As soon as possible (preferably 12-18 months before your simcha)

• Secure date and reserve room(s) with Debby Zaffos.
• Pay deposit of $350; complete and sign contract.

*Please note that the balance is due, in full, 30 days prior to your simcha based on an estimate of people you plan on having. Any adjustments will be made subsequent to your simcha (refund due you or additional moneys due to Beth Sholom).

• Make sure that you are current with all your financial obligations to the shul.

*Please note that you will not be permitted to schedule an event unless your accounts with the shul are up to date and you are “in good standing” with your financial obligations. In the event that you are not current with your financial obligations, and you wish to hold a party, luncheon or other celebration at Beth Sholom, you will need to speak with the President to discuss your account.

Eleven months before the simcha

• Make arrangements for your child’s B’nai Mitzvah lessons.  If you would like to use a Beth Sholom tutor, please contact Rabbi Berger.  Arrange to pay the fee to Beth Sholom.

Two months before the simcha

• Let Debby know who your caterer is and whether you are serving meat, dairy or pareve food.

Thirty days before the simcha

• Pay the balance of the rental and associated fees (including the $100 Bar Mitzvah Fee and any remaining tutoring fees) to Beth Sholom.
• If you plan on having a shul kiddush (as opposed to a catered kiddush), begin filling out the menu order form.

Two weeks before the simcha

• Let Debby know if/when you would like to schedule photos to be taken in the sanctuary or any other part of the shul.
• For insurance purposes, please advise Debby of any vendors who will be coming into the building related to your simcha; e.g. musicians, videographers, photographers, motivators, decorators or specialty providers.
• Discuss with Debby any decorating plans you have.
• Give Debby your completed kiddush order form (for a synagogue-catered kiddush only) and submit payment for the kiddush.
• Please advise Debby of any special requests or anything that has not yet been addressed.
• Designate two adults who will sit with the children during services
• And which children will conclude the service.

One week in advance

• Give Debby table diagrams of how you would like the room(s) to be set up for each of your scheduled events. (Friday night dinner, Saturday Kiddush, party)
• Advise Debby of any deliveries that will be coming and when you expect them to arrive – (it’s best to schedule them no later than noon on Friday).
• Advise Debby of any items you wish to store at the shul prior to the event; e.g.  kippot, benchers, table decorations, posters, giveaways, etc. and plan a time to deliver them.
• Make plans for what you will do with any leftover food. Some options include:
  • plan to take leftovers to the shelter in Hackensack, or call Beth Sholom members Joe and Debbie Schuster in advance, who will come here to pick up the leftover food and bring the “Mitzvah Meals” to the shelter.
  • There is also a service called Table to Table [(201) 444-5500] who will pick up the food and distribute it to various locations for the needy.
  • Alternatively, you can label the food and let the custodian know that you will be back for it at a certain time.
  • *Please note that leftover food will be discarded or donated unless you make other arrangements.

Day of the simcha

• Relax and kvell. The big day has arrived!  Don’t forget the tissues.