(Courtesy of Lamdeinu) For the past eight years, Lamdeinu, a center for high-level, accessible and inspiring Torah learning in Teaneck, has hosted a meaningful Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration for women in the community and beyond. Under the direction of Dean Rachel Friedman, the program is designed to engage its participants in tefillah chagigit, shirei Eretz Yisrael, words of Torah inspiration, memories and expressions of appreciation for Israel, as well as films selected to reflect contemporary Israeli life. This year, the program was delivered on Zoom for all to enjoy from near and far.
The program began with Tefillat Shacharit expertly led by Dr. Ann Shinnar. Special tefillot for Yom Ha’atzmaut were recited by Lamdeinu long time students Roz Friedman, Mollie K. Fisch and Rena Schnaidman. Shirei Eretz Yisrael were beautifully sung and played by Dr. Marsha Adelman, who also provided historical context for each musical piece. Dean Rachel Friedman offered further inspiration through her dvar Torah, in which she explored the passage in Sefer Yeshayahu that is designated as the special haftarah for Yom Ha’atzmaut.
Dean Friedman feels that a program celebrating the modern State of Israel should include glimpses into Israeli society through current films. Two films were selected which deal with the role of parents as they interact with their adult children. The first movie was a serious drama and the second was more of a comedy. The film “New Year’s Resolution” portrayed the life of a 38-year-old single woman announcing to her Orthodox family that she plans to have a child through artificial insemination. The family reacts with shock and disbelief and the woman finds herself wavering in her resolve to carry out her New Year’s resolution. The viewing was followed by a vibrant discussion based on guided questions prepared by Dean Friedman. The second movie, “Sushi and Meatballs and Everything,” was a short comedy about newlyweds and unexpected “in-law” visitors. This comic film inspired laughter and joy for its viewers.
Lamdeinu’s Yom Ha’atzmaut program for women concluded with a passionate rendition of Hatikvah by Tzahal and an accompanying slide show. Lamdeinu Program Director Debbie Negari and Dean Friedman are grateful to participants and sponsors for making Wednesday’s event the wonderful success that it was! Lamdeinu looks forward to celebrating Yom Ha’atzmaut again next year on Israel’s 76th birthday!
The Lamdeinu learning program is housed in the Beit Midrash of Congregation Beth Aaron at 950 Queen Anne Road in Teaneck and offers many classes on Zoom. Classes are offered Monday through Thursday. Special programs are held to celebrate the chagim and to commemorate historical moments, such as Yom HaShoah, Yom Ha’atzmaut and the upcoming Yom Yerushalayim. Lamdeinu’s inspirational summer programs will begin in June. For more information, contact Lamdeinu Program Director Debbie Negari at [email protected] or visit Lamdeinu at www.lamdeinu.org.
