What is a bar mitzvah, what does the term mean and what happens at the ceremony when a Jewish boy turns 13?
The ceremony is seen as the moment a Jewish boy becomes a man and is usually marked with a big party
A BAR mitzvah is a right of passage for Jewish boys.
Here's the lowdown on the ancient coming of age ceremony.
What is a bar mitzvah?
In Judaism when a boy turns 13, he has all the rights and obligations of a Jewish adult, including the commandments of the Torah.
From that date, he is expected to participate in synagogue services and take his place in the Jewish community.
This milestone is often celebrated with a ceremony in synagogue, tefillin wearing and a party afterwards
The lad may read from the Torah, lead services, deliver a speech or, amongst other things, demonstrate his newfound manhood.
What does the term mean?
Bar mitzvah is Hebrew for “son of commandment.”
It is mentioned in the Talmud, which is the primary source of Jewish religious law.
The phrase in context translates to "an [agent] who is subject to the law" and in fact refers to the person, despite being the name used to refer to the ceremony.
RELIGIOUS FESTIVALS
What happens at the ceremony when a Jewish boy turns 13?
Bar mitzvah ceremonies vary somewhat between communities, but the basic components remain the same.
The boy will receive a tefillin which is a black leather box containing parchments inscribed with the Shema and other biblical passages.
He will read publically from the Torah in the synagogue in the traditional Hebrew.
The ceremony will then usually be followed by a party involving food, music and dancing.
It is also expected for the boy to give a speech at the do to mark his new status as a man.
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