The 50th anniversary of the reunification of Yerushalayim was celebrated in many meaningful ways at JKHA. A highlight of the day was when the entire JKHA and RKYHS gathered together in the auditorium. After hearing meaningful words from Rabbi Rubin, RKYHS students shared firsthand accounts of soldiers who participated in the unification of Jerusalem. Led by the JKHA choir, the entire school then joined together to sing “Yerushalayim Shel Zahav” and “Hatikvah” in unison.

The early childhood and first grade classes built their own Kotel and decorated the atrium. Working at a number of stations, each group received puzzle pieces that came together beautifully. The students ended the program with the singing of “Yerushalayim Shel Zahav” and “Hatikvah” at their Kotel. Second through fourth graders explored the map of the old city on a gym-size model. Students ran through the “streets” of Yerushalayim in a scavenger hunt and added to the growing map. The activity taught them about what makes Jerusalem holy to so many religions.

Commemoration of Yom Yerushalayim in middle school engaged students in an interdisciplinary yom iyun/day of learning. Each discipline taught about Jerusalem from different angles and perspectives. Eighth graders started their day in Washington, D.C. with a special tefillah and program for Yom Yerushalayim. Seventh graders had the opportunity to participate in the high school’s program as well.