Question:
Dear Rabbi,
I hope this message finds you well.
I am seeking guidance regarding the appropriate date for a Bar Mitzvah. The boy in question was born at 4:30am on 13th September 2012 (Gregorian calendar), in the United Kingdom.
Upon researching, I understand that this corresponds to 26 Elul 5772 on the Hebrew calendar. If this is accurate, his 13th Hebrew birthday would fall on 26 Elul 5785, which will be 1st October 2025.
I have been advised by a family member that a Bar Mitzvah on 13th September 2025 would be valid. However, based on my understanding of halachah, this would fall before his 13th Hebrew birthday, and thus may not fulfill the requirements for him to be considered halachically obligated in mitzvot.
May I kindly ask for your opinion on whether 1st October 2025 would indeed be the earliest appropriate date for the Bar Mitzvah?
Additionally, I would be grateful if you could confirm which Parashat HaShavua (Torah portion) he would likely read from, assuming a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday 4th October 2025, the Shabbat following his Hebrew birthday. My understanding is that this would be Parashat Ha’Azinu.
Thank you in advance for your time and guidance. It is deeply appreciated.
Warm regards
Answer:
Hello,
You son is considered a bar mitzva when he reaches the 13th Hebrew birthday, not the Gregorian one. Therefore he will not be able to lead the prayers, get a real aliya l'torah, etc. until 26 Elul 5785, which is September 19th, (not October 1st). If you want to make the aliya on Shabbos the 13th of September, being that your son is not yet bar mitzva, he will only be able to read the maftir, haftora, and get the an aliya after seven men are called up. The 26th of Elul this year is Friday of Parshas Nitzvim (only one Parsha, which is only 40 pesukim), and if you will make the Bar Mitzva then, he may get any aliya that any adult man can get. Therefore you can make the kiddush etc., on 27 of Elul, (September 20 2025). Oct 4 is already after Yom Kippur, and there is no need to wait so long after his becoming Bar Mitzva.
Mazal Tov in advance
