This article from My Jewish Learning explores the differing views at to whether there is a religious nature to Israel’s Independence Day. Noting customs of the secular, Reform, Conservative, Religious Zionist (Orthodox), and Ultra-Orthodox communities in Israel and abroad, this article sees the issues around the observance of Yom Ha’atzmaut as an example of how Judaism adapts to new realities and challenges. The author, Rabbi Ed Snitkoff, is a Jerusalem-based rabbi and educator, and the Director of the Ramah Israel Seminar (Conservative).