This past week, the halls of Schechter were filled with emotion, memory, music, and movement as we marked two of the most significant days on the Israeli calendar: Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day for fallen soldiers and victims of terror, and Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Israel’s 77th Independence Day.

These two days—back-to-back on the calendar—are deeply intertwined. At Schechter, we honored them both with the kavod, creativity, and community that define our school and reflect our core values:

On Wednesday, April 30, our 8th graders led the entire school in a powerful and heartfelt tekes (ceremony) to commemorate Yom HaZikaron. Dressed in white tops and black bottoms, students and faculty gathered by kehillah for a morning of reflection, unity, and remembrance.

We were honored to be joined by Itai Biran, Consul for Political and Commercial Affairs at the Israeli Consulate to the Midwest, who spoke about the importance of collective memory and global Jewish solidarity. A moment of silence followed, allowing space for grief and gratitude—for lives lost, for freedom gained, and for the enduring bond between our school and the State of Israel.

This year, we also paused to remember a face familiar to many in our community: Yogev Pazy, z”l, who served as a beloved ShinShin at Schechter during the 2020–2021 school year. Yogev was just 22 years old when he fell in combat in Gaza earlier this year. At Israel’s national Yom Ha’Atzmaut ceremony at Mount Herzl, a letter Yogev wrote was read in his memory. He wrote, “I had the privilege of being a person in this world. I love you. Please don’t stop loving back.”

Yogev’s impact on our community lives on through the memories he left behind—and the values he embodied: love of Israel (Ahavat Yisrael), kindness, and the belief that every human being is made in the image of God (B’tzelem Elohim).

On Thursday, May 1, we shifted from memory to celebration as we marked Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Israel’s 77th birthday. Students arrived in kachol v’lavan (blue and white) and gathered in the gym for a moving ceremony where we raised the Israeli flag, sang Hatikvah, and heard words of pride and encouragement from Consul General of Israel to the Midwest Yinam Cohen.

The rest of the day was packed with ruach (spirit)-filled programming, offering students opportunities to explore Israel’s culture, history, and geography. Across every grade and classroom, Israel came alive:

What do you get when you mix Torah knowledge with game-show energy and a live audience of cheering classmates? Schechter’s Chidon HaTanakh (Bible Competition)!

This long-standing Schechter tradition, rooted in a national competition founded by David Ben-Gurion, connects Jewish history with modern-day celebration. After weeks of studying, 12 5th–8th graders took the stage to answer questions about Torah verses, characters, timelines, and events.

Co-hosted by 8th grader and two-time champion Ari Smith, the Chidon had the feel of a championship game—with cheers, nerves, and immense pride. Our students’ commitment to learning, their joy in the process, and their courage on stage reflected the very best of Schechter: Exemplary education, the Journey of lifelong learning, and the strength of our Community.

Together, these two days reminded us why we love, teach, and celebrate Israel at Schechter. We remembered with intention, we celebrated with heart, and we strengthened our ties to each other and to a land that continues to inspire us all.

From Yom HaZikaron’s solemn silence to Yom Ha’Atzmaut’s jubilant dance circles, this was a week of learning, legacy, and love.

Am Yisrael Chai.