Bat mitzvah is the female Jewish coming-of-age ceremony usually held at age 12.
The Hebrew phrase means “daughter of the commandment.” In Jewish tradition, reaching bat mitzvah status signifies that a girl becomes personally responsible for observing religious commandments, rather than having that responsibility rest primarily with her parents.
Customs vary by denomination and community. A bat mitzvah may involve participation in a synagogue service, reading from the Torah or Haftarah, giving a speech, and a celebratory meal or reception. Some communities hold the ceremony at 13, while others use different age conventions.
Bat mitzvah should not be confused with the separate bar mitzvah term, traditionally used for boys. Both expressions describe religious majority, but the age and ritual details can vary across Jewish movements.