Short of actually being in Israel (which is obviously the best way to go), it is hard to enjoy and appreciate Yom HaAtzmaut as well as we do in Yavneh. From the way that everyone wears blue and white to the incredible ruach that permeates the building, this is definitely the place to be.
Our day in the Middle School began with Hallel, before which Rabbi Ross shared a teshuva written by Rav Ben-Tzion Chai Uziel, the former Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel, in which he stressed that it was important to celebrate Yom HaAtzmaut, even in the Diaspora, as it is a day that celebrates a true miraculous salvation of בני ישראל. From there we proceeded outdoors to join the rest of the school, who were already dancing and rejoicing. As if on cue, the entire school assembled on the hill under a beautiful blue sky to watch the 7th grade girls' Daglanut production - a wonderfully coordinated and spirited effort (thank you Morah Baruchov!). After Rabbi Knapp recited the תפילה לשלום המדינה and the entire school sang התקוה together, the Middle School remained outside to continue the dancing and festivities for close to an hour - not even the band wrapping up its equipment could quell the enthusiasm of our students.
This afternoon, our 6th grade put on a preview performance of their Yom HaAtzmaut presentation to the 4th graders. The performance, which combines old and new Israeli songs, as well as speaking parts and dance, served as a wonderful tribute to everything that we love about מדינת ישראל and a fitting cap-off to the day.
