Bar Mitzvah = Person
A lot of people think a Bar Mitzvah is a Jewish coming-of-age ceremony for boys, typically held when they turn 13 years old. This is a misunderstanding of the term. The term “Bar Mitzvah” means “son of the commandment” in Aramaic and is actually the person.
Bar Mitzvah Ceremony = Celebration of a Bar Mitzvah’s Transition into Adulthood
While the “Bar Mitzvah” is the boy coming-of-age, the “Bar Mitzvah” ceremony is the coming-of-age ceremony. The “Bar Mitzvah” ceremony marks the point at which a boy is considered to be responsible for his own actions and is obligated to observe the commandments (mitzvot) of Jewish law.
During the Bar Mitzvah ceremony, the boy is usually called to the Torah to recite a portion of it, known as an aliyah. This is often followed by the boy giving a speech, called a D’var Torah, which discusses the Torah portion and its relevance. The event is both a religious milestone and a celebration, often involving a festive gathering with family and friends.
The Bar Mitzvah ceremony is a significant rite of passage in Jewish culture, symbolizing a boy’s transition into adulthood in the eyes of the Jewish community.
What is a Jewish Girl Bar Mitzvah?
A Jewish girl who is a “Bar Mitzvah” is called a “Bat Mitzvah”.
