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. 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 Jewish values. If possible, 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.
The Masorti movement, which in 2007 marked its 30th anniversary, has been actively engaged in the development of the State of Israel as a Zionist democracy. The movement offers a traditional, halakhic stream of Judaism that embraces egalitarian practice, pluralism and inclusivity. There are now a little over 50 Masorti kehillot (congregations) or havurot throughout Israel that function within their communities as centers of religious worship and communal life. Acting on the Masorti belief that Jewish life is about more than prayer and study, kehillot supplement religious services and Jewish education classes with dynamic cultural and social programs for Israelis of all ages and with opportunities to perform community service and social action to benefit disadvantaged residents in their midst. For example, many kehillot organize projects to feed and clothe the poor; protect the environment; battle illiteracy; aid new immigrants; foster interfaith dialogue; and support lone soldiers. <br /> <br /> In addition to these local initiatives, on a national level, the movement sponsors the NOAM youth movement; Ramah-NOAM, a summer camp program for youth and teens; MAROM, an organization for college students and young adults; and the Religious Affairs Bureau to represent Masorti in legal matters before the Israeli courts, advocate for official recognition and government funding for the movement and provide advice and services to Israelis seeking to hold lifecycle events outside the strictures of the Office of the Orthodox Chief Rabbinate. Masorti also oversees the Kotel HaMasorti, a portion of the Western Wall where egalitarian lifecycle events are possible, and Kibbutz Hannaton in the Galilee, a destination for individual and group travel where Masorti-style programming may be arranged.
The mission of the Bar/Bat Mitzvah Program for Children with Special Needs can be summed up in one simple sentence: Every child, regardless of ability, deserves the chance to shine and take his or her rightful place as a Jewish adult, embraced by community.
In accordance with this mission, The Bar/Bat Mitzvah Program for Children with Special Needs has several clear objectives, which it has accomplished and continues to accomplish through its now 13-year-plus history:
- To teach the children the importance of belonging to the Jewish community
- To empower parents to prepare for their child's bar or bat mitzvah
- To train teachers in Jewish special education
Name of Organization:Israels Bar Bat Mitzvah Program for Children with Special Needs
Number of Paid Staff:3 f/t, 1 p/t
Number of Volunteers:n/a
Total Organizational Expenses:$2,407,529
% of Organizational Overhead Expenses:20%
;The Masorti movement is the only organization in Israel to provide this programming for children with special needs.
Below is a testimonial from one family. The success of the program has also been noted on Israeli television.
June 2008
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.
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
Children
Education
Israel
Special Needs
Spirituality
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:
• Sponsor one child for $1,000
• Designate a portion of your own bar/bat mitzvah gifts to the program, or ask your own guests to make contributions in your honor
• Raise money through Mitzvah Fairs and/or individual endeavors, such as babysitting or mowing lawns
• Organize a group activity that requires sponsors, eg. soccer ball “kick-a-thon,” lap swim, hoops contest, distance run or “read-a-thon”
Name:David H. Lissy
Title:Executive Director/CEO
Address:475 Riverside Drive, Suite 832, New York, NY
Telephone:(212) 870-2216
Email:dlissy@masorti.org
Website:www.masorti.org