Bar Mitzvah Fact #1: It is in the Talmud 

It all starts with the Talmud, an ancient text of oral Jewish traditions and teachings that references bar mitzvah by name, codifying this long-standing cultural practice. Most bar mitzvah ceremonies take place in part at the synagogue on Shabbat, a Jewish word meaning day of rest on the final day of the week, starting Friday at sunset and lasting until sunset on Saturday, though ceremonies can take place elsewhere or may be skipped altogether.

 

Bar Mitzvah Fact #2: Bar Mitzvah Has a Literal Meaning

In Aramaic, the word “bar” means “son” and “mitzvah” means “commandment” in Hebrew. The full term, “bar mitzvah,” means “a young man subject to Jewish law” according to historical and rabbinic usage. 

 

Bar Mitzvah Fact #3: The Plural Form of Bar Mitzvah is B’Nai Mitzvah

On Shabbat, it is common to witness at least one or more bar mitzvah (or bat mitzvah for girls) celebrations in synagogue, particularly in larger houses of worship. These are called b’nai mitzvah (or b’not mitzvah for girls). Sometimes, twins may have a ceremony of their own (called te’omim/te’omot), or the day can be shared amongst various families.

 

Bar Mitzvah Fact #4: It Started in the Middle Ages

Enshrined in the Talmud over a millennia ago, bar mitzvah ceremonies were not widely practiced until the end of the Middle Ages, several hundred years ago, where it emerged as a common ritual. Over time, more practices and activities have been added, culminating in the bar mitzvah rituals that we see today.

As a point of comparison, bat mitzvah celebrations are a relatively modern invention and started in the United States about 100 years ago when Rabbi Mordecai Kaplan, the founder of Reconstructionist Judaism, created the bat mitzvah for his daughter, Judith Kaplan.

 

Bar Mitzvah Fact #5: Some Ceremonies Are for Older Kids

While most bar mitzvahs celebrate the coming of age of a 13-year-old Jewish boy, some reform congregations hold ceremonies for older kids in the 16-17 age group. Gaining popularity in 19th century Germany, some believe that the older age is more appropriate for modern life given the responsibilities typically asked of a 13-year-old. That said, some Reform and Conservative synagogues hold both types of ceremonies to mark the stages of maturation.

 

Bar Mitzvah Fact #6: Prayer Boxes and Prayer Shawls May Be Used

In the actual bar mitzvah ceremony, prayer boxes, also known as tefillin, and prayer shawls, also known as tallit, are commonly used to commemorate the occasion. The prayer boxes contain long scrolls that are inscribed with text from the Torah, and some practices include wearing one box on the head and another on the arm, both held in place with straps. 

After donning a prayer shawl and the prayer boxes, it is common to read and recite sections of the Torah, which represents the Aliyah honor, or an elevation or ascension.

Bar Mitzvah Fact #7: A Bar Mitzvah Is a Person, Not an Event

While many bar mitzvah attendees may confuse the two, a bar mitzvah is not a ceremony or party, it is a person. What is being celebrated is the guest of honor’s ascension into adulthood, not the ceremony itself. 

Bar Mitzvah Fact #8: A Bar Mitzvah Ceremony Is Not Required

For those of the Jewish faith, reaching bar mitzvah is not a voluntary practice and does not need to be accompanied by a lavish ceremony or a huge bar mitzvah party. Just by reaching the age of 13, a Jewish male becomes bar mitzvah, even if they do not commemorate the occasion in synagogue. In fact, many bar mitzvah celebrations today have no religious component and may only be celebrated with a lavish or modest get-together of family and friends.

 

Bar Mitzvah Fact #9: Preparation for a Bar Mitzvah Takes a Lifetime

Some families may start preparing for a bar mitzvah up to a year before their child turns 13. However, a bar mitzvah is the culmination of their entire life, and it marks the acceptance of Jewish law as an adult. Many children will have spent years learning how to do mitzvahs and the various religious connotations and meanings involved, whereas a bar mitzvah represents the end of childhood.

 

Bar Mitzvah Fact #10: Tefillin Is Not Just for Orthodox Jews

The wearing of tefillin, or prayer shawls, dates to the time of Moses. While Reform leaders in the 18th century rejected many of these practices, modern bar mitzvah ceremonies have started to integrate these rich cultural practices to provide a link to historical times.

 

Bar Mitzvah Fact #11: Adults Can Celebrate A Bar Mitzvah

While a bar mitzvah is not a ceremony or party, a Jewish man that is older than the age of 13 can still celebrate with a bar mitzvah party or celebration of their own. Typically reserved for those that did not have a bar mitzvah celebration growing up, a belated bar mitzvah can represent an opportunity for a blow-out party at any age. It will not change becoming bar mitzvah on their 13th birthday, but it’s a great way for converts and others that didn’t have an opportunity to celebrate a bar mitzvah at 13 to mark the occasion.