The Bro Mitzvah

Chananel turned me on to this article about the “Bro Mitzvah” – a type of coming of age ritual for black teenagers loosely inspired by the Bar Mitzvah.

At first I thought it was hysterical, because the name is so ridiculous, and then I was miffed – because why is it ok to make a mockery of Jewish tradition?

Then I actually read the article.

The Bro Mitzvah is indeed a sincere attempt by one boy’s well-meaning family and friends to help usher him into manhood.   And this is a fine and noble thing, though I would suggest changing the name – people will get the wrong idea.

If the black community is searching for a more authentic right of passage ritual, I once read about the Xhosa ceremony described by Nelson Mandela in his amazing book “Long Walk To Freedom” (think teenage circumcision), and I am sure there are others (and probably a few that aren’t as painful).

June 30th, 2008 Jewish Issues