The purpose of a Bar Mitzvah is to welcome a boy into the Jewish world of adulthood. The version of a bar mitzvah for a female is a Bat Mitzvah.
AnswerThis question is based on a common misconception as to what a Bar Mitzvah is. Many people think that a Bar Mitzvah is a ceremony, however, that isn't what it actually is. A Bar Mitzvah is actually when a Jewish boy turns 13 years old and he becomes a bar mitzvah (son of the commandments) whether or not there is a ceremony to celebrate this event in his life. When a boy becomes a bar mitzvah, according to halacha (Jewish law), he is now considered old enough to take on the religious responsibilities of a Jewish adult.The Bar mitzvah commemorates a 13 year old Jewish male's responsibilities to observe the Torah and it's Mitzvos(all laws encapsulated within the five books of moses following the tradition of the written and oral Torah teachings) whereby he is accountable for his own actions as a Jew and is deserving of merit according to his growth as a lifetime commitment towards leaning more about his faith, culture, and purpose .
Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah ceremonies have been celebrated in some form for thousands of years. Bar Mitzvah in biblical and Talmudic times simply meant "coming of age". The meaning has since become the literal "(son) of the commandments". Originally, a Jewish man was considered to be an adult at the age of 20, when he was eligible to be taxed and join in the military. However, during Talmudic times (around 2000 B.C.E.), the age was decreased to 13 years old. The ceremony was simply a blessing at first and included the child's first aliyah; it did not include any celebrations. The Bar Mitzvah was largely symbolic in the religious sense however, as minors were allowed to participate if they were deemed mentally fit and chose to do so. During the late middle ages this practice became more literal, as minors were no longer allowed to be "called to the Torah" until reaching Bar Mitzvah age.
It wasn't until approximately 200 years ago that Jewish families started celebrating a Bat Mitzvah for girls that reach the age of 12 or 13. The practice was thought to have started in Europe. However, the Bat Mitzvah ceremony is attributed to the founder of Reconstructionist Judaism, Mordecai Kaplan.
Traditional responsibilities for becoming a Bar Mitzvah include:
Because at the age of thirteen, which is when the Bar Mitzva ceremony is held, the young man enters Jewish adulthood and becomes a full member of the adult congregation.
He reads a portion of the Torah, or a Haftarah from the Prophets, with the traditional trope (chant) and blessings. He will have been taught how to do this, as well as some basics about the Torah and mitzvot (Jewish observances). A celebratory meal is customary, and does not have to be in the same place or the same day.
The importance of the Bar Mitzva is that it is a major Jewish life-event and hopefully it will impress upon the young man the value and desirability of exploring and experiencing his heritage.
In this age of generation-gaps, rebelliousness and personal upheavals, many people and families could benefit from the wisdom of their ancient forebears. Today, the major Torah-texts and commentaries are available in translation; and there are outreach organizations and beginner yeshivas which serve to make the full breadth of Torah understandable to whoever is interested. In many instances it is the Bar Mitzva ceremony which sparks the beginning of a youngster's becoming a circumspect, courteous, knowledgeable and respectable peer in his Jewish community.
The Bat Mitzvah takes place in the synagogue.
NO Barmitzvah's are for men. BATmitzvah's are for women
They have Bar Mitzvah ceremonies for boys & Bat Mitzvah ceremonies for girls.
Bat Mitzvah
Bert Metter has written: 'Bar Mitzvah, Bat Mitzvah' -- subject(s): Bar mitzvah, Bat mitzvah, Juvenile literature
Judaism
If youre a boy, your bar Mitzvah!! if youre a girl you do it at 12 and its called a bat Mitzvah! biggest celebration of every Jews life bigger than a wedding
The Bar Mitzvah is a Jewish ceremony that dates to the 13th century and confirms that a Jewish boy has come of age and should be seen as an adult in the community. The celebration of coming of age remains an important rite in Judaism.
Just like you did when you asked the question: Bat Mitzvah.
Yes, the boy is called 'a/the bar mitzvah' which translates as 'son of mitzvah'. For a girl, it would be 'a/the bat mitzvah' 'daughter of mitzvah'.
Orthodox girls do have bat mitzvah celebrations at age 12. Bar mitzvah is at age 13.
13. This is for a boy. A bat mitzvah is for a girl, age twelve.