A Creative Ski Themed Bar Mitzvah

The Gilden family celebrated their son Joshua’s (Josh) Bar Mitzvah with a service at Temple Beth Sholom in New City, New York and a party immediately following at Season’s Catering in Washington Township, New Jersey.  Josh, an avid skier, has been skiing since he was 2 years old and wanted that as the theme!  Some of the special and creative decor included place card ski passes, DIY centerpieces and used ski equipment which all made this celebration even more special.

Pictured L-R: Mom Shari, Bar Mitzvah boy Joshua, Sister Maddie and Dad Lance.

Magic Moments was the photographer and the rest of the vendor information is listed at the end of the spotlight.

Mitzvah Family 

The Gilden family looks great and ready to party

Bar Mitzvah boy Josh with sister Maddie

Bar Mitzvah Invitation

Mom Shari is co-owner of Sophie Taylor Ink along with Jessica Fetterman. They both designed the modern invitation in silver with a navy border

The details card

The RSVP card cleverly included ski wording

The back of the envelope with Josh's monogram

Mitzvah Ski Decor

Upon entering the venue, the theme was evident with the "ski pass" place cards

Each table was named after a ski trail on Windham Mountain, where the family owns a home

The ballroom at Seasons Catering ready for guests to arrive!

Mom Shari, Dad Lance, Uncle Scott and good friend Judy all worked together on the table decor. The kids' table had a tree trunk base with clear lights wrapped around the center. The table names were trail signs from Windham Mountain. On top there was a collage of Josh skiing

The adult table centerpieces were tall vases with clear LED lights and branches. The vase sat on a mirror disc with votive candles

Special Party Touches

The sign-in board was Josh's snow board with an easel Dad Lance made out of old ski's!

The logo was created by Bar Mitzvah boy Josh!

Custom logo'd menu at each place setting

Custom logo'd ice sculpture

Mitzvah Music Entertainment

Josh strikes a pose as he makes his entrance

The music and entertainment was provided by Magic Moments Productions with MC Pete

Lots of fun games on the dance floor

Guests loved the music and fun giveaways

Mitzvah Candle Lighting 

For the candle lighting display, there were 13 birch candles of varying heights

Josh with his proud parents

Bar Mitzvah Favors and Exit Treats

The drawstring logo'd bags and custom sweatshirts were designed and produced by Sophie Taylor Ink

The logo'd sweatshirts

Donuts and coffee were offered to guests on their way out

Mom Shari created logo'd water bottles and coffee cups

Cute themed signage for the water bottle table

Mitzvah Project

Josh’s religious school class as a whole is doing an on going Mitzvah project for the hurricane relief in Puerto Rico. 

Advice from Mom Shari

“Organization is the key. Make lists and buy a folder with sections so you can file all your contracts in one place. If you know the colors and theme early on you can start ordering things and crossing items off your list. Following our good friend’s advice, I had made lists of pictures I wanted the photographer to capture, and a list for my DJ as well. On the day of the Bar Mitzvah, I was very calm and was able to fully enjoy the whole day knowing all was taken care of. We can say we took it all in. Josh was so amazing on the Bimah and all our guests did not stop dancing the whole day. It was such a magical day for our family and friends.”

Vendor Directory

The following vendors helped to make Josh’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/Cake: Seasons Catering, 201-664-6141
Favor/Centerpieces/Custom Items/Candle Lighting Display: Shari & Jessica, Sophie Taylor Ink, 516-641-4049, 917-566-9120
Invitation/Place Cards: Sophie Taylor Ink, 516-641-4049, 917-566-9120
Logo Design: Bar Mitzvah boy Josh Gilden
Party Planner: Mom Shari and Dad Lance Gilden
Music/Photography/Videography: Magic Moments Productions, MC Pete, 973-546-5990
Sign-In Board: Dad Lance
Mom Shari’s dress: Filly’s, 516-739-9090, Sister Maddie’s dress: Meneshke Boutique, 516-620-2510
Bar Mitzvah boy suit: Josh, Nordstrom, Dad Lance’s suit: Hong Kong Grand Tailor, 702-491-9122
Hair: Lilah, C. Douglas Salon, 845-639-1414
Make Up: Donna, C. Douglas Salon, 845-639-1414
Transportation: Chestnut Ridge Bus Company, 845-735-2200