Additional Locations for a Bar-Mitzvah Ceremony in Israel
Many of those who wish to celebrate their child’s Bar-Mitzvah or Bat-Mitzvah in Israel have it at the Western Wall. Others might consider doing it at Masada, or at other locations in Jerusalem. However, there are a lot more unique and beautiful alternatives to set a special and unforgettable Torah reading ceremony throughout Israel. Below is a selection of a few ideas for an original location to set the Bar-Mitzvah ceremony. Some are in historical sites filled with Jewish History, while others offer breathtaking views. All will provide a one of a kind location for an intimate, unique and unforgettable experience.
Bar-Mitzvah at Abuhav synagogue in Safed
Safed was formed in the time of the Crusaders as a mighty fort, but centuries after the Crusaders left, a Jewish center developed in its western end. Its “golden age” was in the 16th century CE. After the expulsion of the Jews from Spain and Portugal, some settled in Safed. In Safed Rabbi Yosef Karo compiled a significant book of Jewish Law (“Shulchan Aruch”), and in Safed “Kabbalah” philosophy prospered. When visiting Safed today, you feel its spirituality and mysticism in every alley. The old city is blends with Jewish art galleries and synagogues. One of the most impressive is Abuhav Synagogue. Founded in the 16th century, Abuhav synagogue is one of the oldest synagogues in Israel that continuously operates to this day. It’s decorated domed roof and painted blue wooden furniture feels like a step back to Ottoman times. It’s Torah ark holds the oldest Torah scroll in Israel, which is presented to the public only once a year. This is a great location for an Orthodox style Bar-Mitzvah ceremony, combined with the spirituality and mysticism that Safed is so known for.
Bar/Bat-Mitzvah in Old Caesarea
Caesarea was founded by King Herod about 2,000 years ago and was a significant urban center for over a millennium. Nowadays, ancient Caesarea is possibly the most developed national park in Israel, supported by the Rothschild Foundation. Aside from the wealth of finds of this former prosperous city, Caesarea’s port has a great selection of fine dining restaurants, which can be an excellent location for a Bar/Bat-Mitzvah event. The Bar/Bat-Mitzvah ceremony can take place in the modern Reform synagogue of Caesarea – or at Caesarea itself, next to the port. The celebratory meal to follow can take place at the exquisite Hellena restaurant, set in the heart of Caesarea’s ancient port. After the meal and all the blessings, you will have a guided tour of the site, and possibly a scuba diving experience along the site’s sunken harbor. It is also possible to arrange a powered parachute above the ruins of Caesarea for the child and their friends. It’s an unforgettable way to end an unforgettable day!
Bar/Bat-Mitzvah at the Ancient Synagogue of Ein-Gedi
Ein-Gedi is reputed in the Bible for its aromatic perfumes (Songs of Songs 1:14) and in Roman and Byzantine times a big and vibrant Jewish community prospered in this desert oasis. They successfully relied on the production of a perfume called “Balsamon.” In the 1970’s the ancient synagogue of Ein-Gedi was discovered by chance. It had a big mosaic floor with floral decorations and a few Inscriptions. These finds also attest to the wealth of the Jewish community of Ein-Gedi in ancient times, and their strong social bonding at this isolated spot. Today the ancient synagogue of Ein-Gedi is part of a national park, set next to Ein-Gedi Nature Reserve and Kibbutz Ein-Gedi known for its botanical gardens. Setting a Bar/Bat-Mitzvah ceremony here links the event to the rich Jewish history of Ein-Gedi, in one of the most beautiful landmarks in Israel. A celebratory meal can also be held at kibbutz Ein-Gedi, followed by a swim in the Kibbutz pool and spa, or at the Dead Sea nearby.
Bar/Bat-Mitzvah at the Ancient Synagogue of Sepphoris
Sepphoris was a major city in Roman and Byzantine times in the Galilee, and a significant Jewish center. In the 3rd century, Sepphoris was the home of Rabbi Judah “the Prince.” Here, he led the important pioneering project of compiling the “Mishnah,” the first code of Rabbinical Law. Today, Sepphoris is a large archaeological site and a national park. It is especially known for its large collection of mosaic floors, one of which belongs to a synagogue from about 1,500 years ago. Surprisingly, the decorations include figurative art and even pagan symbols, showing a rather liberal attitude in Judaism at that time. This makes the Sepphoris Synagogue especially ideal for a conservative or reform event. The synagogue is also enclosed and air-conditioned, making it a comfortable choice for a venue, especially in mid-summer. A celebratory meal can be held at Kitron Restaurant and Winery in the nearby village, where you can also plan some family fun and educational activities at the Mishnaic themed park, Kfar Kedem. Dress as a Jew in Roman times and experience themed activities like threshing the grain, cheese making, pressing olive oil, and more.
Bar/Bat-Mitzvah at Umm El-kanatir, the Golan Heights
“Umm El-kanatir” is the Arabic name of a site in the Golan Heights that was a thriving Jewish village in Talmudic times (4th-8th Centuries CE). Its highly decorated synagogue served the community for several centuries until its total destruction by a major earthquake in 749 CE. Shortly after, the site was abandoned. With much care and patience, the magnificent synagogue was entirely restored in a project that took 15 years. Since 2018, it is open to the public. The decorated Torah ark is especially impressive, presenting a range of Jewish symbols carved in stone. With the breath-taking back view of the Sea of Galilee, Umm el Kanatir synagogue, now also called “Ein Keshatot,” is a truly magical location. It connects the Bar-Mitzvah event to the Jewish heritage of the Golan Heights and the Holy Land in ancient times.
Bar-Mitzvah in Gamla, the Golan Heights
Gamla was a Jewish town perched on a steep hilltop in the Golan Heights overlooking the Sea of Galilee. In 67 CE, it was conquered and destroyed by the Romans after a fierce battle and was never settled again. Only after the Six-Day War in 1967 Gamla was relocated, and in the 1970’s an archaeological expedition excavated at the site. They uncovered a wealth of finds attesting to the vibrant Jewish community and the scale of its destruction by the Romans. Among them was a 2,000 years old synagogue, with a ritual bath by its entrance. This is one of the oldest synagogues ever found in Jewish History. A Bar/Bat-Mitzvah ceremony at Gamla perfectly combines a Jewish history-packed site with a majestic landscape. It also includes a vultures nesting center, the highest waterfall in the Golan Heights, and a panorama of the Sea of Galilee in the back!
Bar/Bat-Mitzvah at Katzrin Talmudic village, Golan Heights
Ancient Katzrin was a Jewish town in the Golan Heights during Talmudic times (4th-6th centuries). Following its excavations, the site was developed into a theme park reflecting daily life in the time of the Talmud. Aside from guided tours, the site offers workshops of the villages’ daily life abut 1,500 ago; such as bread-baking, pottery-making, and olive-pressing. The synagogue of ancient Katzrin was designed in the fashion of a Roman Basilica and originally had a second floor, perhaps the women’s court. A Bar/Bat-Mitzvah celebration at the Katzrin Talmudic village can be an excellent historically packed and educational experience, linking the family event to the time and people of the Talmud.
Bar/Bat-Mitzvah at Magdala
Set along the western shores of the Sea of Galilee, Magdala was once a prosperous Jewish town of fisherman and fish merchants. In 67 CE, however, Magdala was attacked, conquered and destroyed by the Romans. It was eventually abandoned. The main market of the ancient town was already exposed in the 1970’s, but only until 2009 new excavations were discovered for the first time at a synagogue at the edge of the town. This synagogue, which dates to the first century CE, is one of the oldest ever found in Israel. The structure is rather humble in size, but was originally decorated with a mosaic floor and its walls were painted with strong colors (a fresco). Relating to Mary Magdalene, the site is owned and maintained by the Roman Catholic Church, and most of its visitors are Christian Pilgrimage groups. However, the site also welcomes Jewish groups and setting Jewish events. A Bar-Mitzvah or Bat-Mitzvah ceremony at the ancient synagogue of Magdala is a great choice for any Jewish family of any denomination, but it seems to be a PERFECT location for a mixed family of Jews and Christians, and/or for Messianic Jewish families. Adjacent to the synagogue, the new Magdala Hotel (opened in 2019) can be a wonderful place for a reception or a celebratory meal, and a place to stay. A Bar/Bat-Mitzvah event at Magdala will be a memory to cherish for a lifetime!
Bar/Bat-Mitzvah at the Ancient Synagogue of Bar’am
Located high in the Upper Galilee and close to the border with Lebanon, Bar’am was once a prosperous Jewish village. It’s 1,500 year old synagogue is one of the best preserved in Israel, especially it’s façade. The stone structure and the forest around it make the Bar’am Synagogue a perfect place for a Bar/Bat-Mitzvah event, combining nature and Jewish History.
Bar-Mitzvah at the Tunisian Synagogue in Akko
The Tunisian synagogue, in Akko, was Mr. Zion Badasche’s life mission. A Jewish immigrant from Tunis, he devoted his life to decorating the whole interior of this synagogue with mosaics. The floors, walls and ceilings are all covered with colored mosaics depicting a wide range of subjects: Jewish religious motifs, national symbols, Biblical scenes, the wildlife of Israel, and decorative elements copied from ancient mosaic floors. With its seven Torah arks, the Tunisian Synagogue is quite an unusual and fascinating design. It can be set for an Orthodox style Bar-Mitzvah ceremony, followed by a day tour of Akko and Rosh Hanikra, which includes a speed boat ride. It is an especially fitting location for a Jewish family with Tunisian roots, or affiliation to the mosaics industry.
Bar-Mitzvah in Tiberias
Tiberia’s foundation and name lie in the politics of Roman times in Judaea. The city was founded by King Herod Antipas, in honor of Emperor Tiberius, and so was named after him. Tiberias quickly grew to be the biggest city around the Sea of Galilee, and a major Rabbinical center as well: The Sanhedrin last seat was in Tiberias. The “Jerusalem” Talmud was compiled in Tiberias. Hebrew punctuation signs were invented in Tiberias. By local Jewish tradition, Tiberias is also the burial place of figures like three Matriarchs, Rabbi Akiva, Maimonides, and more. Of the many synagogues Tiberias once had, the most impressive is the Hamat Tiberias Synagogue. The synagogue was built next to a bath house complex, and was in use for over centuries. In one of its phases it was decorated with a mosaic floor depicting detailed artwork of animals, human figures, and even pagan symbols. The site today is a national park, and it welcomes Jewish families of all denominations to celebrate their Bar/Bat-Mitzvah event An Orthodox Bar-Mitzvah ceremony can also take place in one of the synagogues of modern Tiberias, such as the Abulafia Synagogue and the Chabad Synagogue. A festive celebratory dinner at Decks fish restaurant would be a great ending for the special day. In addition to the high quality meat and fish dishes, the restaurant can also arrange fireworks from a boat facing the crowds, followed by celebrations, dancing and partying into the night.
Bar-Mitzvah at the Main Synagogue of Zichron Yaakov
Zichron Yaakov (Hebrew for “[in] memory of Jacob”) was founded in 1882 by Jewish pioneers of the first “Alyiah,” on the edge of Carmel. Supported by the Baron Edmond de Rothschild, the site and its main synagogue were named after his father, James Jacob de Rothschild. The synagogue was built from sandstone, brought from the coast nort of Caesarea. Its solemn design is influenced by the Roman Basilica and ancient synagogues from the time of the Talmud. The “Ohel Yaakov” central synagogue is in use to this day, and has not changed much in its appearance. A Bar-Mitzvah ceremony at the central synagogue of Zichron Yaakov is a great choice to link to the first pioneers that laid the foundations to the establishment of the state of Israel. It can be followed by a lavish meal in one of the restaurants in town, or even better – in one of the wineries Zichron is so known for. The event will be followed by a guided tour through the historic part of Zichron, ending at the NILI Museum at the Aharonson family house.
Bar-Mitzvah at Cochin Synagogue, Moshav Nevatim
The Jewish community of Cochin India was probably formed by Babylonian Jewish merchants about 800 years ago. They formed a big community, however, most of them immigrated to Israel once the state was established. Some of them settled in a cooperative agricultural community (“moshav”) near Beer-Sheva called Nevatim. The synagogue of the moshav is deliberately designed in an attempt to echo the style of the Cochin synagogues. Its interior is embedded with some original decorative elements from Indian Synagogue. The Cochin Synagogue is a unique spot for a Bar/Bat-Mitzvah celebration. It links the Diaspora Jews to their regathering back in the Promised Land. The synagogue also offers Indian style refreshments or a full meal for the meal following the ceremony. The Cochin Synagogue is an especially meaningful venue for a family with ancestry that is related to the Jews of India.
Bar/Bat-Mitzvah at Neot Kedumim
Neot Kedumim is a one of a kind reserve dedicated to ecology, botany, zoology and agriculture in Biblical times. Stretched over more than 600 acres between Jerusalem and Tel-Aviv, this themed park presents a wide range of flowers, bushes, trees and agricultural crops native to the Holy Land in the past. With its team of devoted guides, it offers tours and educational activities for all ages. Neot Kedumim also caters to various events and can have a Bar/Bat-Mitzvah venue in the park. In an open theater like venue with breathtaking views, or in an indoor and air-conditioned events hall. It welcomes all forms of Judaism and offers educational and fun activities following the event in a modular program. Let your Bat-Mitzvah girl draw water for Eliezer’s camels, or challenge the Bar-Mitzvah boy to plough the field with a donkey. Neot Kedumim is an excellent choice for an alternative and unique Bar/Bat-Mitzvah experience. It also has the advantage of being in a central location and has the ability to accommodate a large size event.
Bar-Mitzvah at the Ancient Synagogue in Susya
Susya (spelled also “Susyia” or “Susia”) is an archaeological site in the southern hills of Judea, in the West Bank. Excavations of the site proved Susya to be a Jewish village in the time of the Talmud (4th-6th Centuries), whose residents lived both in stone structures and caves. The ancient synagogue of Susya was built in the center of the village, and served the community for about 4 centuries, although it was later converted into a mosque. By the 9th century the whole site was abandoned. The site can offer a modular program of themed activities combined with an Orthodox style Bar-Mitzvah ceremony at the ancient synagogue. Susya is also a 30 minute drive from the Cave of Patriarchs site in Hebron.
Bar/Bat-Mitzvah in Herodium
Herodium (Hebrew for “Herodion”) is possibly the “less known sister” of Masada. Set on a volcano-like hill in the Judean desert, Herodium was first built by King Herod (who also gave it its name), and was later used by Jewish Rebels during both the “Big Jewish Rebellion” and the second “Bar-Kokhva Rebellion.” During these dramatic times, the Jews dug tactical tunnels into the mountain. They converted the main hall (the “Triclinium”) of Herod’s palace into a synagogue, and installed a ritual bath next to it. Today Herodium is a national park. It welcomes Bar/Bat-Mitzvah groups to set a Bar/Bat-Mitzvah ceremony at the site, and will provide logistical support if needed. Herodium is possibly the best site in Israel to conduct a Bar/Bat-Mitzvah ceremony for those seeking a location that references Jewish heroism in ancient times. Herodium is the only location that has a record of the Jews fighting TWICE against foreign oppression, and still maintaining their rituals. Following the ceremony, a celebratory meal can be set in Sde Bar Farm or in Gush Etzion. There is also an option of booking an extreme live shooting session in an anti-terror training facility nearby.
Any of these locations can be arranged and combined with the Bar-Mitzvah or Bat-Mitzvah tour in Israel. We are excited for your upcoming event and will be happy to help plan and execute a unique and meaningful tour. It will definitely be remembered as one of your most meaningful family experiences.
