This week we thank senior Aryeh Kashdan for sharing his  D'var Torah with us...

 

I read this week's parasha and was left staring at a blank word document for a couple of minutes.  I had no idea how exactly I was supposed to take a message relatable to high school students from a few chapters talking exclusively about God's instructions on how to build the Mishkan and Moses carrying out these instructions.  I could always go with the tried and true method of finding a sentence that seems a little odd or redundant, going on to state that everything's in the Torah for a reason and then giving a philosophical explanation of this sentence, but I've always been very skeptical of basing entire ideas off of something that could very possibly be an error.

I did a little research, and ironically, a passage whose placement seemed a little odd stood out to me.  Except this time, this passage was literally the entire parasha as opposed to a few sentences.  See, this story of God's orders and Moses' construction of the Mishkan has already been told almost identically earlier on in the book of Exodus.  Although I think it's foolish to speculate about a couple of verses, five whole chapters of repetitive material seems like it would bear some significance.  The story of Exodus really seems to highlight the Israelites coming together as a whole and creating the entity of Judaism that we still hold today, thousands of years later. 

 

They must unite under Moses to overcome their slavery, escape the Egyptians, and survive in the desert.  The Mishkan serves as a symbol of accomplishment for the Israelites.  Beforehand, the people only had God's commands through Moses, but the Mishkan was the first large, tangible thing that brought them together.  Now, the Israelites actually had a place to worship God and offer sacrifices to him.  The building of this tabernacle was the foundation of Judaism, the first evidence that Judaism was a legitimate religion and culture and wasn't going anywhere.  Its story is told multiple times because this is where the religion, customs and culture we share with people from around the globe today really began.
           

One thing that's really special about Judaism is the connection one Jew feels to every other Jew on this planet.  While multiple other religions were founded amidst violence, Judaism started out of unity.  It was necessary, for many reasons, for the Israelites to stick together and create a nation in order to survive.  This unity has carried over in the millennia since.  While other major religions contain different factions, divisions or tribes, all Jews for the most part have kept their core beliefs and remained united. 

 

This is the reason why I believe we're sitting here today in T'filah, and the same reason why I try to partake in the prayers even if I'm tired early in the morning.  Although my knowledge of Judaism is miniscule compared to many across the globe, the limited amount of songs and hymns I do know gives me the ability to walk into any synagogue in Orange County or LA or New York or even Jerusalem and immediately relate to hundreds of people surrounding me.  We share a bond through the similarity of our customs, which may be slightly different, but have the same origins and revolve around the same central beliefs. 

 

This is why I'm willing to sing when I'm otherwise tired or put on Tefillin when asked to do so even if it's the last thing I'd ever want to do by myself.  Although we've never talked to most other Jews in the world, we feel a connection to them due to our shared customs, beliefs, and values, the most important of which is unity. 

 

The foundation of Judaism, the Mishkan, was built by a culture of unity, and this culture has remained the same ever since.  Thus, it's important for us to keep our customs, traditions, and Jewish identity, as this is the bond that has connected us with so many people across the world for centuries, and will hopefully do so for centuries to come.

Shabbat Shalom!

Click for this week's Cubs' Roar

 

The "O" Ambassadors' Yard Sale for Ecuador was so successful they're having another one!  Thanks to everyone who so kindly donated and donated! Please spread the word! Tell your family and friends about this Sunday's sale. We have lots more great stuff!

On Thursday March 18th, during Study Block, 2:15-3:00pm the 9th and 10th Graders will be participating in a program crafted by TVT Upper School teachers in conjunction with the nationally known "Facing History and Ourselves" Program sponsored by the Jim Joseph Foundation.
 
Judaic teacher and TVT Facing History and Ourselves liaison, Mr. Damian Zoppo,worked with Dr. Beth Cohen of the Facing History Program along with Judaic teacher, Mr. Lee Weissman, history teacher, Mr. Simon Fellowes and English teacher, Mr. Daniel Epstein to craft an experience for TVT students which is designed to open their minds to how to reduce prejudice. Through various modalities, DVD screening, small group and large group discussions the students will explore how their own as well as other's assumptions and prejudice can impact attitudes, foster undesirable behavior, and the proactive steps we can take to encourage positive outcomes. 
 
We are inviting all parents of the 9th and 10th Grade to join us for this highly reflective and interactive experience.
 

This year, we have a total of twenty-six research projects being presented by young researchers from TVT and other participating schools. The variety of topics is impressive and illustrates our students' multi-dimensional abilities. We are thrilled to present this exciting academic event and hope to see you there.

 

Many TVT parents and members of the community have been involved in the Academic Research Conference in multiple roles in the past and during this academic year.
 
We are currently looking for volunteers who are knowledgeable in the areas below and can serve as judges during the conference.

Please indicate your interest and availability by e-mailing Ms. Alla Korinevskaya at akor@tarbut.com by Wednesday, March 17th.

Please take a look at the list below and let us know if you can help.
 
Biology
Genetics
Physics
Journalism and Media
Sociology
Psychology
Environmental Studies
Mathematics
Engineering
 
Thank you. We look forward to hearing from you! 

 

 

Join TVT'S TEAM for the PCRF 5k / 10k / Half-Marathon Race on Sunday May 2nd.  By signing up on our team you will support both the Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation and the TVT "O"  Ambassadors as they raise money for their trip to Ecuador.  
 

 
Easy online sign-up; follow the link on the "O" Ambassadors page.

  

When signing up, be sure to join the Tarbut V' Torah team.  Click on the link below to find the schedule, maps, and other info on the home page. 

TVT Reaching for the Cure 

 

Questions?  CoachLincoln@gmail.com
 
Thanks for your support and Happy Running!

 

In addition to fun, friendships and learning, TVT Junioirs had the opportunity to practice their Hebrew skills with the students visiting from the Reali School in Israel.

 

The conversational Hebrew that took place between the Israelis and the TVT students was impressive. The Israelis even complimented their new American friends on their Hebrew!  The ability to communicate helped foster quicker relationships and create a greater sense of Klal Yisrael, (community). 

The following students' art work has been selected to be displayed in the 36th Annual Color It Orange 2010 K-12 Juried Youth Art Exhibition.

6th Grade Students:

 

10th Grade Students