October 14th, 2015
Atlantis Banquets & Events is a full-service Bar Mitzvah & Bat Mitzvah catering venue located within the Long Island Aquarium. They specialize in weddings, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, proms, birthday parties, and other special and corporate events. They offer incomparable service and exquisite cuisine, and can tailor a menu to your requirements and budget.
Your once-in-a-lifetime celebration not only deserves upscale kosher-style catering, but it also demands the whimsy and wonder that they can provide in their one-of-a-kind setting.
Whether you’re looking for an intimate place for a quiet party, a large hall for hundreds of well-wishers, or a unique setting surrounded by water, Atlantis Banquets & Events is the right choice for your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration.
In the same venue, they offer a variety of different looks. Here are a few examples:
The Coral Reef Tank
The Formal Sea Star Ballroom
The Terrace Room
The Riverfront
The Shark Room
The Coliseum Room
The Koi Pond
The Crab Villa
To learn more about Atlantis Banquets & Events, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
October 14th, 2015
As you know, we profile Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah children and their Mitzvah Projects regularly. They are all archived on MitzvahMarket.com.
We have written in the past about the on-going project of Alex Grey from Woodbury, New York, called Operation Sweatshirt.
Now in his 6th year collecting and donating sweatshirts, Alex (pictured left) is now a 14-year-old at Cold Spring Harbor High School in Cold Spring Harbor, New York.
To date, he has collected more than 1,800 sweatshirts which have been delivered to eight different organizations.
He is collecting once again and asks that you help him by cleaning out your closets and to email this to any friends who may be able to help his cause.
The Grey family can meet you at Cold Spring Harbor High School or Syosset High School, Woodbury Jewish Center in Woodbury, NY. Email Mom Sue grey at suegrey@verizon.net to make arrangements.
Cleaning out your closet will be helping a good cause!
We love this idea for so many reasons. It’s easy to duplicate anywhere in the country and is a simple solution to a big issue. We also congratulate Alex who has kept his Mitzvah Project going for years past his Bar Mitzvah!
Here’s what Alex had to say when we first interviewed him:
MM: Please explain how you came up with this terrific Mitzvah Project idea.
AG: Children on Long Island go to many Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations throughout the year. Often, they are given a sweatshirt as a giveaway. Throughout the year, they collect so many sweatshirts; they do not know what to do with them. My Mitzvah Project, which I started four years ago, is to collect and then donate sweatshirts to the homeless people of New York City. When I am in New York City in the winter, I see homeless people on the sidewalk and they look like they are freezing. I hope that these sweatshirts will help keep them warm.
Alex, from a few years ago, with some of the many sweatshirts he collected
MM: How many have you collected so far?
AG: Over the past six years, with help from family and friends, I have collected and donated over 1,800 sweatshirts to the homeless and underprivileged on Long Island and in New York City. I hope the homeless people will benefit from these sweatshirts throughout the years.
MM: How do we donate?
AG: We can collect sweatshirts at Cold Spring Harbor High School in Cold Spring Harbor, New York or Syosset High School in Syosset, New York as well as Woodbury Jewish Center in Woodbury, New York. Any questions contact Mom Sue Grey at suegrey@verizon.net.
We want to thank Alex for sharing this great idea with our Mitzvah Market readers.
October 12th, 2015
Spencer’s Bar Mitzvah is coming up and for his Mitzvah Project he decided to use his love of dogs, and his creativity, as the motivation to launch a contest he named the Caring Canine Costume Campaign (CCCC). He’s inviting people to post a photo of their dog dressed up in his or her favorite costume.
The CCCC benefits The Good Dog Foundation which was founded as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization in 1998 and whose mission is to ease human suffering and promote recovery from trauma and stress using animal-assisted therapy services.
The organization brings certified therapy dog teams to nursing homes, hospitals, schools, and community facilities in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Massachusetts. They also assist at disaster sites throughout the United States.
Pictured left is Spencer and Sasha as Wonder Dog.
Read on to find out more about this great contest and Mitzvah Project.
MM: Can you give us details about your Mitzvah Project?
SG: People can find the contest on my Caring Canine Costume Campaign Facebook page. You enter by posting a picture of your dog dressed up in costume. Every person who posts a picture is encouraged to make a donation of any size at the Good Dog Foundation’s Website. Posting a picture of your dog makes you eligible to win a prize! The winner is the owner of the dog that looks best/cutest in their costume, as chosen by a panel of judges. The winning photo will be posted on The Good Dog Foundation Website. There is no minimum donation to enter, but we hope you will make a gift. My goal is to raise at least $1,000. Every donation, no matter the size, is meaningful. Because you are donating to the Good Dog Foundation, all gifts are tax-deductible. The important thing is that this is for a great cause, so please dress up your dog and donate today!
MM: Does your project have a start and end date, if so what are they?
SG: The campaign started May 1, 2015, and photos posted until November 1, 2015 will be eligible for the prize. With Halloween coming up, it’s the perfect time to dress up your dog and do good at the same time!
One of the nominees
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project?
SG: I love dogs and my whole family lights up when they see our dog, Sasha. She makes us happy and helps us recover from a hard day. When I’m sick and have to stay home from school, she never leaves my side. For my Bar Mitzvah Project, I thought it would be perfect if I could raise money for an organization that uses the healing power of dogs to help people. What better choice is there than the Good Dog Foundation?
MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bar Mitzvah?
SG: I am happy to be doing this Mitzvah Project because I think it’s good to help people who are in need. I love dogs and I thought it would be nice if I could support a cause that involves dogs and people who need help. I thought of therapy dogs which led me to the Good Dog Foundation and the Caring Canine Costume Campaign makes it fun for people to participate.
For more information on The Good Dog Foundation, visit their Website or call them at (888) 859-9992.
October 12th, 2015
Hi Tech Photography and Events recently planned a winning basketball themed Bar Mitzvah for the Malamud family of Plainview, New York.
The party took place on June 13, 2015 at Temple Chaverim in Plainview, New York.
Zach comes from a family of sports fans and his love of basketball was the focus of his party that included a clever logo, multi-level centerpieces and decor.
Hi Tech Photography Events was the photographer.
The classic invitation was done by Beth Shapiro of Invitations with Love
The temple foyer was decorated to resemble a mini locker room with an oversized-seating chart for Zach’s All-Star guests
The Malamud family wore white so everyone knew who the real MVP was. The boys (and Dad Freddy too) all wore Nike sneakers
for the party to carry out the theme!
The doors to the ballroom were a prime spot for pictures of Zach wearing his logo “Zach Knows,” inspired by Nike Knows
Jerseys from Zach’s favorite teams served as table numbers
The multi-level centerpieces included memorabilia such as hats and basketballs. The linens were cobalt blue with lime green napkins
The kids’ lounge area had white furniture and the draping featured different images of Zach taken during his Bar Mitzvah pre-shoot
Great touches like this one above gave the decor an authentic basketball feel
Zach was all smiles as he was carried in by the Party Harty Entertainment dancers dressed in New York Knick City dancer outfits
The cake and candles for the candle lighting ceremony were in party colors
Kona Ice was a great addition for a June party
Randi Lehman of That One Special Touch created the favor bags and labels all displayed here and ready to be picked up by Zach’s friends
Lisa Willet of Print Me a Tee created the logo’d t-shirt favors
Great poster and creative idea to include pictures of Zach’s older brother Brett and sister Jenna into the party
Photography/Videography/Decor/Lounge Furniture/Seating Chart: Hi-Tech Photography Events; Music Entertainment: Party Harty Entertainment; Venue: Temple Chaverim; Caterer/Lounge furniture/Drapery and basketball stadium mural : Hasson Caterers;
Kona Ice Truck: Kona Ice; Invitation: Beth Shapiro, Invitations with Love; T-shirt favors: Print Me a Tee; Party favor bags and labels: Randi Lehman, That One Special Touch.
October 7th, 2015
Are you looking for high-quality Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah apparel for your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah Favor?
EK Apparel Prints is a new division of EK Productions, a music entertainment company since 1986. They use top quality apparel and their printing process produces the highest quality images on many types of garments, especially 100% cotton and high-cotton blend t-shirts. They specialize in Direct to Garment (DTG) Printing and provide Full Color printing on only the highest of quality garments. They offer clients everything from T-shirts, sweatshirts, Hoodies, shorts, hats, bags, blankets and towels. Wash after wash, their garments will last for years! They do not use any screens for artwork, therefore there are no screen charges or minimum orders.
Here are some examples of their work:
EK Apparel Prints will design a custom logo for your child’s theme or color scheme
They offer quick turn-around with no minimum orders
Digital printing is used for all items for better color saturation
No silk screen charges
High-quality printing = happy clients
With nearly 30 years in the Bar Bat Mitzvah entertainment business, EK Apparel knows what kids want!
To learn more about EK Apparel Prints, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
October 7th, 2015
This family from Natick, Massachusetts, celebrated their son’s Farmitzvah at the Inn at East Hill Farm in Troy, New Hampshire.
All the guests arrived on Friday for Shabbat dinner and stayed through breakfast on Sunday morning. The Inn at East Hill Farm is a resort as well as a working farm so all of the guests had a fun-filled weekend.
Pictured L-R: Bar Mitzvah boy Evan, Mom Kira, Brother Milo and Dad Steve.
The photographer was Kristen Lenox Photography and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.
The family bought a Tree of Life invitation on evite.com. The front of the invitation was laser cut to show the Bar Mitzvah boy’s name on the front
The inside of the invitation
RSVP and Schedule of Events
The intimate and personal service with family and friends was held in the dining room of the Inn.
Carrying the Torah through the dining room that transformed into a synagogue for the celebration
Guests listening to the prayers
A wonderful photo of everyone including family and friends after the service
Mom Kira created the siddur/program herself. The family’s favorite part of services at home revolve around the songs, so that is what they focused on.
Looking handsome in his red kippot and tie.
The family belongs to a Sunday school only, so they needed to find a non-temple location to have the service. On a recent trip to the farm they asked if they could host their family and friends for the weekend celebration and the innkeepers were very accommodating.
The family belongs to a Sunday school only, so they needed to find a non-temple location to have the service. On a recent trip to the farm they asked if they could host their family and friends for the weekend celebration and the innkeepers were very accommodating.
The beautiful Inn at East Hill Farm
The gift bags were given to guests upon check-in and included a schedule of events and scavenger hunt information. The gift bag goodies included New Hampshire-made chocolate covered pretzels, popcorn, salt water taffy, gourmet salt, maple syrup, a jam or jelly, soap, and a pencil for each family. Plus, a fun silly putty for each child
Mom Kira had buttons made for each guest so everyone could see what their relationship was to Evan. They were color coordinated based on side of the family or friend.
Red for the Bar Mitzvah boy since that was his party color
The family are big board gamers, so games were chosen carefully for the group including Bananagrams, Dominion, Telestrations, Apples to Apples, and Evan leading the group for Werewolf. Additional fun activities included: horseback riding, ping-pong and dodgeball.
Friday night bingo
Evan relaxing on a horseback ride after the ceremony Saturday morning
The guest of honor with magician Jason Purdy performing a trick that assigned each guest a board game to play that “amazingly” was the right game for that person
Tables with board game centerpieces and popcorn to enjoy while playing
Dodgeball on the lawn
Friendly ping pong tournament
The game Telestrations was fun for guests of all ages
Lots of specialty drinks from Espresso Dave who customized the menu. Life is Sweet baked the delicious mini-cupcakes.
The menu of hot drink options
Six flavors of mini-cup cakes
The Inn offers 3 meals a day, served family style. Breakfast the day after the Ceremony, was a great way to send off family and friends.
Evan donated to the Life Straw project to enable third world countries easier access to potable water. Each project helps a community of as many as 3,000-5,000 people get clean, safe water and significantly improves their quality of life.
Some advice from Mom Kira:
“Plan early and often. We had everything planned to the minute prior so during the event itself, we were able to simply enjoy.”
The following vendors helped to make Evan’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue/Caterer: The Inn at East Hill Farm, 603-242-6495
Photography/Videography: Kristen Lenox Photography, 603-703-2626
Invitation: evite.com
Games/Amusements: Jason Purdy, 603-352-1080
Beverages: Espresso Dave, 888-221-9029
Cakes and Desserts: Life is Sweet, 603-352-0900
Buttons: Wacky Buttons: 585-267-7670
October 7th, 2015
Mikey Espinosa and Stefen Shapiro of Plainview, New York are doing a great Bar Mitzvah Project together that we wanted to share.
Mikey’s Bar Mitzvah will be held on April 9, 2016 and Stefen’s Bar Mitzvah on February 6, 2016. Both boys are video game and football fanatics so for their joint Mitzvah Project, they decided to host a flag football event Sunday, October 18, 2015, in Plainview, New York.
The clever name, the M.E.S.S.(for the boy’s initials) Flag Football Warrior Bowl.
Pictured L-R: Mikey and Stefen.
The organizations that will benefit their project are: Wounded Warriors, Rangers Lead the Way; and Building Homes for Heroes.
We asked the boys for more information:
MM: Can you give us details of your Mitzvah Project?
ME/SS: We are both avid video game players and football fanatics. We decided to raise money for wounded soldiers and their families by hosting a community flag football event.
MM: Does your project have a start and end date, if so what are they?
ME/SS: The event is on Sunday, October 18, 2015 in Plainview, New York.
MM: Why did you decide to take on this particular project?
ME/SS: We both love the Call of Duty game on Xbox and it inspired we to create a “call of duty” in helping our service men and women.
MM: In your own words, what does it mean to you to do a Mitzvah Project for your Bar Mitzvah?
Stefen: “Doing a Mitzvah Project for my Bar Mitzvah makes me feel good that I am helping others in need. I hope to continue to raise money and volunteer my time to help.”
Mikey: “I really want to help support our military and the soldiers in need of help.”
MM: If it involves a donation, what are you doing to spreading the word?
ME/SS: We have handed flyers out at school, at sports event and around the community. We have elected team captains to help organize and recruit players. We have also solicited local businesses for donations from the community.
MM: How long can people donate to this charity?
ME/SS: We are collecting money on www.gofundme.com/warriorbowl up until the day of the event. We just reached over $7,000 which was our goal but we want more donations!!
MM: Anything else we need to know about your Mitzvah Project?
ME/SS: The community really supported the flag football event. We created t-shirts and have a 9th grader, who is a DJ, helping with music. We also have food trucks coming to the event.
For registration and location information on this great Mitzvah Project, contact Mom Heather Shapiro at 516-445-4588 or Danielle Espinosa at 516-993-0610.
We wish Mikey and Stefen good luck with their event!
September 30th, 2015
“A Day in the Life of Aly” was the perfect Bat Mitzvah theme for Alyson Kratchman. The family, from Monroe, New Jersey, celebrated Alyson’s (Aly) Bat Mitzvah, with a service at Temple Beth Shalom in Manalapan, New Jersey. Later that evening was a party in her honor at Pines Manor in Edison New Jersey.
Since Aly has so many interests including: basketball, softball, social media, gymnastics and Starbucks, all were included in the creative theme and logo.
There was also a very touching father/daughter dance and a special montage.
Pictured: Brother Emery, Mom Koren, Bat Mitzvah girl Alyson, Dad Jarrett and Brother Logan.
Jeremy Messler Photography was the photographer and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of this story.
Mitzvah Service & Style
The service was held at Temple Beth Shalom. The family worked with Lori Steinberg, of All About Invitations & Event Creations on the pink, white and zebra invitation.
The zebra design kippot matched the invitation perfectly
The inside featured a nod to the theme, along with Alyson's name, date and an inscription, "A Day in the Life..."
Alyson hand painted this kiddush cup which she used during her service
The Kratchman family looked great the night of the party. Aly and Mom Koren looked elegant in their Jovani gowns and her brothers Logan and Emery and Dad Jarrett looked sharp in their matching Ralph Lauren grey suits with pink bow tie accents
This family knows how to have fun!
This is Aly's favorite photo from her celebration
Mitzvah Details
Shaina Fine of Balloon Artistry created the logo after getting initial input from Aly and her family. The logo and theme “A Day in the Life” highlighted Aly’s interests. Balloon Artistry created the room decor with each table representing a different day in Aly’s life. Some of the tables included decor and pictures of Aly playing basketball, performing gymnastics and of course, with her family.
The logo that was used throughout the event
The place card table was at the entrance of the venue. Both the place cards and gift box were created by Mom and Dad!
Dad Jarret did the graphics and Mom Koren cut and assembled each place card using her scrapbook tools!
Aly's color scheme of pink, white and zebra were used throughout the room
Over-sized sparkle balloons with tulle and lights
Picture cube 3D centerpieces like this one of "social media" were on each table
"Aly" in balloons on the wall
The logo was placed in the middle of a door which was used as her sign-in. The door is now back in Aly’s bedroom
Each family member had their own Krazy Straw that they used throughout the night. They were a huge hit!
Music & Entertainment
Jeffrey Craig Entertainment provided the music and non-stop dancing.
Aly making her entrance on the shoulder of one of the dancers
Up in the chair for the Horah!
Alyson entered the ballroom to the song "Selfie," so as soon as she entered the ballroom, she took a selfie with her selfie stick!
For the candle lighting ceremony, there were various sized votives. The simple, but elegant look was created by using submersible LED lights alternating in pink and white with floating candles, created by Classic Cake
Aly surrounded by her family
Mitzvah Moment
Aly’s Dad wrote the music and words to their father/daughter dance along with a music video that was shown simultaneously. It had guests tearing up and a moment the family will never forget. Alyson was conceived right after 9/11 as Mom Koren is a 9/11 survivor who was on the 74th floor of Two World Trade Center and was able to escape. Alyson had no clue that her father put together such a beautiful tribute to her.
What Mom Koren loves about this photo is that it shows the World Trade Center towers on the screens which has special meaning for the family and reminds them of how truly blessed they were that day
Exit Treats & Favors
The candy buffet was color coordinated and created by Mom Koren who kept to the pink, white, black with zebra print theme for all of the candies. Blue Streak Uniforms created the favors.
The candy buffet had a great poster of Aly above it
There were many color coordinated candies making it a sweet ending to a beautiful night
Who doesn't love a good egg cream for dessert? Brooklyn Seltzer Boys supplied the fizz
As guests left, there were delicious Philly Pretzels to enjoy on the car ride home. Dad Jarrett is from Philly, so this was a sure thing to please the crowd!
The beach totes for the girls were such a huge hit and so were the gym bags for the boys
The bags came out great and kids found them very useful!
Mom to Mom
Some advice from Mom Koren:
“Get organized! Hundreds of hours of planning all came together for one truly magical night.”
Mitzvah Project
Aly raised money for Simon’s Fund, a non-profit in Pennsylvania that raises money to do heart screenings. Alyson’s father and the co-founder of Simon’s Fund, Phyllis Sudman went to high school together. Simon’s Fund was established in 2005 in memory of Simon, son of Phyllis and Darren Sudman.
The organization provides free heart screenings to children, primarily in the Greater Philadelphia area. It also sponsors medical research projects, hosts awareness events, works with major medical institutions and promotes legislation.
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Alyson’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Pines Manor, 732-287-2222
Music Entertainment: Jeffrey Craig Entertainment, 732-952-8772
Photographer: Jeremy Messler Photography, 609-980-5082
Invitation: Lori Steinberg, All About Invitations and Event Creations, 845-357-8070
Logo/Décor: Shaina, Balloon Artistry, 845-352-2828
Party Entertainment: Foto Novelty, Inc., 866-452-0527
Sign-In – Balloon Artistry, 845-352-2828
Sweatshirt/Hat/Blanket Favor:
Krazy Straws: Krazy Straws, 215-925-1450
Cake: Classic Cake, 856-751-5448
Favors: Blue Streak Uniforms; 732-656-0400
Egg Creams: Alex Gomberg, Brooklyn Seltzer Boys, 718-649-0800
Pretzels: Philly Pretzel Company, 732-225-4567
Aly’s party dress: Lola’s in Manalapan, NJ
Mom’s party dress: Jovani dress, Dream Dresses, 732-607-1112
Suits for family members: Ralph Lauren
Kippot: Kippah.com, 718-435-3288
September 27th, 2015
Personalized Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah party favors are a fun treat and tradition to give to your guests during or at the end of your Bar Bat Mitzvah party. Some families give Bar Bat Mitzvah favors to just the kids and others opt to give favors to both the kids and adults who attend the Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration.
The best favors are the ones that will remind your guests what a great time they had at your celebration. It’s a challenge to think of creative unique favors that your guests will love and continue to use!
Check out our favorite party favor vendors who can help you design the swag of your dreams!
T-SHIRTS
A T-shirt is arguably the most classic, quintessential B Mitzvah favor- lightweight and easy to wear year-round, you can’t go wrong! You can even buy a shirt for your DJ or entertainers so they match the party’s theme.
SWEATSHIRTS
Another very popular favor option is a hoodie or crewneck sweatshirt. Being heftier and more luxurious than a T-shirt, sweatshirts are the pricier option of the two. They’re the perfect favor to give at a fall or winter B Mitzvah.
SWEATPANTS
Sweatpants are a great option since they are cozy, warm, and comfortably oversized- an especially good thing when you have fast-growing teenagers.
BLANKETS
A cozy throw blanket is a fun and long-lasting favor that will bring the warmth of nostalgia to your guests’ home. Kids can bring them to camp, sleepovers, or on their favorite seat in front of the TV.
PJs
Pajama day at school feels extra special when you have a pair of your own branded pajama bottoms! All of your guests will be reminded of the amazing party any time they pull these out for bedtime.
BAGS
A tote bag or drawstring bag is a useful, and often affordable, giveaway option for your B Mitzvah party- you can even stuff the bags with assorted goodies and other favors to beef them up.
PINNIES
Perfect for a sports themed Mitzvah, a pinny is comfortable, breathable, and a great choice for an active group of kids. Go team!
Did you have a unique Mitzvah favor? Let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com and share it with our readers.
September 26th, 2015
We are sharing a “cool” and “smokin'” Bar Bat Mitzvah dessert and/or Bar Bat Mitzvah specialty drink to serve your guests!
321Chillz is a mobile liquid nitrogen cocktail bar that creates the smooth and delicious ice cream and frozen cocktails right before your eyes… at 321°F!
321Chillz uses only the freshest local ingredients to create an imaginative dessert experience for your guests.
Let them create and serve your Bar Bat Mitzvah party cocktails and/or chilled desserts in a magical way!
It looks unique and tastes better than traditional cocktails or ice cream
They can do non-alcoholic drinks and desserts for the kids
Their trained staff prepares unique cocktails and ice cream
Some of the popular flavors include: White Peach Bellini (above), Expresso Martini, Fresh Jalapeno Pineapple Margarita
To find out more about 321Chillz, contact: Radhika Chinai, 201-452-0599 or check out their Website at 321Chillz.
