In traditional Jewish practice, a boy becomes a bar mitzvah at age 13. The term means “son of the commandment,” indicating that he is regarded as responsible for observing Jewish religious obligations.
Bar mitzvah is not originally the name of a party or ceremony; it describes the person who reaches the relevant age. Contemporary celebrations often include being called to read from the Torah, leading parts of a service, giving a speech, and gathering with family and friends.
The corresponding term for a girl is bat mitzvah, meaning “daughter of the commandment.” In many Jewish communities, girls celebrate bat mitzvah at age 12, while some traditions use age 13. Customs vary by denomination and community.
A common misconception is that the ceremony itself creates religious maturity. In traditional Jewish law, the age has legal significance independently of whether a large celebration takes place. The exact expectations for participation differ across Jewish movements.