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EveryParampara

Bar mitzvah

The Jewish coming-of-age, when a young person becomes responsible for the commandments.

A pattern drawn for this page, not a picture of Bar mitzvah.

Also: bat mitzvah, bnei mitzvah

A bar mitzvah, meaning son of the commandment, marks a Jewish boy's coming of age at thirteen, and a bat mitzvah marks a girl's at twelve or thirteen. The young person is called to read from the Torah in the synagogue, often chanting a portion and giving a short talk, and from then on counts as an adult in the community. A family meal or party follows, with gifts and dancing, such as the hora. Preparation takes months of study, with a tutor, and many families add a charitable project. Women's bat mitzvah has become widespread in recent decades in most movements.

Region: Middle East

See also

ShabbatKiddushShiva

Find traditions that mention Bar mitzvah

The weekly EveryParampara

Every week: one tradition from somewhere new, what is being celebrated around the world this week, and one idea explained.