A Jewish boy traditionally becomes a bar mitzvah at age 13.
The Hebrew phrase bar mitzvah means “son of the commandment.” It describes both the person and the milestone at which Jewish religious responsibility traditionally begins for boys. A ceremony commonly includes being called to read from the Torah and reciting blessings in a synagogue.
The event is not simply a birthday party. It marks a change in religious status, although families and communities celebrate it in many different ways. The related term bat mitzvah means “daughter of the commandment” and is associated with girls’ coming of age.
Customs differ among Jewish movements and communities, especially regarding ceremony format and the age used for girls. The age 13 for boys, however, is the standard traditional answer. The celebration may take place on or after the boy’s 13th Hebrew birthday, depending on the synagogue calendar.