Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

bar-mitzvah

noun

/bʌr ˈmɪts.və/

Definition

A Jewish coming-of-age ceremony for boys, typically held when they reach the age of 13.

Examples

During his bar mitzvah, David read from the Torah for the first time.
The family celebrated his bar mitzvah with a party inviting friends and relatives.

Meaning

The term ‘bar mitzvah’ literally means ‘son of the commandment,’ signifying that the boy is now considered responsible for following Jewish law and traditions.