>  Setting a Bar-Mitzvah in Israel   >  Bar-Mitzvah Ceremony at the Western Wall

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A Bar-Mitzvah is one of the most significant events in the life of a Jew, and having a Bar-Mitzvah at the Western Wall is truly a unique and a once-in-a-life experience.   The Western Wall, known also as the “Wailing Wall” or “Kotel” in Hebrew, once supported the Jewish Temple. Since the destruction of the Temple by the Romans some 2000 years ago, the Western Wall stands and represents the most sacred, significant, and tangible remnant of the ancient Temple. It is unclear when it started developing this reputation, but today, it is the most essential place of prayer in the Jewish world. Especially among the Israeli Jews, a Bar-Mizvah ceremony at the Western Wall is a popular tradition. Every week, hundreds of families gather in great joy to mark this joyful event.

Special Considerations

The Western Wall is open 24/7, but reading from the Torah can is done on Mondays and Thursdays, and it has to be pre-set through the Western Wall Heritage Foundation. It is only set for boys and done only on the men’s side, while the women can only view it from the women’s side of the Plaza. Being outdoors, in the summer it can also get quite hot, and in the winter it might rain. There is an option of setting the event at the covered part of the Western Wall, under “Wilson’s Arch,” yet women can see it only from the Women’s Court in the back.

For setting the event in a less regulated surroundings, the state of Israel developed the southern end of the Southern Wall for Reform style Bar-Mitzvah ceremonies. Known as Azrat Israel, it has no gender-based separation, girls can also read from the Torah. But it still has to be pre-set, and preferably with a rabbi to lead the ceremony.

Additional Activities

Before or after the ceremony, it possible to set a tour of the Western Wall Tunnels, a tour of the Chain of the Generations exhibition, or a virtual tour of the Second Temple (A Look into the Past). All are great educational experiences that will enhance the event and the understanding of the Western Wall in Jewish History.

Celebratory Meal

Of course, no Jewish event is complete without a festive meal, and a BAr-Mitzvah party is no exception :-). You can set it back at the hotel if you wish, and there are a few optional venues also near the Western Wall, although, let’s say, some are better than others. It is best if you contact us for a recommendation.

Setting the Ceremony

You can contact the “Western Wall Foundation” directly, but they will also recommend an event producer or a tour agency. The Torah reading should be timed with the Celebaroty meal and the activity set for the rest of the day. An agent/event producer can also arrange for you a photographer, videographer, the new trend band of drummers and Shofar players, a Kleizmer band, and more.

Contact us to inquire more about setting a Bar-Mitzvah in Israel:





















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