On Monday May 13, Yom HaZikaron, Ramaz students started out the day with a full school davening. Rabbi Frank then briefly spoke about the difficulties of Yom HaZikaron this year, in light of the October 7 attack. The mood on Yom Hazikaron was somber throughout. During the assembly, students presented songs, poems, and stories to remember those who we have lost this year. Charlotte Farber ‘27 said, “I especially loved the singing in the program because it made it so much more meaningful..” The mournful day then ended with an uplifting and meaningful Kumzits, on a note of unity and hope. When asked about his experience on Yom Hazikaron, Gabi Flatto Katz ’27 said “Yom HaZikaron assembly was beautiful and meaningful, but it felt like we were transitioning from high emotional states to regular class.” 

On May 14, Yom HaAtzmaut, Ramaz students walked into school and were greeted with a very different atmosphere. Yom HaAtzmaut started out with a joyful Shacharit, which included an uplifting musical Hallel led by Mr. Teitz. Davening was followed by a short speech by Rabbi Haskel Lookstein, reflecting on the difficulties of celebrating Yom HaAtzmaut during these hard times. Next came a Chagigah on 78th street. When asked about Yom HaAtzmaut, Flatto Katz ‘27 said, “I especially loved the Chagigah. It was such a fun way to celebrate Israel together.” Following the Chagigah, each grade had rotating Israeli themed activities including Krav Maga, a program with Olympian speaker AJ Edelman, and a Chabura with their Talmud classes. After the first activity, Moadon HaAtzmaut, an Israeli version of RamJam, took place entirely in Hebrew. The performance included bands made up of musicians from each grade, as well as the choir, dance teams, and chamber choir. Farber ’27 said regarding Yom HaAtzmaut: “I really enjoyed all of the Ruach on Yom HaAtzmaut, but the test the very next day made it difficult to spend the whole day celebrating Israel, as it added a level of stress.” Overall, Yom HaAzmaut and Yom HaZikaron were fun, uplifting, and meaningful at Ramaz.