This post gets three titles, because I just couldn't decide how to headline this story. After sharing a post-simcha report with you guys from my oldest's Bar Mitzvah (in Cleveland) back in 2016, and my middle one's Bar Mitzvah (in Israel) in 2018, … [Read more...]
My Last Bar/Bat Mitzvah…. Having a Bat Mitzvah in Israel…. That Time I Completely Blew Through My Budget….
Posted on May 31, 2021 by
Bar Mitzvah in Israel vs. America | How Do the Costs Compare
Posted on October 23, 2018 by
After sharing with you the story of our recent Bar Mitzvah in Israel, as well as all the details from my first son's Bar Mitzvah in Cleveland two years ago, I've heard from a number of you who really want to know: How do the costs compare? Which … [Read more...]
It’s All Worth It In the End (Bar Mitzvah Stories & Pictures)
Posted on October 4, 2018 by
I took the most extended break of my blogging career these past three weeks and I really appreciate your patience with me. My son Matan's Bar Mitzvah was September 22nd (Parshat HaAzinu), and then immediately after the first day of Sukkot (I love … [Read more...]
Apologies, To Do Lists + Tears of Joy
Posted on September 18, 2018 by
Yesterday, my middle boy was called up to the Torah for the first time. What a moment! I was definitely welling up with tears of joy... and pride... and relief... and awe. My to do list for the past two weeks has been pages-long each day, but … [Read more...]
A Fun Baseball Bar Mitzvah Party on a Budget
Posted on August 23, 2016 by
Welcome back to my series about how we planned my son's Bar Mitzvah on an intentional budget. So far, I've talked about invitations, our Friday night dinner for 40 people, and our Seudah Shlishit for 80. Today, I want to share with you the details … [Read more...]
Seudah Shlishit for 80 People | Menu, Recipes, Paper Goods & More
Posted on August 8, 2016 by
Welcome to Post #3 in my Bar Mitzvah on a Budget: Is it Possible series. Today, I'm going to cover what we did for Seudah Shlishit. If this is your first time here, you can read about the total budget for my son's recent Bar Mitzvah here, and see … [Read more...]
Friday Night Bar Mitzvah Dinner for 40 People | Menu, Recipes, Paper Good Tips & More
Posted on August 3, 2016 by
{Oh how I wish I'd thought to take pictures of the food before Shabbat started - alas, my words will have to suffice!} Today I am continuing my personal Bar Mitzvah on a Budget series by digging deep into my spreadsheets to share with you the … [Read more...]
Bar Mitzvah on an Intentional Budget | Can It Be Done? (Our Experience)
Posted on July 21, 2016 by
As promised, I want to share with you all some of the behind-the-scene details from my son's Bar Mitzvah this past Shabbat. I am going to be really honest with you guys about money, even though, quite frankly, it scares me to be this … [Read more...]
My Frugal Simcha | An Intimate Wedding for $3,000
Posted on June 9, 2016 by
My Frugal Simcha features reader's stories about their beautiful simchas - on a budget. If you have hosted a budget-friendly wedding, Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Brit Milah or other simcha, we'd love to read about it! Please fill out this form to submit your … [Read more...]
How to Get Inexpensive Bar/Bat Mitzvah Invitations — Less than $1/Piece
Posted on June 7, 2016 by
This post is an honest accounting of my experiences with each of the invitation companies I encountered. None of them knew I have a blog, nor did that fact impact the pricing or treatment I received. I paid for everything myself; I was not "comped", … [Read more...]
