The words ‘Bar Mitzvah’ is typically translated as "son of the commandment", and Bat Mitzvah as "daughter of the commandment". In Biblical Hebrew the word "bar" or "bat" could also mean "subject to". So a more accurate translation may actually be "subject to commandment." The plural term for people of obligation is B'nai Mitzvah, or B'not Mitzvah if all the people are female, though when referring to multiple celebrations, many mistakenly say "Bar" or "Bat Mitzvot."

Jewish law holds parents accountable for their children's deeds. And since parents, as of their child's "coming of age," are now no longer liable for their children, it's cause for celebration. It is also a reason to be joyful for the bar mitzvah boy and bat mitzvah girl, who are now responsible for her own acts and deeds. This new accountability is cause for celebration, for both the parents and for the child. Continue with Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah........

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