What is an appropriate gift to give at a bar mitzfa?  (Good friends son..but I am not Jewish and have no idea)
487876
A gift that recognizes the person is passing into adulthood - such as inspirational books, a good pen and pencil set, a back-pack suitable for high school use, etc.\n\nThe young man (not a kid anymore) has worked hard to meet the bar mitzfa requirements and the gift should reflect that.  Otherwise, it's like a coming-out party gift, as opposed to a "birthday gift"!\n\nEnjoy the party - bar mitzfa's are fun! :-)
214202
When searching for a great gift for the man in your life, the biggest question you should ask yourself is what does you man spend most of his free time doing? Provided that “sleep” isn’t the answer to this question, then you’re in business. Whatever it is that your man enjoys spending time doing is the biggest clue to finding a present he’ll really appreciate. Has he mentioned that he really needs a certain item, or that something he saw in a flier looks really cool? Take the hint, and make that item your next purchase. It’ll be a guaranteed great gift. Just to get you started, below are some categories your boy might fall into\n\nGift Ideas for Men\nThe Party Boy - Does your man love to host barbeques? If he does, there are a few key gifts in order, such as a set of pristine BBQ tools, metal shish kabob skewers, a “kiss the cook” style apron or a chef hat. To really get that party started, he’s going to need a cocktail shaker, wine, cocktail or shot glasses, and a great set of frosty beer mugs. Collapsible canvas chairs with built in cup holders, tiki torches, and beverage coolers will all help to complete his backyard festivities.\n\nThe Sports Fan - Does your guy routinely invite all his pals over to watch the game? If so, the best gift (if you can afford it ) is probably a large screen TV. Wait for an in-store special when buying, or check out online auctions for the best buy. There are also plenty of neat remote control options, from glow-in-the-dark to voice-activated controls. To keep his beer cold, try a foam beer can cooler. For a boy who loves to play games as well as watch, a tabletop air-hockey or foosball table might be just the ticket.\n\nThe Outdoorsman - If your guy likes to spend his time outside, than there are plenty of great gifts options. If he likes to camp, then your best off getting him something practical, like a waterproof flashlight, lightweight tent, thermal sleeping bag, torch lighters or a Swiss army knife. If he’s a fisherman, then a tackle box filled with assorted hooks and weights, or a new pole, reel or line, is a gift that will be much appreciated. Some fun outdoor gifts could be a set of walky talkies, remote control airplanes, a Frisbee, soccer ball or  a picnic basket, complete with lunch.\n\nThe Electronic Guy - If your partner gets excited every time he walks into the electronic department, then you’re in luck. There are new products coming onto the market virtually everyday to satisfy his technology lust. From digital cameras to webcams, from boom boxes to game consoles, speakers, and wall-projector clocks, there are so many things to choose from. Just make sure that whatever you buy is compatible with the existing computer or music systems he already has. Don’t be afraid to ask a sales representative for help.\n\n\n--------------------------------------------------------------------------------\n\nHopefully the above gift ideas have helped spark your search for the perfect present. The best gifts for men are often the most obvious. Do your homework by keeping your eyes and ears open, and by doing product research. Don’t forget who you’re buying for the most important thing is that he likes it, and you can live with it. \n\n~~~~~~~~~~
97025
Don't give cash, it's crass, except from immediate family on this occassion. A small but fairly permanent object is a better choice, a leather organizer, cuff links,money clip, tie clasp, remember that this is the Jewish rite welcoming the boy into "manhood" so adult type gifts are suitable,  a silver picture frame for a photograph from the event,  even small electronics like a portable CD player or IPod, but not cash.
770180
Just ask him, he is Jewish and having a Bar Mitzvahs.
969282
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/B'nai_Mitzvah\n\nIt is common in Jewish culture to celebrate the coming-of-age transition. In popular usage, the terms "Bar Mitzvah" and "Bat Mitzvah" are often mistakenly used to refer to the celebration itself; however the term actually refers to the boy or girl. The event is often misunderstood to be a rite of passage by which a Jewish boy or girl becomes a Jewish adult
236847
As the others stated I've always learned we light one.  Some people also have tradition to give a little bit of charity on behalf of deceased.  It is significant for their soul.  Also one can say "Kaddish" (a short paragraph on behalf of the deceased) in a synagogue.  If you need help finding a place to say Kaddish feel free to e-mail me or check out www.chabad.org where you can put in a zip code and find a "Chabad Center" near you. They will have a Rabbi who can help you say Kaddish.  Best of luck, and may you be comforted.
713693
I'm Jewish, don't worry! For me, I would think it would a great thing to do as a mezzuzah does bless the house. Are you putting one up out of respect for your step family or because you do indeed think it will be a blessing and a "mitzvah" to do? If you truly believe in it's sanctity, as it is a sacred object whether then to appease your step family then it's fine.
71195
A home-cooked meal would be perfect!  Something he likes, it will seem special but won't make him feel empty-handed for not bringing his own gift.  Plus, if you tell him in advance he can always show up with something (like flowers or wine hopefully)!
119227
I have doubt you could find a Iraqi girls calender but I have an idea, go and buy a hat like those jews wear but a white one and write a memo card like "Welcome Home Haji". \nIt will definitely make him laugh and reminds him of funny parts of his trip.\nIf you don't like the hat idea you can still use 'Haji' part, it will make him laugh.\nUS troops call Iraqi men Haji which means a muslim who has traveled to Mecca and returned and your friend has done a trip to an Islamic country so it would be funny if you call him 'Haji'.
800158
How about a present from the Oxfam Xmas catalogue. $150 can buy something that will benefit a whole community in Africa or India.\nWithout being too presumptuous, as they are both doctors I doubt they really need anything. \n\nI was bought a goat for an African village last Christmas and a bicycle for a midwife to use for my birthday and thought they were the best and most thoughtful presents. \nOxfam sends out a card thanking the person and explaining what their gift means to those in need.
612722
you can always buy them a gift certificate to a really nice restaurant. That way they can have a nice night out and not cost them anything.
922609
Try some of the links below. The first is especially nice, because it answers a similar question where the giver is not Jewish, and as such is unfamiliar with the customs. This isn't just any other birthday - it is about a girl becoming an adult. One common answer is a gift of money or gift certificate in a multiple of $18 (for example, $36, $54, etc.) because of a numerological connection to the word "life." The second link includes items specific to Bat Mitzvahs, ranging from jewelry and picture frames to moneyholders and scrapbooks.
812230
It's not supposed to be about bringing the right gift, originally they brought live turkeys for goodness sake! If you can make a desert or something traditionally english take that! If not stick with the wine and tell them about asking what to bring on the internet, it's the thought that counts after all and you'll have a conversation starter!
1058476
I've asked this question before, actually. http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AutS5JZA1SeAz4Wwe_TTd9rsy6IX?qid=1006053111285\nSeems to be a jewish tradition.
612962
I would say something related to religion. As someone suggested, maybe a nice cross necklace or a prayer book. Maybe a set of small angel statues (something like that), a nice rosary bracelet, something to do with angels (frames with inspiring messages, keychains, etc.). Hallmark might have something, if you prefer giving traditional gifts like that. I hope this helps.
712478
Broadway tickets are nice (along with a dinner out). Buy them a nice souvenir of NYC that isnt gaudy for them to display when they return home. A silver picture frame or a box of goumet foods and/or chocolates are other ideas.
593592
i guess if you are still friends it's ok to give him a gift but make sure its a 'friend' kind of gift and not a boyfriend gift. make it something he will like but not too expensive, etc.