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Bar Mitzvah after age 13

Answered by Rabbi Avi Weinrib

Question

I have a friend who is 35 & is thinking about getting his Bar Mitzva. He was told that once you turn 13 you already were Bar Mitzva’ed even though he didn’t go to school to learn hebrew.Is this true? I beg to differ on this.I thought one had to go though the ceremony in order to be considered Bar Mitzva’ed. Am i right? Thank you

Answer

Thank You for your question. Every male as they turn 13 becomes Bar Mitzva. This means they are now formally obligated to live their life as G-d teaches us through the Torah. Until that point they are not yet mature enough to be held responsible for their actions. As an aside the age for a girl is 12 as they mature earlier. The custom is that at 13 a ceremony is made in celebration of this milestone and the young man is called to the Torah and often gives a speech as well. However with or without the ceremony the boy is now Bar Mitzva.

Thank you.
Have a great day.
Rabbi Avi Weinrib

Follow-up question

Question

Is it against the Mitzvos to not have a Bat Mitzvah? I never had one.

Answer

Thank you for your question. Every Jewish female becomes Bat Mitzvah at the age of 12. The term Bat Mitzvah is the age when one is considered old enough to now be responsible for the Mitzvot in the Torah. Although many celebrate this milestone with some sort of party there is no requirement for this to become Bat Mitzvah. If you would be interested in learning further about the mitzvos and our beautiful heritage I would be happy to connect you with the right people.

Rabbi Avi Weinrib