It's My Mitzvah

Bar Mitzvah 101

Our basic guide takes you on a quick tour of the "why" behind the ceremony, details of the rites and rituals and the Bar or Bat Mitzvah celebration.

Bar Mitzvah Ceremonies

Bar Mitzvah (meaning "son of the commandment") and more recently Bat Mitzvah (meaning "daughter of the commandment") ceremonies are to celebrate an adolescent's coming of age and accountability in the Jewish faith. Girls celebrate at age 12, boys at 13. Each ceremony, although they vary widely depending on which sect of Judaism is performing them, takes place in the synagogue and includes the young man or woman reciting prayers, reading passages from the Torah, and giving their own personal speech. Once reaching the age of accountability, bar and bat mitzvahs are expected to obey the commandments and participate in the practices of the Jewish tradition.

Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah Rites and Rituals

The Bar or Bat Mitzvah ceremony requires years of religious study for the celebrant, so that by the time they reach their special ceremony, they are ready to take on the responsibilities of Judaism. Since all bar mitzvahs or bat mitzvahs include the Torah reading, most ceremonies take place on Shabbat, or the Sabbath, which lasts from sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday. Many times the bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah is called upon to lead in blessings, lead parts of the service, and give a short speech after the reading of the Torah.

The Party

Once the ceremony is complete, usually there is a celebration following with music, food, dancing, and entertainment. The party is as much for the bar or bat mitzvah's friends as it is the adult family and friends, too! Many bar mitzvahs and bat mitzvahs give favors to their friends to thank them for attending such a momentous event!

The Terms

• Allyah: Going up to the synagogue platform to say blessings over the Torah.
• Bimah: The raised synagogue platform.
• Haftarah: Readings from the books of the the Prophets.
• Simcha: "Joyous event" - used to refer to Bar/Bat Mitzvah and other celebrations.
• Tallit: Prayer shawl
• Tefillin: Black leather boxes containing portions of the Torah.