Mizpah

The Rites of"Coming of Age"

Most young people can't look at a time when they could say "this day my family recognized me as a young adult." Mizpah (literally: watchtower) is an age-old concept relevant for today's family. Like a sentry or a guard on a wall who is there to signal danger, Mizpah is a prayer that someone you love will ever be watched over. This is both a program and symbol to celebrate coming of age. The Mizpah coin has had special reverence and significance for nearly 4,ooo years. Observance is most appropriate on or about the boy's 13th, and girl's 12th, birthday, though It is never too late.