(Courtesy of Bris Avrohom) Bris Avrohom recently held its 10th Annual Gala Bar Mitzvah Celebration in Israel. This year’s bar mitzvah was unique due to the change of venue: it was completed on Masada.

Each of the participants took courses for six months prior to prepare for their bar mitzvah. In addition, each child attended services every Shabbat as part of their preparations; for many, this was their first time attending services on a weekly basis. They all received a tallit and tefillin.

The bar mitzvah boys come from Be’er Sheva and Sderot, which is constantly under fire from rockets. For many of these boys, Chabad of Be’er Sheva and Bris Avrohom ensured and provided their classes as a welcome distraction and safe environment, which was greatly appreciated by their families.

Every bar mitzvah boy got to write a letter in the special sefer Torah written on Masada. At the conclusion of the party each family received a tallit and tefillin, Shabbat candles, a Kiddush cup, and a challah tray—essential gifts that they will use for the rest of their lives.