Bar Mitzvah

From Giftypedia

[edit] What does it mean?

Bar Mitzvah means son of the Commandment. It refers to the child who is coming of age. It is correct to refer to someone as becoming a bar mitzvah. Today the term is commonly used to describe the ceremony.

[edit] Traditions

According to Jewish law children are not obligated to observe the commandments. They are encouraged to learn the obligations they will have as adults. At the age of 13 boys become obligated to follow the commandments. The bar mitzvah is a formal ceremony marking the assumption of obligations along with the right to take part in religious services, to count in minya, the smallest number of people allowed to perform in a ceremony, form binding contracts, testify before religious courts and marry.

Automatically at the age of 13 a boy becomes a bar mitzvah. No ceremony is needed, it does not fulfill or observe any commandment and is not necessary. The ceremony is a modern innovation. The elaborate ceremonies and receptions were unheard of a century ago.

The earliest and basic form of the bar mitzvah is the of age child's first aliya or reading of the Torah. Shortly after the child's 13th birthday he is called to read the Torah and recite a blessing over the reading.

Bar mitzvah gifts should not be given at the religious service. Not all members of the service may be part of the reception and it would be inappropriate to give a personal gift at a religious ceremony.

[edit] Bar Mitzvah Gifts Ideas

• Books of Religious or Educational value
• Religious Items
• Writing Implements
• Saving Bond
• Magazine Subcriptions
• Camera
• Music
• Video Games

[edit] Related Topics

• Gift Giving for Life's Milestones
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