bar/bat mitzvah

Hebrew meaning "son/daughter of the commandment." The term refers to a person of adult status in the Jewish community. It also refers more commonly to the RITE OF PASSAGE that marks the beginning of adulthood. A Jewish boy is considered to reach religious adulthood at age 13, a girl at age 12. All forms of JUDAISM hold bar mitzvahs for boys. In the 20th century Reform and then Conservative and Reconstructionist Judaism developed a corresponding ritual for girls called bat mitzvah. The bar mitzvah is typically celebrated during a Sabbath SYNAGOGUE service. The heart of the celebration consists of reading in Hebrew the TORAH and Haftarah portions assigned for the day. These are portions selected from the fi rst and second part of the Hebrew BIBLE, respectively. It is also common for the bar mitzvah to comment on the passages read. Because it is newer, the ritual for the bat mitzvah varies. It tends, however, to be observed with the same procedures as a bar mitzvah. A bar/bat mitzvah is a festive occasion. The celebration includes a meal with family and friends and generally the receiving of gifts. It is also a major step in one's religious life. During the service one wears a prayer shawl for the fi rst time in a synagogue. Afterward, a male and, in more liberal congregations, a female can be counted in the minyan or quota needed to hold prayer services.