bar mitzvah

 
Pronunciation: /bɑː ˈmɪtsvə/

noun

  • the initiation ceremony of a Jewish boy who has reached the age of 13 and is regarded as ready to observe religious precepts and eligible to take part in public worship.
  • a boy undergoing the bar mitzvah ceremony.

verb

[with object]
  • administer the bar mitzvah ceremony to (a boy).

Origin:

from Hebrew bar miṣwāh, literally 'son of the commandment'