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Masorti Programs: Bar/Bat Mitzvah Program for Children with Special Needs

Israel's only national program, providing bar/bat mitzvah preparation and Jewish enrichment for children with special needs. This program has brought joy to more than 3,000 families who never thought they would be able to experience such a simcha.

Adult Education The Masorti movement believes that every child, regardless of ability, deserves this chance to shine – and take his or her rightful place as a Jewish adult, embraced by community. What began in one school for children with special needs today includes up to about 300 youngsters a year who attend 40 special education schools throughout Israel. Participants include children with a variety of physical and developmental challenges, such as cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, ADD-ADHD, autism, blindness, hearing impairments and learning disabilities. The program welcomes children of every religious and ethnic background, many of them new immigrants.

Each year, six to nine months of preparation with teachers certified in special education and knowledgeable in Judaic studies culminate in joyous communal bar/bat mitzvah celebrations at one of the Masorti kehillot (congregations). When the children are called up to the Torah for an aliyah, many utilizing special communications devices to recite the appropriate blessings, rarely is the congregation not moved to tears. Communal singing and dancing are always part of the celebration.

Leading up to the big day, youngsters learn about blessings, Shabbat, festivals and customs, performing mitzvot and other activities that reflect Jewish values. If possible, for example, they visit the elderly, care for animals and help others in need as part of their commitment to Jewish life. Teacher training is also an important component of the program, with professional development provided in the latest alternative and interactive modes of learning. Many faculty come from the professional ranks of the Masorti movement, including rabbis and youth movement counselors.

One Family Says "Thank You" to the Masorti Movement

It would have been simpler if Arad — 14-years-old, stocky, with blue eyes and a winning smile — were like other children, but he is not. Neither an individual nor a class bar mitzvah was even vaguely considered.

It would have been simpler if Arad — 14-years-old, stocky, with blue eyes and a winning smile — were like other children, but he is not. Neither an individual nor a class bar mitzvah was even vaguely considered.

Then we learned about the Masorti Bar/Bat Mitzvah Program for Children With Special Needs, uniquely adapted to each child’s needs.

The day of the Bar Mitzvah ceremony arrived. It is hard to describe in words the excitement and anxiety we felt. Arad participated to the best of his ability, as much as he wanted, and that was definitely enough to cause us and the other guests to shed a tear of happiness and pride. We would like to thank you for the opportunity you gave us to feel the same experience that all parents should feel, that we and our child belong to the Jewish community and that we are proud of our child.

With love,
Nitza, Duby and Arad
Givat Elah

10 Years and Counting: A Look Behind the Scenes at the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Program for Children with Special Needs

To view, click on the 'play' button You Tube 'PLAY" button in the lower left corner. Turn up your speaker volume to hear the accompanying audio.

Get Involved

While unfortunately, the youngsters in the program are not equipped to engage in "pen pal" exchanges, young supporters of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Program for Children with Special Needs may organize a group gift from their bar/bat mitzvah class, day school, youth group chapter, summer camp or sports team. There are many ways for children and families celebrating bat/bat mitzvah to become involved, individually or as groups: