The Bar Mitzvah: What Makes The Celebration So Sacred?

By Author: ben austen
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If you are a parent planning a bar mitzvah for your young son, that ancient Jewish tradition of celebration of a boy from his childhood boys into adulthood, there are many different ideas out there for pulling of this sacred celebration in style.

But to begin with, it is very important that you know your history and keep to its traditions if you want to keep close to tradition as possible. Many have ideas about what the bar mitzvah is about and for, and are equally surprised to learn that it is much more about living in reflection of God as it is about celebration.

As you likely already know, the bar mitzvah is celebrated by Jewish people all over the world. It is an ancient celebration of coming of age that, not surprisingly, has also been transformed over time since its inception. However, it is comforting to know that many of the traditions associated with it have remained relatively the same.

The most critical formal act of the ceremony begins with the reading of the five books of Moses in The Torah, the equivalent of the Bible in Judaism. These five books are divided into 54 sections following an annual ...
... cycle.

Each week on Shabbat, one portion of the Torah is read in the synagogue. On the Shabbat immediately following a boy's 13th birthday (or 12th birthday if the child is a girl), the boy (or girl) is summoned to read the Haftorah, a portion of the Torah from the biblical prophets.

According to Wikipedia, the Haftorah is traditionally read with a unique rhythm and melody. It’s not something that is taken lightly or rushed. Then, immediately after the service, the synagogue congregation will typically join in what is called a “kiddush,” which is a small lunch that begins with a blessing over wine.

Next, there is a reception. Usually the reception takes place after the synagogue service and is held in honor of the boy who is now becoming a young adult, with privileges and authority to read and interpret the Torah on his own.

The reception is not exactly like a tea party, and in fact, it’s much more akin to a more informal party, but these days, can be as wild and crazy as any Christian-based birthday celebration for a teenager.

Do not be mistaken however, because the reception is still formal and one of the traditions usually conducted during the big party is for the boy to give what is called a Bar Mitzvah speech. This marks the boy’s commitment to his traditional Jewish faith and laws and incorporates Torah readings.

Typically, the boy receives a gift from his family, which can range from a iPhone or some other popular electronic device to something more traditional, such as a yarmulke, prayer shawl or spiritual books about the faith of Judaism, such as a translation of the Torha.

It is widely believed that the tradition of the bar mitzvah and its spiritual significance are set aside once the party ends and the gift-giving is over. This is not true. In fact, what is expected is that the boy continue to read and study the Torah on a regular basis, as he is now obligated to become what is referred to as a “Living Torah.”

The transition from childhood to manhood should be fun and lively, but also spiritual and somewhat serious, as it is, at its core, a celebration marking the beginning of a young man’s dedication to living a godly life, studying the Torah and passing these same traditions on to his own family members down the line.

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