Bar•Bat Mitzvah: Spring/Summer 2014 by Cleveland Jewish Publication Company

Spring 2014

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Mitzvah Bar•Bat

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Mitzvah Bar•Bat

SPRING 2014

Milestone brings celebrants closer to faith, family and community

Mitzvah Bar•Bat

Lifestyles Editor Michael C. Butz Art Direction Rob J. Ghosh Jon Larson

Looking Back

Making Connections

Ask A Pro

Life Of The Party

Mom’s Chance To Shine

28 32

Gift Ideas Bang For Your Buck

Fun Food

Destination B’nai Mitzvah

42 47

Planners: Budget and Schedule Double Take

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MAKING CONNECTIONS

CONTENTS

PARTY PLANNING GIFT GIVING B’NAI MITZVAH STORIES

Cover photo | Infocus Studios / Tim Frankish

Spring 2014

Well known Northeast Ohioans remember their bar or bat mitzvah Milestone brings celebrants closer to faith, family and community Planning tips concerning venue selection, entertainment, catering, boys’ clothing, synagogue receptions and photography Three party planners offer advice Stylish looks for mothers

Investing b’nai mitzvah gifts provides meaningful lesson Candy buffets, mobile kitchens and themebased food do the trick at bar, bat mitzvahs Greater Cleveland offers many locations for celebrations

A recent trip to Israel resulted in not one but two bar mitzvahs To reach the CJN

Cleveland Jewish Publishing Company Publisher & CEO Kevin S. Adelstein

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VOL. 138 NO. 14 CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS (ISSN0009-8825) is published weekly with additional issues in January, March, May, June, August, October, November and December by The Cleveland Jewish Publication Company at 23880 Commerce Park, Suite 1, Cleveland, OH 441225380. Single copy $1.25. Periodicals Postage paid at Cleveland, OH., and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER and additional mailing offices. Send address changes to the Cleveland Jewish News, 23880 Commerce Park, Suite 1, Cleveland, OH 44122-5380

Spring 2014 // Bar/Bat Mitzvah 5

LOOKING BACK

Well known Northeast Ohioans remember their bar or bat mitzvah By Ed Wittenberg

DOUGLAS KATZ Chef, restaurateur PHOTO | Douglas Katz

hen Douglas Katz was growing up in Shaker Heights, food and cooking were the most important things in his family. So it stands to reason that the food served during his bar mitzvah reception was his favorite part of the event 30 years ago. “We had two parties at our house, one for lunch and a separate one for dinner,” he says. “Lunch was a big party with friends, and then people came back to the house that night for a smaller buffet party.” Katz, 43, is owner and chef of fire food and drink at Shaker Square in Cleveland and of The Katz Club Diner in Cleveland Heights. He’s also chef/partner of Provenance, a restaurant in the

Cleveland Museum of Art. His bar mitzvah was June 4, 1983, at Suburban Temple-Kol Ami in Beachwood. But what he remembers the most is the reception at his home – with food catered by Hough Bakery and decorations by Apple Display. “There was a ton of food, and I love food,” he says. “It was gluttonous – a big cake, beef tenderloin and lots of hors d’oeuvres. It was

Bar/Bat Mitzvah // Spring 2014

really fun and memorable. Parties in our household were always memorable.” Katz said he also loved theater at the time, so the reception had a “Broadway” theme. As for his bar mitzvah ceremony, Katz said he really enjoyed the performance aspect of it. “I knew the Torah portion very well, so I had fun performing and speaking the portion with extra passion,” he says. “It was meaningful. The haftorah portion, I don’t remember as well.” Linda Wolfe was his bar mitzvah tutor, Katz said. “We would meet weekly and go over the Torah portion,” he says, “and if you did well, she would give you

candy.” Katz said about 120 to 150 people attended the event. “I remember all the people and relatives who came in from out of town,” he says. “I had some good friends who came in from different cities, including some camp friends from North Star Camp (for Boys) in Wisconsin, so it was fun to show people Cleveland. It was just festive and fun to have everyone come together and celebrate.” Katz lives in Cleveland Heights with his wife, Karen, and their twin children, Abe and Amelia, both 10. He is a member of The Temple-Tifereth Israel in Beachwood and Cleveland. BB

PHOTO | Todd Wieder/Wieder Photography

LEFT: Cheryl Eitman, then Cheryl Biales, prepares for her bat mitzvah in 1978 as her father, Dr. Larry Biales, looks on. ABOVE: Cheryl Eitman, far right, stands on the bima with her husband, Scott, Rabbi Stacy Schlein and daughter, Jolie, before Jolie’s bat mitzvah at The Temple-Tifereth Israel in Beachwood. Schlein officiated at the Feb. 1 ceremony.

CHERYL EITMAN PHOTO | Cheryl Eitman

hen Cheryl Eitman’s youngest daughter, Jolie, celebrated her bat mitzvah Feb. 1 at The Temple-Tifereth Israel in Beachwood, it rekindled memories for Eitman of her own bat mitzvah in May 1978 at Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple in Beachwood. “Jolie came to me about a year before her bat mitzvah with a lot of trepidation,” Eitman says. “She did not want to go through the process of becoming a bat mitzvah, and I could relate to that and I didn’t judge her for it.” Eitman, cantorial soloist at Montefiore in Beachwood since 2007, said she also was reluctant to have to do what was required for her coming-of-age ceremony. “I was watching the (World Figure Skating Championships) shortly before my bat mitzvah, and I remember saying to my parents, ‘If I take up ice skating and work really hard and can go

to the Olympics, do I still have to become a bat mitzvah?’” she says. “They laughed.” Eitman also has served as a substitute cantorial soloist at The Temple-Tifereth Israel and Fairmount Temple since 2003. She works as a nurse in the labor and delivery department of the MetroHealth System in Cleveland. As a parent of four daughters who have gone through the bat mitzvah process, Eitman said it’s much more meaningful for her than it was as a 13-year-old going through it. “When I was a kid, it was one of those things I knew I had to do,”

Cantorial soloist, nurse

she says. “I worked really hard at it and I succeeded, but it didn’t hold a tremendous amount of meaning for me back then. As a parent, I have been surprised at the level of emotion I feel surrounding the b’nai mitzvot of my children. There is something very special about passing on tradition from one generation to the next.” Eitman, 48, had the privilege of having the legendary Rabbi Arthur J. Lelyveld, Fairmount Temple’s rabbi from 1958 until 1986, officiate at her bat mitzvah. “I do remember Rabbi Lelyveld very well,” she says. “I met with him in his study for about 20 minutes so he could get to know me and prepare his speech for the bat mitzvah. I don’t remember what I said, but I made him laugh, and he made a comment about me being both a lion and a lamb.” Eitman, who grew up in Chester Township and graduated from

West Geauga High School, said the bat mitzvah service went very well and that she felt comfortable. “I remember thinking that I had a knack for singing, and that chanting came very easily for me,” she says. “Rabbi Lelyveld was very complimentary (after the service), and my parents were very proud.” Eitman noted her twin brothers received a catered reception at a party center for their b’nai mitzvah. “My reception was a catered party at home because I was going to get the big wedding down the road,” she says with a smile. “But it was a lot of fun, all my friends were there, and I didn’t mind having it at home at all.” Eitman and her family are members of The Temple-Tifereth Israel. She and her husband, Scott, live in Beachwood with their daughters Blaise, 20, Tanner, 19, Saige, 16, and Jolie, 13. BB

Spring 2014 // Bar/Bat Mitzvah 7

BINYAMIN BLAU Rabbi PHOTO | Rabbi Binyamin Blau

abbi Binyamin Blau, spiritual leader of Green Road Synagogue in Beachwood, comes from a family of rabbis. So it’s not surprising that he has vivid memories of his bar mitzvah. It was in April 1977 – right after Pesach, he recalled – at The Jewish Educational Center in Elizabeth, N.J., the city where he grew up and where his greatgrandfather, grandfather, uncle and he have served in the rabbinate over the past 70 years. “It was very moving, very inspiring, a little bit overwhelming,” Blau says. “A lot of people showed up, I would say 400 to 500.” Rabbi Pinchas Teitz, Blau’s grandfather, was the Orthodox shul’s spiritual leader at the time. Blau said his uncle, Rabbi Elazar Teitz, prepared a tape of his

Torah reading for him to study, and his grandfather made a tape of his haftorah. “I really idolized my grandfather, so I worked on (the haftorah) very hard and knew that very well,” he says. “It was easier, reading it from a text. The Torah reading, on the other hand, I was basically doing it on my own. “About five weeks before my bar mitzvah – I still recall it like it was yesterday – my father asked me to review the (Torah) material with him, and he said to me, ‘You don’t know this.’ So he asked a young man who had

Bar/Bat Mitzvah // Spring 2014

been a student of his who was an expert Torah reader to work with me. We did a crash course, and I actually did not make any mistakes.” Dr. Steven Singfer, the “young man,” and Blau became close friends and were study partners for 10 years when Blau returned to Elizabeth to serve as assistant rabbi at The Jewish Educational Center from 1989 to 2001. “He’s still an excellent Torah reader and still lives in the area,” Blau says. At the bar mitzvah reception, held the following day in a ballroom at The Jewish Educational Center’s girls’ high school, Blau said when he gave his speech, he was reading from cue cards and “running through it.”

Mordechai Blau, right, celebrates his bar mitzvah June 23, 2012, at Green Road Synagogue in Beachwood with his father, Rabbi Binyamin Blau, center, and grandfather, Rabbi Yosef Blau.

“Two cards stuck together, and I just kept going,” he says. “I don’t think anyone noticed.” At age 13, Blau had a lot of interests and he didn’t know he was going to become a rabbi. “I always admired family members who were rabbis, but I don’t think I was thinking about it much,” he says. Blau, 49, has been rabbi at Green Road Synagogue since January 2012. He also serves as rosh yeshiva at Fuchs Mizrachi School in Beachwood, where he was formerly high school principal. Blau lives in Beachwood with his wife, Faith, and their four children: a daughter, Yael, 17, and sons Mordechai, 14, Yedidya, 12, and Ephraim, 9. All attend Fuchs Mizrachi School. BB

Spring 2014 // Bar/Bat Mitzvah 9

Melissa Baerson, who became a bat mitzvah on Oct. 5, 2013, at B’nai Jeshurun Congregation, joins her parents Ron and Marne and brother Noah, 16, after the ceremony. PHOTO | Kim Cassidy

MAKING CONNECTIONS Milestone brings celebrants closer to faith, family, community By Sue Hoffman

bar or bat mitzvah is more than a religious milestone. For some families, b’nai mitzvah present an opportunity to gather together loved ones living near and far, bring another generation to their synagogue, study Hebrew with their children, travel with fellow congregants to Israel, or to give back through tikkun olam (repair of the world). Four families shared the impact of their children’s b’nai mitzvah, including Marne and Ron Baerson of Solon, Mary Hickcox and David Kern of Akron, Lisa and Todd Lebowitz of Solon, and Shani and Scott Spiegle of Orange. The Baersons connect their two children’s b’nai mitzvah at B’nai Jeshurun Congregation with memorable events: the gift and community support their family received when their son Noah was seriously ill, and following Noah’s recovery, the family’s efforts to answer the dreams of other children with life-threatening conditions.

Just before his bar mitzvah on Feb. 26, 2011, Noah, who was in treatment for T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, was supposed to receive a special gift from the Make-A-Wish Foundation: his dream trip to the National Basketball Association All-Star weekend. Noah, then a student at Solon Middle School, was experiencing jaundice from his treatments and could not take the trip at that time, but good news followed. He recovered in time for his bar mitzvah, and he went with his family to the All-Star weekend in Orlando, Fla. a year later as he celebrated the upcoming

10 Bar/Bat Mitzvah // Spring 2014

conclusion of his treatment. For her bat mitzvah on Oct. 5, 2013, Noah’s sister Melissa created a team in the Cleveland Walk for Wishes to help raise money for Make-A-Wish. “She decided to do that because the Make-A-Wish trip was an amazing experience as a family,” Marne Baerson says. “It was a starting point. We’ll create a team again this summer, and annually.” In her d’var Torah (Torah lesson), Melissa talked about Abraham and Sarah’s hospitality in their open tent. “My Torah portion reminded me of when people were incredibly hospitable to me and my family when my brother became sick with cancer.”

CONNECTING WITH FAMILY The importance of family and community was also emphasized when Olivia Kern, a student at The Lippman School, became a bat mitzvah on Oct. 5, 2013 at Beth El Congregation in Akron.

With assistance from her grandmother Liz Margulus, Megan Lebowitz puts on a necklace that belonged to her great-great grandmother for her bat mitzvah at Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple on Oct. 20, 2012. PHOTO | Heather Muro

Rabbi Stephen Grundfast, of Beth El Congregation in Akron, says his aim is to enhance the impact of bar/bat mitzah on the students and their families. “We try to make it a deeper experience. We try to give them a chance to discuss topics beyond the party, and we’ve had a wonderful reaction from our families. Our parents have looked upon it as a great learning experience. We encourage kids to attend services on the months leading up to the bar or bat mitzvah.”

Sam Spiegle, representing the family’s sixth generation at Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple, plays guitar during a Havdalah service at his bar mitzvah ceremony, Feb. 1, 2014. PHOTO | Gina Page Her parents, Mary Hickcox and David Kern, saw the event as an opportunity to reunite with extended family members from across the globe. “My side of the family is small, but it was a powerful family gathering experience as far as my husband’s side,” says

Hickcox, who’s originally from Connecticut. “We had people from Israel, Germany, Denmark, Canada, Florida, Arizona and both coasts. That was incredibly meaningful, having family come for this moment for Olivia.” Hickcox said the experience

Senior Rabbi Joshua Skoff at Park Synagogue in Cleveland Heights and Pepper Pike said bar/bat mitzvah indicates to the students that they are part of something larger. “It’s a time of heightened awareness of their place in the community. They’re buddies with the clergy. The synagogue is no longer a place for other people. They learn that the synagogue is filled with people that will always care about them. Bar/bat mitzvah attaches them to a community that will be with them for a lifetime.”

brought additional impact. “Just listening to Olivia chant her Torah portion, and knowing she could do so well and connect with other Jews around the world and throughout history, was an emotional and deep experience.” Like the Hickcox-Kern family,

the Lebowitzes viewed their daughter Megan’s bat mitzvah on Oct. 20, 2012, at Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple and upcoming son Andy’s bar mitzvah next October as opportunities to reconnect with extended family. Lisa Lebowitz said she is

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Spring 2014 // Bar/Bat Mitzvah 11

from Grand Rapids, Mich., and Todd from Florida. “Our biggest desire was to have our family be a part of it. So many family members came in to share that special moment with us. It was overwhelming in a wonderful way. We hope to experience the same thing with our son.”

HEBREW AND ISRAEL

Olivia Kern, who became a bat mitzvah on Oct. 5, 2013, at Beth El Congregation in Akron, celebrates the milestone with grandparents, from left, Herbert and Hanita Kern of Florida and Akron, and Evelyn and Robert Hickcox of Connecticut. PHOTO | Nancy Williams

“We had people from Israel, Germany, Denmark, Canada, Florida, Arizona and both coasts. That was incredibly meaningful, having family come for this moment for Olivia.”

The learning experience preceding b’nai mitzvah is also important, added Lebowitz. “It’s not just about the service. Every time you go through a learning process, you are more engaged.” The Lebowitzes, whose children are in Solon Schools, have attended Fairmount Temple’s parent-child Hebrew program with all three children including their youngest child Lindsay, a third-grader. The Spiegles, whose son Sam, a student at Hawken School, became a bar mitzvah Feb. 1, 2014, at Fairmount Temple, felt similarly about the parent-child program. “At first I was resistant,” says Shani Spiegle. “I thought I went through it, why do it again? Eventually I turned the corner. This is l’dor v’dor (generation to generation) in action. It was a great bonding experience.” The Spiegles, who grew up and were married at Fairmount Temple, also celebrated Sam’s being the sixth generation at the temple on Scott’s side. The Spiegles’ bar mitzvah experience was also enhanced by a recent congregational trip to Israel, Shani Spiegle says. Rabbi Joshua Caruso and Cantor Sarah Sager officiated on the trip. “We bonded with them in Israel. It worked out perfectly.” BB

Mary Hickcox, mother of Olivia Kern

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PLANNING THE PARTY A lot of time and effort goes into planning a bar or bat mitzvah, and along the way, many questions are certain to arise. Thankfully for area families, Greater Cleveland is home to many professionals with the experience and know-how to help answer those questions and offer advice.

Spring 2014 // Bar/Bat Mitzvah 13

VENUE SELECTION

PHOTO | House of Blues Cleveland

RACHEL ROSEN

SPECIAL EVENTS SALES MANAGER / HOUSE OF BLUES CLEVELAND / CLEVELAND WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO CONSIDER? What’s very important is to look at your guest list and look at the location, space and amenities within the space that will best suit your guest list. Location is definitely very important. For example, if you don’t think (your guests) are going to want to drive downtown, that could be tricky, but you can also work around that and do shuttles and help with transportation. I think those in the suburbs don’t make it downtown enough and this gives them an opportunity to go to an awesome party and see the assets of downtown.

WHAT’S OFTEN OVERLOOKED? I think with a lot of groups, this is the first time planning a big

event like this, and there’s a big learning curve. But if they ask all the right questions and are very candid in what they’re looking for, a venue will help in any way possible. Those of us at venues, we’ve done this many times and can help in a thousand different ways. Even if it’s with a budget or fitting a theme, just tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll make it work.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD BE ASKED OR CONSIDERED? What amenities are offered? It’s really important to make sure you know everything that’s included with the venue so you know what you need to bring on your own and what any additional costs are. A lot of times, people try to fit their theme into a venue when sometimes it’s better to look at the venue and base a theme off of that.

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We’ve had groups, we’re a nontraditional venue, and we’ve had groups that will come in and want to do a sports theme when we’re a music venue. So it might not be the best space for that theme, but if you embrace the space and what it offers, you can work within that.

WHAT TRENDS ARE YOU SEEING? In a general sense, I find people are looking for a nontraditional location. These kids are going to the same venues and eating

the same food, and families are looking to do something different, have a different experience, try different food and go a little bit outside the box.

WHEN SHOULD PEOPLE START PLANNING? I typically recommend at least a year out – especially if you’re looking at more popular months. May, June, September and October tend to be busier months for events in general, so it helps to get ahead of the crowd. BB

“I think with a lot of groups, this is their first time planning a big event like this, and there’s a big learning curve. But if they ask all the right questions and are very candid in what they’re looking for, a venue will help in any way possible.”

ENTERTAINMENT

PHOTO | Rock The House

MATT RADICELLI

OWNER / ROCK THE HOUSE ENTERTAINMENT GROUP / OAKWOOD VILLAGE WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO CONSIDER? It’s important to hire a company that’s known for doing bar and bat mitzvahs so the family that’s searching has less to worry about and minimizes stress. Entertainment is about communication and understanding. It’s about making a positive connection with everyone at an event, and it’s important to connect very well with the company you’re interviewing with. I’m a firm believer in shopping around, because your first option isn’t always your best, and the best option isn’t always the least expensive. It’s important to find someone who listens to your wants and wishes and will give you candid feedback about the current trends.

WHAT’S OFTEN OVERLOOKED?

WHAT ELSE SHOULD BE ASKED OR CONSIDERED?

WHEN SHOULD PEOPLE START PLANNING?

Shopping for entertainment has become a synonymous phrase for shopping for DJ entertainment and other things at the same time. So, one thing that gets overlooked is that sometimes it isn’t going to just be a dance party and there are other facets to look at when deciding how to split up your budget, such as whether you’re looking to have a raging dance party or your adult guests and kids may also enjoy other activities equally as much, whether you’re talking about a photo booth, a sports simulator or a tattoo artist. One of the questions we ask very early in the interview process is, “Is this a kids party or an ‘everybody party’?” because the style and type of entertainment we recommend could be very different for each.

Are there any hidden costs? What is the planning and design schedule? How often will I meet with you until my party? Who’s going to be my point of contact? What’s the backup plan? What happens if there’s an equipment failure or staffing crisis?

Our trends suggest customers are waiting much longer to book, and I believe for bar and bat mitzvah customers especially, it’s a very frustrating process when we tell them we may potentially be booked up. What was supposed to be pleasurable is now very stressful. It used to be the average booking window was 18 to 24 months, or really, the moment they got their date from the temple, we’d get an initial phone call. We still get that, but a large number of customers wait until the eight-to-12-month range, and by the time they do that, we may have to tell them we’re sold out or they may not receive their first choice on the things their family may have chosen. Inquire as early as you can because options are always good. BB

WHAT TRENDS ARE YOU SEEING? Dance parties, over the last couple of years, it’s been apparent people are saying I want people to dance and have less of the other stuff. But the other stuff is still very popular, and more often than not, they still add those other things on top of it. People are putting a little more of the budget into beefing up the dance floor in terms of additional lighting and special effects.

Spring 2014 // Bar/Bat Mitzvah 15

CATERING

PHOTOS | Café 56 Catering

JAY LEITSON

OWNER/CATERER / CAFÉ 56 CATERING / HIGHLAND HILLS WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO CONSIDER? I’d recommend doing the research as early as possible because we get booked up rather quickly, and once they do find a caterer, to keep in mind there are other items in the budget – food, labor rentals, décor. Book early and do due diligence on what everything will cost so there are no surprises at the end.

WHAT’S OFTEN OVERLOOKED? There are so many little details, like the bar set-ups, who’s in charge of bringing the washes for the bar, the liquor, and what’s the caterer responsible for and what’s the guests’ responsibility to bring?

WHAT ELSE SHOULD BE ASKED OR CONSIDERED? Are there bar or bat mitzvahs (the caterer) has done in

“May and June are my busiest months, and I think that’s the case for all caterers of my type. And for some reason, October and November are busy, too. May and June are killer months because you have graduation parties, bar mitzvah parties and a lot of other stuff going on.” 16 Bar/Bat Mitzvah // Spring 2014

the past? Can they provide references? Do they do food tastings? How do they set up stations or buffets? Does that include décor? For example, when I do a bar mitzvah, I do stations pretty elaborately and include that in my price, so they wouldn’t need to pay someone else on the décor – at that station, at least. Find out what’s included in the price. Some caterers offer that service and some don’t.

WHAT TRENDS ARE YOU SEEING? Getting away from the big, elaborate, glitzy bar mitzvahs and going more toward an earthy, natural, farm-to-table approach. … You definitely have to have more vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options. … Another trend is food trucks. We’ve done a couple bar mitzvahs with our

food truck, and parties on Friday nights when relatives are over, we’ve done many of those with the food truck.

WHEN SHOULD PEOPLE START PLANNING? Each caterer is different, but as soon as you get your date – or probably within a year in advance. Don’t wait until a couple of months in advance. The venue is also important. May and June are my busiest months, and I think that’s the case for all caterers of my type. And for some reason, October and November are busy, too. May and June are killer months because you have graduation parties, bar mitzvah parties and a lot of other stuff going on. BB

BOYS’ CLOTHING

PHOTOS | Ticknors Men’s Clothier

KEVIN CHERNIKOFF

OWNER / TICKNORS MEN’S CLOTHIER / AKRON, BEACHWOOD AND STRONGSVILLE WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO CONSIDER? One of the most important things is having a suit that is tailored correctly to a boy’s size as well as it being a dark, dressy look that tends to show up very nicely against backgrounds in pictures. Boys’ sizes can be tough. They’re at that age where they’re growing or haven’t grown quite as much yet, so you have to pay extra attention to make sure the suit fits properly to the young man. They’re not like an adult who can be a 40-regular and 34-waist and be ready to go right off the rack. The focus I tell everybody is for that day. If you’re lucky enough to get more use out of the suit, that’s great, but they’re at that age where they shoot up relatively quickly.

WHAT’S OFTEN OVERLOOKED?

WHEN SHOULD PEOPLE START PLANNING?

At our stores, we’ve been selling boys suits so long that our guys are really good at steering a customer in the direction they need to be in for that event, whether it’s the right shirt and tie or for matching outfits, like with dad. When we get our information of what other people who will be up on the bimah with them are wearing, we try to coordinate to the best of our ability.

We’ve done turnaround in our store in a week when we’ve had to, but we generally tell everybody to shop a month beforehand. It’s more so for the parents. They have enough on their plates. If they wait too long, I find everyone is more at ease if they start a month in advance. We’ve yet to ever see a boy grow out of his suit within a month. It’s more of a peace-ofmind thing for the parent. BB

WHAT TRENDS ARE YOU SEEING? Trends have been, for last couple of years, the flat-front trousers with a two-button jacket with a slightly narrower lapel. It’s following pretty much the trends of adult men’s suits, which is kind of nice because it makes it easy for everybody to look coordinated up (on the bimah).

Spring 2014 // Bar/Bat Mitzvah 17

SYNAGOGUE RECEPTIONS

PHOTO | The Temple-Tifereth Israel

PHOTO | B’nai Jeshurun Congregation

RABBI STEPHEN WEISS

SENIOR RABBI / B’NAI JESHURUN CONGREGATION / PEPPER PIKE

ALLISON SHIPPY

MEMBER SERVICES DIRECTOR / THE TEMPLETIFERETH ISRAEL / BEACHWOOD AND CLEVELAND WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS? Weiss: When a bar mitzvah party is at synagogue, it makes a statement to the child about the value of the synagogue to the family. Beyond being a house of prayer, the synagogue is a gathering place for the community, and holding the bar mitzvah reception at the synagogue is one of many ways to reinforce to the child that the synagogue is a second home. Shippy: There’s a comfort level to being someplace that’s home, where the family feels comfortable and the kid feels comfortable. There’s something very natural about starting and finishing that very special lifecycle event there. … It’s a space that they feel at home in, and then, of course, there’s the convenience factor. People like to celebrate their simcha and then go right into the party without everybody having to

leave and come back. And it’s a beautiful, transformative space, so they can make it what they want. It is an amazing thing to watch that room transform for every family.

WHAT’S OFTEN OVERLOOKED? Shippy: There are things we try to make our congregants aware of from the beginning. They have to remember it’s a synagogue, it’s not a party center, it’s not a hall, so there are things they have to keep in mind. We are kosher style; there’s no shellfish, no pork products. There’s a start and end time, which I’m sure there are probably at all facilities. We always have security, so there are a few extra costs involved. But we want our families to use our spaces. … People have created a home venue in that space so we try to make the space work for them and their event.

18 Bar/Bat Mitzvah // Spring 2014

Weiss: The synagogue has a certain comfort and familiarity and at the same time a sense of sacredness. On a practical level, often the synagogue offers a more flexible use of space for a reception than a conventional rented facility. What’s most important is the idea that it creates a sense of home. The bar mitzvah party, in a Jewish sense, is not just a party; it is a seudat mitzvah, which means we are obligated to connect the ritual aspect of life cycle events to the celebration. The celebration itself is considered part of the bar mitzvah, not separate from it, and it is a sacred opportunity to celebrate the gift from G-d represented by this great life cycle event.

WHEN SHOULD PEOPLE START PLANNING? Weiss: I would encourage anyone scheduling the bar mitzvah date to contact their synagogue

and explore the possibility of using the synagogue as a venue for the reception as soon as possible. They may be surprised at how affordable, how flexible and how meaningful a synagogue setting for a reception is.

WHAT TRENDS ARE YOU SEEING? Shippy: More and more people are trying to use synagogues. It doesn’t always work, but they are absolutely trying. I think the trend is because it’s a familiar space, it’s comfortable, it’s a beautiful venue. It instinctively is someplace they’d like to be. But there are a lot of families that don’t look at synagogues because their kids have specific plans. They want a sports party, a different kind of venue. So for those families, they’re looking for something very specific as opposed to a space they can make their own. BB

PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTO | Infocus Studios

TIM FRANKISH

OWNER / INFOCUS STUDIOS / CUYAHOGA FALLS WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO CONSIDER?

People should really look around at different styles and types of photographers. There are many people out there who bring a variety of work and creativity, and just looking around and seeing what’s out there and seeing something you love rather than just settling. Do your homework.

WHAT’S OFTEN OVERLOOKED?

The same applies to bar and bat mitzvahs. It comes down to the process of working with an individual. A lot of people hire someone because of their work, but once the event is done, there’s another whole part of editing and creating album designs – and that plays a part. Not only should you look for somebody for their work but also for their final product.

I’d say, with weddings, we like to educate people about how we work and why we work like that.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD BE ASKED OR CONSIDERED?

“A lot of people hire someone because of their work, but once the event is done, there’s another whole part of editing and creating album designs – and that plays a part. Not only should you look for somebody for their work but also for their final product.”

I know something we try to educate our clients on is backing up of the images. So, what is your photographer doing to back up and protect the images throughout the day? That’s a huge thing because memory cards go bad, hard drives fail, things happen. We have things in place to guarantee no data

I think they should have an excited feeling, a good feeling about working with that individual because communication is such a big thing and plays a major part. When I sit down with a client, not only should they like my work but they should like working with me as well because you’re working with someone all day long on one of the most important days of that child’s life.

loss, but that’s something not a lot of people know to ask.

WHAT TRENDS ARE YOU SEEING? The new trend is photos leading up to the service, like a boy putting his suit on or maybe the dad tying his son’s tie. (Taking photos of ) the events leading up to the service is sort of a new thing.

WHEN SHOULD PEOPLE START PLANNING? Our average booking timeline is anywhere from eight months to a year and a half out. We’re currently booking into 2015, so I’d tell people not to wait. If someone they’re looking forward to working with is booked, they almost have to settle, and you shouldn’t have to settle for this special day. BB

Spring 2014 // Bar/Bat Mitzvah 19

Life of the party

Sons and daughters are the centers of attention, but a successful party starts with careful planning on the part of parents – and perhaps with a little outside help By Michael C. Butz

PHOTO | Avoca Images/Momentum Events

ists have been made, dates checked and budgets planned. Has everything been accounted for? Or is something missing? Where did those lists go? Planning a bar or bat mitzvah can become an overwhelming, all-consuming endeavor. But it doesn’t have to be. Three Cleveland-area party planners weigh in on what to consider when charting a course for a successful – and stress-free, relatively speaking – party. What’s most important? “Timeline – they don’t want to lose their favorite DJ or photographer – and budget,” says Sherri Foxman, owner of Sherri Foxman’s Party411 Events in Warrensville Heights, adding that setting a budget helps prevent financial shell shock. “They should prepare a budget in advance so there are no surprises – and they have to be realistic. You can’t do a bar mitzvah for $2,000 ... unless you have 13 people show up.” Tariko Kendall, owner of Whimzey Events Design Studio in Warrensville Heights, agrees that setting a budget is critical. “If you don’t set a budget, you’ll end up spending more than you can probably afford. It happens on a very consistent basis,” she says. “Outside of setting a budget, it’s important to do your

homework as far as vendors are concerned. Check out referrals and check with family and friends who’ve already gone through this process. Doing so can save some grief in the end.” Melissa Miller, owner of Momentum Events in Bedford Heights, says having a clear vision of the day’s events and a plan to carry out that vision are important. “Really making sure you know everything you need to be doing and what you’d like it to look like,” she says. “One of the good reasons to hire a planner is that so someone stays on top of you for all the details – or they’ll handle everything for you.”

What gets overlooked? “The biggest thing I find is that people don’t realize how many

20 Bar/Bat Mitzvah // Spring 2014

PHOTO | Sheri Foxman’s Party411 Events PHOTO | Whimzey Events Design Studio

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This year he celebrated his Bar Mitzvah and instead of collecting presents, he suggested donations. With just $100 from his mom and dad, Jonah created a donor advised fund at the Jewish Federation of Cleveland. He asked his guests to join him in helping make the world a better place by contributing to his fund. With the $3,000 donated, Jonah made charitable gifts to causes that impact and improve lives. If Jonah can do it, so can you! Want to join the Mitzvah Movement? For more information on: Creating a fund, contact Carol Wolf at 216.593.2805 or cwolf@jcfcleve.org Volunteer opportunities, contact Susan Hyman at 216.593.2887 or shyman@jcfcleve.org.

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little details there are. People wait until the last minute and they’re stressed – and that’s when they hire me,” Miller says. “I can’t tell you how many times people say, ‘I thought I could do that myself.’ It’s a lot easier to plan someone else’s party than your own.” Foxman agreed that there are many details to account for and that sometimes they slip through the cracks. “Sometimes they forget to order the kipah, or they don’t think about transportation or hotel rooms for out-of-towners,” Foxman says. “If they’re doing something at their home, do they need somebody to do the clean-up or do they want to do it? So, it’s the little things.”

What are the trends?

PHOTO | Sheri Foxman’s Party411 Events PHOTO | Whimzey Events Design Studio

“Pinterest has become a big tool for nonparty planners for inspiration on what they can do creatively. Sometimes that’s a good thing and sometimes it’s not,” Miller says. “Some things look really simple on a picture but they’re not so simple to recreate.” With trends, Foxman says what goes around comes around. “Everybody is looking for something new, and everybody wants to go to a new place, but that’s always been the trend. ‘I don’t want to do what everyone else has done,’” she says. “Lighting has been a big trend, but now you can’t call that a trend because everybody has lighting now.” Kendall says she’s noticed a shift in approach to the parties. “They tend to be more geared toward a theme, but some families are steering away from that and make them about the celebration itself and more about the son or daughter and the guests,” she says. “It’s more about having time with friends and family and creating a nice atmosphere for them.”

How far in advance? “For first-timers, I’d definitely suggest at least a year,” Kendall says. “Someone who’s already gone through this process might

22 Bar/Bat Mitzvah // Spring 2014

“Pinterest has become a big tool for nonparty planners for inspiration on what they can do creatively. Sometimes that’s a good thing and sometimes it’s not. Some things look really simple on a picture but they’re not so simple to recreate.” Melissa Miller, owner, Momentum Events not take as much time. They can go back to vendors they’ve been happy with.” Foxman also said the timing varies to some degree. “It depends on their personality. Some people come here three weeks out because they think they can do it themselves and then they freak out, and some people come in as soon as they get their date and they’re off and running,” says Foxman, noting she’s already spoken with 2016 clients. Regarding early planners, “I remind them children might go to 10 bar mitzvahs between theirs and when they start planning,” Foxman says. “We’ve changed three or four times (for past clients).” In terms of securing a venue, caterer and entertainment, Miller also suggests doing so about a year in advance. Another recommendation: be aware of potential scheduling conflicts. “A lot of times, we have situations in the larger school districts where there might be a conflict with your date for a bar mitzvah,” she says. “We’ve had a lot of broken-hearted kids because there’s more than one party going on the same evening. There are lists that circulate through some of the schools. You want to make sure you check that list.” BB

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oms spend so much time, energy and money planning their child’s bar or bat mitzvah that they might just forget about themselves. With the reception serving as an opportunity to get dressed up and celebrate, here are some inspiring wardrobe ideas to fit various locations and themes.

COUNTRY CLUB Dress by Yoana Baraschi from Audrey’s Sweet Threads Pearl necklace, crystal encrusted bracelet and handbag from Bonnie’s Goubaud Potential venue: Beechmont Country Club

OUTDOOR/ACTIVE Maxi dress by Velvet from Hot Mama Assortment of bangles by Ippolita from Alson Jewelers Straw metallic handbag by Eric Javits from Bonnie’s Goubaud Potential venues: Camp Wise Zip City 26 Bar/Bat Mitzvah // Spring 2014

MUSEUM L-R Gown from Matina’s Bridal by Teri Jon Cap sleeve dress by Yoana Baraschi, black and white leather handbag by Botkier, dress by Aventures Des Toiles from Audrey’s Sweet Threads Bracelets and gold bangles by Roberto Coin from Alson Jewelers Potential venues: Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland Cleveland Museum of Art Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage Western Reserve Historical Society

ROCK Metallic tunic by Ming Wang from Bonnie’s Goubaud Black skinny jeans by Paige Denim from Hot Mama Metallic handbag with silver and gold chain trim by Stella McCartney from Saks Fifth Avenue Potential venues: House of Blues Cleveland The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum

Spring 2014 // Bar/Bat Mitzvah 27

GREAT GIFT IDEAS

Giving gifts can range from personal to general. Here are some suggestions to help choose just the right thing.

MUSEUM MEMBERSHIP

Greater Cleveland is home to several world-class museums. Giving a one-year membership as a gift to one or more of them could foster a lifelong appreciation for arts, culture and learning.

TECH/ ELECTRONICS

Children of all ages enjoy the latest electronic devices, whether a new smartphone, tablet, e-reader or video game console. Consider also giving gift cards that allow them to buy and add their favorite music, books, games or apps.

28 Bar/Bat Mitzvah // Spring 2014

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TICKETS

Tickets to a concert by a child’s favorite band or artist, to a production of his or her favorite musical or play, or to his or her favorite team’s sporting event can offer a unique and enjoyable experience for all involved.

JEWELRY

A necklace or ring is a gift that will likely last for years. For an added touch, have the jewelry engraved or otherwise personalized. Pictured, from left, are a sterling silver monogram necklace from Mulholland and Sachs in Woodmere and a men’s Judaica necklace from Treasure’s Gift Shop Mandel JCC in Beachwood.

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TRAVEL PLANNING

Whether to Israel or another exciting destination – at home or abroad – planning a special trip to celebrate a bar or bat mitzvah can lead to fun as well as meaningful family time.

JUDAICA

Jewish ritual items are popular gifts to give the celebrant. Pictured are flower shabbos candles from Frank’s Hebrew Book Store in South Euclid and a beaded girls kippah from Jacob’s Judaic Book & Gift Center in Cleveland Heights.

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BANG FOR YOUR BUCK

Investing b’nai mitzvah gifts provides meaningful lesson By Kristen Mott

fter receiving a large sum of money from a bar or bat mitzvah, a child’s first thought might be to spend it on video games or new clothes. But placing the money into a bank account, rather than spending it all at once, teaches children important financial skills.

Matt Wyner, the senior vice president and retail sales leader of KeyBank for Northeast Ohio, believes all children should have their own savings accounts. “As a parent, you want to try to instill in your kids the value of money and the importance of saving,” Wyner says. “Most banks have some sort of youth savings account where they can start to accumulate money and get familiar with interest.” Erin Mansfield, the regional executive at Ohio Savings Bank, says it’s important for children and their parents to think about financial goals when opening up a bank account. Certain accounts may be more suitable for a child if he or she is saving the money to purchase a car versus saving the money to use toward a college education. “It’s such a great educational piece for them to come in to a bank,” Mansfield says. “They’re going to learn ahead of time the difference between the bank accounts and the process of earning interest on their money.” Parents often want to moni-

32 Bar/Bat Mitzvah // Spring 2014

tor their children’s accounts to ensure the money is being managed properly. Mansfield notes that Ohio Savings Bank offers a children’s account in which the child is the primary account holder but parents are the only users authorized to make withdrawals form the account. Besides placing money into a bank account, parents can invest their children’s b’nai mitzvah money into savings bonds or Israel Bonds. Wyner says both types of bonds are popular because they’re secure and a low-risk investment. “Israel Bonds create a great opportunity for a discussion on what a bond is and how you’re supporting the state of Israel. It’s a great educational opportunity for parents,” he says. Parents also can work with their children to pick a couple of conservative stocks in which to invest part of the money. “Some parents like to do that as a way to familiarize their children with the way capitalism and the economy works,” Wyner says. “You can familiarize children with the way the stock

“When you get money, that doesn’t mean you necessarily need to spend it right away. That’s a life skill that you have to develop at a young age.” Matt Wyner, senior vice president and retail sales leader of KeyBank for Northeast Ohio

market works and your child is owning a piece of a company, which is a pretty exciting concept to kids.” Depositing b’nai mitzvah money into a bank account guarantees the money is secure and teaches children valuable skills early on. “When you get money, that doesn’t mean you necessarily need to spend it right away,” Wyner says. “That’s a life skill that you have to develop at a young age.” BB

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Candy buffets, mobile kitchens and theme-based food do the trick at mitzvahs, bar or bat. By Carlo Wolff

t’s not surprising to learn that when it comes to mitzvah food, there’s a gender difference.

For the girls, the baseline is sweetness. For the boys, the key concept is sports. That’s the consensus of three experts in b’nai mitzvah food trends: Elisabeth Sapell, owner of All City Candy in Richmond Heights; Christine Krause, director of marketing, advertising and digital development for Executive Caterers at Landerhaven in Mayfield Heights; and Matt West, owner of the East Side-based “mobile mini doughnut mini kitchen,” DonutLabCleveland.

Besides choice of food, what’s also important in a mitzvah is theme. As Krause says, theme dictates the choice of food. And as all three attest, sweetness can almost be a theme itself. “The big trend in bar/bat mitzvahs is a candy buffet,” says Sapell. “Candy bar, candy buffet, whatever you want to call it.” Most such events are themed, and people use their “candy bar buffets as sort of a giveaway,” she says, eliminating “buying stuff

34 Bar/Bat Mitzvah // Spring 2014

that’s not going to get used.” Candy is cost-efficient; leftovers are not a problem. Candy bars “don’t get wasted,” Sapell notes, “and they make everybody smile and be happy, even adults taking treats home for themselves or for the kids.” Color is critical, too, particularly for girls who may favor pink, say, if they’re enjoying a bat mitzvah themed to tap dance or ballet. These days, color – like so many other aspects of mitzvahs – can be customized, Sapell says. You can get M&Ms in designer colors so you don’t spend money on colors you don’t want. You can get “shiny and sparkly” jellybeans – or, if “somebody’s doing a bar mitzvah theme that has a different era-type theme – themes are big for any event these days – they’ll come up with old-time candies.” Candy centerpieces and dedicated tables are common, too. Expanding on Sapell, candy seems to rule for bat mitzvahs no matter the theme or decor, suggests Executive Caterers’ Krause. “If it’s a girl, it can be fashion,” she

“The food trend for bar-bat mitzvah often follows a theme, so if for example you have a mitzvah with a boy who’s a sports fan you’re going to have a sports theme.” Christine Krause, director of marketing, advertising and digital development for Executive Caterers at Landerhaven

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Spring 2014 // Bar/Bat Mitzvah 35

PHOTO | Amanda Lu/ Executive Caterers at Landerhaven

says, so the focus of the celebration could be “a cake with fashion in it as a centerpiece.” If candy is the girls’ hook, sliders and hot dogs reel in the boys, according to Krause. “The food trend for bar-bat mitzvah often follows a theme, so if for example you have a mitzvah with a boy who’s a sports fan you’re going to have a sports theme,” serving those miniature burgers with stadium mustard “to make it more sports-like.” Hot dogs also work, say, for a bar mitzvah with a Tribe theme. Unusual décor and displays, accented by foosball tables or miniature golf stations, distinguish bar mitzvahs, she says, noting one way to customize a golf-themed bar mitzvah is to place golf balls inside cup cakes. Other mitzvah hits are miniature potato pancakes, popcorn bars and stations, and “anything on a stick.” One of the hottest items is the cake pop, a circular piece of cake surrounded by icing, with a stick put through it “so you eat it like a lollipop,” Krause says. “You can theme those cake pops to be colorful, to be girly, to be masculine. It can be any way you want to do it. With a donut bar, it’s the same thing. Your donuts can be sprinkled any way you want.”

Or you can make doughnuts out of strawberry shortcake, as Matt West does. The Cleveland Heights man specializes in doughnuts made on the spot. Like a food truck – Executive Caterers has one – his “mobile kitchen” is a bar and bat mitzvah hit, he says, both for what he sells and for the food trailer itself. “My variety that’s the most popular are my cinnamon-sugar doughnuts,” West says. “What really qualifies mine as a special product is that it’s made literally seconds before you eat it. When you get the bags, they’re still steaming hot. You can’t normally go into a doughnut shop and get one that’s just come out of the fryer. It’s the freshest possible thing you can get.” One of his hottest mitzvah items is a strawberry shortcake dressed with whipped cream and fresh, chopped strawberries, he says. But it’s not just the fare that makes Donut Lab so popular at bar and bat mitzvahs, it’s the vehicle itself. “In the catering that I do, I see a lot of food trucks coming in,” says the Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada native, who moved to Cleveland in 1998. “People love seeing what they’ve already seen on TV when they have a real food truck come.” BB

36 Bar/Bat Mitzvah // Spring 2014

PHOTO | Matt West

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Destination:

B’nai Mitzvah Greater Cleveland offers many locations for celebrations By Kristen Mott

PHOTOS | Nautica Queen PHOTOS | Zip City

hen planning a bar or bat mitzvah reception, it’s common to consider booking it at a reception hall, hotel ballroom or synagogue. But Northeast Ohio also has plenty of less traditional – though equally interesting – options from which to choose.

Zip City, an indoor zip line and trampoline park in Streetsboro, opened in December 2013. The facility offers a thrilling environment for a bar or bat mitzvah reception. “There’s only one other trampoline park around and there’s no other zip line park around. It’s the most unique party you could possibly have,” says Zip City owner Scott J. Weiner. Zip City features five zip lines that reach three stories in height and a trampoline park featuring

38 Bar/Bat Mitzvah // Spring 2014

open jump courts, basketball courts, a dodge ball court and a trampoline foam pit. The building can accommodate up to 250 people. The building also houses an arcade and a Sky Lounge that overlooks the facility, complete with couches, club chairs and flat-screen TVs. Rock the House, a Cleveland-based entertainment group, helped Zip City create a custom sound and video system, which is perfect for slideshows at b’nai mitzvah receptions.

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Spring 2014 // Bar/Bat Mitzvah 39

“You can do a slideshow on our 500-inch projection TV and it can go to all the other 10 flat screens around the building,” Weiner says. “Wherever you are in the building, it would be wired in so everyone could see it all at the same time.” Although Zip City hasn’t hosted any b’nai mitzvah receptions yet, Weiner says accommodating special events was an important part of the design process. “We wired this place especially for bar mitzvahs. We knew that was going to be a big thing here,” Weiner says. For those looking to host a b’nai mitzvah reception in the heart of Cleveland, the Nautica Queen Cruise Ship, based on the West Bank of the Flats in downtown Cleveland, is a great way to celebrate and also showcase Cleveland. “The cruise is a great way to show off the city. You’re out on the water and can see the entire skyline,” says Colleen Grey, operations manager for the Nautica Queen. The ship typically plays host to three to four b’nai mitzvah recep-

40 Bar/Bat Mitzvah // Spring 2014

tions each year. It offers both daytime and evening cruises on weekdays and weekends. A package designed specifically for bar and bat mitzvahs includes an unlimited buffet meal, a disc jockey, wireless microphones to use during speeches, table linens and centerpieces. The buffet is not kosher, but Grey says depending on when the reception is being held the staff could explore the possibility of using an outside kosher caterer for religious purposes. The ship, which can accommodate up to 300 people, usually keeps its season open from early April through New Year’s Eve. Each cruise lasts about two to three hours. Grey says the Nautica Queen has only hosted b’nai mitzvah receptions, but could most likely host a ceremony on board as well. The ship also prides itself on being safe for all ages. “Kids have a great time because they’re out on the water,” Grey says. “It’s a confined area, so everyone remains together throughout the event and it’s very safe.” BB

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Your Budget Planner

Keep this handy reference chart with you. Fill in the blanks to see what each area of your simchah costs. Category

Name

Phone

Budget Actual Deposit

Venue rental No. 1

____________________________ _____-_____-________ $________ $________ $________

Venue rental No. 2

____________________________ _____-_____-________ $________ $________ $________

Caterer (meal No. 1)

____________________________ _____-_____-________ $________ $________ $________

Adult meals

____________________________ _____-_____-________ $________ $________ $________

Children’s meals

____________________________ _____-_____-________ $________ $________ $________

Bar

____________________________ _____-_____-________ $________ $________ $________

Caterer (meal No. 2)

____________________________ _____-_____-________ $________ $________ $________

Adult meals

____________________________ _____-_____-________ $________ $________ $________

Children’s meals

____________________________ _____-_____-________ $________ $________ $________

Bar

____________________________ _____-_____-________ $________ $________ $________

Caterer (meal No. 3)

____________________________ _____-_____-________ $________ $________ $________

Adult meals

____________________________ _____-_____-________ $________ $________ $________

Children’s meals

____________________________ _____-_____-________ $________ $________ $________

Bar

____________________________ _____-_____-________ $________ $________ $________

DJ/Band/Entertainment

____________________________ _____-_____-________ $________ $________ $________

Centerpieces

____________________________ _____-_____-________ $________ $________ $________

Florist

____________________________ _____-_____-________ $________ $________ $________

Photographer

____________________________ _____-_____-________ $________ $________ $________

Videographer

____________________________ _____-_____-________ $________ $________ $________

Invitations/Postage

____________________________ _____-_____-________ $________ $________ $________

Printed Programs

____________________________ _____-_____-________ $________ $________ $________

Yarmulkes

____________________________ _____-_____-________ $________ $________ $________

Bar/Bat lessons

____________________________ _____-_____-________ $________ $________ $________

Clothes

____________________________ _____-_____-________ $________ $________ $________

Tallit/Tefillin

____________________________ _____-_____-________ $________ $________ $________

Hotel valet/Parking

____________________________ _____-_____-________ $________ $________ $________

Gift bags

____________________________ _____-_____-________ $________ $________ $________

Sign-in board

____________________________ _____-_____-________ $________ $________ $________

(Other)

____________________________ _____-_____-________ $________ $________ $________

(Other)

____________________________ _____-_____-________ $________ $________ $________

(Other)

____________________________ _____-_____-________ $________ $________ $________

Total

____________________________ _____-_____-________ $________ $________ $________

42 Bar/Bat Mitzvah // Spring 2014

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In the lifetime of a Jewish family there is so much to celebrate. Whether you are a young adult becoming a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, a couple preparing for marriage, a family with small children looking ahead to religious school, or an adult wanting to renew or build a connection to a synagogue community, The Temple provides that special place. Become a part of The Temple family and celebrate with us. For information, contact Allison Shippy, Director of Member Services at (216)455-1703 or ashippy@ttti.org.

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Bar/Bat Mitzvah of_________________________________________ Date____________________________________________ Caterer _________________________________________ Venue Location __________________________________ Party Planner/Decorator __________________________ Date 2-3 years before _________ Contact synagogue to set date _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________

1 year before Begin formal bar/bat mitzvah lessons Discuss community or mitzvah project Determine budget If the ceremony will be in Israel, find travel agent who can arrange location and rabbi Find vendors: videographer/photographer, party planner, caterers, DJ, band, florist, venues Contact hotels and decide where to book blocks of rooms Create list of out-of-towners to be invited Send save-the-date reminders

10 months before _________ Have bar/bat mitzvah child meet party planner, if using one, to give input on decorations 8 months before _________ Create guest list with complete addresses _________ _________ _________

7 months before Begin to look at invitations Decide on wording for invitations Decide arrangements to transport kids to and from party

_________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________

6 months before Order invitations, thank-you notes Create maps, directions sheets Pick calligraphy style for envelopes Order yarmulkes Find child’s tallit Begin to plan menu

4 months before _________ Weigh invitation at post office _________ Choose and purchase postage stamps

DJ/Band/Entertainment ___________________________ Photographer ____________________________________ Videographer ____________________________________ Hotel Block ______________________________________ Date 3 months before _________ Take invitations to calligrapher, print mailing labels _________ Discuss valet _________ Decide on hotel room gift bags for out‑of‑town guests _________ Select clothing for family members _________ Finalize menu _________ Decide on centerpieces and sign-in board 2 months before _________ Mail out-of-town invitations _________ Make hair appointments for family for the week before the event 6 weeks before _________ Mail in-town invitations _________ _________ _________ _________ _________

4 weeks before Reconfirm with service providers Put together seating plan Have child practice speech out loud Set up rehearsal time with synagogue Put together gift baskets for out‑of‑town guests

3 weeks before _________ Work with caterer on floor plan and plan agenda for the event 2 Tuesdays before _________ Order any necessary kosher dinners 2 Wednesdays before _________ Assign tables _________ Personalize gift bags, if desired Weekend before _________ Finalize guest count/seating as best you can Monday before _________ Finalize seating cards Day before _________ Deliver gift bags to hotels

44 Bar/Bat Mitzvah // Spring 2014

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CLOCKWISE (from top left): Cantor Sarah Sager with Michael Rutsky, left, and Noah Braun; the Braun family – Noah, Marc, Rachel and Jill – spell O-H-I-O in Israel; Noah reads from the torah; Michael, left, and Noah read alongside Sager of Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple. PHOTOS | Shani Spiegle

Double take

A recent trip to Israel resulted in not one but two bar mitzvahs By Michael C. Butz

t may not be uncommon for a young man to celebrate his bar mitzvah in Israel, but a recent family trip led by Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple in Beachwood proved unique in that two boys shared the honor during a joint ceremony. Noah Braun and Michael Rutsky, both 13 and of Solon, both marked their bar mitzvahs during a Dec. 30, 2013 ceremony at the Jerusalem Press Club in Jerusalem. Rabbi Joshua Caruso and Cantor Sarah Sager officiated.

Michael’s father, Bruce Rutsky, 57 – joined on the trip by his wife, Jan, 52, daughters Samantha and Jessica, 25 and 23, respectively, and son Andrew, 20 – said the trip exceeded his expectations. “We have such good memories of the trip; it’s something we’re going to remember the rest of our lives,” he says. “After spending X amount of money on three bar and bat mitzvahs, we just thought this would be the trip of a lifetime – and it was.” Noah’s father, Marc Braun, 44 –

46 Bar/Bat Mitzvah // Spring 2014

joined by his wife, Jill, 43, and daughter, Rachel, 15 – described the trip as “fantastic.” “As a parent, it made me proud to see my son achieve this milestone in his life in Israel. My wife and I know he’ll look back on it for years to come and the experience will have different meanings to him as he evolves as a person,” he says. “It’s not unusual for children to go there for their bar mitzvah, but what was nice for us was we were able to go with our community, our temple, some friends we knew and some friends we didn’t know.” About 60 people were on the trip, said Caruso, adding the b’nai mitzvah was purposely scheduled late in the 10-day trip to allow participants to get better acquainted. Nearly everyone on the trip attended the ceremony. “When you put together these

trips, you have pockets of people who don’t know each other so well, which bucks the trend of friends and family (for b’nai mitzvah),” Caruso says. “What was beautiful is that throughout the trip, we became a family. Everyone became invested in them and couldn’t imagine not being there for the ceremony and celebrating.” Caruso said it was the first time either he or Sager officiated a bar mitzvah in Israel, and while that presented some unique planning challenges, it was rewarding – not just for him, but also for the families. “It was extremely special for (the families), particularly because they had (children) who became bar or bat mitzvahs before in different spaces,” Caruso says. “In many ways, it was as if they were first-time bar mitzvah parents again.” BB

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ip City was designed and developed by Scott J. Weiner of Pepper Pike. Scott started his schooling in Orange and graduated from University School in 1985. He and his family were members of BrithEmeth Temple while he was growing up. When asked how Zip City came into being, Scott said, “Zip City was a happy accident.” He originally bought the land to develop a shopping center next to a brand new CVS at the corner of Frost Road and State Route 43 in Streetsboro. When the economy took a downturn, that plan was scrapped. In researching an alternate use for this land, Scott came across trampoline parks on the web and found that this industry was booming. Before investing in a trampoline park, however, he wanted another unique activity to ensure he stood out from the crowd, just in case another trampoline park opened on Cleveland’s East Side. Throughout the next year Scott explored many different ideas, without finding a suitable opportunity. It was around that time that Scott’s accountant returned home from Costa Rica. All he could talk about was how amazing the ziplining was! After this conversation, Scott began Googling “indoor zipline parks”, and to his amazement, there was no such thing. It was then that Zip City was born! Due to the overwhelming response from customers of all ages and the overnight success of Zip City, Scott intends on opening another park Call our Events in Cincinnati in the fall of 2014, and plans to build a park in Department Today: Columbus as well. Scott is very appreciative that people 330-541-7104 have taken so positively to his idea. He looks forward to sharing his love of ziplining lauren@zipcityusa.com and trampolining all over the www.zipcityusa.com country!

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