Jewish texts from the time of the codification of the
Mishnah (circa 200 CE) convey the idea that along with
puberty comes responsibility for one's own actions. The
idea of accountability, goes back even further. The great
Samuel ha-Kaṭan writing at the close of the first
century states in a Baraita that the completion of the
thirteenth year marks the age for responsibility to the
commandments.
This concept of responsibility for personal actions and
more importantly adherence and fidelity to the covenant of
Torah was solidified in most Jewish communities as being
generally applicable to girls at age twelve and boys at
thirteen.
Over the centuries, the marking of this passage into
personal responsibility has developed significantly as a
joyous celebration, which some modern critics have stated
may overshadow the original religious significance.
In most non-Orthodox communities, both Bar and Bat Mitzvahs
(literally son or daughter of the commandment) are marked
by the individual's first time to read or chant a section
from the weekly Torah portion and its associated passage in
the Haftarah in Hebrew.
Many communities also require the individual to lead a
section of the service and present a brief commentary on
the text they have read and studied. The custom of
presenting a tallit (prayer shawl). has also become part of
the ritual for many.
In traditional communities the Bar Mitzvah is now counted
as part of the minyan (quorum) required for the public
reading of the Torah from that day forward as well as for
the recitation or repetition of certain prayers such as
Kaddish in the case of the former, and the Amidah in the
case of the latter.
In most traditional communities, the manner in which a
young woman marks her Bat Mitzvah is more limited than in
non-Orthodox communities and the young woman is not counted
as part of the minyan in accordance with Halachah. In
Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist, and Renewal
communities, the celebration of a Bat Mitzvah equals that
of a Bar Mitzvah.
While individual responsibility traditionally begins at 12
(for girls) and 13 (for boys) years of age, the ceremony
itself may be observed at a later time. This practice has
increased in recent years as older individuals not having
celebrated their Bar or Bat Mitzvah's earlier in life
desire to mark their solidarity to the greater Jewish
community and tradition.
Jewish communities often see the Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah
as an opportunity for a Bar or Bat mitzvah to study Hebrew,
Bible, Jewish history, and a basic knowledge of Jewish
prayer and practice.
Of all the challenges associated with becoming a Bar of Bat
Mitzvah perhaps the most challenging is the task of
learning Biblical Hebrew, so an early start is of great
benefit.
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Jacob Lumbroso writes articles on history, foreign
cultures, and Judaism for http://www.judaicaquest.com/
