Rational Judaism

According to the rabbinic view, as soon as a boy has completed his thirteenth year he is required to fulfill all the ceremonial laws, although previously he was excused from some, was not permitted to satisfy others, and did not count as a person in religious ceremonies. [ . . . ]

Therefore, it represents a significant stage in life for boys as well as girls when, due to their acquired knowledge of religion, they are released from their schooling. No particular age can be stipulated for this: it is determined solely by the maturity of understanding. It is, however, appropriate that the studies be concluded with a ceremony at a consecrated place, and that the young mind be grasped and strengthened by a vow to faithfully preserve the acquired knowledge and live according to it.

Such a ceremony, which is not to be confused with the celebration of the completed thirteenth year, was not customary in rabbinism; it is something new but is in accord with the spirit of Judaism. We find the following arrangements to be the most appropriate.

As soon as their schooling is completed, the preacher holds a public examination of the confirmands in any chosen place.

The next day, or a few days later, the confirmands gather in the synagogue at an hour when no service is being held. One of them, in the name of all, makes a simple profession of faith regarding the four articles quoted above. After that, in a hortatory speech, the preacher implores the adherents of the received doctrines to follow their vows to live religiously, to which all attest simultaneously with the words, “Yes, we promise it before God!” The preacher says, “May God stand by you,” and all those present cry “Amen.” Then the preacher says a prayer and pronounces a blessing. The ceremony can be opened and closed with a psalm, which is either spoken by the cantor, alternating with the members of the choir, or performed by the music choir.

Boys and girls must be confirmed separately.

Where there is neither a newly instituted synagogue nor a preacher, the children are confirmed in the parental home, to which the parents may invite some friends; they must ensure, however, that the religious ceremony does not become a social festivity. In the home, the ceremony begins with an examination, which is followed by the profession of faith and everything else, just as in the synagogue, with the teacher taking the preacher’s place. The male or female confirmand must in no case make a speech on this occasion, lest a ceremony that is intended to make a deep impression upon the young mind be profaned by pomp and nihilistic vanity.