I’m With You

Next June, my only daughter and eldest child will have her bat mitzvah. That made the editing of this particular issue of Mitzvah much more personal than in previous seasons.  This time, I was my own litmus test for the issue’s helpfulness—and all I can say is that I’ve been flagging my wife all the time with tips and trends and interesting thoughts that our writers and subjects have shared.

I’d like to do that for you as well. It starts with Melissa Stoller’s wonderful story about where to start, and how to reconcile the spiritual path of the bar/bat mitzvah with the secular celebration that often culminates. I read the story and was inspired by a number of Stoller’s suggestions for how parents can help their children see the value of an active relationship with Judaism. I was also touched by the two children who share very personal accounts of their wonderful Mitzvah projects, and thought that the best thing I could do with that story was to pass it along to my daughter. My wife and I aren’t rich, but our children have never wanted for much (just what we refuse to buy them). I’d love to see Elena truly focus on people much less fortunate than we are and see where that kind of journey takes her.

The issue is full of helpful party planning ideas too, of course. Whether the subject is invitations or entertainment or where to have a celebration, we asked the experts for tips and trends and just plain advice for what parents should be considering. At the same time, we spoke with moms who have planned bar/bat mitzvahs. Not only do they have lots of good ideas, they have something even more important to offer: perspective.

As I write this note in early October, I’m reminding myself (again) that my family and I have yet to do much party planning beyond agreeing on a general vision for the celebration. This issue has reminded me that it’s time! Time to plan for real. Time to think about the kind of year I hope we have, and what this journey could mean to my daughter, my wife, my son, and me. I’ll update you in the spring.

Until then, my best wishes to you and your family.

ERIC MESSINGER
[email protected]

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Adventureland

<p>Celebrate your child’s special day at Adventureland! Let our party professionals plan a day of fun, thrills, and laughter for your child.</p> <p>Family Owned and Operated since 1962, Adventureland is conveniently located on Route 110 in Farmingdale. This iconic amusement park offers 30 rides and attractions, an indoor arcade, a full-service restaurant, concessions, a sweet shop, midway games and more! </p> <p>Adventureland’s Birthday Party packages include admission to the park, unlimited rides, a party hostess, paper goods, and even party hats! Add a delicious lunch to your party or enjoy your own cupcakes!</p> <p>Packages for 15+ guests or 25+ guests available.</p> <p>Hosting adults as well as kids? Adventureland offers platters of wings and wraps, pizzas, and adults over 21 can visit Tony’s Tavern for beer and wine.</p> <p>Make your party extra special and ask about our private party cabana!</p> <p>Score awesome birthday deals on a Party Coordinator to keep your group together or see your child’s name in lights on our marquee on Route 110!</p> <p>Adventureland has rides for everyone, including three roller coasters, two log flumes, a train, carousel, and Bumper Cars!</p> <p>Test your skills in our state-of-the-art Arcade and you can win big! Speed around on the new fast and furious race car game or win prizes like an iPad at our crane games!</p> <p>At Adventureland, you’ll never go home hungry—with tasty snacks like hot pretzels, funnel cakes, and churros, to new favorites like Turbo-nachos and fried Oreos, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!</p> <p>For tickets, birthday party information and more, visit <a href="http://www.adventureland.us/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.adventureland.us&source=gmail&ust=1681329213004000&usg=AOvVaw1OPTYU38Qoj7Eu-g4OThmd">www.adventureland.us</a>!</p> <p> </p>

Studio E Art Classes

<p>Art, drawing, illustration, painting, and pottery.  Studio E Art Classes for ages 2 ½ to adult offers a creative space to find joy and rest in the creative arts. 7-week sessions are available for all classes, or just drop into a class to give it a try.</p> <p>Studio E Art is a great place to schedule a birthday party, celebration, scout troop activity, fundraiser and more.  Summer camps for children and tweens are available for half or full day in art or pottery.</p> <p>Find a complete list of classes, descriptions, and times on our <a href="https://studioeartclass.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">website</a>, or give us a call at 631-744-4001</p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 8pt;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-bc02a8ce-7fff-3ce7-fefb-13163f0a79b6"></span></p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Calibri,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-2e621915-7fff-f490-fe96-ea466c05ebda"></span></span></p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-eef1d235-7fff-f52c-632b-0a2c03581014"></span></p>

Super Soccer Stars

<p>Soccer Stars is New York’s most popular youth educational soccer program! With 24 years of experience under our cleats, we have positively impacted over one million kids in our local community by putting the FUN in FUNdamentals in our weekly classes and camps.</p> <p>At Soccer Stars, we use the soccer ball as a vehicle to help children not only improve their soccer skills, but develop self-confidence and physical literacy, improve gross motor skills, build teamwork, and hone socialization skills. Our highly trained coaches and early childhood experts lead an age-specific curriculum with a low kid-to-coach ratio so every child gets individual attention and can grow at their own pace.</p> <p>Kids ages 1-12+ can join our seasonal programs, including Parent & Me, FUNdamentals, Development Training, and Travel Soccer. Join us at one of over 80 locations in neighborhoods across across Westchester County, Connecticut and New York, available 7 days-a-week:</p> <p><strong>Connecticut:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Cos Cob</li> <li>Greenwich</li> <li>Port Chester</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong>Westchester:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Briarcliff</li> <li>Eastchester</li> <li>Mt. Kisco</li> <li>New Rochelle</li> <li>Ridgefield</li> <li>Scarsdale</li> <li>White Plains</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><strong>New York City:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Bronx</li> <li>Inwood</li> <li>Upper West Side</li> <li>Upper East Side</li> </ul> <p> </p> <p>Can’t find a class or location that fits your schedule? Soccer Stars also offers private classes for small groups or individual training. Let our coaches come to you with a completely customizable program, anytime, anywhere. Birthday parties are also available! </p>