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Who attends the bar mitzvah ceremony?
Before his 13th birthday, a Jewish boy will attend lessons, usually at the synagogue, in Hebrew and in how to read the Torah aloud. On the Sabbath nearest to his 13th birthday, the boy will become Bar Mitzvah . During the Sabbath service, the boy will read aloud part of the Torah or a section of the Prophets.
Does a rabbi have to officiate a bar mitzvah?
The event can be held anywhere, even at home, and it doesn’t require a rabbi to be present. Some families even travel to Jerusalem to perform this rite. Leading up to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah, the boy or girl takes classes or works one on one with his or her rabbi.
What are the requirements for a bar mitzvah?
Once Jewish children reach that age, they are said to “become” a bar or bat mitzvah, at which point they begin to be held accountable for their own actions….Bar and bat mitzvah.
| Bar mitzvah ceremony at a Reform synagogue | |
|---|---|
| Native name | בַּר מִצְוָה בַּת מִצְוָה |
| Time | 13 years old for boys 12 years old for girls (13 if Reform) |
What is an appropriate bar mitzvah gift for a friend?
Cash. Similar to a wedding, cash is often a welcomed gift whether you can accept or need to decline your Bar or Bat Mitzvah invitation. Guests often gift money in increments of $18, a symbol of “chai,” in Jewish tradition, which means “life.” It is also completely acceptable to round to normal amounts of $20 or $50.
What is the dress code for a bar mitzvah?
The bar or bat mitzvah dress code depends on the synagogue and should be spelled out in the invitation. Men are typically expected to wear a suit or slacks and a tie. Women should wear a modest dress or formal pantsuit. Avoid anything that shows a lot cleavage or leg.
What is the proper amount of money to give for a bar mitzvah?
The gift should range between three to six times chai, or $54 at minimum to around $108 or more for each adult. The amount given per child should be between two or four chai. This means a family of two adults and two children may give between $180 and $360 or more.
What should you not wear to a bar mitzvah?
What should a Jewish boy do for his bar mitzvah?
Bar mitzvah is Hebrew for “son of commandment.” When a Jewish boy turns 13, he has all the rights and obligations of a Jewish adult, including the commandments of the Torah. From that date, he will wear tefillin on a daily basis, participate in synagogue services and take his place in the Jewish community.
Where to get a good Bar Mitzvah gift?
Another great source for Israeli jewelry (and other products made by Israeli artists) is The Sabra Patch, an Etsy-like startup with the motto “Handmade in the Holy Land.” From Christina Mattison Ebert’s D’rash Designs series. A particularly meaningful gift is artwork based on the bar or bat mitzvah’s Torah portion.
When do you have your bar mitzvah on your birthday?
You should have your Bar Mitzvah on your Jewish birthday since that is the day that according to Jewish law you become Bar Mitzvah.
Do you view the bar mitzvah as a hazing ritual?
Sadly, an alarming number of Jewish parents today view the bar or bat mitzvah as the sole purpose of Jewish education, and treat it almost as a Jewish hazing ritual: I had to go through it, so you have to go through it, but don’t worry, it will all be over soon and you’ll never have to think about this stuff again.