A bar or bat mitzvah celebrant’s Torah speech or interpretation is called a d’var Torah.
The Hebrew phrase means “word of Torah.” A d’var Torah usually explains an idea from the week’s Torah portion, connects the passage with Jewish values, and relates the learning to the celebrant’s life or responsibilities. It can be brief or substantially longer depending on the congregation.
The speech is not always delivered in exactly the same way. In some communities, the celebrant gives a formal sermon; in others, the student presents an interpretation, reflects on the portion, or speaks about a mitzvah project. The content is shaped by the congregation and the student’s preparation.
A d’var Torah should not be confused with the haftarah, which is the prophetic reading accompanying the Torah portion. The d’var Torah is an explanation or teaching, not a prescribed biblical reading.