RLGA02H3 Midterm: Chapter 3 Midterm Notes
Document Summary
Bar mitzvah: son of commandments ; title given to a 13 year old boy when he is initiated into adult ritual responsibilities. Saturday for jews is day of rest called sabbath: day for prayer and public assembly in the synagogue (jewish house for worship and community meeting. At bar mitzvah, teenager reads 2 selections in hebrew bible: pentateuch (5 books of moses; first part of bible) and the prophets. Idea that adulthood begins at 13 based on ancient concept of legal majority; nothing to do with attaining adult status in modern world: ceremony signifies age of ritual and moral responsibility. Blessings recited by teenager express values of community; bar gives thanks for scripture that served as guide to people of israel. Congregation notes jews have only one difference: have been given special responsibility of studying and keeping torah. Family holds luncheon or dinner after bar mitzvah: may be as fancy as a wedding reception.
