A Bar Mitzvah is not only a traditional religious celebration, it is also a celebration of coming of age. It is held when a Jewish child reaches 13 years old. Once they have completed all necessary ceremonial elements, they get to celebrate with their friends and family. The reception usually offers the opportunity for family and friends to come together over great food and with lots of dancing and entertainment. To make your child’s Bar Mitzvah truly special, here are some ideas for you to build on.
1. Not just a card.
A very special card! Bar Mitzvah cards from Cazenove Judaica are modern, bright and colourful. They can be gifted along with a present, they can contain motivational quotations and they offer you the opportunity to craft a personal message for your child that they will treasure into old age. You can put money in the card, or offer it first thing in the morning to build excitement for the rest of the day.
2. A meaningful gift.
To go along with the Bar Mitzvah cards, choose a meaningful gift. You could choose to give a traditional Jewish object such as a Mezuzah or Shabbat Candlestick, or select some jewellery to mark the coming of age of the child who will receive it. Jewellery featuring the Star of David or a hamsa is sure to be popular. To celebrate the Jewish value of helping others, you could choose to make a charitable donation to a cause about which the child is passionate.
3. A great venue.
Select an appropriate venue for the occasion, where all attendees, including most importantly, your child, will feel comfortable. Choose one which will easily accommodate all invitees and that has sufficient parking. If you want a disco or a band, make sure that there are no local authority curfews or rules for quieting down the party and that the venue’s sound system is suitable for the event.
4. Plenty of fun.
The theme and activities should, of course, be tailored to appeal to the child. This is a major milestone in their life and religious study, so they should be involved in planning the occasion. Involving them will also help them to understand their new, more adult role. Always ensure that there is something suitable for every age group that will attend the event.