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In recent years, Bar Mitzvahs (for a boy) or Bat Mitzvahs (for a girl) have become reason for a big celebration with family and friends that can be easily compared to anniversaries and weddings. But where does this tradition come from?

According to Jewish Law, every Jewish boy becomes a bar mitzvah at age 13. “Bar” is “son”, “Bat” is “daughter” and “Mitzvah” is “commandment” in both Hebrew and Aramaic. So “Bar Mitzvah” literally means “son of the commandment”, but the term is often misused to refer to the coming of age ceremony itself. The tradition of celebrating this event goes back to 15th century, and was initially meant for boys only.

Contrary to what many believe, the bar mitzvah ceremony did not originate from the Bible; it was known long before the Jewish religion existed. Historians have discovered evidence of such rites of passage in ancient tribes and cultures. Ancient rituals usually involved some sort of initiation: hunting, cooking, tests of strength, speed or skills to prove they had become a man. Eventually the emphasis changed from physical coming-of-age to spiritual.
According to Torah, a bar mitzvah becomes obligated by God’s commandments, i.e. becomes eligible to count in a prayer quorum, lead prayer services, testify before a religious court ant to marry. After reaching 13 years of age, Jewish boys and girls are considered adults and are fully responsible for their moral and religious duties in addition to becoming a full member of the Jewish community.

Even though the bar mitzvah ceremony is not required by law and does not fulfill any commandment, today many families celebrate the occasion of a boy becoming a man with lavish parties, often at the most extraordinary Bar/Bat Mitzvah party venues. In its most basic form, a bar mitzvah is the celebrant’s first aliyah. During Shabbat services on a Saturday shortly after the child’s 13th birthday, or even the Monday or Thursday weekday services immediately after the child’s 13th birthday, the celebrant is called up to the Torah to recite a blessing over the weekly reading. Today, it is common practice for the bar mitzvah celebrant to do much more. The celebrant usually learns the entire haftarah portion and recites it, or leads part of the service, or leads the congregation in certain important prayers. The celebrant is also generally required to make a speech, which usually begins with the phrase “today I am a man”. The father traditionally recites a blessing thanking God for removing the burden of being responsible for the son’s sins.

The bar or bat mitzvah is a relatively modern innovation, not mentioned in the Talmud, and the elaborate ceremonies and receptions that are commonplace today were unheard of as recently as a century ago. Nowadays, the religious service is followed by a celebration at a Bar/Bat Mitzvah party venue that is often as fancy as a wedding venue. Gifts are commonly given at the reception, not at the service itself, and the nature of the gift varies significantly depending on the community. At one time, the most common gifts were college supplies; today, however, the gifts are the same sort that you would give any child for his 13th birthday. The newest Bar Mitzvah tradition is a Party Theme with favors like glow whistles, hats, masks, party-poppers and confetti to add the special touches.