Bar Mitzvah is both a joyous and solemn religious and lifetime milestone in the life of a Jewish male. According to Jewish law, the male goes from being a boy of twelve to a man of 13. With the Bar Mitzvah, according to Jewish law, a boy becomes an adult. Bar Mitzvah actually translates to “son of the commandment” and at this age, can take part in religious ceremonies, observe the commandments, and to count in a minyan, to form binding contracts, testify before courts, and marry. This is a solemn, religious ceremonial rite of passage of the greatest importance within the Jewish Faith.

The bar mitzvah rite of passage is steeped in traditions literally going back hundreds of years. They are typically celebrated with a festive, kosher meal, where family and friends share in the celebration of the bar mitzvah boy’s entrance into adulthood. During the meal, friends and relatives give speeches of encouragement to not only celebrate the honor of becoming an adult, but to impress upon the bar mitzvah boy how important it is that he undertakes his new role of full-fledged Jewish adult with joy, and encourages the purpose of adding spirituality to their lives.

At this time the previous exposure to the Torah is heightened, and on the following Shabbat, the Jewish Sabbath, he will be called to the Torah during morning services at the synagogue to recite the blessing on the Haftorah. Many have already spent years studying the Torah under the tutelage of scholars, and are able, at this time to read the weekly Torah portion. The Bar Mitzvah celebration is secondary to the changes that are expected to take place in this rite of passage from childhood into adulthood, when they stop putting themselves and their needs above that of their people, and the kind of person they want to become as individuals within the network of their faith.

Lest you think this celebration dull, most parties turn into a teen bash after the adults leave, with live music, dancing, and singing. This is the party of a young Jewish male’s life. Indeed, the Bar Mitzvah is a celebration of life.

Source by Gail Leino