Bar/Bat Mitzvah Planner »

Emily Haft Bloom is a New York-based writer on Judaica, food, and parenting. She recently planned her eldest son's bar mitzvah, and is gearing up for her second.

Sheri Giblin is a San Francisco-based photographer.

Imagine throwing a party as elaborate as a wedding but catering to the tastes of teenagers. That's the challenge of planning a bar or bat mitzvah. Emily Haft Bloom has organized this daunting task into manageable steps. Focusing on both the spiritual and practical aspects of the event, her book is full of ideas to please parents, kids, and rabbis. Chapters on stationery, vendors, and entertainment are filled with helpful hints and details for an unforgettable event. With tabbed sections, a concealed Wire-O binding, and a pocket for business cards and swatches, The Bar/Bat Mitzvah Planner is the essential tool for those with a 12-year-old kid and a big party on the horizon.