At Yeshiva Har Torah, the days of Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut are brought to life through immersive, meaningful programming that reflects the school’s deep commitment to fostering a genuine connection to the State of Israel.
On Yom HaZikaron, students from all grade levels participated in emotionally resonant tekesim (ceremonies) designed to honor Israel’s fallen soldiers and victims of terror. In the lower grades, students in grades 1 and 2 had the opportunity to hear from one of their very own teachers about her experience in the IDF. This gave the students a truly special look into the important work that Israeli soldiers do to protect Eretz Yisrael every day. In grades 3 and 4, the tone deepened as students researched individual fallen chayalim and shared their stories with classmates. The tekes included recitation of T’hilim, the singing of “Acheinu,” and the Mi SheBeirach for chayalim, allowing students to participate in communal prayer and remembrance. In the upper grades, students in grades 5 through 8 heard powerful stories about three specific fallen soldiers and listened to music that was written in their memory.
The following day, the mood shifted from solemn remembrance to spirited celebration as the entire school came together to mark Yom HaAtzmaut. Even the youngest students in the Early Learning Center (Pre-K–2) joined the festivities with a joyful tekes, filled with singing and dancing. A highlight of the program was Israeli daglanut (flag dance) performed by the second graders, which brought smiles to all in attendance. The ELC’s third floor was transformed into a replica of the Machane Yehuda Shuk in Yerushalayim and was run entirely by our second graders. The shuk included Israeli foods, music, and crafts, giving the students a real experience of the sounds, feel, and smell of the shuk.
Later that morning, the entire Grand Central Parkway campus (grades 3-8) gathered outdoors for a school-wide tekes. Flags waved in the air as students and staff danced together, celebrating Israel’s independence with palpable joy and unity. The ruach (spirit) was unmistakable as Hebrew songs filled the air, and students celebrated their connection to am Yisrael and Medinat Yisrael.
One of the most exciting elements of the day was the transformation of the school gym into a full-scale replica of the Machane Yehuda Shuk in Yerushalayim, run entirely by the eighth grade. The space was filled with the sights, sounds, and smells of a bustling marketplace: Colorful signs, makeshift tents, and lively booths gave students the feeling of being transported straight to the heart of Yerushalayim. Students offered freshly made limonana, squeezing lemons and adding mint by hand. Younger students created bracelets, wrote letters to IDF soldiers, and took part in a range of Israel-themed crafts and activities.
The two days served as a beautiful reflection of Yeshiva Har Torah’s commitment to nurturing a strong, lasting connection to Israel among its students.
