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How to Dress for a Bar Mitzvah

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(9 Ratings)

A young man's bar mitzvah is an important day for him and a festive occasion for his guests. If you've been invited to a bar mitzvah, you need to know how to dress appropriately. If you are the bar mitzvah boy, you should know how to look your best.

From Quick Guide: Bar Mitzvah Ceremonies
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Clothing for the bar mitzvah service and party

    Be a Perfectly Dressed Guest

  1. Step 1

    Find out what kind of synagogue the service is being held in, since different denominations of Judaism have different rules for dressing.

  2. Step 2

    Maintain a certain level of decorum in dress when attending a bar mitzvah service, no matter what the denomination of the synagogue. Boys and men should wear coats and ties; girls and women should wear skirts, dresses or suits.

  3. Step 3

    Make sure that women's and girls' clothing for the service is not too revealing, tight or low-cut. Shoulders should generally be covered, and necklines and hemlines should be on the conservative side.

  4. Step 4

    Know that it is traditional for men to wear a kippah (skullcap) in the sanctuary of a synagogue. While it is not required for non-Jews to wear them in most synagogues, it is a sign of respect to do so.

  5. Step 5

    Note that in the Orthodox branch of Judaism, all men and married women are expected to cover their heads. They will be handed either a kippah or lace head covering before entering the sanctuary.

  6. Step 6

    Leave your tallit (prayer shawl) at home if you are not a practicing Jew.

  7. Be a Great-Looking Bar Mitzvah Boy

  8. Step 1

    Wear a dark, well-fitting suit for your bar mitzvah. Remember that you will be the center of attention for much of the day, so you will want to look your best.

  9. Step 2

    Shop for suits at department stores, specialty stores or suit outlets. Take some time to try on a number of different suits.

  10. Step 3

    Start shopping early for the suit, allowing time for any necessary alterations.

Tips & Warnings
  • Look at the invitation or check with the host to see what the theme of the party will be. Parties run the gamut from formal black-tie affairs to casual kids' parties in family-friendly restaurants; you'll want to dress accordingly. If the party is directly following the service, it is expected that you will keep the same dress.
  • Fathers, grandfathers, uncles and brothers are good people to take along to help you choose your bar mitzvah suit.
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