Bar Mitzvah/Bat Mitzvah Learning objectives: What happens at a Bar/Bat Mitzvah service and why The symbolism behind wearing Tefillin and Tallit. the importance to family and community of Bar/Bat Mitzvah the differences between Bat Mitzvah services of boys and girls

Key words Key word Bar Mitzvah definition son of the commandment Orthodox Jewsfollowers of a traditional branch of Judaism

What is Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah? Move from being a child to being an adult. Move from being a child to being an adult. Judaism says a boy is a "bar mitzvah" when he turns 13 and a girl becomes "bat mitzvah" when she turns 12. Judaism says a boy is a "bar mitzvah" when he turns 13 and a girl becomes "bat mitzvah" when she turns 12. The child is now responsible for what they do. If they do anything wrong, it is their fault and not their parents’. The child is now responsible for what they do. If they do anything wrong, it is their fault and not their parents’.

The children must now make sure that they follow the Jewish laws. No ceremony is needed to celebrate this but many people choose to have a special party.

What happens in the service? On the shabbat following his thirteenth birthday a Jewish boy is called up in front of the congregation (the people) in the synagogue to read a passage from the Torah in Hebrew (quite a long one sometimes!). On the shabbat following his thirteenth birthday a Jewish boy is called up in front of the congregation (the people) in the synagogue to read a passage from the Torah in Hebrew (quite a long one sometimes!). He also usually makes a speech, which traditionally begins with the phrase "today I am a man." He also usually makes a speech, which traditionally begins with the phrase "today I am a man."

His father traditionally says a blessing thanking God that he is not responsible for his son's sins any more (because his son is old enough to be held responsible for himself). His father traditionally says a blessing thanking God that he is not responsible for his son's sins any more (because his son is old enough to be held responsible for himself). These days, the religious service is followed by a party that is often as fancy as a wedding reception. These days, the religious service is followed by a party that is often as fancy as a wedding reception.

There are three main reasons why the Bar Mitzvah is so important for every Jewish male: 1.The boy who has come of age is given the full religious responsibilities of the adult male. He is allowed to wear the ritual clothes the Tallit and the Tefillin, he can make up the minimum 10 males who must be present for a service to take place (the minyan), and he can take part fully in the worship in the synagogue. TallitTefillin

2.At any time in the future he can be called upon to read from the Torah. All Jews consider this to be a great privilege. 3.In many synagogues this is seen as a serious statement of faith by the young adult. They acknowledge their faith and acknowledge that the responsibility for their spiritual life now passes from their parents to them.

Bat Mitzvah In some parts of the Jewish church, women are not allowed to join in religious services, so a bat mitzvah, if celebrated at all, is usually little more than a party. In some parts of the Jewish church, women are not allowed to join in religious services, so a bat mitzvah, if celebrated at all, is usually little more than a party. In other parts of Judaism, the girls do exactly the same thing as the boys. In other parts of Judaism, the girls do exactly the same thing as the boys.

Activities: In groups discuss the following questions and write the answers in your RE exercise books : 1.How is a boy prepared to be Bar Mitzvah and why is this important in Jewish communities? 2.When does a Jewish man wear his Tallit, Tefillin and why? 3.What are the differences between Bat Mitzvah services of boys and girls?

Sample question How is a boy prepared to be Bar Mitzvah and why is this important in Jewish communities?

Sample answer. Preparation to be Bar Mitzvah starts when a boy is 13 years old. I think it is important because it marks the start of adulthood. In my opinion a boy becomes responsible for his own actions and behaviour at this age. He must also study Judaism and Jewish history so he fully understands the religion. Topic sentence My opinion Example He has to learn to read Hebrew, to pray and wear clothes that show his religion. Example