A Bar or Bat Mitzvah is a coming of age ceremony for Jewish boys and girls when they reach the age of 12 or 13 . This ceremony marks the time when a boy or girl becomes a Jewish adult. This means that they are now responsible for their own actions and can decide for themselves how they would like to practice Judaism.
What is a bar mitzvah for a girl?
Bat mitzvah literally means daughter of commandment or God’s law. A Jewish girl typically becomes a Bat Mitzvah when she turns 12 : boys, at 13, become a bar mitzvah. To do so, children are required to attend Hebrew school from a young age, where they learn the language and are educated about Judaism.
What happens to a boy at a bar mitzvah?
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. He will wear the tefillin for the first time. ... After the service there will usually be a party to celebrate the Bar Mitzvah.
How much do you give for a bar mitzvah boy?
A gift in the order of something like triple ‘chai’ or $54 would be a neat idea to give from teenager to teenager at the bar mitzvah. If your whole family is going, you should be giving in the nature of about $75 to $100 a person (half for your kids).
What is a bar mitzvah in simple terms?
Bar mitzvah, also spelled bar mitzva or mitzwa (Hebrew: “son of the commandment”), plural bar mitzvahs, bar mitzvot, or bar mitzwot, Jewish religious ritual and family celebration commemorating the religious adulthood of a boy on his 13th birthday .
What color should you not wear 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.
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.
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.
What is the main difference between the bar and bat mitzvah?
During the ceremony, the new bar mitzvah reads from the Torah for the first time. Then, he begins his mitzvot (commandments) as a Jewish man . Some of these mitzvot include wearing tefillin and leading prayers. A bat mitzvah is for a girl.
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.
What is a typical bar mitzvah gift?
Traditional Bar Mitzvah gifts often include a ritually significant amount of money, educational books , Jewish ritual items or a cookbook that celebrates Jewish cooking. You can also take a more personalized slant by buying the teen something to foster their hobbies and passions.
What do you say to a bar mitzvah boy?
- “Here’s to you, Bat Mitzvah—shining bright today and carrying the light of faith into tomorrow.”
- “What a joy it is to welcome a young man like you to our community of faith. ...
- “Warmest congratulations on your bar mitzvah. ...
- “Mazel tov, Bat Mitzvah.
How long is a Bar Mitzvah service?
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 .
Why is 13 the age of bar mitzvah?
The age of thirteen is mentioned in the Mishnah as the time one is obligated to observe the Torah’s commandments : “At five years old one should study the Scriptures, at ten years for the Mishnah, at 13 for the commandments...”
What are the steps in a bar mitzvah?
- Selecting a date. The first step in planning a child’s bar/bat mitzvah is deciding on a date. ...
- Setting a budget. ...
- Booking a venue for the reception after the service. ...
- Tutoring. ...
- Choosing a Tzedakah project. ...
- Book your vendors. ...
- Set the theme and pick out décor. ...
- Finalize the guest list.
Is it bad to wear black to a bat mitzvah?
Dress Colors and Patterns
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. ... Avoid dresses with large, bright patterns so you don’t upstage the young man celebrating his big day.
