On the night of Yom Ha’atzmaut Rav Ami and Eliana Silver organized a festive Yom Ha’atzmaut tefilla, including live music, singing and dancing. Given that the other celebrations on campus were festive and social in nature, this provided students with an opportunity to express their thanks to Hashem for this day and integrate it into their religious life.
On Lag Be’omer the Silvers took advantage of the beautiful natural setting of Ithaca and made a bonfire by one of the local gorges. Students came to sing, roast marshmallows and learn Torah around the fire in honor of the day. On Sunday the Silvers continued the celebration by hosting students at a barbeque in their home.
