3 min readA Tree in Israel as a Bar or Bat Mitzvah Gift
Plant a tree in Israel in honor of the bar or bat mitzvah, with their name and Hebrew name on the certificate and a line such as "Keep growing." It is emailed within minutes, so it works even on the day. One tree is $18; a family or a class can give several trees together.
Why a tree fits
A bar mitzvah at 13, or a bat mitzvah at 12 or 13, marks becoming responsible for the mitzvot. A tree planted in Israel in their name is a gift that grows as they do, and a certificate they can keep. It sits well beside a check in multiples of 18, the value of *chai*.
How many trees?
One tree at $18 is a complete gift on its own. A family, or a group of friends signing together, often gives a grove of several trees.
What to write
- *In honor of your bar mitzvah. Keep growing.*
- *Mazel tov on becoming a bat mitzvah! We are so proud of you.*
- *May you grow in Torah, wisdom and good deeds.*
Use *In Honor Of* or *In Celebration Of*, and add the Hebrew name the way they are called to the Torah, for example *Yosef ben David*. More in what to write on a tree certificate.
Getting it there
The certificate is emailed, usually within minutes, so it can go to the parents on the morning itself. For a card table, print the PDF and slip it in a card, or have a printed copy mailed for $5.
As a mitzvah project
Some children ask guests to plant a tree in place of a gift. See planting trees as a group.
Trees are planted by our planting partner, the Jewish National Fund.
Plant a tree for the bar or bat mitzvah →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a tree in Israel a good bar mitzvah gift?
Yes. It is a lasting gift that grows as they do, with a certificate in their name they can keep. One tree is $18.
How many trees should I give for a bat mitzvah?
One tree at $18 is a complete gift. A family or a group of friends signing together often gives a grove of several trees.
Can I bring the certificate to the party?
Yes. Print the emailed PDF and put it in a card, or have a printed copy mailed for $5 and order early enough for the post.
What should I write for a bar mitzvah tree?
Something short: "In honor of your bar mitzvah. Keep growing." Add their Hebrew name as they are called to the Torah.
Reviewed with guidance from Jewish mourning traditions across Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform practices.
Sending something to the family?
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