Bar/Bat Mitzvah

Question 2

boy

What is a Bar Mitzvah?

Answer 2

Means son of the Commandment.
Celebrates coming of age of a 13 year old boy.

Considered old enough to be responsible for their own actions.

Question 3

girl

What is a Bat Mitzvah?

Answer 3

Daughter of the Commandment
Celebrates coming of age of a 12 year old girl.

Question 4

How do Jews celebrate bar mitzvah

Answer 4

First shabbat after birthday.
Called to read the torah at normal service.
Wears Tallit.
Short speech.
Declared by father to be responsible for his actions.
Celebratory meal or party.

Question 5

How is a girls bat mitzvah different for Reform and Orthodox

Answer 5

Reform: Girls will be the same as the boys
Orthodox: Marked with a party and religious gifts as girls do not have a role of speaking in the synagogue.
Gives a speech.
Preparing for a women’s role in the house.

Question 6

Why are they relevant

Answer 6

Gaining responsibilities over actions and becoming an adult.
Responsibility for the Torah.
Learn about heritage and grow closer to family members.