What is a Bar Mitzvah and why is Ziggy doing it?

When a Jewish boy turns 13 (12 for a girl), he becomes a Bar Mitzvah, which is translated from the Hebrew as Son of the Commandments. That sounds more intense than it is - it just means that in the Jewish world, Ziggy will now be considered a man. It is a coming of age ritual that his family has practiced for years and years and years before him. To celebrate this, Ziggy will read from the Torah (the Jewish bible) and other stuff - you'll see. For some more info, you can check out these youtube videos: Mayim Bialik about her son's BM and another basic explanation of what happens at a BM here.

 

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I saw the movie You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah. Is it going to be like that?​​​

No. Ziggy's Bar Mitzvah will be during the day and way more low key than that movie. There will be a service, where Ziggy does his thing, reciting special prayers and readings and we all ooh and aah and sing or clap along when we want. After that, there will be lunch and fun and games for Ziggy's friends. Instead of having a fancy dance party at night, there will be afternoon mini-golf and real golf too (for those who are into it).

 

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Do I have to be Jewish to go?​

No! This is a celebration of Ziggy - all of his friends and family are invited to join in this day.

 

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Do I have to wear one of those little hats? Or say any prayers?​

Jewish people (historically just men, now sometimes women too) wear a kippah (aka yarmulke) on their heads as a show of respect to God and belief in a higher power. No one has to wear one, but if you're into it, we'll have plenty of them to go around.

 

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What should I wear?

Click here for some guidance on what to wear. These are all Ziggy-style outfits, so if you're a person who wants to wear a dress or a skirt, you can translate these examples to that. Questions? Just ask any time.​​

 

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Should I bring a gift?

This is of course optional. Traditionally people do give the Bar Mitzvah boy a gift. Some people give cash in denominations of 18 (like $18, $36, etc), because the numerical value of the word Chai (which means "life" and are the little symbols you sometimes see Jewish people wearing on a necklace) in Hebrew is 18 - Chai means life. We've heard some crazy rules of how much money is expected, etc. But we are not people of expectations! Your presence is your present in our book, but if you feel like giving Ziggy something, go for it, and whatever it is (and however much it costs!) will be appreciated by the man of the hour. That may not be helpful, but we really mean it - don't stress out, and just ask Sondra if you're not sure what to do.

 

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Can my family come?

Sorry to say, we're keeping this party small, so leave your crew at home. The whole MHS class is invited, so you'll be in good company. ​​