Bar & Bat Mitzvah

Literally meaning "Son of Commandment" the term Bar Mitzvah refers to a boy who, at 13 years, comes of age and is recognised as having the same rights and responsibilities as a fully grown man and moreover is responsible for his ethics and actions.

The term also refers to the religious ceremony, often followed by a celebration or party.

A similar ceremony is performed for  girls at the age of 12, but only in the more liberal forms of Judaism. In orthodox or Hasidic Judaism, women do not perform religious services. When celebrated, they are more parties than religious ceremonies.