Ben Porat Yosef students welcomed IDF soldiers from the organization Lev Echad on Wednesday, February 8. Lev Echad manages volunteer relief operations during all large-scale emergencies in Israel. The chayalim spoke to students about what it takes, and what it means, to serve and protect the Jewish homeland. The students and soldiers sang a moving Hatikvah together at the completion of the assembly. Fourth and fifth grade students participated in additional programming in their classrooms following the discussion that challenged them to think and act like IDF soldiers.

A BPY community program took place as well in Englewood on Shabbat with a special shabbaton with these amazing and engaging soldiers, some of whom are originally from the tri-state area. Rabbi Zucker and Dr. Hadar, BPY’s head of school and principal of Judaic studies, participated in the shabbaton as well, which included a Friday night oneg, and several talks given by Rabbi Zucker at both the East Hill Synagogue and Congregation Ahavath Torah.