Rites of Passage Oct.22.07
Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah
are terms used to describe the coming of age
Bat Mitzvah is the term used in a female’s life
Bar Mitzvah is the term used in the male’s life
the age of the majority is generally the age thirteen for the males, and twelve for the females
In this ceremony, the child, is called upon to read the Torah, or half Torah
A female will often learn verses from the Tenakh, or lecture on a Jewish topic, in order to mark their coming of age
It is common to give a gift to the celebrant on the occasion, and Since the Hebrew name for life is “Chai”, which is also the number 18, it is common for the gifts to be given in multiples of 18.
Marriage
surrounded around the rules for transferring property
The woman accepts something of value from the man. This is known as “Betrothal”, or “Kiddushin”, or “Erusin”.
the “Ketubah”, a wedding contract, is read.
There must be witnesses at the signing of the contract, as well as the ceremony.
When the rings are being exchanged, the groom says the following aloud:
"You are consecrated to me, through this ring, according to the religion of Moses and Israel."
no response is given by the bride, she takes the ring as is on her fingers, traditionally she will close her hand