(Courtesy of Lamdeinu) For the past decade, Lamdeinu, the center for high-level, accessible and inspiring Torah learning in Teaneck, has hosted a special Yom Ha’Atzmaut celebration for women. Under the direction of Dean Rachel Friedman, the program engages its participants in Tefillah Chagigit, Shirei Eretz Yisrael, words of Torah inspiration, and the exploration of films selected to reflect contemporary Israeli life. This year, Lamdeinu’s program will take place on Tuesday May 14 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The event will be on Zoom so that participants from near and far can join and enjoy.

Lamdeinu’s Yom Ha’Atzmaut celebration will open at 9 a.m. with Tefillat Shacharit led by Dr. Ann Shinnar. Divrei Torah and Berachah by Dean Friedman will follow. At about 10:15 a.m., Dr. Marsha Edelman will explore how songs of Eretz Yisrael since the establishment of the Medinah have enriched and punctuated our experience as a nation. Dr. Edelman will provide historical context for each musical piece, with a special emphasis on how Songs emerged from the challenges of wartime.

At about 11:15 a.m., participants will view two films about the modern state of Israel—one provides a glimpse into Israeli society through serious drama and the other does so through humor. Viewers will be asked to consider certain questions as they watch these films, and a short discussion will follow.

Lamdeinu offers classes every Monday through Thursday for men and women. Special programs are held to celebrate the chagim and to commemorate historical moments, such as Yom HaShoah, Yom Ha’Atzmaut and Yom Yerushalayim. Lamdeinu’s inspirational summer programs will begin in June. For more information, contact Lamdeinu Program Director Debbie Negari at [email protected] or visit Lamdeinu at www.lamdeinu.org.

Lamdeinu looks forward to celebrating Israel’s 76th birthday with you this Yom Ha’Atzmaut beginning at 9 a.m. To register or sponsor please go to lamdeinu.org.