Yom Ha’atzamut was celebrated at Yavneh Academy with lots of ruach, dancing, daglanut and learning.

After Tefilah Chagigit, each grade made its way outside for dancing to celebrate the 67th birthday of Medinat Yisrael. The first graders gave a wonderful performance of “Eretz Yisrael Sheli,” which was followed by a beautiful daglanut presentation by the 7th grade girls, under the direction of Mrs. Rubin and Yavneh’s bnot Sheirut Leumi, Michal and Reut. Tefilah L’shlom Ha’midinah and Tefilah L’shlom Chayalei Tzahal were recited; the singing of Ha’tikvah and Ani Ma’amin by the entire school concluded the outside celebration.

Throughout the rest of the day, Early Childhood students took off on a “flight to Israel” led by Assistant Principal Rabbi Penn as their pilot. The students visited Yerushalayim where they wrote their wishes on paper and placed them in the Kotel. They made salads and tasted Israeli foods in Tel Aviv, stopped in Tzfat to make fresh orange juice and smoothies at Kibbutz Yavneh. The children continued to Yam Ha’melach for relaxing spa treatments, to Yam Kinneret to go fishing and experience glass bottom boats and finally to Ein Gedi for water play.

Students in first and second grades participated in interactive lessons to learn about the map of Israel. Third, fourth and fifth grade students took part in a creative educational program and created posters portraying famous people in modern Jewish History.

Middle school students played a Yom Ha’atzmaut game prepared by Yavneh’s Morim Shlichim, Moreh Shahar and Morah Zohar Elazary. The students now have a new appreciation for Ha’tikvah, Tefliah L’shlom Ha’medinah, different units of Tzahal, Trumah and Ma’aser, Semel Yisrael and the Israeli flag.

Yom Ha’atzmaut at Yavneh Academy was truly spectacular. The teachers, students and administrators worked hard to create a fantastic avirah in the school, and make the celebration for Israel incredibly meaningful for all of the students.