Bar-Mitzvah

A directive of the Alter Rebbe; see Likkutei Dibburim, Vol. II, p. 533 [and in English translation: Vol. II, p. 200], at length.

HaYom Yom, entry for 12 Kislev. See Rama, [Orach Chayim,] sec. 225; Shaar HaKollel, sec. 24.

It has become the custom of late for the bar-mitzvah to recite the maamar beginning with the words, Issa BeMidrash T[eh]illim, which was delivered [first by the Rebbe Rashab at his own bar-mitzvah in the year 5634 (תרל"ד; 1873), and then repeated (with additions) by the Previous Rebbe at his own bar-mitzvah] in 5653 (תרנ"ג; 1893). The maamar is reprinted in Sefer HaMaamarim 5708.

Likkutei Dibburim, Vol. II, p. 201.

Cf. the following passage in Zohar Chadash, Parshas Bereishis: “R. Shimon Bar Yochai invited the leading scholars of the Mishnah to partake of a great festive meal which he had arranged.... He was very happy..., because, [as he explained,] ‘On this day a holy and exalted soul descended...into my son R. Elazar, and on this joyous occasion I shall experience supreme joy.’ ”

See also Magen Avraham on Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chayim 225:4: “One is obligated to prepare a festive meal on the day that his son becomes bar-mitzvah as on the day that he is escorted to the marriage canopy.”