Mass Bar and Bat Mitzva for Russia’s Northern Capital

S Peterburg, Russia — The entire Jewish community of S.Petersburg joined together in celebrating a joint Bar and Bat Mitzva ceremony, signifying the coming of age for numerous Jewish children from Russia’s northern capital. In accordance with Jewish tradition, this momentous event occurs for girls at the age of 12 years, while boys undergo this important ritual at 13.

This festivity represents the culmination of another year of activity under the city-wide ‘Bar/ Bat Mitzva’ project, sponsored and operated by the ‘Beit Chabad’ Community Center in S.Petersburg under the leadership of Rabbi Tzvi Pinski

The ceremony took place beginning with a type of exam on “Jewish knowledge ”, which all of the children passed. The examination commission consisted of well respected members from the Jewish community of S. Petersburg, headed by the city’s Chief Rabbi, Menachem Mendel. Pewzner. Speeches by the children were complemented by encouraging words by participating adults, who desired to children to take personal responsibility for their own behavior.

As the official part of the event drew to an end, everyone attended a concert after which the youngsters departed for an exciting river boat excursion along the Neva River, while parents, family members and guests stayed to enjoy a delicious open buffet.

The Jewish Community of S.Petersburg is a full member of the Federation of Jewish Communities of Russia.