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
Oraynu Congregation for Humanistic Judaism for Secular Humanistic Judaism. Rabbi Denise Handlarski defines what Humanistic Jews believe: "JK to Grade 7, a B’nai Mitzvah program and Oraynu-Tots preschool program" The purpose of the curriculum is to encourage a strong Secular Humanistic Jewish identity in each child by making Jewish culture, values and history come alive. Central to the School’s philosophy is the value of Tikkun Olam, making the world a better place. The program culminates at the end of Grade 7 with a group B’nai Mitzvah ceremony. Adolescents, age 13+, are part of a youth group which meets for discussion, programs and volunteer activities. The