things you should know about a bar mitzvah

Things You Should Know About a Bar Mitzvah

If you've just been invited to a Bar Mitzvah, and you don't know what it is or what to do, this article will tell you about this ancient tradition, and the various aspects associated with it.

What Happens at a Bar Mitzvah
Bar Mitzvah is a coming-of-age ceremony for Jewish boys. In this ceremony, the teen takes responsibility for his actions henceforth. He recites a few lines from the Torah, a holy book in Jewish traditions, and proclaims his vow to hold his promises. Though we say he has a Bar Mitzvah, it's actually a status he undertakes after turning thirteen. The Bar Mitzvah usually takes place on the first Shabbat after the kid's birthday. Tefillin are two square leather boxes which contain parchments of Torah verses. The two boxes are worn on the hand and arm. It states the two principles with which we can be closer to Him, by thought (represented by head) and action (represented by arm). It's a tradition to wear tefillin at the time of Bar Mitzvah. The boy always gives a speech after reading a few verses from the Torah. The purpose of the speech is to talk about the lessons he has learned from the Torah and share it with everyone. After the ceremony ends, the boy is usually pelted with candy. At this point, the father recites some lines from the Torah, and thanks God that he won't be punished for the sins of his son. Everyone offer him their congratulations, or Mazel tov in Hebrew, upon completing the ceremony. The Bar Mitzvah also lights a candle for those who passed away recently, and recites a few lines that are prepared in the form of a poem. The Bar Mitzvah service is followed by a light reception, called a kiddush.
Attire, Food, and Celebrations
Family members are usually dressed in formal attire; the women wear dresses. You can wear any formal attire to the Bar Mitzvah, and wear something casual at the party, or anything related to the theme of the party. The Bar Mitzvah traditional food normally served is challah (double-braided bread), latke (potato pancakes), matzo ball soup (matzah, eggs, water, and chicken fat), roast beef, corn beef, and turkey. If it's a kosher night, then you can expect a lot of the food to be made from dairy products. The spread consists of pasta, salads made from kosher, different kinds of quiche, and lasagna. A DJ is hired to keep the kids entertained, while the adults engage in cocktails. Usually, the traditional Jewish dance of Hora is done, and it is real fun. A caricature artist is hired for entertainment purposes, and part gifts usually emblazoned with the kid's name are provided in the form of T-shirts and key chains.
Gifts
Present time Bar Mitzvah gatherings are lavish parties, instead of a simple closed ceremony. The hosts invite close friends and family. Boys usually receive gifts in the form of cash and books, while girls receive jewelry. Gifts given in the form of cash are usually given in multiples of 18, as the word for eighteen in Hebrew rhymes with 'chai', the Jewish word for life. Tefillin is usually gifted by the grandparents, as it is expensive. Gifts can be given in the form of educational and religious books and items, or even bonds. Nowadays, most people give stuff like gift certificates, iTunes gift cards, iPods, or a favorite video game according to the boy's likes. Bar Mitzvah means to be educated in the laws of the Torah, and is an ongoing process. With the closing of this ceremony, the boy has unofficially reached adulthood, and is responsible for his own actions. It is a stepping stone for a more deep and mature insight to Jewish learning.

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