Last week was a very meaningful one for MDS eighth graders as they joined together to create Yom HaShoah and Yom Hazikaron programs for the rest of the middle school division. In commemoration of Yom HaShoah, they chose to highlight the testimonial of classmate Joseph Rosenberg’s grandmother, Carolina Rosenberg, z”l, who survived Auschwitz/Birkenau. The remainder of the program paid tribute to the men, women, children, rabbis, righteous among the nations and partisans who were killed during the Holocaust. The program concluded with the lighting of six candles in honor of the six million who perished during this tragic time.
Rebecca Bromberg, whose grandfather left Vienna in 1939, says, “It was an honor to create the content for this program and recognize the legacy that so many people left behind.”
In commemoration of Yom Hazikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day, lower and middle school students participated in Yizkereim, Honor Israel’s Fallen campaign. MDS chose a group of soldiers and honored their memories by learning and doing acts of kindness. Families were invited to read about these heroic men and women and learn what acts of kindness their childrens’ class(es) performed. A program was held for middle schoolers to commemorate this day and the entire school paid tribute to all of the fallen IDF soldiers as they heard the siren that is played in Israel in their memory.
“It was so moving for me to interview my teacher about his service in the IDF,” reflected eighth grader student Oliver Moore. “It gave me a deeper appreciation of who he is.”
On Thursday, Yom Ha’atzmaut, students enjoyed a day of celebration beginning with a musical Hallel, leading to fun activities throughout the day and culminating in an outdoor concert on the roof in the afternoon. Seventh and eighth graders were treated to an Israeli style tiyul in Ramapo, New Jersey, led by tour guides who incorporated team building activities.
“I am continuously impressed by our student activities programs and their ability to creatively celebrate the Jewish cyclical calendar in a safe environment,” says STEAM instructor Aliza Rubin. “You feel the energy and excitement fill the building, and we were all so grateful that we were able to celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut together in person this year!“
Happy 73rd birthday Israel!
