A lot of people think a Bat Mitzvah is a Jewish coming-of-age ceremony for girls, typically held between the ages of 10-12 years old. This is a misunderstanding of the term. The term “Bat Mitzvah” means “daughter of the commandment” in Aramaic and is actually the person, a girl who is coming-of-age to enter adulthood.
While the “Bat Mitzvah” is the girl coming-of-age, the “Bat Mitzvah ceremony” is the coming-of-age ceremony. The “Bat Mitzvah” ceremony marks the point at which a girl is considered to be responsible for her own actions and is obligated to observe the commandments (mitzvot) of Jewish law.
During the Bat Mitzvah ceremony, the girl is usually called to the Torah to recite a portion of it, known as an Aliyah. This is often followed by the girl 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.
Learn more about Bat Mitzvah Lessons
The Bat Mitzvah ceremony is a significant rite of passage in Jewish culture, symbolizing a girl’s transition into adulthood in the eyes of the Jewish community.
The term for a Jewish boy who is coming of age is “Bar Mitzvah“.