What Jewish ceremony marks a boy’s religious coming of age at 13?

The Jewish ceremony marking a boy’s religious coming of age at 13 is a bar mitzvah.

The Hebrew phrase bar mitzvah means “son of commandment.” At 13, a Jewish boy traditionally becomes responsible for observing religious commandments according to Jewish law. The milestone is not dependent on a party, although celebrations are common.

In many communities, the boy may be called to the Torah during a synagogue service, chant part of the weekly Torah reading, and deliver a speech. Customs differ among Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and other Jewish communities. The exact service role and celebration format therefore vary.

A bar mitzvah is often confused with brit milah, the Jewish circumcision ceremony held for a baby boy, usually on the eighth day. The parallel ceremony for a girl is called a bat mitzvah, although its age and customs can differ by denomination.