The Transformation of the Bar Mitzvah Ceremony, 1800–2020

Abstract

After discussing the pre-history of the bar mitzvah ceremony, this chapter analyzes four basic components of the ceremony before the year 1800: the Barukh sheptarani blessing; the aliyah to the Torah; the se’udat mitzvah (festive meal); and the derashah (sermon given by the bar mitzvah boy). The bulk of the chapter is devoted to six major changes that transpired after the year 1800: from bar mitzvah to Confirmation and back to bar and bat mitzvah; the origin and development of the bat mitzvah ceremony; the transformation of the elaborate derashah prepared by a teacher or rabbi to a much simpler devar torah prepared by the bar or bat mitzvah boy or girl; the transformation of a simple se’udat mitzvah into an elaborate party; the adoption of the Ashkenazic bar mitzvah ceremony by Sephardic and Oriental Jews; and the secular bar or bat mitzvah ceremony or party.