The Bas Mitzvah in Halachah

Halachos, minhagim, sources, and explanations

The day that a girl turns twelve and becomes obligated in mitzvos, commonly referred to as the day of her bas mitzvah, is a very special and joyous one. However, there are many misconceptions about it. On the one hand, we have no mesorah to do anything in particular on this day. On the other hand, the day itself, and the many great things which take place upon it, are discussed in many sefarim, as far back as the Ramak, and certainly amongst more recent poskim. This conundrum has caused many people to be unclear about the significance of the bas mitzvah day, as well as the proper way to recognize and celebrate it.

In The Bas Mitzvah in Halachah, the day a girl turns twelve is discussed in detail. Readers will learn the halachos and minhagim connected to the bas mitzvah, and the reasons behind the many differences we find between a boy and a girl becoming gedolim.

·         How are we to understand the Chazal that a child first receives her yetzer tov, and—if she is zocheh to it—her neshamah as well, when she turns twelve?

·         Why is it such a simchah to become obligated in mitzvos?

·          Is it proper to make a seudah for family and friends on the day a girl turns twelve?

·         Does a girl make a Shehechiyanu when she becomes a gedolah?

·         Why don’t we make a Baruch Shepatrani when a girl becomes a gedolah?

·         What are some minhagim connected to the day a girl turns twelve?

All of these questions and more are answered in this comprehensive yet easy-to-read book, making it an essential read for parents and teachers of bas mitzvah-age girls. Also included is a chapter specifically for the bas mitzvah girl herself, where the main concepts are organized in a simpler and more preteen-friendly way.

By Rabbi Chaim Shmuel Weber