49 boys and 60 girls from the Makif General School in Kiryat Malachi celebrated a joint Bar and Bas Mitzvah coordinated by Rabbi Yossi Hartman, who taught them the basics of Yiddishkeit throughout the school term. Rabbi Hartman volunteered to teach all four classes once in two weeks, and after Pesach he stepped up the learning pace to once a week. The course included halochos, minhogim and Jewish beliefs.

Principal David Bitan heartily thanked Rabbi Hartman for his holy work, and praised the staff and parent body, as well. Rabbi Yehuda Shitrit, chairman of the Religious Council, presented each youth with a siddur.

Tmimim from Yeshiva Beis Haram in Nachlas Har Chabad assisted the boys with their tfillin, while the girls were in the Ezras Noshim davening. Before taking out the Sifrei Torah Rabbi Hartman had the entire crowd repeat after him "Shma Yisroel," "Hashem Melech," and "Hashem Hu HoElokim." Participants agreed that this was the most emotional part of the entire event, and the holy words will remain with them and guide them forever.

Rabbi Hartman wishes to thank all those who helped make this a success: the Religious Council administration, school staff, counselors, Tmimim, and Rabbi Eliahu Wolowik, the gabbai of the shul.