"Somehow heaven and earth met in the Jewish heart, lifting people to do what otherwise seemed impossible. Descartes said: I think, therefore I am. The Jewish axiom is different. Ani maamin. I believe, therefore I am."
- Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks
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Happy 67th Birthday Israel!
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In This Issue:
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The Month of Iyar
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Marking Yom HaZikaron
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MJDS Celebrates Yom Ha'atzmaut
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From the Mouths of MJDS Students
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MJDS Upcoming Events
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| | Casa student enjoying the Israeli Shuk on Yom Ha'atzmaut |
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The Month of Iyar
At the beginning of the week we marked the new Hebrew month of Iyar. Iyar does not contain many "special days," every single day of the month is included in the Sefirat HaOmer counting-the mitzvah to count each of the forty-nine days between Passover and Shavuot. Sefirat HaOmer is a period of introspection and self-refinement, as we prepare ourselves to receive the Torah anew on Shavuot. Each day of Iyar represents another step in this spiritual journey toward Sinai.
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| | Lower Elementary students during Yom HaZikaron |
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Marking Yom HaZikaron
Yom HaZikaron is the Day of Remembrance for the Fallen Soldiers of Israel and Victims of Terrorism.
Elementary students took part in a special program, Gal and Ishai played and sang songs that were written by or for soldiers who were killed. You can see pictures and videos from the day in this picassa album (attach album).
Marking Yom Hazikaron right before Yom Ha'atzmaut is intended to remind us of the price paid for independence and of what was achieved with the soldiers' sacrifice. This transition shows the importance of this day among Israelis, most of whom have served in the armed forces or have a connection with people who were killed during their military service.
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| | Toddlers enjoy an Israeli picnic on Yom Ha'atzmaut |
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MJDS Celebrates Yom Ha'atzmaut
Thursday was a day of celebration, high spirits and great
ruach at MJDS. The sun was shining, MJDS students dressed in blue and white were waving their Israeli flags as they played, and lively Israeli music was playing from the gym during morning drop off. One mother even commented that there was such a nice feeling as she walked towards the playground with her children.
The Shinshinim created an "Israeli Shuk for the Senses": they experienced Israel through its sights, sounds, scents, tastes, and feelings. Thank you to Gal and Ishai and the staff who made the day so special. We were honoured to welcome as special guests Orna and Moshe Barvivay, parents of our Shin Ishai. Ms Barvivay is Major General in the Israel Defense Forces and the former head of its Manpower Directorate. She is the first woman Major-general (Aluf), the IDF's second highest rank. See the joyful faces at MJDS for yourself in this picassa album.
Also please enjoy this beautiful video of a group called Accent Vocal singing an original rendition of Israel's National Anthem "HaTikvah"
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| | Accent - Hatikvah (Israeli National Anthem) |
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| | Spontaneous Rikudiyah dancing erupted in the "Israeli Shuk" |
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From the Mouths of MJDS Students
After watching the fireworks during the Yom Ha'atzmaut celebration:
Matthew (age 6): I like the fireworks except when they hit G-d.
Samuel (age 9): They didn't hit G-d they reached Him and He popped them.
During a circle time discussion of what kinds of activities make the children feel relaxed and happy:
Nati (age 4): When I work with the Pink Tower and Brown Stairs.
Dani (age 4): When I walk my dog to the park and go on the swings.
Yaniv (age 3): When I play outside.
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| | Casa students enjoyed dancing horas! |
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MJDS Upcoming Events
May 1- Café Theatre Magen David Level 3 students 2:30 pm at Beth David
May 4, 5, 6 - Picture Days
May 8 - Café Theatre Magen David Level 2 students 2:30 pm at Beth David
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