Lyrics to the song ‘Hallelujah’ – Eurovision winner, 1979.
Music: Kobi Oshrat
Lyrics: Shimrit Orr
Original performers: Gali Atari & Milk & Honey
To date there have been four Israeli Eurovision victories; Izhar Cohen and Alphabeta in 1978 with A-Ba-Ni-Bi. In 1979, Israel won again, this time with Hallelujah performed by Gali Atari & Milk and Honey. Israel’s third victory came in 1998 when Dana International sang the song Diva. Israel’s fourth victory came in 2018 when Netta Barzilay sang Toy
Hallelujah im hashir
Hallelujah al yom sheme’ir
Hallelujah al ma shehaya
Uma she’od lo haya, Hallelujah
Hallelujah al hakol
Halelu al machar ve’etmol
Hallelujah utnu yad beyad
Veshiru milev echad, Hallelujah
Hallelujah im hashir
Hallelujah al yom sheme’ir
Hallelujah al ma shehaya
Uma she’od lo haya, Hallelujah
Hallelujah al ma shehaya
Uma she’od lo haya, Hallelujah
Hallelujah to the world
Hallelujah, everyone will sing
With one single word the heart is filled with much gratitude
And it also pounds: what a wonderful world
Hallelujah with the song
Hallelujah for a day that shines
Hallelujah for all that has been
And all that is yet to come, Hallelujah
Hallelujah to the world
Hallelujah, everyone will sing
And the great bells will echo with many sounds
And with us they will say Hallelujah
Hallelujah with the song
Hallelujah for a day that shines
Hallelujah for all that has been
And all that is yet to come, Hallelujah
Hallelujah for everything
Praise tomorrow and yesterday
Hallelujah and hold each other’s hands
And sing from one heart, Hallelujah
Hallelujah with the song
Hallelujah for a day that shines
Hallelujah for all that has been
And all that is yet to come, Hallelujah
Hallelujah for all that has been
And all that is yet to come, Hallelujah
70 years young. Sing Hallelujah! Countrywide, Israel Independence Day celebrations for 2018
Official ceremonies, free concerts, main attractions, picnic spots, free museums, IDF bases, fly-overs…
חגיגות יום העצמאות ל2018
Image credit: Israel Ministry of Culture & Sport
Please note: The schedules and artists listed here may actually change or differ on the evening especially where an artist is scheduled to perform at more than one location. Only the main attractions in selected cities and towns have been included in this list.
Remember wherever you go, parking is at a premium. Routes around the main stages are likely to be closed (check with your local municipality – call 106). Take the train or other forms of public transport wherever possible. There will be extra trains to Tel Aviv.
This list is being updated daily as more information comes in.
Singing Hallelujah! Together as one
Immediately after the official ceremony, the entire country and Jewish communities around the world will stand as one, join together and sing ‘Hallelujah’.
From Brussels, Philadelphia, Lima, Mexico City, Montevideo, San Diego, New Dehli, Lagos, Johannesburg, Bucharest, Moscow and Warsaw. From Kiryat Gat, Sderot and Ofakim, Beer Sheva and Jerusalem, Maale Adumim and Ramat HaSharon, Ness Tziona and Tel Aviv, Bat Yam and Tzofim, Lod and Rehovot, Kiryat Shmona and Nazereth Illit, Migdal HaEmek and Akko, Haifa, Kiryat Bialik and Kfar Haruv
Appearing in Afula often called the “Capital of the Valley”
Mashina
Yossi Shitrit
Moshiko Mor
Eran Hason
Ariel
Not one, but two fireworks displays in Ariel!
The main attraction: Miri Massika will be performing on Wednesday night in the Amphitheater
Friday folk dancing – see details below
Ashdod
The 6th largest city in Israel, Ashdod is proud to present:
Moshe Peretz
Eyal Golan
Kate and Or
Stefan
Dod Chaim will be appearing on the children’s stage
For the dati community, Chanan Ben Ari
Ashkelon
The Promenade in Ashkelon is the place to enjoy performances by:
Rinat Gabai
Barry Sacharov
Skuzzi
Dikla
Sapir Saban
Dudu Aharon
Wednesday 23:30 beach party – see below
Friday folk dancing – see below
Beer Sheva
As part of the 70 celebration
Rita, Kafeh Shachor Hazak (Strong Black Coffee) and Dana Lapidot will be performing at the main stage
In the courtyard of the Museum of the Negev, you will be treated to songs and hits of the 50’s and 60’s
Eilat
Wednesday 23:30 beach party – see below
More details to follow
Givatayim
Two fireworks displays at 21:50 and 23:30 and performers
Oded Pad
Eliad
Agam Buchbut
Aviv Geffen
Hadera
Shlomi Shabat on the main stage (on HaGiborim and HaNassi)
Eliad Nachum and selection of local bands and artists will be performing on the soccer field on Beer Ora
Wednesday 23:30 beach party – see below
Givat Olga
Roni Dalumi will be delighting you with her music at the Givat Olga stage on Rechavat HaBankim.
Haifa
Israel’s 3rd largest city, welcomes you to join its celebrations. For your entertainment
Not one, but three street parties in Haifa – the traditional Tzubagutz on Moriah, a second in Kiryat Haim and a third in Neve Shaanan on Trumpledor.
Tzubachutz Moriah: Mosh Ben Ari, Aiviv Geffen, Mashina, are the main attractio
On Trumpeldor: Gidi Gov and special treats for the children. Following an evening of dancing lead by well know local dancer
In Kiryat Haim: Omer Adam, Mosh Ben Air, Mashina, Omri Sabach, Top Pop, Itai Levi and Ofek Ben Harushi
Also appearing at the various stages:
Nasrin Kadri
Ehud Banai
Mercedes Bend and Jane Bordeaux
Fireworks displays at 9:30pm across the city.
Grab a spot on the Louis Promenade in the Central Carmel overlooking the Haifa Bay you’ll be able to see the fire works displays of all the towns across the bay; Haifa, all the Krayot, Akko, Ein Hamifratz and Nahariya to the north, and in the west from the Jezreel Valley and then further north from some the yishuvim and kibbutzim in the Galil. It’s the best view in the country!
Another hot-spot in Haifa is Ben Gurion Blvd. in the German Colony -come see this year’s special 70th birthday street-light display and when you look up Ben Gurion, you’ll be treated a light-fest up the boulevard and also the Bahai Terraces and Gardens. When you look down, the harbor lights and lights from the ships in port, will dazzle you too.
On Thursday at 10:30am on Dado Beach -a parachute display with 37 of our top paratroopers followed by a flotilla Israel’s Navy boats.
Friday folk dancing – see below
Herzliyah
At the main stage at the Vreisland Gardens; fireworks, children’s entertainment and DJ Tomer Aloni will be leading the party.
Hod HaSharon
Details to follow
Holon
Performing at the various stages in the city:
Micky Gavrielov
Rami Kleinstein
Regev Hod
Chen Aharoni
Friends of Natasha
Jerusalem
Mount Herzl – Official Celebration – (By invitation only)
19:45 – Yizkor, Speaker of the Knesset, Candle lighting ceremony, Flag raising ceremony, Various dance troupes and IDF Choirs, Fireworks display. The ceremony will be televised on local TV channels.
Kotel HaMaravi (Western Wall)
8:00pm Prayers and partying
Independence Park
Avi Masika
Shai Cohen
Yossi Azulai
Liron Amram
Balkan Beat Box
Lior Narkis
Teddy Park
Singing and dancing into the night and special guests Daniel Zakay and Alma Zohar
Street Parties
Join in one of the many street parties on Jaffa, Hillel and Ben Yehuda
Mahane Yehuda
At 3 different location ins the Mahane Yehuda Market, 3 DJs will entertain you through the night.
Also a huge party at the BeerBazaar
Safra Park
Aviv Avidan
Lee Fishman
Motti & Shmulik
Friday folk dancing – see below
Karmiel
Eden Ben Zaken
Muki
Stars from Xfactor
Uzi Fuchs
Ruti Navon
Adi Cohen
Shai & Roi and others
Friday folk dancing – see below
Kiryat Shmona
Yossi Shitreet and local artists will be performing on Wednesday night
Tuvia Zafir, Itai Levy and Eyal Golan will be making their appearances at the Stadium on Thursday evening.
Kfar Saba
Fireworks display at 20:55 and 21:55
Main attraction: Idan Amadi’s live performance on the Rotschild Stage at 21:00, followed by folk dancing and capellas and then at 01:00 Eve and Lir in a live performance.
Rock in the Shuk – from 21:00 way into the night
Kfar Shmariyahu
Celebrating 70 with you in Kfar Shmariyahu is Keren Peles – all are invited!
Krayot
Kiryat Bialik:Park Lev HaIr
Omer Adam
Static and Ben El
Eden Ben Zaken
Ma Kushur
Natan Danielov
Local Capellas and fireworks display
Wednesday 23:30 beach party – see below
Kiryat Ata: Park Herzl
Evening hosted by Shalom Asiag
Muki
Omer Adam
Eden Ben Zaken
Shlomi Shabat
Static and Ben El
Kiryat Motzkin at the Amphitheatre
Nadav Abuksis
Static and Ben El
Asner Bros
Shula Chen
Sassi Keshet
Miri Aloni
Kiryat Yam: Park Einstein is the place to be to jive to the beat of
Omer Adam
Ethnix
Peer Tassi
Kiryat Ono
Hannah Lazslo
Rami Kleinstein
Eliad
Sarit Hadad
Ma’ale Adumim
Fireworks display
Michal Amdurski and Idan Amadi are the main guest performers
Tarraram
Ron Avidan
Local Capellas and dance groups
Modiin, Maccabim & Reut
At the Amphi Park
Main attractions are:
The Revivo Project
Miri Masika
Pablo Rosenberg
Please check with you local municipality for details of traffic changes
Netanya
At the New Independence Square, hosted by Shai Hamber and featuring
Shlomo Shabbat
Roni Dalumi
Yehuda Elias
Local dancers and choirs
Wednesday 23:30 beach party – see below
Friday folk dancing – see below
Petach Tikva
Hosting the evening – Didi Harari with
Moshe Peretz
Maor Edri
Avraham Tal
Dolev Frankel
Shir ZuAretz
Daniel Meitar
Friday folk dancing – see below
Raanana
5 main stages in Raanana offering a selection of fun activities; on Bar Ilan, Tel Chai, Keren HaYesod, Ben Gurion, Yad Lebanim on Ahuzza
Fireworks at 20:50 and then Avri Leader rolls into town to share his musical talent!
Ramleh
At Park Ofer
Eyal Golan
Noa Kirel
Kiryat Menachem Begin
Michal HaKtana
Thursday 19th, fun activities for the whole family at Park Ofer
Rehovot
Tzvika Hadar will be hosting the evening. Regev Hod and other local bands will be performing on the central stage at Gan HaMeyasdim. Fun for the whole family!
Rishon LeZion
70’s celebrations start at 20:30.
In addition to the traditional fireworks display, you will enjoy performances by Idan Yaniv, Glikeria, Daklon and Sivan Cohen, Kobi Affalalu, Shimon Buskila, Yardena Arazi, Rgev Hod, Balkan Beat Box, Shir Levy and others.
Moshe Datz will be delighting children with his songs.
A Rave at the Amphi-Park – from 23:00 with Static and Ben El, Subliminal, Skuzzy, Talisman and more (entrance fee)
Friday folk dancing – see below
Ramat Gan
At the main stage on Rambam Square, entertainment begins with a fireworks display followed at 9:00pm with performances by
Agam Buchbot
Tzvika Pik
Maya Buskila
Hadas Shor
Lior Narkis
Nasrin
Mosh Ben-Ari
Ramat HaSharon
Festivities start with a fireworks display and from 8:30pm on the main stage at the city hall:
Kobi Ben Atar
Dana International
Hatikvah 6
Shiri Maimon
Barry Sacharof
Shiran
Tel Aviv
Celebrating 70 at Rabin Square
Galit Giat, Raz Shmueli, Vladi Bleiberg and 200 choristers will join in the celebrations and sing Hallelujah – with a simultaneous live television broadcast.
The party continues way into the night with Dany Sanderson
At Menachem Begin Park
Shlomi Saranger, Avi Lider and DJ Yossi Guetta will lead the show
Other celebrations at the main stage in Jaffa and on Rotschild Blvd.
Wednesday: Israel Light Parade starts on Namir Rd – see below
Thursday: Free entrance to selected museums – see below
Friday folk dancing – see below
Tiberias
The holy city of Tiberias is pleased to welcome Peer Tassi and Muki to lead the evening’s entertainment.
Well known DJs will host the celebrations through the night.
Wednesday 23:30 beach party – see below
Tzfat
Subliminal’s in Tzfat!
Beach Parties – Wednesday, April 18th
Dance the night away along 70km of Israel’s beautiful coastline. Beach parties hosted by favorite DJ’s: Bliss, Tomer Meizner, Kobi, Eran Dvorah, Ido Sarig, Ido Shoham, Ofir Nir, Adir Noy, Skuzzi, Smiley, Mr. Black, Zombie, Danni Tuval, Golan Malkah, Ofir Malul
Who: Appearing artists include Dana International, Rotem Cohen, Peer Tassi, Strong Black Coffee, Omri Glickman, Muki, Chen Aharoni, Brinx, Avraham Tal and others.
Time: from 23:30 until dawn
Entrance: 18years and upwards
Israel Light Parade
Tel Aviv is the place to be if you want to join in the fun of the Israel Light Parade. A stunning sound and light show with dancers and other artists.
The procession starts along Namir Road in Tel Aviv, from the Rokach Bridge to the Tel Aviv Museum, where a huge party will follow.
More fun activities for Yom Ha’Atzmaut on Thursday, April 19th
The Khan Museum, Hadera – Tel: 04-6322330 , 04-6324562
The Haifa City Museum – Tel: 04-9115888
The Herman Struk Museum – Tel: 04-6359962
The National Maritime Museum – Tel: 04-853662
Also
The Israel Museum
The Open Museum in Omer
The Open Museum in Tefen
The Open Museum in Tel-Hai
Ramat HaNadiv in Zichron Yaakov
{slider Israel Defense Forces – IDF}
Every year the Israel Defense Force allows members of the public access to some of the army, navy or air-force bases. The bases listed below will be open on Thursday from 9 am – 2 pm
The Official Translation of the Declaration of Independence by the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Image credit: Israel Ministry of Culture & Sport
The Land of Israel was the birthplace of the Jewish people. Here their spiritual, religious and political identity was shaped. Here they first attained to statehood, created cultural values of national and universal significance and gave to the world the eternal Book of Books.
After being forcibly exiled from their land, the people kept faith with it throughout their Dispersion and never ceased to pray and hope for their return to it and for the restoration in it of their political freedom.
Impelled by this historic and traditional attachment, Jews strove in every successive generation to re-establish themselves in their ancient homeland. In recent decades they returned in their masses. Pioneers, ma’pilim [(Hebrew) – immigrants coming to Eretz-Israel in defiance of restrictive legislation] and defenders, they made deserts bloom, revived the Hebrew language, built villages and towns, and created a thriving community controlling its own economy and culture, loving peace but knowing how to defend itself, bringing the blessings of progress to all the country’s inhabitants, and aspiring towards independent nationhood.
In the year 5657 (1897), at the summons of the spiritual father of the Jewish State, Theodore Herzl, the First Zionist Congress convened and proclaimed the right of the Jewish people to national rebirth in its own country.
This right was recognized in the Balfour Declaration of the 2nd November, 1917, and re-affirmed in the Mandate of the League of Nations which, in particular, gave international sanction to the historic connection between the Jewish people and Eretz-Israel and to the right of the Jewish people to rebuild its National Home.
The catastrophe which recently befell the Jewish people – the massacre of millions of Jews in Europe – was another clear demonstration of the urgency of solving the problem of its homelessness by re-establishing in Eretz-Israel the Jewish State, which would open the gates of the homeland wide to every Jew and confer upon the Jewish people the status of a fully privileged member of the comity of nations.
Survivors of the Nazi holocaust in Europe, as well as Jews from other parts of the world, continued to migrate to Eretz-Israel, undaunted by difficulties, restrictions and dangers, and never ceased to assert their right to a life of dignity, freedom and honest toil in their national homeland.
In the Second World War, the Jewish community of this country contributed its full share to the struggle of the freedom- and peace-loving nations against the forces of Nazi wickedness and, by the blood of its soldiers and its war effort, gained the right to be reckoned among the peoples who founded the United Nations.
On the 29th November, 1947, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution calling for the establishment of a Jewish State in Eretz-Israel; the General Assembly required the inhabitants of Eretz-Israel to take such steps as were necessary on their part for the implementation of that resolution. This recognition by the United Nations of the right of the Jewish people to establish their State is irrevocable.
This right is the natural right of the Jewish people to be masters of their own fate, like all other nations, in their own sovereign State.
ACCORDINGLY WE, MEMBERS OF THE PEOPLE’S COUNCIL, REPRESENTATIVES OF THE JEWISH COMMUNITY OF ERETZ-ISRAEL AND OF THE ZIONIST MOVEMENT, ARE HERE ASSEMBLED ON THE DAY OF THE TERMINATION OF THE BRITISH MANDATE OVER ERETZ-ISRAEL AND, BY VIRTUE OF OUR NATURAL AND HISTORIC RIGHT AND ON THE BASIS OF THE RESOLUTION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY, HEREBY DECLARE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A JEWISH STATE IN ERETZ-ISRAEL, TO BE KNOWN AS THE STATE OF ISRAEL.
WE DECLARE that, with effect from the moment of the termination of the Mandate being tonight, the eve of Sabbath, the 6th Iyar, 5708 (15th May, 1948), until the establishment of the elected, regular authorities of the State in accordance with the Constitution which shall be adopted by the Elected Constituent Assembly not later than the 1st October 1948, the People’s Council shall act as a Provisional Council of State, and its executive organ, the People’s Administration, shall be the Provisional Government of the Jewish State, to be called “Israel”.
THE STATE OF ISRAEL will be open for Jewish immigration and for the Ingathering of the Exiles; it will foster the development of the country for the benefit of all its inhabitants; it will be based on freedom, justice and peace as envisaged by the prophets of Israel; it will ensure complete equality of social and political rights to all its inhabitants irrespective of religion, race or sex; it will guarantee freedom of religion, conscience, language, education and culture; it will safeguard the Holy Places of all religions; and it will be faithful to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.
THE STATE OF ISRAEL is prepared to cooperate with the agencies and representatives of the United Nations in implementing the resolution of the General Assembly of the 29th November, 1947, and will take steps to bring about the economic union of the whole of Eretz-Israel.
WE APPEAL to the United Nations to assist the Jewish people in the building-up of its State and to receive the State of Israel into the comity of nations.
WE APPEAL – in the very midst of the onslaught launched against us now for months – to the Arab inhabitants of the State of Israel to preserve peace and participate in the upbuilding of the State on the basis of full and equal citizenship and due representation in all its provisional and permanent institutions.
WE EXTEND our hand to all neighbouring states and their peoples in an offer of peace and good neighbourliness, and appeal to them to establish bonds of cooperation and mutual help with the sovereign Jewish people settled in its own land. The State of Israel is prepared to do its share in a common effort for the advancement of the entire Middle East.
WE APPEAL to the Jewish people throughout the Diaspora to rally round the Jews of Eretz-Israel in the tasks of immigration and upbuilding and to stand by them in the great struggle for the realization of the age-old dream – the redemption of Israel.
PLACING OUR TRUST IN THE “ROCK OF ISRAEL”, WE AFFIX OUR SIGNATURES TO THIS PROCLAMATION AT THIS SESSION OF THE PROVISIONAL COUNCIL OF STATE, ON THE SOIL OF THE HOMELAND, IN THE CITY OF TEL-AVIV, ON THIS SABBATH EVE, THE 5TH DAY OF IYAR, 5708 (14TH MAY,1948).
In a nutshell Shemini, is a continuation of last week’s reading, Tzav, where we learned about the Tabernacle‘s seven-day inaugural ceremony. Shemini opens on the eighth day, when G‑d‘s presence descends upon the Tabernacle. On that day, Aaron‘s sons Nadab and Avihu die when offering an uncalled-for incense sacrifice. The portion concludes with a discussion about the laws of Kosher and ritual purity.
Perhaps the most distinctive feature of Judaism in the eyes of the non-Jewish public is the laws of kashrut.
These are the animals that you may eat (11:4)
Our commentators offer a range of suggestions to explain why the Torah allows certain types of food, but prohibits others.
The Rambam argues that forbidden foods are medically harmful. As he explains in the Guide to the Perplexed (3:48), it is neither the physical features of a kosher animal which make it kosher, nor is it the physical features of the non-kosher animal which make it non-kosher. These only serve to indicate which animals are permitted and which are forbidden. The reason that forbidden animals and fishes do not have these signs is because they damage people’s health: G-d knows of the injury that forbidden foods cause to man.
Abarbanel, however takes a different view:
“We ourselves see that the other nations do eat these forbidden foods, and that does not in any way affect their health. In addition, if the reason is medical, then there are also various plants that are harmful, yet the Torah does not forbid them.”
Abarbanel therefore explains that the Torah prohibits the consumption of non-kosher foods because of the invisible effects that they have on the person’s soul. He appears to follow the line take by the Talmud (Yoma 39a), where the letters making up the word venitmeitem (be contaminated) (11:43) can also be read as venitamtem which means being spiritually defiled. With respect to the eating of forbidden foods, the Chinuch (Mitzva 73) notes that the harm caused by eating these foods is not physical. Rather they prevent a person from being able to ‘tune in’ to the Almighty, His Creation and His Commandments – in other words to reach higher spiritual levels. For that reason the Rema rules that it is forbidden to give small children non-kosher foods (Yoreh Deah 81:7).
There is plenty of food and drink in the Torah. They get into every single parasha in one form or another. They are there to be appreciated, as the reasons for tragedies that were to befall the Israelite nation include:
Because you did not serve G-d happily and good-heartedly when everything was abundant (Deut. 28:47).
This may imply that the reason G-d created the huge varieties of tasty foods for us is to appreciate Him, come close to him, and serve Him “happily and good-heartedly”.
One only needs to gaze at an apple and look at the texture and subtle shades of color to realize that not only does it taste good, but He presented it to us as a work of art. Indeed, the Sephardim have the beautiful custom of making public berachot on varieties of food. Such acts of recognizing G-d as the Source of All Blessings are considered to raise the soul of the deceased to a higher plane in the World to Come.
So being forbidden to eat certain food items enables us to enjoy what we are permitted all the more. And in doing so, we recognize Him, thank Him, and then deepen our relationship with Him through hakarat hatov – gratitude – ‘happily and good-heartedly’.
As R. Eliyahu Lopian ztl. expresses it in Lev Eliyahu:
To fulfil the Torah it is not necessary to fear Heaven greatly, but to possess the virtue of gratitude… This virtue alone will lead to the fulfillment of the whole Torah.
As the text in the Parasha states, at the end of the laws of Kashrut:
You shall sanctify yourself, and you shall become holy, for I am holy (11:44).
By abstaining from forbidden foods and appreciating all the more what we may eat, we come closer to G-d.
Irresistible roasted marshmallow toppings and dips.
These ideas are perfect for your Yom HaAtzmaut ‘al ha-eish’.
How can you resist the supermarket special offers on marshmallows just before Independence Day – 2 for 10 NIS – what a bargain! If you are completely patriotic you will go for the mixed blue and white pack. Traditional mallow lovers will have plenty of pink and whites to choose from, and if like me you hate the pink ones, hopefully there will be white-only packs too. Your local specialty candy or baking store may have a variety of rainbow coloured marshmallows and mini-mallows too. Whatever colour you choose, combine them with a dipping sauce for an extra, sticky, sweet dimension. The kids will love it!
These toppings are best when made with whole milk chocolate but for your meat BBQ meal, you can substitute parev chocolate or syrup alternatives.
Melting chocolate on the fireside isn’t a problem when using the bain-marie method. Fill an old pot with 1/3 water and bring to the boil on the fire. Place your glass or metal dish in the pot above the water, break up your chocolate and allow it to melt.
Once the chocolate is fully melted, move to a cooler part of the fire so that the chocolate remains liquid.
Dipping
Melted Mars bars make a heavenly chocolate dip. Any other chocolate with a praline, caramel or nougat filling is a delicious alternative.
Using chocolate spread as a dip will save you the palaver of the pot, melting the chocolate and the clean up – Nutella is our first choice
You can also find flavoured syrups in the baking section of the supermarket which are all parev; chocolate, maple flavoured and others
Topping
Arrange a selection of chopped nuts, coloured sprinkles, desiccated coconut, gummi-bears and other gel candies on a platter and let the children choose their favorites for a marshmallow skewer.
Provide some healthier alternatives too. Fresh strawberries, cut up banana, pineapple bite-sized chunks, melon, kiwis and grapes can also be skewered with the marshmallow and dipped in chocolate.
Recipe for healthy quinoa salad with pecans, cranberries and a surprise dressing.
Quinoa as a Pesach food has become popular lately. This recipe (gluten free) went down well with my vegan guests and it’s going to be on my Yom HaAtzmaut annual BBQ menu too.
Ingredients
1 cup uncooked quinoa
1/3 cup whole dried cranberries
1/3 cup coarsely crushed pecans
For the dressing
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
1 medium orange, juiced
zest of 1/2 an orange
1 tablespoon honey or agave nectar (silan – date syrup – will also work)
Preheat oven to 170 degrees C. Place pecans on a baking sheet and toast for 6-8 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside to cool. While they’re toasting you can start preparing the quinoa.
To cook quinoa: Rinse quinoa with cold water in mesh strainer until all the bubbles have disappeared. This is the most important step if you don’t want your quinoa to be bitter. I used a local supermarket house-brand of quinoa and it needed 4 good rinses with a few minutes of standing time between each rinse.
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add in quinoa and bring mixture to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low and let simmer for 15 minutes or until quinoa has absorbed all of the water. Remove from heat and fluff quinoa with fork; place in large bowl and set aside to cool.
To make the dressing: Whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, orange juice, orange zest, honey, turmeric (sounds crazy, but it works), thyme.
Pour the dressing all over quinoa and add cranberries (leave whole – don’t be tempted to chop them up). Stir to combine. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to absorb into quinoa. Add salt and pepper to taste. Before serving fold in coarsely crushed, toasted pecans. Makes 6 servings
Image credit: WikiCommons – IDF soldiers participate in a memorial ceremony on the Israeli national Memorial Day, in honor of fallen soldiers and the victims of terror attacks. Each soldier stands before the grave of a fallen serviceman. Since independence: 23,928 fallen soldiers
Since independence: 3,158 victims of terror
What is Yom Hazikaron?
Yom Hazikaron is a special memorial day, in Israel, for fallen soldiers of Israel and victims of terror. It falls the day before Yom Ha’atzmaut (Independence Day) and is marked as an official day of mourning in Israel. It is a day to remember the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the country. Although it is an official working day, many public services and government offices are closed. Private companies and shops may work half a day, thus giving everyone an opportunity to visit the graves, and mourn the loss of their loved ones.
Yom HaZikaron 2021 in Israel commences on the evening of Tuesday, 13th April, 2020 and ends in the evening of Wednesday, 14th April, 2021. As we come out of the Coronavirus, unlike 2020, it has been announced that military cemeteries will be open and entrance to the public will be allowed. Families will be able to visit the graves of their loved ones and other memorial sites up until 4pm on Wednesday 14th, April at which time cemeteries and memorial sites will be closed to the public until after Yom HaAtzmaut
Tuesday Schedule
16:30 Opening ceremony at Beit Yad Lebanim in Jerusalem
20:00 on Tuesday night, Memorial Day will officially commence with the sounding of a one minute, countrywide siren.
20:01 Memorial Day Ceremony from the Western Wall in Jerusalem. The ceremony is televised.
21:00 “Songs in their Memory” from the Knesset grounds
Wednesday Schedule
08:30 Reading the names of the fallen
11:00 countrywide siren and the observance of a two minute silence
11:02 Memorial candle lighting at military cemeteries across the country, at schools as well as the State Memorial Service at Mt. Herzl for fallen soldiers.
13:00 State Memorial Service for the victims of terror at Mt. Herzl
Official Memorial Day Ceremonies
In the Jewish calendar, the holidays; Sabbath, festivals commence at sunset and continue until sunset the following evening and likewise on Memorial Day.
At 8pm on the eve of the 4th day of Iyar, a siren is sounded across Israel and the official memorial ceremony takes place at the Western Wall in Jerusalem. As the siren is sounded, the public stands and observes a one minute silence. Flags are lowered to half mast. Attending the ceremony; the President of Israel, the Mayor of Jerusalem, the IDF Chief of Staff, VIP’s and bereaved families. Attendance is by invitation only.
It is traditional to light a memorial flame, and members of Israeli society are honored and invited to light the flame. The ceremony is broadcast live on Israeli television channels.
All entertainment venues; restaurants, cinemas, pubs etc., are closed.
The next day – the 4th day of the Month of Iyar
At 11:00am the following day, a second siren is sounded across the country. The official state ceremony takes place at Mt. Herzl in Jerusalem. The ceremony is attended by the Prime Minister of Israel, other cabinet ministers, the mayor of Jerusalem, and the bereaved families of our fallen soldiers and victims of terror. Many memorial services take place across the country as well as age appropriate activities at schools. School alumni, currently serving in the IDF, visit their alma mater. The bereaved families visit the graves of their loved ones.
From sadness to joy! As the sun sets on the 4th of Iyar and rolls into the eve of the 5th of Iyar, Independence Day celebrations commence.
Yom Haatzmaut first aid! How to tell when your steak is done & cooked to perfection.
If you have been nominated to manage the Yom Haatzmaut traditional barbecue, there are a few tricks to keep up your sleeve. Use them and everyone will think that you are an expert chef. Aside from counting empty beer bottles, the most important task of the day is to ensure your family’s steaks are grilled to perfection. Here is the secret, a tried and tested way to test for doneness:
Put your thumb and one of your other fingers (as indicated in the image) together lightly; poke the ball of your palm with your other hand. The feel, or resistance, indicates how firm your beef steak should be for the desired doneness.
Once you have cooked your steaks on both sides and think they are ready, follow the instructions below. If the firmness of the steak is the same on the ball of your palm…it is time to take the steak off to rest.
Rare steaks. Make a circle with your index finger and thumb, and press the ball on the palm side of your thumb. Steaks with the same soft texture will be rare.
Medium-rare steaks. Make a circle with your middle finger and thumb, and press the ball of your thumb. Steaks with the same soft and springy feel will be medium rare.
Medium steaks. Make a circle with your ring finger and thumb, and press the ball of your thumb. Steaks with the same springy feel will be medium.
Well-done steaks. Make a circle with your little finger and thumb, and press the ball of your thumb. Steaks with the same firm feeling will be well done.
Remember, before putting your food on the BBQ, you will need a Naf-Naf – a traditional Israeli barbecue accessory to ensure a perfect fire and flame.
When your starving family is nagging for their food, there is one more Israeli trick – put your thumb and all your other fingers together lightly (cone-shaped), and shake your hand up and down a few times from your wrist. This is the Israeli way of saying “savlanut” or patience. While you reassure them that their steak will be done in a few minutes, you can drink another beer and add the soon-to-be empty bottle to your collection.
