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Mazel Tov!
By the age of ten, many Jewish boys and girls are busy
studying Jewish oral laws and traditions. Three years
later, they formally become part of a religious society
when they become bound to the commandments (a Bar or
Bat Mitzvah) that is sometimes, but not always held
on the Sabbath immediately following their 13th birthday.
Tradition
The celebration of this religious rite has been a custom
since the Middle Ages. During this era, a young Jewish
man reached majority at the age of twenty. This is when
he was considered to be responsible for his own financial
and military obligations. The only change in his status
as he passed from childhood through adolescence was
at the age of thirteen. This is when his father no longer
was considered responsible for his religious conduct
or education. This was accomplished with the pronouncement
of a simple benediction.
A
Jewish girl is traditionally considered to have reached
her religious majority at the age of twelve years and
one day. Despite her earlier maturity, it is only in recent
years with the growth of Jewish egalitarianism that the
Bat Mitzvah as a religious ceremony has become popular.
In the past, a small family dinner was held to honor the
girl's twelfth birthday, and her parents would simply
recite a traditional blessing freeing them from the responsibility
of her religious conduct. Today, an increasing number
of Jewish congregations have embraced the idea of offering
to thirteen-year old girls the same privileges and responsibilities
at her Bat Mitzvah that a boy receives at his Bar Mitzvah.
The
Celebration
A party celebrating the fulfillment of this religious
commandment (seudat-mitzvah) often follows the religious
ceremony. This may begin with a kiddush (sanctification
of wine and sharing of Hallah). The simhah (joyous celebration)
announces the child's attainment of religious majority
at a party that is held outside of the synagogue. The
Bar Mitzvah (for boys) and Bat Mitzvah (for girls) also
offer some families the opportunity to have an extended
family retreat that may also include a trip to Israel.
We
love to entertain at Bar & Bat Mitzvah celebrations!
They are exciting!! At these events we use our wireless
microphone to act as a Master of Ceremonies and orchestrate
a series of events and games.
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