Why A Second Bar Mitzvah At 83? Discovering A Meaningful Tradition
Have you ever wondered about life's later celebrations, especially those that come as a bit of a surprise? Perhaps you've heard whispers of people marking a special Jewish milestone at an age when many are enjoying retirement. Well, there's a truly heartwarming custom gaining notice, and it involves a second bar mitzvah, often happening right around the age of 83. This isn't just a party; it's a deeply felt moment for individuals and their families, a chance to reflect on a long life and a continuing connection to heritage.
This particular tradition, you see, isn't something from ancient times, but it has a very thoughtful basis. It connects to an old passage that talks about the typical length of a person's life. For those who are fortunate enough to live well beyond that stated time, this later celebration offers a unique opportunity. It’s a way to acknowledge the bonus years, you might say, and to give thanks for them.
So, too it's almost, this article will explore the reasons behind this special event. We'll look at the ancient text that inspires it, how this custom has grown, and what it means for those who take part. You’ll also learn about some people who have recently celebrated this unique life moment, and perhaps, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for how traditions can grow and change over time.
Table of Contents
1. The Heart of the Matter: Why 83?
2. A Look at Psalm 90:10 and Its Influence
3. The Rise of a Cherished Custom
4. What Does a Second Bar Mitzvah Signify?
5. Personal Stories and Community Spirit
6. Is There a Torah Basis?
7. Beyond the Ceremony: Living a Life of Mitzvot
8. Common Questions About This Unique Celebration
9. Embracing Life's Milestones
The Heart of the Matter: Why 83?
The age of 83 might seem like a rather specific number for such a significant event, but there’s a very simple reason behind it. You see, this celebration is often considered a "second" coming of age, mirroring the original bar mitzvah that typically happens at age 13. The whole idea stems from a particular line in an old, sacred text that speaks about the usual length of human existence.
That text, as a matter of fact, suggests a life span of seventy years for most people. So, if someone reaches the age of seventy, they have, in a way, completed a full cycle of life. What happens then, if they live beyond that? Well, the thinking goes that any years lived past seventy are like a whole new phase, a fresh start, you could say. It's almost like beginning a new journey.
Now, if you add thirteen years to that benchmark of seventy, you arrive right at eighty-three. This means that at 83, a person has lived an additional thirteen years beyond the commonly stated life span. This extra stretch of time is then celebrated by repeating the bar mitzvah ceremony, marking a new cycle of adulthood and responsibility within the community. It's a rather beautiful way to acknowledge extended life.
A Look at Psalm 90:10 and Its Influence
The foundation for this special celebration rests firmly on a particular verse from the Book of Psalms, specifically Psalm 90:10. This verse mentions that "the span of our life is seventy years." For many, this has become a widely accepted thought about the typical length of a person's journey on Earth. It sets a sort of benchmark, you know, for what a full life might entail.
Rabbi Ron Goldberg, who serves at Eisenberg Village, explains that this very verse is the reason for the second bar mitzvah custom. If seventy years is the expected time, then living past that point is truly a blessing, a gift of additional years. It’s a time, in some respects, to reflect on all that has been experienced and to appreciate the present moment. This interpretation gives a deep meaning to the years lived beyond seventy.
So, when someone reaches seventy, it's considered a complete life cycle. For those who continue on, reaching 83 means they have lived an extra thirteen years beyond that initial seventy. It’s almost as if they are starting a new thirteen-year period, much like a young person at their first bar mitzvah. This perspective, you see, turns extended life into a cause for significant spiritual celebration.
The Rise of a Cherished Custom
While the first bar mitzvah at age 13 has been a long-standing tradition, this idea of a second bar mitzvah at 83 is a more recent development. It has, in fact, begun to gain considerable popularity, especially among men in recent years. This suggests a growing appreciation for marking these later life milestones in a meaningful way. It's really quite something to witness.
This practice is becoming increasingly common, with many individuals and communities embracing it. It's not something that everyone knows about, as a matter of fact, but once people learn about it, they often find it quite inspiring. The idea of celebrating a long life, filled with wisdom and experience, resonates deeply with many. It’s a way, you know, to honor the journey.
We’ve seen this custom adopted by many men in various communities. It shows a desire to publicly affirm a lifelong connection to faith and tradition, even in later years. This growing trend, frankly, highlights a beautiful aspect of community life, where milestones are celebrated at every stage. It's a lovely way, you might say, to acknowledge enduring dedication.
What Does a Second Bar Mitzvah Signify?
A second bar mitzvah at 83 carries a lot of meaning, both for the person celebrating and for their family and community. For the individual, it’s a chance to publicly state, once more, their lasting promise to the principles and ways of their faith. It's a powerful moment of personal reflection and renewed dedication, you know, after so many years.
This celebration is also incredibly meaningful for the generations that follow. When a grandparent or great-grandparent has a second bar mitzvah, it serves as an inspiration. It shows younger family members that faith is a lifelong journey, not just something for childhood. It really is a powerful example of living one's beliefs, honestly.
Moreover, this occasion allows for a deep sense of gratitude. It's a moment to give thanks for the many years lived, the experiences gained, and the wisdom gathered. It’s a way to acknowledge the blessings of a long life and to share that joy with loved ones. In a way, it’s a living testament to enduring spirit and faith.
Personal Stories and Community Spirit
The rise of this custom can be seen through the stories of individuals who have recently celebrated it. For example, Stephen Schwartz, a member of the Jewish Center of the Moriches, recently made his bar mitzvah at the age of 83. This event, you see, was a significant moment for him and his community, showing how these celebrations bring people together.
Another example is Congregation B’nai Shalom Rabbi Emeritus Gordon Freeman, who also had a second bar mitzvah at age 83. These personal stories highlight that this is not just an abstract idea, but a lived experience for many. It's a very real and tangible way for people to mark their continuing journey. You can really feel the joy in these moments.
These celebrations often become community events, bringing together family, friends, and fellow congregants. They foster a sense of shared heritage and support. It’s a powerful reminder that life’s important moments are often best experienced with others. This communal aspect, frankly, adds a lot to the overall meaning of the event.
Is There a Torah Basis?
A common question people ask about this second bar mitzvah at 83 is whether it has a direct source or instruction in the Torah, the central text of Judaism. Interestingly enough, the text available states, "I don’t know of any basis for this (recent) custom." This tells us something important about its origins.
What this means, in short, is that this tradition is not a commandment or a law directly given in ancient Jewish texts. Instead, it is a custom that has arisen and become popular in more recent times. It’s a practice that communities and individuals have adopted, you know, based on interpretation and a desire to celebrate life in a meaningful way.
So, while the original bar mitzvah at 13 is rooted in ancient law, this later celebration is more of a beautiful, evolving tradition. It shows how Jewish life and practice can grow and adapt, creating new ways to honor enduring principles. It's a very human way, you might say, to connect with faith across the years.
Beyond the Ceremony: Living a Life of Mitzvot
The second bar mitzvah, much like the first, is more than just a ceremony; it's a public statement of ongoing dedication. It's about a lifelong promise to live according to the *mitzvot*, which are the commandments or good deeds in Jewish tradition. This event allows an older person to, frankly, state this promise once more, with all the wisdom that comes from years of experience.
When someone says, "I stand to publicly affirm my lifelong commitment to the mitzvot and avow both," it speaks to a deep, personal connection. It's not just about reaching a certain age, but about how one has lived and how one intends to continue living. This commitment, you know, is a continuous journey, not just a single event.
This tradition, then, highlights the idea that spiritual growth and connection to faith are ongoing throughout one's entire life. It shows that there is always more to learn, more to do, and more ways to contribute. It’s a powerful message that resonates, arguably, with people of all ages who seek meaning and purpose.
Common Questions About This Unique Celebration
What is the main idea behind a second Bar Mitzvah at 83?
The main idea behind a second bar mitzvah at 83 is to celebrate living beyond the traditional seventy-year lifespan mentioned in Psalm 90:10. By adding 13 years to 70, you reach 83, symbolizing a new cycle of adulthood and responsibility, much like the original bar mitzvah at age 13. It's a celebration of extended life and renewed spiritual promise, you know, a very special moment.
Is this tradition found in ancient Jewish texts?
No, this tradition is not found directly in ancient Jewish texts or the Torah as a commandment. It is, in fact, a relatively recent custom that has gained popularity in recent years. Its basis comes from an interpretation of Psalm 90:10, but the practice itself has developed over time within communities. It's more of an evolving practice, you might say, than a long-standing law.
Who celebrates a
83 is the new 13, and Rabbi Stiffman is all in for his second Bar
83 is the New 13: Why Have a Second Bar Mitzvah? - Temple Bnai Torah
What is the second Bar mitzvah and when does it happen? - Kinor David
