The Sollender family from Short Hills, New Jersey, celebrated their son Ethan’s Bar Mitzvah on October 19, 2013, with a Kiddush luncheon at Temple B’nai Jeshurun in Short Hills, New Jersey, and a reception at Space in Englewood, New Jersey.
This celebration was very different from his sister Paige’s, who had a skiing theme. His theme was “E,” not only his first initial, but also his nickname.
Pictured L-R: Dad Marshall, Bar Mitzvah boy Ethan, Mom Shari and Sister Paige.
The photographer was Jeffrey Fleisig Photography and the rest of the vendor directory is listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Ethan at the Bimah for his service at Temple B’nai Jeshurun in Short Hills, New Jersey.
Julie Maloof Designs created the unique cut-out letter “E” invitation.
The entire Sollender family looked great. The men got their clothing at 580 South. Mom Shari purchased her cocktail dress at Lyn Kohls Boutique and sister Paige found her dress at Neiman Marcus.
The Sollender family in front of the arcade at Space
The family wanted a fun and exciting location for Ethan’s Bar Mitzvah which is why they chose Space, an event venue with built-in video games, a bowling ally and a great dance floor.
Elvira Grau owner of Space created most of the decor using Ethan’s first initial “E.”
The “E” invitation was on display on the place card table
“E” was used around the room as a decor accent
This “E” was part of the adult centerpieces
Ethan’s sign-in was an original painting which incorporated his love of lacrosse and his initial.
Ethan’s sign-in now hangs in his room at home
Hi NRG Sound Productions, with Charlie as the MC, was the music entertainment and they kept everyone dancing all night.
Ethan with MC Charlie
Ethan was in the middle of the action all night
Space offers many activities for guests of all ages.
Magician Jason Silberman wowed the crowd
Space offers great interactive fun
Ethan enjoyed the photo booth
The Main Event was on hand with great photo favors
Mom Shari’s company Images4Ever produced his montage.
Party Swag by Zapgo designed the hooded sweatshirt for all of Ethan’s friends.
“E”mazing and delicious pretzels from Philly Pretzel Factory Of Livingston were given out at the end of the party as the guests were leaving.
Ethan worked with the Friendship Circle for his Mitzvah Project. The Friendship Circle extends a helping hand to families who have children with autism and other special needs and involves them in a full range of Jewish and social experiences.
Ethan took a few of their classes and worked at their camp at the end of the summer. He spent a few days with a special needs boy and gave him the experience of an amusement park and Rebounderz Trampoline Park. Ethan enjoyed it as much as he did!
Advice from Mom Shari:
“This is my second Mitzvah that I planned. Both were special in their own way. My advice would be to choose a party that suits your child. The day is about him/her, not anyone else. Include your child in some of the decisions that need to be made for the day. Ask them their opinions so they feel included. When you are at the party, try and say hello to as many people as possible and then just enjoy and have fun.”
The following vendors helped to make Ethan’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue/Party Planner: Elvira Grau, Space, 201-567-3810
Music Entertainment: MC Charlie, HI NRG Sound Productions, 718-818-8490
Photographer: Jeffrey Fleisig, 845-596-0825
Invitations: Julie Maloof Designs, 973-615-6952
Favors: Party Swag by Zapgo, Shari Schwartz 973-380-3221
Photo booth: The Main Event, 800-839-0918
Magician: Jason Silberman Magic
Videographer: Lorenzo Esquival, picsbylorenzo@yahoo.com
Montage: Mom Shari Sollender, Images4Ever, 973-945-0573
Pretzel’s: Philly Soft Pretzel Factory, Livingston, NJ location, 973- 994-1004
Sign-in board: Carrie Melandrino, 310-387-0362
Mom Shari’s cocktail dresses: Lyn Kohls, 973-467-7800
Sister Paige’s cocktail dress: Neiman Marcus
Suits for Men: 580 South, 973-758-0580
Hair: Subway Salon, Short Hills, NJ
Make-up: Julu, Beauty-kelly@julubeauty.com
Transportation: Jordan Bus Company, 973-838-5000
