September 26th, 2015
EK Productions is a professional group of Bar Mitzvah & Bat Mitzvah 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, MCs and other exciting entertainment for Bar Bat Mitzvah celebrations.
They are a boutique entertainment company only engaging in three to four 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.
NEW! Flavored Lip Balm Creation Station!
EK Productions knows their clients want the latest in Bar Bat Mitzvah entertainment. They have just introduced their new ‘Create Your Lip Balm” station that we’re certain kids will love! Each Lip Balm Creation Station comes with six different flavors including, “Wicked Watermelon” and “Wacky Banana.” There are custom labels on each tube and customization with your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah logo is available.
It all happens in 20 seconds at this colorful kiosk! Dimensions: 39″ W x 14″ D
The latest in Bar Bat Mitzvah entertainment!
To learn more about EK Productions, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
September 26th, 2015
Imagine a big red barn repurposed for your daughter’s “Hoedown” Bat Mitzvah celebration! Sound fun? Mosey on over…
This Western themed Bat Mitzvah does not come to us from the South, but instead took place in Chester, New Jersey, where they know how to have a hoedown!
Event planning company Hatch Creative Studio transformed the large red barn at Alstede Farms in Chester to celebrate Gabby’s Bat Mitzvah. No detail was overlooked – the transformation was amazing! Friends and family partied into the night with the help of On The Move entertainment. What a fun night of celebrating! All images provided by Adena Stevens owner of Studio A Images.
Guests were directed to the large red barn
The adorable family looked great in their “hoedown” themed outfits!
Guests were taken by hayride to the barn for the party
Bales of hay were part of the decor…
…and doubled as lounge furniture!
Entertainment for the young guests
You can’t have a proper hoedown without a cowboy hat…
…or bandanas!
Centerpieces were simple and beautiful in mason jars
Guests dressed in “hoedown” attire
When the sun went down, a corn maze provided a fun nighttime challenge for Gabby’s friends
The horah, country style!
Beautiful sunflower cupcakes for dessert
Thanks to Studio A Images for sharing this unique Hoedown celebration with Mitzvah Market!
September 23rd, 2015
A New York City themed Bat Mitzvah was part of a recent Bat Mitzvah celebration in San Diego, California.
The bright lights and big city feel of the Big Apple were apparent at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar hotel. Filled with clever details such as very cool kippot and creative place cards and sign-in board.
As the traditional service ended, the festivities continued in the grand ballroom where guests navigated the streets of SoHo, Wall Street and many other neighborhood landmarks.
Aaron Huniu Photography was the photographer.
Silver textured glitter Bat Mitzvah invitation
Bat Mitzvah girl Lindsey and her parents at the Bimah
Coloful New York City kippot
New York taxi place card holders held guests’ seating assignments
The menu card included the famous skyline
Popular New York City neighborhoods inscribed on a chalk graffiti wall
Large letters spelling out “Welcome to the Big Apple” decorated the kids’ communal tables
The adult centerpieces included a festive Times Square table and sports theme for the Madison Square Garden table
Guests signing the “Words to Lindsey” chalkboard wall
Lindsey and her dad having a dance with her logo above on the screen
New York City scenes were shown on screens behind the dance floor risers
Warm pretzels made guests feel like they were in the heart of the city
The event also featured a deluxe spread of assorted desserts and candies from a sweet New York City favorite, Dylan’s Candy Bar
We thank the family and Aaron Huniu Photography for sharing this great Bat Mitzvah with our readers.
Photographer: Aaron Huniu Photography; Venue: The Grand Del Mar; Event Coordinator & Design: Details Defined, Lisa Lippe; Candy Bar; Dylan’s Candy Bar; Photobooth & Green Screen: SoCal Green Screen; Music Entertainment: Feel the Vibe, MC Jimmy Lee; Kippot:Best Kippah; Henna: SD Henna.
September 20th, 2015
Simply Sophie: A Bat Mitzvah In Baltimore
By Teen Blogger, Charlotte
I recently attended the Bat Mitzvah of my close family friend Sophie Jacobson in Baltimore and let’s just say that it was a night to remember!
Her theme was ‘Simply Sophie’ although her party was anything but!
Pictured left: Charlotte
Here are my favorite party highlights from the night.
Sophie is a talented singer and actress and loves theatre so of course she had to make a dramatic entrance onto the dance floor!
Sophie “enters” her celebration with two of the DJ dancers
Sophie chose to borrow two dresses for her big day from Charlotte’s Closet (my Mom’s company named after me!) and looked stunning in both. Here she is looking so beautiful in the dress by BLUSH! Say cheese!
I also fell in love with her blinged-out converse high-tops, LOVE LOVE!
Note to self: Wear similar shoes to my party!
I loved the way the adult place cards were displayed. How cool is this tree?
Sophie’s DJ was Limelight out of Baltimore (CJ was the MC) and they kept the crowd rocking all night!
Sophie also looked flawless while pumping up the party with her friends in another dress she borrowed from Charlotte’s Closet by Stella M’Lia
Here’s Sophie with her brother Jack and sister Claire. Even baby Claire enjoyed the party!
VENDORS
Music: Entertainment by Limelight, MC CJ; Decor & Centerpieces: R&R Events
Contact for both: Laurie Schimmel, 410-960-7255
About Charlotte
I’m a 8th grader from Port Washington, New York. I love tennis, dancing, skiing, hanging with my friends, my family and of course FASHION!
My Mom even named her company after me! Charlotte’s Closet is a new online spot where tweens and teens can borrow designer dresses for every party for up to 75% off the retail price! Never wear the same dress twice…Think of us as your celebrity BFF whose closet you can raid…whenever you want.
Read another story by Charlotte here.
September 20th, 2015
The Tashlik family of Port Washington, New York, celebrated daughter Zoe’s Bat Mitzvah at Temple Beth Israel in Port Washington, New York. The ZO awesome celebration took place the next day at Temple Or Elohim in Jericho, New York.
It was a stylish celebration with close family, friends and without question ZO much more awesome than the family could have imagined!
Pictured L-R: Sister Mollie, Mom Mindy, Bat Mitzvah girl Zoe, Dad Scott holding sister Ella and Sister Maddie.
The party photographer was Photography by Felicia. The dress photo shoot was by Julie Shapiro Photography and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.
The family worked with Suzi of Wow Creations on the invitation which had a purple mirror layer and lavender shimmer back layer with a separate party card.
Guests replied back to an email set up for the responses
Bat Mitzvah girl Zoe between her parents on the Bimah
Zoe began her Bat Mitzvah weekend with a Friday Night Live! Shabbat service at Temple Beth Israel in Port Washington. This popular service featured renowned Jewish rock musician and song leader, Naomi Less. Zoe then led the Shabbat morning services followed by a beautiful luncheon.
This family knows how to be stylish! Bat Mitzvah girl Zoe wore a pale purple cocktail dress, from Designing Dreams, with crystal stones and sequins spilling onto the tulle skirt.
Mom Mindy wore a beautiful gown from My Daughter’s Wedding. Sisters Maddie and Mollie’s dresses were from Outrageous Boutique and youngest sister Ella’s dress was from Lester’s
The tiara Zoe wore belongs to Mom Mindy’s best friend “Aunt” Marnie. The tiara was designed by renown bridal designer Nelson DeLeon. “Aunt” Marnie is a cancer survivor and to honor her, Zoe and Mindy walked together in the NYC Race for the Cure. Both Zoe, and her older sister Maddie, have worn this tiara, as a tribute to their beloved Marnie
Lighter Than Air created the decor using Zoe’s favorite color purple along with modern elements such as chevron designs and lots of bling. The room at Temple Or Elohim was transformed into a ZO fabulous party room.
Three different centerpieces were alternated on the adult tables, tying together her purple color scheme
Above is the centerpiece with over-sized purple and grey feathers. The draping separated the adult area from the kids’ lounge
This centerpiece had lots of bling, the one behind it was the letter “Z” in a chevron design
The table numbers were created by Mom Mindy and Zoe as homage to Zoe’s longstanding love for all-things-Disney
She looks every bit a Disney princess!
Giant photo renderings of Zoe in her sunglasses hung on either side of the dance floor stage and are now hanging in their home
The Wow Factor created post cards for guests to “send” to Zoe in Z-mail box.
This was a completely allergy-sensitive occasion as Zoe’s sister has many serious allergies. Hasson Caterers went above and beyond to make sure she was safe with delicious options to choose from. This held true for their gluten-free and other allergic guests. There was something for everyone!
In true Zoe style, she gave guests high fives as she entered her party to the song, “Everything is Awesome”
MC Jared Levine from More than Music and the dancers keep guests on the dance floor all night.
Mom Mindy’s blinged out sneakers from Designing Dreams (featured left) and Zoe changed from sparkle heels into her preferred lavender Superga sneakers that she enhanced with lilac satin ribbon shoe laces
MC Jared with Zoe and her friends up on the risers
There was a red carpet photo booth that greeted guests as they entered so everyone could take an arrival photo. It then moved inside where guests could pose with friends, family, the guest of honor, or her life size cutout!
Zoe and her over-sized self!
Mom and Dad surrounded by their friends having ZO much fun
Mom Mindy’s best friends enjoying their ZO awesome give-aways
Zoe chose an abbreviated candle lighting ceremony, simplified to “Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow” with one candle representing each generation past, present and future with a poem for each group. The fourth candle was hers surrounded by friends.
Zoe is the second of four sisters. There is a family tradition of the “Little Sister speech.” Mollie’s tribute was wonderful and very funny!
The morning after her Bat Mitzvah Zoe wore her sweatpants, t-shirt and hat give-ways from Act 2 Promo. In her hand is a souvenir centerpiece topper.
Zoe was involved with many Mitzvah Projects. She donated handmade preemie caps to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at North Shore University Hospital at Manhasset, New York as Zoe was a preemie too! She also honored the memory of a child who perished in the Holocaust prior to becoming a Bat Mitzvah through Remember-US. In addition Zoe was involved in supporting mental health awareness raising funds for NAMI Walk 2015 which took place on the day of Zoe’s Bat Mitzvah. Though she could not participate along with her teacher and class, she raised money for this cause and supported the team.
This is the flyer Zoe sent to friends and family
Some advice from Mom Mindy:
“Enjoy it! Be organized. Learn Excel and make spreadsheets. Ask friends for help and advice and share the joy! Trust those you engaged to put the shindig together – they are the experts and you gave them your input and preferences. Believe that they know what they are doing, their reputation should speak volumes. Have faith and enjoy instead of worrying. Trust your intuition when making decisions – you will know, for example, when the MC is the right match for your family and your occasion once you meet them or see them in action – go with your instinct even if it’s the slightly more expensive option. It makes the party. Dance at your party, don’t count the sushi or stress when the napkins are Caribbean blue instead of turquoise… and don’t worry about the small stuff. A great caterer has all of those details covered and more. Wear something special and glamorous and feel beautiful, a gown is your prerogative, day or night, because you deserve it. Let your child wear sneakers if they want to – it’s their party – and make them awesome! Laugh when your wristbands come imprinted with the 13th instead of the 3rd (once we caught the wristband mix up, which was “my bad” since I ok’d the proof), our awesome vendor replaced them free of charge, rush delivery! In the scheme of things, all that matters is the smile on your son or daughter’s face, and the pride and joy on yours. Appreciate those who worked to make your day so wonderful and give gratuities. And if you’re me, get ready to do it again in 2017 on your fiftieth birthday for daughter number 3!”
The following vendors helped to make Zoe’s Bat Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their products or services on MitzvahMarket.com
Venue: Temple Or Elohim, 516-433-9888
Caterer/Cake: Hasson Caterers, 516-937-0120
Party Planner: Mom Mindy Tashlik
Music Entertainment: MC Jared Levine, More than Music, 516-626-9400
Party Photographer: Photography By Felicia, 516-242-1947
Pre-party dress Photo Shoot: Julie Shapiro Photography, 917-696-8916
Décor/florist: Lighter than Air Events, 516-933-2113
Videographer: Joe Pergo, Dockside Digital Videography, 631-944-1994
Invitation: Suzi Evangelista, Wow Creations, 516-662-9558
Zap Shots: Ross Farber, Events by Ross
Photo booth, Sign-In Postcards: Gina and Brian Geiger, The Wow Factor Party, 631-897-2556
Favors/hats/t-shirt giveaways: Act 2 Promo, Debbie Lerner, 917-882-4340
Table numbers design: Bat Mitzvah girl Zoe and Mom Mindy
Zoe’s sneakers: Superga on Zappos.com
Mom Mindy’s dress: My Daughter’s Wedding, 516-773-2367
Bat Mitzvah girl Zoe dress/Mom’s blinged sneakers: Designing Dreams, 516-248-1988
Sisters’ Maddie and Mollie’s party dresses: Amy, Outrageous Boutique, 516-931-3331
Sister Ella’s dress: Lester’s
Hair: Cori Levin, Cactus Salon, Deer Park, NY location, 631-423-7110
Makeup: Jessica Abel, 516-984-4309
September 20th, 2015
The Fox Hollow is Long Island’s premier event destination nestled upon eight private acres of Long Island’s Gold Coast featuring a state-of-the-art catering venue, luxury boutique hotel and fine dining restaurant all in one convenient location!
Catering to events of all sizes, the Fox Hollow is an ideal location for your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration where friends and family can celebrate in style. Expect to receive the very best when you celebrate your special event at this location. With everything from personalized service and award winning cuisine; the Fox Hollow can accommodate all of your event needs.
New! Fox Hollow Catering introduces The Somerley, a pristine Long Island Banquet hall. Catering to one event at a time, it boasts three private levels dedicated to you and your guests with a private entrance, state of the art ballroom and beautiful gardens.
The Somerley features a breathtaking ballroom
A spacious cocktail area
Hi-tech dining options
Chic lounge set-ups
Modern lounge vignettes
Upscale lounge with beautiful lighting
Exquisite decor combined with the finest amenities
To learn more about The Fox Hollow Catering, Restaurant and Hotel, visit their extended profile page in our Vendor Directory.
September 16th, 2015
We read about a great Bat Mitzvah Project by Shoshana Winter in the Jewish Link of Bronx, Westchester and Connecticut that we wanted to share.
Tali Kobrin is a 6th grader from the Bronx, New York chose her Mitzvah Project after a recent family trip to Israel. “I wanted to help an organization in Israel. I visited SHALVA this past summer after hearing a lot about their work and I was blown away by what I saw there,” she said.
SHALVA, the Association for Mentally and Physically Challenged Children in Israel, is dedicated to offering high quality care for individuals with disabilities, empowering their families and promoting social inclusion. It is non-denominational and free-of-charge, SHALVA’s programs provide care from infancy through adulthood, empowering parents to raise their children with special needs within the family framework.
Pictured Left: Tali is holding the sign surrounded by her friends on the day of “Color Run.”
What Tali wasn’t sure about was just what she was going to do to support this important organization. Lucky enough to be the third of four Kobrin daughters, two of whom had already experienced their own Bat Mitzvah projects, she leaned on her big sisters for inspiration. “I wanted to do something related to exercise and one of my sisters suggested a ‘color run’ and I loved the idea. This was a project for the whole family to plan and run, which is what made it so special,” Tali said.
What is a “color run?” According to the email invitation Tali sent out, “a Color Run is pure fun—there’s no set time or distance required, we’ll just all wear white, do our best, and have fun! Each time around the track you will get sprayed with a color—eight times around the track is two miles, and every color of the rainbow.”
On Sunday morning September 6, 2015 in Van Cortland Park, New York about 100 friends and family joined Tali for her color run to support SHALVA. Every participant received a white T-shirt emblazoned with the message “I ran…..” The run took place on a smaller track so that there was more of an opportunity to get your T-shirt as colorful as possible. At the end of each loop, there were 2 or 3 designated “sprayers,” who were responsible for spraying colors on each of the runners. It was quite a sight to behold—parents running with kids in strollers, grandparents, parents, friends and children of every age running, walking and laughing—getting more and more messy as the run progressed. In addition to the Kobrin family and friends, Tali was joined by many of her friends and classmates who had not seen each other since the beginning of the summer, making it a special day to kick off a year of Bat Mitzvah celebrations.
In addition to the run, Tali also invited participants to assemble and decorate Rosh Hashanah care packages to be distributed to local homebound elderly through the Bronx Jewish Community Council. The Rosh Hashanah packages were filled with apples and honey and a personalized “Shana Tova” card for each recipient.
Being able to actively participate in a Bat Mitzvah’s act of chesed was truly a special and unique experience, which was evident by the smiles, hugs and laughter in the crowd. For Tali, it was both fun and meaningful. “Becoming a Bat Mitzvah is a new stage of life where other people, and Hashem, have higher expectations for you,” she said. “The kids at SHALVA have different challenges than I do—people have different expectations for them. I hope the money I raise can help them reach new levels and exceed expectations.” It sounds like she is off to a great start.
We would like to thank Shoshana Winter, the Jewish Link of Bronx, Westchester and Connecticut and Tali for sharing this creative Mitzvah Project.
September 16th, 2015
Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah first impressions are so important, especially when you put so much into planning your child’s special day.
Get creative with your Bar Bat Mitzvah entrance decor elements to create a WOW moment as guests step out of their cars and into your child’s celebration.
Here are some great ideas to get you started:
Garelick and Herbs created this entrance using the Bat Mitzvah girl’s initial at the venue Mora Mora
This Jersey Shore themed Bar Mitzvah planned by Melisa Imberman of The Event of a Lifetime, Inc. featured great entrance signage
Beth Fink Events created an extra large personalized rug for the entrance to a Bat Mitzvah
Even before stepping into the venue, The Paramount welcomes guests with a personalized message in lights
Hart to Hart Entertainment designed an exciting NFL themed entrance at the Village Club of Sands Point
Balloon Artistry created this balloon tunnel entrance with blue LED lighting. Sarah Merians Photography & Videography was the photographer
Lighter Than Air Events‘ entrance for an NFL themed Bar Mitzvah. The draping in blue and green matched the colors of the party as well as the signage and Draft Pick
The entrance to this Bar Mitzvah party at Warehouse 5 looked like an authentic baseball stadium!
Read more about this celebration here
To set the tone for this celebration, there was foliage and backdrops of woods, along with a sign that welcomed guests to “Camp Alyssa” by 84 West Studios. See more of this celebration here
Wind banners flanked the entrance to the reception for Jake Brodsky’s celebration
See more of this party here
For a Food Network themed B’nai Mitzvah, guests entered on a red carpet with pictures of Jordyn and Joshua on flat screen TVs.
Read more about this B’nai celebration here
Did your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah celebration have cool entrance decor? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
September 16th, 2015
Deciding your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah theme can be a challenge. Sometimes themes cleverly revolve around a Bar Bat Mitzvah child’s name or initials. Families can be very creative!
We found some samples that you will love…
You might want to re-name your child after viewing the samples below!
Saturday Night Live was the inspiration for Natalie’s Saturday Nat Live celebration from Abby Rose Photo
O.M.G. are the initials for Olivia Morgan Goldstein! Check out her spotlight story here
Phoebe’s celebration was “Phoebelicious” with a logo created by Amy Wohl from Fabu Designs
Check out her spotlight story here
“AmERICA Runs On Candy” was the theme for Erica Levy from New Jersey
Olivia used the phrase “Liv It Up” for her party from Abby Rose Photo
The familiar Jelly Bean became Jilly Bean for this Bat Mitzvah girl
For another Erica Levy it was “Smiles Across AmERICA”
The Verizon Center became the Zach Center for this basketball themed party
Check out this spotlight story here
From “Rachel” Brenner’s spotlight story, Amy Wohl created “The Art of Being OutRACHous!”
Very clever from Jersey Street Furniture…”Got The Moves Like Miller”
From Dancejock Productions, Madison’s Square Garden
Ermaopoly for a game lovin’ Bar Mitzvah girl from East 7th Street Promotions
Did you use your child’s name in their logo? Let us know at info@MitzvahMarket.com.
September 14th, 2015
Who better to find the latest and greatest for all-things Bar Bat Mitzvahs than our own Mitzvah Moms?
When Traci Friedman was trying to find a tallit for her daughter Emma’s Bat Mitzvah, she had a great idea! She thought it would be special to create a tallit out of her great grandmother’s Wedding gown which Emma’s grandmother also wore.
Since Emma is named after her great grandmother, the Friedman family thought that this was a special way to include her memory in their service and something tangible that she will have have as a reminder of her ancestors. She can always feel wrapped in something that her great grandmother wore on such a special occasion!
Emma’s great grandmother in her Wedding gown
The Friedmans worked with Tallit by Ina Helfand. There was even enough fabric so Ina could create a second tallit for Emma’s younger sister who will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah in 2017.
Emma and her twin brother Jacob celebrated their B’nai Mitzvah at their sleepaway camp Baco and Che-Na-Wah and then a party at the Connecticut Science Center. Mom Traci went to Camp Che-Na-Wah, so that is keeping with tradition in their family too!
Jacob and Emma at their service
Photo credit: Iris photography, Mike Shauk
A close-up of the final tallit
Photo credit: Iris photography, Mike Shauk
Jacob and Emma all smiles!
Photo credit: Iris photography, Mike Shauk
If you have a great idea to share with our Mitzvah Market readers, please let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
To see other Mom Finds, click here.
