Join us for the Yom Ha’atzmaut experience
We are so excited. Yom Ha’atzmaut is just a few days away.
We will do something dramatic and significant in Teaneck, for all of Bergen County. Our pro-Israel community is going to take our celebration of Israel’s 75th birthday into the public square. Of course, a community like ours is going to lead the way in declaring our love for Israel.
We have created an exciting program that you will not want to miss.
We are all well aware of the changing face of both support and challenge for Israel in America and the world. As proud supporters of the Jewish state, we have an opportunity to proclaim “We love Israel.”
We will be loud and we will be proud.
Our request of you: Be there with us. Be there for Israel.
Congregation Rinat Yisrael has partnered with many local organizations to launch the Yom Ha’atzmaut Experience. It will all take place on April 25; first with the Yom Hazikaron Kumzitz at the Rodda Center at 6:15 p.m. and then a drone show at the Votee Sportsplex at 8. The program will conclude before 9.
You are welcome to attend any part of the program. The kumzitz will include heartfelt music led by Uri Davidi, short divrei torah from communal leaders, and reflections from family and friends of fallen Israeli soldiers. Then drones will light up the sky over Votee Park with imagery celebrating Israel’s 75 years, along with a video telling Israel’s unique story. Everyone is welcome to attend part or all of the program.
We look forward to celebrating Israel’s 75th birthday with joy and celebration as a community. Our program’s goal is to create a celebration that children of all ages will remember. This will be a “wow” experience. Our community will celebrate Israel for the big deal that it is.
We will dedicate this celebration in honor of the Dee family of Efrat. We join Rabbi Leo Dee in declaring before all the world:
“The Israeli flag is a sign of good. It is the sign of building something worthy… It is about building a better future.”
Please join us as we wave that flag with joy and celebration.
Program FAQs
What is it?
An exciting Bergen County community celebration of Israel’s 75th Independence Day.
Why are we doing this differently this year?
75 is a big deal. We want to take our support for Israel into the public square. Israel is a force for good in the world. We are going to proudly shout and sing our love for Israel. In the face of new and old hatreds, we will show our resolve. In the face of discord, we will come together with a unified voice to say “WE LOVE ISRAEL.”
Why should I come?
Have you ever seen a drone show? This is going to be a can’t-miss experience. Hundreds of people will come together and proudly declare their support for Israel. We need you. Your presence matters.
Do I have to stay for the whole thing?
No! Come and go as you please. Come for the kumzitz or the drone show or both. The format of these events allow for entry and exit. Please note: There will be security provided by Teaneck police and CSS (Community Security Service).
What should I bring?
Bring a blanket or chair to sit out at the sportsplex – we will watch the show from the turf. Bring along U.S. and Israeli flags.
Most important: Bring along your smile.
How should I dress?
Come as you are. BUT… extra credit for everyone who wears blue and white.
What if it rains?
It doesn’t rain on Yom Ha’atzmaut. BUT if it does… the Yom Hazikaron Kumzitz program with Uri Davidi will take place, rain or shine. If it is raining, the outdoor Yom Ha’atzmaut program will be postponed to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 26.
Will there be davening?
Yes. We will have the traditional Teaneck Yom Ha’atzmaut davening in the Rodda Center. We will begin with Mincha at 7:30 p.m. Please bring your own siddur or a siddur app on your phone. (We recommend the Koren Siddur app, which includes the special tefillot that we will say for Yom Ha’atzmaut.)
Will there be music?
Yes. Lots of it.
Will there be food?
Please eat dinner before the program. We are not permitted to bring food onto the Sportsplex field. We plan to distribute Israel themed snacks for you to enjoy after the show.
Will there be parking?
Teaneck Police and CSS will direct us to parking areas around the Rodda Center and Sportsplex. Please follow their instructions, and thank them for keeping us safe.
What should I tell my friends?
That you are going to show your support for Israel NOW. That your voice matters and that their voice does too. Please join us.
These are the organizations that have come together to create this program:
Congregation Rinat Yisrael, Teaneck
Congregation Ahavat Achim, Fair Lawn
Congregation Arzei Darom, Teaneck
Congregation Beth Aaron, Teaneck
Congregation Beth Abraham, Bergenfield
Congregation Bnai Yeshurun, Teaneck
Congregation Keter Torah, Teaneck
Congregation Netivot Shalom, Teaneck
Congregation Shaare Tefillah, Teaneck
Congregation Shomrei Torah, Fair Lawn
Jewish Center of Teaneck
Ohr Saadya, Teaneck
Temple Emeth, Teaneck
Sephardic Congregation of Fort Lee
Shaarei Orah, Teaneck
Young Israel of Fair Lawn
Young Israel of Fort Lee
Young Israel of Teaneck
Zichron Mordechai, Teaneck
Bais Medrash of Bergenfield
Ben Porat Yosef, Paramus
Frisch School, Paramus
Heichal HaTorah, Teaneck
Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy, Livingston
Ma’ayanot Yeshiva High School for Girls, Teaneck
Naaleh High School for Girls, Fair Lawn
Rosenbaum Yeshiva of North Jersey, River Edge
Torah Academy of Bergen County, Teaneck
Yavneh Academy, Paramus
Yeshivat He’atid, Teaneck
Yeshivat Noam, Paramus
Community Security Service
Jewish Federation of Northern New Jersey
NORPAC
North Jersey Board of Rabbis
New Jersey NCSY
Yachad
YUPAC (Yeshiva University Political Action Club)
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