Some families have moved away from disposable items to decorate their Bar and Bat Mitzvah events. Instead, they choose to donate centerpiece items to charities and worthy causes. Gift baskets filled with donation items are another alternative to both Bemah (raised platform in a synagogue) baskets and centerpieces.
Our daughter was a Bat Mitzvah in 1993. I bought some dolls and crocheted outfits for each of them. They each had a different colored dress and hat. We use them as centerpiece decorations as well as associated place cards to seat our guests. We placed a small note on each table stating our plans to donate the centerpieces and asking that they be left in place.
Shortly after the party, we took the dolls to a local children’s hospital. The girls were delighted to receive the dolls as gifts. The joy of celebrating the party spread to the recipients and to us as well.
I’m not suggesting you spend two years making doll outfits like I did. However, here are some product ideas that can be donated to use for your centerpieces. You can also consider gift baskets instead of flowers to decorate the Bemah at your service or as a centerpiece.
Food is always a popular consideration for Bemah centerpieces and baskets, especially these days. Food pantries accept donations of long-lasting items such as canned goods: fruits, vegetables, meats, milks, juices, etc. Paper goods (facial clothes, toilet paper, and towels), boxed cereals, rice, and noodles are also accepted. Baby formula, diapers, baby food, and other baby products are also a consideration.
You can contact your local food pantry or charity near you to determine current needs before deciding. My husband volunteered for several years at a food pantry and there are times when they run out of certain items and other times when they are flooded.
Other items we have used in Bemah centerpieces or baskets, or that you might consider including stuffed animals, books, CDs and DVDs, crayons, coloring books, and other art supplies. Board games and puzzles can also be used, as well as electronic games, baseball bats, balls and gloves, footballs and soccer balls, as well as other sports equipment.
Going “green” is a popular ecological movement today. For us it means doing things that are of benefit to the earth and humanity. This movement has been afloat on the Bar and Bat Mitzvah scene for a while. Maybe it will also fit into your party planning plans.
