Living amongst 200 children as the children do in our Home, we constantly strive to provide each child with the individual emotional support and experiences they deserve. With this comes the unique challenge of making sure that every child feels special,especially at a milestone such as their Bar/Bat Mitzvah. The government budget does not allocate any funds toward birthday celebrations, let alone Bar/Bat Mitzvahs.
For a child at risk, this milestone is possibly even more critical to celebrate. When one of our children becomes a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, it is a time for them to reflect on the progress that they have made, and to look at the growth and opportunities that lie ahead of them. Just as important, this time in their life strengthens their connection to our Jewish Traditions. Many of our graduates have said, that if not for the incredible support and opportunities during this pivotal year of their life, they would not be as strong in their Jewish faith and identity. This time period in our Home encourages so many of our children to continue to become active and contributing members to their Jewish communities wherever they may be after they leave Bet Elazraki at age 18.
Our children deserve the same attention and celebration as they become a Bar/Bat Mitzvah as a child from a normal home receives on his/ her special day. With necessary funding, we will be able to continue to allow our children to have an extra special joint Bar/Bat Mitzvah celebration at the end of the year during which they feel that they are the most important, the most loved, and can celebrate all of their accomplishments surrounded by those who care about them. This is not just a goal for one day. We want to make the entire year special for this group, one that they will learn a tremendous amount from and cherish forever.
We aim to provide our boys with Tefilin, proper preperation to read their Torah Portions, new clothing and shoes for the annual celebration, and our girls with new clothing and shoes for the annual celebration, and a joint trip to Jerusalem (many of which for their first time although they live in Israel!) just for this special age group.
