For the Love of Baseball: Jake’s Bar Mitzvah

Jake Epple of Westchester, celebrated his Bar Mitzvah and his love of baseball with family and friends. From little league and travel baseball to his favorite college, minor and major league teams, every aspect of Jake’s baseball experiences were infused into this celebration. Guests enjoyed a pre-recorded message from the announcer for the LA Dodgers, a first pitch by the Bar Mitzvah boy and a surprise appearance by NY Mets’ mascot Mr. Met!

Jake’s service was held at Temple Beth Abraham in Tarrytown, NY. The photographer for this event was Poppy Studio. A complete list of vendors follows at the end of this Spotlight. Photo above (L-R): mom Michele, brother Ben, dad Chris, Bar Mitzvah boy Jake. 

Bar Mitzvah Service & Invitation

Jake and his family before his service

He was all smiles on the big day

Custom kippahs were placed outside the sanctuary

Baseball Bonanza

Jake's name on the billboard outside the venue

Baseball pennants were perfect centerpieces

Each of Jake's favorite teams were represented

The Epple's take a moment before the celebration begins

Jake's custom MLB logo

More table decor

The Bar Mitzvah boy throws out the first pitch to get his party started!

Jake had a blast during the horah

MC EsXence kept the dance floor packed

Jake and the Dance Time Entertainment crew - with jersey numbers spelling out his Bar Mitzvah date

Jake is joined by his family for his candle lighting

The custom centerpiece was inspired by the World Series trophy

Friends surround the Bar Mitzvah boy

After the montage, a very special guest made an appearance!

Mr. Met posed for photos...

He danced with guests...

and even dove into the crowd. WOW!

The dance floor was packed all night!

A night to be remembered!

Major League sign-in board

Check out the custom kicks Jake wore for his big day

Rally towels featured Jake's logo

Jake's friends took home these awesome portable speakers

Mitzvah Advice

“Planning a Bar/Bat Mitzvah can be similar to a wedding. Let’s be honest, it’s not fun,” says mom Michele. “Just prepare for a rough few weeks/months and remember that the planning is rigorous, challenging and will add a layer of tension on the entire household. Stay organized, divide time between practicing of prayers, speeches to party planning execution. And on the big day, remember that it flies by so tell your caterer or party planner to make sure that you carve out a few minutes to take in the experience away from the crowds, pictures and everything else. This party is for the kids but also the parents, so plan some fun time and music for the adults too. When you look back you should feel like you had as much fun as the kids did!”

Mitzvah Project

Jake volunteered for a weekly program at the local JCC where he worked and played with kids of all ages with special needs. These friendships carried over into Jake’s middle school where several of the JCC kids attend.  

Vendor Directory

Venue: Club LED, 845-267-2022
Catering: Encore Catering, 973-515-8000
Music/MC/DJ: Dance Time Entertainment, MC EsXence, 914-591-2100
Invitations: Out of the Box NY, 914-934-2323
Photographer: Poppy Studio, 914-231-5371
Centerpieces/Place Cards/Gift Box: Brian Williams Events, Inc., 845-628-0614
Sign-In Board/Candle Lighting Centerpiece, Giveaways (Rally Towels, T-Shirts): Trigger House, 603-427-8997
Portable Speaker Favors: JBL.com  
Custom Pillows: VistaPrint.com
Mr. Met Appearance: The New York Mets, 718-559-3093
Suits: Lubins, 914-713-0300
Custom Sneakers: Stomping Ground Customs, Brandon Sanfilippo, 917-515-9718
Dresses: Bloomingdales & Michael Kors
Hair: New Karma Salon (hair), 914-631-7171

Planning your child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah? Ask questions and get advice from other Mitzvah parents in your area through Mitzvah Market’s 17 regional Facebook groups. Join here.