For Yom HaAtzmaut this year, we had two different programs. In the morning, our very own Benci spoke to the students about his experiences as a chayal (soldier) in Tzahal (Israel Defense Forces). He spoke about his experiences in an elite unit. Benci took out a satchel, which contained in it the things that he always had with him, no matter what. These were his talis, t’filin, siddur, and a special Mi SheBeirach prayer that he said before he went on a mission. He also told the students about how careful each of the members of his unit was around these items, and how they would say the special t’filah even though they were not necessarily religious. It was very moving.
In the afternoon, we went to 609 and participated in the Mordechai Shapiro concert. Before the concert, we announced a mazal tov and a tzeis’chem l’shalom to the families making aliyah. As usual, Mordechai was awesome and everyone enjoyed singing and dancing with incredible ruach. When he sang the Mi SheBeirach L’Chayalei Tzahal, it was especially moving. A big thank you to 609 for hosting!
