GIft amount for bar Mitzvah

I am just curious - what is the going rate for a Bar Mitzvah? My nephew is being Bar Mitzvahed and I have no idea how much to give. We are close - My father said 500.00 . Boy whenI had my Bat Mitzvah the average gift was 25.00


MY CHeap husband said what ever you can afford and he doesnt believe in much because he is very cheap

Message edited 1/27/2008 9:59:24 PM.

Re: GIft amount for a Bar Bitzvah

Re: GIft amount for a Bar Bitzvah

You give what you can give. However, for a nephew or niece, the ante is upped quite a bit. We gave our nephew $500 and if we could have given more, we would have. He deserved it. To this day he is still active in temple programs and services and sees the value of his Jewish education. Im almost positive, the money went to pay for college which he will be starting pretty soon.


ETA:
If you were a guest that wasn't related, I would cut that amount in half or even less. Neices and nephews are pretty close in relation though

Message edited 1/27/2008 5:15:40 PM.

Re: GIft amount for a Bar Bitzvah

We went to the Bat Mitzvah for the daughter of one of DH's friends from work, and everyone gave equivalent to what we give for weddings, which kind of surprised me. It was at a reception hall, and was v. nice, but I personally thought it was kind of crazy to be giving $200 or more per couple for a bat mitzvah. Anyway, just a rant, but since we gave that for a girl we never met, $500 seems in line.

Re: GIft amount for a Bar Bitzvah

When I was bat mitzhvahed in 1990 couples gave 150-200. My cousins gave me 500. My grandparents gave me 1000. I think your dad's suggestion seems reasonable. Sorry -- I know it is a lot of $$$.

Re: GIft amount for a Bar Bitzvah

I bought my god son (cousin who is like my nephew) an IPOD and then did a few things for his bar mitzvah too. So I spent about 400