Bar and Bat Mitzvah Ceremony at the Western Wall for Disadvantaged Youth
Hundreds of young boys and girls in Israel are part of various welfare frameworks around the country. These young people are placed in different institutions and boarding schools due to challenging situations, great need or immediate danger. For many of them, celebrating their Bar or Bat Mitzvahs in a festive, special manner is impossible. Operating out of the conviction that it is every Jewish boy and girl’s right to celebrate his/her Bar/Bat Mitzvah in a joyous, respectful and special way, the Western Wall Heritage Foundation has taken upon itself to organize and provide exciting and festive Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebrations for young people under the auspices of the Ministry of Welfare.
This program is only open to recognized institutions and non-profits and is intended only for groups.
We invite you to join the “Rejoice in Jerusalem” project and celebrate along with us, this exciting and unique milestone- reaching the age of mitzvot (observing the commandments).
This program is only open to recognized institutions and non-profits and is intended only for groups.
We invite you to join the “Rejoice in Jerusalem” project and celebrate along with us, this exciting and unique milestone- reaching the age of mitzvot (observing the commandments).
Program Details
For boys:
A festive Bar Mitzvah ceremony is held in the Western Wall prayer area which includes putting on tefillin (phylacteries), taking out the Torah scroll and saying the blessings for the Torah reading, under full supervision.
For girls:
A special ceremony is held in the Western Wall Tunnels including festive candle-lighting and reciting of “Eshet Chayil” (“Woman of Valor” from Ecclesiastes)
For both:
An experiential tour of the Western Wall Tunnels/excavations in the southern Western Wall area/the Old City.
Festive meal including a musician and entertainment
Bar/Bat Mitzvah certification for each honoree
Round trip transportation (excluding groups coming through the city’s Welfare Dept.)
Festive meal including a musician and entertainment
Bar/Bat Mitzvah certification for each honoree
Round trip transportation (excluding groups coming through the city’s Welfare Dept.)
Who Is Included in the Program:
Young boys and girls of Bar/Bat Mitzvah age, based on specific criteria (for details click here)
Every Bar/Bat Mitzvah is invited to bring two people with them for the ceremony – relatives or other escorts.
Up to 15 staff members from the institution/non-profit/organizing group can attend.
Every Bar/Bat Mitzvah is invited to bring two people with them for the ceremony – relatives or other escorts.
Up to 15 staff members from the institution/non-profit/organizing group can attend.
Costs:
Charges for the program are 15 NIS per Bar/Bat Mitzvah, 10 NIS per escort.
* The program is intended for a limited number of groups based on a first come, first served basis.
* The program is intended for a limited number of groups based on a first come, first served basis.
