New names for an old ritual keep pace with the times

The Hebrew language, like Judaism itself, has historically been gender binary. Accordingly, the Hebrew ritual name for the pivotal ceremony of adolescence has been either a “bar” (son) or “bat” (daughter) mitzvah.

As explained by the Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation in Evanston, however, “[s]ome people do not have a binary gender identity. Some people are figuring things out and aren’t sure what gender or pronouns will represent them when deciding on the name for the ritual. Some people may embrace multiple gender identities and expressions, and using language that is binary is not comfortable.” 

In keeping with society’s evolving cultural views on gender identity, congregations are increasingly adapting their Hebrew ritual names to allow for others that are expressive of someone’s place on the gender spectrum, while also respecting the binary reality of Hebrew grammar. 

One may of course still choose to be known as a bar or bat mitzvah. But those who place themselves elsewhere on the gender spectrum or are just not comfortable with the traditional binary language now have options in Hebrew to rename their ceremonies–and themselves–more authentically to their gender identity. 

Other choices that are coming in to use in area congregations are b’nai mitzvah (children of the commandments) or brit mitzvah (member of the covenant of the commandments), and kabbalat mitzvah (receiver of the commandments).  All three of these new terms provide descriptions of the ritual experience without either a qualifying singular gender or any gender attached to it. There is also a usage of “b-mitzvah” as an English language alternative.

The ritual experience– being called to the Torah as a sign of entering Jewish adulthood–remains the same, but the terms used to describe that experience are evolving along with our society. Judaism has thrived for thousands of years because of our ability to adapt to a constantly changing world while staying true to our core teachings and practices, and this new trend is a wonderful example of that resilience. 

Rabbi Scott T. Aaron is Senior Associate Vice President of JUF Education.