Recently, Magen David Yeshivah commemorated Israel’s 60th anniversary with many festive programs during the day. Throughout the school, which was decorated in blue and white, the children, along with their parents, celebrated in many different ways, and everyone had a sensational time.
The lobby of the building was constructed with the Kotel beautifully designed and painted by Mrs. Hilsenrath, Meyer, Edgar, and high school students.
The evening before, in honor of Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’atsmaut, there was a special memorial for fallen soldiers and a celebration of Israel’s independence. Magen David was also happy to welcome Rabbi Hilsenrath’s nephews visiting from Israel. Gedaliah and Efraim both are currently in the Israeli army. High school students came to life in a wax museum depicting famous Israelis. This was definitely something to see! There were twelve different Israelis—such as Matisyahu, a prisoner of war, Rabbi Levine who saved him, Menachem Begin, David Ben Gurion and Elie Cohen, a spy for Mossad, to name a few. A narrator spoke about the person while they were ‘frozen,’ and then a spotlight fell on the wax person, who then came alive and spoke as that famous person in that timeline. Mrs. Esther Tokayer wrote the script, and Yeeshai Gross produced the evening.
“The ruach, spirit and energy that emanated from students, teachers and parents on Yom Ha’atsmaut was a clear demonstration of our love and passion for Israel,” said Rabbi Baruch Hilsenrath, principal of Magen David Yeshivah.
In addition to the father/son breakfast, the mothers of the 6th-8th grade girls were invited to share in the morning prayers with their daughters, and to join in the festivities with rikudim (dancing).
“Medinat Israel has a special place in the hearts of Magen David Yeshivah’s staff, parents and students. This was certainly evidenced by the unique celebration that we held this year,” said Rabbi Sultan, assistant principal of the upper division at Magen David.
The younger division was an integral part of the day’s joyous events. Throughout the halls, and over the course of the entire day, one could hear the beautiful melodies of Israel being sung by the students in plays and performances. Their knowledge of the geography, history and government of Israel were also put to the test in 3rd and 4th grade with rigorous contests and quizzes. Mrs. Stern’s 3rd grade classes put on beautiful plays in the Magen David Torah Center, and all 3rd graders participated in interactive programs together. The talented and computer savvy staff put together a professional power point presentation, which depicted a virtual tour of the country and its history. The presentation was viewed by every student in the younger division and was enjoyed by all. In addition, of course, one could not forget the spirited dancing in the gym as the band cranked up the music of Israel.
“As the day came to a close, the incredible celebratory spirit that permeated the hallways and classrooms throughout the day culminated in a spontaneous outburst of song and dance in the auditorium as over 500 students joined in to accompany the audio visual presentation. The effort needed to reach the 60th anniversary was brought home in very real terms when the students met Gedaliah and Efraim, our “own” Israeli soldiers who shared their experiences with us. We will continue to pray for peace and the survival of our ‘Medinah,’” said Rabbi Rosenzweig, assistant principal in the lower division in Magen David.
The kindergartners were busy as well. Each kindergarten class created different destinations in Israel to visit. K3 decorated their classroom to look like the Kineret. The children colored and painted the backdrop of the Kineret with mountains and filled the water with their own fish. Many of the classes planned “trips” to visit Israel. On the day of the trip, the children came prepared with plenty of excitement. The trip began with all the kindergartners praying in the gym together. They then enjoyed some dancing before heading to the airport. The children made passports for their journey, went through security, and were seated on an El Al plane. A flight attendant passed through the aisles with a drink and a snack, and the children enjoyed Shalom Sesame. After arriving in a Jerusalem forest, the children planted flowers. They also visited a shuk (market), and went shopping for fruits, vegetables and flowers. Each child received a flower and visited the Kotel. At the Kotel, the children wrote notes of special wishes to Hashem. Going south, they went to the Negev Desert, where they drank lots of water and pretzels because of the heat. In addition, they visited an army base, the Kineret, where they enjoyed a picnic lunch, with blue and white donuts for desert.
During the day, many activities were planned. The 5th and 6th grade boys played Israeli basketball, while the 7th and 8th graders participated in competitive color wars and Torah contests, coordinated by Rabbi Chaim Weilgus. The sixth grade girls created an outside shuk (supermarket) called Shuk Mahane Yehuda, after a market in Israel. Many of the other grades came to visit the market and were treated to different kinds of foods. The girls each had their own stations. Sushi, vegetable salads, jello, candy, smoothies and fruit salads were offered to its “customers.”
Magen David would like to thank the following people for their participation in the wax museum: Yeeshai Gross and Multiple Outlet Productions, Esther Tokayer, Sabrina Maleh, David Shamah and his crew, the administration in the Elementary and High School, Danielle Sayegh, Rosie Cohen, Lew Esses, Shlomo Ruben, Bertha Naftali, David Mandil, Katy Haddad, Leah Zami, Cynthia Dweck, Ezra Dayan, Freddy Hidary, Lillian Zami, Sarah Dweck, Stanley Cohen, Daniel Friedman, Jack Mlabassati, Renee Tabache, Renee Shemesh, Moti Ankari, Ezra Pichotto, Marcelle Arzt, Celine Beyda, Norma Massre, Olgi Ayal and Alexis Shrem.
Over 1,000 parents joined in the celebration throughout the day. With plenty to do throughout the day, Magen David Yeshivah proudly celebrated Yom Ha’Atsmaut with great enthusiasm and spirit. The school came together as a whole, and all had a great time!
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Randi Shomer is a community member, mother of four children, and a freelance writer for IMAGE Magazine.
