The Bar and Bat Mitzva programs are typical projects of the Yachad Program for Jewish Identity in that they are both fun and educational. Teens who would not otherwise have marked the milestone in a meaningful way are instead engaged in devoting several months to hands-on exploration of their country, values, roots and traditions.  Their coming of age is now being imbued with significance as they examine their Jewish identity and willingly undertake their future role as a strong link in the historical Jewish chain. (Pictured: a Bar Mitzva class in Hod HaSharon meets a Sofer Stam and learns all about Judaism’s special scribal arts – from the writing on a Torah scroll parchment to the significance of what’s inside each mezuza and pair of tefillin. )