The yoke of mitzvos is an adornment, not a burden
It’s a turning point for every young man and woman — the day they become obligated in the performance of mitzvos. Let’s explore the simchah of this occasion, and how it’s marked. And in appreciating the depth of this day, we can glean the path to potential greatness.
The source for 12 and 13 being the age we’re obligated in mitzvos is halachah l’Moshe miSinai. But Midrash Seichel Tov sees a hint to this age from the story of Shimon and Levi taking arms to retaliate for the abduction of their sister Dinah. The Chumash states that each “man” took his sword; Chazal learn that they were 13, therefore, a “man” is presumed to be someone who has reached the age of 13.
The Shelah Hakadosh points out another reference in the Mishnah (Pesachim 1:1), which says one should check for chometz “ohr l’arba’ah asar,” on the night of the 14th. Likewise, the Shelah explains, when a boy enters his 14th year, he’s obligated to search his yetzer hara for any sins he may have done. It’s only at this point that a boy is held responsible for the mitzvos and aveiros he does. Rav Chaim Palagi adds that this is why it’s customary for a boy to give his bar mitzvah drashah at night — as soon as he enters into the world of obligation.
The Gemara in Niddah tells us that a woman has a greater binah yeseirah than a man. This is one reason offered to explain why a girl is obligated in mitzvos a year earlier than a boy.
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