Torah Academy's Newsletter

December 11, 2009

Vol 1, Issue 13

Torah Academy
Newsletter
Parshas Vayeishev

Candle Lighting Time

for Boca Raton: 5:11

Wishing the entire Torah Academy family and friends a joyous and meaningful Chanukah.

Rabbi Shaya Baumann Rabbi Reuven Feinberg

Margo Allswang Memorial Lecture

The Margo Allswang Memorial Lecture was an opportunity for loved ones, friends and community members to come together to remember and celebrate Margo Allswang and her endless contributions to the community and the Jewish people. Elliot shared with everyone Margo's strength and ability to see past her illness in a way that allowed her to play a constant and vital role in her families life.

Rabbi Jonathan Rietti spoke with humor and cause as he shared deep Torah insights and effortlessly made connections to Margo's life as a wife, mother, daughter and true community leader. Her dream of building Torah Academy and bringing more children into the school in order to give them a stellar Jewish education continues on as the Memorial Fund has already reached so many hearts and donors.
With more than 400 people attending the event last night, we are certain that the memorial fund will be an important bridge in honoring Margo's memory and the fulfillment of her dream.

Rabbi Jonathan Rietti Speaks to Students at Torah Academy

Rabbi Jonathan Rietti made a special appearance at Torah Academy Wednesday and took the students on a journey through Jewish History, turning our playground into a time line of history throughout the ages. The students were actively involved and engaged in the multi- media exploration as they viewed photographs, art and heard stories from the Chumash. Rabbi Rietti spoke to the students about the importance of Hashem's promises to the Jewish people and how we are experiencing them even today.
"It was so fun to see the line of photos throughout the playground," said Esther Bronshteyn as she and her peers in the fourth and fifth grade helped arrange the historical time line.

Ateres Zakeinim Program Visits Congregation Anshei Emunah in Delray Beach

Rabbi Yachnes and Rabbi Englander lead the second and third graders on a musical mitzvah to Anshei Emunah last Sunday for a morning of songs and chesed. The students entertained and inspired the Delray Beach residents as they sang, smiled and schmoozed with the congregants.
"All of a sudden the audience became the choir as well and we all sang together," said Rabbi Yachnes.
"Music is such an important part of connecting to Judaism," said Rabbi Yachnes. "It is beautiful to bring the children to see the older generation and connect to them on such a powerful level," he added.
"We had a such a good time it was fun to be with my friends on a Sunday morning," said David Amiel.

Who is Teaching your Children?

Rabbi Meyer Englander, third grade Rebbe, teaches his students to read, sing and understand the Torah text in a way that is meaningful, fulfilling and multi -dimensional.
Tapping into each child's potential is key in Rabbi Englander's teaching style. "Creating leveled worksheets, materials and slides allows for accurate assessment and gives me the ability to individualize my students progress," said Rabbi Englander.
This week the Rabbi is introducing an early Chanukah gift to his class. He is bringing in a voice recorder so that the students can hear themselves reading Chumash. "This type of educational tool is so important," said the Rabbi. "It allows the child to hear his or her voice and work to strengthen ones articulation and accuracy of the text."
Rabbi Englander has been a Rebbe at Torah Academy for four years. He learned at Chofetz Chaim for thirteen years and then went on to get his Smicha from MTJ. Rabbi Englander earned a Bachelor's Degree from Touro College in Psychology and a Masters Degree in Special Education from Adelphi University and is currently working toward a second Masters in Educational Leadership from FAU.

Early Childhood Encounters

Chanukah Preparations are in full swing!
EC- 4 is baking shaped Chanukah cookies and enjoying the smells and tastes of the upcoming chag. "There is so much to do for the chag," said Morah Guttman. The class made dreidel's and menorahs, they sang Chanukah songs throughout the week.
"It was a sticky and yummy morning when we baked," said Morah Guttman. The children explored their senses and their coordination as they shaped the dough into Chanukah symbols.
The students also decorated their own costumes for the upcoming presentations for their parents next week. "I am a dreidel," said Ariella Hirschberg. "I love to spin and wear a costume," she added.