Below is a collection of Yom Ha’atzmaut lesson plans, videos, and articles created by The Lookstein Center staff or contributed to the site by Jewish educators.
Yom Ha’atzmaut Holiday Overview
- What: Yom Ha’azmaut is the official Israeli Independence Day, celebrating the foundation of the State of Israel in 1948.
- Where: Yom Ha’azmaut is an Israeli national holiday but is recognized and celebrated by Jews around the world.
- When: On the Hebrew calendar, its official date is the 5th of Iyyar. This year, Yom Ha’azmaut falls out on the evening of Tuesday, April 28th, 2020, until the following evening.
- How: In Israel, Yom Ha’azmaut starts off with a Tekes Ma’avar (transitional ceremony) from Yom Hazikaron. Many religious Zionists will participate in a celebratory prayer service that evening and the following morning, during which Hallel is often recited. Yom Ha’azmaut is a day off for Israelis and many people celebrate it by spending the day with their families and having a barbecue at the park.
For a complete list of Yom Hazikaron resources, see here.
Yom Ha'atzmaut Vocabulary
English Transliteration
|
Translation |
Hebrew |
Azmaut |
Independence |
עצמאות |
Hemnon |
Anthem (referring to Israel’s national anthem, the Hatikvah) |
הימנון |
Rikud Degalim |
Hebrew for “flag dance”. An intricate flag dance is performed every year at Israel’s official Tekes Ma’avar. |
ריקוד דגלים |
Al ha’aish, mangal |
Hebrew names for “barbeque” which is the Israeli meal of choice on Independence day. |
על האש, מנגל |
Tekes Ma’avar |
The ceremony that takes place as a transition between Yom Hazikaron and Yom Haatzmaut. |
טקס מעבר |
Tefillah Chagigit |
Celebratory prayer (prayers on Yom Haatzmaut are usually sung in a celebratory fashion and the Hallel prayer is often included). |
תפילה חגיגית |
Milchemet Atzmaut |
The War of Independence. This war took place immediately after the State of Israel was declared in 1948. |
מלחמת עצמאות |
Yom Ha'atzmaut Educational Themes
- Secular vs. religious zionism
- Nationalism
- How to relate to Israel as diaspora jews
- Gratitude and remembrance of the fallen before celebrating in the present
- Modern miracles
Ideas for Celebration
- Eat Israeli style cuisine, such as falafel, shwarma, shakshuka, couscous, israeli salad, pita, lafa, humus
- Flag dancing (coordinated dances with the Israeli flag)
- Listen to israeli songs
- Host an Israeli-style barbeque in the park
- Have a tefilla chagigit
RESOURCES AND ACTIVITIES
Israel at 72 – This booklet in simple Hebrew teaches elementary students about Israeli stamps and letter-writing and can easily be adapted for use in a virtual classroom. Written by The Lookstein Center-Instituto Bruckner.
Israeli Ministry of Education – These English resources include lesson plans, songs, games, vocabulary, and more.
Reform Judaism – These resources for both Yom Hazikaron and Yom Haatzmaut include videos, quizzes, and more to teach families about these holidays.
PJ Library – These resources for younger students include books, videos, Israeli recipes, and more.
The National Library of Israel – These lesson plans include primary sources and activity packs.
Aish – These resources include many articles and explanatory videos.
The Israel Forever Foundation – These comprehensive resources include many activities for students of all ages.
Israel Bytes by Ji Bytes – A taste of Jewish learning for kids aged 5-11 for an hour a day.
The Jewish Education Project – These resources include lesson plans and resources that build anticipation and excitement around Yom Ha’atzmaut for students and families of all ages.
ARTICLES
The Challenge of Teaching Modern Israel – This article from The Lookstein Center’s journal, Jewish Educational Leadership, explores a new approach to Israel education.
Teaching Israel, Teaching Truth: A Personal View from the Front – This article from The Lookstein Center’s journal, Jewish Educational Leadership, discusses the importance of teaching about Israel from a place of honesty.
Megillat Ha’Atzmaut: Analysis and Comparative Analysis – This article analyzes and explores the Israeli Declaration of Independence.
State and Religion – This article explores the connections that should and should not exist between the State of Israel and religion.
VIDEOS and songs
Declaration of Independence – This video shows live footage of David Ben-Gurion declaring Israel’s independence (English subtitles).
Weird Ways Israel Won Its War of Independence – This video from Unpacked explores the unconventional military strategies utilized by the Israeli army in the War of Independence.
What is Yom Haatzamaut? – This video from Bimbam gives an overview of the holiday, its history, and its traditions.
How the State of Israel was Born – This animated video tells the story of Israeli independence.
Israeli Independence Day Songs – This playlist of Hebrew songs included many popular songs sung to celebrate Yom Haatzmaut.
Koolulam – Al Kol Eleh – This collaborative singing initiative video includes a tribute to Israel at 70.
Hebrew Kids Spotify Playlist – Get in the mood for Yom Ha’atzmaut with this fun playlist ( Submitted by Rabbi Yael Buechler of The Leffell School).
Do you have anything to contribute to this list? Contact content@lookstein.org