guests. The custom ribbon was used to tie the raffia hotel bags and on trays for the kippot for Friday night dinner and Shabbat services
Some of the candy treats inside
Stylish cosmetic case perfect for the weekend
Custom soap jar and paper towels in the ladies room
Hair ties, custom logo mints and personalized lip balm beautifully placed in different sized glass apothecary jars
Customized mints
Guests were wowed when Jessica made her dramatic entrance
The DJ set-up included a custom stage with Jessica’s name
Northern Lights Entertainment did an awesome job of playing great music that kept everyone on the dance floor all night long
The sign-in book had an acrylic cover with a custom logo
Guests raved about the food from Catering by Andrew out of Brookline, Massachusetts. An amazing display with purple flower ice sculptures which incorporated Jess’ logo!
Modern white trays were used for serving hors d’oeuvres
Food was delicious and beautifully presented
TheCoolestGiveaways.com created the sweatshirts and black hats for boys. Mom Caroline did the favor bags and the purple beenie hats for the girls. The bags were lined up in cubbies waiting for guests to pick up at the end of the night
Back of the sweatshirts
Knit Beanie hats for the girls, the boys received the same in solid black
Jessica’s camp friends loved their hats!
Custom soft pretzel bar for dessert as guests left the reception
Beautiful branded napkins and coffee cups
Mitzvah Project:
Jessica loves water. Her friends always joke that she is always drinking water. Jessica raised $10,000 for a charity called charity:water. As a result she will have a well in her name in Nepal. Here is the thank you letter she sent to all of her guests that donated to this special organization:
“Thank you, Thank you, and Thank you! I am so grateful to all of you who generously contributed to my charity: water campaign!! With all of your help, I was able to raise $10,000!!! As a result, there will be a new dug well in Nepal that will have my name on it. Nepal is known for its beautiful Himalayan Mountains, deep valleys and richly flowing streams — but many of its water sources are contaminated by naturally-occurring arsenic. Half of the kids living in Nepal are underweight and 60% of childhood deaths are due to malnutrition, which is made worse by dirty drinking water. Sanitation is also a major concern. As you’re probably already aware, charity: water’s “Dollars to Projects” takes charity one step further. They will show us the impact of our gift by describing the details of the project our money made possible and so successful. This is the first time I ever got involved in raising money for a good cause and the experience was so great that I will definitely try to help others again. I am so grateful to all of you for helping me make this Mitzvah Project possible! Now I just need to convince my parents to take me to Nepal to visit my ‘Jessica Altman’ well which was made possible by all of your generosity.”
Jessica with a water container
Some advice from Mom Carrie:
“Don’t forget who the party is for and who you are celebrating! We had a 250 person party with 105 kids. Throughout the planning process we always made sure that we were planning a party For Jessica celebrating Jessica. My next piece of advice would be to include your child and listen to her suggestions and ideas. She goes to Bar and Bat Mitzvahs every weekend. Make sure you ask her what has been successful at past parties she has gone to and enjoyed.”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Jessica’s celebration special. If you call any of these vendors, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Service/Shabbat dinner venue: Newton Marriott, 617-969-1000
Service Decor/florist: Atlas Floral, NYC location, 212-707-8355
Reception venue: WGBH, 617-964-6550
Reception party planner: Hopple Popple, 617-964-6550
Caterer: Catering by Andrew, 617-731-6585
Music Entertainment/MC: Northern Lights, Boston: 978-443-0025, New York: 212-213-2030
Photographer: CA Smith Photography, 207-468-8367
Videographer/Montage: Lucky Quarter Productions, 617-418-7640
Girls purple hat favors/bags: Mom Carrie, Caroline Eva Gifts, 617-244-7879
Sweatshirt Favors/boys hats: TheCoolestGiveaways.com, 516-466-5728
Invitation/Cupcake Cake: Hopple Popple, 617-964-6550
Custom Sign-In book/Photo props: Mom Carrie, Caroline Eva, 617-244-7879
Bathroom décor/Custom logoed cups: Mom Carrie, Caroline Eva, 617-244-7879
Dress for Mom: Personal shopper to Anne Bowen, 212-951-1102
Suit for Dad: Custom suit by Beckenstein Bespoke, 800-221-2727
Transportation for hotel guests: Prism Livery, 877-583-2247
