Bar Mitzvah

March 17, 2015 · updated February 15, 2022

In Judaism, children are not required to observe the 613 commandments, though they are certainly encouraged and taught to do so. But upon turning 13-years-old, a boy is considered an adult under the law and is expected to obey all the commandments from then on. He has become a Bar Mitzvah, or "Son of the Commandments." Similarly, a girl becomes a Bat Mitzvah, "daughter of the commandment," upon turning 12-years old.

In addition to conveying moral responsibility, according to Jewish beliefs, the new status enables the young person to lead religious services, count towards a minyan (a quota of ten required for some religious services), enter into contracts and marry. {1} This does not mean, however, that Jewish law considers boys of 13 or girls of 12 ready to marry and strike out on their own, not even in Jewish history. The Talmud states that 18 is the proper age for marriage and 20 is the proper age to begin earning a living {2}.

The age of 12 or 13 is simply the time at which a young person becomes responsible under religious law and has met the minimum qualification for marriage. (This is not so different from secular law: in many states, children may marry as young as 14 with their parents' permission.)

The Ceremonies of Jewish Youth

A Jewish youth automatically becomes a Bar or Bat Mitzvah upon reaching the appropriate age. The accompanying ceremonies are not necessary to attain this status, and they are not mentioned in the Torah or Talmud. They are actually a relatively recent invention, especially the elaborate nature of the celebration.

In its earliest observance, the rite of passage was marked by a boy's first reciting of the aliyah (benediction over the Torah reading), at the first Sabbath service after the 13th birthday.

These duties have gradually increased over the years, and may now include reciting the haftarah (selection from the Prophets), reading the entire weekly Torah portion, leading part of the service, or leading prayers.

It is also customary for the youth to make a short speech, which usually begins with the words, "Today I have become a man [or woman]." The father then says a blessing, thanking God for removing from him the burden of responsibility for his child 's sins. This ceremony is usually followed by a reception, which can be as elaborate as a wedding reception.

In Orthodox Jewish and Hasidic communities, there is no Bat Mitzvah ceremony, as women do not participate in the religious service, but parties are sometimes held marking the occasion. In Reform and some Conservative synagogues, girls participate in just the same way as boys.

Sources

    - Women may not lead services or count towards a minyan in Orthodox and other traditional communities.

    • Pirkei Avot