The Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrations at Bruriah started at night on Tuesday, April 28, with our very own Bruriah ‘Zoomzitz,’ where we began to transition from Yom Hazikaron to Yom Ha’atzmaut. To make this experience extra meaningful, each girl who sang a song shared an insight to what the words of that song meant and how the song is meaningful to them. On Wednesday, April 29, we started the day hearing from four Israeli soldiers who shared their inspiring stories with us, and what it takes to be a chayal for the IDF. Following that, each grade had an Israel-inspired Kahoot competition. Later, we had an alumni panel and were privileged to hear from Bruriah graduates Sara Lanner, Shira Allan, Aviva Zacks and Tamar Klein. All of these women, ranging from the class of 1992 to the class of 2016, shared their aliyah stories with us along with many other uplifting stories and lessons. We all came together when the winners of each grades Kahoot game faced off in a championship Israel Jeopardy game. The day commenced with Mincha and Tehillim, followed by a video put together by the Bruriah 2020 students to honor and thank Principal Rabbi Oratz for instilling love for Israel in each Bruriah girl’s life and to wish him well on his upcoming aliyah. Thank you to the incredible Bruriah AISAC committee, who put so much time and effort into making these days as special as they were!

Ayelet Goldstein is a 10th grader at Bruriah.