The Haft family of Syosset, New York, celebrated son Scott’s Bar Mitzvah on January 26, 2013, at Midway Jewish Center followed by a reception at North Shore Synagogue both in Syosset, New York.
Scott had a baseball “Field of Dreams” theme with Mom Beth creating most of the decor herself, including individual handmade invitations. It’s amazing what she did with her HP Printer!
There is also an incredibly touching Mitzvah moment that took place with Scott’s grandfather, who could not attend the ceremony in person.
Pictured L-R: Mom Beth, sister Danielle, Bar Mitzvah boy Scott, sister Rachel and Dad Michael.
Photography by Neal was the photographer and the rest of the vendors used are listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Scott had a Havdallah service at Midway Jewish Center.
Scott at the Bimah
Mom Beth designed and handmade each invitation from start to finish. They were layered on silver mirrored card stock with navy border and trim. She purchased the materials, cut every piece of paper and printed them at home on her HP printer!
The outside of the invitation with Scott’s monogram tag
Classic, elegant and beautifully done
Since Scott is a huge baseball fan it was easy to pick out his theme, “Scott’s Field of Dreams.” They did not want to limit themselves to only one baseball team or only Hall of Fame players. They went with the idea that if you could put together the perfect baseball team, across the generations, which players would you choose?
The sign-in book was made using iPhoto software
Mom Beth created most of the decor and she hit a home run! The place cards were attached to a batting net. Scott’s logo was incorporated into the centerpieces and positions on a baseball team were used for table names. Each centerpiece had two photos of players who played that position.
A baseball batting net held the place cards
Baseball accessories decorated the bottom of the place card display
Baseball ticket place cards created by Mom Beth
Scott enjoying the room filled with festive balloons before his guests arrived
Mom Beth’s handmade centerpieces included Mickey Mantle, a player from Scott’s “Dream Team”
The centerpieces looked great on each table, here’s “Third Base”
In addition to everything else she did, Mom Beth created candy torahs to be placed at each table setting.
Two “smarties” candy rolls wrapped in a custom paper
Maximum Entertainment with MC Matty provided the entertainment for this celebration.
Scott made his entrance in his favorite sports jersey
Scott posing with his dancers
MC Matty entertained the kids during the cocktail hour
Everyone loved the music
Scott’s grandfather lives in Florida and was unable to travel for Scott’s Bar Mitzvah. The Haft family would not accept the fact that he could not be present for the motzi or candle lighting for his only grandson’s Bar Mitzvah. Wanting to video conference or Skype him in, Mom Beth mentioned it to Joey, the owner of Maximum Entertainment. The next thing she knew, Beth was on the phone with DJ Eddie who assured her he “would handle it all,” and he did! Live from Florida, on a 10 foot screen, Scott’s grandfather did the motzi over the challah and took part in the candle lighting ceremony. The Haft family was very grateful.
Scott listening to his grandfather say the prayer over the challah
For the candle lighting ceremony, Scott had a great baseball cake with baseball cupcakes for the candles.
Baseball diamond cake and cupcakes from Strauss Bakery
Scott’s family during their special candle
The Haft family enjoyed Scott’s Mitzvah favors, created by Mom Beth. She designed and printed them from her computer and made them herself from blank shirts she ordered online.
Scott visited the Town of Oyster Animal Shelter to spend time socializing with the cats. Some of the cats and kittens are frightened and need to be played with in order to make them feel more comfortable around people and make them more adoptable.
Scott continues to visit Town of Oyster Bay Animal Shelter even though his Bar Mitzvah has passed
Some Mom to Mom advice from Beth:
“The best advice I can give is not to wear a watch to the party. I have a beautiful gold watch I wear when going out. A friend gave me this advice and at the last minute, I didn’t put the watch on, but went with a bracelet instead. Without having a watch to look at and obsess over timing, I felt as if the night lasted forever! In terms of the actual planning part? Relax. Whether you are doing it yourself, or have others doing it for you, it will all come together.”
The following vendors helped to make Scott’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: North Shore Synagogue, 516,921-2282
Caterer: Keith Senzer, Del Mir Caterers, 516-802-5492
Photographer/Videographer: Photography By Neal, 631-754-7442
Music Entertainment/Extra Entertainment: MC Matty, Maximum Entertainment, 516-826-8632
Party Planner/Invitations/Favors/Place cards/Centerpieces: Mom Beth
Balloons: Balloons N’ More, 516-501-0135
Invitation Materials: LCI Paper, Divine Ink and Michaels
Cake: Strauss Bakery, 718-851-7728
Sign-In board: iPhoto.com
Shirts for Favors:ShirtChamp.com, 888-269-9477
Place card table poster: Minute Men Printing of Forest Hills, 718-275-2161
Dresses for family members: David’s Bridal
Suits for family members: Kenny’s Menswear, 516-921-2660
Hair/makeup: Salon Hype, 516-719-0877
