Mazel Tov Joshua!

At the end of this week my nephew Joshua has his Bar mitzvah. He is excited, yet nervous, but I know he will do a wonderful job. I am so proud of him, as is all his family and friends.

"Bar (or Bat) Mitzvah" literally translates to being "son (daughter) of obligation" -- i.e. the young person becomes fully responsible to observe the commandments of the Torah. It is an honor and a privilege. In Judaism, a mitzvah performed because one is commanded, is considered greater than a mitzvah performed voluntarily. This is because a person has a natural aversion to fulfilling an obligation. Yet overcoming this aversion is a sign of maturity, and this is what the Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrates -- reaching the stage of obligation.

We are so honored to share in this celebration.