Wishing the entire Torah Academy family and friends a joyous and meaningful Sukkos.
Rabbi Shaya Baumann Rabbi Reuven Feinberg |
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From the Desk of Rabbi Baumann
"If I were the principal, I would......" This past spring, each of Mrs. Plotkin's 4th graders penned a persuasive article on how they would like to change the world. While some chose to embark on imposing world peace, others chose to institute ideas that would save the environment. Interestingly, most chose to declare the significant changes they would make if they were principal of our school (a subject close to home!) I was struck by how many students declared emphatically that once they had my position, they'd quickly abolish all tests and quizzes. This got me thinking....
Although I haven't been in 4th grade for many years now, I must say that I definitely disagree. There are definitely many ways to assess student learning beyond the classic written exam. However, the necessity of on-going student assessment has been established as a vital component of good learning and teaching throughout the educational world. Most importantly, there's great benefit from the (hopefully healthy) pressure of needing to review in preparation for a test, to self-assess, and to have the impetus to identify areas that one has missed and needs to fill in, as well as having the opportunity to truly master an area of study. In fact, many volunteer Torah learning programs across the world have instituted volunteer tests to encourage review, accountability, and self assessment as vital tools in strengthening the learning process!
This concept applies to all of us yearly as well. In Ohr Yisroel, Reb Yisroel Salanter asks the famous question: Why does Rosh Hashana (the Day of Judgment) come before Yom Kippur (the Day of Forgiveness)? Wouldn't it make more sense for the Day of Forgiveness to come first, so that we could come to the Day of Judgment with a clean slate? He answers that without the pressure of a Day of Judgment, and without the accountability and assessment of a Rosh Hashana, we wouldn't use the power of the forgiveness of Yom Kippur properly! The rejoicing and closeness to Hashem of the Chag of Sukkos then comes through these accomplishments of the Yomim Naroim.
As adults, we also need tests, accountability, and the extra impetus to review and self assess, and to continue growing year after year.
Wishing you a Chag Sameach! |
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Torah Academy Golf Tournament and Mega Barbeque is October 31
The date is approaching! Join our golf fans and Torah Academy enthusiasts on Monday, October 31st, for a fun-filled day of golf and great food featuring Dr. B's Rib Shack which will once again be serving ribs on the course as well as steaks, hot dogs, and gelato.
The world famous Heron Bay Golf Club is under new management and has invested over a million dollars into making the course even more beautiful and challenging. We are introducing a raffle this year with 5 incredible prize packages and an opportunity to win $100,000 cash.
Join us for this meaningful event. For more information please call 347-1821 or email tabrgolf@gmail.com. |
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Early Childhood Encounters
EC-2 shook their Lulavim and Esrogim this week as they learned about Sukkos.
Mrs. Witztum taught the Kindergarteners about the proper way to use the mouse this week in her computer lesson. "Before using the mouse it is important to show the children how to use it," said Mrs. Witztum. "It is amazing to see how knowledgeable some of them are already," she added.
EC-3 had a great time making the huge class sukkah. The children chose different sized blocks that would fit to the Sukkah's shape. They also collected branches to use for the Schach. |
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Middle School Milestones
 The sixth graders learned beautiful ideas about Sukkos. "It was fascinating to learn how the letters in the word "Sukkah" represent the different ways the walls of a Sukkah can be made: four walls like a "samach," three walls like a chof, or two full walls and an incomplete third wall like a "hey," said Rabbi Glazer.
Ms. Ulett worked on a personal history project with her students last week as they investigated one another's backgrounds, by digging through a treasure box which consisted of family moments. "It is a valuable lesson for the students to learn where they come from - it helps them determine where they are going," added Ms. Ulett.
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