The party starts here.  

BESA, the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Event Services Association, was the brainchild of two of its founding members – Eric Sands (Sundance Productions) and Sherrill Kinsler (RSVP Events). In 2001, with both of their 50+ collective years of experience in the special events industry, they met for lunch to discuss how they might be able to make a difference. Seeing a need for such an association of vendors who specialize in Jewish events, they set out to assemble a core group of eight members to offer their expertise to the San Diego community. BESA was born and grew into the Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Wedding, Corporate, Nonprofit Event Services Association.

MISSION STATEMENT

TO BE A RESOURCE FOR THE JEWISH COMMUNITY, WITH A MEMBERSHIP COMPRISED OF ESTABLISHED EVENT SPECIALISTS WITH BUSINESSES CURRENTLY PROVIDING SERVICE AND EXPERTISE IN THE BAR/BAT MITZVAH AND JEWISH EVENTS INDUSTRY.

Juli & Howie Bear

We were so happy with the BESA vendors we used for our older daughter's bat mitzvah that we hired them again for our younger daughter's bat mitzvah two years later. Lydia Krasner at Mitzvah Events was the glue that planned and put everything together.

— Juli & Howie Bear
MEMBERSHIP
Upon applying, the board will review the applicant’s request. If approved to present the applicant must attend one general meeting as a guest prior to presenting. The applicant will then be given the opportunity to present themselves to the members at a monthly general meeting (brief introduction of yourself and samples or photos of your specific service). The general membership in attendance will then vote on the applicant’s request for membership. The applicant will be notified of the results of the vote. If voted in, all fees must be paid in order to complete the process.
Apply Now
  • Minimum of 3 years experience in the special events industry in your profession
  • Have performed at least 50 Bar/Bat Mitzvahs (for “core” categories)
  • Be sponsored by a current BESA member
  • Hold a current business license and provide proof of business liability insurance
  • Provide business and personal references
  • Pay a $450 yearly membership fee (renewed every Oct. 1st)
  • Pay an initial one-time $75 web site fee
BESA CODE OF ETHICS