A Bar Mitzvah Theme Centered Around What You Love

This family celebrated their son’s Bar Mitzvah service at Temple Beth Torah in Jericho, New York, on September 20, 2014, followed by a party one week later on September 27, 2014 at Temple Avodah in Oceanside, New York.

Spencer celebrated with a combination theme which included all of his interests. The kids’ side featured a Penalty Box and other touches from his favorite hockey team, the New York Islanders, while the adult side of the room included centerpieces featuring movies and music.

Pictured (L-R): Mom Heather, younger brother Oliver, Bar Mitzvah boy Spencer, brother Dylan and Dad Andrew

Simon Elliot Events was the photographer and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the bottom of this story.

Mitzvah Invitation & Style

Simon Elliot Events created a custom Website and postcard that was mailed to each guest with the URL.

The custom Website featured information about his service, celebration, directions and a special RSVP for the young guests! They were asked to fill out a questionnaire and upload photos of themselves. This information was used to create a special step n repeat and custom bobbleheads (both shown later in the story)

Guests were mailed this postcard directing them to the Website

Mom Heather had her dress created by Kimberly at Runway Couture. The gown was midnight navy with black feather trim and horse hair

Mitzvah Details

Porta Decor created all of the decor for both the kids’ lounge area and the adult table centerpieces. Since Spencer’s friends were sending in their photo in advance of the party for their custom bobblehead, Portadecor created this step n repeat which was used as a background for many photos during the night.

There was a penalty box inspired by Spencer's love of hockey and the New York Islanders

A view from the other side

Movie themed centerpieces were on the adult tables

Other tables featured movie clapboards

These unique highboy tables were at the corner of the dance floor to hold the adult drinks while they danced

New York Islanders phrase "Believe" was used on hats and decor

Large blow-ups of Spencer, shot by Simon Elliott Events, were on display around the room

Mom Heather found director chairs online and had A Promos USA/ImageMaker add their logo. These were used as Spencer's sign-in

This large step n repeat is now hanging in Spencer's room

A unique idea!

Music & Entertainment

 Carl was the MC and Entertainment Tonite provided all the music for this rockin’ celebration.

Real New York Islander girls helped Spencer make his entrance

They took pictures with guests and helped with the candle lighting ceremony

Spencer had fun during the Horah!

Simon Elliot Events provided their Selfie Booth for photo fun!

Each guest received a photo album for their photo favors with Spencer's logo on the front

Mentalist Oz Pearlman amazing Spencer's friends

Temple Avodah provides so many desserts that this family decided against a traditional Bar Mitzvah cake. Instead they bought a mini drum set and surrounded it with candles for their candle lighting ceremony

Spencer planned to donate the drum set

Spencer wrote, shot and edited his own entrance video and montage, which included his camp friends!

Mitzvah Moment

Spencer attends the School of Rock and decided he would like to perform for family and friends at his celebration.

Spencer was ready for his performance

Spencer didn’t want to be in a suit all night, so for his performance he changed into jeans and a shirt made with his logo

DYAD Music (a drummer and guitarist) accompanied Spencer's performance and then played along with the DJ

Friends and family watched as Spencer performed

Mitzvah Favors & Exit Treats

Lucky for Spencer, one of his Dad’s businesses is Allbobbleheads.com. Each one of Spencer’s friends had a custom bobblehead created just for them! When sending in their RSVP, they chose their hair color, favorite hobby and answered other questions so each one could be personalized specifically for them.

Portadecor displayed the bobbleheads for each of Spencer's friends

Friends were excited to see their custom bobbleheads!

As if this wasn't enough, each young guest received a gift bag with their Bobblehead and a t-shirt with Spencer's logo!

Spencer's multiple bobbleheads on display

Adult guests received a blanket with Spencer's logo created by A Promos USA/ImageMaker

Mitzvah Exit treats provided by Kombert Caterers

Mom to Mom

Advice from Mom Heather:
“I feel like I should have a shirt made that says, “I survived planning a Bar Mitzvah.” I did not have a party planner and I wanted it that way. I was very involved in every detail from logos, pictures, decor, entertainment, colors, music and custom bobbleheads for each child.  Ask every vendor to do as much as possible before the last few weeks. No matter how hard you plan, they work week by week, and your party will be their main focus the week or two before. Expect to be extremely busy the two to three weeks before the party. Ask for all paper work early. Choose songs, deal with candle lighting, logos, any apparel and favors as early as possible. There is also a lot of things for the service that could be handled a long time in advance.”

Mitzvah Project

Spencer has been involved with RockCanRoll.org for years and helps out with many projects for teachers and other adults using his creativity, computer and movie making skills.



Vendor Directory

The following vendors helped to make Spencer’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.

Venue: Kenny Kombert, Temple Avodah, 516-678-6161
Music Entertainment: MC Carl, Entertainment Tonight, 516-826-6900
Cocktail Music: Krisitin and Corey, Jupiter Fell, 631-402-4284
Sweatshirt/Hat/Blanket Favor: Mindy Younger, A Promos USA/ImageMaker, 516-377-0186
Bobblehead Favors: Dad Andrew, Allbobbleheads.com
Photographer/Selfie Booth/Logo: Michelle Collins, Simon Elliot Events, 516-586-6822
Website invite/Postcard: Simon Elliot Events, 516-586-6822
Entrance video/Montage: Spencer
Magician/Mentalist: Oz Pearlman, 917-309-2533
Décor: Portadecor, 516-822-1180
Sign-In Chair: Two director chairs with logo printed by A Promos USA
Drummer and guitarist: Played along with DJ, DYAD Music, 631-842-DYAD
Custom Dress: Kimberly, Runway Couture, 516-308-4639
Suits for family members: Kenny’s Mens and Boys, 516-921-2660
Makeup: Krystale, Make-up, 631-655-5123
Hair: Salon O, Valentina, 516-935-7777
Transportation: Regal Limo, 516-234-7932
Party security: Hired by Temple Avodah