Bar Mitzvah

Rights and Obligations

Bar mitzvah is Hebrew for “son of commandment.” When a Jewish boy turns 13, he has all the rights and obligations of a Jewish adult, including the commandments of the Torah. From that date, he will wear tefillin on a daily basis, participate in synagogue services and take his place in the Jewish community. This milestone—called a bar mitzvah—is often celebrated with a ceremony in synagogue, tefillin wearing, and parties. The celebrant may be called to the Torah, lead services, deliver a speech or otherwise demonstrate his newfound status.

The bar mitzvah is automatic, whether or not a celebration or special ceremony is held. But since becoming a bar mitzvah is such an important milestone and joyous occasion, we make a point of celebrating together with family and friends.

The Party

Jewish adulthood comes with many responsibilities, but it is also an enormous privilege. One would be hard-pressed to think of a more joyous occasion to celebrate than a bar mitzvah. In fact, according to some opinions, to arrange a feast in honour of a bar mitzvah is a mitzvah in itself!

Most bar mitzvah celebrations take place directly after the synagogue ceremony and include a festive meal followed by music (if it is not Shabbat) and dancing.

When choosing a date, keep in mind that if you are not able to have the party on the day of the actual Bar Mitzvah (i.e. the boy’s thirteenth Jewish birthday) you should plan an additional small celebration on that day.

In some communities it is customary for the bar mitzvah boy to chant the Torah reading, or at least one section of it. Others have the custom of honouring the bar mitzvah boy with the final aliyah, known as “Maftir,” after which he chants the haftarah–the reading from the prophets which follows the Shabbat Torah reading.

However many are of the opinion that this custom has no source, and is therefore not a requirement for the bar mitzvah ceremony or party.