The Dershowitz family from Plainview, New York celebrated their daughter Bari’s Bat Mitzvah on May 19, 2012 at the Plainview Jewish Center with a reception the following day at East Meadow Jewish Center in East Meadow, New York.
Knowing Bari’s passion for reading and all things “Harry Potter,” the Dershowitz family created a magical Harry Potter themed Bat Mitzvah.
Salzman & Ashley Studios was the photographer and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Pictured above (L-R): Big brother Matt, Mom Eileen, Bat Mitzvah girl Bari and Dad Steve
Taking a page from the Harry Potter series, Bari and Mom Eileen designed the invitations to give a hint of the theme. They created the concepts for a tri-fold invitation with a Jewish star seal, featuring red and gold colors and the “Harry Potter” font. Cyperus Fine Paper Invitations printed the invitation.
The tri-fold opened like a Hogwarts school letter and it featured Gryffindor’s red and gold colors used as inspiration
Bari’s name in a “Harry Potter” font
Although Bari didn’t plan on coordinating her dress with her theme, when she tried on this green & gold cocktail dress from It’s Simply for You, it was magical!
It was even adorned with “phoenix feathers”
An avid Harry Potter fan, Bari’s theme “Bari Potter & The Most Magical Bat Mitzvah” was obvious as the guests began their journey when they entered the reception.
Adult guests found their seats from the Hedwig the Owl place cards and the kids dais seating was created on a poster in the shape of a scroll
Lighter Than Air created a magical place of “Witchcraft and Wizardry” transforming the inside of the East Meadow Jewish Center.
Bari’s “Sorting Hat,” a Potter “must have,” was a fun element at the place card table
Bari’s sign-in book was also created by Lighter Than Air and featured a picture of her as Bari Potter
This centerpiece features Bari dressed in her Hogwarts school robe
Bertie Botts Every-Flavored Beans were placed on the adult tables and in the kids bags along with their t-shirts
The “Three Broomsticks Food Court” signage added to the fun
The Dershowitz family got into the action when it was time to make their entrance. Bat Mitzvah girl Bari was carried in by two DanceJock Productions’ dancers while “riding” on a broom. MC Rick announced Bari’s entrance as the “Guest of Honor and Head of Ravenclaw House.”
The guests loved Bari’s entrance!
Big Brother Matt entering as the “Head of Slytherin House”
When Mom and Dad entered, they wore robes & scarves and were announced as “Your host and hostess and the heads of Hufflepuff & Gryffindor Houses.” Mom was the Gryffindor & Dad was the Hufflepuff
The music entertainment was provided by DanceJock Productions and an enchanting DJ Rick quickly got into the Harry Potter theme and worked his music magic on the dance floor.
Bat Mitzvah girl Bari front and center leading her friends in a dance move
Bari and her friends having fun
Bari’s Bat Mitzvah cake was created by President Caterers. The text is “Draco Dormiens Nunquam Titillandus,” which of course is the motto of the Hogwarts and means, “Never tickle a sleeping dragon!”
Bari’s cake featured the same logo as her t-shirt favors
Bari’s second love is musical theater and Bari was the lead in her play, “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” so her candle lighting ceremony featured songs from Broadway musicals. Bari also organized a flash mob to recreate a big dance number from the school musical that she had appeared in.
Bari surrounded by her drama friends
Mom Eileen and Bat Mitzvah girl Bari conceived the idea for the themed black t-shirt favors, which was then designed and custom made by Lori Goldstein of Jaylor Party Favors.
The front and back of the t-shirts
The Dershowitz Family modeling the t-shirt favors
Bari volunteered with the Challenger Division of Plainview Baseball. Challenger Baseball is an important part of the Plainview Little League. Challenger provides a baseball environment for children with Special Needs. She spent Sunday mornings helping players with disabilities enjoy playing baseball, which she enjoyed as much as she enjoys playing softball. She continues to volunteer with this organization.
Mom Eileen has some Mitzvah advice to share.
“Don’t forget to have fun. Have clear ideas, but listen to what the Mitzvah child wants. And if you’re not used to wearing high heels, make sure you have a pair of sneakers in your bag for the trip home.”
The following vendors helped to make Bari’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: East Meadow Jewish Center, 516-483-4991
Caterer/Cake: President Caterers, 516-483-4991
Photographer/Videography: Brian, Salzman & Ashley Studio
Party Planner: Mom Eileen Dershowitz
Decor/Florist/Sign-in Book: Lighter Than Air, 516-933-3210
Music Entertainment: MC Rick, DanceJock Productions, 631,242-0042
Extra Entertainment: NYC Photobooth, 800-531-3727
Favors: Lori, Jaylor Party Favors, 516-496-4607
Invitation: Cyperus Fine Paper Invitations, 516- 496-7116
Bat Mitzvah Dress: It’s Simply For You
Men’s Suits: Effie LerMan’s, 516-586-6949
Hair/Makeup: Lorraine, Raves Salon 931-3939
