Dress Code for the Bar Mitzvah Event
Being invited to any celebration calls for wearing the appropriate dress. If you’re invited to a bar or bat mitzvah, be sure to know the proper way to dress up by asking friends, researching on the internet or consulting a rabbi. Parents need to teach their children not only social etiquette but the right dress code as well.There may be two separate celebrations that you need to attend. The first is the Shabbat religious service and the other is the reception party. While these two can be held in one venue such as the synagogue, many parents hold the party in a separate place and time normally in the evening. Whether you’re attending both events or just one of them, it’s best to ask what the proper attire would be. Parents should specify the dress requirements on the bar or bat mitzvah invitations to remind the guests.
At the Saturday worship service, dress appropriately as a sign of respect for the holy place and the standards of the congregation. Generally, a semi-formal attire is ideal for this occasion.
For women and girls, they should wear dress, pants or pantsuits keeping in mind the ideal necklines and hemlines. Shul clothes are required by synagogues for females. Parents should remind their teens that although strapless and low-cut dresses are in fashion, they are not suited for religious services. Shoulders must be covered while in the synagogue so shrugs or wraps can be used.
Dress codes for girls may vary among congregations. The Reform denomination, for example, is more flexible. It allows dresses that are knee length and show the shoulders. The Orthodox, on the other hand, requires dresses to be full body length without showing the shoulders.
For men and boys, suits with tie and white shirt as well as dress shoes are the right outfit. Synagogues expect boys to wear sport coats or suits. They can also wear the yarmulke or skullcap and the prayer shawl or tallit if they want. Non-Jews, however, are not allowed to use the tallit as it’s only exclusive for Jews based on the Torah commandment.
- Yarmulke – Also known as kipah (kippot is the plural form), this is a head coverning or skullcap worn during prayer and study as a sign of reverence to the Jewish religion.
- Tallit – This refers to the prayer shawl worn by Jewish people who have reached the age of 13. It is usually worn during morning prayers and Torah services. The party celebration, of course, is another event which requires a more casual attire. Girls may wear their stylish party or cocktail dresses or buy a new one for the occasion. This time, they are free to don the sleeveless, strapless and spaghetti strap dresses that are above the knee and match it with heeled shoes or sandals. They can even put a little makeup if they wish. Boys can wear slacks, short-sleeved or long-sleeved polo and dress shoes.
One important thing to remember in choosing what to wear in a bar or bat mitzvah event is comfort. Wear something that is right for the occasion and at the same time comfortable to on your body.
Read more articles on the subject: Planning a Bar Mitzvah
Tags: Bar Mitzvah Traditions