Expanded Bar Mitzvah Program Unveiled in the Kosel Tunnels

An elegant and prestigious event took place in the Kosel Tunnels to unveil a historic expansion of “Shevet 13,” the national Chabad program for bar and bas mitzvah boys and girls across Eretz Yisrael.

The event was arranged by Tzach, in cooperation with the Jerusalem Ministry and Masores Yisrael. Shluchim from across Eretz Yisrael attended, along with special guest Knesset Member Meir Porush.

The evening began with a gathering on the balcony overlooking the site of the Beis Hamikdash, followed by a tour through the depths of the Kosel Tunnels. Attendees experienced the Shaar HaShomayim exhibit and viewed the Mabat El HaAvar 3D binoculars before enjoying a lavish meal in the Achar Kosleinu hall.

“Shevet 13” has for years prepared bar mitzvah boys across the country through an in-depth course, with meetings that combine games and challenges designed to speak to boys at their level. The program also provides personalized guidance for their first aliyah, putting on tefillin, and preparing their bar mitzvah drashah.

The program is now expanding dramatically. Dozens of new branches will open across the country, existing clubs will be upgraded with deeper content and expanded programming, and a parallel bas mitzvah track will be introduced with its own shiurim and events.

The centerpiece of the program remains the experiential trip to Yerushalayim, including tours of the Kosel Tunnels, culminating in an aliyah to the Torah at the Kosel and an elegant seudas mitzvah. The entire program, including transportation to Yerushalayim, is provided free of charge to families.

At the seudah, remarks were delivered by Rabbi Naftali Lipsker, director of the Chabad Houses division; Rabbi Dovid Kurtz, project director; and Rabbi Ariel Lemberg, secretary general of Agudas Chassidei Chabad, who presented the vision and strategic plan for the expanded program. Rabbi Kalman Segal, shliach in Kfar Maas, shared a sicha from the Rebbe and words of chizuk ahead of Tishrei.

Knesset Member Rabbi Meir Porush, who has played a key role in securing funding for the project, announced during the event that he is expanding his support and budget allocation for the initiative, expressing hope that it will reach thousands more children across the country.

Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Aharonov presented Rabbi Porush with an award in recognition of his support.

“The goal of expanding the project is to reach thousands of bar and bas mitzvah boys and girls every year, and to allow them to mark this important day in their lives in a proper way, without burdensome financial costs,” Rabbi Aharonov said. “Through thousands of the Rebbe’s shluchim, they can reach this important day with proper preparation, in a meaningful and fitting way.”