The different elements of a Bar Mitzvah are intimately connected to the core religious and spiritual beliefs of Judaism. The beliefs are demonstrated through the various elements of the ritual. Judaic tradition is exposed through the Bar Mitzvah as Jews have a strong belief in making Gods holy teachings known to all people, and a Bar Mitzvah reflects God’s teachings through the passages read and prayers recited at the synagogue.
Judaism is reflected in the ceremony by the sacred texts used throughout which are the most important scripts in Jewish faith. The term ‘Torah’ means instruction and offers a way of life for those who follow it (Wikipedia, 2014). The Torah is the first section of the Jewish Bible and is central foundation of Jewish beliefs. Jews believe that God dictated the Torah to Moses on Mount Sinai 50 days after their exodus from Egyptian slavery (BBC, 2009). The sacred text contains all 613 commandments and is the Holiest book of the Jewish people. It is imperative to Jewish beliefs as it believed to be from God and is a guidance to life. The Torah proves to have great significance in the Bar Mitzvah ritual as it is the foundation of Jewish beliefs and exposes their key beliefs and the history of their faith.
The skull caps, known as a ‘kippah’ and the clothing worn during the ceremony are traditional Jewish items which correspond directly to Jewish faith and reflect cultural aspects of the religion. The ‘kippah’ is a custom which evolved as a sign of recognition and acknowledgement that there is something ‘above’ us who watches our every act (Chabad, 2014). This relates to the Jewish belief that there is an existing eternal power greater than us that cannot be defined by human form. It recognises that there is something greater above us and symbolises this belief.
A prayer shawl known as a ‘Tallit’ is worn by the boy in the Bar Mitzvah ceremony. The Tallit is a visible symbol of the Word of God. On each four corners of the Tallit are special knots called tassels, in fulfilment of the biblical commandment (Judaica Guide, 2014). The tassels are extremely significant to Jewish beliefs as they are a reminder of God’s commandments which corresponds to the way Jews live their lives.
Symbols incorporated that reflect Jewish beliefs are the Star of David and the Menorah. The Star of David is a recognised symbol of Jewish identity although it does not have any religious significance (About.com, 2014).
The Menorah is a replica of a seven branched lamp stand used in Ancient Jerusalem, and is the ancient universal symbol for Judaism (Rich, 2011). The Menorah is a symbol of the nation of Israel and its mission to be “a light to unto nations” (Isaiah, 42:6). The Menorah emphasises the importance of spreading light to others and to spread the light of Godliness to the world. This reflects the Jewish beliefs of making God’s holy teachings known to all people.
Judaism is reflected in the ceremony by the sacred texts used throughout which are the most important scripts in Jewish faith. The term ‘Torah’ means instruction and offers a way of life for those who follow it (Wikipedia, 2014). The Torah is the first section of the Jewish Bible and is central foundation of Jewish beliefs. Jews believe that God dictated the Torah to Moses on Mount Sinai 50 days after their exodus from Egyptian slavery (BBC, 2009). The sacred text contains all 613 commandments and is the Holiest book of the Jewish people. It is imperative to Jewish beliefs as it believed to be from God and is a guidance to life. The Torah proves to have great significance in the Bar Mitzvah ritual as it is the foundation of Jewish beliefs and exposes their key beliefs and the history of their faith.
The skull caps, known as a ‘kippah’ and the clothing worn during the ceremony are traditional Jewish items which correspond directly to Jewish faith and reflect cultural aspects of the religion. The ‘kippah’ is a custom which evolved as a sign of recognition and acknowledgement that there is something ‘above’ us who watches our every act (Chabad, 2014). This relates to the Jewish belief that there is an existing eternal power greater than us that cannot be defined by human form. It recognises that there is something greater above us and symbolises this belief.
A prayer shawl known as a ‘Tallit’ is worn by the boy in the Bar Mitzvah ceremony. The Tallit is a visible symbol of the Word of God. On each four corners of the Tallit are special knots called tassels, in fulfilment of the biblical commandment (Judaica Guide, 2014). The tassels are extremely significant to Jewish beliefs as they are a reminder of God’s commandments which corresponds to the way Jews live their lives.
Symbols incorporated that reflect Jewish beliefs are the Star of David and the Menorah. The Star of David is a recognised symbol of Jewish identity although it does not have any religious significance (About.com, 2014).
The Menorah is a replica of a seven branched lamp stand used in Ancient Jerusalem, and is the ancient universal symbol for Judaism (Rich, 2011). The Menorah is a symbol of the nation of Israel and its mission to be “a light to unto nations” (Isaiah, 42:6). The Menorah emphasises the importance of spreading light to others and to spread the light of Godliness to the world. This reflects the Jewish beliefs of making God’s holy teachings known to all people.