Growing up in a political household inspired this Massachusetts girl’s Bat Mitzvah theme. For Alexis Fridman discussing current events and attending political fundraisers and protests are a huge part of her life, so it was no surprise to her parents that she chose to bring American politics, and patriotism, to her Bat Mitzvah celebration.
In her 12 young years, Alexis has dedicated a lot of time and energy to social activism. Whether leading a petition or walkout at school or raising money and awareness for gun control and mental health education, Alexis is not shy about speaking up for what she believes in. Says mom, Nanette, “We are so proud that Alexis recognizes that even at a young age, she has a powerful voice and uses it for good.”
For her Bat Mitzvah, Alexis incorporated many hallmarks of the U.S. political system — red, white and blue, stars and stripes, political party conventions and of course, the White House. From logos, branding and a sign in board designed to look like The Constitution, to cleverly colored partisan cocktails, this Bat Mitzvah was bold, unique and totally Alexis!
The photographer for this event was Meri Bond Photography. A complete list of vendors follows at the end of this Spotlight.
Service
Bold stars and stripes were proudly displayed on Alexis's invitation
Alexis became a Bat Mitzvah at Temple Emanuel in Newton. She had a mincha service at which she read Torah and Haftorah and led the service. She was surrounded by family and her day school classmates (who joined her in song at the end!)
Reception
Alexis and her family - mom Nanette, dad Jose and brother Jacob - took a moment on the dance floor before the party began
Before entering the reception, Alexis's guests had a chance to sign in and wish her well
The Constitution inspired board was just one of the clever nods to American politics
Gifts were deposted in a ballot box
The ballroom was transformed into a patriotic display of red, white and blue
Guests found their tables, organized by U.S. state, on this oversized seating chart
Table centerpieces were designed to look like delegate signs from national conventions; Each table represented a different U.S. state
The dance floor was wrapped in the Bat Mitzvah girl's logo
Alexis and her friends kept the dance floor packed
The White House also served as a backdrop to Alexis's candle lighting display
Special Touches
In keeping with the theme, the photographers wore media credentials
Alexis and her mom came up with the idea to use political quotes (and jokes!) on cocktail napkins. (Mom Nanette says the original idea came from her son's Bar Mitzvah where she used baseball quotes.)
Specialty cocktails for the kids kept the red and blue theme going
The food buffets were draped inn patriotic stars and stripes
Alexis sported customized Converse high tops with her logo and Mitzvah date
Family friend Rory Torstensson painted the sneakers for Alexis
Guests had a blast in the photo booth where they posed not only with political quote signs, but could also wear a mask of U.S. politicians past and present
Dance floor giveaways included patriotic (and comfy!) socks
Alexis's friends took home custom logo sweatshirts
Montage
Watch Alexis's awesome campaign video (aka montage!) created by Elissa Owens Montages
here
Mitzvah Advice
“Get day-of help so you can enjoy,” says mom Nanette, who brought in a professional event planner to coordinate day.
Mitzvah Project
Alexis raised funds for The Sandy Hook Promise which was founded after the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT. The goals of the organization are to educate children and adults about gun violence, prevent any person from becoming a victim and to teach about mental health issues.
While fundraising, Alexis explained: “At my school, my friends and I brought the conversation of gun violence and mental health awareness into our middle school. I have decided to take it a step further and on my own reach out to you for donations if you are so inclined (no pressure). . . When I speak about the topic of gun violence, or mention The Sandy Hook Promise, many people will ask me, ‘Why do you care?’ My answer to this question is I am part of a community that is bigger than myself, where it is my responsibility as a person in the community to take action and speak up when I see something wrong. Most of my life is being involved with my school and temple where I am taught everyday how to be an active member of my community and work towards repairing our world, no matter how big or small of step it may be. This is something that I value and will continue to value for the rest of my life. Also, my childhood has been marked by mass shootings. When I was in kindergarten, I remember hearing about the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary school. Last year when I was in 5th grade I remember hearing about the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Shooting in Florida. Even though I am not a direct victim of gun violence, hearing about all of these shootings and these senseless tragedies has definitely affected me. I am also deeply inspired by the activism that has come from tragedies such as these, and specifically been inspired by kids very close in age to me making a bigger impact than many of our politicians.”
Vendor Directory
The following vendors helped to make Alexis’s night unforgettable. If you contact them, please let them know you read about their services on MitzvahMarket.com.
Venue: Boston Marriott Newton, 617-969-1000
Party Planner: Rachel Glazer, Rachel G Events, 617-835-1491
Music/MC/DJ: Johnny K, Pure Energy Entertainment, 978-646-9226
Photographer: Meri Bond, Meri Bond Photography, 617-823-3244
Montage: Elissa Owen, Elissa Owen Montages, 617-480-4935
Favors: All Sports Wear (sweatshirts), 617 244-4220
Logos/Sign-In Board: Lisa Thompson, Lisa Thompson Graphic Design, 508-930-8444
Invitations: Toby Dondis Ltd., 617-332-5253
Décor: Ashima Samuel, True Elegance Design, 603-233-9599
For more information on working with Mitzvah vendors in the Boston area, check out Mitzvah Market’s Boston planning group on Facebook. Live in another city? You can ask questions get advice in Mitzvah Market’s regional Bar Bat Mitzvah planning groups on Facebook.
Posted in
Mitzvah Spotlight,
Family,
Mitzvah Spotlight
