The Rite of Passage: Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah

History

The celebration of Bar/Bat Mitzvah commemorates the maturation and the rite of passage for Jewish boys and girls. This special event calls for the giving of gifts and a large gathering. The Bar Mitzvah for boys began in the 15th century while the Bat Mitzvah for girls was a tradition started during the 19th century.

The words Bar Mitzvah themselves are from Aramaic-Hebrew and literally mean "A male to whom the commandments pertain." This means that this child has "reached the age of legal maturity" and therefore becomes "obligated to observe all the commandments" (Encarta).

The 10 Commandmemnts are:

1. I am the Lord your God , you shall have no other Gods before me.

2. You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth.

3. You should not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.

4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.

5. Honor your father and mother.

6. You shall not murder.

7. You shall not commit adultery.

8. You shall not steal.

9. You shall not lie.

10. You shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor.

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