Kinor David Bar Mitzvah at the Kotel Western Wall

Wise and kosher gifts for a Bar/Bat mitzvah

tandura — Wed, 22 May 2019 19:36:31 +0000

The preparation for Bar mitzvah for the guests is a tricky task. It is vital to take care not just about appropriate attire and norms of behavior but also about the choice of a nice gift for a boy or a girl celebrating adulthood.

The rules of gifts selection

Thinking about Bat/bar mitzvah gift, it’s important to consider definite criteria:

the gender of the hero of the occasion
your relations with a girl/boy and the family in general (the closer you are, the more money you can spend on a gift)
how well you know the family
how religious the family is
what the family would appreciate as a gift.

Some people may also think about the tastes and interests of a Bat mitzvah girl/Bar mitzvah boy. However, it does not usually make sense because at the age of 12/13 the interests keep changing. Besides, something we can expect to be a nice choice might appear to be ‘un-cool’ for a teenager.

It will be a wonderful idea to talk to a child’s parents first and ask them about their preferences. Another way out is to bring money as a gift. According to the Jewish tradition, it is better to bring the sum of money in multiples of 18. In the traditional numerology, 18 denotes life and is considered as a blessing.

Perfect ideas

To bring a gift is a good choice for those, who desire to make a memorable and valuable present. Let’s considers several Bat/Bar mitzvah gift ideas. The following things are always thought to be kosher and appropriate for the rite of passage:

Tzedakah box. This is a special box used to collect money for charity. A Bat mitzvah girl/Bar mitzvah boy can make a donation before they light Shabbat candles
Kiddush Cup. It’s applied during various religious rituals, such as Shabbat. Bringing such a gift, you help the child prepare for future ceremonies as an adult.
Kippah. It is a perfect choice for a boy. All the religious men wear this accessory. It shows their respect for God and Judaism. It is required to wear it at least during the prayers.
A bookmark. It might contain the inscription of names in Hebrew or a Star of David. It is a beautiful and commemorative gift, which might be used for a religious book the kids read.
Jewelry. There are various accessories, which have the images of a Tree of Life, a Star of David or other religious symbols. You can bring a necklace, ring or other types of jewelry.
Torah pointer. While reading the Torah, such an item is always used. It allows tracking the place during the public reading. There are pointers with different designs from the traditional to modern ones.

The gift, which is connected with religion and culture, is the best choice, as it shows your respect and concern about the future of a new adult member of the Jewish society.

Оценка 7.5 из 10

Сообщение Wise and kosher gifts for a Bar/Bat mitzvah появились сначала на Kinor David Bar Mitzvah at the Kotel Western Wall.

Why is it important to celebrate Bar mitzvah?

tandura — Wed, 22 May 2019 19:21:12 +0000

Why is it vital to celebrate Bar mitzvah?

Bar mitzvah is one of the key occasions in the life of every Jewish boy. Bar mitzvah preparations start in advance. Every member of the Jewish society is looking forward to celebrate this event because it signifies a new stage of life.

The meaning of Bar mitzvah rituals

Bar mitzvah process has cultural, religious, and traditional meaning. It means the transition from childhood to adulthood. As soon as a boy reaches 13, he is considered a full participant of the Jewish society.

The first stage of the ceremony is the ritual. To properly organize the event, the families often hire Bar mitzvah planners, who are experienced in the preparation of various traditional things.

Being an indispensable element of the Jewish faith, Bar mitzvah starts with the service in the synagogue. On the day of the service, the hero of the occasion is to recite a part of the Torah, which he has been learning for a while, in front of the congregation. It happens when a boy leads the Aliyah during synagogue service. The vital thing is that it’s actually the first time for a young man when he has such a responsibility.

After an official ritual, the celebration comes. Many families prefer preparing amazing parties spending thousands of dollars. Such events might include:

The final element of the celebration is a Bar mitzvah party. It is always full of joy and fun. The family selects one of the restaurants, where they can order tasty and kosher food. The hall for the party is always beautifully decorated with balloons and other elements. Jewish people adore big celebrations, so they invite all relatives and friends. The guests bring various gifts and money for a Bar mitzvah boy. Besides, each of them prepares their greetings for the hero of the event.

The significance of the event for a young man

There exist plenty of reasons, why boys are waiting to celebrate their Bar mitzvah:

Thus, almost all the Jewish boys wait and carefully prepare for their Bar mitzvah. For them, it is a unique and unforgettable experience as well as the opportunity to get wise knowledge from the older generation feeling the connection with them.

Оценка 5 из 5

Сообщение Why is it important to celebrate Bar mitzvah? появились сначала на Kinor David Bar Mitzvah at the Kotel Western Wall.

What is the second Bar mitzvah and when does it happen?

tandura — Wed, 22 May 2019 18:57:11 +0000

Every Jew knows Bar mitzvah history and the significance of this ceremony. It is celebrated by every boy, who is 13-year-old. However, not all people are aware of the second Bar mitzvah ceremony. The occasion is celebrated at a later point of life and has more symbolic than religious meaning.

What does the second Bar mitzvah mean?

The actual Bar mitzvah happens when a boy becomes a rightful member of the Jewish society. Since that time, he is connected to God and should read the Torah and pray like any other member of society. Thus, the transition from childhood to adulthood happens at the age of 13.

However, plenty of Jewish people like celebrating their Bar mitzvah for the second time. They usually make such a decision in the period of spiritual reawakening. Thus, they show their rededication to the Torah, its study, and observance. To organize a Bar mitzvah day, they select a milestone birthday. Many Jews choose their 83^rd birthday because they consider the age of 70 a new start, while 83 becomes an equivalent to 13 (when their first Bar mitzvah was celebrated).

What do the men usually do on the second Bar mitzvah?

The event might be organized even without a big celebration because it’s more a spiritual impulse. On a certain day, the man calls to the Torah once again. He reads a part of the Torah, which was read during the first Bar mitzvah event at the age of 13. Sometimes men miss their first celebration of Bar mitzvah. In this case, they declare a part of the Torah, which they planned to read when they were 13.

The other reason for the second Bar mitzvah is the strengthening of faith. It becomes a wonderful chance for those men, who feel lax in the observance of the Torah. Such a ceremony helps restart fulfilling special mitzvahs on a regular basis. The occasion is called re-bar mitzvah.

Why else can you celebrate Bar mitzvah?

There are other general reasons to celebrate the second Bar mitzvah:

to keep older Jews involved in synagogue life
to keep up the spirit
to gather relatives and friends together
to express respect for the Torah and God
to express a tribute to traditions

For an elderly Jew, it’s pleasant to see that traditions are observed and nothing has changed. The guests still say their greetings and bring envelopes with the gifts. Thus, it’s possible to see the connection of generations, which represents an indissoluble chain.

Оценка 5 из 5

Сообщение What is the second Bar mitzvah and when does it happen? появились сначала на Kinor David Bar Mitzvah at the Kotel Western Wall.

What is the importance of Bar mitzvah? What will happen if you won’t pass it?

tandura — Wed, 22 May 2019 18:42:02 +0000

What is the importance of Bar mitzvah?

Bar mitzvah is an important event, which symbolizes one of the stages of Jewish life. It is an indispensable Jewish tradition, which cannot be forgotten. Never mind, where the Jewish family resides, they always prepare for the celebration of Bar mitzvah event.

The significance of Bar mitzvah

Bar mitzvah means the son of Mitzvah. The latest denotes ‘commandment’ and ‘connection’. The ceremony signifies the maturity of a boy and his entrance in adult life. As soon as Bar mitzvah in Israel or in any other part of the world is passed, a boy gets connected to his Jewish identity, Torah, and Mitzvot. Besides, he becomes a rightful member of a Jewish community.

In accordance with the Torah, a ‘Bar Mitzvah’ is a young man, who reached the age of 13. At this age, the transition happens for a boy. Before the ceremony, serious preparations are required, which include Torah readings and Hebrew language learning. The ceremony demonstrates respect for Judaism.

What will happen if you miss Bar mitzvah?

Bar Mitzvah for kids is a great occasion, which makes them a part of the community. Sometimes it happens that families omit the ceremony for a certain reason. There are no real consequences of that. The key things concern the moral issue and feeling of belonging. Almost everyone in Jewish society passes the ceremony of Bar Mitzvah. That’s why those, who missed it, might feel lost and distracted. They may also feel the lack of experience, which everyone around has.

Besides, Bar mitzvah service and celebration are connected with an ancient tradition. That’s why all the religious Jews not just organize the ceremony but prepare a big and impressive celebration with Bar Mitzvah music, dances, kosher food, and a party in order to show their righteous attitude to culture and religion.

Thus, there are several reasons, why it is advisable to host Bar Mitzvah for every boy:

an opportunity to know more about religious traditions
a chance to feel a part of a large community and be a part of it for real in case if non-Bar Mitzvah boys aren’t allowed to take part in the religious life of the community
an opportunity to experience the feeling of high spirits and joy
it is an amazing occasion devoted to a child, which can be attended by relatives and friends

Besides, a hero of the occasion may get useful and beautiful gifts as well as greetings and nice wishes for the future.

If you are a true Jew, who respects God and good old traditions, it is a wonderful idea to organize a Bar mitzvah event with great celebration.

Оценка 5 из 5

Сообщение What is the importance of Bar mitzvah? What will happen if you won’t pass it? появились сначала на Kinor David Bar Mitzvah at the Kotel Western Wall.

What to do and what not to do on Bar Mitzvah

tandura — Wed, 22 May 2019 18:15:22 +0000

Bar mitzvah is an important ceremony for all the representatives of Jewish culture. There are certain rules concerning Bar mitzvah attire, behavior, foods, and activity during the event. Jewish laws are quite strict and conservative concerning Bar mitzvah and Bat mitzvah. That’s why it is vital to know the requirements before you start planning your ceremony or visit one.

Clothing for the service in synagogue

The first thing you should know is your dress. It is vital to wear something modest and respectful. The Bar mitzvah invitations usually have information concerning the appropriate attire. There are general requirements as well, which are as follows:

Besides, there are special accessories for men, which are required to wear during the ceremony. They are:

Sometimes Tefillin is also required when the event is planned for the days of public Torah readings and Tefillin is a must for Bar/Bat Mitzvah’s boy/girl.

Respectful behavior

The next important issue is your behavior. It is necessary to be respectful to the event, God, occasion, and the family. Thus, try to forget about your mobile phone, videos & pictures, smoking, and other disrespectful behavior. It’s better to try to avoid speaking too loud (unless you’re singing when songs are run).

Besides, it’s necessary to get ready for the dynamic service. Bar mitzvah ceremony never deals with a quiet listening of a Rabbi. You’ll have to participate in the service. There is nothing to worry about. You can just look at the others and do the same things. It is easy even if you attend such an event for the first time.

The service in the synagogue might last for 2 hours, so it is okay if it is a bit hard for you to follow it.

Gifts etiquette

Another important issue for the participants of the Bar mitzvah event is a gift. In most cases, a reasonable decision is to give money. For those, who still want to bring something special, the following items will be appropriate:

Besides, when selecting a gift, it is vital to consider, how religious the family is, how well you know them, and what gifts they would appreciate the most in order not to make a mistake.

Оценка 5 из 5

Сообщение What to do and what not to do on Bar Mitzvah появились сначала на Kinor David Bar Mitzvah at the Kotel Western Wall.

A Guide to Building a Bar Mitzvah at the Kotel

tandura — Mon, 21 Jan 2019 09:13:34 +0000

The only guide in the world that explains how to organize a Bar Mitzvah at the Kotel without a production company!

A little about us

David Mansora

Produces and organizes Bar Mitzvah events at the Kotel. Has a BA from the Robin Music Academy. Married, has 3 children, resident of Jerusalem. Knows the Kotel area very well. Aware of all problems that could occur from the moment you decided to get to the Kotel on the Bar Mitzvah day, up to the moment when, god willing, you celebrate the event itself.

Hagai Ben-Haim

Married with 5 children, Bar mitzva rabbi, scribe, former vice- winner of the world Bible quiz, teaches and prepares boys for their Bar Mitzvah in all manners, works at the Kotel Heritage Foundation for 10 years.

We have compiled all the knowledge and information we have accumulated over seven years of producing Bar Mitzvah events at the Kotel. Here you will find a lot of information in addition to articles and videos that appear on our site.

All comments or enlightenments are welcome. You can contact us via the email at the end of the article.

Persuasion – that’s not us

Persuasion — is a person’s perception of what is good and what is bad, what works and what does not work, what’s right and wrong. Phrases such as «I do everything alone» or «I do not want production through the Internet», «Only by word of mouth,» I will ask my friends what they did.

And I will do the same, «productions need money», all the descriptive characteristics of our reality are our beliefs. Beliefs create a new level, called capacity, so you can produce an event on your own, but you must take into account that you have to work very hard before the event and during it as well.

Now what actually needs to be done

Step One – Checking the event date

Before the event, you should check the exact date of the event (check according to the Hebrew calendar and not the Gregorian). If you have any problem finding out, please contact Rabbi Hagai Ben-Haim at +972522600640 and he will help you regarding the matter (free of charge).

The Aliya to the Torah takes place on Mondays and Thursdays, because only then, by Jewish law, the Torah is read. In addition, it is possible to celebrate during a New Moon, even if it comes out on any other day of the week because then too, the Torah is take out. Please note that if the New Moon comes out on other days, there will be less people at the Kotel than on Mondays and Thursdays and for you that is an advantage.

Step Two - A place for the Bar Mitzvah Celebration

There are several places to celebrate a Bar Mitzvah. We will provide the information and you will need to personally choose what’s right for your family. At the Kotel, of course. In my opinion it’s the most appropriate place to celebrate a Bar Mitzvah, because the Kotel is the symbol of Israel and Judaism, and there is no better place.

Every important event goes through the Kotel. Whether it’s a military ceremony, Memorial Day ceremony, Jerusalem day, fasts during the year, weddings, marriage proposals, Bat Mitzvahs, Siddur parties and mainly Bar Mitzvahs for Jews from around the world.

Even from a tourism point of view, the Kotel plays a very respectable part. It is considered one of the top ten world tourist attractions. Each year the Kotel receives around 10 million visitors.

Besides, it’s fun to see all the joy that resides at the Kotel and to be a part of it. Here, the Kotel is called “The Kotel of Joy” and has been called that for a long time. We will not be exaggerating if we say that the saying written about the temple also refers to the Kotel: «Those who did not see the joy residing at the Kotel, has not seen joy».

Here is a list of synagogues in the Jerusalem area:

The Ruin synagogue (Ha Horva)

Is in the Jewish Quarter. This is a very grand synagogue, restored and reopened 5 years ago. The cost of the place is 3,000 NIS.

The Ben Zakai synagogue

Is in the Jewish Quarter as well. This is one of the four Spanish synagogues. An age-old and impressive synagogue. The Ark within it was brought from Italy. The cost of the place is 2,500 NIS.

The Istambouli synagogue

Right next to the Ben Zakai synagogue, part of the four Spanish synagogues. It too is large and the Ark within it is spectacular in its beauty. The place also cost about 2,500 NIS.

The synagogue in Mishkenot Shaananim

its uniqueness is because of the neighborhood where it is located. This is the first neighborhood to stretch outside the old city walls. Today it's considered a very exclusive neighborhood, very popular amongst tourists and is very groomed and looked after.

Synagogues around the house

Many families prefer not to leave the city, and to celebrate a Bar Mitzvah and the grooms Saturday (wedding related) at the local synagogue, because they already know the place, do not need a lot of logistics, everything is ready and is much cheaper.

Bar Mitzvah on Masada

An amazing and unique place, a desert landscape, a Bar Mitzvah in the nature. However, for the majority of families the distance is great, the price is expensive because there is not much supply and its very hot weather. The entry fee includes a round-trip cable car ride: Adult - 76 NIS; Youth - aged 5 to 17 – 43 NIS; Of course the musicians, transportation, meals and photographers should be added to this.

Bar Mitzvah in Safed (Tzfat)

In the Old City. Resembles the Jewish Quarter in Jerusalem. Mystical ambiance. A unique and exciting experience. The Bar Mitzvah is usually done in the Spanish synagogue “Abohav”.

Hotels

There is a possibility to conduct the Aliya to the Torah at a hotel and of course eat lunch there. There is a priority to hotels closest to the Kotel. This is an excellent solution for the rainy season.

Here are some highlights to follow during the organization of the event:

Shuttle Service

It is very important that the bus be modern, comfortable for the trip, from a known company, punctual, a Jewish, kind and patient driver, orientated in Jerusalem and the Kotel in particular.

Homework – go to Google, write “Shuttle to the Kotel», and start calling all the companies. You have to tell them the date of the event, number of seats, origin and destination, time of departure and time of return.

Arrival time at the Kotel

1) There is no doubt that the recommended time to reach the Kotel is wither early in the morning before 9:00 A.M. or after 11:30 A.M. The reason for this is: usually families leave the house between 8:00 A.M. and 9 A.M. After a stop for breakfast and after all the traffic to Jerusalem and to the Kotel, arrival time is between 10:30 A.M. and 12:00 P.M.

2) Now do a simple calculation: As an annual average, each event is consisted of between 30-40 families on Mondays and Thursdays, each family is about 40-50 guests, and if you multiply 40 families by 50 guests per family, you will come to about 2,000 people at the Kotel between 10:30-12:00. This is a very large amount of people and you will probably be swallowed by the crowd.

3) So you should arrive either before or after rush hour. If you are able to arrive between 8:00-10:00 A.M., that is great. The Kotel is relatively empty and you will enjoy an intimate experience. If you insist on prayer at the time, it is clear that this is the preferred option for you.

If this is impossible for you because finally it does not require gathering guests early in the morning, especially if you live far away from Jerusalem, it’s better you arrive after 12:00. The Kotel then begins to empty from families and the logistics will be easier to implement. There is no problem in terms of Jewish law, Aliya to the Torah is possible until sunset.

If you wish, you can arrive in the late afternoon, especially in the summer when the days are long, but that requires coordination with the director of the Kotel, about taking out the Torah.

In any case, consider the probably of delays. Whether it’s David who was late and everyone is waiting for him, if its bad traffic that is always there or if it’s anything else. So if you have coordinated with suppliers, always have an interval of time and in real time inform them that you are running late.

Planning the Bar Mitzvah day

Here is the outline of the today:

Leaving the house

Stop for breakfast

Arrival at the Kotel

Musicians parade

Attractions on the way to the Kotel

Aliya to the Torah ceremony

Tour of one of the sites in the Kotel area

Lunch

Details are as follows:

Many families have their breakfast on the way to Jerusalem. Possible locations for that are Latrun, Canada Park and so on. Common to all this it is a meal outdoors. Of course you can have breakfast at the Kotel and save the time of stopping midway.

Overall, you can prepare the breakfast yourself. Is a bit of a headache but on the other hand it saves a lot of money. It is possible to get up early that day, prepare different kinds of sandwiches, cut some vegetables, buy fresh pastries from the local bakery, of course, drinks, and there you have a rich and satisfying breakfast.

If, however, you want to be as guests yourselves and not to mess around with anything, then your answer is the catering company. You need to write in Google “breakfast at the Kotel”, or “breakfast on the way to Jerusalem”.

An important tip:

Musicians parade to the Kotel

The internet has a lot of bands of drums and trumpets. I will not write what is good and what is not. Go to Google, write: «drummers at the Kotel» or “Drums and trumpets at the Kotel» and start calling each one. What is most important is not the price because they all pretty much charge the same price, but the joy they bring to the family.

Most of the joy is the parade because there is no entry for musical instruments into the Kotel plaza, and therefore you have to choose musicians who don’t just play the instruments but do other fun things as well. It is also important to match the musicians of the family. For example, if you are from an Ashkenazi family, you will find klezmer more suitable than drummers.

The same also goes for Bukharin Jews who have their own special tunes, but if the family is Oriental, such as Moroccan, drummers are needed to set the eastern rhythm. During the research you should ask for video clips, so that you can watch and see that the musicians do a good job.

The Bard at the Parade

My recommendation is to add a procession Bard to Oriental families and a cantor to Ashkenazi families. The Bard has a key part in the parade. His job is to lead the parade, sing, cheer, greet and conduct it. And of course ask for videos to get an impression of the professionalism.

Releasing the balloons

Releasing the balloons is done on the way to the Kotel, during the parade or at the end of it. Each member of the family gets a balloon and then release them together.

Hasid (follower) Doll

An inflatable doll in the form of a Nachman the Hasid (follower), operated by a person from inside the doll. Very suitable for children. Very appealing to Israelis, tourists and other people. The doll joined the dancing and does all sorts of amusing stunts. How to search? Go to Google and write: «Bar Mitzvah at the Kotel» attractions.

Tefillin-laying ceremony and the Aliya to the Torah

We have reached the most important thing on the Bar Mitzvah day. I do not know why, but people invest less in the logistics of the ceremony even though it’s very important.

For example, the matter of reserving seats next to the partition between men and women. As is known, the Kotel is a public place, and dozens families celebrate a Bar Mitzvah at the same time.

If there are no reserved seats, almost certainly there will not be a place near the partition and you will have to either wait for a vacancy, or as a lack of choice, celebrate with the women far from the men. It is worth it to spend a little money so that you have peace of mind at the ceremony itself, and everyone will enjoy it together.

Sun in the summer

This is very important. If you arrive early you do not have a problem with the sun because the wall covers the plaza up to the middle until about 9:30 A.M. If you can’t get there early, there is a solution as well.

The Kotel attendants provide umbrellas installed on the partition. Of course this is only a partial solution, but it’s something.

Rain in the winter

Since you can’t take out a Torah scroll in the rain, so it would not get wet, the ceremony is performed at a sealed part of the Kotel called «Wilson’s Arch». The place is air-conditioned, has seating chairs for women and slightly resembles a synagogue.

The entrance for men is through men section and the women entrance is via the Kotel tunnels. There is also a unique option for women to listen to the ceremony – headsets that connect to a transmitter receives by the groom. Please note that this is a free service that can be obtained from the Kotel staff.

In terms of photography at Wilson’s Arch, it’s a bit dark and the women area is almost impossible to film, which is something you need to take under consideration.

Prayer duration:

Free option:

There is a free service, provided by the Kotel Heritage Foundation, where you can invite a free guide to the Aliya to the Torah ceremony.

Paid option:

I always highly recommend bringing a professional bard to conduct the ceremony. The reason is simple. The guide is an employee of the Kotel, and gets paid an hourly wage and is banned from accepting tips. Therefore, he has no motivation to a great job, but only to do what he must. In contrast, a bard you hire privately has every reason to make the event the best possible, to publish his name and attract more clients. The investment here is very worthwhile.

Order of the ceremony:

Tefillin laying

Shema reading

Half Kaddish.

Raising the Torah

Parade with the men bringing the Torah from the Ark.

Three ascents including the groom

The father's blessing - "good riddance of this punishment"

The mothers blessing. Appears on the website (to learn) including private and general blessings for the family.

A decorated certificate with the name of the groom and the date of Aliyah to the Torah

It is very important to choose a Rabbi based on the family’s heritage association (Spanish, Ashkenazi, Yemenite). Find out in advance so as not to create discomfort afterwards. It should be noted that some bards are versed in all versions regardless of their origin. Obviously it’s great, and even advisable to take such a Rabbi to diversify for the guests.

A little tip — there is a phenomenon at the Kotel of private individuals offering themselves to conduct the ceremony, usually for a fee. If this also suitable you, great. Just agree on the amount in advance to save unnecessary grief for both sides.

Scribe Workshop

Torah book, Tefillin, Mezuzah. These are all sacred objects to the Jewish people. They are all written by a person called a scribe author, on parchment with a quill and ink.

This is actual art that requires patience, concentration, and divine knowledge and fear. The workshop content is this: a scribe author will come, first he will explain the basic concepts and then the Bar Mitzvah boy himself will experience writing.

What you get there, is the home blessing written on parchment. The last 13 letters, as are the age of the groom, will be hollow, and you will need to complete them after a short briefing from the author, of course. We recommend let as many people as possible to do this so that everyone can experience this and everyone will participate in the joy. The workshop is usually done at of the ceremony, on the table that was prayed on.

What not to bring to the Kotel

Tables, umbrellas, arrangements, notes. If you forget Tefillin or tallit, there is a stall at the men entrance, from which you can borrow for a deposit. There are even Kipas at the entrance for those who forgot.

What to bring to the Kotel

Cold water bottles (even though there are water coolers at the plaza), candy, the grooms Tefillin or tallit.

I would recommend to write on a paper all the phone numbers of all the suppliers for the event:

What is forbidden to bring to the Kotel: musical instruments, knifes, alcohol.

Tours in the old city area

Before booking a tour, you need to consider if the tour route is suited for all guests. There are places with a lot of stairs, there are outdoor places were its very warm in the summer and cold in winter, there are places that limit the number of people per group, and therefore you need to check all these things in advance.

Below is a list of recommended tours:

The Kotel Tunnels - closed site. About an hour and a half long tour. Guided tour. A combination of mysticism and archeology. Must be punctual. Up to 35 people in a group. Cost of the tour: Adult – 30 NIS, child - 15 NIS.
David's tomb – open site. A huge complex that includes above observation deck. Free admission - it is strongly recommended to take a paid guide.
Tour of the roofs - open site. Includes stairs. An overlook of the panoramic view of the old city including the Temple Mount area. Free admission - it is strongly recommended to take a paid guide.
The Generations chain - closed site. 45 minute tour. Guided tour. A combination of technology and archeology. Museum of Glass in combination with smoke and lighting. Must be punctual. Up to 35 people in a group. Cost of the tour: Adult - 25 NIS, Child - 15 NIS.
The Ruin Synagogue (hurva) - closed site. 45 minute tour. Guided tour. One of the most magnificent synagogues there is. Cost of the tour: Adult - 25 NIS, child - 15 NIS.
City of David - open site. 2 and a half hour tour. Guided tour. Including stairs and a lot of walking. Cost of the tour: Adult - 45 NIS, child – 35 NIS.
Davidson Center - open and closed site. Includes the Archaeological garden and Museum. 2 hour tour. It is highly recommended to take a guide for an additional fee. Cost of the tour: Adult - 30 NIS, child - 16 NIS.

In conclusion, we’ve put lots of material together for you to assist you in building a Bar Mitzvah day.

You can always contact us via number: 0522600640.

You are also welcome to visit our website, where there is additional material that includes articles and videos.

Сообщение A Guide to Building a Bar Mitzvah at the Kotel появились сначала на Kinor David Bar Mitzvah at the Kotel Western Wall.

Fathers Blessing for Bar Mitzvah boy

tandura — Mon, 14 Jan 2019 09:00:13 +0000

The most important role of the groom's father at the Bar Mitzvah ceremony

t is important to know that the father has a big part to play in his son’s Bar Mitzvah.

The father blesses a blessing that is part of a centuries old tradition, in which, in fact, he expresses his delight that his son is now entering the commandments burden, and is solely responsible for his own actions.

The wording of the blessing is: "good riddance of its punishment."

There are people who do not understand the meaning of the blessing, and think that it means, God forbid, that the father now gets rid of the son. Obviously it is not so. The riddance does not refer to the son, but rather to the son’s actions. Until he reaches the age of thirteen years and one day, all actions and their results were the full responsibility of the parents, for better or worse. From now on, this responsibility transfers to him.

According to Jewish tradition, one can understand the timing of this blessing even more.

Our wise men say that by the age of thirteen years, only evil dwells within a man. Therefore, a child tends to do things of a more nefarious nature. From the age of thirteen, good is also introduced into the person, and now, in fact, the scales are balanced. The good draws toward the commandments, and the evil inclination vice versa.

The good instinct could in fact be called as an opinion. At the age of thirteen years, the child already has an understanding of the ramifications of his actions, so he should bear the consequences.

Fathers Blessing for Bar Mitzvah boy

In fact, the day of the Bar Mitzvah is the transition from childhood to adulthood, from dependence to independence, and its good to bless for that.

Every parent is waiting for the moment when a child for whom they worked so hard for over the years, will be his own living person.

Our wise men also say that once the child reaches the age of mitzvot, a new soul enters him. So its a very special moment.

Jokingly one might say that surely the father should be happy that his son became a man, but he should remember that from now on allowance will rise higher and higher.

Apart from the importance of the blessing, it should be noted that often it causes excitement to the brink of tears. This also adds a special touch to the ceremony. This is a good combination of joy and excitement together.

Its important to mention that the blessing needs to be spoken on the exact day the groom turns thirteen years of age, certainly not before and preferably also not after.

Сообщение Fathers Blessing for Bar Mitzvah boy появились сначала на Kinor David Bar Mitzvah at the Kotel Western Wall.

Is the Bar Mitzvah groom excited ?

tandura — Mon, 14 Jan 2019 08:39:24 +0000

Butterflies in the stomach? What to do?

The boy has been preparing for this moment for months, he prepared the Torah portion and prepared for the sermon, his parents spent a lot of money, the whole family is waiting with anticipation, and finally the day has arrived… all the guests have arrived from afar in his honor, all standing around him, waiting for him to speak…he’s in the center of things and he is only 13 years old – is it really surprising he is under pressure???

Every boy is excited on the day of his Bar Mitzvah, it’s only natural. Excitement is a positive factor, especially for a young boy who had never experienced such a fuss about him. But there are those for whom the excitement is so great that it makes it hard for them to function. Over-Excitement can cause pressure and stress which can lead to dysfunction. There are those who get a «Black Out» and forget all the reading, there are those who get nauseous, there are those who get «cold feet» and refuse to read. I attended an event once where the child was so nervous that he almost fainted from a panic attack. He was so nervous he was evacuated by ambulance.

Aliya to the Tora at the Kotel

So what can you do to calm the excited groom down so that he could perform and most importantly, enjoy this special day?

The best suggestion is to prepare in advance for this possibility. Inform the boy and prepare him for the expected excitement ahead of the event, that he may feel pressure in his chest from the excitement, or may feel a kind of paralysis, which is natural and normal. Knowing that this paralysis is normal and that many go through it, calms the boy and allows him to understand what happens to him at the moment of truth.

It’s important to calm during moments of stress. Give the boy time, tell him that everybody enjoys the event even if there is no reading the Torah. Explain him that everyone goes through it and that it’s fine. Tell him that he will slowly calm down and the pressure will drop. It is recommended to keep him slightly away from the center of attention, because when all eyes are turned to you — it creates more stress. The main thing is to relieve the boy of the heavy burden of stress.

It is important to sit the boy down in a shaded, comfortable place, let him drink cold water or eat some candy. You can splash some water on his face. Worst case scenario — lay the boy down on the ground and lift his legs. This will help him come to his senses.

A kiss from the mother

Sometimes the father is the cause of the stress. The son feels that if he is not up to the pressure his father is going to be disappointed in him, the guests start throwing comments and the dad takes it personally, gets stressed himself and urges the boy to come to his senses quickly. The mother also often gets stressed because of the child’s stress. Therefore it is better if another adult from the family, personally detached from all the pressure and unpleasantness, talks with the boy, calms him down, gives him support – an uncle, aunt, grandmother, big brother and so on.

In case of fainting — the Kotel has a medic located at the entrance to the tunnels, call him.

What not to do?

During moments of pressure not to laugh at him, or tell him phrases like: «What kind of a man are you?», «Are you sure that you have a Bar Mitzvah?!», «just read whatever you remember», «after all the money and time we invested» — these are judgmental sentences that tell him that his situation is not positive. This makes him become disappointed with himself and try to recover quickly, something he can’t do now. Such sentences increase the pressure and put him into a vicious cycle that adds more pressure to the boy.

Remember, he’s only 13 years old, it’s not an easy position for him… and you’re only there to support him! If he meets the challenge of this event, it will be remembered as a positive and strengthening experience and not the opposite.

Сообщение Is the Bar Mitzvah groom excited ? появились сначала на Kinor David Bar Mitzvah at the Kotel Western Wall.

What we have that others don’t

tandura — Mon, 14 Jan 2019 08:26:57 +0000

WHAT DO YOU HAVE THAT THEY DON’T?

People always ask us what do you do that’s better than any other production company, because they all give the same service and pretty much all are the same price. What do you have that they don’t?

I would like to inform you that we have a number of unique things that only we have and other production companies do not.

A Team of Musicians

I myself have a BA from The Rubin Academy of Music in Jerusalem. I know how to party and energize the audience so much, that sometimes people think I have gone crazy. When the family comes with the bus, we enter the bus in full party mode and start the celebration from the first moments of the event.

A reception for the Bar Mitzvah boy

A Regal setting welcomes you. The set includes a red carpet and columns decorated with bouquets of flowers. The setting adds splendor and provides the event with a special look. On the carpet amidst the columns, the Bar Mitzvah boy will stand along with his immediate family, to blessings from the family and a Shma Israel blessing from the Bard, accompanied by the sounds of trumpets.

Rabbi (Hagai Ben-Haim)

The bard hosting all the Bar Mitzvah events is Hagai Ben-Haim. Hagai is a former vice-winner of the World Bible Quiz. This advantage gives him extensive knowledge on Judaism in general and in particular on the subject of the Bar Mitzvah.

Side note: You are invited to a free consultation with a rabbi on any subject related to bar mitzvah via phone number: 052-2-600-640, during conventional hours.

Hasid Doll

A Nachman Hasid (follower) doll, inflates to high-altitude, joins for the whole parade, making it that much better. It is important to say that almost all those watching the show, will stop for at least a moment to observe or photograph or to be photographed with the doll.

A gift worth all the money in the world

We invested a lot of thought into what souvenir will remain with the Bar Mitzvah boy for life. It’s true that the status itself will be remembered forever, but still, we wanted to give the bar Mitzvah boy something that will remind him of his Bar Mitzvah whenever he saw it.

Home blessing — a blessing with a lot of meaning and content, whose purpose is protection for the home. The blessing is written on a real parchment, when the last 13 letters, as per the years in the life of the Bar Mitzvah groom, are hollow, which the groom completes with ink and quill, just like a scribe, after the Aliya to the Torah ceremony. The card itself can be framed and hung in the living room, a memento of a living testimony for a long and prosperous life.

Cost

I would just like to remind you that all these services cost a lot of money on the market, and they really are worth every penny, all of which we provide with no extra charge. Everything is included within the standard fee.

Сообщение What we have that others don’t появились сначала на Kinor David Bar Mitzvah at the Kotel Western Wall.

IF YOU DON’T ASK YOU DON’T KNOW

tandura — Mon, 14 Jan 2019 07:28:22 +0000

QUESTIONS YOU MUST ASK A PRODUCTION COMPANY FOR AN EVENT AT THE KOTEL

The Production Company or The Client – Who is The Boss?

You are on your way to the celebration of a Bar Mitzvah at the Kotel but you do not have much knowledge of how to do it, and you do not know exactly what you want, so you started calling production companies…

A company representative drops you a flood of questions: How many guests? Where the meal is? When is the Aliya to the Torah? Where do you want the transport? And more and more… You are trying to answer as much as you can, and at the end of the conversation he asks: so should I send you an estimate?

You go out of the conversation when nothing is understood, the call ended without any progress and you just got confused.

The truth is that at this point you really have no answers yet, but you have a lot of questions! You do not know exactly what to ask, and you’re even a little afraid to ask… you might be thinking: Why should I ask them all the questions? They own the company, they should ask me…

So it turns out that the production company now manages the acquaintance call: asks you different questions and steers you according to its needs, instead of you leading it to suit your needs!!

In this article, I want to show you how to ask the production company the most important questions for you and your family, and how to make the production company to adapt itself to you, and not vice versa.

THE MOTTO IS TO TAKE THE INITIATIVE INTO YOUR OWN HANDS!!

Each company boasts the expertise it accumulated producing Bar Mitzvah at the Kotel on its website. But it is your job to check if they really are a company that stands behind its promises. You can lead the conversation and ask the right questions that only fit you and you must not, under any circumstances, allow the representative to take over the call and wait for a window of opportunity to insert questions.

In my experience, the production company comes to the first phone conversation with a list of questions, you answer, and then you ask to receive an estimate by email without really having some understanding or idea of what you will truly get at an event and what you want to have at an event, because so far you have heard only what is offered to you.

For example, here is a typical conversation with a customer who wants to celebrate a Bar Mitzvah at the Kotel:

1) Production: Hello
2) You: Hello, we have a Bar Mitzvah and we want to celebrate it the Kotel, how much does it cost?
1) Producer: How many people are you at the event?
2) You: I do not know.
1) Production: where you need transportation from?
2) You: We are not sure yet, possibly from the center, but maybe from the south.
1) Production: What do you want there to be at the event?
2) You: I do not know, but everything.
1) Production: Breakfast and lunch?
2) You: Yes…maybe not…
1) Production: Well, it’s something like 2,000 shekels.
2) You: Expensive. Well, send it to me by e-mail.
1) Producer: No problem. Thank you./?

What do you say?

As you might have noticed, waste of a phone call and a waste of your time. After a round of phone calls to several more such companies, you will not receive any information and the estimates that you will receive will not be serious and will be meaningless.

The clients problem here is that he doesn’t really knows what he wants, and it is the company’s opportunity to take advantage of the situation. So come prepared.

There is a wonderful sales and negotiation technique, I call it a planned call — When your goal is to come to the conversation as prepared as you can.

What are the right questions to ask a production company?

Step One: Taking the Helm

At the beginning of any conversation with a production company representative, whether if it’s a meeting or a phone call, you say the following:

«To save my time and yours, I’ll ask you a few questions; (Obviously the questions need to be prepared in advance), you answer my questions, and then you ask what you want to ask. If we have chemistry in the conversation, we will move forward.

Is that ok?»

There is no right or left here. When you hear professional talk and people who know what they want, the behavior of the production company is different. You present yourself as serious and savvy, yet show respect to the production company. And most importantly, you can now ask anything you want because you already have approval and consent.

Provide the feeling that the goal is mutual and you are not on the opposite side of the representative. There is no interest to create tension in the conversation, only to take the reins.

Now the help is in your hands

Continuing the conversation, I call it the technique of «Yes Yes No No». You clarify whether the representative is with you and ask him: «If you want to answer questions — I will continue to talk. If not, do not worry. You talk. Okay?»

In most cases he will answer: «It’s all right». You took the initiative in your hands and you got respect because the other side understands that you have knowledge and understanding in productions events, and along with that you are flexible and responsive.

Before talking about asking questions, there are two important rules:

Rule number one: I call it (pardon the expression) «a screwed up producer»:

For example, you ask what tour is worth taking if we have older guests?

He replies: I do not understand what you want, all our tours are good.

Now, do not accept that answer. It’s something that’s important for you to know, so explain to him that there are tours on foot, bus tours that don’t require a lot of walking, there are elderly people that find it difficult to walk a lot…see how he reacts. Does he know the material? Is he sensitive to your needs?

If you really get stuck with a kind of problematic producer, start thinking.

Rule number two: You are not robots!

A producer needs to understand that you ask relevant questions out of concentration and not from a book or a page. So first of all do not talk during the ride, because you do not hear well, and it hurts communication. Do not talk while you eat — it’s not very polite. And most importantly, prepare a list of questions that are important to you but don’t cling to it like it’s the Torah from Sinai. Go with it. Show you are on top of things, and that you are nobody’s sucker.

Step Two: What do I actually want? Come prepared with questions and information

There are several types of questions: Information and sale. Sales Questions are the responsibility of the producer («Do you want to add…», «would you want to upgrade to…»). Don’t worry, he will know when to ask you what he needs. You need to focus on information questions.

Information questions examine the nature of the service. For example, when it comes to transportation: Which transportation company do you work with, what year are the buses, whether they require a full day booking, is there a drop off service…If the production company is serious, the information will be provided to you easily. These are specific questions professionals are able to answer of the top of their head. Those who are not professionals will start to stutter at this point, and you will feel it immediately.

What you need is to prepare questions like these in all fields: Aliya to the Torah, the meal, the attractions and so on. What time is recommended to start? How many people can fit into a particular area? Why should the Aliya to the Torah precede meal? Who can help with the religious ceremony? How long is the walk from the Kotel to the restaurant? These are quite easy information questions and there is a need to ask them and to make sure you get a serious answer from someone with knowledge.

So far it seem pretty simple and I recommend not to underestimate the information questions, and make a list of important questions because without asking them, things you do not need and do not want at the event can be pushed on you. In other words, it will help defy to you and to others exactly what you want and get the best proposal suited for you.

And what about sales questions? Don’t worry, he will ask you at the end. But that will only be after the clarification of what you want, and he understands that you cannot be fooled.

Step Three: "It's very important for me to know" - begin to ask…

«It is very important for me to know which transportation company you work with» — Why is it important for me? Because I want to read online comments about the company, or «I would like to know if I will find transportation by myself, can we continue or are you not interested»?

Every question has its answer, so you either get all the details or you don’t, you can also be told «We do not provide third-party contact details», «I can’t answer that. I’ll check». That’s fine, but you need to decide if it suits you at home.

«It’s important for me to know with what drummers band do you work with?», «Who are the photographers?», «Is it possible to receive or view photos or filming work from previous events?»

Demand an answer: either yes or no. You never know what the reaction would be, but that’s how you will get an impression. You are leading the conversation and you are much more confident because you know what you need.

Another important question: «does your production company have recommendations?»

It is not always as helpful as you might think, because the answer is always yes, «Of course we have recommendations, we organized many events«. Beautiful. This is the stage for asking for phone numbers, not one or two — at least ten — Of course you will not call all ten numbers, but that’s how you’ll have an overview of the company’s reliability.

Step Four: Budget questions - how much does it cost?

This is the ultimate question of production — cost, because that is what determines whether you should even continue the conversation.

You ask: «Can you direct me to more or less what the cost of production is? 100 NIS, 1000 NIS or 10000 NIS?»

This is a question that many customers do not always want to ask, preferring to receive the estimated price by email. You might think it’s not right to ask over the phone, but if you do not ask the question, you will not know what the boundaries of production are because any normal company has several packages to offers: from cheap to expensive.

Sometimes when you ask about the budget — you can get negative or evasive answers. For example: «No, you tell me what your budget is». This is also okay, go with the flow and do the calculations of who to move forward with — at home.

Step Five: Do not pressure me - what I want and what I do not want

After you got an idea of what more or less the production costs are, start asking questions about what the production will include and what service you get in return for the payment.

One might ask this: «What, in your opinion, is most important for me to have at the event? The word «important» is already intriguing the producer and he understands that here he will need to give a bit of thought in order to answer.

An example of an answer: «It’s important for me to surprise you with the playing of the drums, and that during the prayer you will have a place really, really close to the partition. Another thing that is important to me is that you have a good restaurant.»

This is a good answer but its the basis for additional investigation. Do not settle for it. Ask more questions. Find out: what the company does to please you, exactly where and when do they want to enter with the drums, what is a partition – Please elaborate for me.

One can strengthen the question: «Do you have very special things?»

Example answer: «We have a red carpet and floral arrangement reception, in the puppet parade we have a Nachman puppet that no one else has, we have a scribe writing workshop with ink on parchment sheet, etc.». Again, find out more and investigate further. See if you like it and you’re excited about it, or if it doesn’t do it for you.

One may ask the opposite question: «What do you not want or do not recommend having at the event?»

Example: «I do not like parades that have just drummers, I like to add a clarinet — he adds melodies as well.»

Step Six – Punctuality Test

Time related questions: What are the policies for the start of an event? Delay with transportation? Delay with pick up? Does the company reserve a place for the Aliya to the Torah at the Kotel? What if the event is extended? A very important issue is when will you receive the photography material? How soon will everything is ready, is it possible to get everything faster?

If you do not ask questions about punctuality, the other side will understand that you are not pressed for time and they can string you along week after week.

Step Six – Punctuality Test

If you do not ask questions about punctuality, the other side will understand that you are not pressed for time and they can string you along week after week.

The Final step in the conversation - Preparation for decisions

Ask: «How will the event booking process be?», «How do we move forward to closing the deal?”

Based on the answer, you will get a general picture and derive conclusions and can sit at home and decide what you need to pay more attention to.

Kinor David Bar Mitzvah at the Kotel Western Wall

Wise and kosher gifts for a Bar/Bat mitzvah

The rules of gifts selection

Perfect ideas

Why is it important to celebrate Bar mitzvah?

Why is it vital to celebrate Bar mitzvah?

The meaning of Bar mitzvah rituals

The significance of the event for a young man

What is the second Bar mitzvah and when does it happen?

What does the second Bar mitzvah mean?

What do the men usually do on the second Bar mitzvah?

Why else can you celebrate Bar mitzvah?

What is the importance of Bar mitzvah? What will happen if you won’t pass it?

What is the importance of Bar mitzvah?

The significance of Bar mitzvah

What will happen if you miss Bar mitzvah?

Thus, there are several reasons, why it is advisable to host Bar Mitzvah for every boy:

What to do and what not to do on Bar Mitzvah

Clothing for the service in synagogue

Respectful behavior

Gifts etiquette

A Guide to Building a Bar Mitzvah at the Kotel

A little about us

David Mansora

Hagai Ben-Haim

Persuasion – that’s not us

Now what actually needs to be done

Now what actually needs to be done

Step One – Checking the event date

Step Two - A place for the Bar Mitzvah Celebration

We made a list of synagogues in Jerusalem to have a Bar Mitzvah in

Here is a list of synagogues in the Jerusalem area:

The Ruin synagogue (Ha Horva)

The Ben Zakai synagogue

The Istambouli synagogue

The synagogue in Mishkenot Shaananim

Synagogues around the house

Bar Mitzvah on Masada

Bar Mitzvah in Safed (Tzfat)

Hotels

Here are some highlights to follow during the organization of the event:

Shuttle Service

Arrival time at the Kotel

Planning the Bar Mitzvah day

Here is the outline of the today:

Leaving the house

Stop for breakfast

Arrival at the Kotel

Musicians parade

Attractions on the way to the Kotel

Aliya to the Torah ceremony

Tour of one of the sites in the Kotel area

Lunch

Details are as follows:

Musicians parade to the Kotel

The Bard at the Parade

Releasing the balloons

Hasid (follower) Doll

Tefillin-laying ceremony and the Aliya to the Torah

Sun in the summer

Rain in the winter

Prayer duration:

Free option:

Paid option:

Order of the ceremony:

Tefillin laying

Shema reading

Half Kaddish.

Raising the Torah

Parade with the men bringing the Torah from the Ark.

Three ascents including the groom

The father's blessing - "good riddance of this punishment"

The mothers blessing. Appears on the website (to learn) including private and general blessings for the family.

A decorated certificate with the name of the groom and the date of Aliyah to the Torah

Scribe Workshop

What not to bring to the Kotel

What to bring to the Kotel

Tours in the old city area

Below is a list of recommended tours:

Fathers Blessing for Bar Mitzvah boy