Yom Ha’Atzmaut 5785 at RYNJ was amazing! The entire Yeshiva, from the youngest learners in early childhood to the middle school leaders, joined together in אחדות and שמחה to celebrate the miracle and gift of the State of Israel. The day was filled with positive energy, pride and a deep sense of הכרת הטוב for the land of Israel and the establishment of the Jewish state. Middle school students stood out as they marked the day with meaning and pride. 8B and 8G each ran an exciting carnival for first through seventh grade boys and first through seventh grade girls, respectively. The carnivals were filled with creative games, laughter and great ruach. Middle school girls wrote heartfelt letters of chizuk to the women of Yerucham, whose husbands are currently away from their families defending our people. At the other end of the building, middle school boys partnered with Boots for Israel, writing letters to IDF soldiers and packaging boots into duffel bags—combining physical effort with spiritual support in a meaningful way. The lower school students enjoyed the carnival by participating in the numerous fun activities and showcased their own creativity in the “Israel Stamp Challenge,” designing original stamps that highlighted the beauty and uniqueness of Israel through impressive artistry and thoughtful ideas. The early childhood division began the day with a joyful Yom Ha’Atzmaut parade, waving their Israeli flags and singing beautiful songs about Israel. They experienced an art adventure in צפת, tested their agility and teamwork at the IDF boot camp and took an exciting flight aboard “EL-AL” with Morah Mali. Upon landing in ארץ ישראל, their passports were stamped, and they moved on to an incredible Israel Fair. Additionally, the wonderful PTA sponsored a חלב ישראל Ice Cream Truck for all of the students and faculty to cap off the celebration!