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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.
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