From Lisa Katz,
Your Guide to Judaism.
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A. Bar Mitzvah literally translates to "son of commandment" and implies "responsible male."

According to Jewish Law, every Jewish boy becomes a bar mitzvah at age 13. As a bar mitzvah, he becomes obligated by God's commandments - as prescribed in the Torah and as interpreted by Moses, the Prophets, the Sages and the Rabbis. The bar mitzvah boy also becomes eligible to count in a prayer quorum (minyan), lead prayer services, testify before a religious court, .....

A Jewish boy becomes a bar mitzvah automatically upon turning 13 years old. No ceremony is needed. However, in the 15th century, it became customary to mark the occassion of a boy becoming a bar mitzvah. Over the centuries this custom has evolved.

A distinguishing mitzvah that the bar mitzvah starts to observe is putting on tefillin. This mitzvah is not more important than other mitzvot, but it is the most visible change and thus often emphasized during modern bar mitzvah celebrations. Ashkenazi boys tend to start to put on tefillin a month before becoming a bar mitzvah, whereas Sefardic boys usually just start to wear tefillin on their bar mitzvah day.

The earliest bar mitzvah celebrations consisted of giving the bar mitzvah boy an aliyah, calling him to bless and/or read Torah on the Monday, Thursday or Sabbath after his 13th birthday. Some bar mitzvah boys also lead part of the prayer service.

Some families have a festive meal to celebrate a boy becoming a bar mitzvah. The boy often gives a bar mitzvah speech after the prayer service or during the festive meal.

Today many celebrate the occassion of a boy becoming a bar mitzvah with a lavish party.

The Invitation?!
Many people feel confused when invited to a bar mitzvah. They ask what present to buy, when to give the present, how to dress... It helps to think of the bar mitzvah as a special birthday - special in that it has religious significance. Any present that is appropriate for a 13 year old boy will also work for a bar mitzvah present (gift certificates, books, music, software, tool box, electronics, room decorations, ....) Dress for the religious service like you are going to a religious service (modest, formal attire), and dress for the party according to whatever party is being held. It is best to bring the present to the party (rather than the religious ceremony). Mazel Tov or congratulations are appropriate greetings. You have been invited because the bar mitzvah boy wants you to join him in celebrating his "coming of age" - so enjoy the celebration!