52 | MARCH 28 • 2024 
J
N

I

n the world of bar/bat 
mitzvah planning, there’s a 
delightful balancing act at 
play. It’s about making a state-
ment that says, “I’m unique,
” 
but in a way that whispers, “but 
still part of the crowd.
” 

This is the challenge: crafting 
a celebration that’s as individual 
as a fingerprint, yet as welcom-
ing and familiar as a family 

gathering. It’s not just party 
planning; it’s a rite of passage, 
wrapped in custom swag and 
delivered with a side of youthful 
exuberance.

BUDGETING: THE ART 
OF SMART SPENDING
The truth is, when it comes to 
your child’s bar/bat mitzvah, 
there are no rules, but there 

are suggestions. The first step 
should be setting your budget, 
a step that is as much about 
crunching numbers as it is 
about setting the stage for what’s 
to become a memorable day. 
It’s a dance between desires and 
dollars, teaching valuable les-

sons in prioritization and fiscal 
savvy. Whether it’s deciding 
between the swank of a custom 
hoodie or the splash of a 
multicolored logo tee, this is 
where dreams meet the ledger, 
offering a real-world lesson in 
making choices that count.

Crafting the 
Perfect Bar/
Bat Mitzvah

EMMA ZERKEL AND STACEY COLUMBUS 
SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS

A blend of tradition and trend.

 Emma Zerkel and 
 
Stacey Columbus

Talia Matzkin-Bridger’s bat mitzvah.

continued on page 54

