April 24, 2015

5 Iyar 5775

Dear Parents,

As you know, one of the most important goals of Ramaz is to teach our students about the State of Israel so they learn to appreciate, support, and love the land we are grateful to call home. Ahavat Yisrael is incorporated into all aspects of Ramaz education, but it is certainly highlighted on Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha'Atzmaut. This week, our students demonstrated tremendous respect, sensitivity, and jubilation as they remembered and honored our soldiers (click here for photos) and celebrated Israel's 67th birthday.

• The Lower School started Yom HaZikaron with a meaningful tekes (ceremony) where students heard inspiring words from administrators and teachers, including those who either served in the Israel Defense Forces or had relatives who did. They saw a heartfelt video about our soldiers and Grade 4 watched a film about lone soldier Michael Levin z'l, "A Hero in Heaven." The children's somber mood changed on Yom Ha'Atzmaut when the students sang Hallel, participated in a tzahal-style boot camp with an obstacle course, made Israel-themed t-shirts, created a mural of the sea for an Eilat aquarium, found cities on a giant map of Israel, made chumus and limonada, went on an archaeological dig, played Israel-themed bingo, sang, and danced. Click here to see photos of Yom Ha'Atzmaut in the LS. 

• The ECC took a special "plane ride" to Israel. They entered the auditorium with their "passports" to get them stamped before boarding their ELAL flight. Back in their classrooms, they visited Israeli cities including a kibbutz, where they milked cows, churned butter, planted herbs, and shucked corn. Other "cities" featured digging in a sandbox; "fishing;" and arts projects such as mosaics, drawing, painting, and beading. All the classes visited the "kotel" to put notes into the stones in the wall. Click here to see photos of Yom Ha'Atzmaut in the ECC. 

• The Middle School commemorated Yom HaZikaron with a moment of silence on Tuesday afternoon, as a siren went off at the exact time it did in Israel. The next day, the entire school had an assembly where they heard a moving song from the choir, watched the film about lone soldier Michael Levin z'l, "A Hero in Heaven," and recited prayers honoring the soldiers. On Yom Ha'Atzmaut parents were treated to the much anticipated Zimriah, themed, Moments in Time. The song choices and beautiful voices left the audience entertained and proud. Click here to see a short video of the MS "Dancing with Paris" music video that was shown at Zimriah. Stay tuned for the full Zimriah video coming soon. Click here to see some photos of Yom Ha'Atzmaut Zimriah.  

• The Upper School Yom HaZikaron program was coordinated by the Ivrit department and consisted of student readings, music from the choir, appropriate memorial prayers, and a screening of a documentary from Israeli TV about the life of a unit commander who sacrificed his own life to save his comrades - a nephew of one of our teachers. They were addressed by guest speaker, Shimon Mercer Wood, Spokesperson and Consul for Media Affairs at the Consulate General of Israel. His point was clear: while we must remember those who sacrificed their lives for defending Medinat Yisrael, we must also remember that we have to focus on glorifying life and not death. Each of us should feel a part of a collective identity that strives to find a way to live a meaningful Jewish life which emphasizes the great value of life. 
  
  Yom Ha'Atzmaut began with special morning prayers, a presentation by Israel Consul General Ido Aharoni, Torah classes in Zionism, spirited dancing on 78 street, a screening of "Beneath the Helmet," and a Q&A with two alumni who served in the IDF. The Juniors had a special visitor, former Florida governor, Jeb Bush, who briefly spoke and answered their thoughtful questions. The celebrations were capped with the very first edition of "Mo'adon Ha'atzmaut," student-centered performances of a wide variety, predominantly in Hebrew, relating to Israeli performing arts. Click here to see photos of Yom Ha'Atzmaut in the US.  

We are also proud of Aspirations, an Upper School student publication that includes essays and artwork created by students. The essays explore an array of issues in the Torah that relate specifically to Israel. The painting in the background depicts the sun rising over the sea in Tel Aviv. Click here to view Aspirations.
  

We look forward to celebrating many more happy occasions with your children!

Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom,

The Ramaz Administration