This week during middle school advisory, students and advisors discussed appropriate bar/bat mitzvah etiquette. The group spent time focusing on what it means to act respectfully, and that not every shul and/or party experience will look the same. The children were encouraged to join in the dancing, regardless of their relationship to the bar/bat mitzvah. They discussed that cell phones should only be taken out to take pictures, and that texting or snapchatting during the party is distracting and disrespectful. Advisors reiterated the importance of saying thank you and mazal tov to the bar/bat mitzvah as well as their family. Finally, the students learned to speak positively, and after the simcha is over, to focus on the aspects of the celebration that were enjoyable.