Cory Herschkowitz celebrated his Bar Mitzvah in October, 2011 with a service at Midway Jewish Center in Syosset, New York followed by a Kiddush luncheon catered by Del Mir Caterers. The celebration continued that evening at Or Elohim in Jericho, New York.
The Herschkowitz family have been cruising for many years and it’s their favorite vacation. They used this as their theme and invited their guests to sail on the Royal Corybbean that evening.
Visions Fine Photography took all the pictures and the rest of the vendors are listed at the bottom of this spotlight.
Pictured above (L-R): Dad Steve, Mom Malky, younger brother Blake and Bar Mitzvah boy Cory
Dara, Dear Friends created Cory’s sleek invitation.
The textured invitation panel card with die cut navy diagonal pocket was embellished with gold
As guests walked into the lobby at Temple Or Elohim, they were greeted by the life like Royal Corybbean Cruise ship designed by Dazzling Parties.
Cory’s guests walked across the gang plank, which was a ramp with rope on the sides as they entered the ballroom of Temple Or Elohim
Guests were greeted by a Welcome Aboard sign and table with their Royal Corybbean Key cards.
Guests place cards
Guests had an opportunity to sign Cory’s 3D sign in book, which was located above 3 lifelike colorful suitcases.
Once you entered the ballroom, Dazzling Parties created bright decor to transport guests onto a beautiful cruise ship. The tables represented the various island stops, such as Jamaica, Dolphin Adventure and some of Cory’s favorite activities aboard.
The room had alternating centerpieces with table names that were titled with different island stops
There were palm trees surrounded by carribbean flowers
Jewel colored spandex chair covers were used
One table had a casino themed centerpiece with a lifelike slot machine
The lounge area had activities for the young guests
Blow-ups of Cory were also used as part of the decor
Starlight brought in casino tables with black jack, poker, roulette and a money wheel.
They also had boccerball
The Herschkowitz family wanted to tie every party element into their theme including their entrances! Lisa Gurtman made up T-shirts for the family, which they wore as each member was introduced.
Mom and Dad enter wearing their Royal Corybbean shirts. The back read, Cruise Directors
Cory’s younger brother Blake was the Athletic Director
Cory was the Captain and had Captain’s patches on his shirt sleeves
Cory’s Royal Corybbean cruise ship cake was created by Dortonis.
Michelle Weisman created the favors for Cory’s friends.
The grey sweatshirt had an island on the back with all of Cory’s favorite items and cruise activities
The party came to an end with amazing desserts like twinkies and ring dings followed by a bakery with donuts, bagels and grilled cheese.
The night would not have been complete without the Mr. Softie truck that was awaiting everyone as they walked out
Here’s some Mom-to-Mom advice:
“The best advice I can give is to include your child in the decision making. It is their party and the party should be representative of who he/she is.”
Cory was diagnosed with a heart condition this year and had to have a surgical procedure to correct it.
Cory will be spending time with other children with heart conditions at St. Francis.
The following vendors helped to make Cory’s celebration special. If you give any of them a call, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Service: Midway Jewish Center
Kiddush Caterer: Del Mir Caterers
Venue: Temple Or Elohim, 516-937-0120
Music Entertainment/Videographer: MC Howie, Party Harty, 516-845-8585
Favors: Michelle Weissman, Creative Specialties, 516-637-0493
Entrance T-shirts: Lisa Gurtman, 516-680-8615
Casino Games: Starlight, 516-764-2061
Invitation: Dara, Dear Friends, 516-367-7877
Cake: Dortonis, 516-796-3033
Décor/Florist: Dazzling Parties, 516-766-1471
Sign-In board: Dazzling Parties
Truck: Mr. Softie, 718-551-1502
Mom’s Dress: Mieka, 516-367-8755
Suits: Kenny’s, 516-921-2660
Hair: Salon O, 516-935-7777
Make up: Maryann 631-944-6184
Photographer: David Conn, Visions Fine Photography, 516-377-0449
