Alex Miller of Port Washington, NY was fortunate enough to celebrate her Bat Mitzvah right before the Coronavirus stay at home began in March. With guests coming in from as far as Serbia, the Millers made sure to count their blessings and savor every moment with loved ones.
The celebration began on Thursday night as guests began arriving from out of town. On Friday evening a dinner was held before attending Friday night services at The Community Synagogue in Port Washington. The service was followed by a spectacular Oneg, thrown in Alex’s honor by female friends and family. Alex was called to the Torah as Bat Mitzvah on Saturday morning. She celebrated with a kiddush luncheon and an evening party at Temple Judea in Manhasset.
Alex’s theme, “Party the to AM” played off of her initials, and couldn’t have been more appropriate given the unsettling climate at the time. Party indeed!
Photo above (L-R): dad Michael, sister Taylor, Bat Mitzvah girl Alex, brother Jake, mom Jessica. The photographer for this event was White Light Photography. A complete list of vendors follows at the end of this Spotlight.
Bat Mitzvah Service
An AMazing Night
Mitzvah Advice
“Don’t sweat the small stuff,” says mom Jessica. “It’s not about every item being perfect. It’s about your child, family and friends sharing in a meaningful service and celebration where we truly ‘had the time of our lives.'” She adds: “Accept help from anyone willing to make things a little easier. It is so wonderful to see the look on your daughter’s face when she finds that special dress, and when she enters the party room for the first time. Enjoy it all — it goes by so fast!”
Mitzvah Project
For her Mitzvah Project, Alex along with family and friends, spent several weekends volunteering at Centro Evangelistico MMM Food Pantry in Inwood, NY. “We had an opportunity to meet and interact with many neighborhood residents who visit the food pantry weekly. Alex plans to continue doing volunteer work there in the future,” explains mom Jessica. “Alex also raised money for The Baco Boys Fund. Sadly, in 2003, a close family friend lost her brother, and three of his Camp Baco friends in a tragic drowning. The Baco Boys Fund was created to send less fortunate children, who might otherwise might not have the opportunity, to sleep away camp. Summer camp has always been a special place and experience for Alex. Her hope was for other children to have those same wonderful summers of camp!”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped the Miller family to create the the Bat Mitzvah celebration of their dreams. If you contact any of them, please let them know you read about their services on Mitzvah Market.
Venue/Cake: Temple Judea-Hasson Caterers, 516-625-1200
Music/MC/DJ: Next Level Event Group, 516-996-1285
Photographer/Videographer/Photo Booth/Montage: White Light Photography, 516-933-3399
Favors: A Promos USA Inc., 516-377-0186
Invitations: Helene Dorfman, RSVP, 516-621-7259
Decor/Sign-In Board: Lighter Than Air, 516-933-2113
Branding/Logos/Graphics: FabuDesigns, 312-513-1698
Custom Sneakers: Rebootz, 516-456-5468
Dresses: Designing Dreams (Alex and Taylor), 516-248-1988; Holly’s Infinity (Alex’s service dress), 516-801-3774; Runway Couture (mom), 516-308-4639
Suit: Kenny’s Menswear (brother), 516-921-2660
Hair/Makeup: Wash, 516-767-7460
Planning your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah? Ask questions and get advice from other Mitzvah parents in your area through Mitzvah Market’s 17 regional Facebook groups. Join here.
