Why is 13 the age of bar mitzvah?

The age of thirteen is mentioned in the Mishnah as the time one is obligated to observe the Torah’s commandments: “At five years old one should study the Scriptures, at ten years for the Mishnah, at 13 for the commandments…”

What happens at a bat mitzvah ceremony?

Bat Mitzvah ceremony The Bat Mitzvah is only practised by Reform and Liberal Jewish communities. The ceremony follows a similar pattern to the Bar Mitzvah and happens around a girl’s 12th birthday. During her Bat Mitzvah, a girl may read from the Torah or she may instead read a prayer from the Siddur .

What is a bat mitzvah party?

A bar / bat mitzvah party is usually a lavish affair that follows the religious ceremony. They are traditionally been very large and elaborate parties attended by the friends and family of the child who is celebrating their bar mitzvah.

Can you have a bar mitzvah at 15?

In the 20th century, however, many Reform congregations restored bar mitzvah, delaying confirmation until the age of 15 or 16. Numerous Conservative and Reform congregations have instituted a separate ceremony to mark the adulthood of girls, called bat mitzvah.

Is a bat mitzvah for a girl?

Traditionally 13-year-old boys celebrate becoming bar mitzvahs (meaning “sons of commandment”) and 12- or 13-year-old girls celebrate becoming bat mitzvahs (“daughters of commandment”).

Why is bat mitzvah important?

But in the modern era becoming a bat or bar mitzvah has come to mean a service with a significant focus on the child and a fancy celebration. But it is also much more than that. In earlier times, 13 might have been the true start of adulthood. Today it marks the beginning of the transition into a period of growing up.

What is the meaning of number 13 in Judaism?

13 is the age at which a Jewish male becomes obligated to follow Jewish law, the age at which a Bar Mitzvah is attained. Thirteen Attributes of Mercy. Jewish principles of faith according to Maimonides. Number of days of Yom Tov in a year (Diaspora) Months in a leap year on the Hebrew calendar.

Can you have a bar mitzvah at 14?

Traditionally, a bar or bat mitzvah occurs at age 13 for boys and 12 for girls. However, many adult Jews who have never had a bar or bat mitzvah choose to have one later in life, and many who have had one at the traditional age choose to have a second.