About Jewish Occasion Cards

In this article, we explain the Jewish occasions of Bar Mitzvahs, Bat Mitzvahs and the use of the term Mazel Tov.

According to Jewish Law, when a Jewish boy reaches the age of 13, he said to become a Bar Mitzvah. Literally translated, Bar Mitzvah means "Son of Commandment"; at this age a boy is responsible for his own actions and for observing the commandments as prescribed in the Torah (Judaism's religious texts).

Likewise, a Jewish girl becomes a Bat Mitzvah at the age of 12. Girls are deemed to mature a little earlier than boys.

While the becoming of a Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah is automatic, it has become customary for the occasion to be marked with a ceremony and celebration. The ceremony is carried out in a Synagogue and includes the new Bar Mitzvah reading portions of the Torah, written on scrolls, and leading parts of the prayers.

The celebratory reception is increasingly a lavish affair, where family and friends gather to enjoy with food & dance, all the while commemorating the coming of age of the Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah. Greeting cards for Bar Mitzvahs are as popular as birthday cards.

A common greeting to wish the 12/13 year old would be "Mazel Tov on your Bar/Bat Mitzvah". The phrase Mazel Tov is ambiguous to define; literally translated it means "Good Luck", yet it's use is more akin to "Congratulations". You can wish Mazel Tov for a variety of occasions - Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, weddings, starting a new job, etc, hence the availability of generic Mazel Tov greeting cards.

For retailers who have not tried Jewish cards before, Bar Mitzvah, Bat Mitzvah and Mazel Tov cards are a relatively low risk way to test the market. These cards can sell throughout the year, and can be a good indicator of whether a market exists for seasonal Jewish festivals (Passover, Jewish New Year, Hanukkah). And don't forget - it's not only Jewish people who are invited to join the celebrations , so demand for these cards will come from non-Jewish customers too!

Asian Everyday