| The transition into
manhood is a powerful experience for the Children of Israel.
At Bar Mitzvah, a Jewish man takes on the mantle of Torah
and is accorded the holy privileges and deep responsibilities
of adulthood under Jewish law.
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With the initial wrapping of tefillin, a Bar Mitzvah binds
himself to the ancient covenant between G-d and the Jewish
people. Being called up to the Torah for his first Aliya,
he literally rises up with the Torah and becomes a full-fledged
member of the Congregation.
It is customary to celebrate the Bar Mitzvah with a joyous
feast and family celebration. In order to make these important
moments available to Russian Jewish immigrants of all ages,
FREE sponsors the purchase of tefillin and arranges a traditional
Bar Mitzvah Ceremony.
In addition, FREE offers classes and individual tutoring to
help prepare for this auspicious time. The classes provide
Hebrew skills and instruction on davenig (Prayer) from a traditional
Siddur (Prayer Book), and how to properly perform the mitzvah
of tefillin. In addition, the classes teach Jewish history
and tradition, imparting pride, awareness, and a sense of
responsibility toward the Jewish Nation. The learning process
and the ceremony combine to leave a profound impact on the
Bar Mitzvah boy, for the rest of his life.
In addition to the year-round Bar Mitzvah Program, during
the summer, Camp FREE holds an annual Bar Mitzvah Ceremony
for all boys who reach thirteen years of age. Counselors give
campers special Bar Mitzvah lessons preparing the boys for
their Aliya to the Torah.
For More Information about FREE’s Bar Mitzvah Program,
please contact Rabbi Yosef Y. Okunov at FREE Headquarters
718-467-0860 Ext. 118, or Email: info@russianjewry.org.
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