April 15th, 2015
Leave your Bar Mitzvah & Bat Mitzvah guests feeling satisfied with a special gift or delcious treat at the end of the celebration or something for the ride home. See our past Mitzvah Exit Treat story here.
Below are some ideas featuring cookie dough, yogurt, a candy buffet, cupcakes, cookies, Dunkin Donuts apple pie and more for a delicious send-off giving your guests another reason to remember your celebration.
Pictured above: “A” pretzel treat, the initial of the Bat Mitzvah girl, from the Hally Bat Mitzvah Family Spotlight story.
A wall of 400 homemade glitter donuts created a major WOW moment at the end of Cassidy’s Bat Mitzvah
From The Dough Jar, their dough shots and bites are perfect for dessert tables, and can be made into customizable dough jars for a delicious party favor and Mitzvah Exit treat
As guests left this Mitzvah celebration, they were greeted with a 16 Handles yogurt bar with various flavors and toppings
Balloon Artistry set up this delicious Mitzvah Exit candy buffet with lots of pretty pink accents
Melisa Imberman of The Event of A Lifetime, Inc. created a candy wall for guests to enjoy
Flower Power Designs hired this Gourmet Cupcakes truck for a Bat Mitzvah celebration
Have you heard of delicious Insomnia Cookies located on many college campuses? Beth Fink Events designed this InSAMnia cookie stand for Sammy’s Bat Mitzvah celebration
Elevate Event Lounge incorporated the Bat Mitzvah girl’s logo to decorate a fun filled snack bag to go along with the favor. Each bag contained a classic Oreo cookie, a Birthday Oreo Cookie and Mint Oreo Cookie, the Bat Mitzvah girl’s favorites!
Interactive Entertainment Group can replicate any store including a Dunkin’ Donuts, which greets guests at the exit!
Sarah Merians Photography and Video captured this great treat. The date was
March 14, 2015 (3.14.15) which is “Pi Day” so each guests received an actual pie in honor of Joe and Pi Day, 2015!
Simon Elliot Events designed this Hollywood Cafe which offered cotton candy, drinks, pretzels and more to guests as they left this celebration
KAI studios created a beautiful display of gourmet candy apples for guests to enjoy at the end of the night
From Cloud 9 and Provence Catering guests choose their own Mitzvah Exit sweet treat from this donut wall!
From Candy With a Twist, these custom logo s’more kits featuring your logo + their marshmallows = A perfect Mitzvah Exit treat!
Give your Bar Bat Mitzvah guests packaged rice krispie treats with your child’s logo from Treat House
From Sweet Dreams Studio, JB Young shot this carnival cart filled with treats at the end of a Mitzvah celebration
Did you have a unique Mitzvah Exit Treat? Email us at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
March 25th, 2015
Who better to find the latest and greatest for all things Bar Bat Mitzvahs than our own Mitzvah Moms!
We have spotlighted over 200 families and we thought it would be fun to call out some of the “Mom Finds” that you might have missed.
For the Maskell family, their daughter Dylan wanted a sophisticated and modern party with only one requirement…plenty of teal!
Her celebration featured a great color palette and many special touches created by her Mom Keri including the clever poem below. These bags of ear plugs, with poem attached, were on the tables for any guest who needed them!
Wanna dance and hang out with the rest of the crowd?
Wanna have fun but the music’s too loud?
Open this bag – this is your chance:
Plug up your ears, then GET UP & dance!!!
To see more from Dylan’s Bat Mitzvah story, click here.
To see our past Mitzvah Mom Find, click here.
March 21st, 2015
Out of the Box Event Decor offers unique and creative party decor for Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrations.
They specialize in custom sign-in boards, place cards, seating charts, logo design, photo décor and more. Additionally, they also offer creative consulting services for families looking for assistance with developing a theme or event concept for their celebration.
Recently, they worked with the Kaufman family who celebrated their son’s Bar Mitzvah at H On The Harbor in Port Washington, New York.
The family wanted to have a kid-oriented event where Jacob could get together with his friends for a truly “rockin” party. Therefore, what better than a “rock star” theme to incorporate his love of music, concerts and dancing.
Special touches such as a custom VIP pass that were handed out by dancers as each guest entered the party and a great logo design tied the theme together from start to finish. Jessica Garmise from Out of the Box Event Decor designed the event décor for this fun and modern party.
Together with Jacob and his family, they brainstormed ideas to create a unique candle lighting display, sign-in board and much more! Check out their special touches below:
CANDLE LIGHTING DISPLAY
Jacob’s candle lighting illuminated the room and dazzled his guests
Out of the Box created a stunning 2-tiered lighted display with Jacob’s name and custom cutouts with his logo and silhouette
Jacob lighting a special candle with his grandparents
INTERACTIVE SIGN-IN BOARD
Jacob was looking for something fun and unique for his sign-in board. Out of the Box had the idea to blow up a silhouette of Jacob singing and then divide it into 140 small pieces that guests could sign
After signing, each piece was attached to a large grid. As more pieces were assembled, Jacob’s silhouette began to appear on the sign-in board. Guests kept returning to the board during the night to see what the final design would reveal!
VIP PASSES
One of the most unique and special touches was the custom VIP passes that were created for each child attending the party. On the back of each VIP pass was a number and throughout the night, the DJ would give out prizes based on the number of each person’s VIP pass
LOGO DESIGN
The orange and dark grey logo was designed to match the color scheme of Jacob’s invitation and fit perfectly with the rock-star theme of the night
The logo was used on many of the party elements including the favors, pillows and the candle lighting
Out of the Box designed the back of the t-shirts to look just like a real concert tour with dates and locations for Jacob’s “Mitzvah Tour”
To learn more about Out Of The Box Event Decor, visit their Website.
March 17th, 2015
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
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
March 11th, 2015
Where and Why to Have Your Celebration Out of Town
By Lori S. Robinson
Imagine a joyous parade that bursts with music, dance, song and the blowing of a shofar as it winds its way through the narrow cobblestoned streets of Tzfat, an ancient Galilee city of mysticism and Kabbalah. Your family, swept into the experience, sings, dances and swirls around your Bar or Bat Mitzvah child who is sheltered under a tallit chuppah. Together you travel through the old Jewish Quarter towards a gorgeous 16th century synagogue to celebrate your child’s coming of age.
Photo above: Courtesy Israel Tour Connection
There are many reasons to have a destination Bar or Bat Mitzvah. The most obvious place to celebrate is in Israel. Such a trip can be a wonderful family bonding experience. It may also be an option to consider for a shy student who would rather not chant on the bimah in front of hundreds of people in your home congregation. In Israel you can make it a more personalized, impactful experience on a smaller scale with just close family and friends. Whatever the case, celebrating in Israel can be an experience to last a lifetime.
After Eva Wisnik’s son David became a Bar Mitzvah in Israel, he continued studying at his synagogue’s Hebrew high school in Tarrytown, NY. He was one of only a handful of students who went all the way through high school to graduation. “The experience of being Bar Mitzvahed in Israel clearly solidified his Jewish identity,” says Wisnik. “What more could a parent ask for from that rite of passage?”
Should you be considering a Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration and tour in the Holy land, your very first stop should be at the Israel Ministry of Tourism website, http://www.goisrael.com, or call 1-888-77-ISRAEL, for an overview of your many options and a host of resources.
WHO “QUALIFIES” TO BE BAR/BAT MITZVAH IN ISRAEL?
According to an Israel Ministry of Tourism there is no educational requirement to fulfill to accept the responsibility of Jewish adulthood. A Bar/Bat Mitzvah simply needs to be Jewish. Traditionally, boys are at least 13 years old and girls, 12 or 13. Of course, celebrants well into legal adulthood can also be Bar/Bat Mitzvah.
The ceremony itself does call for the reading of a Torah portion related to the chosen date and this can be coordinated beforehand with the rabbi performing the ceremony. If the Bar/Bat Mitzvah has not attended religious school or learned
Hebrew, he or she may be tutored beforehand, in person or via Skype or Facetime.
Israel Ministry of Tourism
WHAT KIND OF TRIP IS RIGHT FOR YOUR FAMILY?
Once you have surfed the Internet and gotten a feel for where and when you want to go, it’s time to start making some
decisions.
Many organizations and travel companies offer group Bar/Bat Mitzvah tours in Israel where everything is arranged for you— from the rabbi to the ceremony site to the itinerary. Done! There are other advantages too: Other families with children the same ages are likely to share the trip with you, and many tour companies “comp” the tour for the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child.
If your synagogue is planning a trip to Israel, talk to your rabbi and see if he or she would perform a Bar/Bat Mitzvah while you arethere. Or, if you do the trip on your own, you can offer to invite your rabbi to come as your guest, so that the ceremony is further imbued with meaning.
Another type of trip is a customized private tour with a qualified tour guide who can arrange all the details of your Bar/Bat Mitzvah service, celebration and touring. This arrangement gives your family lots of flexibility — do you want to sleep late, go rafting, see historical sites or learn more about anything in-depth? Your guide will also have all the inside info on the best times and ways to get around. On this type of trip, you may have to plan your own flights and accommodations. Many of the same groups that offer group tours will also work with you to customize a private tour.
If you are visiting family in Israel, or if have been to the country before and know exactly what your family would like to do and see, you may want a do-it-yourself trip, where you do all the research and planning. Of course, the Israel Ministry of Tourism is there to fill in the blanks, providing everything from a list of rabbis to party locations. Go to www.goIsrael.com and search “Tourist Information” for “Jewish Themes.”
PLANNING CELEBRATIONS
Having a Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony in Israel does not mean you have to forgo the hoopla that usually comes with the event
at home. Your touring party can be as small or large as you’d like, with grandparents, cousins and friends all attending the ceremony, whether it’s being held in a hotel, a synagogue or at an historic site.
Most families dress less formally for the ceremony in Israel than they might have at home, mostly in deference to the heat. Wearing white clothing is a great choice and can give a coordinated look in photos. Do remember to check dress codes in some locations where women are expected to cover their arms and skimpy clothing is not acceptable.
While many families choose a casual post-cremony celebratory meal (perhaps in a Bedouin tent), or decide to continue touring, others work with a planner to produce a party that can rival any at home (fire-eaters, anyone?). The options are unlimited.
Many families choose to hire a professional photographer to record the ceremony and celebration in Israel – or even their entire trip because it is such a once-in-a-lifetime event.
WHERE SHOULD THE BAR BAT MITZVAH CEREMONY BE HELD?
There are a myriad of places to hold a ceremony in Israel, but the trick is finding the place that is right for you and your entire party of travelers. For instance, if your group includes young children or the elderly, you might want to avoid places that require a hike to reach, have no seating or are in unrelenting sun. Of course, if there is a will there’s a way to make almost any site work.
Additionally, while it’s true that in many locations you can hire a rabbi to perform the ceremony according to whatever Jewish tradition you adhere to, many sites, especially synagogues and a few sites of religious significance, require services be done only in their tradition, whether it’s reform, conservative or orthodox.
Keep in mind that the most popular days for Bar/Bat Mitzvah services in Israel are Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Rosh Chodesh (the first day of every month), and the most popular time is very early in the morning.
Have a spiritual, meaningful Bar Bat Mitzvah high above the desert or walk through an Israeli town under a chuppah to your celebration
TRADITIONAL CEREMONY SITES
These popular Bar/Bat Mitzvah sites are the ones most often included in group tours:
The Kotel (Western Wall)
The Kotel is perhaps the holiest site in Israel to hold a Bar Mitzvah. Bat Mitzvahs are not allowed at the Western Wall. All the services are Orthodox, and women do not stand up with their sons. Men and women are seated in separate sections (not necessarily with equal views or within equal earshot).
The Israel Ministry of Tourism points everyone to www.barmitzva.thekotel.org/en to plan ceremonies at the Wall. As the website explains, the Western Wall Heritage Center oversees all Bar Mitzvah proceedings, which are free. Bar Mitzvahs register one month in advance, and on arrival, will be assigned a Bar Mitzvah Guide to walk them through the process step by step. The center will provide a Sefer Torah, and a small table, and is happy to lend celebrants teffillin.
Other things to note: Entrance to the Western Wall Plaza requires walking through the Old City and going through airport-like security check (total time – 1 hour). In the fall and winter, and any time rain threatens, the Torah cannot be taken out, so Bar Mitzvahs take place under Wilson’s Arch.
To enhance your party’s experience, consider adding a tour of the adjacent “Generations” exhibit or of the Western Wall tunnels. With a little pre-planning and some tutorial, the Bar Mitzvah boy can actually lead the tour (with some help from a guide).
Robinson’s Arch and the Davidson Center
There are places along the Wall, no less holy, that do accommodate both Bar and Bat Mitzvah services.
“My favorite Bar/Bat Mitzvah location in Israel is Robinson’s Arch,” says Rabbi David Holtz, of Temple Beth Abraham in Tarrytown, NY. “We hold the ceremony at the southwest corner of the Temple Mount, standing on the very paving stones on which our ancestors walked. Facing us in front of the Wall is a jumbled pile of huge blocks, all that remains of the arch and of the Temple that stood above. In the year 70 A.D., Roman soldiers stood atop the Temple Mount and threw these very stones to the ground below, cracking the pavers.” He remains amazed that 2000 years later, Jews are still here, making this a very special place for a ceremony.
Ilona Marsh’s eldest daughter Sydney was Bat Mitzvahed under the arch. “During Sydney’s service, tourists stopped to watch. We ran into some of them later in the Old City and several women told Sydney how meaningful it was for them to watch a girl become a Bat Mitzvah.” She added that they even asked for her daughter’s name to record in their trip journals.
Robinson’s Arch, the Hulda Steps (a great place to sit or hold the ceremony when the shade leaves from Robinson’s Arch later in the day) and the Davidson Center are all part of the Jerusalem Archeological Park. The Davidson Center offers visitors an interactive, virtual-reality reconstruction of the Temple Mount and its environs. Note: The Davidson Center is closed on Saturdays.
Masada
An hour away from Jerusalem are the ruins of King Herod’s palace fortress on top of Mount Masada, a powerful symbol of Jewish resistance to foreign subjugation.
At 8 a.m., the first cable car climbs up the mount overlooking the Dead Sea to perhaps the world’s oldest synagogue still in use. By 8:30 a.m. it hosts Bar and Bat Mitzvahs in all traditions, Orthodox, Conservative, Reform or Reconstructionist. After the service, every Bar/Bat Mitzvah has the unique honor, under the tutelage of a Torah Scribe, of adding a single letter to the Masada Torah scroll.
Ceremonies must be arranged ahead of time by contacting the
Masada National Park (www.masada.org.il/en).
LESS TRADITIONAL, BUT FANTASTIC ISRAELI CEREMONY SITES
These sites can be as wonderful as the more traditional ones, but
may require an event planner to coordinate all events.
Tzfat (Safed)
Tzfat, to Israel’s north, is one of the country’s four holy cities. It is a picturesque city of spiritual people and artists, and a great place to hold a coming-of-age ceremony.
The musical parade, described earlier, leading to one of Tzfat’s four 16th century synagogues, can be arranged through the Tzfat Bar/Bat Mitzvah Center (http://www.bat-barmitzvah-tzfat.com/) or the Otzar Hastem of Tzfat (http://hastam.org/?page_id=52).
Besides the artist colony and the International Kabbalah Center, a must-see is the Otzar HaStem of Tzfat Experience (phone 011-972-4-691-2000), bringing the world of Scribes and the mystical secrets of Hebrew Letters to life. Built by the same people who design educational adventure rides at Epcot in Disney World, this adventure moves visitor’s seats into an immersive, multi-sensory, virtual reality world, complete with a holographic scribe.
Eretz Bereshit (Genesis Land)
Sarina Stein, of Irvington, NY, became Bat Mitzvah at Eretz Bereshit, on an overlook high over the Judean Desert. “We were a bit skeptical because it’s a place that’s known to be touristy; where people dress up in traditional garments and ride camels,” says her mother Ilona Marsh. “But we got there just after sunrise, before anything was open to the public. There was a beautiful bimah set up” and Sarina’s Bat Mitzvah felt very spiritual, connected to nature and to the history of the Jewish
people.
The “touristy” bit that the Steins were wary of could, in fact, be the very thing to enliven and enhance a family trip. Genesis Land, not far from Jerusalem, is more than a simple reenactment of biblical times; it is an interactive experience. The Patriarch Abraham’s servant meets your group and invites you to travel by camel to the Abraham’s tent. On the way, the caravan meets Joseph’s brothers, just before the siblings throw their brother into a pit. The servant continues to weave familiar tales. Once enjoying the hospitality of Abraham’s tent, families can join in on pita-making, parchment writing or pottery workshops.
Neot Kedumin
Nature lover? Neot Kedumin (http://www.neot-kedumim.org.il/), halfway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, is a large, biblical landscape reserve whose plant life and sweeping vistas are the setting of many popular bible stories. A Bar or Bat Mitzvah ceremony here, under a sukkah, draws on Bible references to nature and you can work with Neot Kedumin’s party planner to design a reception among the olive trees.
OTHER GREAT DESTINATIONS FOR BAR BAT MITZVAHS
While Israel will always be a popular choice for Bar/Bar Mitzvahs, an increasing number of families, perhaps influenced by the popularity of destination weddings, are seeking other locations in which to celebrate, including St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands, synagogues around the world and even out at sea. Here are some places to check out:
Historic St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands
“We chose not to go to Israel because I never converted to Judaism, so I would not be allowed to be on the bimah with my kids at any of the temples there,” said Lisa Shiroff of Vorhees, NJ.
She organized a B’nai Mitzvah for her two kids (13 and 12) and her 12-year old niece at the historic St. Thomas Synagogue in St. Thomas, in the U.S. Virgin Islands. The synagogue, the longest in continuous use under the American flag, has become a popular destination ceremony site.
“The menorah dates to the 11th century, and there is a sand floor to represent the Conversos — Jews who were forced to convert to Catholicism in Europe and who covered the floors in their basements to muffle the sound of their Hebrew prayers when they observed their Jewish services in secret,” Explains Shiroff.
Madison Wynter, of Bucks County, PA, was also Bat Mitzvah at the historic synagogue, but her journey started on the Norwegian Epic cruise ship and included a Caribbeanthemed celebration. Her mom, Beth McDonnell, arranged it all because she happens to be a Tripguy.com travel agent specializing in organizing Bar/Bat Mitzvah tours. McDonnell has arranged Bar and Bat Mitzvahs at a wide array of places: a Curacao resort, synagogues in Puerto Rico, Aruba and Prague, in the Italian countryside and under a chuppah on a Mexican beach at sunset.
For a unique celebration, have a Bar Bat Mitzvah at sea
Photo courtesy Mitzvah At Sea
“Beautiful settings as the backdrop for an important event, such as a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, will always be remembered and talked about for a lifetime,” according to Rabbi Steven Westman, who officiates ceremonies organized by a popular concierge B’nai.
Mitzvah planning company, Mitzvah at Sea (www.mitzvahatsea.com), which partners with several cruise companies.
Mitzvah At Sea can conduct a ceremony on the beach at a cruise line’s private island, at a resort, on an excursion during a port of call, and even on board a ship prior to it setting sail. Also known as a “Day of Embarkation” ceremony, families are able to invite friends and family who are otherwise unable to cruise, to still attend the ceremony and celebration. When they disembark, those that remain can continue to celebrate throughout the cruise.
Marissa Nemes, one of the company’s coordinators, recalls a particularly moving Havdallah service on the deck of Majesty of the Seas: “As the sun set, a group of 48, with arms linked, swayed and sang along to the rabbi playing hymns on his guitar. I am always amazed at how family and friends, regardless of the group size or dynamics, bonds, unites, and comes together to celebrate.”
Beth McDonnell, echoed that sentiment: “Wherever your family chooses to mark and celebrate this important Jewish milestone, there is nothing like spending those days with the people who mean the most to you. Mazel Tov!”
Israel: Is it Safe?
Israel has arguably the best security forces and technology in the entire world. While there might always be some unrest in the region, the country’s level of preparedness for any problem is without equal, and Israelis are accustomed to unforeseen changes in plans. Rest assured that if the danger level is deemed too high, a travel alert would be issued. That being said, it is always a smart idea to ask your trip organizers and event planners about their cancellation policy, and to purchase trip cancellation insurance.
RESOURCES
Historic locations:
• The Kotel (Western Wall): www.barmitzva.thekotel.org/en
• Masada National Park: www.masada.org.il/en
• Tzfat Bar/Bat Mitzvah Center: www.bat-barmitzvah-tzfat.com
• Otzar Hastem of Tzfat: http://hastam.org/?page_id=52
• Neot Kedumin: www.neot-kedumim.org.il
Information and groups that organize Israel Bar/Bat Mitzvah trips:
• Israel Ministry of Tourism: www.goisrael.com, 1-888-77-ISRAEL
• Amit: https://amitchildren.org/visiting-israel/
• Emunah: http://www.emunah.org/project_batbarmitzvah.php
• UJA-Federation: www.ujafedny.org
• Ayelet Tours: www.ayelet.com
• Israeli Discovery Tours: www.israeldiscoverytours.com
• Jewish National Fund Travel and Tours: www.jnf.org/travel/BnaiMitzvah/
• Totally Jewish Travel: www.totallyjewishtravel.com/bar_bat_mitzvah/
• Israel Tour Connection: www.israeltour.com
Other destinations:
• Mitzvah at Sea: www.mitzvahatsea.com
• Beth McDonnell: Beth@tripguy.com
March 10th, 2015
“Mitzvah Mishaps” are those crazy things that happen that make you say, “Oy Vey!” but in the end, it all worked out.
There is a lot of planning that goes into your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah service and celebration. It is an unforgettable milestone, even if a curve ball was thrown your way.
The families and vendors below all survived their “mishap” and a result, have great stories to tell for years to come. We thank them for sharing them with Mitzvah Market.
The Wabnik Family were all smiles as they experienced a Mitzvah Mishap…their cake slid right off the table and onto the floor at Ultimate 575! Not missing a beat, they used this opportunity to take a photo that they will be talking about for years to come
When the Trichon family celebrated their daughter’s Bat Mitzvah, they chose blue sweatshirt favors for the kids. On Monday morning, Mom Patrice got a frantic call from her daughter at school. It appeared the blue dye came off on all the kids’ skin! Fortunately, the dye washed off easily and the favor company replaced all of their favors!
Rachel was enjoying being lifted in the chair during the horah, when suddenly she went flying up and out into the crowd. Luckily her Uncle Coby caught her, and returned her to the Horah chair safely. Everyone (including Rachel) had a good laugh!
When Bar Mitzvah boy Jake got ready for his candle lighting ceremony, he and his parents realized that his Dad had forgotten the candle lighting poems at home! Like a real trooper, he stood up there and did his best, trying to remember the poems, and adding in a few lines on the fly
Invitations By Ana designs many Bar and Bat Mitzvah menus. Sometimes there are changes to the food selections or the title headings. On one particular menu, the client had originally wanted “Carly’s Bat Mitzvah Salad.” She then decided the heading should just read “Carly’s Salad.” Just as the proof was about to be emailed back to the client, Ana realized she had changed it to “Carly’s Bat Salad.” She tells us, “I’m sure that would have been the first Bat Mitzvah dinner to serve bat!”
This pop-up invitation was a collaboration between 3 companies. When Snowflake Gift Company shipped the direction and RSVP cards to FabuDesigns.com, the package was lost. They did reprint the cards and resend them. Fortunately it only delayed mailing the invitations by 1 week!
Brett Levine’s (pictured left) Bar Mitzvah took place during a blizzard! The forecast was for two feet of snow, but the Levine’s family and friends planned ahead. At the Kiddush, which followed the morning service, the Levines’ friends informed them that they booked rooms at the hotel, where the party would be taking place, for themselves and extra rooms for the Bar Mitzvah boy’s friends. This way the parents didn’t have to drive in the snow. The party turned out fantastic and this family felt extremely lucky to be surrounded by such wonderful family and friends
The original cake for Emma Frankel’s Bat Mitzvah was dropped on the way into the venue so a new one had to be made and baked during the cocktail hour!
Did you experience a Mitzvah Mishap? Let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
March 8th, 2015
After you receive your child’s Bar Bat Mitzvah date and start thinking about the type of celebration your family would like, it’s time to get to work on the details.
To have a theme or not is one of the big questions. Sometimes it’s hard to think of an appropriate theme or how you can turn one of your child’s interests into something clever and fun!
Take a look at these “not so common” themes and how these celebrations made it work. We hope they will inspire you!
This family celebrated with a “Party In Your PJs” theme
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Construction theme? Yes, this family used cranes, Bobcats, ladders, hard hats and safety glasses as part of the decor!
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This theme was a “Swim Meet” and even Michael Phelps made an appearance via a giant cardboard cut out at their “selfie station,” where guests could take a photo by his side
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For this Medieval themed Bat Mitzvah, even Grandpa dressed the part!
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A custom backdrop at the dessert table showcased a Sherlock Holmes style silhouette of the Bar Mitzvah boy who loves mysteries
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This Bat Mitzvah celebration was a “live” fairy tale. Talk about an entrance, the Bat Mitzvah girl “swung” in on a hanging chair!
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One might wonder how The Fault In Our Stars could possibly be a theme for a Bat Mitzvah celebration, but for super fan Chloe Werner there was no other option
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For this Dr. Seuss themed Bat Mitzvah, centerpieces were displayed with the famous hat from “Cat in the Hat”
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Great signage was just one part of this colorful and cheerful Bat Mitzvah celebration with a Lemonade Stand theme
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This celebration was a modern version of Alice in Wonderland. For “Abby in Wonderland,” characters from the book came to life
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It was a Super Hero themed Bat Mitzvah celebration with custom Kippot for “Lisa”
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Neon was the theme for Jasper’s Bar Mitzvah party
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Did your child celebrate with an “out of the box” Bar or Bat Mitzvah theme? Please let us know at info@mitzvahmarket.com.
March 1st, 2015
Abby Rose Photo had the pleasure of shooting a “History of Hoops” themed Bar Mitzvah. This was the third Mitzvah for this family and Abby Rose was thrilled to be involved with all three.
This celebration took place at MGM Grand Detroit, a great location for a basketball enthusiast.
The event planner was Dee Dee Hoffman.
Check it out below:
Tables of varying sizes were used for this celebration designed and planned by Dee Dee Hoffman
The bar area featured various basketball team logos
Popular basketball terms on a large display with basketballs on both sides
The lounge area featured oversized posters with quotes from basketball greats
A gobo on the dance floor
Startrax kept the crowd dancing and having fun
Thanks to Abby Rose Photo for sharing this creative Bar Mitzvah celebration with our readers.
The following vendors were used: Venue: MGM Grand Detroit, Music Entertainment: Startrax Events, Event Design & Planning: Dee Dee Hoffman
February 25th, 2015
By Chloe Cornell
I’m a 7th grader and live in Westchester, NY. I love tennis, soul cycle, fashion, hanging with my friends, and traveling around the world. Camp Vega is my summer home and my favorite place on earth! I founded the company #Kindnessistherealcool for my Mitzvah Project, and invite everyone to visit us on Instagram @kindnessistherealcool and join the movement.
My friend Ava’s Bat Mitzvah was amazing! It was at Guastavino’s in NYC. Her colors were blue and silver and the theme was “Always Ava.”
She held her Bat Mitzvah service upstairs at the restaurant, and then the party moved downstairs for cocktail hour. There were a ton of games for the kids to play including a roller coaster simulation ride, foosball, a light up air hockey table, a flat screen for video games and more.
The roller coaster simulation ride and other games were provided by Untouchable Events
During the cocktail hour, friends of Ava made their presentations to her individually and the video crew filmed it so that she could watch it again and again. I thought this was a great way to do the presentations, so that the other kids could continue to enjoy all the activities during the cocktail hour.
Later, we were invited back upstairs for the party. The table holding the place cards was very cool
A woman was standing at the bottom of the stairs handing out socks for girls and boys that wanted to take off their shoes. I definitely did!
The party was beautiful. The kids had their own lounge area with sequin pillows and light up tables
In addition to dancing, there were more activities upstairs including a station to put on funky eyelashes!
There was also an airbrush station for flannel PJ pants
And a glass figurine station where you could order glass designs and then watch a man create them. I chose a necklace with a glass heart
Ava’s cake was really cool – it featured a scene of her in her bedroom with all of her favorite things including Gossip Girl, shopping bags from her favorite stores, her computer, etc.
Additionally, they gave out a lot of fun things on the dance floor including beanie hats that said AVA or her Bat Mitzvah date. I got one that said AVA. They also gave out light up sticks and light up jewelry.
At the end of the party, they launched confetti over the dance floor. It was SO COOL – everyone went crazy!
Some of Ava’s Vendors Included:
Party Planner: Amy Katz Events
Entertainment and Games: Untouchable Events
Cake: Creative Cakes
To read Chloe’s past blog, click here.
February 23rd, 2015
Planning a Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah celebration can be stressful. There are many details and decisions that need to be made for your family. It’s a milestone event that will be shared with family and friends and remembered for years to come.
Many families get their creative ideas by seeing how others celebrated.You can also ask questions and get advice in our Philadelphia Bar Bat Mitzvah planning group on Facebook.
Here is a list of local Philadelphia Bar Bat Mitzvah experts.
Below are families that celebrated their child’s Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah in or around the Philly region. We hope these give you inspiration for your child’s party.
The Bednoff Family had such clever wording on the Save-the-Dates! “Lettuce TACO about it” set the tone for this celebration on Cinco de Mayo. When opened, guests found them stuffed with extra large confetti and sealed with bold address labels that read “Hola!”
The Bari Family had a laid back, fun celebration including for daughter Bari that included a cool new interactive technology LED bracelets that integrated everyone in part of the light show
The Zatman Family – These brothers celebrated at the Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh. This party was designed to recreate the excitement and energy of a packed sports arena from the marching band and tunnel entrance to the custom jumbotron, food and favors.
The Epstein Family – This high-energy party, held at Beat Street in Huntington Valley, Pennsylvania, celebrating Alec focused on the kids and most importantly, fun!
The Becker Family – This celebration, at Tendenza event space in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania featured a black and white Halloween theme and some fun elements from Emma’s favorite television show, “Pretty Little Liars”
The Mitnick Family – From Jamison, Pennsylvania, this reception was held at the Spring Mill Manor in Ivyland, Pennsylvania. The theme was “Remi’s Ice Cream Shoppe” with accents of purple throughout the details and room decor
The Siegel Family – For their celebration, the Siegel’s from Richboro, Pennsylvania, had an evening reception at Southampton Day Camp in Southampton, Pennsylvania. Jeremy loves hockey and this venue was transformed into a hockey arena for the night
The Brown Family – This family from Doylestown, Pennsylvania celebrated with a big kids’ party at Back Steps, part of Beat Street event venue, with a “JCB Stadium” theme
The Kortick Family – A “Liv It Up” themed party at Green Acres Country Club in Lawrenceville, New Jersey
The Dunoff Family – An art themed celebration at Artesano Ironworks in Manayunk, Pennsylvania
The Berger Family – Sydney is a “techy” girl so her “iBerger” theme was perfect for an evening of fun at the Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Cooper Family – A huge football fan and player, Danny celebrated his Bar Mitzvah reception with the theme, Cooper Bowl XIII at the Green Valley Country Club also in Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania
Would you like your child’s celebration spotlighted on MitzvahMarket.com? More information on how this works here.
See more ideas from Bar and Bat Mitzvah parties on Long Island.
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