What is the bar to measure adulthood? Does one become an adult at high school graduation, at legal drinking age, or when one embarks on a career? Does it happen at an age, or at a stage?

According to Judaism, you cross the threshold into adulthood when you become responsible for fulfilling Torah and mitzvahs. Interestingly enough, this does not happen at the same time for young men and young women.

Boys become men at age 13; girls become women at 12. The sages explain that since women were granted an extra measure of binah, comprehension, they are inherently more mature and aware of their purpose in life, namely to serve G‑d. At age 12, girls are already considered young women who are fully equipped to fulfill the commandments.

Thoughtstream: Today, I will develop my spiritual maturity, aligning my life with the life that G‑d envisioned for me.

(Adapted from Torat Menachem 5742, p. 2269.)