The term Bar Mitzvah is typically translated as "son of the commandment", and Bat Mitzvah as "daughter of the commandment". In Biblical Hebrew, however, the word "bar" or "bat" could also mean "subject to," e.g., a particular tax, penalty, or obligation; therefore a more accurate translation of the term may actually be "subject to commandment." The plural form term for people of obligation is B'nai Mitzvah, or B'not Mitzvah if all the people are female, though when referring to multiple celebrations, many mistakenly say "Bar" or "Bat Mitzvot."
Jewish law holds parents accountable for their children's misdeeds. And since moms and dads, as of their child's "coming of age," are now no longer liable if their little darling cause damage, steal or lie, it's cause for celebration. It is also a reason to be joyful for the bar mitzvah boy and bat mitzvah girl, who are now at the age when personal responsibility begins. This new accountability is cause for celebration, for both the parents and for the child can now be proud of the new responsibility.
Under Jewish Law, children are not obligated to observer the commandments, although they are encouraged to do so as much as possible to learn the obligations they will have as an adult. The Bar mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah are a "rite of passage," a crossover from childhood to adulthood. At the age of 12 for girls and 13 for boys, children become obligated to observer the commandments. The Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah ceremony formally marks the assumption of that obligation, along with the corresponding right to take part in leading religious services, to count in a minyan, to form binding contracts, to testify before religious courts and to marry.
It is common practice for the Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah celebrants to do more than just say the blessing. It is most common for the celebrant to learn the entire haphtarah portion, including its traditional chant, and recite that. In some congregations, the celebrant reads the entire weekly torah portion, or leads part of the service, or leads the congregation in certain important prayers. The celebrant is also required to make a speech, which traditionally begins with the phrase, “today I am a man.” The father recites a blessing thanking God for removing the burden of being responsible for the son’s sins.
The Bar Mitzvah service is followed by a reception that is sometimes as elaborate as a wedding reception, so you should ensure your personalized Bar Mitzvah invitations are appropriate for the Bar Mitzvah celebration!
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