In a traditional Jewish coming-of-age ceremony, the celebrant becomes responsible for observing the commandments.
This idea is expressed directly in the terms bar mitzvah and bat mitzvah, which mean “son of the commandment” and “daughter of the commandment.” The milestone signifies that the young person is now personally accountable for religious obligations that were previously carried by parents or guardians in a child’s education.
The commandments, or mitzvot, include religious duties, ethical responsibilities, and practices connected with Jewish communal life. The exact interpretation and observance of particular commandments differs among Jewish movements and families.
A bar or bat mitzvah celebration is therefore more than a birthday party, even though it often includes a meal and gifts. The public service may demonstrate new skills such as Torah chanting, prayer leadership, or teaching. The ceremony’s details vary, but the central theme is the young person’s developing relationship to Jewish obligation and community.