About the Holidays
Yom HaZikaron (Memorial Day) and Yom HaAtzmaut (Independence Day) are two new holidays that have been added to the Jewish calendar since the establishment of the State of Israel. In Israel, these holidays are observed as national holidays. The Israeli Knesset established the day before Yom HaAtzmaut as Yom HaZikaron, a Memorial Day for soldiers who lost their lives fighting in the War of Independence and in other subsequent battles. Yom HaAtzmaut, Israeli Independence Day, marks the establishment of the modern state of Israel in 1948. It is observed on or near the 5th of Iyar in the Hebrew calendar, which usually falls in April.
Meet Karin Lagziel, our Shlicha (Israeli emissary)
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Yom HaZikaron & Yom HaAtzmaut at Central
Israel turns 71 at sundown on May 8, and you can celebrate with Central all May and into June. We look forward to seeing you at these events at Central and throughout New York City.
Israeli Street Fair
Sunday, May 5, 11:00 am–6:00 pm, W. 88th Street between Broadway and West End Avenue, free
Join Rabbi Mo Salth for Israeli dancing from 1:30–2:30 pm at this fair, where you’ll also find Israeli bands, kosher food trucks, arts and crafts, bouncy castles, children’s theater, face painting, and more.
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Yom HaAtzmaut will be celebrated during our Shabbat evening service
Friday, May 10, 6:00 pm, Main Sanctuary
We will also recognize Israel’s Memorial Day (Yom HaZikaron)
Dinner and Learning with Rachel Korazim: “The Other as a Mirror”
Wednesday, May 15, 6:00 pm, Lindenbaum Pavilion, free
Extraordinary Israeli educator Rachel Korazim will read and juxtapose literary works of Jews and Arabs at this thought-provoking evening. Together we will begin to better understand the distance between these two peoples who share one land.
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Israel Story Live (Show and Reception)
Tuesday, May 21, 7:00–9:00 pm, 92Y, $18 per ticket
Experience an evening of magical live radio with the creators of the award-winning radio show and podcast, “Israel Story” — known as “the Israeli ‘This American Life.’” Join Rabbis Auerbach, Koffman, Rubinstein, and Salth for a reception with Israeli wine and food after the show.
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Celebrate Israel Parade
Sunday, June 2, 10:40 am, 53rd Street Between 5th Avenue and 6th Avenue (we will be closer to 6th Avenue), free
Join Rabbi Rebecca Rosenthal, Central members, and Jewish communities from around the New York area to march up 5th Avenue in celebration of Israel’s 71st birthday! The theme this year is Rak B’Yisrael — Only in Israel — highlighting all that is unique and wonderful about this special country.
Register»