On turning thirteen, a Jewish boy experiences a significant milestone celebrated in the form of a Bar Mitzvah. The Hebrew word ‘Bar Mitzvah’ translates to ‘son of the commandment,’ which emphasises the importance of the religious and symbolic obligations he will now have to take on for himself. Traditionally, a Bar Mitzvah is a spiritual event where the bar mitzvah and his family celebrate his transition from childhood to adulthood.
As a person’s age is not essential in the Jewish religion, the Bar Mitzvah ceremony is significant because it marks the moment they are accepted into adulthood and given specific responsibilities within their faith. They are responsible for their own decisions and obligations to follow Jewish law.
The ceremony also allows the bar mitzvah to publicly read and study a portion of the Torah, which forms part of the celebration. Along with this, the bar mitzvah also reads a prayer called the Havdalah. During the ceremony, the bar mitzvah is presented with a symbolic gift such as a prayerbook, a unique hat, or a Torah scroll wrapped in a particular fabric, each of which serves to remind him of his duties to uphold his religion. When you need Bar Mitzvah Cards, go to //cazenovejudaica.com/uk/cards/bar-mitzvah
A celebratory gathering also marks the day of the Bar Mitzvah. In many cultures, this is a big celebration and one which is accompanied by a feast. It is a time of great joy as the family comes together to mark this momentous occasion. The Bar Mitzvah marks a transition in a boy’s life and is an event that usually remains important to him for the rest of his life.