Changes

Jewish boys become adults for religious purposes when they turn 13. They become a '''Bar Mitzvah,''' ('''בר מצוה''') meaning son of the commandment, signifying they are henceforth responsible for following [[Jewish law]].  It is customary to mark the transition with a ceremony in which the boy is given an honor in the [[Synagogue]] service, which he is now entitled to perform. Most often this involve saying blessings over the [[Torah]] reading and chanting the weekly portion from the [[Prophet]]s. A celebration follows, which can be quite elaborate.

Jewish boys become adults for religious purposes when they turn 13. They become a '''Bar Mitzvah,''' ('''בר מצוה''') meaning son of the commandment, signifying they are henceforth responsible for following [[Jewish law]].  It is customary to mark the transition with a ceremony in which the boy is given an honor in the [[Synagogue]] service, which he is now entitled to perform. Most often this involve saying blessings over the [[Torah]] reading and chanting the weekly portion from the [[Prophet]]s. A celebration follows, which can be quite elaborate.

In the twentieth century a parallel observance for girls, usually at age 12, has developed. It is known as '''Bat Mitzvah,''' daughter of the commandment.

In the twentieth century a parallel observance for girls, usually at age 12, has developed. It is known as '''[[Bat Mitzvah]],''' daughter of the commandment.

[[Category:Judaism]]

[[Category:Judaism]]