Bar-Mitzvah

Bar-Mitzvah
Israel's 13th Anniversary of Independence Coin 5721-1961

At 13, a Jewish boy becomes a "Bar Mitzvah". "Bar" is Aramaic for "son" ("ben" in Hebrew), "Mitzvah" is Hebrew for "commandment". When a Jewish boy attains the status of "Bar Mitzvah" (literally "Son of Commandment"), he becomes responsible in his own right in all aspects of Jewish religious observance and communal obligation.

While there is no obligation in Jewish law to actually celebrate a "Bar Mitzvah", it is a festive occasion well worthy of celebration and over the ages, a "Bar Mitzvah" ceremony and celebration has become the practice.

First mention of a Bar Mitzvah ceremony is found in the Gaonic period Rabbinical literature (eighth century). Bar Mitzvah boys in Jerusalem are said then to have been brought before the elders of the city who would encourage and bless them. From Rabbi Shlomo Luria, it can be understood that festive Bar Mitzvah meals came into practice in 17th century Poland.

Today, it is customary for the Bar Mitzvah boy to be called up to the Torah reading in the Synagogue on Shabbat and in honor of the Bar Mitzvah, a celebration is held. Many today celebrate a Bar Mitzvah at the Western Wall in Jerusalem.

A "Bar Mitzvah" Commemorative Coin was issued to celebrate the 13th Anniversary of the State of Israel.

Obverse: An olive branch bearing ten leaves and three olives, representing thirteen years of statehood. Upper left, the word "Israel" in Hebrew and Arabic and mint year "5721-1961". Below, the face value "5 Israeli Lirot" in Hebrew.

Reverse: A stylized reproduction of an ancient Holy Ark which appears on a gold-glass vessel painted in the 13th century C.E. and is today to be found in the Vatican. Scrolls of the Law are visible in the Ark and steps lead to it. To the right of the Ark is the Hebrew word "Bar" and to the left the Hebrew word "Mitzvah".

Edge: In Hebrew the incuse inscription, 'Thirteenth year of the State of Israel", facing obverse or reverse.

Mint Marks: On the reverse of the proof coin, to the right of the third step, the Hebrew letter "mem".

Designer: Zvi Narkiss.

Mint: The Royal Mint, Utrecht, Holland.