A Bar/Bat Mitzvah is the most important time in a Jewish child’s life. It’s the religious ceremony of a Jewish boy when they turn 13 or a Jewish girl when they turn 12 years of age.
The term “Bar/Bat Mitzvah” translates to “son/daughter of the commandments” and signifies your child’s transition into adulthood. It signifies, according to Jewish law, that the parents are no longer responsible for their child’s actions. A coming-of-age tradition, if you will.
- Why are cash gifts given at a bar mitzvah
- Bat mitzvah gift etiquette
- Why Braid Money Pools are great for collecting cash gifts
Bat mitzvah gift etiquette
A bar/bat mitzvah is a special and meaningful event for both the young person who is becoming a man or woman and for their family and friends. Whether you are the child’s parents planning the event, a guest close to the family, or simply a well-wisher, it's important to understand the gift-giving etiquette surrounding this rite of passage.
While there are many different gifts that can be given to mark this special occasion, cash gifts have a long and storied history that continues to make them a popular choice for many families and friends.
Why are cash gifts given at bar mitzvahs?
1. Bar mitzvah cash gifts are versatile
One of the main reasons why cash gifts are so popular for bar mitzvahs is their versatility. Unlike other gifts, such as toys or clothes, cash can be used to buy anything the boy or girl wants. This gives the young person a sense of independence and control over their own money while also allowing them to put their newfound wealth towards something they truly desire.
This can be a great way to encourage responsible spending habits, as well as help the child understand the value of money. This money is also typically used to go towards their college education, for studies abroad in Israel, or a gap year trip after high school.
Whether they choose to save the money for future expenses, use it to buy something they need or want, or put it towards a special event or celebration, a cash gift offers the recipient the freedom to decide how to use the funds.
2. Offset event costs
Another reason why cash gifts are often given at bar mitzvahs is to help with the costs associated with the event. Bar mitzvahs can be expensive celebrations, with many families spending thousands of dollars on venue rental, decorations, food, and entertainment.
By giving a cash gift, friends and family can help offset some of these costs and make the celebration more affordable for your family. This is a generous way to show support and help your family create a memorable experience for your child.
3. Cash gifts are symbolic
Cash gifts can also have a symbolic value, representing the child's journey into adulthood and the responsibilities that come with it. By giving money, friends, and family are basically saying that they trust the young person to handle the responsibility of managing their own finances and making good choices.
This can be a very powerful message that can help shape the child's future and encourage them to be financially responsible as they grow up.
4. They’re super convenient
Cash gifts are convenient for both the giver and the recipient. Unlike physical gifts that have to be transported, cash can be easily wrapped in a card, given in an envelope, or sent to your Braid Pool, making it simple for friends and family to participate in the celebration even if they live far away.
For the recipient, having cash means they can easily make purchases and put their gift to use immediately, rather than having to wait for the gift to be shipped or take the time to go to the store to exchange it for something they’d actually want.
Guests should try to send or bring the gift to the bar mitzvah before or on the day of the event rather than after. This shows the recipient and your family that they are making an effort to be a part of the celebration, even if they can't be there in person.
At Braid, we make the process of receiving Bar Mitzvah money gifts and sending them to your child an absolute breeze.
What are Braid Money Pools?
Braid is a money pool where you can collect and manage cash gifts for your son or daughter’s bar/bat mitzvah. Creating a Braid Money Pool takes minutes, and guests can start contributing money immediately. When you’ve collected all of the bar mitzvah money gifts, you can transfer the funds directly to your child’s bank account.
They can simply place the cash in a card or envelope and deliver it to the recipient the day of the bar mitzvah, or use your preferred Pool Link to send the cash gift with zero hassle directly!
Ready to set up your first Braid Pool? Click here to get started.
Do you give cash or check for a bar mitzvah?
One of the most important things to keep in mind when expecting a bar mitzvah gift is what your family’s personal preference is for gifts. Some families may prefer to receive cash or checks, the most common method, while others may prefer tangible gifts like books, clothing, or other items. You can expect guests or friends to ask what you prefer, or you can add the information to the invitation for any gift registry information.
Conveniently, you can use a Braid Pool as an option to easily collect bar mitzvah gift money for the big event. All you need to do is send your guests the Pool Link, and they can start sending cash gifts whenever they’re ready.
If they choose to give a physical gift instead of cash, guests should try to personalize the gift to the recipient. This could mean choosing a gift in their favorite color, adding a special message, or selecting a gift that reflects their interests or hobbies.
Why do you give 18 dollars for a bar mitzvah?
Typically, bar mitzvah gift amounts are given in multiples of $18. The number 18 symbolizes “chai,” which is Hebrew for “life.” Jewish tradition means that giving any gift amount in multiples of 18 is a way of symbolically wishing a happy and healthy life to the boy or girl. Bar mitzvah gift amounts can range from $18 to as high as thousands of dollars, depending on how close the guest is to your family.
How to give a Bar mitzvah gift if you’re not attending?
You can certainly expect to receive gifts from friends and families even if they cannot attend the ceremony.
While it's always wonderful to be present to celebrate with the family in person, a thoughtful and meaningful gift can still show their support and well wishes.
If they cannot attend the bar/bat mitzvah, give them the option of contributing to a Pool Link.
Using your personalized link, guests can easily and directly send cash gifts for the bar and bat mitzvah.
What is a Pool Link?
Collecting bar mitzvah cash gifts online doesn’t need to be stressful. Guests and friends, and family that cannot attend don't even need to download Braid to contribute! Using the personalized Pool Link you send them, they can use a debit or credit card to send money to the pool. Plus, you'll see notifications when someone contributes money to the bar mitzvah gift pool.
All of the funds collected for the big event will stay in the pool until your child wants to use it, so you don’t need to worry about transferring the funds to a separate account. They can even use the Braid debit card to make spending that much easier (and fun).
Regardless of their chosen method, it's always a good idea to include a note or card to accompany the gift, expressing their well wishes for the young person and their family.
Braid Money Pools are the best place to collect cash gifts
Using the Braid app, you can contribute money to the pool whenever you want. You can even start their bar mitzvah fund months or even a whole year in advance and start saving up money to create a nice fund for your child to get after their big day.
If you’re worried about maintenance or monthly fees, you’ll be happy to know that your pool is completely free. (Only contributors who add money via credit cards on the Pool Link are charged a 3% fee by Braid.)
Easily collect gifts for your child’s bar/bat mitzvah with Braid Money Pools. You’ll love the convenience of seeing all the gifts in one spot and how easily your child can spend their new money. Mazel Tov to your family!
