Bar & Bat Mitzvahs

NH, Boston MA & Maine Bar & Bat Mitzvah DJ Entertainment

We specialize in all aspects of your Bar-Bat Mitzvah's sound and lighting needs.  

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Jewish DJs - Bar Mitzvah & Bat Mitzvah DJ Entertainment

The Historical Perspective

Shalom! By the age of twelve, many Jewish boys & girls are busy studying Jewish law. At the age of thirteen (sometimes different for girls), these same youth have an opportunity to formally become part of a religious society and an adult responsible to observe religious law with the rest of their community. Their entry ceremony (Bar Mitzvah for boys, Bat or Bas Mitzvah for girls) is often, but not always, held on the Sabbath shortly after their 13th birthday. 


A Bar-Bat Mitzvah celebration (Simcha) often follows the successful completion of the formal religious ceremony where the newly responsible Jewish boy or girl leads a worship service of their congregation by reading or chanting from prescribed passages in the Torah and the Prophets. This declares the individual to be a formal and legal adult within this community. The occasion is truly a celebration of family and friends. It might also offer some families the opportunity to take an extended family retreat in Israel. 


"Thank you, thank you, and thank you! The kids had such a great time! You did such a good job keeping the kids into the party."

                                                                      Aileen Tabachnick, Portland, Maine

Bar & Bat Mitzvah Entertainment Seasoned To Your Taste 

There is no "one right way" to provide entertainment at a Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration. Entertainment presentation styles, timelines, formalities, games and activities, and optional items like lighting packages, props, Photo Booths, etc. all vary from one event to another, based on client preferences and budget. 


Too Little Interaction...a "General Purpose DJ", one that may be good for a birthday party or school dance, probably is not the right fit for most Mitzvah celebrations, as they may not possess the polished interactive MC skills, knowledge of Jewish traditions, popular games and music necessary to run a Mitzvah properly.  Parents appreciate how we keep the children busy and out of trouble, so to speak.

Popular Timeline

The event usually begins with a Social Hour which features games and dancing for the kids.  About an hour later, the adults enter (if social hour for them is in another room) then it's the grand entrance of Family & Bar-Bat Mitzvah Star.  A Motzi and Toast is followed by a meal.  A Candle lighting ceremony usually kicks off the post dinner activities and The Hora opens the dance floor.  Games or dancing for all...Mother-Son or Father-Daughter dance, etc. continue till the Last Dance.  Of course all of this may be altered to fit your particular needs.  Some clients do few formalities and instead focus more on having a dance party with a good mix of music.

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What is the Havdalah?

Also spelled Habdalah or Havdala, is a Jewish ceremony that formally concludes the Shabbat (weekly day of rest) and Yom Tov (Jewish holidays). According to Judaism, the Shabbat ends (and the new week begins) at nightfall, and not at midnight. Therefore, Havdalah is made as soon as three stars are visible in the night sky.

"We very much appreciated the professionalism, guidance, and experience that Pete brought to our daughter Sophie's Bat Mitzvah at The Graduate in Providence, RI.  His flexibility and knowledge of how to keep 13 year olds entertained, and his great musical repertoire were beyond appreciated!  Not to mention, he brought with him amazing party motivators that truly made the difference.  The dance offs with the kids were a highlight of the night, and their energy was infectious. I hit recommend Pete and his team!"


                                                                                Paige Roberts, Providence, RI

Bat Mitzvah Hora at the Graduate, Providence, RI
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Too Much Interaction ...Some companies provide what we refer to as the "New York Style" of Bar-Bat Mitzvah party.  It's a big budget production that is an ear-piercing, bright, spectacular show that may rival a Las Vegas performance. It attempts to top any previous function of its type. They bring an entourage of MCs, DJs, motivators, dancers and other support staff. Also, a lot of equipment including a very loud sound system and a "blow your socks off light show", among other items. The MC talks a lot, trying to encourage participation. The price tag of this presentation is high and this "over the top" presentation is a bit overwhelming for many people.  This isn't our style at Pete Chambers Entertainment either. 


Just Right. ..We're between those two extremes.  Preferred by the Bar-Bat Mitzvah party clients that reserve the services of Pete Chambers DJ Entertainment, is a presentation style that creates a memorable celebration without what some people refer to as the "excessive extras". We provide a fun party atmosphere, lots of interactive games, activities and prizes, selected Jewish formalities and hours of great music presented on a high quality, professional-grade sound system at an appropriate volume level.  Our Guest of Honor is kept in the spotlight and your family and guests won't feel overwhelmed or taunted to participate by an over-exuberant MC.  Relax...We're your Bar & Bat Mitzvah specialists! 


"I was extremely happy with Pete Chambers Entertainment from our first conversation. Pete understood exactly what I was looking for- a super fun Bat Mitzvah party for our girls that could also be enjoyable for the adults including our friends and relatives of all ages. He came up with a schedule of events that was perfect in every way from the range of songs to the range of activities that the kids loved. Pete brought two party motivators who got the dancing started and kept the party going all evening. My girls said their Bat Mitzvah party was better than they dreamed it would be and Pete Chambers was at the heart of the success of this wonderful event."

The Siegel Family, Yarmouth, Maine


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Our Bar-Bat Mitzvah success secret here at Pete Chambers DJ Entertainment is very simple...we treat your child like they are the most important person in the world.  Mazel Tov! 

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Havdalah is recited over wine or grape juice. On completion of the Shabbat, a candle with more than one wick is used, and spices to commemorate the departure of the "added soul" of the day. On Yom Kippur, a candle is used but not spices. 


When the blessing is made on the candles, the custom is to look at their fingernails in the light of the candle, this is done because the candles has to be bright enough to be able to distinguish different currencies by its light, and if one is able to distinguish between ones nails and flesh, one knows that the flame is big enough.


At the conclusion of Havdalah, the candle is extinguished in the leftover wine to demonstrate that this candle was lit solely for the mitzvah of havdalah.


Games, Dances & Extras: Favorite games include Coke & Pepsi, Musical Chairs and Trivia Games. Popular audience participation dances include the Cha Cha Slide, Electric Slide, Conga Lines, YMCA & Chicken Dance. Popular extras include nightclub-style light shows, props and Karaoke.  More information below. 


"Thank you for the wonderful music and entertainment at Sam's Bar Mitzvah. It was so nice how you took our personal desires into account and customized our party just for us! We had used a well known and expensive Boston group for our two oldest daughters' Bat Mitzvahs, but found that you paid much more attention to the detail in both organizing and providing the entertainment for our party. Thanks again for a great day!"

                                                     Dr. Cindy & Dr. David Cooper, Durham, NH


Our Philosophy: "Bar & Bat Mitzvah parties are becoming less formal with more emphasis on having FUN! Mom & Dad will be happy to know that the music we play is "Sanitized For Their Protection", as we only play the clean edits of your child's favorite songs, never any explicit lyrics. It is very important that all songs be played at a reasonable volume so adults can enjoy their conversations. Games need to be simple, and there should be lots of easy audience participation dances for kids and adults to enjoy. We make the Guest of Honor and his/her family members the REAL STARS OF THE SHOW." 


"Everyone had a blast!! Laney's friends are still raving about the party. The music was excellent!! Pete you were a pleasure to work with throughout the process, from the first call to get information to the end of the event! Thanks again for a GREAT evening." 

The Naimark Family, Rye, NH

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"DJ Pete was recommended to me by the venue, and as a result, I need to pay it forward and HIGHLY recommend him to you!  He is knowledgeable, helpful and charismatic.  He had my daughter's Bat Mitzvah rockin' from beginning to end, and it was flawless -- the music selection, the introductions, the games, the table calling for the buffet.  My 88 year old grandma keeps raving about the music and the flow of the party -- that was all DJ Pete!  Our 2 hour meeting just a few weeks before the event was more necessary than I realized, but Pete obviously took the lead to make sure he would do everything to make the night perfect . . . and . . . it was!"

Lisa Desberg, Haverhill, MA

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Jewish Bar-Bat Mitzvah Planning Guide


Your child's Bar/Bat Mitzvah is a special day you begin to think about on the day your child is born. It's thirteen years in the making and it takes planning, planning and more planning! Organization is the key to a memorable b'nai mitzvah celebration and planning can actually get underway as early as three years from the actual date. And whether you select a simple reception to celebrate your child's passage into the rites of Judaism or an elaborate evening affair for 300, the goal is the same. You want a memorable and meaningful event that you and your family will remember for a lifetime. 


Hints for Successful Jewish Bar-Bat Mitzvah Planning  


2-3 Years Before the Event:

1. Contact a synagogue or temple when your child is less than ten years old. Learn about the process and timeframe required to prepare your child for the event. Formal Bar/Bat Mitzvah lessons usually begin one year prior to the scheduled date. 


2. Decide on the style of the event- one that suits your lifestyle and budget 


3. Contact potential service providers, caterers and entertainers. Word of mouth is usually the most reliable source for narrowing down your choices. Decide if you want to use a party planner who will coordinate all of the service providers for you. 


One Year Before Event:

1. Book location, entertainment, photographer/videographer, and party decorator (florist). All will require non- refundable deposits so make sure that you are certain about your choices. 


2. Select a "theme" and/or color scheme for the event. Include your child in this aspect of the planning- keeping his or her preferences in mind. 


3. Help your child decide on a community service or bar/bat mitzvah project idea. Many families find that the meaningfulness of the event is enhanced when a "tzedakah" project is established. 


It's the ultimate personal touch. Put the Mitzvah Guest of


 Honor's name up in lights! To find out how Click Here


"Pete did a great job at my daughter's Bat Mitzvah party for 45 teens. He read the crowd well and balancing playing games and just letting the kids hang out.  My daughter also had a couple of very non standard last minute song requests and he found them quickly online and played them. This really made her party a different than others.  Also, the photo booth was a blast for the kids. Pete even made a scrap booth for her with the photos. It's is a wonderful keepsake. " 

The Mervis Family, Sharon, MA


6 Months Before Event:

1. Develop a guest list with current addresses. 


2. Select and order invitations. Order thank you notes, direction cards (if needed), napkins and guest towels at this time. Always order more invitations than you think you are going to need. Reprints of small quantities can be costly. 


3. Keep your eyes open for interesting stamps-they add a nice touch to the envelope and reply card. 


4. Decide on centerpieces for tables and any other decorations. "Sign in boards" are a popular bar/bat mitzvah element and should be ordered at this time (usually through the florist/decorator). 


5. Choose party favors for guests. These are usually theme and color related and are given to the younger guests at the celebration. 


6. Arrange out-of-town guest accommodations . Many hotels offer special rates for large blocks of rooms; so inquire in your area. 


7. Stay in close contact with your child's Bar/Bat Mitzvah tutor to keep abreast of your child's progress. Keep a calm encouraging attitude towards your child as he or she progresses through the course of study. 


8. Decide if you will be offering other events throughout the weekend. Many families invite close friends and family to a Friday Evening Shabbat Dinner before the big event and a Sunday brunch. 

"Our daughter Bekah's Bat Mitzvah party would not have been the fantastic and memorable event it was without Pete's wonderful and intuitive DJ & MC services. The kids danced all night to great songs and took part in fabulous games and contests with Michelle, the fun and games lady. The parents relaxed and enjoyed, knowing the kids were in very capable hands. We highly recommend Pete!" 

The Diamond-Bier Family, Durham, NH


Three months Before Event: 

1. Finalize all party selections such as menu, centerpieces, and decorations. 


2. Make appointments for hair stylists, barbers, and manicurists as needed. 


3. Order personalized yarmulkes. 


Two months before Event:

1. Mail invitations- number the back of the response cards to correspond to your guest list to ensure accuracy. 


2. Create Candle-Lighting Ceremony. Work with your child to ensure that you are writing something that he or she feels comfortable reciting at the big event. 



3. Coordinate the entertainers and caterers to ensure that "time frames" match. Develop a time-line for the event that includes formalities, horas/dances and food services. 


4. Encourage your child to practice his or her service out loud. 

One month before Event:

1. Reconfirm all service providers 


2. Develop a seating plan 


3. Coordinate a rehearsal time with your temple. Many temples allow you to video this event in lieu of the actual service. 


4. Arrange hospitality baskets for out-of-town guests. Include a schedule of events and detailed directions. 


5. Coordinate out-of-town guest transportation to and from airports and events.


Add Energy to the Party with a Dance Floor Light Show!


One week before Event:


1. Confirm final guest count with caterer. Remember that once you have guaranteed a number, this is what you will be responsible to pay for even if fewer guests show up. 


2. Adjust seating arrangements 


3. Pack an "emergency kit" to keep handy-sewing kit, extra makeup, hairbrushes, stockings etc. 


"Pete was amazing! He helped keep all the kids engaged and entertained at my daughter's Bat Mitzvah, and the adults as well! The photo booth was a hit and we had some great games. He helped me with the planning and timeline and is very organized with song choices to help customize the music you enjoy. I would highly recommend him and plan on having him DJ at my son's Bar Mitzvah in a few years!" 

Lori Leonard, Rye, NH

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Popular Activities and Games

Audience interaction is vital (keeping the kids busy) at a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. Here are just a few ideas. Feel free to come up with your own.

Huggy Bear: Play modern music for the kids. Have them dance and sing along with the song. Call out a low number (2, 3 or 4) and make the kids get into smaller groups of that amount. All the "leftover" kids or the last to get into a group are "out". 

Coke/Pepsi: Put half of the children on one side and the other half across from them. You call "Coke" one side runs to the knees of the other side, call "Pepsi" they do the same to the opposite side. "Pepsi Cola" means the sides switch names, and if you call the b/b's name then everybody freezes.The Great Treasure Hunt: A combination of musical chairs and a scavenger hunt


Guest of Honor Trivia: This is a great way to put your child in the spotlight. Simply come up with a few questions about your child. Favorite movie, favorite hobby, favorite snack...that sort of thing. We'll give out prizes to those who have the correct answer. We usually play this game during dinner, popping a few questions every few minutes.  Sorry, immediate family not eligible to win.  :-)

 
Pass the Object: When the music stops, whoever has the object being passed is out. Be creative with the music and the object.
 
Name that Tune: Played in groups and the kids can ask the adults for help.
 

Freeze Contest: When the music stops the kids freeze.

Dance Contest: Twist, Marathon, Modern, Shout, Hokey Pokey, Swing, etc.


Limbo: Everyone jumps in line to see "How low they you go" under the Limbo Bar.  Until the last person is standing.
 

Lip Synch/Karaoke: How well can you mimic your favorite songs?
 
Mummy Wrap:  Children are split into two teams, choosing a member from each team to be wrapped in toilet paper. This is a contest that can include props and lots of Charmin.


Snowball Dance: Our Guest of Honor picks a partner, they pick two partners, who pick four partners, who pick eight partners, etc.

 

Putting Green: It's a test of golfing skill as the kids putt a golf ball into the cup to win prizes. 

 

"How Many" Guessing Game: Everyone writes down their guess as to how many jelly beans (or whatever) are in the jar. 


Hula Hoops: The young adults are split into teams, the last team with the hula still spinning wins.

 

Line Dances: Cupid Shuffle, Electric Slide, Cha Cha Slide, Harlem Shake, YMCA, Conga, Chicken Dance, Boot Scootin' Boogie, Locomotion, Macarena, Hokey Pokey, Cotton-Eye Joe, The Wobble, The Giddy Up, etc.

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