The traditional Candlelighting

I've never actually seen one of these ceremonies in person; I guess it's not something that was popular where I'm from. My husband had one, and everyone else I know here has had their own and seen plenty others. So I've asked lots of questions and done lots of searching so that I can help my daughter come up with something short enough and interesting enough... We'll see if I'm successful. In the mean time, here are a few links to some ideas you might find helpful:
http://www.adlerentertainment.com
http://www.barmitzvah101.com/BarMitzvah-393

Torah Blessings for an Aliyah

I'm sharing this short video I made to help my family (and maybe yours too) as they prepare to receive the honor of an Aliyah, the blessings before and after a Torah reading during a Shabbat (Sabbath) service. My family will be doing this during our daughter's Bat Mitzvah, for which we are so grateful! I hope you enjoy the video and find it helpful for your own simcha (special celebration). Feel free to comment, rate, or 'like' it!

whoa!

I'm on a fast spinning merry-go-round and I've got to hop off!

It's been a whirlwind frenzy of Bat Mitzvah planning activity...
-ordered invitations (from www.zazzle.com, but also liked several choices on www.tinyprints.com)
-firmed up a few things with the DJ contractor (www.washingtontalent.com)
-hired a photographer (www.goodvibrations.org), but still considering something creative and interesting for rehearsal and portraits - ideas welcome as always!
-booked rooms (at the www.HiltonGardenInn.com)
-designed a logo for the sweatshirts & sent it off to the screen printer (www.planetcotton.com)
-started to contact some possible airbrush artists
-got approval from the world's best calligrapher to do the envelopes at no cost - THANKS MOM!
-updated the Shutterfly Bat Mitzvah website collaboration: www.mitzvahmagic.shutterfly.com

There is still a LOT to do, including ME practicing for my Torah reading. Now why did I agree to do THAT?!?!

Lots more fun stuff to talk about soon. I hope.

Phone calls made so far...

4 Entertainment/DJ companies
a few photographers
1 Airbrush Artist
1 Balloonist
2 Hotels for Rooms
**************************
still searching for wholesale sweats perhaps for airbrushing...

ideas that are inspiring me...

pieces of wood + a router = place card holders:
http://www.etsy.com/place-card-holders

t-shirts + styrofoam balls = flower bouquets:
http://sewmamasew.com/tshirt-flower-bouquets

laser cut acrylic candle holders:

Easy-to-make glass candle holders:
http://www.craftstylish.com/decoupage-candle-holders

and of course, my very own larger-than-life chanukah menorah - which i aspire to adapt to centerpiece size faux candleholders of some kind...

oooo - how about this idea:
http://cheryl-comfort.blogspot.com/pvc-candle-tutorial
(but i would skip the faux wick and carve out a spot for a battery operated flickering votive maybe)

like this?!



love these:

This just in...

For those of you just tuning in... :)  No, I don't have any pressing details to announce with all of the Chanukah preparations going on around here...  I do think we've firmed up the 'where' in the equation, but I won't feel too much relief from the stress without firming up the photographer and DJ.  I am getting closer though.  I have a lot of unique 'half-baked' ideas that need some more direction.  I'd love to see more pictures of other people's events - specifically their decorations, centerpieces, and other logistical touches...  Stay tuned - you know there's more coming!

guilty

My work on the Shabbat Shalom Facebook page has provided me with a lot of valuable information on our daughter's Torah portion for her Bat Mitzvah.  Turns out that today was the day her portion was read in synagogue.  Jackpot.  It felt a lot like spying, but I am happy we went to services today; obviously we had a nice opportunity for prayer.  We also had a rare opportunity to glimpse into the future and hear her Torah portion, as well as the Rabbi's commentary.  Like I said, I feel a bit guilty, but I think we have G-d on our side.  :)