This Yom Ha’atzmaut, like many other holidays and events, had to be done a little differently. But different doesn’t always mean bad.

We at Bnei Akiva, who pride ourselves on bringing true joy and excitement to Yom Ha’atzmaut, even in Chutz la’Aretz, had to think a little outside the box. Or maybe more like in the box! In Cherry Hill, New Jersey, we hand delivered “Yom Ha’atzmaut in-a-box” kits provided by Bnei Akiva’s national office to all of our chanichim kids. Filled with celebration hats, flags, bags and more, the boxes had everything to throw a party from home, outdoors or socially distanced with friends.

Plus we had great fun coloring in Bnei Akiva of the U.S. and Canada’s custom BBQ placemats, while learning Hebrew at the same time! Though this year we couldn’t be together for a big parade or party, it was a lot more exciting than where we were last year at this time.

Leah Spector is rosh snif Bnei Akiva Cherry Hill.