BAR MIZVAH Meaning and
Definition
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Bar Mitzvah (also spelled "bar mitzvah") is a term mostly associated with Judaism, referring to a religious and cultural ceremony that marks the coming of age of Jewish boys. The phrase originates from Hebrew, with "bar" meaning "son" or "age of," and "mitzvah" translating to "commandment," specifically referring to the religious obligations a Jewish person is expected to uphold.
The Bar Mitzvah typically takes place when a Jewish boy turns thirteen years old. During this ceremony, the boy is recognized as reaching the age of legal religious responsibility and understanding, switching from being considered a child to an adult in the eyes of the Jewish community. The event commonly involves the young boy's first public reading from the Torah, the sacred Jewish scripture, in the synagogue. The Bar Mitzvah marks the beginning of the boy's obligation to actively participate in religious rituals and to fulfill the commandments specified in Jewish law.
Beyond its religious significance, the Bar Mitzvah has grown to become a celebration of great importance in Jewish culture. It is often accompanied by a festive party or reception, where family, friends, and members of the community come together to honor and celebrate the young man's milestone. The event acts as a rite of passage, symbolizing the boy's newfound maturity and his inclusion in the adult Jewish community.
Common Misspellings for BAR MIZVAH
- bar mitvah
- bar mitzvah
- var mizvah
- nar mizvah
- har mizvah
- gar mizvah
- bzr mizvah
- bsr mizvah
- bwr mizvah
- bqr mizvah
- bae mizvah
- bad mizvah
- baf mizvah
- ba5 mizvah
- ba4 mizvah
- bar nizvah
- bar kizvah
- bar jizvah
- bar muzvah
- bar mjzvah
Etymology of BAR MIZVAH
The word "bar mitzvah" (spelled with an "i" instead of a "z") is derived from the Hebrew language. "Bar" (בַּר) means "son", and "mitzvah" (מִצְוָה) means "commandment" or "good deed". Therefore, "bar mitzvah" translates to "son of the commandment" or "son of good deeds". It is a Jewish coming-of-age ceremony for boys, which marks the age of religious maturity and responsibility, usually celebrated at the age of 13.
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