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Bar Mitzvah gifts
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here to see our selection of Bar Mitzvah gifts.
Bar Mitzvah gifts are given to celebrate the transition from childhood
and innocence to adulthood and responsibility. This happens when
a girl turns 12 (she becomes a Bat Mitzvah) and when a boy turns
13 (he becomes a Bar Mitzvah).
For people who are not Jewish, it may be difficult to know what
to bring as Bar Mitzvah gifts. Realize, though, that anything you
bring will be greatly appreciated. Generally, though, people give
traditional gifts or money.
What you give may depend on exactly how traditional the family
is. A very traditional family may very well prefer traditional Bar
Mitzvah gifts, while a less traditional family may really appreciate
gifts that come from any store at the mall.
One thing to note, though, is that if you are giving Bar Mitzvah
gifts to a person froma traditional family, you should not bring
your gift with you to a ceremony that is held on Friday evening
or before sundown on Saturday. This is because it is forbidden to
carry on Shabbat (this is for those who follow traditional halacha).
Traditional Bar Mitzvah gifts include:
• Jewish books that involve torah study
• Ritual objects like tallitot
• Gift certificates (specifically for Jewish book stores)
• Kiddish cups, havdalah sets, seder plates, and other ceremonial
objects for observance at home
• Fountain pens and other writing implements
• Money
• Savings bonds (to be used for education)
Money is often given to put into a savings account to use for future
education. If you do decide to give money, give it in multiples
of $18. This is because the letters of the Jewish alphabet correspond
with numbers, and the letters that make up the Jewish word Chai,
meaning “life,” add up to 18.
If you decide to give money as a Bar Mitzvah gift, it is very easy
to find a special, Bar Mitzvah card to put it in. You can pretty
much find a great variety of Bar Mitzvah cards at your local Hallmark
store.
Bat Mitzvah gifts (for girls) are oftentimes items that can be
added to her dowry.
Also, it is very common for a Bar Mitzvah to receive his first
tallit from his parents to be used for the occasion.
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