September 2nd, 2022
By Vered Ornstein
A new school year is upon us, and with it comes a new onslaught of Bar and Bat Mitzvahs. For those who are having a B Mitzvah during the upcoming school year, an ever relevant question comes into play: Do I have to invite my whole class to my big day?
In this article, we’ll break down the ins and outs of B Mitzvah invitations, and help answer the question of who from school you should invite to your celebration.
A certain etiquette around inviting your whole class to a birthday party has become common in American schools in recent years. In fact, some schools even have it stated as a rule that a party held by a student must include everyone. But a B Mitzvah is different from a normal birthday party, right? Yes and no. While a B Mitzvah is arguably the most important day of your life, marking your journey into becoming a Jewish adult, it is also, essentially, a commemoration of your 12th or 13th birthday. So, if your school has a policy about inviting a whole class to a birthday party, B Mitzvahs may fall into that category.
If your school does not explicitly state its invitation policy, there are a few rules of thumb you can keep in mind to help you make the decision of who to invite. The first is, if it’s small, invite them all. This means that if you have a small class or grade size, it’s probably best to invite everyone, as leaving only a few people out can feel hurtful or exclusionary. This is especially true in private schools both Jewish and secular, as classes there tend to be smaller and more intimate.
If you attend a private school and your grade is more than, say, 50 people, there is some leeway in the idea that you should invite everyone. As a general rule of thumb for classes any larger than this, you should invite all, half, or none. Working in these intervals will make sure that if you’re being selective about who to invite, you’re not leaving out just a handful of people.
For B Mitzvah teens that attend public school or otherwise large schools, it is not realistic to invite one’s entire class. In this case, you can be more selective about who to invite, but it’s important to do so with discretion. Though the anticipation for your big day is super exciting, try not to be boastful or loud about it in front of people you’re not planning on inviting, as this can make your peers feel left out. Also, keep in mind that you may be one of the only Jewish people in your class, meaning that your B Mitzvah is one of the few opportunities for your classmates to experience Judaism! In that sense, inviting as many people as possible can be a great opportunity to show an important part of yourself to your friends and peers.
If you’re still unsure about whether or not to invite your entire class to your B Mitzvah, consider hosting a small party just for classmates separate from the main event. That way, you can have your group of close friends with you on the actual day and also make sure everyone at school feels included. Ask your teachers or principal if you can throw a small celebration with your whole class during a free period or after school, or invite everyone to a local park or pool the weekend after your actual B Mitzvah.
With these tips in tow, the school year and B Mitzvah season are ready to launch back into full swing!
August 31st, 2022
PJ Library, an organization centered around reading and education for young Jews, has launched their new podcast series, B-Mitzvah Bites. A part of their greater podcast platform, “PJ Library Presents: Have I Got A Story For You!”, B-Mitzvah Bites features real preteens and teenagers submitting questions about preparation for their B-Mitzvah. The questions are answered by a panel of B-Mitzvah experts- older teens who themselves recently celebrated their big day. With advice coming from their own experienced peers, B-Mitzvah students can feel comfortable asking any question that is on their mind.
The seven episodes released so far cover a wide array of topics. How far in advance should you start preparing for your B-Mitzvah? How does it actually feel on the day? What are some tips for writing your D’var Torah (a speech about the weekly Torah portion)? All of these questions and more are answered throughout. With episodes being only about 5 minutes long each, it’s never been simpler or quicker to get all the details on planning and prepping for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah.
The time leading up to a B-Mitzvah can be scary or overwhelming for many kids, and this podcast series aims to offer support and take some of the guesswork and anxiety out of the preparation period. It is a fantastic resource for pre-Mitzvah teens with questions or concerns, as well as for parents and teachers to stay aware of what their children are grappling with during a time of transition and change.
You can listen to all current episodes of B-Mitzvah Bites by visiting this link or searching for PJ Library wherever you listen to podcasts.
August 29th, 2022
Jessica says her daughter, Sydney, could dance before she could walk, a trait she picked up from Jessica herself. For Jessica’s own Bat Mitzvah, ceramic pointe shoe centerpieces showcased her beloved hobby and party theme, ballet. So when Sydney chose “Keep on Dancing” as a theme for her own Bat Mitzvah party, Jessica already knew where to start.
The June 4th party at Wright-Locke Farm in Winchester, Massachusetts was everything that Sydney had hoped for- intimate, rustic, and sentimental. Having attended camp and many events at the farm, it was the perfect venue for Sydney to mark her journey into adulthood. Moreover, it played well into one of the focal points of the party- sustainability. At the end of the party, guests took home potted plants and herbs, and beautiful peonies straight from Sydney’s grandmother’s garden served as decoration. Wherever possible, paper, bamboo and compostable goods were used over plastic, and reusable elements were integral in the design and décor.
Even Sydney’s ballet shoe centerpieces, an idea lifted from her mother’s own Bat Mitzvah, were made of real pointe shoes, many that Sydney and her aunt had worn over the years. With help from a florist friend and her experience in planning her son’s Bar Mitzvah a few years prior, Jessica achieved most of the décor elements on her own.
“Starting with your child’s own interests is the best way to plan a great party,” Jessica revealed. Signed pointe shoes from some of her daughter’s favorite professional dancers married the sentimentality and uniqueness of the theme together. Even Sydney’s mitzvah project was dance themed, raising over $1,000 to be used as a scholarship fund for new dancers at her lifelong dance studio.
The way party favors were handled took Sydney’s best interests into account, too. Knowing that not everyone from school could be in attendance, she opted to not hand out the classic sweatshirt or T-shirt at the end of her party in order to ensure that no one at school felt left out. Instead, her mother designed just one personalized sweatshirt for Sydney to have, another unique and sentimental element of the party. Sydney picked out retro wood style Bluetooth speakers to hand out to guests so they could dance even after the party was over.
As for Jessica’s advice to other party planning parents, she says “Be careful not to take on too much. Things that seem like they may be simple (like invites, programs, a website, or a doughnut wall, for example) may take a lot longer than you think . Ask your friends for help, and be a good delegator.” Having a team work together means everyone can keep on dancing all night long.
Vendors
Photographer: Robert Castagna
Florals: Corrine Emerick of Privet Floral
Venue: Wright-Locke Farm
By Vered Ornstein
August 29th, 2022
Sick of the same old, same old at Bar and Bat Mitzvah parties? During the height of party season, the trove of banquet hall dance parties, T-shirts, and candle lighting ceremonies can start to feel repetitive. To stand out in the crowd of sameness, check out these five vendors who can offer you a little excitement as you plan your party.
Card My Yard
Don’t just tell the world about your Bar/Bat Mitzvah party- show them! Card My Yard creates custom yard signs that incorporate your teen’s interests, favorite colors, and personality, grand enough to highlight the importance of their milestone event. Surprise your teen with a sign honoring them at home, or let guests know they’re in the right spot by having it installed at your synagogue or party venue. Nationwide service and installation included in pricing means you can spruce up just about any yard you can dream of.
Frankie’s on the Park
So many teens dream of their perfect Bar/Bat Mitzvah outfit, and a child as special as yours deserves an experience to match! Frankie’s on the Park offers specialized and personalized dress shopping experiences in an empowering, welcoming environment. Though their storefront is based in Chicago, with virtual consultations and appointments, your dream dress can be yours from anywhere in the country! Give them a visit for expert dress and fashion advice.
Fun to Eat Fruit
Everyone’s seen customized M&Ms and other candies at B Mitzvah parties- why not try a more natural option for your upcoming party? With Fun to Eat Fruit, your mitzvah logo is printed right onto your favorite fruits, for a healthy and fun treat option at the end of the night. New York metro area and Boston families can have the freshest party, and the freshest fruits, with these favors unlike any other.
The Honest Jeweler
Jewelry is a common Bat Mitzvah gift- but the B Mitzvah teen doesn’t have to be the only one to go home with a beautiful piece. The Honest Jeweler, serving the New York metro area, Long Island, and parts of Upstate, is a custom jewelry maker who brings the bling to everyone at your party. Guests can choose from an array of styles and designs and receive a custom, engraved piece of jewelry as a party favor. Instead of settling for a sweater or T-shirt that’s uniform for all guests, you can give them a special and personal experience that they will cherish for years to come. Make your party a memorable one with this unique type of favor!
Novelty Plug
If you think you’ve seen it all at Bar/Bat Mitzvah parties, think again. Novelty Plug, who serves most of the east coast as well as Chicago, offers all the traditional party favors and entertainment, and then some. Guests will be wowed when they have a fake tattoo instantly printed on their skin, custom printed nail art that lasts for weeks, and get their party favors by popping open a balloon. These services are only offered by Novelty Plug, making them a truly special find for your truly special day. If never-before-seen is your name, Novelty Plug is certainly your game.
By Vered Ornstein
August 25th, 2022
At Jake’s Bar Mitzvah, he was the center of attention, literally. “The Jake Center” was the theme of the big day, a fitting brand for a lifelong lover of basketball and golf. With the help of EK Event Group, Jake’s party was in the big leagues, transforming the outdoor space and marquee into a bright and lively venue.
The main party area featured a huge, light up dance floor and a personalized, dazzling white stage. The MVP Jake beamed as he saw his party vision come to life.
The customized logo, marrying together the Bar Mitzvah boy’s two favorite sports, was featured all around the venue, on the sign-in board and beyond.
The entertainment – and drinks – was plentiful. Guests played ping pong, foosball, Pac-Man, and more. The adults relaxed with glasses of watermelon lemonade and Paloma, the signature drinks of the day.
If guests felt tuckered out, they took a breather in the lounge area, marked by branded lantern covers and throw pillows that popped on the bright white couches. The sleek and subtle design was luxurious and cool, fit for sports royalty.
Once the party started, it just didn’t stop. Teens and adults alike took to the dancefloor to celebrate Jake and his achievements. As the night raged on, the hard work of EK Event Group paid off, giving Jake the party of a lifetime. Sports fanatics and nonfans alike agreed that their visit to The Jake Center was a huge win.
Photography by Memory Creations
By Vered Ornstein
August 22nd, 2022
Jason Robert Brown’s 13 The Musical hit Netflix last Friday, bringing the consummate Bar Mitzvah musical to life. The show originally opened on Broadway in 2008 and launched the careers of actress Liz Gillies and pop idol Ariana Grande. Now, more than a decade after the show’s initial run, it’s made its small screen debut, bringing the story of a struggling Bar Mitzvah boy to the homes of millions.
The story follows Evan Goldman, a 12 year old New York City native whose life is turned upside down when his parents divorce just before the start of his 8th grade year. As he moves from the big city to a small town in Indiana, Evan comes to terms with the idea that his Bar Mitzvah party will take place in a new and unfamiliar place. “A Bar Mitzvah is the event that defines you! The Jewish Superbowl!” Evan exclaims within the first five minutes of the film. Thus, when he arrives at his new school, Evan will do anything to make good with the popular kids and get them to attend his party.
As Evan ventures to learn what it really means to be a Jewish adult, he struggles to reign in his selfishness and immaturity, going to dire straits to earn himself a spot with the cool kids. Only once he’s had to grapple with the choices he’s made and the way they’ve impacted his friends does Evan come to understand that a Bar Mitzvah is about so much more than a cool party.
Where the film cuts some music from the original Broadway score, it adds in rich development of its characters, allowing for even greater lessons learned throughout. In repairing his broken relationship to his parents, Evan learns how to both ask for forgiveness and forgive others. Through huge life transitions, new responsibilities, and the fear and confusion of growing up, Evan’s story teaches the audience about the difficulties of young adulthood- while also showing that there’s always a way through problems that may feel daunting and never ending.
The young cast of actors warmly and proficiently portray the trials and tribulations of adolescence, with moving and impressive performances from all. They are supported by an allstar adult cast featuring Josh Peck as Evan’s rabbi, Debra Messing as Evan’s mother, and Rhea Perlman as his grandmother.
Funny, heartwarming, and challenging, 13 The Musical is a film that the whole family can enjoy together. Whether your Bar/Bat Mitzvah was 50 years ago or is still yet to come, the takeaways and lessons will resonate throughout generations.
By Vered Ornstein
August 22nd, 2022
There was only one rule for Davis Goodman’s Bar Mitzvah party: Play Like a Champion Today. A lifelong generational Notre Dame fan, the school’s famous motto highlighted exactly how Davis and his family wanted the big day to feel…a day to showcase Davis’ accomplishments and pride. With this in mind, coupled with Davis’ love for the sport of hockey, Melisa Imberman and her team at The Event of a Lifetime got started planning the perfect party for the Bar Mitzvah boy.
A love for Notre Dame so large needed a venue to match, and Melisa knew an indoor sports facility was the perfect blank canvas she needed to set it all up.
The once barren gymnasium and field were unrecognizable by the time the party started, completely transformed into an eye-popping venue covered in Notre Dame’s iconic blue and gold color scheme.
As guests arrived, they were greeted with in-theme banners and signs welcoming them to the party. Further in, they found their table placements in front of a life-size cutout of Davis in his goalie uniform. For a unique spin, guests signed a customized sign-in locker, letting everyone know that the “big game” was about to begin!
For cocktail hour, there was no better way to celebrate than with a classic college tailgate on one of the venue’s indoor turf fields. This tailgate was complete with branded tents, tables, and chairs that energized and excited the crowd. No matter if guests were drinking, playing games, or partying, they knew to do so with a champion’s mindset!
While guests enjoyed an elevated version of tailgate barbecue, games of cornhole, can jam, spike ball and more brought the backyard party vibe to a whole new level.
Finally, the warmups were done and it was time for the big game to start. Guests grabbed their branded rally towels and headed to the dance floor where they were reminded to “Dance like a Champion Today”. As Davis stormed the rink in his grand entrance, his fans and friends cheered on their #1 player.
As the party raged on, guests stayed entertained with a magician, a Lidz shop making customized hats, airbrush tattoos and Insta Tatts mobile skin printing, a personalized photobooth, and a live goalie to test their hockey skills against. Purveyors could take a break in the penalty box lounge, a VIP area with bleachers, food, and drinks.
The centerpieces wowed as they brought the theme of an elevated arena to life with on-point branding, attention to details, and high class elements.
At the end of the night, partygoers went home with Davis and Notre Dame themed sweatshirts, backpacks, trucker hats, beanies and more! Davis even got the chance to shoot his own party swag into the crowd with a T-shirt cannon, solidifying him as MVP of the night.
To refuel, everyone picked up branded water and Gatorade and made their way to the gourmet doughnut truck waiting outside.
With The Event of a Lifetime on his team, Davis and his family knew without a doubt that that everyone partied like a champion that night.
Photography by: Chad David Kraus
August 17th, 2022
A Bar or Bat Mitzvah photo album is like a time capsule, capturing the ideals and fashions of their times. When your teen looks back on their B Mitzvah photos in 10 years, they may cringe at their mouth full of braces or choice of dress, but with the tips below, their party will feel evergreen. For the family who wants to keep up with ever evolving trends without feeling too tied down to the fashions of the 2020s, here are four ways to incorporate modern trends into your B Mitzvah party in subtle, special ways.
1. Pantone Color of the Year
Every year, design brand Pantone releases their “Color of the Year”, a unique hue meant to capture the essence and feeling of the year. Even if the Color of the Year is not in your party’s palette, there are many ways to insert the color subtly throughout. Customized sneakers, nail polish, jewelry, uplighting, floral arrangements, and other design elements are the perfect way to conspicuously incorporate a color scheme and be a nod to the year your Mitzvah is taking place.
Check out our full list of incredible vendors who will help you plan the best day ever!
2. Eco-Friendly
Recent polls have shown that Gen Z is uniquely concerned about the environment and sustainability when compared to older generations. With the demand for action against climate change rising, there’s no sign that this trend is slowing down. As a result, many families are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint in party planning. Biodegradable dinnerware, hand-picked florals, and minimization of plastic waste are all great places to start when pursuing sustainability.
3. Tik Tok booth
There’s no saying what the social media landscape will look like even five years from now, let alone decades in the future. However, just as Facebook was the quintessential platform of the 2010s, it’s clear that Tik Tok is earning itself that title for the 2020s. As a way to capture the unique essence of this time in the digital world, set up a Tik Tok booth at your B Mitzvah party!
Much like a traditional photo booth, a simple station with a tripod, iPhone, and backdrop is all you need to get going. Set up a Tik Tok page specifically for the big day that guests can share the video to. This is not only a fun and modern way to engage party guests, it can act as a video diary that will preserve the precious memories of the big day.
4. Minimalism
“Go big or go home” and “less is more” seem like opposing mindsets, but in the world of party planning, they can actually complement each other. In reviewing trends of 2022, it’s clear that minimalist maximalism (a few bold, simple, eye-catching elements) is going to be the predominant design choice in the next few years. Simple, chic, and bright is what designers are leaning into, and parties planned with that in mind will surely age like fine wine.
By Vered Ornstein
August 12th, 2022
Stars… they’re just like us!
Well, in some ways.
Most of us don’t see much in common between ourselves and celebrities, who stay in luxury hotels, wear designer clothes, and jetset around the world. But a surprising link between some of our favorite celebrities and ourselves holds us all together – Bar Mitzvahs.
From learning to read from the Torah, to throwing a lavish party, to those awkward teenage photos, Jewish celebrity Bar and Bat Mitzvahs remind us that the lifestyles of the rich and famous are not so far out of reach. Below are photos of seven superstars at their own coming-of-age ceremonies, and what they had to say about their big days.
- Drake
At thirteen years old, Toronto-native rapper Drake (born Aubrey Graham) celebrated his Bar Mitzvah, a modest and traditional event much like any other B Mitzvah party at the time. In a 2012 interview, Drake described himself as “a proud young Jewish boy”, claiming that at the time of his Bar Mitzvah, he vowed “that if I ever got rich, I’d throw myself a re-Bar Mitzvah.”
Well, get rich he did, and in keeping to his word, Drake thew himself a “re-Bar Mitzvah” in 2017 for his 31st birthday (31 being the inverse of 13, the traditional Bar Mitzvah age).
The star studded-event featured A-list guests, lots of partying, and even a bit of Torah reading.
2. Tiffany Haddish
The funny and talented comedian Tiffany Haddish didn’t discover her Jewish heritage until her late 20s when she reconnected with her estranged father, an Ethiopian Jew. From there, she went on to study Hebrew and Jewish law, finally consummating her religious identity in 2019 with a Bat Mitzvah celebration on her 40th birthday.
On the same day as her big celebration, Haddish released her comedy special Black Mitzvah which delves into her identity and experience as a Black Jew.
3. Chelsea Handler
Comedian and author Chelsea Handler remembered her Bat Mitzvah back in 2014 with a throwback photo of her up at the Torah. The caption put any doubts about her religion to rest, saying “Don’t ever say I’m not a real Jew. My bat-mitzvah. Mazel.”
4. James Franco
In 2015, James Franco took his Mitzvah Project to a whole new level. Teaming up with fellow actor Seth Rogen, he threw a lavish Bar Mitzvah party to raise money for Rogen’s Hilarity for Charity which donates its proceeds to the Alzheimer’s Association. With performances and appearances by the likes of Miley Cyrus, Jeff Goldblum, Zac Efron, and many more, the nontraditional coming of age celebration raised more than 4 million dollars for Alzheimer’s research.
Here’s a bonus photo of Franco’s best bud Seth Rogen at his own Bar Mitzvah:
5. Nick Kroll
Funnyman Nick Kroll has documented the trials and tribulations of pubescence and growing up in his hit Netflix show Big Mouth. As promotion between the show’s 4th and 5th seasons, Kroll shared this precious picture from his Bar Mitzvah.
6. Diana Agron
The Glee star took a trip down memory lane in the early days of the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, sharing an old snap of her Bat Mitzvah to Instagram.
7. Ben Platt
Broadway superstar Ben Platt, known for his roles in Dear Evan Hansen and the Pitch Perfect franchise, celebrated his Bar Mitzvah in Los Angeles back in 2008.
By Vered Ornstein
August 4th, 2022
By Vered Ornstein
There is so much attention to detail that must be spent when planning a Bar or Bat Mitzvah party. The venue, the food, the outfits, the entertainment; you’ve worked for months or even years to make sure everything is in place for your teen’s big day. One thing you can’t control is the weather. If your family has been assigned a Bar/Bat Mitzvah date in the summertime, you may be nervous about planning a party that doesn’t get bogged down by hot, sticky weather. If this sounds like you, don’t sweat it- here are six tips on how to keep spirits higher than the temperature at your summer B Mitzvah.
- Have a pool party
On some summer days, the only thing that feels like it can cut the heat is a nice dip in the pool or ocean. Hosting a pool party is always a popular idea, as splashing around with friends, catching a tan, and sipping ice-cold drinks by the water never gets old. Especially as it is becoming more common to host multiple, smaller parties as opposed to one big one, a pool party is a chance to kick back and relax with a more intimate group of family or friends. Look into indoor swimming venues such as the local JCC or YMCA to start planning the coolest party of the summer.
- Make a signature drink
A staple of many modern weddings and parties, a signature drink is a special and fun way to keep everyone hydrated and happy at your summer party. Whether it’s a frozen slushie, a virgin cocktail, or just something cool and simple, signature drinks are refreshing and rejuvenating as you party the day away.
- Rent an ice cream truck
Who doesn’t love a big scoop of ice cream or a popsicle as the sun beats down on a hot day? You can set up an ice cream bar right inside of your party venue for customizable treat as the party rages on, or take it a step further and rent an ice crem truck to serve guests as they leave the party. Whichever you choose, your guests will always remember how sweet it was to be treated at the end of the night.
- Personalized fans
Personalized party favors come in seemingly endless options, from clothing, to backpacks, to jewelry, and countless other unique offerings. A paper or foldable fan with your party’s branding on it is the perfect way to keep people cool while sticking to your desired theme and aesthetic, whether at your party or at your Bar/Bat Mitzvah service. This is an especially good idea if you’re planning on hosting an outdoor event and you want to be certain that everyone stays comfortable while sitting or playing in the sunshine.
- Opt for a nighttime party
As fun as daytime events can be, the safest bet to make sure it’s not too hot at your upcoming summertime B Mitzvah is to host events in the nighttime. Around midsummer, this means a party would start sometime after 9 p.m., which may be too late for many people’s preferences. In this case, try incorporating the sunset into the night’s events and start the festivities around then. Even if you don’t wait for nightfall, waiting until the afternoon or evening will ensure the temperatures are more manageable and comfortable than if they were in the middle of the day.
- Ice sculpture
If you really want to wow your guests with a showstopping centerpiece to light up your party venue, invest in an ice sculpture to show off your party’s branding while keeping things literally chill. Though it may not work to cool down people’s drinks, it’s sure to make your party the hottest event of the hot season.
