Is a bar mitzvah a rite of passage?

A Bar Mitzvah is a coming of age rite of passage from the jewish religion. Boys of the age of 13 take part in a Bar Mitzvah and girls of the age of 12 take part in a Bat Mitzvah.

Where does bar mitzvah come from?

Book Description: The Jewish coming-of-age ceremony of bar mitzvah was first recorded in thirteenth-century France, where it took the form of a simple statement by the father that he was no longer responsible for his thirteen-year-old son.

What religion is bar mitzvah?

Jewish
A Bar or Bat Mitzvah is a coming of age ceremony for Jewish boys and girls when they reach the age of 12 or 13. This ceremony marks the time when a boy or girl becomes a Jewish adult. This means that they are now responsible for their own actions and can decide for themselves how they would like to practice Judaism.

What’s the significance of a bar and Bat Mitzvah?

Bar/bat mitzvah has significance both personally and communally. A bar or bat mitzvah holds great significance for a synagogue community. It celebrates the congregation’s efforts to educate a child.

When does a Jewish boy become a bar mitzvah?

The plural is b’nai mitzvah for boys, and b’not mitzvah (Ashkenazi pronunciation: b’nos mitzvah) for girls. According to Jewish law, when a Jewish boy is 13 years old, he becomes accountable for his actions and becomes a bar mitzvah.

What do you have to do to get a bar mitzvah?

Many congregations require pre-bar mitzvah children to attend a minimum number of Shabbat prayer services at the synagogue, study at a Hebrew school, take on a charity or community service project and maintain membership in good standing with the synagogue.

What happens to the celebrant of a bar mitzvah?

In many communities, the celebrant is given a certificate. According to the Orthodox view, the bar mitzvah boy is so happy to be commanded to do mitzvot and earn a reward in the next world for his efforts, that he throws a party and has a festive meal.