The year of a child’s bar or bat mitzvah is the “coming of age” year for every Jewish child; a truly special year for the child and his or her family.

At ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran, the school staff chose to take this special stage, which symbolizes maturity, and use it as a springboard for special programming for the children and their families.

Seven students – four girls and three boys – marked their bar and bat mitzvah at a celebratory event in a beautiful hall in the neighboring town of Netivot, surrounded by their families, friends and village staff.

Accompanied by clapping and music, the guests of honor entered the hall, where they took part in meaningful religious ceremonies: the boys participated in the trADItional blessing of the Kohen, and the girls took part in a challa-blessing event.

It was a very moving sight to see the pride and shining eyes of the parents and families present.

A huge thank you goes to the amazing school staff, who invested much effort in arranging such a beautiful celebration.

The excitement of the children and the overwhelming love that surrounded them was a beautiful beacon of light for us as a society and as a family – the family of ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran, where every child deserves the best, even if he is not able to ask for it on his own.

The children of ADI Negev-Nahalat Eran gave us the privilege of performing this great mitzvah. We are truly fortunate!