A bar mitzvah is a Jewish coming-of-age ceremony for boys that occurs when they turn 13 years old. The term "bar mitzvah" means "son of the commandment" in Hebrew. At this age, the boy becomes responsible for observing Jewish commandments (mitzvot) and is considered a full member of the Jewish community with all the religious rights and obligations of an adult
. The bar mitzvah ceremony typically takes place in a synagogue, often on the Sabbath following the boy’s 13th birthday. During the service, the boy is called up to read from the Torah publicly for the first time, may lead parts of the prayer service, and often delivers a speech or a teaching related to the Torah portion. He also begins wearing tefillin (phylacteries) during weekday morning prayers and can be counted in a minyan (quorum of ten adult males required for certain prayers)
. The bar mitzvah marks the boy’s transition to religious adulthood, meaning he is now personally accountable for fulfilling all Jewish commandments. The event is usually followed by a festive celebration with family and friends
. Historically, the bar mitzvah ceremony developed in the Middle Ages, although the age of 13 as the point of religious majority is mentioned in ancient texts. In modern times, Reform and Conservative Jewish communities may have variations in how the bar mitzvah is celebrated, and there is also a parallel coming-of-age ceremony for girls called a bat mitzvah
. In summary, a bar mitzvah is both a religious milestone and a celebratory event marking a Jewish boy’s entry into adulthood and full participation in Jewish religious life
