Students and Faculty Celebrate Yom Ha’Atzmaut

by Yedidyah Schechter (’19)

This past Tuesday, the day observed as Yom Ha’Atzmaut, MTA joined in the celebration of the 69th anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel. Donned in blue and white clothing, the students started off our celebrating at the end of Shacharis with an inspiring d’var Torah by Rabbi Taubes and a joyous recitation of Hallel. After shiur, everyone gathered into the gym to participate in what was to be an amazing chagigah. The music started playing and we all started dancing, continuing exuberantly until we were all schvitzing, and then danced some more with even greater energy. After subsequently gathering in a large circle next to each other and singing slow, meaningful songs, we completed the program with Hatikvah. At the end, of course, we were treated to the traditional boxes of blue and white cookies which we all enjoyed after more than an hour of tiring dancing. As the blue and white clad flow of people walked through the halls for the rest of the day, it was hard to forget what day it was. The chagigah was truly awesome, and the MTA students felt a sense of pride in being a part of the Jewish nation dancing ebulliently for the worthy cause of giving thanks to Hashem and appreciating the land of Israel, as well as for recognizing everything the land offers us as the Jewish people.

Later in the day, some students had the opportunity to join the festive campus atmosphere, enjoying the barbeque in Tenzer Gardens.