In recent years, Bar Mitzvahs (for a boy) or Bat Mitzvahs (for a girl) have become reason for a big celebration with family and friends that can be easily compared to anniversaries and weddings. However, the bar or bat mitzvah is a relatively modern innovation, not mentioned in the Talmud, and unheard of as recently as a century ago. The newest Bar Mitzvah tradition is a Party Theme with favors like glow whistles, hats, masks, party-poppers and confetti to add the special touches. But where does this tradition come from?
In recent years, Bar Mitzvahs (for a boy) or Bat Mitzvahs (for a girl) have become reason for a big celebration with family and friends that can be easily compared to anniversaries and weddings. However, the bar or bat mitzvah is a relatively modern innovation, not mentioned in the Talmud, and unheard of as recently as a century ago. Nowadays, the religious service is followed by a celebration at a Bar Mitzvah party venue, that is often as fancy as a wedding venue. Gifts are commonly given at the reception, not at the service itself, and the nature of the gift varies significantly depending on the community. At one time, the most common gifts were college supplies; today, however, the gifts are the same sort that you would give any child for his 13th birthday. The newest Bar Mitzvah tradition is a Party Theme with favors like glow whistles, hats, masks, party-poppers and confetti to add the special touches. But where does this tradition come from?
Contrary to what many believe, the bar mitzvah ceremony did not originate from the Bible; it was known long before the Jewish religion existed. Historians have discovered evidence of such rites of passage in ancient tribes and cultures. According to Jewish Law, every Jewish boy becomes a bar mitzvah at age 13, and twelve was the age chosen for a Jewish girl's passage into adulthood since girls physically mature earlier than boys. "Bar" is "son", "Bat" is “daughter” and "Mitzvah" is "commandment" in both Hebrew and Aramaic. So "Bar Mitzvah" literally means "son of the commandment", but the term is often misused to refer to the coming of age ceremony itself. The tradition of celebrating this event goes back to 15th century, and was initially meant for boys only.
According to Torah, a bar mitzvah becomes obligated by God's commandments, i.e. becomes eligible to count in a prayer quorum, lead prayer services, testify before a religious court ant to marry. After reaching 13 years of age, Jewish boys and girls are considered adults and are fully responsible for their moral and religious duties in addition to becoming a full member of the Jewish community. Even though the bar mitzvah ceremony is not required by law and does not fulfill any commandment, today many families celebrate the occasion of a boy becoming a man with lavish parties, often at the most extraordinary Bar Mitzvah party venues. In its most basic form, the celebrant is called up to the Torah to recite a blessing during Shabbat service. But it’s becomming common practice for the bar mitzvah celebrant to do much more. For example, the celebrant may learn the entire haftarah portion and recite it, or lead part of the service, or even lead the congregation in certain important prayers. The celebrant is also generally required to make a speech, which usually begins with the phrase "today I am a man". The father might as well recite a blessing thanking God for removing the burden of being responsible for the son's sins.
