Like our brothers in Israel, JEC students made the transition from mourning to celebration as Yom Ha’atzmaut began. After a beautiful Hallel led by senior Gidon Hagler, the students were treated to a special lecture by Rabbi Yaakov Glasser, rabbi at the Young Israel of Passaic-Clifton and dean of YU’s Center of the Jewish Future. His impassioned message of hope and possibility was all too meaningful and appropriate. Dreaming, he said, is what made the State of Israel a reality.

One could literally taste the joy of Yom Ha’atzmaut as throughout the day free slushies were available for all the students and teachers, who also played some intense games of Israeli-style seated volleyball.

“There was a great balance of meaningful learning and fun,” said Rabbi Yisroel Rich, director of student life. “We wanted the students to celebrate and enjoy, but to also be more deeply connected to the real people of Israel and their stories.”