The Herschkowitz family from Syosset, New York, celebrated son Blake’s Bar Mitzvah and reception on December 7, 2013, at Temple Or Elohim in Jericho, New York.
This was the same venue for their older son’s Royal Corybbean celebration back in 2011.
The theme was Basketball with a NBA theme, National Blake Association, and a visit from one of the New York Knick’s former all-star MVPs!
Pictured L-R: Dad Steve, Mom Malky, Bar Mitzvah boy Blake and Brother Cory.
The photography was done by David Conn of Visions Fine Photography and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of the spotlight.
The invitation, created by Dear Friends, really set the tone for the party, and was hand delivered to each guest. The basketball featured the service information printed right on the ball. Additionally, there was a brochure which included reception information and pictures of Blake growing up
The theme, National Blake Association, was NBA inspired and fit perfectly! For the pre-party shoot, Blake was photographed at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, home of the Nets
Great shot of Blake on the “B”
For the dress code, adults were asked to wear “Cocktail Attire” the kids were asked to wear “Jerseys and Jeans”
The logo, created by Dazzling Parties, was created to look like the Brooklyn Nets logo
Dazzling Parties also created the decor making guests feel as though they were in an arena. The 3-D place card table display included all of Blake’s favorite teams
The place cards looked like real tickets
The entryway into the ballroom at Or Elohim included an over-sized poster of Blake and a locker which served as the sign-in
The entryway sign was created to look like a sporting venue with Row “B” for Blake, Section 13 for his age
Real basketballs were used for the centerpieces
Great details in the centerpieces including the use of clear vases with mini basketballs floating
The reception looked great with the colorful spandex chair covers and up lighting
A cool scoreboard and Blake’s jerseys were hung on the drapes and used as part of the decor
This picture lamp shade was customized with NBA team logos and pictures of Blake
ET Events with MC Carl were the music entertainment for this celebration and kept the music going and the dance floor packed
Great view of the action
Time for the Horah
NBA great and former New York Knick, John Starks, was on hand to take pictures and sign autographs
John Starks signing a picture for Blake, a cherished momento of the night
Guests also enjoyed watching Jack Ryan, known as “The Hoop Wizard,” a basketball entertainer who performs magic tricks with basketballs
The cake, from Dortoni Bakery, was a replica of a basketball sneaker which looked amazing and tasted great
The Herschkowitz family with big smiles, enjoyed this very special moment
Blake’s “Dream Team” included all his friends
A delicious assortment of cookies with Blake’s logo and name were offered to guests at the end of the night
Mitzvah Project
Blake raised money for Sunrise Day Camp on Long Island. This camp, for children ages 3-16, is the only dedicated full summer day camp in the nation for children with cancer. It is a camp designed to meet the emotional, social, recreational and physical needs of these children while allowing them to enjoy the comforts and safety of their own homes at night.
Blake presented a check to the camp
Some advice from Mom Malky:
“While planning, I included Blake in the choices of decorations and kept in mind who he is. Blake hates getting dressed up. Therefore, kids wore jerseys and jeans!”
The following vendors helped to make Blake’s Bar Mitzvah special. If you give any of them a call, let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Temple Or Elohim, 516-433-9888
Caterer: Shawn, Hasson Caterers, 516-937-0120
Invitation: Dara Grunberg, Dear Friends, 516-367-7877
Music Entertainment: MC Carl, ET Events
Favors: Michelle, Creative Specialties, 516-348-1346
Photographer/Videographer David Conn, Visions Fine Photography, 516-764-4040
Basketball Entertainment: The Hoop Wizard
John Starks Appearance: Shawn, Hasson Caterers, 516-937-0120
Décor/Florist/Sign-in board: Dazzling Parties, 516-766-1471
Cake: Dortoni Bakery, 516-796-3033
Mom’s dress: Tadashi Shoji Boutique, Las Vegas, Nevada
Boys suits: Kenny’s Mens & Boyswear, 516-921-2660
Hair: Michelle, Dakota Salon, 516-496-2525
Make Up: Ann DeFranco, Dakota Salon, 516-496-2525
