בַּר מִצְוָה
bar mitzva
Bar mitzvah means one who is subject to the commandments, a Jewish boy who has turned 13
What it means
Bar is the Aramaic word for son and mitzvah is the Hebrew word for commandment, so bar mitzvah reads as son of the commandment. In the language of the rabbis bar also means subject to, so the phrase means one who is subject to the commandments. It names the boy, and in everyday speech it also names the celebration.
When Israelis say it
A boy who turns 13 is customarily counted as responsible for Jewish law and ritual. In Orthodox communities he can then be counted in the prayer quorum, the minyan, and lead prayer. The ceremony is usually held on the Shabbat after the birthday. The age of 13 for the commandments is in the Mishnah, and references to a festive meal on the occasion come later.
How to answer
Mazal tov, congratulations.
Frequently asked questions
How old is a bar mitzvah?
13. The Mishnah names 13 as the age for the commandments.
What is the plural of bar mitzvah?
B'nai mitzvah, sons of the commandment, which is also used for boys and girls together. Bar mitzvahs is common in English.