In honor of Yom HaAtzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, students at Silverstein Hebrew Academy recently took part in a variety of sensory activities. Early education students had the opportunity to taste unique foods connected to Israel, while elementary students took part in viewing cooking demonstrations given by parents consisting of staple Israeli food. All of the food prepared from the activity was then served at lunch. In addition, the students took part in a lively dance session where they learned traditional Israeli dancing. Middle School students had an outdoor Yom HaAtzmaut barbecue, celebrating their Holy Land, Eretz Yisrael.
The Independence Day of Israel is celebrated on the fifth day of the month of Iyar – the Hebrew date of the official establishment of the State of Israel. For Jewish Americans, celebrating Yom HaAtzmaut has been a way to strengthen alliances and express solidarity with the State of Israel. The holiday is always preceded by Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day for fallen soldiers.
