BAR MITZVAH PARSHA

            BAR MITZVAH PARSHA


How do we know that a young man becomes Bar Mitzvah at age 13?

 

Parshas Hashavua:  (וישלח)

The Mokor (source) that a boy 

becomes Bar Mitzvah at age 13

Rashi in Mesechtos Avos (Perek 5) & Nazir* 29b writes:

 "We don't find anywhere in the Torah, anyone under the age of 13 to be called איש (man)

In (Breishis 34) it says

 ויקחו שני בני יעקב שמעון ולוי איש חרבו

It is known** that both Shimon & Levi were

at that time 13-year-olds (Shimon 14 years)."

*What is commonly referred to, as Rashi on M.Nazir

is not really Rashi. See Gilyon Hashas (R.A.Eiger)

Nazir 2a. Many believe it was the Rivan who wrote it

(son in law of Rashi) 

** See Torah Temimah for calculation