Carl Bates, age 11, of Las Vegas, Nev., for his question:

WHAT IS A BAR MITZVAH?

A bar mitzvah is a Hebrew term that is applied to the religious ceremony in which a Jewish boy celebrates his 13th birthday. The boy himself is also called a bar mitzvah.

At the age of 13, a Jewish boy becomes a member of the adult Jewish community and assumes the responsibilities of an adult Jew.

The term bar mitzvah means "son of the commandment."

A boy celebrates his bar mitzvah at a special religious service in the synagogue. Following the service, the bar mitzvahs parents honor him with a party attended by the friends of the boy.

A bas mitzvah is a special confirmation ceremony for Jewish girls. In some synagogues, at the age of 12 or 13 a girl is initiated in Judaism at a bas mitzvah service. This is similar to the bar mitzvah service for Jewish boys.

Bas mitzvah means, a daughter of the commandment."