What do you need to know about bar mitzvahs?

The term “bar mitzvah” refers to two things: 1 First, when a boy comes of age at 13-years-old he has become a “bar mitzvah” and is recognized by Jewish tradition as… 2 The term “bar mitzvah” also refers to the religious ceremony that accompanies a boy becoming a Bar Mitzvah. Often a… More …

What’s the difference between a boy and a girl at a bar mitzvah?

The ceremony of bar mitzvah or bat mitzvah is a recognition of adulthood; a boy becomes a man, and a girl becomes a woman. As an adult he or she shares the responsibilities and privileges of a full member of the Jewish community. The boy becomes a “bar mitzvah,” a son of the commandment.

Is the celebratory party also called a bar mitzvah?

Often a celebratory party will follow the ceremony and that party is also called a bar mitzvah. It is important to note that the ceremony and celebration are not required by Jewish custom.

Why was the attack called the bar mitzvah attack?

The attack is named after the bar mitzvah ceremony which is held at 13 years of age, because the vulnerability exploited is 13 years old and likely inspired by the naming of the unrelated birthday attack.

What is the plural form of Bar Mitzvah?

Alternative Titles: bar mitzva, bar mitzvot, bar mitzwa, bar mitzwot. Bar mitzvah, also spelled bar mitzva or mitzwa (Hebrew: “son of the commandment”), plural bar mitzvahs, bar mitzvot, or bar mitzwot, Jewish religious ritual and family celebration commemorating the religious adulthood of a boy on his 13th birthday.

Where does the Bar Mitzvah ceremony take place?

The day begins with a traditional ceremony and prayer services typically held in the synagogue which includes a Shabbat service. The bar mitzvah boy or bat mitzvah girl is called up to the Torah to recite prayers and readings in Hebrew, which have taken years of learning, studying, and practicing during their bar/bat mitzvah lessons.

When was the Bar Mitzvah replaced by Shavuot?

Though records of the 2nd century mention 13 as the age of religious manhood, most elements of the bar mitzvah celebration did not appear until the Middle Ages. Reform Judaism replaced bar mitzvah, after 1810, with the confirmation of boys and girls together, generally on the feast of Shavuot.

What kind of Education is needed for bar mitzvah?

Several years in the religious/Hebrew school of a synagogue prior to bar/bat mitzvah is recommended as a minimum of requisite Jewish education. In addition to Jewish history, observance, and the study of Torah, children learn how to participate in and lead worship.

When does a Jewish boy get his bar mitzvah?

The bar mitzvah ceremony celebrates a Jewish boy’s 13th birthday (on the Hebrew calendar) and his elevation to adult status in Judaism. This celebration can take many forms.