Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, is a day that students at Yeshivah of Flatbush always look forward to. After the heartbreaking programs of Yom HaShoah and the emotional ceremonies of Yom Hazikaron, it’s a joy to celebrate the fact that for the past 61 years, the State of Israel has belonged to the Jewish people. And celebrate is exactly what students did.
The Joel Braverman High School Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration welcomed a large and enthusiastic crowd to a new venue in the Joseph S. Greenberg Elementary School Auditorium. The program, generously sponsored by Paulette and Arthur Wiener, included Tefillat Arvit Hagigit, led by Hazzan Donny Baitner, which was followed by an Israeli Cafe Night that included performances by talented high school and middle division musicians, singers, actors and dancers, and a special slide show. Dean of Students Rabbi Naftali Besser was the evening’s emcee. Also featured were musicians Leslie Grazi on the flute and Brian Gelfand on the piano.
Ms. Ruchie Winkler was the producer of the entire YOF community program, along with assistant producer and YOF drama director Sally (Grazi) Shatzkes. Also integral to the evening’s success was Ladies Auxiliary Honorary President Thea Fattal, aided by Ladies Auxiliary Honorary President Ami Sasson and Ladies Auxiliary Board Member Rochelle Dweck. Proceeds from the night went to the High School’s Tzedakah Commission’s current campaign to help the organization Todah Le’Zahal.
Celebrations continued the next day as high school students and faculty joined together in rikkudim, followed by an encore performance of the prior night’s program.
The Yom Ha’atzmaut program in the Middle Division, organized by Mrs. Margalit Greenstein, featured a play performed by class 8-402 about the Jewish people’s historical claims to the Land of Israel. The play included scenes from the Tanach, the first Zionist Congress and the Declaration of Independence on May 14, 1948.
This year not only marks the 61st birthday of the State of Israel but also the 100th birthday of the city of Tel Aviv, which was also depicted in the play. The program also included a choir performance by the 8th grade girls, directed by Mrs. Lilia Mauskop. Rabbi Noam Goldshtein arranged all the computer slides, which included a special slideshow of various students’ trips to Israel, highlighting the special connection the students of Yeshivah of Flatbush have with Medinat Yisrael.
For Lower Division students it was all about learning about Israel while being creative and having fun. Classes set up display boards to teach students about Israel’s rich history and culture. Organized by 3rd grade teacher Leah Fink, and Israeli shlichim Rabbi Noam Goldshtein, Mrs. Michal Goldshtein and Mrs. Shoshi Roytburd, the displays showed students everything Israel has to offer, from its technological and agricultural advances to all of its beautiful cities and everything in between.
Fourth graders also enjoyed a special computer class in honor of Yom Ha’atzmaut. Hebrew computer teacher Adina Zidell arranged an Israel-themed computer class that taught students about what is going on in Israel today.
Students really got into the spirit of Yom Haatzmaut as they had a great time dancing and singing along to Middle Division Principal Rabbi David Hertzberg and a backup band.
A strong tie to Medinat Yisrael is something YOF tries to instill in every student. It is through programs like these that this connection is sure to remain for years to come.
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Annie Lubin is a freelance writer.
