To help students appreciate the bar mitzvah time period and encourage them to consider how they can assume the responsibilities associated with becoming a bar mitzvah, seventh grade students had an amazing week of bar mitzvah programming.
Students kicked off the week with an incredible trip to Brooklyn which began with a visit to Rabbi Yaakov Michael, one of the best “batim machers” (tefillin makers) in the world. Rabbi Michael mesmerized students as he showed them the process of making tefillin, starting from the hide all the way to the finished product. Students saw his incredible machinery used to make the tefillin square, were able to practice making the shin of the tefillin as professionals do, and saw his high tech computer tefillin checking system. Students were welcomed into the famous Chaim Berlin yeshiva where they heard inspiring words from one of the rebbeim and had a chance to learn Torah in their magnificent and vibrant beit midrash.
Students were treated to lunch at Perizia Pizza and enjoyed a stop at Eichler’s, the largest seforim and Judaica store in the world. Their trip ended with Mincha at the famous Landau’s “minyan factory” where students were amazed to see the number of minyanim that take place there daily.
On Wednesday, students participated in our first ever “aliyah training” program where students learned the relevant halachot related to being called to the Torah and had fun putting those halachot into practice.
On Thursday, students were fortunate to participate in a “round robin” of sessions led by parents who encouraged students to consider their role as oskim b’tzarchei btzobur, those who involve themselves with the community. Adam Caplan discussed the role of the chazzan, Mitch Cohen discussed the role of the gabbai, Avi Laub discussed the opportunities that bnei mitzvah have to do chessed and Jonathan Teitelbaum taught students how to find time for Mincha and learning by “making time.” JKHA seventh graders were so fortunate to have a panel of parents who spoke so passionately about topics very close to their hearts as their messages truly penetrated the hearts of our students.
This week gave students much to think about as they continue on their journey through this important stage of life and that they will walk away better equipped to be full-fledged members of klal Yisrael.
