Yom HaAtzmaut

From Darkness to Light: Yom HaAtzmaut Celebrations

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.

Thursday, May 1

6:00 PM – Hands-on Activities and Dinner

Dinner: $10 per adult, $5 kids 12 and under, $25 immediate family maximum
*Dinner Registration has closed.  Please call Rachel Hyman in the office at 301-816-5562 to find out if there is still space.

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
Advanced registration is now closed.  Please come and pay at the door.

A pioneer in the ethnic-rock genre of Israeli music, singer-songwriter Micha Biton released his critically-acclaimed Live album in November 2016. Biton's mesmerizing concert "From Sderot to Jerusalem" utilizes anecdotes and song to tell the famous story of his childhood as a refugee. In his career, Biton performs sold-out concerts in Israel's most popular venues and has traveled the world both solo and with his band.

That all changed on October 7, 2023, when, after 13 hours in his safe room with his wife and 4 children, he barely escaped with his family. He now lives as a refugee in Tel Aviv with his wife and three of his four children (one is married and living in Arad). His guitar was one of the only items that Biton took when he was quickly evacuated from his home in Moshav Netiv Ha'asara, a Gaza border community attacked by Hamas terrorists. Twenty members of Biton's community were among the 1,200 people murdered in southern Israel during the multi-pronged assault.

"I have learned to tell my story from a place of light and faith. How? Because we survived. Because our prayers and God saved us. Because we made it out of the inferno and met people who are embracing and lifting us up. There is a lot of light and power in that despite the pain for all those who were not so lucky. There is no doubt that if your life was saved, there is light."

Micha will be joined by local musicians and cantors for some of the performance. 

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
6:15 Kabbalat Shabbat and Ma'ariv followed by Shabbat Dinner and Guest Speaker Noa Ginosar, Minister-Counselor for Middle East Affairs at the Embassy of Israel to the United States
$10/person; $5/child under 12
In honor of Yom HaAtzmaut (Israel’s Independence Day), we will gather to celebrate Shabbat and our unwavering support for Israel.All proceeds will be donated to JNF.
Click here to register. Reservations are due by Sunday, April 27.

This program is generously sponsored by Jewish National Fund-USA and our members, Rita and Dr. Chet Stein.