Eight Russian boys from the former Soviet Union, were treated to a splendid bar mitzvah celebration recently. The party and rituals were enjoyed by the boys, their families and friends. The boys all had expressed an interest in becoming bar mitzvah.
F.R.E.E. provided them with bar mitzvah lessons plus Hebrew-language instructions. They were given classes in basic Judaism, Jewish history, in davening (prayer) and in proper observance of the mitzvot. FREE purchased for each a set of new teffilin and taught them the intricacies of the mitzvah of putting them on.
Their interest in becoming bar mitzvah was piqued during their attendance in F.R.E.E.’s After School Program, Camp F.R.E.E. and F.R.E.E.’s School – Ohel Dovid.
All the boys worked after school hours to prepare for their big bar mitzvah event. Parents provided excellent support and were glad to see their sons making productive use of their time. Many of the boys gave speeches at the bar mitzvah ceremony, communicating their new knowledge and happiness. The ceremony was followed by a feast and family celebration.
F.R.E.E. maintains contact with the bar mitzvah boys, offering follow-up programs while encouraging their continued growth and development. In this way, it could be said, the bar mitzvah does not end up being a grand opening followed by a grand, non-eventful closing.
For more information about F.R.E.E.’s Bar/Bat Mitzvah Program, please call F.R.E.E. Headquarters 718-467-0860.
