Back in the day, when only boys became Bar Mitzvah, and girls never even dreamed of making this covenant, the parties were simple. Family and close friends joined the celebrants at the family home for a few hours of festivities. Honey cake was served, maybe a cholent. Drinks were poured, and singing was accompanied by someone’s uncle or aunt playing whatever instrument they had had lessons in. If any gifts were given, they paled in comparison to the gift certificates, checks and doo-dads of today. A low-denomination coin, perhaps a full dollar (or equivalent thereof), maybe a nice pen set, usually a sefer (book).
No DJ, no streamers, no Vienna Sweet Table. No stack of gifts. No need for a calculator to tally up the amount to be placed in the child’s savings account. No savings bonds. No “kids’ menu and adult menu”. No call liquor, and no need for designated drivers.
In our small congregation, I am sure that not all of the old traditions are kept. Having missed the celebration, we do not know if the child received more boxes or more envelopes. I’m sure she got at least one sefer, though.
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