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Israel's 61st birthday was celebrated in style despite the rain on May 3 at The Jewish Center in Princeton. Israeli crafts, shoes, jewelry, artwork, dancing, music, and food catered from Lox, Stock & Deli were abundant throughout the afternoon for those who braved the weather. The Star of David Bikers' parade was the only cancelled activity and Program Director Neil Wise advised that next year the Jewish bikers would be on hand to celebrate Israel's birthday.

During the opening ceremony, Rabbi Adam Feldman discussed the importance of this day for Israel after which everyone rose and participated in the singing of "Hatikvah."

Maxine Elkins, owner of Israeli Crafts in Princeton, had a large display of Israeli jewelry and crafts, which she sells for 38 Israeli artists. She explained that during the second Intifada when many Israeli shops were closing, she decided to do something to help. She now sells the work for so many who would be out of business by now had it not been for Elkins.

There were countless activities for the children at the festival including tables for making plastic Stars of David, painting maps of Israel, throwing balls onto backdrops and participating in the Israeli dancing.

Music was performed by The Klez Dispensers, consisting of Adrian Banner and his wife, Amy Zakar, Audrey Welber, and Joe Devico. Born and raised in Australia, Banner came to Princeton for a Ph.D. program at Princeton University in 1997 and a year later he and others formed The Klez Dispensers solely to learn and perform Klezmer music as originally played in Eastern Europe at a time when Yiddish was the major spoken language. Although only four members of the band performed for Yom Ha'aztmaut, there are actually eight members of the group -- three are New Yorkers, two reside in Philadelphia, and three in Princeton. Their third and latest CD, "Say You'll Understand" has been released into music stores.

Yoshei Fruchter, well known guitarist and singer, also performed during the afternoon. Fruchter resides in Brooklyn where his favorite spot to perform is Zebulon in Williamsburg.

Authentic Israeli jewelry was for sale by several different artists. Netef Gallery of Millburn was present and the Jerusalem Gift Shop from Philadelphia also displayed a variety of artists' works. Ahava cosmetic products were available for purchase as well as Naot shoes and sandals.

Although the inclement weather had some effect on the Yom Ha'aztmaut festivities, event organizers said the purpose of the event was ever present and the bond between The Jewish Center and the Land of Israel was felt by all on Israel's 61st birthday.