Israel National Days

In this challenging time for Israel, B'nai Israel is offering many programs and activities to commemorate and celebrate Israel's National Days. Please be sure to register and mark your calendars.

YOM HASHOAH (Holocaust Remembrance Day)

Zikaron BaSalon with Tobi Bassin
Thursday, April 24
7:30 PM–9:00 PM

Tobi’s father Mendel Potash was born in a small town called Szczurowice, Poland. He was just 7 years old when the war began, experiencing it at first as a child, thinking it was a game...until it became very real. The Russians arrived, and then the Germans. Aunts and uncles suddenly were put on trains and just gone...forever. Then, Mendel narrowly escaped death on numerous occasions. He survived only because of luck, smarts, and the kindness of a few. Through many dangerous moments, he spent most of the war in hiding. It wasn’t until he was 16, and many family members dead, that he finally left Europe for good, never to return.

TOBI BASSIN grew up in Toronto, Canada. She and her husband, Stuart, have been members at B’nai Israel since 2003. As the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, she felt it important to devote her teaching career to Jewish Education. Currently, she works as an English Language specialist, supporting the Israeli community at CESJDS to learn English and integrate into the community. In her spare time, Tobi volunteers with the JCRC as a facilitator to help lead the Maggid program which trains second-generation survivors (children of survivors) to share their parents’ stories of survival during the Holocaust.

Click here to register.

YOM HAZIKARON (Israeli Memorial Day) 

Yom HaZikaron for Teens (Grades 9–12)
Tuesday, April 29
6:30 PM
Come join Noar B’Yachad and Teens for a special Yom HaZikaron activity, where we’ll take a meaningful yet interactive look at Israel’s Memorial Day. Through stories, activities, and reflection, we’ll explore the importance of remembering those who sacrificed for Israel’s independence. It’s a chance to connect, reflect, and honor in a thoughtful and meaningful way. Click here for more information.

Yom HaZikaron Israeli Movie Night – We Will Dance Again (Adults Only)
Wednesday, April 30
8:15 PM
We will commemorate Yom HaZikaron with a movie screening of We Will Dance Again. This documentary is a minute-by-minute retelling of the Supernova Music Festival Massacre, which took place on October 7th. Click here to register.

YOM HAATZMAUT (Israeli Independence Day)

From Darkness to Light: Yom HaAtzmaut Celebrations
Thursday, May 1
6:00 PM
Join us for a community celebration of Yom HaAtzmaut as we mark Israel’s independence and reflect on its journey, משואה לתקומה (“From Tragedy to Rebirth”). Together, we’ll enjoy lively Israeli dancing, delicious Israeli foods, and participate in a collaborative art project to create a mural of hope and unity. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate Israel’s 77th anniversary, connect
with others, and share a fun, meaningful evening with the whole community.

6:00 PM – Hands-on Activities and Dinner

Dinner: $10 per adult, $5 kids 12 and under, $25 immediate family maximum
Experience Israel and celebrate Yom HaAtzmaut with hands-on activities for people of all ages. Purchase a meal ticket to enjoy a dinner of hamburger and hotdogs with the greatest sides! 
There is no charge to participate in the activities but registration is requested. 

7:00 PM – Concert with Micha Biton

Concert Tickets: $18 adults, $10 kids 12 and under, $50 immediate family maximum

Click here to register. 

B’nai Israel’s Yom Ha’Atzmaut events are made possible by the generosity of the
Edith and Charles M. Pascal Yom HaAtzmaut Programming Endowment.

Shabbat for Israel: Dinner and Program

Friday, May 2
In honor of Yom HaAtzmaut (Israel’s Independence Day), we will gather to celebrate Shabbat and our unwavering support for Israel.
6:15 PM Kabbalat Shabbat & Ma'ariv with Shabbat Dinner following services
$10/person; $5/child under 12
All proceeds will be donated to JNF.
Click here to register. Reservations are due by Monday, April 28.
This program is generously sponsored by Jewish National Fund-USA and our members, Rita and Dr. Chet Stein.