WHAT IS A BAR MITZVAH?
Bar Mitzvah literally translates as “son of commandment.” The word “bar” means “son” in Aramaic, which was the commonly spoken vernacular language of the Jewish people (and much of the Middle East) from around 500 B.C.E. to 400 C.E. The word “mitzvah” is Hebrew for “commandment.” The term “bar mitzvah” refers to two things: • First, when a boy comes of age at 13-years-old he has become a “bar mitzvah” and is recognized by Jewish tradition as having the same rights as a full grown man. A boy who has become a Bar Mitzvah is now morally and ethically responsible for his decisions and actions. • The term “bar mitzvah” also refers to the religious ceremony that accompanies a boy becoming a Bar Mitzvah. Often a celebratory party will follow the ceremony and that party is also called a bar mitzvah. This article is about the religious ceremony and party referred to as a bar mitzvah. For more information about becoming bar mitzvah please read:
