Twin City Mitzvahs Guide 2020

TWINCITYMITZVAHS.COM

2020

VENUES + CATERERS

PHOTOGRAPHERS

ENTERTAINMENT & MORE

Photo by Sue Lund Photography

YOUR #1 MITZVAH

PLANNING RESOURCE

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TWIN CITY MITZVAH GUIDE 2020 | TWINCITYMITZVAHS.COM

Letter from the

Ceo and Founder

Twin City Mitzvahs is excited to be embarking on year 7! We are so thrilled to be able to keep bringing you this invaluable resource filled with a network of trusted, hardworking, and local event professionals.

This year at Twin City Mitzvahs, we are proud to not only bring you the 2020 Mitzvah Guide, but we have launched our brand-new website filled with industry experts that our community has grown to love and trust! You will be able to connect with them directly, send them messages, respond to their Twin City Mitzvahs exclusive offers, and read the latest and most exceptional content about planning a Mitzvah here in the Twin Cities.

We will be initiating our cutting-edge hot topic podcast called 'The Schmooze' later this year, and of course, we can't forget about our Live Experience- Mitzvah Magic, which is set for 2/21/21 at the Minnetonka Community Center.

Once again, we encourage you to share your experiences with our vendors, so we can share these stories on our website and on our social media sites.

We are excited to celebrate 2020 with you and your families and hope that the experts that we have provided to you inspire you and your family to create the event of your dreams.

Jodi Rankin CEO & Founder, Twin City Mitzvahs

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TWINCITYMITZVAHS.COM

2020

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Letter from the CEO

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Hora Happenings

TONYA BRANDT Director of Finance

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Mitzvah Timeline

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Hosting at Home

LORI GREENBERG Project Coordinator

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Manners for Teens

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2020 Trends

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Guest Must-Sees

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Mitzvah Magic

JODI RANKIN CEO & Founder

KARYN LIBSON Project Coordinator ANDREA GRABOW Senior Account Executive SHERI ROSEN Senior Account Executive NATALIE ANDERSON Creative Director CORTLAND BECHTELL Graphic Designer

Cover Photographed By: Sue Lund Photography Want to advertise? Contact us at 952.641.7100 or Info@TwinCityMitzvahs.com © 2020. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission of the publisher. Printed in the United States of America. Twin City Mitzvahs does not make any warranty of any kind with regard to the services or products advertised herein. Twin City Mitzvahs does not assume any responsibility or liability for any of the content within this publication or for any errors or omissions to such content, and reserves the right not to publish any material.

The entire cost of the publication is offset by the advertisers. Twin City Mitzvahs controls the advertising content of this publication.

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HAPPENINGS Nothing signifies a festive Simcha more than the hora!

Love it or hate it, it’s an overall crowd-pleaser.

• Appoint an energetic guest ahead of time to get things started.

• Have chairs with armrests available.

• Make sure your entertainment has hora music available.

• Time your hora right: party starter or after dinner.

• Avoid congestion by using the whole room!

The hora does not need to be confined to the dance floor, maneuver between the tables, and pick up more participants along the way.

BONUS TIPS 1. Have strong, healthy people lift the chair and hold on tight.

2. Wear shoes—this dance is perfect for wild toe steppers.

3. Remind those wearing dresses or skirts to cross at the ankles.

Photo by Jeffrey Schmieg Photography

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2-3 YEARS

10 MONTHS

18 MONTHS

6 - 8 MONTHS

1 YEAR

4 MONTHS

> Set the Bar/Bat Mitzvah date > Think about the type of celebration and theme you would like the Bar/Bat Mitzvah to have > Begin to research venues and/or reserve the synagogue banquet hall for the Friday night dinner, kiddush luncheon and party > Meet with the Rabbi or Cantor to understand the Bar/Bat Mitzvah process and answer any questions you may have > Determine a budget for event > Begin to work on a guest list. Separate the list into 'Must-Haves' and 'Nice-to-Haves' > Determine what other events your family will host (Shabbat Dinner, Shabbat Kiddush, Sunday Brunch) > Begin thinking about potential Mitzvah Projects > Discuss the Bat/Bar Mitzvah requirements with the Rabbi, including the timeline for completing the Mitzvah Project > Reserve a venue, caterer, photographer & entertainment > Reserve a block of rooms at a hotel for out of town guests central to the service and party > Consult with a decorator or brainstorm décor ideas

> Send/Email out a Save-the-Date (helpful for out of town guests to think ahead for dates and times) > Select a Mitzvah Project > Begin sorting photos for video montage > Begin thinking about the type of invitation you would like > Begin Mitzvah Project > Finalize the guest list and enter the addresses into a spreadsheet (verify all addresses are current) > Decide what enclosures need to be included with each guest invitation (maps, party card, response cards) > Order invitations and thank you cards > Order any items that require customization, including kippot, party favors, sign-in boards > Purchase Tallit and Tefillin, if necessary > Go to the post office to have the complete invitation weighed and purchase the appropriate stamps (make sure to place a stamp on the return envelope or postcard) > Plan the menu for the reception > Arrange for the rental of party supplies not supplied (chairs, dishes, etc.)

3 MONTHS

> Have envelopes addressed > Finalize photos for the video montage and complete the video > Shop for clothes and shoes (don’t do any tailoring yet)

2 MONTHS

> Mail invitations. It’s Official (8 weeks is standard) > Select aliyot/honors and make sure to collect your honorees full Hebrew names > Work on parents’ speech or blessing > Finalize centerpieces (including flowers for the synagogue service), décor and favors > Finalize the entertainment for the party > Make a draft of the seating chart > Work on the ceremony programs > Begin ordering supplies and compiling local information for welcome bags/baskets for out of town guests > Compose candle lighting introductions or poems > Arrange for transportation of family and/or guests, if necessary

1 MONTH

> Meet with the DJ and entertainers to pick songs and games > Arrange for a rehearsal in the synagogue sanctuary > Confirm party timeline and schedule with all vendors, including photographer, videographer, music/entertainment and caterer > Purchase any items not provided by the caterer (liquor, challah, cake, gift cards for giveaways, etc.) > Finalize aliyot list and provide a copy to the synagogue > Make sure to schedule all hair/nail/makeup appointments

3 WEEKS

> Visit the tailor > Assemble toiletry baskets for the bathrooms > Finalize ceremony programs, print and assemble > Create Mitzvah Day itinerary > Compile list of must have shots for the photographer

2 WEEKS

> Confirm final headcounts > Finalize seating chart and write place cards (wait to fill in the table numbers until closer to the event if possible)

1 WEEK

> Drop off welcome baskets/bags at hotel > Have a rehearsal at the synagogue > Schedule family photos the day ahead and assign times for family to arrive > Contact all event vendors with last minute details or questions > Confirm all details are in place (food, decorations) for other events being hosted (Shabbat Dinner, Kiddush, etc.) > Prepare payments and tips

DAY OF EVENT

> Relax and enjoy the day!

POST EVENT

> Write and mail thank you cards > BREATHE and RELAX! Share your photos with us and tell us about your event!

TwinCityMitzvahs.com/send-us-your-photos

HOSTING

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ften Bar/Bat Mitzvahs focus around the food. It’s all about planning the menu for the Friday Night Dinner, the Kiddish Luncheon, the Oneg, and the Party. Consider hosting one of those meals at your house. Crazy, right?!

Maybe it’s not such a silly idea… There are advantages to hosting a mitzvah meal in your home, whether it is the Friday Night Dinner or the Sunday Brunch.

Besides saving money, having a meal at home will give you the freedom to turn your event into anything you want, within your own limitations. It has a nice hamisha feel and allows you and your guests to connect on a more casual

at home

intimate level. They get up, move around, and change their seating so they interact with many more people than they would be sitting at a restaurant table. Whether you cook the meal yourself (superwoman!) or have it catered, have fun with it! Hosting a mitzvah meal in your home doesn’t have to be complicated.

Make it easy on yourself, once the party begins, you shouldn’t be doing anything. Hire someone to clean-up, serve food, refill drinks, etc. Also, consider renting tables, chairs, and even dishes if your budget will allow. That way, someone else does the set-up and takedown for you. After all, you want to be a guest at your mitzvah meal!

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Mitzvah Manners

for teens

“Shhhh!” is often a common theme heard at Bar/Bat Mitzvah services.

Don’t let your child be on the receiving end of that by teaching them proper Mitzvah etiquette. Talk to your kids about appropriate behavior before every Mitzvah they attend. Yes, you may sound like a broken record, but here is hoping some or all will sink in!

1. POCKET THE PHONE: This goes for both the service and the party.

If your child can leave their phone at home, encourage them to do so, but if not, make sure that it is on silent and stays tucked away at all times.

2. BEHAVIOR: Remind your child that

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they are in a place of worship.

That means, be respectful of their surroundings, no sitting on the bathroom counters or running around in the lobby, stay quiet in the service and reserve the chit-chat for the kiddush and the party. Stand when the congregation stands, sit when they sit, engage in the service if they know the prayer, and stay in the service instead of hanging out in the hall or bathroom.

3. BE POLITE: Make sure that your child knows to introduce themselves to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child’s parents if they don’t already know them, congratulate them and most importantly, thank them at both the kiddush and the party. This small gesture of appreciation goes a long way!

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MITZVAH As we get into full swing with our 2020 party planning, let's talk about some of the hottest trends on the Mitzvah party scene. From elegant grazing table displays to conveyor belt food to liven up your cocktail hour, here are the latest and most magnificent ideas to inspire the Mitzvah party in you.

Our trendologist reports:

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1. Grazing tables and stations are the new appetizer rage.These buffet-style tables have the WOW factor your hors d'oeuvres and cocktail hour needs. Arrange cheese, nuts, fruit, vegetables, and dips in any eye-catching way, and your guests will graze away.

2. Table remixes: Round and square, high and low, snake your tables or put them in distinctive shapes, but definitely think of seating your party cleverly. It changes the décor and adds a unique flow to the event.

3. The Pantone color of 2020 is classic blue, the calming, traditional blue is making its mark on parties for 2020. Linens, lighting, party attire, and more… this is the color to splash throughout your event.

4. Plants with roots are for décor so you can gift them or reuse them. Take advantage of the succulent trend and luscious greenery with fun stalks to enhance the vibe of your event.

5. Self-serve refreshments and dispenser bars. Flavored kombucha (boozy and not) on tap, sparkling flavored water, and of course, libations are making their appearance at events and not only are the beverages self-serve, but the garnishes are too. Lots of fun mix-ins and garnishes stations can take your beverage game to the next level.

6. Holographic balloons and balloon walls.

Irridescant colors, with sparkles and foil in all shapes and sizes, can really glam up your event.

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TRENDS

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7. Karaoke photo and recording booths. What makes people smile more in a photobooth…hearing their friends and family belt out the tunes or at least the song that they hear or they think they know. Sing together and capture it on social media…how fun is that?

8. Treat shops instead of candy bars. Mix it up and have all kinds of treats mixed in with your sugary delights and make a sweet statement. Make a separate treat pop-up.

9. Intimate Shabbat dinners. While Bar and Bat Mitzvahs often feature spectacular celebrations, Friday Night Shabbat dinners are gaining momentum. When families have lots of guests from out of town, the Friday night dinner is the kick-off for the event weekend.

10. Pop up favor shops. Instead of being handed the traditional goody bag at the end of the night, families have provided an interactive experience where guests can choose between different colors and item designs of favors.

11. Large scale low tech games. Giant twister, personalized corn hole, and mini-golf are popping up at Mitzvah parties everywhere.

Getting party-goers off their phones and interacting with each other adds to the camaraderie.

12. Dessert delivery to the dance floor. Never let em leave is the party motto. Passed desserts are the craze, keep them dancing and keep the party alive. Let them eat cake…on the dance floor.

13. Gram-able themes: They say it’s not a celebration if it’s not on insta. So take your party theme to social, create a hashtag, snap, post and tell your Mitzvah story on your story. If you can’t beat em…join em. Make posting part of the party!

! v o t l e #maz

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MUST-SEES FOR · Brewery and Distillery tours · Childrens Museum · CHS Field St Paul Saints · Como Zoo/Conservatory · Farmers Market · Food Hall visit · Historic Fort Snelling · Mall of America

· Midtown Global Market · Mill City Museum · Minneapolis Food Tour · Minneapolis Institute of Arts · Minneapolis Skyway Tour · Minnehaha Falls · Minnesota Landscape Arboretum · Minnesota State Capital

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Mitzvah Guests · Minnesota State Fair · Minnesota United Game · Minnesota Zoo · Outoor Ice Skating · Science Museum · Sculpture Garden · Segway Tour · Target Field-Twins Game

· The Walker Museum · Tour Paisley Park · Tour U.S. Bank Stadium · Valley Fair · Visit the Stone Arch Bridge · Walk/Bike the chain of lakes (Lake of the Isles, Lake Harriet, Lake Calhoun/ Bde Maka Ska)

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Planning a mitzvah?

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ur annual event, Mitzvah Magic, is an epic family event for anyone planning a Bar or Bat Mitzvah in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. The 5th annual event with record-breaking attendance was a huge success. One day, one room and so many fantastic options for your child on their special day. From venues, photographers, entertainment, DJs, dessert, invitations, favors, and more, Mitzvah Magic has it all.

Each year we bring the top talent to our event for you to choose from. It is fun to interact with the vendors to see what they offer and to find the best options for you and your family.

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Our yearly live event brings all of your selections to life and makes it simple to do business with the party professionals in the area. With our live DJs, entertainment, games, and of course, food samples, this event is not-to-be-missed. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates, trends, and party ideas on the daily.

Our not to be missed Mitzvah Magic 2021 is Sunday, February 21st, from 11-3 pm at the Minnetonka Community Center. Come check out all the fun we can have with a GRAFFITI THEMED MITZVAH!

Save the date for

Mitzvah Magic

February 21, 2021

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INDEX A-List Entertainment & Events..... 29 Abby's Booth.....................................24 Adventures with VR .........................22 AirMaxx Adventure Arena................. 8 Base Camp......................................... 15 Blommonster.................................... 33 BLVD Kitchen....................................22 Bowlero................................................6 Bridgeman's Ice Cream.................... 34 Cafe Lurcat.......................................... 7 Can Can Wonderland..................18-19 Champions Hall Sport & Event Center.................................. 17 Cheesecake Funk..............................37 Crowne Plaza Mpls West................. 17 Cub Knollwood..................................22 D'Amico Catering.............................. 21 Dave & Busters Edina......................... 7 Dippin Chocolate............................. 34 Drybar Wayzata................................27 Duck Donuts..................................... 35 Elliot Park Hotel, Autograph Collection........................................... 13 Epitome Papers.................................27 Highway 55 Rentals.......................... 38 HoldenPhotos ...................................24 Hopper Mini Donuts.........................37 Hyatt Regency Bloomington............ 14 Jeffrey Schmieg Photography.........23 Jewish Community Foundation of the Minneapolis Jewish Federation.......26 JW Marriott Mall of America............ 8

Kafe 421............................................. 20 La Belle Crepe...................................22 Level 11..................................................2 Litin's Party Value............................ 33 Mall of America- Parkview Meeting & Events Center...................5 Marriott Minneapolis West............. 15 MN Snow Shaved Iced......................37 Northstar Apparel Co.......................25 Nothing Bundt Cakes...................... 34 Pinstripes...........................................10 PoppedCorn Gourmet Treats......... 35 Prime Deli Catering.......................... 43 Richfield Flowers and Events.............4 Rita's Ice............................................ 35 Shalom Events Minnesota...............25 Sheraton Bloomington..................... 12 Spinning Wylde................................ 34 Sue Lund Photography.....................23 Target Field Events.............................9 The Corner Balloon Shoppe.............32 The Original Popcorn House............37 The Traveling Photo Booth..............25 The Varsity Theater............................ 7 The Westin Edina Galleria................ 12 The Woman's Club of Minneapolis... 11 Total Entertainment/ Kids Dance...27 Triple Shift Entertainment.............. 16 Twin Cities Catering........................ 20 Ultimate Events............................... 39 Urban Air Plymouth.......................... 14

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12975 16th Ave. N. #400 Plymouth, MN 55441