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Jewish News Photos

Israeli Infantry Unit Celebrates Bar Mitzvah of One of Their Own

October 3, 2008
Dozens of tourists witnessed a unique celebration in the holy city of Hebron as an elite Israeli army infantry unit gathered for the bar mitzvah of one of their own. Typically celebrated by 13-year-old boys, the ceremony marked the first time that Ron, a kibbutz resident and non-commissioned officer, was called to Torah. Chabad-Lubavitch Rabbi Danny Cohen organized the event at the Cave of the Patriarchs after Ron, who had never before had a bar mitzvah, decided to put on tefillin for the first time.
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The idea for the bar mitzvah came to Ron, right, when a young Chabad-Lubavitch rabbinical student visited his base. The student, who regularly helped soldiers put on tefillin, learned that Ron had never before donned the prayer boxes worn by Jewish men the world over, and half-jokingly suggested that the officer celebrate his bar mitzvah on the spot. Ron, however, wanted a big party.
The idea for the bar mitzvah came to Ron, right, when a young Chabad-Lubavitch rabbinical student visited his base. The student, who regularly helped soldiers put on tefillin, learned that Ron had never before donned the prayer boxes worn by Jewish men the world over, and half-jokingly suggested that the officer celebrate his bar mitzvah on the spot. Ron, however, wanted a big party.

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