It is customary to fete the Bar Mitzvah of a young boy with Bar Mitzvah gifts. When a young man celebrates his Bar Mitzvah - or a young woman celebrates the feminine equivalent Bat Mitzvah - there is a pledge to learning and growing under the philosophies of the Torah. It is a monumental occasion for a youngster taking his first steps into adulthood.
There are some gifts that are traditional for a Bar Mitzvah. Often, monetary gifts become part of the young man's college savings fund. So, money is not considered tacky; it's actually a nice choice. This may not be the case if the family is extremely well off. But otherwise, monetary gifts are much appreciated. You don't have to worry about large amounts, as in Judaism, some numbers are symbolic and mean good luck in terms of Jewish numerology. $18 or $36 (double 18) are numerically meaningful; the number 18 in Hebrew letters spells the word for "life."
Other popular gifts for girls are Judaic themed jewelry, such as six-pointed stars. Jewish ritual objects, such as a Havdalah set, a Chanukah Menorah, or a Kiddush cup, are appropriate gifts, as is a Yad, a pointer for reading Torah.
As with birthdays and other celebrations, gifts that are related to the recipient's interests are also appropriate. You can also ask the parents what the child would like if you need more Bar Mitzvah ideas related to gifts.
Some Bar or Bat Mitzvah kids ask that the guests bring a gift to donate, or make a donation to a cause of their choosing in lieu of a gift. This is also a nice practice, and if it is being done, a note will be included in the invitation. In this case, it's appropriate to buy a card congratulating the Bar Mitzvah boy or Bat Mitzvah girl.
 | A Bar Mitzvah ceremony is a Jewish rite of passage for a 13-year-old boy. The ceremony takes place in Synagogue and shows that the boy is old enough to accept the obligations of the commandments. After this important moment, family and friends gather for a celebration. |
 | When Jewish girls are age 12 or 13, many will participate in a Jewish milestone, a Bat Mitzvah ceremony. "Bat Mitzvah" in Hebrew means "daughter of the Commandments." It represents the idea that a girl of this age is old enough to accept the obligation to keep the Commandments as is an adult. |
 | For young boys preparing for their Bar Mitzvahs, it's essential that he learns the basics with Bar Mitzvah lessons. The parents often either hire or are appointed a Bar Mitzvah tutor to help the student learn the Torah reading and Haftorah reading. |
Bat Mitzvah lessons help prepare a Jewish girl of age 12 or 13 to take on the responsibilities of leading a Jewish life. In most Jewish denominations, girls as well as boys celebrate this milestone in their Jewish education. |
When looking for Bat Mitzvah dresses, you want something that will be versatile so your daughter can wear it to the ceremony and then modify it a bit for a less formal luncheon. |
