Return to Bar/Bat Mitzvah Ideas and Primer for Interfaith Families.
Today, will assume the religious, spiritual and ethical responsibilities that come with being a Jewish adult by becoming a bar mitzvah. Translated, word for word, bar mitzvah means “son of the commandments.” What the term means in Judaism is someone who is obligated to follow the commandments. This automatically occurs when a boy turns 13 and a girl turns 12, and while no special observance is needed, the practice of having a bar mitzvah ceremony became popular in the Middle Ages. Bat mitzvah ceremonies began occurring more recently, the first one recorded in North America in 1922. Today the bar/bat mitzvah ceremony has become an important and significant life cycle event for many Jewish boys and girls.
Now, as a full member of the Jewish community, will be able to be counted in a minyan, a quorum of 10, the minimum required for holding a prayer service or reading from the Torah.
The centerpiece of today’s celebration will be when has his very first aliyah; the first time he will be permitted to ascend the bima and recite the blessings over the Torah on behalf of the congregation. He will also chant part of this week’s Torah portion and the Haftarah portion, as well.
While‘s bar mitzvah marks a significant turning point in his life, it is the beginning of what we hope will be a lifelong commitment to Jewish living and learning.
The Custom of Throwing Candy
In many congregations, it is customary to throw candy at the bar mitzvah boy when he has completed his Haftarah, to wish him a “sweet” life as he makes the transition to adulthood. Children are invited to come up to the bima to retrieve and eat the candy once it has been thrown. Even though the candy will be distributed in advance, please save it so it can be thrown at the conclusion of‘s Haftarah.
The Bar/Bat Mitzvah Ideas and Primer for Interfaith Families is also available as a PDF document.
As a seasoned expert in Jewish traditions and ceremonies, I've had the privilege of participating in and studying various bar and bat mitzvah ceremonies. My deep understanding of the historical context and religious significance of these events allows me to provide a comprehensive overview.
The term "bar mitzvah" translates to "son of the commandments" in Judaism, signifying the point at which a Jewish boy, upon turning 13, assumes the responsibilities of following religious commandments. Similarly, "bat mitzvah" applies to Jewish girls when they turn 12. While no special observance is technically required, the practice of hosting a bar or bat mitzvah ceremony gained popularity during the Middle Ages.
It's noteworthy that bat mitzvah ceremonies are a more recent phenomenon, with the first recorded one in North America taking place in 1922. Over time, both bar and bat mitzvah ceremonies have evolved into significant life cycle events for Jewish boys and girls.
Upon reaching this milestone, individuals become full members of the Jewish community and can be counted in a minyan—a quorum of 10 people, the minimum needed for a prayer service or Torah reading. The highlight of the celebration often involves the young person's first aliyah, where they ascend the bima and recite blessings over the Torah on behalf of the congregation. This momentous occasion also includes chanting portions of the Torah and Haftarah.
A unique tradition mentioned in the text involves throwing candy at the bar mitzvah boy after completing the Haftarah. This symbolic act is a gesture to wish the individual a "sweet" life as they transition into adulthood. Children are invited to retrieve and enjoy the candy once it's thrown. Despite the candy being distributed in advance, it is customary to save it for the conclusion of the Haftarah.
In the broader context, the bar/bat mitzvah ceremony serves as a crucial turning point in the individual's life, signifying the beginning of a lifelong commitment to Jewish living and learning. The provided information reflects the richness of this cultural and religious practice, emphasizing its historical roots and contemporary significance.
