Bar Mitzvah $ gifts

[tar heel]

I remember from some previous threads that there's some amount you're supposed to give multiples of for bar and bat mitzvahs. Anyone know what it is and the origin of the guideline?

 

[ripleysmom]

The number is 18. It stands for "chai" (I think that is how it is spelled) which is good luck.

 

[aprilgail2]

opppsss..then I guess the 100.00 I gave for my bosses son was not the right amount??

 

[Skywalker]

Dang. I gave $100 too.

 

[Kendra17]

$100 is a very generous gift. Traditionally, people do give gifts of "chai" (means life), so they would give multiples of $18. Either $18, $36, $54, etc.

It is just a tradition, though. . .$100 is very generous.

Really, though, many people don't follow this. . .it's just a little extra acknowledgment. . .it's fine not to do it this way.

 

[aprilgail2]

Originally posted by Kendra17
$100 is a very generous gift. Traditionally, people do give gifts of "chai" (means life), so they would give multiples of $18. Either $18, $36, $54, etc.

It is just a tradition, though. . .$100 is very generous.

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not around here its not...its actually on the lower end of giving. They are bigger than weddings here, its crazy. Its just like weddings...other places you can get away with a 20.00 gift...On long island its 100 and up!

 

[Kendra17]

Yeah, I guess you're right. My daughter is going to a lot of bat and bar mitzvahs these days. . .and I know that $100 is a reasonable gift for her, but you are right. . .2 adults I guess would maybe give more in different areas.

Where we live, the parties are much more scaled down than they were when we lived up North! Thank Goodness! Everyone turns 12 and 13 at the same time. .. it gets expensive!

 

[tar heel]

Thanks, everyone. I thought it would be fun to do the traditional amount even though I know it's not necessary.

It sounds like giftwise we have that Northeast-South thing again. People just don't give $100 wedding gifts around here unless they are for close family members. I'm guessing the same holds true for this. Of course, there's really nothing to compare it to since this is the FIRST bar mitzvah in our county!