The age of thirteen is a challenging, exciting and transitional time for anyone when they reach it. You’ve gotten over the whole “being a kid” phase of your life, and now it’s time to start thinking about what you’re going to do in adulthood. All the while still being a kid yourself! For the people of the Jewish faith, it’s seen as a very important time. It is the time of great rejoicing and celebration, plus a good amount of trepidation, as it is time for the young person to have their Bar, if a boy, or Bat, if a girl Mitzvah.
Whilst there are a lot of profound traditions to be observed, there is also generally a celebration as well. A party is usually organised, and there is the sending of Bar Mitzvah Cards, like those you can get from cazenovejudaica.com/uk, to the lucky young girl or boy.
It heralds the start of a new beginning in the life of the thirteen-year-old. They are, as the words translate, literally becoming a part of the Jewish community. It means that they are seen as responsible for their actions and that they can take part in the religious and traditional life of the Jews. The reading of the Torah and placing a tallit and tefillin on the body and head shows that the youngster can now fully embody the tenants of the religion in their lives.
