Education Ministry officials are trying to restore the glory of a meaningful bar/bat mitzvah, explaining that for too many young adults the recitation of their drasha is a meaningless yet mandatory component of the ceremony. Towards achieving this goal, ministry officials announce a nationwide competition for the best drasha, something that exceeds “I would like to thank my parents, grandparents and those who assisted me in reaching this day”. The competition will earn educational prizes as part of their studies in Israeli Culture and Heritage.

The schools taking part will be encouraged to forward the outstanding drashas to the ministry for further review, towards being entered into the competition. The study of Israeli Culture and Heritage is part of sixth grade studies, learning the weekly parsha along with Jewish identity and preparation for bar/bat mitzvah.

A drasha will be judged in a number of areas, including content, language and grammar and clarity of presentation.

Ms. Tzipi Koritzky, who heads the Israeli Culture unit of the ministry, feels that writing a quality drasha for one’s bar/bat mitzvah symbolizes the transition from childhood to maturity.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)