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PARSHAT OF THE WEEK - KORACH | |
This week's parsha describes the rebellion of Korach and his cohorts against Moshe and the supremacy of Torah within Jewish society.
It seems that there is a latent death wish that lurks within Jewish society that does not allow it to free itself from repeating terrible mistakes over and over again. The generation of the desert saw miracles, even God's presence, so to speak, on a regular basis and nevertheless constantly escalates its defiance and rebellion against its special role in human civilization. It really is a form of regret on the part of many Jews in the desert to having accepted the Torah carte blanche at Sinai. This group did not intend to be a chosen people. The plaintive cry of "let us just return to Egypt" is really a cry that "we wish to be just like all other peoples!" And it is a situation that repeats itself in almost every generation of Jewish life.
The struggle within Jews and Jewish society in all ages is whether to accept its God-given role as a "treasure amongst all nations" or to somehow renounce all pretense of being a special people. The choices are not really portrayed as being that stark. Rather, it reflects itself in a continuum of Jewish observance, adherence to Jewish values and the willingness to remain proudly Jewish in a world that is hostile to Jews, a Jewish state and Judaism itself. Korach wraps his personal animosity towards Moshe and his frustration of not achieving the recognition that he feels is due him within a cloak of holiness and altruism. Hypocrisy always abounds, especially amongst those that judge others. The self-righteous give righteousness itself a bad name.
The claims of Korach which he speaks in the name of democracy, that all the people are holy and worthy of leadership, resound in classical correctness. They are hard to argue against and certainly have great public resonance and appeal. The problem with Korach's appeal and words is that they are basically fraudulent. Moshe's stature is determined by God and has been vindicated throughout the ages of Jewish history. There are no truly unbiased people in the world. But there are those that, at the very least, recognize their bias and attempt to deal with it honestly and intelligently. Hypocrisy is the attempt to cover up the bias with false nobility of purpose and affected altruism. It is a reprehensible character trait, far greater in potential destructiveness than is open enmity itself. This is what made Korach so dangerous and why Moshe's determination to publicly expose and punish him so strident and insistent. The tragedy of Korach lies not only his own personal downfall but rather in the havoc and confusion that it created in the Jewish society. It is a situation that repeats itself today as well. Rabbi Berel Wein
Shabbat Shalom! |
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A FEW WORDS FROM DEREK GAVSHON. . . | | |
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for entrusting us with your children this past year. It is an honor to be a part of the process that turns the apprehension of a new year into the sea of happy, smiling faces that has covered the campus these past months. It has been my pleasure to see your children progress in their education and participate and excel in the many extra curricular opportunities that are provided. When you joined us for the numerous award ceremonies, you caught a glimpse of what I see everyday: the incredible success of our students, the many friendships, strong community and excellent character built on TVT's values of Truth, Kindness, Respect, Community, Repairing the World, and Justice.
Thank you for all the support, encouragement and kindness that you given to me over the last few years. Rabbi Seth Linfield will be our new Head of School, effective July 1st, 2010. He will be working with the Administrative team over the summer break and this will be a good opportunity for you to come and meet him. Please join me in welcoming him and his family to our community. I hope that you will show him the same support that I have enjoyed.
Have a safe summer! Enjoy the break with your family and friends.
Derek |
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REMINDER! CONTRACTS DUE | | |
If you have yet to submit your 2010-11 contract, please do so. On time submission helps TVT compile classes, schedules, and prepare for the upcoming year. Concerns or Questions? Contact the Business Office. Thank you! |
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DEADLINE FOR SUMMER SESSION AT TVT EXTENDED | |
The enrollment deadline for Math Facts, Bridge to Alebra II, Pre-SAT, and Study Skills Boot Camp & Volleyball have been extended until June 18th!
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TVT STUDENTS HONORED FOR VOLUNTEERISM | | |
Joey Earl
9th Grade . |
TVT Volunteers Shine...
Atara Zwiren
10th Grade  |
Alex Neiman 9th Grade |
Monica Schnapp
Class of 2010  |
TVT Students, Alex Neiman (9th Grade), Joey, Earl (9th Grade), Atara Zwiren (10th Grade) and Monica Schnapp (Class of 2010) earned the President's Service Award (Gold Level) for Volunteering over 250 hours this past year.
We're very proud of these students who so perfectly embody the value of Kehillah, community. More information can be found here: Presidential Service Awards |
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TVT STUDENT NAMED OC SHINING STUDENT | | |
Congratulations to Sabrina Gladstone (Class of 2010), named one of OC Families Top Students of the Year!
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POLAND/ISRAEL VIDEO DIARY | |
At Kabbalat Shabbat this morning we enjoyed a live video chat with students in Israel - as well as a time for parents and students to connect and send greetings. Catch the call on the Group Website by clicking on this link: Shabbat Call
11th Grade Students on Poland/Israel Trip |
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"O" AMBASSADOR ECUADOR UPDATE | | |
After spending the day with a local women's group learn about their income generating projects, the life of women in Quichua communities, and how to shear a sheep, our "O" Ambassadors have been hard at work painting the walls and pouring the concrete sidewalk for a school dining hall and kitchen in the community of Totoras.
 In unrelenting rain they continued on to a new community and began working there after finishing the cafeteria and kitchen in Tortoras. |
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MIDDLE SCHOOL - MOVING ON! | |
5th Grade Promotion
Forty-seven 5th Graders were promoted to 6th Grade last Wednesday evening, making the class of 2017 one of the largest in TVT's history!
MS Carnival
Thursday, they enjoyed an end of the year carnival including bungee races, a gyro, cotton candy, Hawaiian shave ice, Mr. Zoppo's incredible balloon swords, and fun face painting!
 Parents, grandparents, family, friends and students gathered in the Upper School for a very special 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony. Highlights included performances by the Garage Band and TVT Dance, a reception and the presentation of personalized keepsake boxes and promotion certificates for each student.
Kol HaKavod to you all!
Middle School Core Value Awards  >
The 2010 Core Value Awards were announced at a lovely ceremony this morning. This year's recipients include: Emet- Truth- Ronnie Hecht,(8th Grade)  This student never tries to make excuses, for anything. When asked a question, she will give a direct answer, honestly discuss any event she has witnessed. In short she has exemplified her truthfulness both inside and outside the classroom. She is also kind to her peers and teachers and understands that truth can be a weapon when used improperly. It is for these reasons that this year's Emet award goes to Ronnie Hecht.
Hesed-Kindness- Vivian Herscovitz Although new to our school this year, this person's kindness and support of her classmates can be felt throughout the Middle school. It begins each day with a friendly smile and wave as she walks into school and continues throughout the day. Her classmates can always turn to her for support, whether it's an extra kippah or someone to confide in. She exemplifies Hesed in everything she does.
The Hesed award is presented to Vivian Herscovitz.
Kavod-Respect- Tristan Levinson Hayes
 This student cannot walk down the hall without saying hello to every teacher he passes. In class he is focused, polite and always respectful. His history teacher refers to him as "the most respectful kid I ever met".
This year's Kavod award is presented to Tristan Levinson Hayes. Klal Yisrael- Community- Alexia Lieberman This student has embodied the spirit of community throughout her time in middle school. As a member of the student council she not only attended every social event but encouraged her peers to do so as well. She is always working to bring the eighth grade closer together and even helped plan the end of the year party for her math class. This year's Klal Yisrael award is presented to Alexia Lieberman. Tikun Olam- Repairing the World- Claire Gruber
 This person has been described by middle school teachers as "A ray of sunshine and positive encouragement to all students". She is a peacemaker and proponent of friendship and always coordinates projects for those in need. Recently, she won the Girl Scouts' Silver Award for her extensive community service work; from blanket drives to running the children's camp at a Relay for Life event, she is always there to lend a hand.
The Tikun Olam award is presented to Claire Gruber. Tsedek- Justice- Jenna Neutel
 This student exemplifies the value of Tzedek both inside and outside the classroom. She is never quick to judge others, defends those who have been treated unfairly and behaves in a way that encourages those around her to trust her judgement.
For this reason this year's Tsedek award goes to Jenna Neutel.
Congratulations, we are proud of each and every one of you! |
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LS STUDENTS ACE READING COUNTS COMPETITION | | |
Congratulations to the fifty-seven students who participated in this year's Reading Counts program, reading a cumulative total of 44,505,752 words and 1,670 books! Each student received a stuffed lion, and certificates were given to all kids who achieved their 100 point goal.
Grade level Champions with the most points for 2010 were :
2nd - Kaelyn Pieter
3rd - Dagney Goren
4th - Raquel Zeleznick5th - Ivara Roth
GREAT JOB! |
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LS ART TEACHER RECEIVES AWARD | | |
MAZEL TOV to Lower School Art teacher, Helaine Yeskel, for receiving the Exemplary Program Award from the California Art Education Association!!! This is a major accomplishment! Of course, anyone who saw her students' remarkable work at this year's Culminate and Celebrate will not be surprised.
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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.
Please call the TVT Library if you have questions about items checked out. (949)509-9500, ext 3017. |
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HAVE A GREAT SUMMER VACATION! | |
Best wishes from the faculty and staff at TVT!
It has been a great year, and we have loved every minute we've had with you, your children and the wonderful community that is TVT.
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