Email from Michelle Goldberg: “Hello Rabbi Joshua, I have been invited to a Bar Mitzvah and I want to give a gift that is both respectful of the tradition and cherished by the young man. Can you please suggest the best Bar Mitzvah gifts?”

Response from Rabbi Joshua

Shalom Michelle, it’s wonderful to hear that you are looking to honor this significant rite of passage with a thoughtful gift. The Bar Mitzvah marks a Jewish boy’s entry into religious adulthood, and the gifts given should ideally reflect the significance of this milestone. Here are some suggestions:

Spiritual and Educational Gifts

A classic gift is a set of Jewish sacred texts, such as a beautifully bound Tanakh (Jewish Bible), a Siddur (prayer book), or a Talmud set. These can serve as lifelong resources for study and reflection. For something more personalized, consider a beautifully illustrated book on Jewish history or culture.

Gifts of Jewish Tradition

Items that can be used in the practice of Jewish life are both practical and meaningful. A pair of elegant candlesticks for Shabbat, a Kiddush cup, or a quality set of Tefillin can be deeply appreciated. A Tallit (prayer shawl) is also a traditional gift that the young man will use for many years.

Savings and Monetary Gifts

It is customary to give money in multiples of 18, as the number 18 represents “Chai,” or “Life” in Hebrew. This can be in the form of savings bonds, contributions to a college fund, or simply cash. This not only conveys your wishes for a life of prosperity but also provides practical assistance for future educational endeavors.

Charitable Contributions

Making a donation to a charitable organization on behalf of the Bar Mitzvah boy is a gift of generosity and kindness. Choose a cause that is close to his heart or one that reflects Jewish values of Tzedakah (charity).

Personal and Creative Gifts

If you know the Bar Mitzvah boy well, a gift that aligns with his personal interests or hobbies can be particularly meaningful. Whether it’s something educational, such as a subscription to a science magazine, or something more leisurely, like sports equipment, personalizing your gift shows thoughtfulness.

Concluding Thoughts

Whatever gift you choose, accompanying it with a heartfelt message of congratulations and good wishes for his journey into Jewish adulthood will certainly make it special. Your presence and your thoughtful gift will contribute to a joyous and memorable occasion for the young man and his family.

May your gift bring joy to the Bar Mitzvah boy and serve as a symbol of your support as he steps into this new chapter of his life. Mazel Tov!

Dear Rabbi Joshua,
I’ve heard about a Jewish holiday called Shavuot but have little understanding of its significance. Could you explain what Shavuot means and why it is celebrated?
– Caroline Smith

Shavuot: The Feast of Weeks

Dear Caroline,

Shavuot, also known as the Feast of Weeks, is one of the three biblical pilgrimage festivals, along with Pesach (Passover) and Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles). The name “Shavuot” is Hebrew for “weeks,” and the festival marks the culmination of a seven-week period of counting, known as the Omer, which begins on the second night of Passover.

The Dual Significance of Shavuot

Historically, Shavuot commemorates the wheat harvest in the Land of Israel (Shemot 34:22). But its deeper significance lies in the commemoration of the anniversary of the day God gave the Torah to the nation of Israel assembled at Mount Sinai, an event that transformed the Israelites into a nation committed to serving God.

Customs and Observances

It is customary on Shavuot to adorn homes and synagogues with greenery, to eat dairy foods, and to stay up all night studying Torah—a practice known as “Tikkun Leil Shavuot.” The Book of Ruth is read in synagogues because the story of Ruth’s conversion to Judaism and acceptance of the Torah mirrors the spiritual journey of the Jewish people.

Shavuot’s Theological Themes

Theologically, Shavuot challenges us to renew our commitment to the Torah and its teachings. It is a time to reflect on the Sinai experience and contemplate the nature of our relationship with God and His commandments. Shavuot is not only a historical anniversary but an annual opportunity for spiritual renewal and rededication.

Conclusion

In essence, Shavuot is a celebration of Torah, faith, and divine guidance. It is a time when we acknowledge the gift of the Torah, which remains central to the Jewish way of life, and rejoice in the spiritual abundance that it brings to our lives.

May your exploration of Shavuot lead you to a deeper appreciation of its timeless messages and a greater understanding of the Jewish heritage.

Kind regards,
Rabbi Joshua

Dear Rabbi Joshua,
I noticed that the Jewish holiday of Passover and the Christian holiday of Easter sometimes occur around the same time. Do Jewish people celebrate Easter? If not, could you explain why?
– Emily Thompson

Jewish Observance and Easter

Dear Emily,

Jewish people do not celebrate Easter. Easter is a Christian holiday that commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which is a belief that is not part of Jewish religion or theology. Jewish teachings do not recognize Jesus as the Messiah or a divine figure, which are central tenets of Christianity. Therefore, Easter, which is pivotal to the Christian faith, does not have theological significance in Judaism.

Passover: A Time of Jewish Remembrance

Instead, during this time of the year, Jewish people celebrate Passover, or Pesach in Hebrew. Passover is one of the most important Jewish festivals and commemorates the Exodus, where the Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt. The story of the Exodus is foundational to Jewish identity, as it marks the birth of the Israelites as a nation under the leadership of Moses.

The Passover Seder

The highlight of Passover is the Seder, a ritual meal that includes reading from the Haggadah, eating symbolic foods placed on the Seder Plate, and reflecting on the themes of freedom and redemption. Unlike Easter, which celebrates the resurrection, Passover celebrates the liberation of the Israelites and God’s deliverance of them from oppression.

Intersecting Histories

It is true that Passover and Easter often occur around the same time of year and there are historical intersections; after all, the Last Supper, which is commemorated by Christians on Maundy Thursday, was a Passover Seder. However, the two holidays have distinct meanings and are celebrated differently according to each religion’s beliefs and traditions.

Conclusion

In summary, Jewish people do not celebrate Easter as it is a Christian holiday that does not align with Jewish religious beliefs. Passover, however, is a major Jewish holiday that has its own unique rituals and significance. It is a time for Jewish people to gather with family and friends, to remember their history, and to celebrate freedom and hope.

Warm regards,
Rabbi Joshua