Religious Significance
In Jewish tradition, the age of 18 is reached with the coming of adulthood. Transitioning into adulthood at this age signifies the beginning of many responsibilities and obligations, including taking on more religious commitments. This age marks a significant milestone, as individuals will now be recognized within their community as Jews who can understand and carry out religious observances. At this age, they also can be called to recite a blessing before and after each meal. The Halakhah, which is Jewish religious law, states that males must now don tefillin or phylacteries every day; young women are encouraged to do the same at this age, but it is not mandatory.
Symbolic Meaning
The number 18 has great value and symbolism within the Jewish faith for a number of reasons. Firstly, it is considered a perfect number because it is both a multiple of 6, considered the number of perfection, and it is triple the number 6. Secondly, according to the Kabbalah, 18 has a numerical value of “chai”, which means “life”; this likely corresponds to the Jewish coming of age tradition celebrating life. Finally, the letters that make up the Hebrew word for “life,” which is “Chai,” add up to the number 18. According to the Midrash, a Jewish narrative and exegetical interpretation of scripture, it is said that the souls of the righteous will shine for 18 hours of the day on the Day of Judgement.
Social Implications
In addition to religious responsibilities and obligations, 18 is also a coming of age that is celebrated with a Jewish coming-of-age ritual, known as a Bar or Bat Mitzvah. During the ceremony, the young adult will read a given portion of the Torah, like Genesis and Deuteronomy, in front of their family and friends, officially entering adulthood. Families usually also mark the occasion with a big party to celebrate this important transition.
This age is especially important because it also marks a transition from a youth identity to an adult identity. Even outside of religious settings, individuals around 18 are taken more seriously and are expected to act more responsibly. Jewish individuals now move into a new social group, away from the world of their peers and into a world of their own and of heavier obligation, more religious practice and more serious decisions.
Political Implications
The transition to adulthood at 18 often paves the way for young Jewish adults to begin furthering their political and social engagement. After the transition to adulthood, young Jewish adults may be inclined to vote or become more actively involved in their local communities or in the greater world of Jewish politics – such as Jewish advocacy groups, pro-Israel movements, or other related organizations. Though this participation could happen at any age, many young adults find that 18 is the perfect age to embrace their newfound responsibilities and use their voice for a cause.
Psychological Implications
Reaching adulthood at 18 is a significant milestone and can come with an increased sense of autonomy and independence. It can become a reminder to young adults that they are no longer under parental control, and must begin to make their own decisions, including religious and political ones. This is an important time of personal growth and self-discovery, and can also bring a sense of pride along with it, knowing that they are now viewed and respected as adults.
Cultural Implications
The age of 18 is important in Judaism not just for religious, symbolic, and personal reasons, but for cultural reasons as well. A lot of times, when a young adult reaches this age, their community and family begin to see them as a potential partner or marriage option. In Jewish tradition, this is a key indicator of adulthood, and helps to signify that the adult is ready to move forward in their life and develop meaningful relationships with others.
Aaronic Priesthood
At 18, many young males of the Aaronic priestly line with a personal familial connection to the biblical priest may be called to the priesthood. This involves much more responsibility and religious obligation, in addition to a special birthright to serve as a priest in the Holy Temple as possible.
Adult Education
In Jewish learning, once a person turns 18, they are eligible to study and debate talmudic texts in a deeper and more intricate way. They now are considered an adult in terms of learning, and can move on to more advanced levels of study. At this age, they may also start to study in more traditional learning hubs, such as Yeshivas or Jewish seminaries.
Tithing
Finally, another responsibility that comes with adulthood is the obligation of tithing, which is the sharing of a small portion of one’s wealth to support religious causes and the needy. After a person turns 18, it is customary for them to start donating a certain portion of their income to support their local synagogue or other religious causes. In some families, this is taught as a way of paying for their religious education, and in other families, this is seen as a way to share their blessings and contribute to the local community.
