So I don't usually come into this area but just after some helpful tips/knowledge if I could.

I'm attending my nephews Bar Mitzvah in June but as I don't follow the Jewish faith (I was fostered as a child so never really took to it) I have never been to a Bar Mitzvah before so really not sure what to expect.

Does anyone have any hints/tips/websites that would be useful such as is there a certain dress code (it will be just myself and my baby girl going as it's interstate) and is there a certain gift that I should take. I just don't want to offend if I give or wear the wrong thing lol!

Any thoughts would be most helpful.

Thanks!

You don't have to go FORMAL but something in a cute skirt/top or dress would be pretty normal. Can't go wrong with a knee-length skirt or longer. I'd not wear sleeveless/strapless tops if very unsure of the congregation and their strictness. (not that you'd really want to in autumn probably)

I would make a money gift, that's generally what my family did. It's not really a toys type day. Money's pretty traditional and you never have to worry if it fits, so I guess I'd take the lazy way out.

Watches and stuff are also pretty traditional but I would coordinate with other relatives so he doesn't have six watches. Never an issue with cash.

Hi there,
as to dress, it depends whether your nephews barmitzvah will be in an orthodox synagogue, where the men and women sit separately, or a reform synagogue (or temple) where it's much more informal. If it's orthodox and you are a married woman, you will be expected to cover your head with a hat, and generally wear a skirt or dress that covers the tops of your arms and above your knees. If it's a reform synagogue, anything dressy goes.

Regarding presents: money is the most popular option, and is usually given in multiples of 18, since that means 'life' and is lucky in the Jewish religion. If you'd rather not give money, gifts like iTunes vouchers, trees planted/ charity donations in the bar mitzvah boys name, sports stuff, books etc (depends on what he is into) are also popular.

Oh I forgot - a lot of the places that want you to cover your head will have baskets of doilies and things but a hat or scarf or something would be much cuter (I have some adorable hats).

And non-Orthodox synagogues are unlikely to care either way, though I say hats are awesome.

Awesome, thanks so much for that information, it's been really helpful!

It's in the main Sydney Synagogue so I assume it will probably be fairly formal but at least I have some idea of what to expect now

Thanks again!

Google Great Synagogue Sydney and you will find an email address to contact. There is also a telephone number. Ask your questions and I'm sure you'll get a helpful answer. They are very good at relating to visitors who are not Jewish.

It is an orthodox congregation.