MitzvahChic How to Host a Meaningful, Fun, Drop-Dead Gorgeous Bar or Bat Mitzvah

by Greenberg, Gail Anthony

• ISBN13: 9780743284929
• ISBN10: 0743284925
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-10-03
• Publisher: Touchstone

Summary

An indispensable, modern-day guide to planning the perfect bar or bat mitzvah, celebrating substance and styleThere used to be only two approaches to the bar or bat mitzvah party -- a low-key event that reflects the solemnity of this sacred rite of passage or a big bash that has no connection to the religious service. For many, it was an impossible dilemma. Will a big bash trivialize and overshadow the bar or bat mitzvah experience? Will too much spirituality suck the life out of an otherwise fabulous party?MitzvahChicis the first book that proves that if you want a truly amazing experience, you can and must have it all! Blending meaningful Jewish elements with high-style contemporary party planning, this inspiring and useful guide will show you how to have the ultimate bar or bat mitzvah -- a profoundly moving service followed by an unforgettable party. TheMitzvahChicapproach also shows how to honor your child in a big way, rather than reducing him or her to an overused pop culture theme or a single cliche: He's into baseball! She loves horses!This must-have guide gives advice on the major decisions, the basics of the service, and the party details that really matter. It also features:A complete guide to the Torah, including dates and summaries of the portions and supplementary materialsEight complete, themed parties, including party favors, decorations, and photographs of sample tablesA time line to help plan the bar or bat mitzvah up to two years aheadInstructions for beingMitzvahChicon a budgetAdvice on how to include non-Jewish friends and family members in the ceremonyA practical guide to all things mitzvah from the Torah to the tablecloth,MitzvahChicwill help create a beautiful, powerful, resonant, and unforgettable rite of passage.

Author Biography

Gail Anthony Greenberg is a lifelong writer, editor, and crafts artist. Born in a small town, she saw her first bagel when she attended college in Boston. While planning her son's bar mitzvah, she asked questions that led to formulating the MitzvahChic approach. She lives with her family in Melrose Park, Pennsylvania.

Table of Contents

Why You Need This Book	xv
Introduction: One Bar Mitzvah, Hold the Camels	xix
Why Is This Party Duller Than All Others?	1	(6)
Groundhog Day Syndrome	2	(1)
The Hazards of Being Yourself	2	(1)
Being Judged on Your ``Bar Mitzvability''	3	(1)
Why So Many Events Feel Generic	4	(3)
Where Party Excitement Comes From	7	(4)
Let's Get Emotional	8	(1)
Making It Special	9	(2)
Ordinary vs. MitzvahChic: Which One Is for You?	11	(8)
Catch the Euphoria	11	(1)
Make Guests Feel Treasured	12	(2)
Keep the Focus on Your Child and the Message of Mitzvah	14	(2)
Avoid the Ordinary---Use Only Fabulous Solutions	16	(3)
The Major Party Decisions You Have to Make First	19	(16)
What Time of Day and Year Will You Have It?	20	(2)
One Family's Answer to the Day vs. Night Dilemma: Both!	22	(2)
Picking the Place	24	(5)
Choosing the Music	29	(3)
Should There Be Special Entertainment?	32	(3)
The Little Party Details That Really Matter	35	(10)
The Theme	35	(1)
The Invitation	36	(3)
Candlelighting	39	(2)
Tribute Videos	41	(1)
Occupying Small Children	41	(1)
Icebreaking for Strangers	42	(3)
The Torah for the Farchadat (Confused)	45	(34)
Using the Torah Summary to Choose a Date	46	(1)
Books and Videos That Bring the Torah to Life	47	(1)
``Firsts'' in the Torah	48	(1)
How the Torah Is Made and Organized	49	(2)
Torah Summary	51	(28)
Basics of the Service	79	(12)
What Is a Bar or Bat Mitzvah?	79	(2)
The Shabbat Service	81	(1)
Personalizing the Service	82	(3)
What to Tell Your Friends About the Service	85	(1)
The Top Ten Things Non-Jews Want to Know About the Bar or Bat Mitzvah	86	(5)
For the Non-Jewish Parent	91	(8)
Why Intermarriage Upsets People	92	(1)
Feeling Accepted by Your Jewish Family	93	(2)
Feeling Accepted by the Jewish Community	95	(2)
Resources for Intermarried Families	97	(2)
Writing a Great Speech and Finding the Courage to Give It	99	(16)
Helping Your Child with the Dvar Torah	99	(1)
Your Speech to Your Child	100	(3)
Quotes to Get You Going	103	(9)
Overcoming Your Nervousness	112	(3)
Making the Event More of a Mitzvah	115	(10)
What Are the Mitzvot?	115	(1)
Where to Start	116	(1)
Finding a Mitzvah Project	116	(2)
Twinning	118	(3)
Buying Products with a Conscience	121	(1)
Other Great Charitable Ideas to Use at Your Event	122	(1)
Donating Money to Charities	123	(1)
Do-It-Yourself Opportunities	123	(2)
Party Ideas for Each Torah Portion	125	(32)
Using Torah and Holiday Themes at the Party	125	(2)
Finding the Products and Charities Listed Here	127	(1)
Hunting Online by Yourself	127	(3)
Party Ideas for Each Portion	130	(23)
Jewish Holiday Summaries and Symbols	153	(4)
Eight Complete Parties That Will Leave You FARKLEMPT!	157	(24)
Beginnings	159	(2)
Song	161	(4)
Saving Grace	165	(2)
Gifts	167	(4)
Shine	171	(2)
Heart	173	(2)
Dreams	175	(3)
Tzedakah	178	(3)
Crafts for Style and Therapy	181	(24)
Just for Fun Party Items	183	(4)
Crafts from ``Eight Complete Parties That Will Leave You FARKLEMPT!''	187	(11)
Crafts from ``Party Ideas for Each Torah Portion''	198	(7)
MitzvahChic on a Budget	205	(8)
Overall	205	(1)
Invitations	206	(1)
The Party Space/Catering	206	(2)
Music and Entertainment	208	(1)
Decorations/Party Favors	209	(1)
Photography	210	(3)
The Kids Have the Last Word	213	(8)
Time Line and Checklists	221	(42)
Master Time Line	221	(5)
Figuring Out the Budget	226	(1)
Questions to Ask the Rabbi/Cantor	227	(1)
Insider Tips on Hiring Great Vendors	228	(15)
Questions to Ask About a Venue	229	(2)
Questions to Ask a Caterer	231	(1)
Questions to Ask a Party Planner	232	(2)
Questions to Ask a Photographer	234	(2)
Questions to Ask a DJ/Band	236	(2)
Questions to Ask a Tent Rental Company	238	(5)
Appendixes
I: General	243	(4)
A wacky, eclectic grab bag of information you'll need to create some of the projects or moments in this book. Includes prayers, a recipe for manna, and a suggested playlist for a CD of freedom songs
2: Party Resources	247	(8)
3: Craft Resources	255	(8)
Index	263