A Bar Mitzvah Planned In 30 Days

Miles Pilchik’s Bar Mitzvah was planned in 30 days. Yes, 30 days! The Pilchik’s of New York City received their Bar Mitzvah date more than a year ago, but the only thing they planned in advance was the Havdalah service in the main sanctuary at Temple Emanu-el. Thirty days before the big day, mom Beth’s very detail oriented friend, Nancy, pushed her to finally start planning the reception.

The goal? To make sure this was a Bar Mitzvah that suited Miles, a gamer who likes having fun with his friends, while taking the entire family’s needs into consideration. Miles’ younger brother, Matthew, has Autism, so while the day was 100% about the Bar Mitzvah boy, making sure Matthew would be comfortable was key. That’s how Miles’ Bowl Mitzvah was conceived. Miles loves to bowl and Bowlmor Lanes in Times Square has bowling and an arcade in house, which they knew would work for Matthew.

To ensure Matthew’s comfort, the family hired a 1:1 ABA therapist to work with him the entire day. His school, the Manhattan Children’s Center, played an important role preparing him for the celebration. They created a social story detailing everything that would happen that day, and during OT at school, Matthew practiced putting on his suit and getting comfortable. 

Beth, a small business marketing and PR consultant, also made a point to hire other small businesses to help execute the big day. “It’s more than possible to plan and execute an amazing Bar Mitzvah in 30 days,” says mom, Beth. “We had everything you can imagine at our Bar Mitzvah and the kids and parents had fun!”

The photographer for this event was Ivan Piedra Photography. A complete vendor list follows at the end of this Spotlight.

Service

Mom Beth, Bar Mitzvah boy Miles, brother Matthew and dad Evan at the historic Temple Emanu-el in NYC

Brotherly love: the boys share a hug before the service

Miles was poised and confident on his big day

Brother Matthew proudly joined his family on the bimah- a special moment that was many months in the making

Fun & Games

The venue featured a lot of built-in decor, so the Pilchiks kept it simple by adding balloons, flowers and these metal light-up letters which Bowlmor provided

Instead of a traditional sign in board, Miles' guests signed this bowling pin and also left their autographs on a special t-shirt that the DJ wore

Guests lined the room for Miles' big entrance ... cocktail tables and lounge seating kept everyone comfortable when they weren't bowling

The MC kept everyone on their feet...

... except when Miles' friends lifted him off his feet!

The kids had a blast bowling

With the help of his ABA therapist, Missy, little brother Matthew enjoyed some bowling too

What party would be complete without a group "dab"?

After bowling Miles and his friends hit the in-house Arcade

The graffitti wall was a perfect spot for photos

Mom and dad get silly with their friends

The photographers and event staff all wore MRP logo t-shirts

Exit Sweets & Treats

The custom donut bar with toppings was a big hit at the end of the party

Make your own ice cream sundaes - YUM!

Brother Matthew's favorite foods were reserved especially for him

Miles' favors included custom logo sweatshirts and drawstring bags

Guests also took home their favorite candy

Mitzvah Advice

“Our goal was to have a great party our entire family would enjoy,” says mom Beth. “Sometimes people get lost in the planning and the Bar Mitzvah becomes ‘work’ instead of ‘fun,’ and it doesn’t have to be. As long as you make the day/night about your child and his/her needs and likes, it will be great!”

In terms of preparing a child with Autism for the celebration, Beth says, “My advice is prepare and expect the unexpected. Matthew had a meltdown outside the sanctuary. His therapist took care of it. To get him out of hit, he realized he didn’t want to miss Miles’ passing of the Torah. He arrived right on cue. Our goal was to embrace all while recognizing Miles’ hard work.”

Mitzvah Project

Miles chose to have a Video Game-A-Thon where all proceeds would benefit his brother Matthew’s school, Manhattan Children’s Center, for children with autism spectrum disorder. MCC is in need of a new, larger location to accommodate more students. For every dollar Miles raised for MCC, he would be able to play video games. To date Miles has helped raise more than $2000 for the school.

Vendor Directory

The following vendors helped to pull off Miles’ 30 Day Mitzvah. If you contact them, please let them know you read about their services on Mitzvah Market.

Venue/Arcade: Bowlmor Lanes, 212-680-0012
Event Planner: Mom and family friend Nancy Held
Day-Of Coordinating/Flowers: The Finer Details, Cheryl Reiner, 201-906-9327
Music/DJ: Good Times Productions, Anthony Gelo, 718-926-5143
MC: RTJ Entertainment, Robert Taylor Jr., 917-670-6602
Photographer/Photo Booth: Ivan Piedra Photography/Air Graphics Entertainment, 973-247-1844
Montage: Images4Ever, 973-945-0573 
Decor: Balloon Kings, 646-669-8361 (bowling pin balloons); Love, Laura Gifts, 212-744-0754 (napkins, staff logo t-shirts); VistaPrint, 1-866-614-8002 (pillows)
Favors: Black Sheep Branding Solutions, Aly Taff, 516-993-3870 (bowling socks); Jade Promotional Marketing, Elaina Durso, 914-393-4286 (logo sweatshirts); Promotique by Vistaprint, 1-866-891-3156 (drawstring bags)
Bowling & Game prizes: Five Below, 1-844-452-3569
Invitations: PaperlessPost.com
Candy Bar: Economy Candy, 212-254-1531
Mom’s Service Dress/Bowling outfit/Custom Necklaces: Ted Baker, Bloomingdales & Nordstrom Rack; Designs by Audrey, 917-703-4971 (necklaces)
Suits: Men’s Warehouse
Hair/Makeup: Blu Bocker, 646-678-5316 (hair); Beautini, 212-235-7060 (makeup)
Transportation: Great American Charters, Michael Saburro, 917-946-1723