Thirteen is a milestone age for every Jewish boy. This birthday is typically awaited with great joy as the young man approaches the responsibility of Torah and Mitzvos.
Last year, in anticipation of my Bar Mitzvah, I wanted to understand more about being Jewish and be prepared for the responsibility it entailed. I asked my friend Avi, who knew more about Judaism than I did, if I could join him at the after-school program he went to. He introduced me to L'man Achai and I got the bar mitzvah instructions I needed and so much more... I learned the Aleph-Beis and the beauty of each mitzvah. They taught me one-on-one and I quickly learned to read and daven fluently.
As my birthday approached I asked Avi what I should do about getting a pair of Tefillin. He suggested I ask Rabbi Kleinman. Rabbi Kleinman had been spending time with me already explaining the mitzvohs and concepts that were new to me. He had given me so much of his time and I felt awkward to ask for something else. My parents were happy that I spent my time learning about my heritage and staying out of trouble, but they could not afford nor did they understand the significance of having a kosher pair of Tefillin. I had no choice. I knew if I wanted to take my Bar Mitzvah seriously I would just have to ask if he could help me. Before I even had a chance to approach him, Rabbi Kleinman came to me with a pair of used Tefillin to teach me and to use for a bit. All summer I used those Tefillin and was so happy to be doing this mitzvah the right way.
Seeing my sincerity and desire to continue doing so, Rabbi Kleinman gave me my very own new pair of Tefillin before Sukkos. What joy to feel that I was able to fulfill my obligation and start each day by donning my very own Tefillin.
In my public school there are a considerable number of boys who are or will be Bar Mitzvah and are unable to pay for Tefillin. Some of them have parents who don't have any knowledge of Jewish values and therefore would give their children toys, electronic gadgets and all sorts of stuff, yet when it comes to an item of tremendous importance spiritually many of them don't feel it's worth it. Others have family who barely make ends meet and struggle to pay for their basic expenses and can't afford to pay for Tefillin.
Many boys are learning more about Torah and mitzvohs just like me and they each deserve a pair of their own Tefillin like every other Jewish boy. I really want to help them the way Rabbi Kleinman helped me and share the joy I have each day.
Please don't allow them to turn 13 without a pair of Tefillin of their own.
PS. Each time I put on my very own Tefillin I think of L'man Achai and all the gracious donors who made this possible. I pray that I can continue the chain of our heritage with my children and grandchildren.
