Bat Mitzvah gifts hold special significance in a young Jewish adult. Jewish customs allow a male child of thirteen years or a girl child of twelve years to read for the first time from the holy book of Torah. The thought behind having a Bat Mitzvah function for a thirteen or twelve year old child is that up to that age their parents hold the responsibility for their children following Jewish religious customs, but after the Bar Mitzvah ceremony the child becomes responsible for his or her actions and can take part in all Jewish social customs and gatherings.
This occasion is marked by a ceremony which takes place in a synagogue. This is followed up with a grand party for the family members and friends of the girl child. During this occasion the child and sometimes the family too is presented with gifts to mark the special occasion. Bringing gifts to the child also helps the family in their celebration of the occasion. Bat mitzvah gifts are presented not at the time of the ceremony held in the synagogue but at the reception party. Most children are given Judaic gifts related to Jewish religious customs like kiddush cups, tallis, or tefillin. Tallits and Shabbat candlesticks are sometimes also given, especially to girls. A tzedakah or charity box is a very thoughtful and useful gift. You also have a wide choice of religious books that would make an ideal gift. In general, such gifts give the child a better understanding of his or her past and heritage, and help to perform the religious ceremonies better.
The most popular gift is money, which can be used later in the education or other specific expense of a child. There is an interesting thing to be kept in mind if you are giving some form of cash as gift. The Hebrew word for ‘life’ has gematria, or the number 18, as its numerical equivalent. So Bat Mitzvah presents of money are considered very auspicious if the amount is in multiples of 18.
As the ceremony of Bat Mitzvah is held for the coming of age of the girl child so other impressive Bat Mitzvah gifts can be small and elegant pieces of jewellery that will be an asset to the child in the long run. There is no fixed gift that has to be bought. However it is better to shop for a gift for the occasion keeping in mind the age of the child.
Article by Jenny, content writer at Inter-Dev SEO Company, on behalf of PersonalJudaica.com – Judaica Store
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