What is a Bar Mitzvah? – Logan’s Mom’s Perspective
A Bar Mitzvah is defined as a Jewish boy, or a religious initiation ceremony for a Jewish boy, aged thirteen years or older, who is accepting the responsibility for his religious life. I have always loved this idea, as once a Jewish boy has his Bar Mitzvah, his religious education switches to understanding how to use the underlying values taught in a Jewish upbringing to guide him through life. How to use these values is not dictated, but discussed, with good Jewish argumentative fervor! This leads the Bar Mitzvah to start evaluating his life and determining not only what is important, but also how to get where he ultimately wants to go.
When kids are little, they do not understand how what they do today affects who they are tomorrow. Therefore, when Logan was young, I exposed him to many sports, arts, and educational areas, and slowly filtered them down to those he showed great interest in or great promise. Or of course, those I thought were good for him! I encouraged, or maybe even forced him to pursue these areas with rigor, so he would achieve excellence and develop pride. He was, and still is, such a naturally talented child, and I know that whatever he ultimately chooses as his path, he will follow it with enthusiasm and achieve greatness. I have encouraged him over the years to find his passion, the search for which is a true journey. Which brings us back to his Bar Mitzvah…
Logan’s parsha discusses the census that is taken as the Jews are travelling through the desert. It outlines the roles of the tribes of people and the layout of their encampment. In context, it shows how the Jews are defining themselves as they develop from slaves – being force do do what others want them to do – to free people, making their own decision. Logan is now going through a similar transition.
Logan is at the stage in his life where he is moving from boyhood to young adulthood. He is becoming his own person, finding his passions, and defining his personality. He is taking on the responsibility for becoming the man he wants to be. And that is what a Bar Mitzvah is all about! We love the young man he is becoming and are so proud of the work and effort he is putting into his big day!