In a Jewish bar or bat mitzvah ceremony, the speech or teaching traditionally delivered by the celebrant is called a d’var Torah.
D’var Torah means “a word of Torah” or “a Torah matter.” It is a short interpretation or reflection on a biblical passage, especially the week’s Torah portion. A bar or bat mitzvah celebrant may use the d’var Torah to connect the ancient text with ethical questions, family experiences, or responsibilities associated with Jewish adulthood.
The d’var Torah is not a fixed prayer and does not have one required format. Its length, language, and style vary by congregation. Some communities call the speech a derashah, a related Hebrew term for an interpretive sermon or exposition. The celebrant may speak in the local language, Hebrew, or both. Because the d’var Torah explains rather than replaces the Torah reading, it usually follows or accompanies the service’s reading and blessings.