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| THIS WEEK AT TVT |
MAY 31
MEMORIAL DAY
TVT CLOSED
JUNE 1
K-12 ART EXHIBITS
GRADE 3: FIELD TRIP
SOPHOMORE PARENT MTG
JUNE 2
GRADE 11
POLAND/ISRAEL TRIP
O AMBASSADOR ECUADOR TRIP
GRADE 5
PARENT COFFEE
JUNE 3
K-5 CULMINATE & CELEBRATE
K-12 ART EXHIBITS JUNE 4
GRADE 1-5
I.R.I. TESTING
GRADE 9/10: READING DAY
KABBALAT SHABBAT
JUNE 6
SAT EXAMS |
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PARSHAT OF THE WEEK - BEHAALOTECHA | | |
It seems that some people cannot appreciate something special.
Imagine! The Jews were treated to a heavenly gift of manna, a supernatural delicacy that fell from the heavens, yet they complained about it.
Not only did the manna sustain the Jewish nation during their 40-year sojourn in the desert; it had the ability to transform itself to please the palate of the most advanced culinary critic. It tasted exactly the way its eaters desired it to taste! Whether Belgian waffles with ice cream, steak, or hash browns, the eater was able to transform the manna's flavor, through mere thought, into the most delicious of delicacies. Yet, the Jewish nation was still not happy.
"We remember the free fish that we ate in Egypt!"
they exclaimed. (Numbers 11:5)
The Talmud is troubled by the words 'free fish,' "since when," asks the Talmud, "was anything free in the land of slavery?" The Talmud answers that the word free, means free from mitzvos (commandments). The Jews had no mitzvos to observe during most of their exile in Egypt. They had not yet received their charge at Sinai. Therefore, they recalled the free fish that they ate during the Egyptian bondage.
However, the obvious question is, what does food -- fish or manna -- have to do with freedom?
Why did they complain about their new responsibilities and intrinsically link it with the miraculous bread? Was it the miraculous bread that changed their status? Why did they link fish with freedom? What was it about the manna that made them feel they had a chip on their shoulders?
Rabbi Dr. Abraham Twerski tells a wonderful story that took place back in Europe. . .
Little Chaim sat in the back row of his cheder. One day the Rebbe, a stern fellow who had little patience with his young charges, called upon him to recite the letters of the Aleph-Bet from a small reader. The teacher took a long stick and pointed to the letter Aleph on the page. "Vos iz Das? (What is this?)" he shouted. Chaim looked him straight in the eye, shrugged his shoulders, and said nothing.
Whack! The stick came down solidly on the boy's hand. "I said, 'Vos iz Das!" screamed the teacher tapping his stick fiercely on the letter.
Again, Chaim jutted out his lower lip and shrugged his shoulders even higher. He spread out his hands, palms up, offering his hand as a sacrifice to the dreaded stick, while intoning, 'I have no idea what that letter is!
His offering was duly accepted, and once again, the frustrated teacher brought the stick down on poor Chaim's hand. After futile attempts to have Chaim pronounce the Aleph, the teacher went to the next student who proceeded to recite the entire Aleph Bet flawlessly.
After class, Chaim's friends surrounded him. "We don't understand." They stated in uniform amazement. "Everybody knows the letter Aleph! When the Rebbe pointed to the Aleph, why didn't you just tell him, 'It's an Aleph'?"
Chaim smiled. "I'm smarter than that. Of course I knew what the letter was! But I also I knew that the moment I say 'Aleph,' our Rabbi would point to the Bet and ask me, 'what is that?' Then he'd point to the Gimmel and Dalet! Soon I'd have to recite the entire Aleph-Bet! I'd rather take a few whacks at the beginning and not have to go through the whole ordeal!"
The commentaries explain that when the Jewish people reminisced about free fish they remembered an era when they had no spiritual or moral responsibilities. The Jews understood that when one eats manna, the fare of the angels, angelic responsibility accompanies his gastronomic actions. The Jews would have rather foregone the delicacies of miraculous manna to be freed of the responsibilities it entailed. They did not want to recite even the Aleph in the knowledge that an obligation to recite the Bet and Gimmel would follow naturally.
Often in life we hesitate to begin the first step. Though that step may be simple and uncomplicated, we fear beginning treading in full awareness of the responsibilities that those first steps may lead us. Accepting responsibility is, however, the role of a people to whom the world looks for guidance.
The first bite of a new undertaking will be surely be deliciously challenging, though the second bite perhaps a little more difficult to swallow. But at the end of the meal, you have will have not bitten more than you can swallow. Those who have dined on the fare of leadership and responsibility will realize that the food of accomplishment is truly more delicious than chewing over misery.
The fare of leadership may even be spiritually delicious -- perhaps as delicious the manna. by Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky
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SAMSON G'MILAT CHESED FUND | | |
Great News!
TVT's founder, Irving Gelman, announced the establishment of the Samson Kindness Fund (also known as the Samson G'milat Chesed Fund), which will serve to supplement TVT's financial aid reserves. (If you have already submitted a request for aid, no further action is required on your part.)
Initial funding for this extraordinary program has been provided by TVT grandparents, Eric and Sheila Samson. "The Samsons established this fund to help us fulfill our dream that no child who wants a Tarbut V'Torah education will be denied the incredible benefit of TVT as a consequence of their family's financial circumstances," said Mr. Gelman. He added, "The Samson Kindness Fund, in conjunction with our preexisting financial aid program, goes a long way to helping ensure that no eligible child will be turned away from TVT." Eric Samson shared, "I am delighted that Sheila and I are able to assist Tarbut V'Torah in this dramatic manner. We have observed over the years how our own grandchildren have flourished at Tarbut V'Torah.
Given these challenging economic times and the loss of employment and income, we know many parents are faced with difficult financial decisions. This fund is not a free ride. It is a support for those of sincere good will who need assistance." Sheila Samson added "two of the principal historic strengths of the Jewish people have been our emphasis on education and our communal orientation toward helping those in need. Through the Samson Kindness Fund, we are gratefully able to achieve both of these lofty goals."
Irving Gelman further announced the formation of a Blue Ribbon Committee to review all applications for assistance from the Samson Kindness Fund. The Committee will consist of Mr. Gelman, Derek Gavshon, long-term Board Member Basil Luck, and Past President Ed Heyman. In addition to the intelligence and sensitivity of these individuals, all of us love TVT and want to ensure that the benefits of TVT continue to be extended throughout our community. In addition, we deliberately chose non-parents for this Committee in order to maximally protect the privacy of all applicants regarding these sensitive matters," said Mr. Gelman. |
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DID YOU KNOW? | | |
Trails of Our People
This column is dedicated to the 11th Graders who will be embarking on the trip of a lifetime.
On June 1st TVT's 11th Graders will be leaving for the Annual Poland/Israel trip: Trails of Our People. They will learn first hand about the rich Jewish life in pre-Nazi Europe; they will see the devastation of the Jewish community under Nazi influence and will end their trip in Israel where they will experience the joys of Jewish Statehood and Jewish self determination.
Each year much preparation goes into to the planning of this amazing trip. This past week we held a final Parent/Student Orientation at which time we distributed the customized TVT Trails of Our People Travel Journals and T-shirts to the students. Additionally, Shalom Shalev facilitated a pre trip hike that focused on tips for hiking, 'outdoor smarts', and concluded with a poem by Primo Levi on
the importance of the past. Today the K-12th Grade TVT Kabbalat Shabbat honored theses students who will be embarking on this journey. We offer the following Bracha/Prayer-Tefillat Ha'Derech
for our Journey.
May it be Your will, LORD, our God and the God of our ancestors, that You lead us toward peace, guide our footsteps toward peace, and make us reach our desired destination for life, gladness, and peace. May You rescue us from the hand of every foe, ambush along the way, and from all manner of punishments that assemble to come to earth. May You send blessing in our handiwork, and grant us grace, kindness, and mercy in Your eyes and in the eyes of all who see us. May You hear the sound of our humble request because You are God Who hears prayer requests. Blessed are You, Adonai, Who hears prayer.
Shabbat Shalom,
Dr. Hakimi Maghen
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DON'T FORGET SUMMER SESSION AT TVT | | Due to popular demand, TVT will host a number of exciting summer programs (open to all OC students). Opportunities include:
Study Skills Boot Camp,
Garage Band, Scrapbooking,
Comics and Culture, Beginning/Intermediate Volleyball,
Guitar, SAT prep, Jewish Paper Cutting and many more!
Click on our new SUMMER PROGRAM PACKET link! |
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SENIOR GRADUATION - 42 SENIORS SPREAD THEIR WINGS | | |
Commencement culminates thirteen years of diligent study - and a week of Senior Legacy Events designed to prepare TVT's graduating class for a successful, safe, and fulfilling future. This year's festivities included a special, student-led Tefillah, self-defense training, the senior circle, yearbook signings, and a lovely awards brunch.
Following an elegant Pre-Reception in the courtyard,
Rabbi Will Berkovitz of the We Repair Foundation gave the commencement address.He spoke of repairing the world by looking out rather than in, of becoming fulfilled by helping others. Other graduation highlights included speeches by Rabbi Heidi Cohen, Acting Head of School, Derek Gavshon, and students Aryeh Kashdan, Aaron Wertheimer and Sabrina Gladstone. Einav Silverstein and Serah Lukoff sang a beautiful rendition of the song For Good, accompanied by Michael Gil on piano. An outstanding Dinner reception followed the cermony culminating with a wonderful video montage of the graduates. It was a sensational evening!
Our sincere thanks to the Graduation Committee for donating their talent (and so much of their time) to make this event truly special: Sharon Chelouche, Vicki Gladstone, Linda Greene, Reega Neutel, Pam Samuels, Gaby Schneider, and Mikki Silverstein.
Thanks also to Blueberry Hill and Hotz Stuff Catering http://hotzstuff.com/ for the delicious fare, and to the TVT Facilities Staff for going above and beyond for all of us.
Stay tuned! A link to watch The Graduation Ceremony of the Class of 2010 will be posted on TVT's website next week |
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INSIDE THE LIONS' DEN | | |
MS Sports:
MS Boys Volleyball improves with every game, despite a series of losses. Coach Pezzner looks forward to a great season in 2011. |
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K-12 ART ON DISPLAY | | |
Wednesday evening's art reception for grades 6th through 12th grades was a smashing success. The art reception for K through 5th grades opened today - come view these amazing exhibits, on display through
You may also notice a unique approach to the US display. According to art teacher, Ms.Pam Martinez, the students were inspired after visiting the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem last summer. "We traveled to Poland and Israel together as a group and were profoundly impacted by the trip," she explains. "The museum, designed by Mosha Safdie, left us feeling confused, enlightened, and moved. We hope that this maze of art will surprise and delight you. There are many rooms, large and small, dark and light, some expand and one is easy to miss." Enjoy the show! |
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COASTLINE CASE STUDIES A PHENOMENAL SUCCESS | | |
On the afternoon of May 17, 2010, TVT partnered with Sage Hill School and St. Margaret's Episcopal School to host the Coastline Case Studies Program. In attendance were 80 college representatives from around the country.
The purpose of the case studies program was for students and families to gain insight into the inner workings of the college admissions committee process.
Student and families met, in small workshops, as an admission committee for an imaginary college: Red Brick University. In each workshop committee, they were guided by actual college admission counselors as they discussed four mock-college applications. As a group, they decided which students to accept, waitlist, and deny. Through this activity our students and families began to understand the ways in which a college application is read, the common mistakes made by many applicants, and the nuance that plays into application review.
Rising TVT juniors can look forward to participating in the 2011 program.
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LAST CHANCE - 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 Africa |
Watch the videos and vote for TVT here: http://www.peje.org/programs/2010_assembly/schedule/awards-marketing-video.php
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ABOVE AND BEYOND FOR COLLEGE PREP | | | Aside from the phenomenal experience of Coastline Case Studies, TVT's juniors also enjoyed a visit from alumni who came to speak with the 11th grade, giving advice about applying to college, what to look for, and how to make connections when they are in college. Thank you to Spencer Wampole (06), Alex Matros (09), Danielle Lazerson (09), Jared Ginsburg (09) and David English (08).
Your advice and time were really appreciated! |
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TVT TEACHER PUBLISHED | | |
Congratulations to Leighann Pennington, TVT's beloved sixth grade History and English teacher, who last week learned that one of her articles will be published in book form! The article, entitled "Engaging Gifted Boys in Reading and Writing," was featured in the September 2008 edition of Parenting for High Potential magazine (published through the National Association for Gifted Children) and will be featured in the upcoming Best of Parenting for High Potential book!
The editor, Dr. Jennifer Jolly, told Ms. Pennington that the book will be available through NAGC, Prufrock Press, and bookstores like Borders and Barnes and Noble will be carrying it as well. The book will be released sometime this fall. |
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YEAR END BOOK RETURNS - AVOID LATE CHARGES! | | |
Every middle and upper school student has received a list of items checked out of the library.
Please be sure that your student returns all textbooks and other materials BEFORE the last day of school, June 11.
After that date, outstanding materials will be billed to your account. If you are a parent of an 11th grader, kindly remind your student to return all textbooks before departure to Poland/Israel. If your student is travelling to Ecuador, please be sure that all books are returned before the June 11 deadline.
Please call the TVT Library if you have questions about items checked out. (949)509-9500, ext 3017. |
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UPCOMING SCHOOL CLOSURE | | |
TVT will be closed Monday, May 31 to commemorate Memorial Day. Classes resume June 1, 2010.
Thank you! |
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