Perhaps, the most important aspect of becoming a bas or bar mitzvah, upon reaching the ages of 12 and 13, respectively, is the integral meaning of this life transformation. Indeed, many other aspects of this tradition seem to be upheld as significant, except for the single most important one: the responsibilities that are now incumbent upon the young teenager.
We are all familiar with the narratives of scripture, learned as if by osmosis, yet, gradually receding like the outgoing tide. Had we been more aware of our obligation to study these narratives on our own, after becoming young men, and young women, perhaps, the often angst ridden years of our youth would at least have had some groundwork, worked out through constant study. And, a foundation would have been laid in order to support our spiritual growth.
Rather, too often, this is not nearly the case, as the saying goes, after one’s bar or bas mitzvah, one graduates from Judaism, and is no longer required to attend Hebrew school; neither do some of us in the Reform or Conservative movements, continue to attend Shabbat services every Saturday morning. Instead, we may be too eager to go out to the mall with our friends. Otherwise, we take the day off, even from the activities that are supposed to make the Day of Rest meaningful: such as services, and family meals in honor of our Creator, Who was the first to rest on the seventh day. If G-d rested on the Sabbath, who are we to think that there is no need to refrain from our usual activities on this holy day?
We are not greater than G-d, nor are we capable of making the best decisions in our lives, without His guidance. Yet, the competing factors of the modern world will suppress our individuality as children of G-d, created in His image, in favor of offering us an alternative narrative, one that will succeed in our homogenization, so that we become children of the world instead (G-d forbid). The aim of our secular education, and the influence of modern society, will turn us into citizens of the world, subject to the ways of the world, instead of pilgrims on earth, like our father Abraham, who knew not the idolatry of his environment; rather, he looked towards, the fulfillment of G-d’s plan on earth.
Thus, we should take our cues from the examples of the patriarchs and matriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as well as Sarah, Rebecah, Rachel and Leah. In doing so, we will be prepared to finally take on the obligations of Torah, that we were meant to do, after that big celebration at our bar or bas mitzvah. And, for those who never had a bar or bas mitzvah, now is the time to wake up to the reality that our lives should be governed by G-d’s rules, guidelines, and commandments.
It is not uncommon, for seventy year olds to have a second bar or bas mitzvah, as a reminder of the godly commitment, that was supposed to be made in our youth, and if made, may have diminished over the years. Thus, even those who were not able to make this formal declaration of intent, may also do so in their latter years, as a means to benefit the soul. Ultimately, we are all like lost sheep, that need to return to our Father in Shomayim (Heaven). We would be wise to do so, sooner than later. May He grant us the opportunity. Ahmein.
