The IDF Widows and Orphans Organization will hold a special Bar and Bas Mitzvah celebration for 45 IDF orphans on Thursday, 11 Tishrei. Taking place in the event will be the IDF Chief Rabbi, who will present the children with their first set of Tefilin and conduct a special service in which they will receive an aliyah to the Torah. The davening will be followed by a festive meal and event at the Jerusalem Theatre in the presence of President Reuven Rivlin, IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkott and Minister of Defense Avigdor Lieberman.

This year the Israeli youngsters will be joined by an American boy from Washington who lost his father in Afghanistan and will celebrate his Bar mitzvah with them. This is the second year that the annual event won’t be held at the Kosel because of security concerns.

The bar mitzvah Ceremony will begin at 1:00PM, followed by the dinner at the Jerusalem Theatre Event at 6:00PM.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)