Today we celebrated Rosh Chodesh Iyar with a spirited Hallel in both Lower and Middle schools. This month, sandwiched between the Hebrew months of Nisan and Sivan, includes Yom Ha'Atzmaut, Israel's Independence Day, and Yom Yerushalayim, the anniversary of the 6 Day War when Jerusalem was reunified. Last night, teacher Sarit Sabo shared the following Dvar Torah to explain the temporal placement of the month at the monthly Akiba Board meeting. These historical events occurred in a month flanked by the most significant events in Jewish history. During the month of Nisan, Pesach commemorates our birth as a nation; through our miraculous exodus from slavery, God formed us into a people. Seven weeks later, in the beginning days of Sivan, God bestowed the Jewish People with the greatest gift: the Torah at Mount Sinai. Both the exodus from Egypt and the revelation at Sinai were miraculous events, brought about by the wonders and power of God and the former slaves marveled at the spectacles. The miracles of 1948 and 1967, which took place during Iyar, differ in a significant and powerful way. At a time when there are no longer open miracles, the Jewish People had to exert tremendous efforts to establish, retain, build and grow the State of Israel. They actively sought God's protection and help and toiled tirelessly to partner with God in the creation of the Jewish State. Over the course of these three spring months, we as a people celebrate the nation, land, and Torah of Israel, the three immutable pillars on which the Jewish People stands.