Yom Ha’atzmaut at JKHA was a day filled with celebrations, learning about Israel and its history, school spirit, and fun!

All grades, from nursery three through fourth, cycled in and out of interactive sessions throughout the day. Topics and activities included a grade-wide board game on Israeli history, a math activity using shekalim to weigh Israeli products, art activities including beading and silhouette making in Israel’s colors, a special birthday party for Israel’s 70th and physical challenges celebrating Israeli games.

Middle school students started off the day after a special davening, with the whole division singing in unison to the classic Hebrew song Halleluyah. The spirited rendition was complete with students proudly waving their Israeli flags and wearing blue and white glow bracelets. After the song, it was time for the students to shine on stage for the Kochavei Kushner competition. This contest performance brought out the talent and creativity of our students. Incorporating lyrics from contemporary Hebrew music, groups of students performed dances, raps and skits to their chosen songs. Fourth graders were excited to attend the Kochavei Kushner talent contest in the middle school and receive a sneak peak into what to expect next year.

After Kochavei Kushner, sixth through eighth grades had color war breakout! Divided into teams of Givati and Golani, the competition got underway with activities such as gaga and chidon trivia questions from Judaic studies. The competition continued on Friday with more Israel-themed activities, a brachot bee and presentations of a team banner, song and dance.

The highlight of the day was when all of JKHA joined together with RKYHS for a schoolwide chagiga, with the whole school singing Hatikvah, seventh grade girls performing a daglanut and ruach-filled dancing.