FROM THE MENAHEL
In Parshat Vayera, among many other important events, we learn of Hashem destroying the evil city of Sedom. Avraham Avinu, who loved not only the righteous but also those who did evil, argued with Hashem to try to reverse the decree. Hashem agreed to not punish the city if there would be sufficient tzadkim "in the midst of the city."
HaRav Immanuel Jakobovitz zt"l, the previous Chief Rabbi of England, notes the apparent contradiction with the Rambam's famous statement in Hilchot Teshuvah. The Rambam notes that we should look at the world as having half evil and half merit and what we do can tilt the balance and save the world. Yet here it seems that even ten righteous people can save a city full of evil doers.
HaRav Jakobovitz notes that the answer can be found in the Ibn Ezra's explanation that righteous people "in the city" are those who have Yirat Hashem (awe of Hashem) publicly. Because they are public in the service of Hashem they can influence those around them. When the righteous are public in their devotion to Hashem they can save a city--or even the world. When they are in secret, they don't have sufficient impact. Thus, it takes more than half the population to save the world.
Our efforts must be to encourage our children to be proud and loyal Torah Observant Jews--and to be very public in their devotion. Then they will impact not only themselves and their families, but the entire world.
Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Shmuel Jablon
Menahel (Principal) |
1:30pm EARLY DISMISSAL - THIS FRIDAY!!!!
This Friday, November 11th, is a 1:30PM Early Friday Dismissal.
**Please Note:
Lower Merion = CARPOOL FOR EVERY 1:30PM FRIDAY ***
Philadelphia = Busing
Cheltenham = Busing
Haverford = CARPOOL
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In the event of a need to cancel or delay school, we will send out emails, text messages and our automatic phone calls. We will also announce on KYW radio. Our school code is #1107.
Please note that we follow the decisions of the Lower Merion School District as to whether to open or delay due to weather. Based on the results of last year's parent survey, if LMSD has a 2 hour delay on "short Fridays," we will not automatically close but will make a case by case decision (based on weather and candle lighting time for that week) as to whether we should delay or close.
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Don't miss this week's Jewish Exponent!
You can find an article about our Bnot Sherut Leumi and last week's national convention HERE.
Special thanks to Rabbi and Mrs. Asulin, as well as our incredible Bnot Sherut- Zehava, Chava and Bat Chen, for this wonderful program.
You can find an article about Math By Mail HERE.
Special thanks to Mrs. Dardashti and Ms. Bresler, as well as Dr. Eizen from FAME, who make this program possible at our school.
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HOMEWORK PASS / PARENT PROGRAM!!!
Shalom Parents:
We hope to see everyone at this important parent workshop, featuring Dr. Rona Novick from Yeshiva University. The program is sponsored by Chabad and Torah Academy. T.A. parents and staff are admitted free.
Since we know you won't be able to help children with homework that night, parents who attend receive a HOMEWORK PASS for their children (pass not valid for previously scheduled tests or long term projects).
Admission is free for Torah Academy parents. T.A. Parents should CLICK HERE to access your free ticket!
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SPECIAL CHUMASH IN-SERVICE AT TORAH ACADEMY!
Chumash teachers from Torah Academy and Politz Hebrew Academy participated in a special in-service program hosted at T.A. The teachers met with Morah Tamar Nussbaum, the creator of the LeHavin U'Laskil Chumash program used in Grades 2-3 (and will be expanding into Grade 4). The program, developed through the Consortium of Jewish Day Schools, focuses on Chumash skills while also reinforcing the content and lessons taught in Chumash class. It also provides national assessments that allow teachers to adjust instruction for every child. We are proud to be at the forefront of this new program. 
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SUNDAY SCHOOL HAS BEGUN!!
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GOOD BEHAVIOR BUS TICKETS!
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FROM THE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR...
Boys and Girls Interscholastic Basketball Schedule:
Tuesday, December 6th @ Delaware Valley Friends ( boys 3:45pm)
Monday, December 19th @ Barrack Hebrew Academy (boys 4:00pm, girls 5:15pm)
Tuesday, December 20th @ Abrams Hebrew Academy (boys 3:45pm)
Wednesday, January 4th @ Saligman M.S. (boys 4:00pm, girls 5:00pm)
Monday, January 9th. Home vs. Delaware Valley Friends ( boys 3:45pm)
Thursday, January 19th Home vs. Kellman Brown Academy ( boys 4:00pm, girls 5:00 pm)
Thursday, February 2nd. @ Kellman Brown Academy ( boys 4:00pm, girls 5:00pm)
Monday, February 6th Home vs. Barrack Hebrew ( boys 4:00pm, girls 5:15pm)
Thursday, February 9th Home vs. Saligman M.S. (boys 4:00pm, girls 5:00pm) |
HAVDALAH CANDLES FOR CHESED
What are you eating for the Purim Seudah?
Well, some families won't be eating anything. And I'm here to change that.
May name is Hadassah Sanker. I am in 6th grade at Torah Academy.
For my Bat Mitzvah Project I am selling Havdalah candles. 100% of the money raised will go the fmaily in the community of the North East who cannot afford to have a Purim Seudah (meal).
Please may a Havadalah candle or as many as you would like
and make a family's Purim wonderful and bright.
One Havdalah Candle- $4 or 3 candles for $10
To Order by Phone: 215-722-3068
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LETTER FROM ISRAEL
Rabbi Jablon,
Shalom! I hope everything is well with you and the school year is going smoothly. I just wanted to thank you for everything you have done to make our transition into school in Israel go smoothly. It was a little tough to get Noach into the school we really wanted him to go to, but Hashem can handle the impossible. Rabbi Meyers said,"no" at first because he had so many new olim from last year that also were going into the third grade this year, which was totally understandable. However, Noach still needed a school to go to. I kept calling and asking him to just meet Noach. I also had some parents from the school calling for me out of the goodness of their hearts. He finally agreed to meet Noach, but he was not making any commitments. He was really impressed with how much hebrew he knew, and how he was able to communicate. I know without a doubt it is because of the Israeli girls (Maayan and Yael). We are so fortunate that we took full advantage of the extra help during the year, that is what ultimately got his foot in the door, and it goes without saying LOTS of Tefillos. Thanks again for starting the program in the school, and I hope others have discovered the advantages as well. Noach is enjoying is new school and is able to do more and more of his homework without help. He is taking ulpan three mornings a week to help him with the hebrew, but he doesn't seem to mind that at all. Thank you again, and please extend my thank you to Mrs. Weinstein, and Morah Yifrat ( I'm sorry if I spelled their names incorrectly), for writing beautiful lettters. Also, please extend a big thank you to Morah Miriam for all that she taught Gabriella and also giving her a beautiful reference. You are really blessed with an amazing staff.
Shabbat Shalaom
Elisheva Ross
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PTO NEWS
* KIDSTUFF coupon books are still available. The cost of each book is $25 (payable to TA PTO), but you will save many times the book cost over the course of the year (most coupons expire 12/ 31/ 12). Additionally- for each 5 books you sell/ purchase, you get one free. They make terrific gifts! Contact Janet Eisenberg to preview a book or place an order (eisenber@pol.net or 610- 664- 8554). Please note that coupons are included for kosher and non- kosher establishments.
* Start submitting your BOXTOPS for EDUCATION now for our February '12 "100th Day- of- School 100 Boxtop Challenge". Growing Local Learning receipts from Acme count towards your totals...so include them with your submissions. Please label your collection bags/ envelopes by family for inclusion in our upcoming raffles.
* 2 great, new programs to boost our clipped Box Tops and Labels for Education earnings- sign up your store club cards and help PTO:
www.2ways2earn.com ... enter your Genuardi's club number
www.eLabelsAddUp.com ... enter your ACME, Shoprite and Genuardi's club numbers. All funds go back into your children's classrooms!! Please take 5 minutes to sign up on behalf of TA PTO.
* Have you registered your Target credit card for the "Take Charge of Education" program? You save 5% on Target purchases and PTO receives generous funds for our programs. Encourage grandparents, neighbors, friends etc. to register on behalf of TA PTO...it really makes a difference!! To sign up, call 800- 316- 6142 or go to www.target.com "Take Charge of Education" initiative.
* PTO wants your current Brown's Shoprite receipts. Please leave them in the red Boxtop collection box in the main office.
* Ongoing PTO Free 'n Easy FUNdraisers include: Box Tops for Education (including Acme Growing Local Learning register receipts), Brown's Shoprite receipts, Labels for Education UPCs (BIC, Pepperidge Farms, Post cereals and Pop Secret), www.goodshop.com, www.goodsearch.com and Target "Take Charge of Education". Please participate in some or all of these "no cost" / minimal effort fundraisers and encourage others near and far to get into the act today. For additional information, see the flyer posted at www.torahacademyonline.org (Parent Center/ PTO tab) or contact Janet Eisenberg (eisenber@pol.net or 610- 664- 8554).
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
We need volunteers to assist with morning drop off supervision, 8:20-8:5am. If you can assist us with one or more days, please contact Rabbi Jablon.
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PICTURE ORDERING INFORMATION!
There are now forms located in the educational office for ordering pictures if you missed the opportunity to order on Picture Day!
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COMMUNITY NEWS
SCHOOL FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITY
International Travel Exchange (Jay Press) will donate to the school $10/person for every ticketed reservation to Israel on US Airways, El Al Airlines, Continental Airlines, United Airlines or Delta Airlines. You must mention that you were referred to them by Torah Academy. Valid for reservations made between September 15 2011 and June 15, 2012.
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Upcoming GHS Events!
SAVE THE DATE!-Torah Academy Girls High School 's open house brunch will be on Sunday December 11th at 10:00 A.M (please note the change of date from November 13th).
Don't miss our annual Walk- a- Thon. Start collecting sponsors and gather your friends and come walk to support Friends of TAGHS on Sunday, November 13 from 11 am until 1 pm. We had a real blast and showed school spirit as parents, students, friends and supporters trekked from TA to Lower Merion...so come out again and show your support!! For additional information, please contact Yana Weiser (610- 668- 1890).
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Yeshiva University Men's Basketball Team is Coming to Philadelphia!
Thursday, November 10, 2011 Scrimmage against Rosemont College: Yeshiva University Basketball Team will scrimmage against Rosemont College at 8 p.m. at Rosemont College Alumnae Hall, 1400 Montgomery Avenue, Rosemont, PA 19010, follow signs once on campus. FREE.
Friday, November 11, 2011 Open Practice at Kohelet Yeshiva High School: The YU basketball team will conduct a practice that is open to visitors from 1p.m.-3 p.m. at Kohelet Yeshiva High School, 223 N. Highland Avenue, Merion Station, PA 19066, (corner of Highland Avenue and Old Lancaster Road).
Saturday, November 12, 2011, Community Luncheon at Congregation Beth Hamedrosh: Coach Halpert will speak at a community luncheon after services (approximately 12:30 p.m.) on "YU Basketball and the Netziv of Volozhin" at Congregation Beth Hamedrosh, 200 Haverford Road, Wynnewood, PA 19096. Luncheon is by prepaid reservations only, Cost $18 per adult, age 10 and up. $6 children ages 3-10, under 3, free. Reservations will be taken through Thursday, November 10, 2011 until 3 p.m. Contact Congregation Beth Hamedrosh, 610-642-6444 or bethhamedrosh@verizon.net to make reservations.
Saturday, November 12, 2011, Basketball Clinic: YU Basketball Team will conduct a free basketball clinic for boys 7th- 12th grades at Kohelet Yeshiva High School, 223 N. Highland Avenue, Merion Station, PA 19066, from 7:15 p.m. -9 p.m.
For more information: call Lisa Eckmann, 610-649-1888 or ejeckmann@yahoo.com
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Bnei Akiva Snif 3:05- 4:20, 1 hour and 15 minutes before Mincha on the downstairs level.
Grades 3rd - 8th. Noseh: Building Bayit Sheni
For more information contact Vered Schwell or Adi Ciner at lmbneiakiva@gmail.com
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MIDRESHET YOM RISHON
Congregation Beth Hamedrosh will be hosting Dr. Michelle Levine, Associate Professor of Bible at Stern College for Women, to lecture on "Purchase, Possession, Perpetuity: Our Hebron (Genesis 23)" on Sunday, November, 13, 2011 at 9:30 a.m. Bagel Brunch, 10 am lecture. Congregation Beth Hamedrosh is located at 200 Haverford Road, Wynnewood, PA 19096. Babysitting is available for ages 1 and up.
PLEASE NOTE- this shiur will be hosted by Congregation Beth Hamedrosh.* All subsequent MYR shiurim this year will be held at LMS.
For more information: Contact Beth Razin, 215-880-7817 or Chava Gross, 610-228-4662
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Bnos of Bala Cynwyd will iy"H meet this shabbos, November 12th, from 3:30pm - 4:30pm at LMS. Please pay your yearly $36 membership ( for 5772) if you have not done so already. Contact Meira Friedman for more info (610-617-9529).
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LMS Youth Program
Annual Spaghetti Dinner
Save the date November 13th
From 5 - 7 pm at LMS
$9 a person/$54 family max
To help sponsor or for more information please contact Rabbi Ari Silver at 610-668-6833 or SilverDollar@verizon.net
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Please join AMIT at the Annual Scholarship Event planned for Sunday, November 20, 2011, 6pm at the Merion Tribute House, 625 Hazelhurst Avenue, Merion Station, PA 19066
Guest Speaker: David Moss, AMIT Executive Vice President
An Elaborate Buffet Dinner featuring Israeli Cuisine Catered by Greenwald and Live Music by Under the Sun
Honoring: Tybie & Ted Resnick, HONOREES & Eve & David Kovsky, Young Leadership Awardees For more information please contact Robbie Pearlstein at 410-484-2223 or robbiep@amitchildren.org. ************************
Torah Youth: 2:45 - 3:45 pm in the Social Hall.
Grades K-8th. If you would like to help sponsor a Shabbos or want more information contact Rabbi Ari Silver at 610-6686-6833 or SilverDollar@verizon.net
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Mishmar has begun at the Talmudical Yeshiva of Philadelphia on Wednesdays from 7:15 - 8:00pm.
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Save the Date: Sunday, December 11th; The Young Israel of Elkins Park Sisterhood Chanukah Bazaar; Entertainment for children will be provided as well! Don't miss the fun! Young Israel of Elkins Park
7715 Montgomery Avenue, Elkins Park, PA 19027
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We are a proud affiliate of Koshersync.com
Main Line's Orthodox Community Organization Calendar
Did you know that our community has a community organization calendar? Koshersync.com is a free service which serves to synchronize Orthodox events throughout Philadelphia's Main Line and helps to avoid unfortunate conflicts by posting events in advance for all to see. Thirteen community organizations participate as affiliates, so, before planning a simcha or event make sure to check the website for possible conflicts. To post an event, simply send an email containing all the information you want posted to support@koshersync.com and they will be happy to post it within two business days. The website also includes links to the participating organizations' websites so that you can keep updated on all of the activities in the community. Koshersync.com looks forward to sharing many exciting events with you!
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On The Calendar....
*** Please remember that we do NOT have staff available to watch children after dismissal. We charge a $1 per minute fee for each child not picked up within 10 minutes of a scheduled dismissal time. ***
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EARLY FRIDAY DISMISSAL Friday, Nov. 11th, 1:30pm
** Lower Merion = CARPOOL
IMATHIMATION Assembly, Grades 1-5 Friday, November 11th
Kittah Bet MessibatChumash Sunday, November 20th (10 a.m.)
Thanksgiving Vacation Thursday-Sunday, November 24-27
Melava Malkah Motzei Shabbat, Dec. 3rd, 8pm
End of 1st Trimester Thursday, December 8
Faculty Work Day- No School for Students Friday, December 9
The updated 2011-2012 / 5772 School Year Calendar is available online!
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To submit news or announcements, please email Michal Weinstein at mweinstein@torahacademyonline.org . Please note that in order to keep this eNewsletter readable, community announcements will only run two weeks.
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742 Argyle Road
Wynnewood, PA 19096
610-642-7870
fax: 610-642-2265
www.torahacademyonline.org
Rabbi Shmuel Jablon
Menahel
Educational Office email:
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"WHAT I LOVE ABOUT T.A.!"
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Rabbi Jablon,
Shalom! I hope everything is well with you and the school year is going smoothly. I just wanted to thank you for everything you have done to make our transition into school in Israel go smoothly. It was a little tough to get Noach into the school we really wanted him to go to, but Hashem can handle the impossible. Rabbi Meyers said,"no" at first because he had so many new olim from last year that also were going into the third grade this year, which was totally understandable. However, Noach still needed a school to go to. I kept calling and asking him to just meet Noach. I also had some parents from the school calling for me out of the goodness of their hearts. He finally agreed to meet Noach, but he was not making any commitments. He was really impressed with how much hebrew he knew, and how he was able to communicate. I know without a doubt it is because of the Israeli girls (Maayan and Yael). We are so fortunate that we took full advantage of the extra help during the year, that is what ultimately got his foot in the door, and it goes without saying LOTS of Tefillos. Thanks again for starting the program in the school, and I hope others have discovered the advantages as well. Noach is enjoying is new school and is able to do more and more of his homework without help. He is taking ulpan three mornings a week to help him with the hebrew, but he doesn't seem to mind that at all. Thank you again, and please extend my thank you to Mrs. Weinstein, and Morah Yifrat ( I'm sorry if I spelled their names incorrectly), for writing beautiful lettters. Also, please extend a big thank you to Morah Miriam for all that she taught Gabriella and also giving her a beautiful reference. You are really blessed with an amazing staff.
Shabbat Shalom,
Elisheva Ross
To submit a short "Why I Love T.A." article please email tlibesman@torahacademyonline.org
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IT'S AT
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