Planting seeds: 100 parents and children fly to Israel for coming of age celebrations

Leading Jewish charity Seed took more than 100 people to Israel on its annual mother and daughter batmitzvah and father and son barmitzvah trips.

Both tours took place over February half term and were led by Rebbetzin Joanne Dove, senior educator, for the women and Rabbi Daniel Fine,  director of education, for the men.

The trips included thought-provoking speakers, beautiful local tours including a visit to Holon’s Blind Museum, parenting workshops and camel riding.

The batmitzvah trip joined up with Neve Yerushalyim seminary for one evening. This special joint party celebrated the batmitzvah of 27 girls from the UK with a group of Neve young women who did not have a batmitzvah when they were younger.

In the words of one participants: “Beautiful food, decorations, photography and dancing alongside inspiring dvar torahs, made the event hugely memorable for everyone.”

Rebbetzin Dove said: “Once again we had the most incredible batmitzvah trip with an awesome group of mothers and daughters. While I travel to Israel a lot, the entire trip still felt so new and exciting! I can’t wait to meet next year’s delegation!”

Rabbi Fine said: “To be able to be part of the formative bnei mitzvah experience is a privilege and a key moment in life. To be able to showcase some of Israel’s finest educators and eye-opening experiences is amazingly impactful – and fun! A huge thanks to all the staff who helped make it happen.”

The batmitzvah trip to Israel is the highlight of the Seed Links batmitzvah programme, a 10-session educational and creative course covering a range of Jewish topics for Year 7 girls.

To register your interest to join next year’s programme, please email links@seed.uk.net

For information about the 2024 fathers and sons Seed barmitzvah Israel trip, contact netanel@seedfamilies.co.uk