"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

Happy 67th Birthday Israel!

April 26th, 2015

In This Issue:

The Month of Iyar
Marking Yom HaZikaron
MJDS Celebrates Yom Ha'atzmaut
From the Mouths of MJDS Students
MJDS Upcoming Events

Casa student enjoying the Israeli Shuk on Yom Ha'atzmaut

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.

Lower Elementary students during Yom HaZikaron

Marking Yom HaZikaron

Yom HaZikaron Album

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.

Toddlers enjoy an Israeli picnic on Yom Ha'atzmaut

MJDS Celebrates Yom Ha'atzmaut

Yom Ha'atzmaut Album

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"