I'm not Jewish, and I'm attending my first bar mitzvah this Saturday. I have a couple of questions, first, is it appropriate for me to attend the ceremony even though I'm a Christian? We were invited, I just don't know if it's appropriate. Next, as far as a gift goes, I heard that $18 is a traditional gift. In today's society is $18 acceptable? Otherwise, what else could I give? Please help me.
2006-10-10 11:38:17 · 7 answers · asked by qtrn2005 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
its not uncommon, people frequently invite their close friends and their friend's family, even if they aren't jewish.
18 is a traditional amount, because 18 is the numerical value for the hebrew word for "Life"
its not real strict or anything, but its just a coarse guideline.
2006-10-10 11:44:48 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
if you were invited, then i guess it is ok to attend -- as for the gift, if this is a remotely religious family, don't give the gift on saturday. in terms of amount, depends on the community. 18 was big when i was 13 and that was years ago. now it is loads more than that (for a couple, closer to 54-72 or more) -- it depends on the social/communal standards; some don't want money at all, just books or such, and others want donations made. ask the family.
2006-10-10 11:41:02 · answer #2 · answered by rosends 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bar Mitzvahs are a huge deal, because of the fact it truly is while a Jewish boy is now seen a "guy". So presents for manhood and beginning his existence with be huge, hundreds and hundreds of greenbacks. he will positioned on a tournament and tie, or gown shirt, with the Jewish knit hat, uncertain the call, and he will study the Torah.
2016-10-16 01:24:27 · answer #3 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course it's okay for you to attend. Just make sure you have your head covered when you are in the synagogue. Any sort of hat will do.
As far as a gift is concerned - there is no "traditional" gift.
You give whatever you want to give.
Just treat it as a normal birthday present.
2006-10-10 11:42:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You could give some multiple of 18, like 54 or 72.
2006-10-11 15:36:43 · answer #5 · answered by ysk 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
dress modestly (not too much skin).
if you (a kid) are giving the gift, then 18 is fine; if your parents are giving it, then it would seem a bit cheap. 36 is more appropriate for adults.
in terms of a gift, a book from a company like artscroll is always nice.
cheerio
2006-10-10 11:49:04 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If I were you I wouldn't give him/her any money...personally I can't stand jews...this is just my opinion. If you do give money they well probably donate it to Israel so they can buy more guns and bombs and kill innocenmt Palestenians.
2006-10-10 11:41:20 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋