Jerusalem - The Western Wall

Holiest site in Judaism, Jerusalem`s Western Wall - once known as The Wailing Wall - was the last remnant of the Temple enclosure that was left standing after the Roman destruction in the year 70. In 1967, it became part of the modern State of Israel, and overnight became the central focus of modern-day Jewish hopes, dreams & aspirations. Bar/Bat Mitzvahs at the Western Wall are held on Monday and Thursday mornings from 7:30AM until noon. The Bar Mitzvah celebrant may read a portion of the Torah (maftir) reading the Haftorah is optional. Services at the Western Wall are in the Orthodox tradition, and men and women are separated by a partition (mechitzah) it is customary for Bar Mitzvah celebrants to wear tefillin. Families may have their own Rabbi officiate at the ceremony.

Jerusalem - The Southern Wall

The Southern Wall is no less holy than the Western Wall, for it is part of the remaining Southern enclosure of the Temple Mount. Private Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremonies may be held here. Unlike at the Western Wall, ceremonies are held according to your and your rabbi`s traditions - so men and women may celebrate, sit and pray together. While your family or the members of your congregation sit on the ancient Hulda Steps - the original stairs leading to the Second Temple, the view of the Judean Hills and the Mount of Olives is memorable.

Jerusalem - The Western Wall Tunnels

Excavated almost 30 years ago, the Western Wall tunnels are one of Israel`s most splendid archaeological discoveries. Their galleries enable visitors to comprehend the enormity of the Second Temple (a construction of such height and vastness that it dwarfs the Dome of The Rock). And they reveal the extraordinary depth of Jerusalem 2,000 years ago, enabling visitors to reach the nearest point accessible to the destroyed Temple`s Holy of Holies. Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremonies here, like at the Western Wall, are Orthodox.

Jerusalem - The Tower of David Museum

Set in the magnificently restored ancient Citadel' first constructed 2,000 years ago by Herod the Great, the Tower of David Museum traces Jerusalem long and eventful history through state-of-the-art displays and exhibits' utilizing the most advanced technologies. Canaanites and Hebrews, Greeks and Romans, Crusaders, Muslims, Turks, British, and Israelis are richly presented and seek harmony within the age-old walls. The panoramic route along the Citadel towers with its most breathtaking views of the city and the lush archaelogical gardens, all add to an experience you will cherish. The private Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremonies are held in the historic courtyard and gardens of Jerusalem`s 2000+ year-old Citadel.

Jerusalem - The Hurva Synagogue

Located in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem the Hurva Synagogue was the main synagogue in Jerusalem from the 16th to the 20th century. Destroyed in the War of Independence in 1948 the Synagogue was the last outpost of Jewish resistance in the Old City of Jerusalem. Today the Hurva Synagogue is a simple and elegant memorial graced by a giant arch which soars against the blue sky in recollection of the synagogue`s shattered dome. It has become a symbol of the Jews` return to our holiest city, and it is an ideal site for a private Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony.

Masada
After the destruction of the Temple in 70, hundreds of Jewish refugees escaped from Jerusalem and fled to King Herod`s abandoned fortress-palace atop Mount Masada, near the Dead Sea. For three years, the refugees, known as "the Zealots," lived, farmed and prospered atop the mountain, taunting the Roman besiegers from its summit. When the Romans finally breached the refugees` stronghold in the year 73, they discovered that 970 men, women and children had taken their own lives rather than becoming slaves. Masada was excavated in 1964 and has become one of Israel`s most prominent and most visited sites. For Israelis and for post-Holocaust Jews everywhere, it is a symbol of Israel`s self-reliance and determination that such atrocities will "never again" be committed against the Jewish people. Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremonies atop Masada are held in the remains of the Zealots` Synagogue, arguably the world`s oldest synagogue still in use.

Neot Kedumim
This 625-acre nature reserve dedicated to the restoration of the ecology of Biblical times lies between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. It contains hundreds of species of trees, plants and vegetation mentioned in the Bible and Talmud: cedars and hyssop, olives, figs and pomegranates, grape vines, date palms and Jerusalem sage. It is also home to wild donkeys, ostriches, oryx, Golan wolves and fallow deer, easily spotted as visitors explore ancient olive and wine presses, and excavations revealing ancient threshing floors, cisterns and ritual baths. Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremonies can be Orthodox, Conservative, Reform or Reconstructionist and include a tour of the nature reserve that connects to the week`s Haftorah. Celebrations are held in Neot Kedumim`s 600-seat outdoor theater and vegetarian or dairy catering is available.

Galilee - Ancient Synagogue of Baram
Situated against a typical Galilee landscape, the ancient synagogue of the village of Baram was constructed from large and particularly beautiful hewn stones. The size of the building is evidence that a highly successful Jewish community lived in this area during the fourth and fifth centuries. The facade, which is preserved almost in its entirety, is especially remarkable. All three gates face Jerusalem and are decorated with exquisite stone engravings; the imposing center gate is especially ornate. Little remains from Baram's second, smaller synagogue, apart form the lintel now on display at the Louvre. Near the synagogue is the Baram Oaks Nature Reserve, a rare natural forest with unusually tall kermes oaks. The Baram National Park is a great location for private Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremonies.

Galilee - Ancient Synagogue of Corazim

The city of Corazim was first mentioned during the Second Temple period, when it was famous for the high -quality wheat grown by its residents. Built in the late fourth century or early fifth century C.E., the synagogue at Corazim is one of the most beautiful in Israel. Constructed from basalt, the most commonly found stone in the area, the synagogue is adorned with ornate carvings of plants, people crushing grapes with their feet, and animals: lions, an eagle, and a bird pecking at a bunch of grapes.One of the most unusual artifacts is the so-called cathedral of Moses, a basalt armchair which likely was a seat for the important members of the community. .A ritual bath (near the synagogue), two homes, and an oil press have been reconstructed. Private Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremonies are popular in this site.