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3 Ways to Keep the Mitzvah in Your Child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah

It’s never been more evident that our world is broken. As Jews it is our duty to perform acts of Tikkun Olam, repairing the world. Many congregations have a Mitzvah project requirement as part of the Bar or Bat Mitzvah process and it is such an important way to show your child(ren) that they have the power to make a …

Need a Hotel Room Block for Your Bar or Bat Mitzvah?

Nowadays many families live far away from extended family and this often requires travel for a Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration. One way to be a good host is to offer a room block for your out of town guests. Where to start with your room block You’ll want to block the hotel room before you send out a save …

Adding social action to your Mitzvah party

Many families, including a number that I’ve worked with, choose to include some sort of social action, tzedakah or mitzvah component into their party. I love when families really want to focus on the meaning of the Bar or Bat Mitzvah! There are so many different ways to include charity as part of your celebration. Here are a few examples and …

Food and Beverage Minimum for Bar Mitzvahs

I recently spoke with a mom who was so pleased with herself for negotiating down her hotel’s food and beverage minimum. I didn’t want to burst her bubble, but I was concerned she didn’t really understand what she had negotiated. Sadly, I was right. I want to help you avoid making the same mistake! So what is a food and …

Advice for Mitzvah Vendor Transitions

When you book your event venue and your Mitzvah vendor team at least 2-3 years in advance, a lot can change. Venues, especially hotels, are notorious for having a ton of staff turnover. It makes sense because working in events can be very demanding–lots of nights and weekends, plus some very long hours. However, this turnover can cause headaches for …

Candle Lighting Ceremony-Yes or No?

Candle lighting ceremonies have long been a part of Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah celebrations (psst. Want to know more about what a candle lighting ceremony is? I got you covered). I mean, I remember being a slightly awkward 13-year-old and standing in front of a cake calling up family and friends to light candles. However, the tide seems to be …

Summer Bar or Bat Mitzvah Planning

It’s finally summer, the kids are at camp and all of a sudden you have a ton of time on your hands. What’s a mom or dad to do? Get a ton of Bar or Bat Mitzvah planning items checked off your to do list, of course! How can you best use your summer vacation for Bar or Bat Mitzvah …

4 ways to get your child involved in their Bar or Bat Mitzvah party planning

  A Bar or Bat Mitzvah is such a special time for your child. They’ve worked hard practicing their Torah portion, learning various blessings, writing a D’var Torah… Then it’s time to party and celebrate your child. But how do you create a Bar or Bat Mitzvah party that reflects your child, their interests and that they feel good about? …

Best Facebook Groups for Bar, Bat, B’nai and B’not Mitzvah Planning

There are a ton of resources out there to help plan your Mitzvah and over the next few weeks, I’ll share some great ones along with tips to help use them. This week we’ll discuss Facebook Groups. I will periodically update as new groups form. [last update: 6/12/21] What are Facebook Groups? Facebook groups are available to anyone with a …

Why do I need to tell vendors that it’s a Bar or Bat Mitzvah?

There’s a common rumor that telling a vendor that you are planning a Bar or Bat Mitzvah or wedding will automatically make them charge you more. That’s simply not true. Why you need to tell them it’s a Bar or Bat Mitzvah Letting your vendors know that you’re planning a Bar or Bat Mitzvah gives a variety of information without …