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Bar mitzvah and Bat mitzvah in the American context.

In America, most immigrant parents demonstrate their commitment to maintaining their traditions by enrolling their children in Jewish schools. As a result, many parents opt to initiate their children into adulthood by having the bat/ bar mitzvah celebrations, often signified by lavish events. Bar mitzvah and bat mitzvah is a transition stage marked by a sacred ceremony that involves instilling Jewish practices and beliefs to their children after they have reached the age of maturity. This rite of passage is more than the celebrations and recognition and involves a continuous chain of spiritual and religious experiences as a Jew.

Historically, this Judaism practice is a significant rite of passage symbolizing a new phase of life. Bar/bat mitzvah can be described as a significant ceremony that initiates young Jewish girls and boys into adulthood. While bar mitzvah is for boys and a masculine noun, bat mitzvah is for the girls and a feminine noun. Both words translate into a child of God commandments (Munro 15). More specifically, being a bat/bar mitzvah portrays accepting a transition where a boy or girl accepts God’s commandments. It is celebrated when the child turns into an adult at the age of thirteen or twelve years. traditionally, this implies that an individual is under obligation to observe the rituals and commandments of Judaism. Besides, the person can now engage fully in the community life; such as leading in prayers.

Additionally, bar/bat mitzvah is an initiation process that needs intense activity. To begin with, after attaining the maturity age an individual is required to study Hebrew and Judaism for a few years in preparation for the anticipated ceremonial recognition. On the other hand, their families strive to make the occasion memorable by planning for it for a long period. Usually, this milestone is marked with a large celebration and is considered among the most precious moment for young Jews.

The preparation for the actual ceremony occurs in several ways. Before becoming a bar/ bat mitzvah the children are also required to participate in a mitzvah project that may involve helping the needy, homeless, or even volunteering in charitable organizations (Korber 20). In addition, the child must get enrolled in a religious school during the year of the bar/bat mitzvah. America has a great number of jews with the celebration of the bar/ bat mitzvah varying across different communities. As a  matter of fact, the rituals are strangely individual despite occurring in a communal setting. However, the ritual retains key elements with the congregation and the participants shaping its content.

Usually, the bar mitzvah ceremony occurs immediately after or before a boy celebrates their thirteen years birthday. At this age, the boy is considered both emotionally and physically mature. Besides, it is believed that at this age, the young boy can now differentiate between the wrong and rights, and thus could be solely held responsible for their actions. Furthermore, making preparations for the ceremony may take some years and normally intensifies following the year preceding the ceremony (Arlow 189). During these preparations, the Jewish boy must spend quality time studying the practice, its significance and acquire the basic knowledge of the Hebrew language. Also, they should acquire the ability to read and use the Torah scroll, which is the most sacred treasure of the community. However, the central ritual involves reciting the blessing before and after reading a section of the Torah which symbolizes a change in the individual's status. Ideally, for a young man to be considered best prepared for a fulfilling and meaningful Jewish life they must attend a Jewish school, Sunday Hebrew school, or an after-school program. In America, the celebrations usually happen during the Shabbat morning services. The ceremony involves gifts and a celebratory meal, while the father of the boy is expected to recite a thanksgiving prayer to God for allowing their children to reach the maturity stage.

On the other hand, the Bat Mitzvah ceremony also follows the same procedures and occurs shortly after a girl reaches the age of twelve. During this time, the Jewish girls intensively study biblical Hebrew. After the bar/bat mitzvah the children are expected to continue with their Jewish education and also participate in temple activities that will help to nurture and enhance their engagement with  Judaism (Arlow 195). Besides, the ceremony comes with new responsibilities and privileges. It is at this point that the young adults fully engage in synagogue activities and accept the obligations as well as required to set good examples to the society. The initiation is crucial and helps the girls and boys become responsible and also begin living in accordance with the Jewish law. Apart from engaging in synagogue services, young adults are required to wear tefillin daily.

Essentially, the bar/ bat mitzvah rituals have for long been considered a significant part of Jewish life. It is a rite of passage that is more than the celebrations and recognition and involves a continuous chain of spiritual and religious experiences as a Jew. Typically, a successful Jewish parent in America is the one who has raised a child capable of demonstrating their self-identity and affiliation with Judaism and Jewish people. This practice helps young boys and girls attain their independence in a great spiritual experience. Essentially the bar/ bat mitzvah ceremony should be viewed as a start of vibrant life for young jews and a fulfillment of life that comes with their new status. The process is a representation of a goal or a powerful motivation that both parents and their children understand and work hard to attain.

 

 

 

 

Works Cited

Arlow, Jacob A. "A Psychoanalytic Study of a Religious Initiation Rite: Bar Mitzvah." Judaism and Psychoanalysis, 2018, pp. 187-217.

Korber, Ilana. "A Bar Mitzvah Year: Rethinking Ritual." European Judaism, vol. 50, no. 1, 2017.

Munro, Patricia K. Coming of Age in Jewish America: Bar and Bat Mitzvah Reinterpreted. Rutgers UP, 2016.