Yom Ha’Atzmaut 5783

On Wednesday, the 5th of Iyar, ICJA was transformed into a wonderland of Israel-related games and activities for Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Israel’s 75th Independence Day.

Following a special all-school davening, students heard from and spoke with Israel’s Consul General to the Midwest, Yinam Cohen, and his wife Ayelet.

Students enjoyed a festive breakfast, then went to their first period classes to learn sources addressing the question of whether or not it’s better to live in galut or in the Land of Israel.

The rest of the morning was devoted to a fun chagiga, as students stopped by various Israeli-themed stations. From building circuits with ICJA physics teacher Mr. Allen Stears as part of a “Start up Nation” station, to learning about halachot of the fruits of Israel with ICJA Talmud and Tanach teacher Rabbi Michael Myers and Rabbi Reuven Brand, Rosh Yeshiva of the YU Kollel Mitzion Chicago, to making homemade pita and eating it with homemade hummus, students enjoyed dozens of activities. A major highlight was riding a camel on ICJA’s campus!

Students then enjoyed an all-school Israeli-style BBQ, which culminated in 45 minutes of ruach-filled dancing, celebrating this momentous day in Jewish history.

ICJA’s Yom Ha’Aatzmaurlt celebrations are sponsored by the Gertz family in memory of Doris and Paul Rosenberg.