A Jewish festive occasion is called a "simchah," which is the Hebrew word for "joy." In this article, I will try, with Hashem's help, to answer the questions I have received about what is expected of the guests at a Jewish simchah.

One young man asked me if he was expected to bring a date. The answer is no. We don't even have such a concept, in fact. If your boy/girlfriend were expected to attend the simchah, he or she would have received a separate invitation. And since Orthodox-Jewish weddings have separate sections for the genders, you would in any case not be sitting together with your date.

When two people are married to each other, and both are invited to the wedding (which is usually what is done), the invitation is addressed to both members of the couple.

Is it okay to bring a friend who has not been invited?

Generally, if the presence of your friend will not cost the couple or their parents anything, it is doubtful that anyone will object. This is a fairly good yardstick by which to decide whether it is okay to "crash" a simchah. At weddings, someone generally pays for each meal eaten.

Now, how to dress:

The human body is a lofty medium, a gift from G-d that allows us to use this world in our pursuit of the spiritual. Jewish Law therefore requires that we honor our bodies, that is, ourselves, in recognizing our own holiness, and to dress ourselves with the dignity we and our bodies deserve.

Formal dress is not required, though it is obviously appropriate given the occasion. What is required is clothing that reaches up to the collar bone in the front, and to just below the nape of the neck in the back, and it must extend below the knees. Clothing should not be tight or revealing in any way.

Women's legs should be covered with stockings, not necessarily opaque. Taupe or beige are accepted in some communities, others suggest darker colors. Flashy colors, especially of stockings, are not good. The more glaring shades of red are forbidden in any sort of clothing.

Long sleeves that cover the elbows are also required. This is appropriate for both men and women. Women should wear dresses or skirts (without slits), but not pants. The dress or skirt should reach below the knees, and stockings should cover the legs until above the knee. Makeup is permitted.

The upper parts of the neck do not have to be completely covered.

Men, single or married, should wear a yarmulka (kippa) that covers a large portion of the head. Married (and formerly married) women should cover their hair entirely. Women and girls who have never been married may leave their hair uncovered.