Question: what is the meaning of a bar mitzvah

title: Bar and Bat Mitzvah
text: According to Jewish law , when Jewish boys become 13 years old , they become accountable for their actions and become a bar mitzvah . A girl becomes a bat mitzvah at the age of 12 according to Orthodox and Conservative Jews , and at the age of 13 according to Reform Jews . Prior to reaching bar mitzvah age , the child 's parents hold the responsibility for the child 's actions . After this age , the boys and girls bear their own responsibility for Jewish ritual law , tradition , and ethics , and are able to participate in all areas of Jewish community life . Traditionally , the father of the bar mitzvah gives thanks to God that he is no longer punished for the child 's sins ( Genesis Rabbah , Toledot 63 ) . In addition to being considered accountable for their actions from a religious perspective , a thirteen - year - old may be counted towards a prayer quorum and may lead prayer and other religious services in the family and the community . 

Answer: answer: According to Jewish law, when Jewish boys become 13 years old, they become accountable for their actions and become a bar mitzvah.  After this age, they bear their own responsibility for Jewish ritual law, tradition, and ethics, and are able to participate in all areas of Jewish community life.