Originally, Bar Mitzvah (translated: man of the commandment) signified the coming of age of Jewish males, in which they had gained the age of accountability, a time when he was responsible for his own actions. In Biblical times, the age of twenty signified the coming of age, but in Talmudic times, the age changed to thirteen, and in recognition of the son’s change in status, instead of the modern celebratory bar mitzvah, the father said a simple blessing praising God, because he was no longer responsible for anything his son might do. At bar mitzvah, the Jewish male can participate fully in his religion, and be held responsible for following the dictates of the Jewish faith. Bar Mitzvah is the symbolic rite of passage from being a child, to being an adult, and fully participating in the adult facets of Judaism, laying tifillin, and being called up for the reading of the Torah.

Traditionally, the celebration begins during a service, in the synagogue, followed by a celebration dinner with family and friends. Many Jewish families then throw a party to celebrate Bar Mitzvah. Some travel to the Holy Lands, some have festive celebrations in clubs, or in their homes, and in some strict sects, there is no celebration outside the synagogue.

Larger cities have catering and party services who do all the work for the Bar Mitzvah, including supervision. If these services are available, a great hall is normally rented, and the guests all bring gifts for the one who has attained Bar Mitzvah. Often these are not co-ed parties, but occasionally they are. In coed parties, music is supplied by a DJ, there are lights, dancing, party food, drinks, and revelry. One particularly fun idea for Bar Mitzvah is a sports theme. Tables can be decorated in a sports motif, and games like Nerf basketball, baseball, and football can be set up. If the weather is pleasant, the celebration can be outdoors, and real games of basketball, softball, and touch football can be organized. The basketballs, softballs, bats, and footballs can be personalized, and each of the youthful guests can take one home as a party favor. For a Jewish youth, becoming a Bar Mitzvah is a rite of passage like no other, and no matter how simple or elaborate the celebration, it is the religious implications are life altering.