The members of one Manchester-based family reflect with JLife on what recently celebrating a Bat Mitzvah meant to them.
Photo: Mark McInnes: Rocket Red Photography
Orli Edwards, the Bat Mitzvah girl:
“My Bat Mitzvah was conducted in a marquee at home and overall, we had been planning it for about 12 months. During the preparation process I had several lessons with Rabbi Walker who ensured that I was ready for it. I love Harry Potter and thought it would be a great idea to do my Dvar Torah on this theme, with Rabbi Walker showing encouragement.
“I chose a movie/ Hollywood theme for the weekend and I loved helping to put it together – it was exciting to see how the room was transformed in the end. It was a really special time with all my family and close friends.”
Orli’s parents, Francine and Eddie:
“Orli is our youngest daughter so we wanted to make the last Bat Mitzvah a real party for family and friends – we managed to achieve this!
“It’s quite a stressful thing holding a simcha in your home but the end result is definitely worth all the hard work involved.
“We were very lucky to have our close friend and Rabbi, Daniel Walker, to officiate the religious ceremony at home. It made it really special.
“And throughout the whole event, we were extremely proud of Orli and how she conducted herself. It really was a weekend to remember.”
Orli’s eldest sister, Abby:
“To have your youngest sister celebrate her Bat Mitzvah is a wonderful thing. We are four sisters and there’s seven years between us all – Orli is the youngest, while I’m the oldest. I’ve had the chance to watch her grow up into a fine young lady who is very kind and considerate.
“As for the Bat Mitzvah itself, we really had a fantastic weekend. It was difficult for me as I’m now at university in Edinburgh, but I wouldn’t have missed coming home for it for the world.”
Orli’s grandma, Lita Edwards:
“I am so proud of my young granddaughter, and I was thrilled I was well enough to enjoy such a memorable weekend. To add to my delight, my daughter, Heather Copley, was able to make the trip from Seattle for it.”
Orli’s grandparents, Aubrey and Barbara Moss:
“We had been looking forward to this simcha for a long time, and I was honoured as Orli’s grandpa to have a leading role in the service to bless my granddaughter. It was lovely to have extended family join us from London too – we danced the night away.”
Celebrate Good Times
JLife’s round up of celebration specialists will bring out the best of your Bar/ Bat Mitzvah
Eaden Floristry
Eaden Floristry — located in the centre of Altrincham — specialises in providing floral arrangements and venue dressing for all events. The knowledgeable and amenable staff cater for both domestic and corporate clients, as well as a wide range of occasions, including birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and Bar/ Bat Mitzvahs. The company takes great pride in fulfilling individual requirements.
Hallmark Hotel Manchester
Hallmark Hotel Manchester is a beautiful four-star hotel superbly located in Cheshire. The venue has three stylish function rooms with external catering access and can cater for up to 500 guests. The Merlot Suite boasts the largest capacity in the area, while the Sauvignon and Pinotage Suites offer a stylish environment complemented by highly professional service.
Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel
Overlooking Piccadilly Gardens, the Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel is situated in the heart of the city centre, making it the perfect location to discover one of the liveliest cities in the North.
Understanding that everyone is unique, the Mercure team specialises in bespoke packages that guarantee your Bar/ Bat Mitzvah lives up to your individual expectations. All of the 280 bedrooms at Mercure are also ideal for maximising your guests’ comfort, encompassing a flat-screen TV and free high speed Wi-Fi.
The International Suite provides an elegant area for up to 800 people, while the 50-capacity Victoria Park room and the 150-capacity Park Suite are suitable for more intimate gatherings.
Moda in Pelle
This season’s collection is a mixture of exciting and glamorous styles beautifully made with an emphasis on comfort. The sandal selection is guaranteed to leave you feeling summer-ready. For the evening, touches of gold and modern snake prints will add a hint of glamour to any look.
Nothing but Nails and Beauty
Located just five minutes from Bury’s The Rock shopping complex, the Nothing but Nails and Beauty salon provides an array of services and the team ensures that customers are pampered and relaxed. As a result, the salon attracts a wide range of clientele, from those seeking manicures and nail art packages to the luxury Thalgo facials.
Strictly Waxing
Strictly Waxing specialises in waxing for both men and women, favouring non-strip wax which is much kinder to the skin. The town centre salons highly knowledgeable staff provide you with a comfortable, relaxing ambiance. Manicurists are available to pamper you with a selection of treatments using CND and Gelish.
We Are Events
Since its establishment — with director Ben Morrison at the helm — We Are Events has been responsible for the smooth orchestration of numerous weddings and Bar/ Bat Mitzvahs, as well as corporate and charity events.
Although located in Manchester, the events management and services company will travel the country and offer a range of packages which encompass the best price possible, with no hidden fees.
The We Are Events team is committed to the client’s vision; and catering to all their event planning needs. Whether it’s the initial consultation or the day itself, you will be guaranteed complete sourcing input and control.
Expenditure limitations are also taken into consideration; the team works in line with each client’s budget and logistics to ensure that a cost effective result is reached.
As well as specialising in all the expected management services, We Are Events is recognised for providing the extra elements that propel an event forward. A professional will be on-site at all times throughout the day, and in terms of the décor, there is a wide array of eye-catching props and items to avail of.
Most importantly, We Are Events works discreetly, alleviating the stress of the occasion where possible.