Israel is turning 78 on April 21 and 22, or 5 lyar 5786, according to the Hebrew calendar. That’s the date of Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israeli Independence Day.
Jewish communities across the diaspora celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut with special events. These are some local celebrations.
Tekes Ma’avar
April 21, 7 p.m., Congregation Adath Jeshurun
7763 Old York Road, Melrose Park, PA, 19027
Tickets: free
Registration: adathjeshurun.info
Join Adath Jeshurun, Temple Sinai and Jews from the Old York Road corridor in celebration of the transition from Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s memorial day, to Yom Ha’atzmaut. At such ceremonies, which are common in Israel, torches are lit, flags are lifted, prayers are recited and songs are sung.
Rav Shai Cherry, Adath Jeshurun’s spiritual leader, was inspired to bring it to the Philadelphia area after the fall ceasefire in the Gaza War.
“Independence Day is about celebrating the fact that we have the ability to take action, autonomously, as an independent state,” he said in a Philadelphia Jewish Exponent story about the event.
Israel at 78
April 19, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Congregation Tifereth Israel
2909 Bristol Road, Bensalem, PA, 19020
Tickets: suggested $5 donation
Registration: tiferethisraelpa.org
Tifereth Israel in lower Bucks County is hosting an event with Israeli music, food and trivia, according to a press release.
What Does It Mean to Support the Israel We Wish to See, Today and for the Future?
April 21, 7 p.m., Beth David Reform Congregation
1130 Vaughan Lane, Gladwyne, PA, 19035
Tickets: free
Registration: bdavid.shulcloud.com
Mickey Gitzin is the acting CEO of the New Israel Fund, a progressive organization that raises money for Israeli civil society. For Yom Ha’atzmaut, he’ll be speaking at Beth David on the topic in the headline.
The event will “explore how to strengthen democracy, advance equality, and build a more just and inclusive Israel,” according to a Facebook post.
Yom Ha’atzmaut Festival
April 26, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Kaiserman JCC
45 Haverford Road, Wynnewood, PA, 19096
Tickets: $18 for Tikvah members; $22 for guests
Registration: zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/hyom-haatzmaut-festival–04262026
Tikvah AJMI is hosting a festival for Israel’s birthday at the Kaiserman JCC in Wynnewood. The event will feature a kosher Israeli barbecue, dancing and games, according to an online listing.
The TLV Band, which performs traditional songs and contemporary Israeli hits, will play a live show.
Celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut at the JCC!
April 19, 2-4 p.m., Marjorie & Lewis Katz JCC
501 N. Jerome Ave., Margate, NJ, 08402
Tickets: free
Registration: jccatlantic.org
The Marjorie & Lewis Katz JCC is hosting a “fun-filled afternoon” filled with “crafts, music, Israeli snacks and lively Rakdan dancing for all ages,” according to an event listing.
Yom HaZikaron to Yom Ha’atzmaut
April 19, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Temple Beth Zion-Beth Israel
300 S. 18th St., Philadelphia, PA, 19103
Tickets: free; donation optional
Registration: bzbi.org
Temple Beth Zion-Beth Israel is hosting its own Tekes Ma’avar ceremony to mark the transition from Yom HaZikaron to Yom Ha’atzmaut. To celebrate the occasion, Nava Tehila, the Israeli renewal community that focuses on song, will perform.
Keren Keshet, the leader of Philadelphia’s Israel Scouts unit, will also discuss her story, according to an event listing. (She was born during the Yom Kippur War and is the mother of Israeli soldiers.)
Learn About Yom Ha’atzmaut With Shlichim B’Madim — Emissaries in Uniform
April 19, 10 a.m.-11 a.m., Temple Brith Achim
481 S. Gulph Road, King of Prussia, PA, 19406
Tickets: free
Registration: brithachim.org
This is not the typical celebration of Israeli Independence Day. Instead, it’s educational.
Temple Brith Achim Cantor Tiffani Coyot will hold a conversation with two wounded Israeli soldiers about the meaning of the holiday.
Yom Ha’atzmaut
April 26, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Beth Am Israel
1301 Hagys Ford Road, Penn Valley, PA, 19072
Tickets: free
Registration: bethamisrael.org
A simple, straightforward event title is all Beth Am Israel needs to promote its celebration of Israel this year.
The event will include an Israeli dinner and Israeli folk dancing, according to a listing. Dinner first, then dancing, which may be a challenge, but at least eventgoers can dance the night away in celebration of Israel.
The event is BYO, which includes wine, beer, soda, juice and any other beverage you might want to bring.