Whats a Bar Mitzvha???

Question

My friend is having his bar mitzvah tomorrow! How long are they? Is there a reception after? Is it all in Hebrew? What's an appropriate gift? Should I give him money? How much? IM NOT JEWISH!!!!!!!

Answer 1

The Bar Mitzvah is a ceremony that celebrates a boy becoming a man. Bar Mitzvahs usually happen when the boy turns 13, but it doesn't have to be done at 13. A friend of mine had it done when he was 16.

The ceremony usually lasts a couple of hours and the reception is usually immediately afterwards, but different hosts organize things differently. I went to two Bar Mitzvahs in my life, and in both cases, the reception was held immediately after the ceremony, and in a different place.

I found the following paragraph on a site about judaism and bar mitzvahs and it discusses people like you who are nervous about giving an appropriate gift. Hopefully, it will help put you at ease.
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"Many people feel confused when invited to a bar mitzvah. They ask what present to buy, when to give the present, how to dress... It helps to think of the bar mitzvah as a special birthday - special in that it has religious significance. Any present that is appropriate for a 13 year old boy will also work for a bar mitzvah present (gift certificates, books, music, software, tool box, electronics, room decorations, ....) Dress for the religious service like you are going to a religious service (modest, formal attire), and dress for the party according to whatever party is being held. It is best to bring the present to the party (rather than the religious ceremony). Mazel Tov or congratulations are appropriate greetings. You have been invited because the bar mitzvah boy wants you to join him in celebrating his "coming of age" - so enjoy the celebration!"
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My suggestion to you is to read all these answers your given carefully because most of them are very inaccurate. Despite what my username is, I am jewish so I know how Bar Mitzvahs work. Also, ignore the answer from the person who gave "http://watchtower.org" as his source. Watchtower. org is a jehovah's witness site. It has nothing to do with Jews or they're customs.

I would also talk to the parents of the boy. They can give you ideas about an appropriate gift if your still unsure what to get him.

I hope this helps you somewhat. Have fun at the bar mitzvah...when you strip all the ceremony out of the way, it really is just a big party.

Answer 2

A Bar Mitzvah is a Jewish rite of passage celebrated when a Jewish boy reaches the age of 13, and thus enteres into manhood.

It's going to be marked by a huge elaborate ceremony in Hebrew in which the boy is pronounced to be a man after successfully reciting the Torah and the Rabbi grants him. It can last for a bit. Afterwards there will be a reception...lots of dancing, lots of food, lots of celebration, in short just a big party. That's when you can give him gifts or money. Any gift would be appropriate...something a teenage boy would like. Money always works for teenagers though :P

Answer 3

We are not Jewish. A few years ago we were invited to a friend's son's Bar Mitzvah. It was one of the most beautiful services we ever attended. First, the Rabbi knew many there were non-Jews. So, he explained the ceremony every step of the way including the Hebrew readings. The Cantor's voice was glorious, and the boy's readings were smooth and flawless (according to the Rabbi). I had then and have not since ever been to a religious service where the celebrant took the time to explain the significance of all that occurred. We left the Temple feeling valued, attended the reception, and, in fact, did give the boy a sizable money gift. It was a very memorable and wonderful experience.

Good luck!!

Answer 4

A Bar Mitzvha is a celebration of a boy becoming a man. There is usually a reception. The service will likely be in Hebrew and English. A birthday-style present is appropriate.

Answer 5

A right of passage for a jewish boy at age 15.
most of the ceremony itself wil be in hebrew.it is a celebration for the boy.yes money is an approriate gift for this...lol not a Playstation heehee.
ohh and an appropriate amount would be over 50.00 US

Answer 6

I think you can give him money, or give whatever you think he would like. it is like a birthday gift.. The actual ceremony is a couple hours long, and then there is a big party afterward. Give him maybe 20- 50 dollars, or somethin. i live around tons of jewish people, never went to one, but a lot of it is in hebrew. But give him whatever you want. But you can give him money if you want to.

Answer 7

Yeah a check is an appropriate gift, it doesn't have to be over $50, I don't know where that answerer got that idea. I would give $25 or so.

Answer 8

a lot of your question ought to revolve round no matter if he's Reform, Conservative or Orthodox. Reform is mostly English Conservative is blended and Orthodox is mostly Hebrew. there is frequently a reception yet back it differs on no matter if he's orthodox etc... Orthodox Jews have the reception after the Sabbath even as the different 2 variety. A bond is a valuable present, as to how a lot that's as a lot as you and what you deem perfect.

Answer 9

A nightclub just outside Tel Aviv

Answer 10

Strictly Jewish, unless invited you may not be welcome. It's called a coming out ceremony celebrating his becoming a man (Adult) I suggest if you wish to give a gift it be somewhere besides the party. Jews like cash, but don't overdue it.