About - BESA

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.

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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.

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.

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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

01

Maintain the highest standards of personal conduct to bring credit to those vendors who specialize in events within the Jewish community.
02

Promote and encourage the highest level of ethics within the industry.
03

Communicate truthful and accurate information with respect to the professional performances of duties.
04

Use only legal, ethical, and safe standards in all industry activities.
05

Use a written contract clearly stating all charges, services, and products.
06

Demonstrate respect for every professional within the industry by consistently performing at or above industry standards.
07

Contribute knowledge to professional meetings and journals to raise the consciousness of the industry.
08

Maintain adequate and appropriate insurance when providing services.