Philanthropic funds in Israel and around the world have funded bar mitzvah celebrations for hundreds of children whose families lack the means to make them a meaningful celebration at the Kosel. The funds channeled to the organizers are used to buy them a tallis and tefilin and to hold an unforgettable event for them at the Kosel.

Heads of some of the funds undertaking the program were at the Kosel last week to meet the hundreds of boys as they arrived on buses organized for them, bringing them to the Kosel from areas across Israel. The guest of honor was R’ Chaim Miller, who heads The Movement for Jerusalem & its Residents, a former deputy mayor and longtime askan on behalf of the city and its chareidi residents.

Miller merited assisting a man who is almost 100 in putting on a tallis and tefilin for the first time in his life.

There was ample singing and dancing at the unforgettable event. Many mispallalim at the Kosel were drawn into the electric atmosphere, taking part in the simcha. From the Kosel they went to the nearby simcha hall for a seudas mitzvah, during which the boys heard addresses from many of the leaders of the project whom made the event possible.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)