What do teens wear to Bar Mitzvahs?

[Anonymous]

I did rent the runway for the bat/bar mitzvahs my daughter attended. She has never been into high heels so she wore ballet flats or sandals.

[Anonymous]

I am surprised that any non-Chabad synagogue is having in person services. And Chabad is extreme orthodox.

Every jewish house of worship I know that is reform or conservative is doing virtual. The Bar Mitzvah may be present with the immediate family, but with more, it risks being a super spreader event.

With that said, khakis and a navy blazer, button down shirt are fine. A tie would be a nice touch. And gifts in multiple of 18 because 18 is chai which means life.

[Anonymous]

Jew here. Any amount of cash is fine. But I must say when my son had his bar mitzvah I was very impressed when his non Jewish friends gifted in multiples of $18 (usually $36 but this was 12 years ago). Means they (their parents probably) but in effort to research the traditions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Jew here. Any amount of cash is fine. But I must say when my son had his bar mitzvah I was very impressed when his non Jewish friends gifted in multiples of $18 (usually $36 but this was 12 years ago). Means they (their parents probably) but in effort to research the traditions.

Agreed. My daughter got gifts of 18, 25, 36, 50, and 54. When the multiples of 18 came from non-Jewish friends, I was always touched that they went out of their way to ask (probably their Jewish friends). And I know it sounds cliche, but the amount of the gift did not matter at all. We were happy that so many came to the service. And during the Misheberach (prayer for the sick), many of her non-Jewish friends raised their hands and gave names of ill loved ones. I was floored that they were paying attention!

To answer the OP, khaki and a button-down are perfectly fine. Can add a blazer. Some kids will wear suits, but it is not necessary in most synagogues.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If “any amount” then why not honor the culture in this small way? $54 is as easy as $50; $18 is as easy as $20.

This is my culture and have never heard of it so really no big deal. According to 23 and me this is practically 100% my culture so I think I am not doing any cultural appropriation by saying this.