Before his 13th birthday, a Jewish boy will attend lessons , usually at the synagogue, in Hebrew and in how to read the Torah aloud. ... The boy’s father will then recite a prayer of thanks for his son’s coming of age. After the service there will usually be a party to celebrate the Bar Mitzvah.
What usually happens at a bar mitzvah?
He will read publically from the Torah in the synagogue in the traditional Hebrew. The ceremony will then usually be followed by a party involving food, music and dancing . It is also expected for the boy to give a speech at the do to mark his new status as a man.
What do you do before a Bar Mitzvah?
Many congregations require pre-bar mitzvah children to attend a minimum number of Shabbat prayer services at the synagogue , study at a Hebrew school, take on a charity or community service project and maintain membership in good standing with the synagogue.
What is expected of guests at a bar mitzvah?
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. Bare shoulders should be covered with a shawl or bolero jacket.
How much money do you give at a bar mitzvah?
How much money do I give for a bar mitzvah? 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. If a child is going to a bar or bat mitzvah on their own, giving three times chai or $54 can be sufficient.
How long does a bar mitzvah last?
The length of service will ultimately depend on the movement of Judaism that the family practices. Reform Bar and Bat Mitzvah services will run about 90 minutes to two hours . Orthodox services are roughly similar.
What color should you not wear to a Bar Mitzvah?
While there are no set traditional colors for Bar Mitzvah dresses, black, brown, navy blue, burgundy and ivory are appropriate, as are other single-color dresses. Liven these colors with pops of brighter accessories, such as a hat, belt, shoes and gloves.
What food is served at a Bar Mitzvah?
Bar & Bat Mitzvah Food Ideas: What You Need to Know
Kid-friendly appetizers, such as sliders, pigs in a blanket , and mozzarella sticks, are always beloved choices, while sushi bars, taco stations, and even mini grilled cheese and tomato soup hors d’oeuvres are wow-worthy options.
What do you say at a Bar Mitzvah?
“ Mazel tov, Bar Mitzvah! ” “Best wishes and mazel tov to you as you celebrate your bat mitzvah!” “Congratulations and mazel tov, Bar Mitzvah! (I’m so proud of you, I had to say both.)”
Is it OK to wear white to a bat mitzvah?
While there are no set traditional colors for Bar Mitzvah dresses, black, brown, navy blue, burgundy and ivory are appropriate, as are other single-color dresses. Liven these colors with pops of brighter accessories, such as a hat, belt, shoes and gloves. ... Dresses with small floral or geometric print are appropriate.
What is the dress code for a Bar Mitzvah?
The dress code for the reception is generally semi-formal , so you can wear the same outfit you wore to the ceremony. A modest, midi-length dress, comfortable pumps, and a pendant necklace will be just fine for the ladies, and men can keep their suits on from the ceremony.
Do you give cash or check for Bar Mitzvah?
The Bar / Bat Mitzvah boy or girl will love receiving money . They just won’t like the part where their parents take most of it away to put into a savings account for future use. If you ‘re giving cash or check , the most common rule in Jewish gifting is to gift in multiples of $18.
Is alcohol served at bar mitzvahs?
Like many celebratory Jewish events and rituals, alcohol is part of the Bar Mitzvah and is even considered to be a gift of joy. However, it’s important that you drink correctly at a Bar Mitzvah so you keep with the customs and traditions of the ceremony.
What is a B not mitzvah?
(B’not mitzvah is the plural of bat mitzvah and means that a group of girls or women is going through the rite . ... When more than one boy or a boy and a girl go through the ritual, it’s called b’nai mitzvah.)
Do you buy a gift for a bar mitzvah?
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.
Can a woman wear pants to a bar mitzvah?
A bar/bat mitzvah celebration tends to be a bit more formal than the average affair. Women are encouraged to wear a dress or nice pantsuit . ... Some communities may be more traditional and women are discouraged from wearing pants, and men should go more formal, so be sure to ask the host if you feel unsure.
