In a tearful ceremony of joy, the world's largest bar mitzvah was celebrated for 123 orphaned boys from all over the country, including orphans from the 'Iron Swords' war. The event took place as part of the traditional 'Chabad Kolel' ceremony, marking the 123rd birthday of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.
The celebration was preceded by special accompaniment from 'Chesed Menachem Mendel', the educational arm of the 'Kollel', which accompanies the orphans and prepares them for the big and exciting day of their lives through appropriate spiritual preparation.
The celebration began early in the morning at the Western Wall, where the boys were welcomed with singing and dancing. They were lifted onto their shoulders, and circles of joy formed around them of the happy families who were privileged to introduce their children to this exalted status. The boys entered the Wall with a chuppah, darbuchads, songs and dances.
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Each of the boys personally received a pair of tefillin from the 'Kollel' staff, led by the dedicated director Rabbi Shalom Duchman. Afterward, the boys went to the morning prayer, and one by one ascended to the Torah next to the remains of our temple.
Among the orphans were also children whose parents had been killed during the difficult war. Thus, tears of joy mingled with tears of loss, with mixed emotions.
At the end of the ceremony at the Western Wall, the boys, the Bar Mitzvah grooms, traveled to the Nation Buildings, where the main ceremony was held.
The event included a rich and elaborate meal, attended by the Chief Rabbis, ministers and guests of honor, led by: Chief Rabbi David Yosef and Chief Rabbi of Israel Rabbi Kalman Bar. Also gracing the occasion were: Chief Rabbi Shlomo Moshe Amar and Rabbi David Lau.
After the reading of the Psalms, the special image of Rabbi Yitzhak Merton, who dedicated his life to orphans with endless devotion, emerged. One of his sons, who celebrated his Bar Mitzvah, gave a moving speech about his father. Another son, Yossi, sang along with his brother - and the two of them left not a dry eye in the audience.
The event was accompanied by singer Yair Eleitzur, who thrilled the audience with the hit "Even Better," and singer Yishai Lapidot.
The centerpiece of the event was a fascinating trivia contest, in which each Bar Mitzvah groom received a special sign. The questions were projected on a screen, and the boys answered using the signs, which added to the fun experience for the grooms and their families.
The enthusiastic responses: "Full of admiration""
The family members' reactions poured in non-stop after the event ended. "I am filled with admiration for the endless effort and dedication," wrote one mother, "for the huge logistics, planning and execution down to the smallest detail. My son was so happy and excited - a day of experiences and lots of action for the future.".
Another widow wrote: "May you have great strength! So much thought, investment, efforts and budgets – and all to make us happy! Thank you very much! We have received light and strength! Continue to add goodness and love of Israel, to increase Torah and to glorify it.".
Another family added: "We wanted to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the Bar Mitzvah event that you have been doing for years, and every year you invest and give from the bottom of your heart. This is felt by us and by the Bar Mitzvah grooms. May God grant you strength, health, blessings and success, and may you continue with this amazing mitzvah!".
A family from the north wrote: "There are no words to thank you for the investment and thoughtfulness in every detail – how to make the boys happy and give from the heart. The concern, caring and warm heart were felt at every moment! Thank you for the abundant gifts, the rich program, the delicious meal and everything in good taste. Thank you also for the opportunity to invite another family – the grandparents came and had an exciting and uplifting experience, and wanted to thank you from the bottom of their hearts! It was so exciting, joyful, empowering and fulfilling! Thank you to the entire team and all those who help with the holy work.".
The chain of events was organized with the assistance of the 'Ish Israel' Institute – for the repose of the soul of Rabbi Avraham Yitzhak Schlossberg, a donation from his son, the Hasidic Governor Rabbi Eliyahu Schlossberg.
The celebration, led by Rabbi Ephraim Kamisar and produced by 'Tsveyim Productions', included valuable gifts for all the mitzvah-bearers.
""Every orphan boy is a whole world," concluded Rabbi Shalom Duchman and Rabbi Mandi Blau from the 'Kollel' management. "This celebration was massive and large, but each one received personal attention, like an only child, which was expressed in individual investment. We wish all the boys the privilege of taking this joy for the whole year and for the rest of their lives, with God's help.".
Photos: Haim Toito, Mandy Cornett
