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 | | THIS WEEK AT TVT |
SUNDAY
MAY 16
"O" AMBASSADOR GAME NIGHT
MAY 17
GRADE 1 FIELD TRIP
MS BOYS VOLLEYBALL
JR/SR FINALS
COASTLINE CASE STUDIES
MAY 18
JR/SR FINALS
GRADE 3 SHAVUOT PROGRAM
SENIOR PARENT MEETING
US ATHLETIC AWARDS
MAY 19
SHAVUOT - TVT CLOSED
MAY 20
SHAVUOT - TVT CLOSED
MAY 21
PRINCIPALS' DAY
TVT CLOSED
MAY 23
PROM (OFF-CAMPUS)
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PARSHAT OF THE WEEK - BAMIDBAR | | |
In Rabbinic literature, the book of Bamidbar is referred to as the book of censuses (Sefer haPekudim), which is no doubt roughly equivalent to the common English name for the book - the Book of Numbers. In this week's parsha, there is a counting at the beginning of their sojourn in the Wilderness and there is another counting in Parshas Pinchas, towards the end of their sojourn in the Wilderness. The command to count the people is formulated as follows:
"Take a census of the entire assembly of the Children of Israel according to their families, according to their fathers' house, BY NUMBER OF THE NAMES, every male according to their head count." [Bamidbar 1:2].
The expression "b'mispar sheimos" [by number of the names] is somewhat peculiar. What does it really mean? Beyond that, it seems like it is an oxymoron. The term "number" and "names" are almost mutually exclusive. When we talk about numbers we imply anonymity. (We hear all the time: "I don't really count for anything I am just a number!") The word "names" has the exact opposite connotation. A name gives a person singularity and a quality of being special - more than just a number! Here we are told to count the Jewish people "by the number of their names". Which is it - was the census concerned with the overall numbers (the "klal") or was the census interested in the individual names (the "p'rat")? Rav Mordechai Gifter, of blessed memory, writes that numbers by their very definition are finite.
Stating a number, one quantifies an item such that the quantity is no more and no less than the number stated. A human being, by his very definition, is not finite in this sense. He has a soul and strengths, and characteristics. He has unlimited potential to grow and expand his capabilities. Trying to put a number on an individual limits him and restricts his ability to reach untold heights. Therefore, when we speak of a "minyan" we are not speaking of a "mispar" [a number]. We cannot just "count" Jews. When we enumerate people and treat them as numbers we in effect say they are defined and limited. This is certainly not the way the Almighty wants us to view the Jewish people. How does one get around this problem? If it is so detrimental to put a number on the individuals within Klal Yisrael, how can one take a census of the Jewish people? For this reason, Rav Gifter writes, the Jewish census never involved "the counting of noses".
Intermediate items (such as half-shekel coins, as specified in
Parshas Ki Tisa) were always utilized to avoid the problem of counting the people by number. The message is the same - the Jewish people are not finite ('mugbal'). We may be finite in terms of our bodies, but in terms of our souls we are infinite. In fact, when Dovid HaMelech [King David] decided to count Klal Yisraela, and he counted them directly (as is recorded at the end of the book of Shmuel), a terrible plague resulted. t
The lesson of that - says Rav Gifter - is that when people are viewed as finite rather than as individuals with unlimited potential, the result is destruction. The indirect method of taking a Jewish census, on the other hand, is symbolic of the infinite measure and infinite potential of each person counted within that census. by Rav Frand |
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SCHOOL LUNCH - ORDER NOW FOR JUNE | | | Menus are posted for June! Ordering is simple, just login to the TVT Parent Page, select the "School Lunches" link, entered your billing phone number, and order away. But remember, orders must be paid in full by the May 27th deadline!
Questions? Contact: lunches@tarbut.com. |
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ON'T FORGET SUMMER SESSION AT TVT | | | Please click on this link for our new SUMMER PROGRAM PACKET ! |
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GAME NIGHT 2
"COME OUT & PLAY AGAIN!"
EGGS 4 EGGUADOR
A BIG BAGEL THANK-YOU
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GAME NIGHT 2
SUNDAY, MAY 16th
5 - 10 pm
UPPER SCHOOL MPR
FAMILY FUN FOR ALL!!
INCLUDES TEXAS HOLD 'EM, WII TOURNAMENT, ROCK BAND, BINGO, SCRABBLE, BANANAGRAMS & OTHER FUN GAMES!
PRIZES & SNACKS
DON'T MISS THE FUN THIS TIME!!!
GENERAL ADMISSION: $10
POKER BUY-IN: $25
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Dear Parents and Faculty,
Thank you for your support with the bagel sales every morning. The "O" Ambassador's appreciate your contributions to our program. Unfortunately, this is the last week bagels will be available at the TVT lower school campus due to final exams.
We are still actively fundraising for our trip to Ecuador.
Please consider joining us Sunday night for Game Night. Also, watch your email for our next car wash.
Thanks again! TVT is a wonderful and supportive community. We are lucky to be part of it.
Sincerely,
The O Ambassadors
--------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------ Middle school Math teacher, Mr. Mark May, is raising money for the "O" Ambassadors through his ingenious EGGS 4 EGGUADOR campaign.
"I am selling the eggs from the May Ranch.
All proceeds will benefit TVT's "O" Ambassadors™."
Quail eggs 50¢ each. Chicken eggs 3 for a dollar.
Rooster eggs... priceless.
If you want to purchase eggs, please contact Mr. May in the Middle School, Room 108, or email him at mmay@tarbut.com
He will be egg-cited to hear from you! |
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TVT HOSTS COASTLINE CASE STUDIES PROGRAM | | | This Monday evening, May 17th, The TVT College Counseling Department will host our Juniors - 11th Grade families, as well as the Sage Hill Junior Families and the St. Margaret Junior Familes for a unique glimpse into the college application process.
The Coastline Case Studies Program includes the college counselors from the 3 schools along with approximately 90 College and University Admissions Representatives from all over the country who will review sample college applications- Case Studies- with the families, in an effort to help the students and their parents understand the often mysterious and complicated college application process.
If you have an 11th grade student, you don't want to miss this program. RSVP to College Counselor, Mr. Clint Davis, Ext. 3029, and join us for an interesting and informative program. |
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COLLEGE MATRICULATION FOR 2010 | | |
With 42 members, the Class of 2010 will be spread out from coast to coast, representing TVT at 29 colleges nationwide.
Please join us in congratulating our graduates!
American Jewish University
California State University, Long Beach
California State University, Channel Islands
Chapman University
Claremont McKenna College
George Washington University
Harvard University
Indiana University at Bloomington
Irvine Valley College
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Mount Holyoke College
Oberlin College
Paul Mitchell School of Beauty
Pomona College
Pratt Institute
Purdue University
San Diego State University
The University of Iowa
University of Arizona
University of California at Berkeley
University of California at Davis
University of California at Los Angeles
University of California at Santa Barbara
University of California at Santa Cruz
University of Kansas
University of Michigan
University of Southern California
University of the Pacific
University of Washington
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DID YOU KNOW? | | |
Yom Yerushalayim Celebrated
Yom Yerushalayim - Jerusalem Day, the newest and youngest holiday on the Jewish calendar is the anniversary of the liberation and unification of Jerusalem under Jewish sovereignty that occurred during the Six Day War. Here at TVT this week the Middle and Upper School commemorated this occasion by dedicating their Minyanim to Jerusalem.
At the Upper School Minyan on Tuesday, some students read original prayers for Jerusalem while others recited a moving poem by Yehuda Amichai. The Minyan concluded with a communal singing of Naomi Shemers' Yerushalyim Shel Zahav. Additionally, two students delivered their Senior Dvrai Torah. One student focused on the Parshat HaShavua and the other focused on Yom Yerushalyim.
In the Middle School Minyan, students interspersed their prayer with readings focused on Jerusalem. They were written from the point of view of the 8 Gates, such as the Zion Gate and the Damascus Gate that surround the old city of Jerusalem. The readings captured the historical events that occurred near and around each gate.
Highlights of Shavuot Happenings
One of the customs of Shavuot is to stay up late into the night studying. Since TVT is closed on Shavuot, the Middle and Upper School students will be celebrating Shavuot a bit early with the annual Tikkun Yom Shavuot. Instead of studying late into the night, the teachers are dedicating several of their lessons to studying about the 10 Commandments, or other aspects of Shavuot.
These special lessons will occur either in the classroom or in student's homes at the beginning of the week. Another ancient agricultural custom of Shavuot was to bring bikkurim/first fruit offerings to the Temple. As a way of reclaiming this tradition, the Middle School students will be participating in a special Shavuot Bikkurim Assembly.
Please join us Tuesday, May 18th at 2:25pm-3:00pm.
TVT will be closed May 19-21 for Shavuot and Principals' Day. Classes resume May 24, 2010 |
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TVT FILM FESTIVAL ROCKED! | | |
Last night, the TVT Arts Department held their 3rd Annual TVT Film Festival at the AMC Theater in Downtown Disney.
The program included the premiere of Fearcam, the new film from the Film Production Class. Also included were highlights from the 2009/10 season of TVT TODAY produced by the New Media Class. Individual segments were edited by the Post Production Class.
Audience feedback was very strong. Max Hyman (12th Grade), who attended along with a number of TVT students noted, "I didn't expect the horror film to actually be scary!"
If you missed opening night, catch the local screening in the US Lecture Hall Tuesday, May 25th 3-4pm.
PLEASE VOTE!!
VMA PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS - VOTE FOR TVT!
For the first time ever TVT is up for a Video Marketing Award through the Partnership for Excellence in Jewish Education (PEJE), but if we don't get more votes, we won't make it into the final round!. Your vote makes the difference!
Scene from Mr. Hays' inspirational video documenting the inaugural "O" Ambassador trip to Kenya
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GIVING & THANKSGIVING FOR SHAVUOT | | |
In the spirit of both giving and thanksgiving we are obliged to show on the upcoming holiday of Shavuot, we would like to offer you an opportunity to show gratitude to our U.S. soldiers in Iraq/Afghanistan. The name Shavuot literally means "weeks" and these soldiers are spending weeks away from home, risking their lives on a daily basis, and counting the weeks before they might return.
Care packages are being prepared for approximately 150 to 200 soldiers in an effort to extend a little comfort and show support and appreciation from our local community. As we gather with our families this Shavuot, and bring baskets of fruits to our temples and preschools, let's gather some comforts from home to send to our soldiers overseas. The packages contain items we take for granted but which are truly comforts in the areas these soldiers are serving.
Please click on the link for the list of needed items:
Please deposit the items in the designated bins in the US Admin. Office. |
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INSIDE THE LIONS' DEN | | |
Congratulations to all of our MS Spring Sports Awards Recipients!
MS GIRLS' SOCCER
Coaches Award
Alexis Elfend (8th Grade)
Best Team Players
Liora Wolder (7th Grade)
Carly Malatskey (6th Grade)
2010 Soccer All-Stars
Alexis Elfend (8th Grade)
Madison Kasoff (8th Grade)
Abigail Tramer (8th Grade)
MS GIRLS' BASKETBALL
Most Spirited Players
Lexi Bann
Abigail Tramer
Cara Wolder
Jessica Wolder
Most Improved Player
Alex Sohoni
MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS' SOCCER
Coaches Award
Jared Dror
2010 Soccer All-Stars
Julius Herzlinger
Avery Emond
Most Valuable Player
Ian Batstone
Julius Herzlinger
Heart of a Lion
Etan Hassan
Most Improved Player
Ben Kaplan
Best Defensive Player
Roy Elzur
Best RainbowAaron Berdy Most Passionate PlayerTal Harris Goal Keeper Award
Ari Zwiren
US Spring Sports
Though we're still waiting for the results of the Jewish All-American Basketball results, we do have some lovely new banners up in the gym to celebrate the success of our 2010 season.
Come on down to take a look!
Boys Volleyball
lost in first round of CIF playoffs to Calvary Chapel Downey 3-0.
Girls Softball:
lost 3 games to Liberty Christian and twice to Avalon.
Boys Baseball:
Monday, the boys Varsity Baseball team had a great win, beating Eastside Christian 7-5.
On Tuesday, they beat Oak Grove 15-2 and followed that up with a third victory against Liberty Christian 7-5 on Wednesday.
Congratulations! Coach Sam Corrigan is very proud - the boys finished 3rd overall for their league!
This completes the CIF Spring Season for Upper School Sports. As Coach Patrick Roberts moves to take over the Varsity Girls' Basketball team for the 2010-11 school year while TVT alum Shariar Younessi will begin spring training with the Varsity Boys. Both teams will participate in spring games and continue their usual training regimen. |
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KABBALAT SHABBAT HONORS PARENT VOLUNTEERS | | |
A very big thanks to the TVT parents who go above and beyond in the service of our children. Kol HaKavod to you all!
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FACULTY & STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK | |
A big thank you to TVT's fantastic PTSO for their kindness, generosity and good taste! The faculty and staff were pampered with a week filled with thoughtful gifts, kind words, and delicious food.
We are filled with gratitude! Todah Rabah!
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