Torah Inspirations>Bar Mitzvah/ Bat Mitzvah continued

The traditional Bar Mitzvah is marked by the calling up of the Bar Mitzvah boy to read from the Torah in the synagogue.  On the Shabbat after the 13th birthday (according to the Jewish calendar), the Bar Mitzvah boy is called up to the Torah to recite a blessing over the weekly reading.  In some communities he reads from the Torah and/or the Haftorah. One interesting custom raises much excitement in the synagogue: At the conclusion of his final blessing, the Bar Mitvah boy is good-naturedly pelted with candies by friends and relatives.  The father traditionally recites a blessing thanking G-d for removing the burden of responsibility for his son's sins (now that the child is considered old enough to be held responsible for himself).

The Bar Mitzvah/ Bat Mitzvah celebration is a relatively modern custom.  There are different practices regarding what is done at a Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitvah celebration. Often there is a meal and the Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah celebrant is required to make a speech or Dvar Torah expressing the significance of the occasion. It is important that the new adult appreciate that this is a celebration of maturity and responsibility, which will hopefully carry through for the rest of their life.

In some movements of Judaism, the girls celebrate their Bat Mitzvah in the exactly same way as the boys.  In Orthodox practise, women to not participate in religious services with the same status as men, so in some circles, the Bat Mitzvah celebrations, if celebrated, is not much more than a party.  However in recent times Bat Mitzvah celebrations, in all streams of Judaism, have become wonderful and creative ways to celebrate the young girl’s entry in to the Jewish community.  From charity drives, to food and clothes collections, to learning projects, to Israel trips, the lack of ordained Bat Mitzvah celebration has resulted in countless ways to learn about and celebrate the young women’s entry into Judaism.  

If you are interested in hearing about more ways to celebrate or enhance your Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah, email us at office@torahinspirations.com.

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