(Courtesy of Lamdeinu) For over a decade, Lamdeinu has proudly hosted a Yom Ha’Atzmaut celebration for women that is both meaningful and moving. This year’s program, held on Zoom, welcomed participants from near and far to mark Israel’s 77th birthday through prayer, music, learning and reflection.
As always, the morning began with heartfelt tefillah. Dr. Ann Shinnar led Shacharit, weaving in uplifting melodies and guiding the community in the recitation of Tehillim and Hallel. She skillfully incorporated Israeli melodies as tunes for the Hallel. Several devoted Lamdeinu participants added their voices to the tefillah, each one offering a special prayer: Mollie K. Fisch recited the Prayer for the Protection of the State of Israel, Rena Shnaidman offered the Misheberach for Tzahal, Robyn Shoulson led the prayer for the return of the hostages—may they come home soon—Judy Schiff read a stirring Chapter 98 of Tehillim, and Dean Rachel Friedman read a special passage from Yeshayahu that is dedicated to Yom Ha’Atzmaut.
Following tefillah, we experienced a powerful musical presentation led by Dr. Marsha Edelman. Dr. Edelman’s “77 Years of Israeli Music” walked us through a historical timeline of Israel through beloved Shirei Eretz Yisrael. Each song was accompanied by background and commentary, illuminating how music has shaped Israeli identity throughout the decades. It was both educational and emotional.
Dean Friedman spoke eloquently about the meaning of the biblical term morasha and its unique application to religious Zionism. She explained that morasha appears only twice in the Torah and that its meaning is different from yerusha or inheritance. Although throughout the Tanach morasha relates to a parcel of land, the prophetic leader Moshe Rabbeinu calls the Torah a morasha in his address to the nation at the end of his life. Moshe’s message, Dean Friedman suggested, is that only the Torah and the land of Israel could be called a morasha. This is true because these two essential values are not only inherited by the nation of Israel, but all Jews are obligated to convey these essential values — love of and loyalty to the Torah and Eretz Yisrael — as morashot to their children. As morasha is a noun in the female form, Dean Friedman speculated that this responsibility is especially compelling for women.
True to Lamdeinu’s commitment to serious Torah and honest reflection, the program continued with the screening of a thought-provoking Israeli short film. “Barriers,” directed by Golan Rise, follows a young Israeli officer navigating a tense security situation at a checkpoint. The film raises profound questions about responsibility, moral authority and human dignity. As the officer is forced to choose between obedience and conscience, viewers are left to grapple with the real-life tensions faced by soldiers, citizens and families in Israel today. After the screening, participants engaged in a meaningful discussion using guided prompts prepared by Dean Friedman.
The morning concluded with a video of Hatikvah sung by Tzahal, leaving everyone with full hearts and renewed hope.
Dean Rachel Friedman and Program Director & Social Media Coordinator Malki Warshawsky extend their heartfelt gratitude to all participants and sponsors for contributing to the success of Lamdeinu’s exceptionally meaningful Yom Ha’Atzmaut event. We look forward to marking Yom Ha’Atzmaut together once again next year, in honor of Israel’s 78th birthday.
Lamdeinu offers inspiring Torah learning every Monday through Thursday, with special programs throughout the year to mark holidays and significant moments in Jewish history, including Yom HaShoah, Yom Ha’Atzmaut and the upcoming Yom Yerushalayim. Our summer programs will take place in June and July. For more information, contact Malki Warshawsky at [email protected] or visit www.lamdeinu.org.
