Like people everywhere, Jews mark the major milestones of life with a rich tapestry of traditions and rituals. Observances vary from country to country, from cities to villages. Some customs are distinctively Jewish. Others are adapted from surrounding cultures and often given new meaning. Events such as birth, coming of age (bar or bat mitzvah and confirmation), marriage, and death are both deeply personal and highly public. They celebrate individuals and families, yet hold powerful significance for the community as well. Values such as devotion to the family, religious study, and charitable deeds are recurring themes in celebrations over the centuries and around the globe. They are part of a legacy that embodies Jewish attitudes and beliefs, that reflects the continuity and vitality of Jewish heritage.