#1 Off To An Amazing Start
The day begins with a lights and sirens police escort courtesy of Lakewood Police Chief, Greg Meyer. Leizer is picked up from his ‘home away from home’ in the Lakewood Lev Rochel Bikur Cholim house. He’s brought to Lakewood Airport and a waiting S-76 Sikorski helicopter where singing superstar Mordechai ben David surprises Leizer with an in-flight mini concert.
#2 Special Mikvah
Leizer lands in Morristown airport where exclusive permission is granted for a horse drawn carriage to meet him on the tarmac. He is taken to the only fully-accessible mikvah in the state of New Jersey, Mikvah Chana, in Livingston. MBD and the Shira choir serenade him once again with Omar Rabbi Akiva.
#3 Flying High by Air and Sea
Leizer boards a luxury Challenger jet. As they enjoy a high end catered breakfast from Hava Java of Monsey, Beri Weber emerges from the back of the jet to join MBD and the Shira choir and sings L’Chaim. Upon landing in Teterboro Airport, a limo whisks Leizer to Chabad-Lubavitch world headquarters at 770 to daven shacharis, then on to the Rebbe’s Ohel to light a candle and say a prayer.
#4 Preparing for the Bar Mitzvah of the Century
While Leizer starts the day focused on the milestone of becoming a bar mitzvah, preparations for the celebration of the century continue at a feverish pace back at the beautiful venue, Maritime Parc. Scores of vendors, service staff and coordinators have been hard at work since early morning, all of them caught up in being part of such a momentous occasion.
#5 Leizer Docks at Liberty Landing Marina
Land is next as Leizer docks at Maritime Parc and moves from the boat to the red carpet. Two horses escort Leizer alongside Shaarei Arazim’s famous marching band. Replete in full regalia, the band salutes Leizer with heart-thumping pomp. As they arrive, hundreds of guests are already gathered, enjoying a lavish shmorg and wine tasting bar.
#6 Tefillin Wrapping Take Center Stage
In a moving ceremony, introduced by Chairman, Rabbi Mendy Carlebach, Director of the Chabad of South and North Brunswick, Leizer takes his own, brand new tefillin and wraps them on Marc Haskell, CEO of Maritime Parc. It is the first time Marc has worn tefillin in forty years. As Moishele Holtzberg, the young Mumbai survivor of Chabad shiluchim (Leizer’s first cousin) stands by, child soloist Yoeli Glick sings Ani Maamin.
#7 Earning the Respect of a Navy Seal
U.S. Navy SEAL Thomas “Drago” Dzieran walks onto stage. Thomas describes how he came to the US as a political refugee from Poland during the Cold War, unable to speak English yet determined to become a SEAL. Thomas spent 20 years as a Navy SEAL and trained extensively with other NATO military forces, even spending time with the Israeli Navy’s elite Shayetet 13 commando unit. Putting his arm around Leizer, Thomas describes him as a true SEAL, fighting with bravery and courage every single day. Thomas then formally inducts Leizer into the SEALS. Cantor Tzvi Leider, a special guest from England, sings the National Anthem.
#8 Helicopters and Heavenly Voices
Israeli singing sensation Yishai Lapidot sings Malochim Hakdoshim, with a ceremonial helicopter hovering overhead, followed by a special “Ima” song, requested by Leizer, for his dedicated mother, Devorah.
#9 Food fit for a King
The pictures speak for themselves! Thanks to the effort and expertise of Event Planner Frimi Rosenberg and her team, the elaborate menu is replete with food that is incredibly delicious, and exquisitely plated.
#10 The Ultimate in Entertainment
Tuxedo-clad waiters begin serving the exquisitely prepared gourmet meal. Between every course, world-famous performers keep the smiles wide and excitement high. Entertainers include: Avrohom Fried, Shmueli Ungar, Beri Weber, Yishai Lapidot, the Shira Choir, Nachman Bergman, the Kosher Guru, the Rapping Rabbi, the Sababa Band and Mendy Hershkowitz, and the famous filmmaker and entertainer Meir Kay.
#11 The Gift of a Lifetime
Speaking without notes, in a clear, confident voice Leizer delivers his bar mitzvah speech or maamar. Noted askan Chesky Schonberger presents Leizer with a dollar from the Lubavitcher Rebbe dating back to the eighties; a precious gift that Leizer dubs the highlight of the event.
#12 A Dazzling Display
An impeccable main course is served. The clouds clear just in time for the crowd to gather outside and enjoy a dazzling fireworks display. The glow in the sky is matched by the excitement on the ground as gorgeous colors, close enough to touch, reflect the joy of an incredible evening.
#13 Pompedisa Pumps the Crowd
The music and dancing continue until 2:00 am. Spirits are flying high and no one wants to leave. With special permission from the limousine company, Pompedisa takes to the Hummer roof and finishes the Bar Mitzvah of the Century with a heart stopping, show stopping concert as the crowd dances with true simcha.
