This Wednesday, Yeshivah of Flatbush celebrated Yom Ha'atzmaut, Israel's 66th birthday. Just because Yom Ha'atzmaut is a half day in Yeahivah of Flatbush that doesn't mean it isn't jam packed with an amazing schedule every one can enjoy. As students walked into the auditorium at nine that morning they were greeted by the Hazan of the Sephardic minyan, Morris Najar. He led the entire school through a beautiful
Tefillah Hagigit, one that set the light and spiritual mood for the rest of the program. As minyan came to a close students filed down to the gym for a delicious breakfast of bagels, blue and white doughnuts, and cereal. Students munched on breakfast as Rabbi Besser picked up the mic and began singing while others students joined in. The entire school sang and danced together. It was exhilarating dancing with the flag of Israel.
The next part of the program took place in the auditorium. Mar Urim started the program by sharing his thoughts about why he loves Israel and why he is returning their next year. Students were energized and ready for an amazing choir performance when they entered the auditorium for the next part of the program, but, little did they know, they were in for a surprise.
As the choir began it's first piece, a classic Israeli medley, students from the Lower and Middle Divison were getting ready outside the auditorium doors for their big debut. Once they heard the song "
Alphe Yeladim" the young students came pouring out of the doors and down the aisles, singing in their sweet voices. Needless to say the entire school erupted in cheers. They brought a new spin on the program. The elementary school students acted out different scenes to highlight the themes of the day. Both choirs were received well by the crowd as they sang through "
Oofarasta," "
Baneshama," "
Oseh Shalom," and "
Ani Mamin." The excitement in the auditorium was palpable. We ended this part of the day with everyone singing
Hatikva together, which was very moving.
Enjoy the whole performance here:
Students were invited back to school after lunch for the long awaited annual Spring Concert. Students enjoyed acts like "We Were Young," "Sleep Along," and classic mash up by Victor Dweck and Joey Cohen. The entire day was a smashing success. Israel is our homeland, our rock, our Eden. To celebrate the 66th year of our independence we all came together to showcase our talents in the name of our beloved State of Israel. And in the words of Mar Urim, hopefully we'll be "Coming home, coming home, tell the world we're coming home" to our state once again very soon. ~Merle Cohen
