Yom Ha’atzmaut was a very special day in TABC. Students gathered together for one minyan, with a very spirited Hallel, led by senior Ben Antosofsky. Right before Hallel Rabbi Yablok discussed how the creation the State of Israel should open up our eyes to the miracles around us. After davening, students enjoyed blue and white Dunkin’ Donuts.

For the next part of the program, students made their way upstairs to the beit knesset. Rav Yitz introduced the next portion of the program, six speakers, each talking about different aspects of the State of Israel, such as Israel Advocacy, the IDF, Torah learning, religious Zionism and the tech boom.

Former IDF member and TABC teacher Tzach Yoked explained what it means to live in a country where everyone is in it together and described the close bond that exists among all Israelis. Rabbi Michael Hoenig gave over some astounding numbers as to how much Torah is being learned in Israel. Rabbi Raphi Mandelstam explained how Zionism needs religion in order to be real. Dr. Elliot Prager and Ezra Seplowitz, president of Israel Advocacy club, discussed what students’roles should be in making a difference in Israel, even though we aren’t living there yet. Aryeh Tiefenbrunn explained the success of the tech boom in Israel and how the bond formed by Israelis who have served in the IDF together creates a culture of being willing to take risks together and entrepreneurship. Rabbi Adler ended the program by imploring students to rise to the occasion and own the responsibility of caring and sacrificing for the medina. He talked proudly about all the TABC alumni who have served and are serving in the IDF or have made aliyah. Students then sang “Hatikva” and enjoyed a festive Israeli lunch in the decorated gym while Israeli music played in the background. After dessert of blue and white cookies, dancing broke out and you could feel the joy in the air. Chag Sameach!