What is the Meaning of Bar Mitzvah?

The meaning of bar mitzvah is son of the commandment. But what does this mean? This occasion marks the day when a young Jewish male is considered a man in the eyes of the Jewish spiritual community, which is when he turns 13 years of age. After this age, a young man is held morally and spiritually accountable for his actions. Before this age, the boy's parents are held morally and spiritually accountable for his actions. As you can imagine, the bar mitzvah is a time of great pride for the young male celebrating it as well as his parents, relatives and friends.

The traditional bar mitzvah includes a reading from the Torah in addition to speeches given by the man of honor and sometimes his father and/or grandfather. Of course, this event is also a big party. It is similar in nature to a wedding reception. There are speeches, music, food, games and more. The bar mitzvah is meant to not only be spiritually significant but also a great deal of fun. It is a time for honor, pride and celebration. In addition to the bar mitzvah, there is the bat mitzvah.

The term bat mitzvah means daughter of the commandment and is very similar to a bar mitzvah. The bat mitzvah is held when a girl turns 12 years of age. At this time she is considered a woman according to Jewish law, and like a young man is then held spiritually and morally accountable for her actions. The bat mitzvah is almost identical to a bar mitzvah and features speeches, music, dancing, games and food.

When it comes to the meaning of bar mitzvah, it goes beyond spiritual accountability. The meaning is often one of transition from child to young adult. It is a time when a young man gains a greater sense of self and takes on more personal responsibility. This day might mean something different to everyone. Many parents see this day as the moment their little boy grows into a fine young man. This is why on the day of a bar mitzvah there is often tears and joy. The emotional experience of this day is something every Jewish family will remember for years to come.

Copyright 2007 Jack G. Nelson - All Rights Reserved

Bar Mitzvah News:
TO resident needs donations for project - Thousand Oaks Acorn

TO resident needs donations for project
Thousand Oaks Acorn
Local resident Evan Dorval is asking for assistance from the community to help him complete his bar mitzvah project. His bar mitzvah is scheduled to take .

..


Incoming bar mitzvah tourism - Ynetnews

Incoming bar mitzvah tourism
Ynetnews
The bar mitzvah celebrated by the son and nephew of White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel in Jerusalem in May shines a light on a trend that has been .

and more »
..


Finding the beat to our wedding day
By choosing the Waters Edge as the venue for our wedding, we already had our biggest decision made, so we figured we would focus on the next key element, the music. Besides a nice ambiance, food and drinks, music definitely makes a party. Tracey and I both agreed that we wanted a band versus a DJ. Since we have recently attended so many of our friends weddings, we have heard some amazing bands...


Bat Mitzvah Party And Invitation: Help!? | Bar mitzvah speeches
Get involved in the lastest discussions about Bat Mitzvah Party And Invitation: Help!?. Hear the latest ideas at [webiste]...


The dark soul of Solondz
The polarizing director of 'Welcome to the Dollhouse' and 'Happiness' recasts characters from the latter film to similarly unsettling effect in 'Life During Wartime.' Directors don't normally travel with theme music, but as Todd Solondz walks in the door, the Rolling Stones' "Sympathy for the Devil" comes over the house stereo. It's a fitting bit of serendipity, given that Solondz's films are ...


LeBron Gets Booed Chris Paul Makes Collusion Jokes at Carmelo and .
Couple of questions answered for you: 1) No, we're not related, thank you for asking; 2) Yes, being in NYC and getting booed is better than whatever would ....


'Papa' taught many
Asher Edelstein had four grandchildren, but he was like a "Papa" to many more...


Technorati Tags: ,