Shas Promises Bar Mitzvah Kits to All Jewish Boys

By ישראל זאב לוונטהל לוונטהל

Translated & summarized from JDN by baba

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Hebrew · 11 newsrooms covering

Shas Chairman Aryeh Deri announced an election promise to provide every Israeli boy with a Bar Mitzvah kit including tefillin and a tallit upon reaching age 13. The party also aims to mandate prayer spaces in schools for tefillin observance. Deri framed the initiative as a defense of Israel's Jewish identity against perceived threats. Democrats Chairman Yair Golan countered by emphasizing mandatory military service for all 18-year-olds.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

Shas Chairman Aryeh Deri pledged Bar Mitzvah kits for all 13-year-old boys.
The proposed kits include tefillin and a tallit, funded by the next government.
Shas will also seek to mandate prayer spaces in schools for tefillin observance.
Deri cited threats to Israel's Jewish identity as a reason for the initiative.
Democrats Chairman Yair Golan contrasted the plan with mandatory military service.

Shas Promises Bar Mitzvah Kits to All Jewish Boys — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

Aryeh Deri, chairman of the Shas party, announced a new election pledge called "Tefillin for Every Child." Under this plan, every Israeli boy reaching the age of 13 will receive a Bar Mitzvah kit containing a pair of tefillin and a tallit. Deri stated that Shas will work to pass this program through the next government via the education system.

In addition to distributing the kits, Deri announced that Shas will push for the education system to allocate prayer spaces for boys who wish to don tefillin and pray. Deri presented the initiative as part of a struggle to strengthen Israel's Jewish identity, reacting to what he called "harsh statements threatening the Jewish identity of the State of Israel" from figures like Yair Golan and a Tel Aviv council member.

Deri asserted that tefillin are a symbol of the Jewish people throughout generations and that the program will express the deep connection to Judaism and Israeli tradition, thereby strengthening Israel's security. He quoted scripture and rabbinic commentary to support his claim that tefillin are a spiritual force against enemies.

Deri did not provide details on the program's cost, budget sources, or implementation plan within the education system. Yair Golan responded to Deri's announcement by stating, "Deri, here is our election promise: the state will give every boy and girl aged 18 draft orders. Everyone will receive a draft order. Tefillin are by choice. Conscription is mandatory."