Embracing Spiritual Duty: Benei Mitzvah Tradition

Many cultures around the world have rituals that signify the coming of age. Bar and Bat Mitzvah ceremonies are customs of this variety that have developed in Jewish culture. In the Jewish context, however, the custom has to do with reaching spiritual maturity. It's a moment when a young man or a young woman embraces their spiritual duty as Jews and begins being responsible for their own decisions whether they be good or bad.  Below are a series of lectures on the values and history of this custom.