What is a bar mitzvah? What is a bat mitzvah?

Answer

The term bar mitzvah translates to “son of the commandment,” while bat mitzvah translates to “daughter of the commandment.” In Judaism, the concept of a bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah ceremony is relatively recent. At the age of 13, a Jewish boy is deemed mature enough to fulfill the mitzvah (commandments), and a Jewish girl is considered capable of meeting the obligations of mitzvah. The bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah ceremony signifies the transition to adulthood; a boy steps into manhood, and a girl into womanhood. Upon reaching adulthood, they share the responsibilities and privileges of full Jewish community membership. The boy becomes a “bar mitzvah,” a son of the commandment.

Over the past century, the significance of the bar mitzvah ceremony has increased. Previously, the new bar mitzvah was permitted to wear tefillin (phylacteries) during prayer. Tefillin are small wooden boxes containing Scripture attached by leather straps to the forehead and one forearm. Additionally, the bar mitzvah is authorized to publicly read from the Torah in the synagogue on the Sabbath. While more conservative Jewish movements only permit bar mitzvah for boys, without a corresponding bat mitzvah for girls, the more liberal movements recognize both bar mitzvah and bat mitzvah.

The bar mitzvah ceremony typically involves the child leading prayers or reading portions of the Torah during a Sabbath service. Usually, the child also delivers a speech, traditionally commencing with the words “Today I am a man.” The father and grandfather may also participate by reciting a blessing or passing the Torah to the child. Preceding the bar mitzvah service is the completion of a charity project.

Not all Jewish individuals are actively religious. Many within the Jewish community are secular and do not adhere to the religious aspects of Judaism. Nevertheless, even secular Jewish families appreciate the bar mitzvah ceremony.

Bar mitzvah and bat mitzvah serve as rites of passage for their sons and daughters as they transition into adulthood within the community.