Bar & Bat Mitzvahs
It is that special time for your child and/or children. Jx3 Events has the expertise to guide your family through the entire process and event weekend. From a custom Shabbat Dinner to a simple and elegant Kiddush Lunch at the Synagogue to your unique catered evening affair, we can provide that tailored event and personalized attention. Keeping the energy high and the guests out on the dance floor, our team is there helping create memories that will last a lifetime…
Under Jewish law, children are not required to observe the commandments, though they are certainly encouraged and taught to do so. However, upon turning 13, a boy is considered an adult and is expected to obey all the commandments from then on. He has become a Bar Mitzvah, or “Son of the Commandments.” Similarly, a girl becomes a Bat Mitzvah, “Daughter of the Commandment,” upon turning 12.
In addition to conveying moral responsibility, the new status enables the young person to lead religious services, count towards a minyan (a quota of ten required for some religious services), enter into contracts and marry.
This does not mean, however, that Jewish law considers boys of 13 or girls of 12 ready to marry and strike out on their own, even historically. The Talmud states that 18 is the proper age for marriage and 20 is the proper age to begin earning a living.
The age of 12 or 13 is simply the time at which a young person becomes responsible under religious law.
A Jewish youth automatically becomes a Bar or Bat Mitzvah upon reaching the appropriate age. The accompanying ceremonies are not necessary to attain this status, and they are not mentioned in the Torah or Talmud. They are actually a relatively recent invention, especially the elaborate nature of the celebration.
In its earliest observance, the rite of passage was marked by a boy’s first reciting of the aliyah (benediction over the Torah reading), at the first Sabbath service after the 13th birthday. These duties have gradually increased over the years, and may now include reciting the haftarah (selection from the Prophets), reading the entire weekly Torah portion, leading part of the service, or leading prayers.
It is also customary for the youth to make a short speech, which usually begins with the words, “Today I have become a man (or woman).” The father then says a blessing, thanking God for removing from him the burden of responsibility for his child ‘s sins. This ceremony is usually followed by a reception.
In Orthodox and Hasidic communities, there is no Bat Mitzvah ceremony, as women do not participate in the religious service, but parties are sometimes held marking the occasion. In Reform and some Conservative synagogues, girls participate in just the same way as boys.