Mitzvah Manners
for teens
“Shhhh!” is often a common theme heard at Bar/Bat Mitzvah services.
Don’t let your child be on the receiving end of that by teaching them proper Mitzvah etiquette. Talk to your kids about appropriate behavior before every Mitzvah they attend. Yes, you may sound like a broken record, but here is hoping some or all will sink in! 1. POCKET THE PHONE: This goes for both the service and the party. If your child can leave their phone at home, encourage them to do so, but if not, make sure that it is on silent and stays tucked away at all times. 2. BEHAVIOR: Remind your child that
28 TWIN CITY MITZVAH GUIDE 2020 | TW
they are in a place of worship. That means, be respectful of their surroundings, no sitting on the bathroom counters or running around in the lobby, stay quiet in the service and reserve the chit-chat for the kiddush and the party. Stand when the congregation stands, sit when they sit, engage in the service if they know the prayer, and stay in the service instead of hanging out in the hall or bathroom. 3. BE POLITE: Make sure that your child knows to introduce themselves to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah child’s parents if they don’t already know them, congratulate them and most importantly, thank them at both the kiddush and the party. This small gesture of appreciation goes a long way!
