Bar and Bat Mitzvah the commandments . . ." The Talmud gives 13 as the age at which a boy's vows are legally binding, and states that this is a result of his being a "man", as required in . The term "bar mitzvah", in the sense it is now used, cannot be clearly traced earlier than the 14th century, the older rabbinical term being "gadol" (adult) or "bar 'onshin" (legally responsible for own misdoings). Many sources indicate that the ceremonial observation of a bar mitzvah developed in the Middle Ages, however, there are extensive earlier references to thirteen as the age of majority
Bereavement in Judaism Bereavement in Judaism Bereavement in Judaism () is a combination of "minhag" and "mitzvah" derived from Judaism's classical Torah and rabbinic texts. The details of observance and practice vary according to each Jewish community. In Judaism, the principal mourners are the first-degree relatives: parent, child, sibling, and spouse. There are some customs that are unique to an individual mourning a parent. Halachot concerning mourning do not apply to those under thirteen years of age. Also, "halachos" of mourning do not apply when the deceased is aged 30 days or less. Upon receiving the news of the passing, the following blessing