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Throwing the Perfect Bar/Bat Mitzvah
By Karin Beery

Confession: My first exposure to a Bar Mitzvah was from The Wedding Singer, when Adam Sandler's character gave up wedding gigs and starting singing for the Jewish celebrations. Since then, my sister married a nice Jewish man from Long Island and many Jewish traditions, including this coming-of-age celebration. Recently his niece enjoyed her Bat Mitzvah in New York, and I had the chance to see how "real people" celebrate.

The photos from the niece's Bat Mitzvah could have been taken aboard a cruise ship. The nautical, Caribbean theme permeated the atmosphere. A lot of time and effort went into embracing the theme for her big day, but her tropical adventure hardly tops the list of the exotic. These days the coming-of-age festivities run the gamut of traditional to exotic, moderately priced to mind-blowing. Depending on the child's wishes, anything goes.

A variety of websites offer a plethora of party theme ideas. Know a movie lover? How about Back to the Future, Harry Potter, or even The Terminator. No idea is out of reach! But it's the attention to details, like the DeLorean invitations, or the Sorting Hat seating charts, even the Arnold Schwarzenegger impersonator that really set the mood.

But there's no need to worry if the young man or woman doesn't like the big screen. Unique ideas abound. Partial to the ways of our British friends across the sea? With some careful planning, guests can follow the "tube map" to find their seats while enjoying the company of such famous Britons as James Bond, Ringo Starr, or even the Queen. Substitute tea for coffee, scones for cookies, and any Bar Mitzvah can embrace the flavor of England.

But for some young men and women, it's not about a theme or the decorations. In an attempt to throw a truly unique Bar Mitzvah, one young man hosted an Oxygen Bar. Instead of tiny favors and elaborate place cards, he treated his family and friends to an Aromatherapy Oxygen Bar. The bar provided 90-95% pure oxygen, as well as different aromas for everyone's breathing pleasure. Guests took turns at the bar where tanks of colorful, bubbling liquids were connected to hospital-looking breathing tubes. Not only did this unusual opportunity set the host apart from traditionally theme Bar Mitzvahs, but the benefits of the high percentage oxygen even helped cure one uncle of a persistent headache!

While many families choose the route of a local party at a nearby hall, the adventurous, and well-organized, can now plan ahead and return to the Holy Land for a traditional and educational celebration. First time visitors to Israel can tour the "must see" places of their heritage, while seasoned travelers might enjoy something more interactive, such as a treasure hunt or swimming with the dolphins. Celebrants can choose from various ceremony sites, such as an ancient synagogue, and celebration venues, like an Israeli beach. The family can invite as many or a few people as desired to attend the entire trip or just the Bar Mitzvah. Either way, this exotic adventure refocuses the young adult on the history behind his or her coming of age, as well as providing the memories from an historic and unique environment.

And finally, for those people with no constraints, the sky is the limit. For instance, if you're afraid people might not get involved in any games or dancing, you can hire Bar Mitzvah "motivators". You can have one or many and they'll dress however you'd like them to dress and do whatever you need them to do, be it getting the dancing started or starting conversations to keep the shy kids involved. These professionals ensure a good time for everyone. And if you still need help? Take a cue from defense mogul David H. Brooks, who hired Don Henley, Kenny G and 50 Cent, among others, to play

his daughter's Bat Mitzvah. The price tag? $10 million. Over the top? Sure. A good time? Definitely.

So don't let anything stop you when it's time to plan for your son or daughter. Go for broke and hire Keyshia Cole, or set up the Starbucks and caffeinate all of your family and friends. Whatever you choose, traditional or bizarre, anything is possible.

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