Custom Bar Mitzvah Invitations for Your Boy Bar Mitzvah Ceremony!

Before you send Personalized Bar Mitzvah Invitations to your friends and family members, it may be important to review a few issues regarding etiquette and the big event. While you may be well aware of some of these issues, others may warrant a discussion. If nothing else, you may want to pass this information along to any bar mitzvah invitation recipients who are not as familiar with what to expect.

Basics of the Bar Mitzvah Party

You probably understand why you need to send out those bar mitzvah cards or bat mitzvah invitations but some of your guests may not. Simply explain that the event is meant to be a rite of passage for young Jewish boys and girls. These children who participate are usually around the age of 13. However, they can be slightly younger or older depending on how long it takes to complete the basics of their Jewish education.

Generally, there are two parts of a mitzvah party : the synagogue portion and the reception. While there are differences, the synagogue portion of the event will usually involve the child reciting a portion of the Torah. The amount recited will depend on the traditions of your particular synagogue. If you have a daughter, she may not be permitted to participate in this part of the celebration. However, she may still be able to have a bat mitzvah (the female version of bar mitzvahs).

Before Sending the Bar Mitzvah Invite

One of the most common questions people will have after you send out the invitations bar mitzvah will be about the gifts. Thanks to television, most people believe the primary purpose of the celebration is for the child to receive a large quantity of expensive gifts. That's not really the case. Giving gifts is customary at the reception but there are no set guidelines about what you should purchase.

When you send out the bar mitzvah card, be sure to include your contact information so guests can contact you with questions about what to purchase for your son or daughter. If you're not sure how to respond, cash gifts, savings bonds, and gift certificates are usually very nice presents. Often these are given in multiples of 18 because of the number's significance to the Jewish community. However, nearly any gift that would be appropriate for a child of this age would make an excellent event.

The Bar Mitzvah Wording on Invitations

The only requirement for the bar mitzvah invitation is that you include the child's name, as well as the date and location for the invitations religious portion of the event. It is customary to invite friends and family members to both parts of the event. However, non-Jewish guests may feel more comfortable only attending the reception. That doesn't mean you shouldn't extend an invitation to the first through your custom bar mitzvah invitations.

While the wording won't be too difficult, you can always dress up the content of your printed bar mitzvah invitations with a quote from the Torah, particularly from the passage your child will be reading.