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From Mar S. | |
My daughter e-mailed me yesterday morning from Israel with the news of Gilad Shalit's return home. And while we are all concerned with the price paid for that release, we also enjoy the moment of a family and of a people reuniting with a loved one.
People often ask me why Jewish day school. In fact, this week, I had a long discussion with a pre-school parent who was curious as to the academic achievement of our graduates as well as the why of day school.
As a sought-after feeder school to several elite high schools, as well public magnet schools and Jewish high schools, Levine Academy can list the academic achievements pretty easily, but most specifically in two areas:
1) Enriched Academics - There is a reason that Prof Alan Dershowitz says that you can pick out the day school graduates in his law classes. The reason resides in the intellectual ferment of Jewish studies. Our Tradition is not merely a repository of nice stories but a vast compendium of law and ethics that are constantly being questioned and tested. This year, we have added a spectacular Mishna (Oral Law) program called Bonayich. If you compare day school with other schools, the question to ask is when the "pre-law" and legal studies begin. In most cases, one might see it in a class on government or mock trial - but at Jewish day schools around the country, it begins very early.
2) The "We" - Jewish day schools speak to a different "we" than other schools. In our school, the history and values of the Jewish People, the Jewish life cycle and calendar, the State of Israel, occupy an important place in the life of our school. In other schools, Israel might be viewed dispassionately as part of a current events class. Jewish holidays might be an interesting ethnic or religious curiosity. Not here.
Today, as we continue to celebrate Gilad's freedom, we note that in our school and in day schools around the country, his family is part of our "we", of who we are.
By choosing day school and Levine Academy in particular, you opt for very enriching academic and religious/cultural experiences for your children.
In this festive season of our joy, may we merit to see going to day school in America as the norm so that our People can continue in the strength and vitality we see at our school.
And Gilad, welcome home son.
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A Thought About Gilad | |
This time for us as Jews is known as Z'man Simchateinu, the time of rejoicing. In an ordinary year we celebrate in our Sukkot, aware of the fragility of the structure, and then move into celebrating the completion and rereading of the Torah. This year we have extra reason for celebration with the safe return of Gilad Shalit, the Israeli soldier taken captive 1,940 days ago. Regardless of political viewpoints, Jews around the world felt the loss of one of our own in his capture.
For years we have led efforts to raise awareness of this situation. We have kept a seat vacant in our prayer spaces to remind us that the Shalit family has an empty place at their table and synagogue, and to remind us that our Jewish community is always responsible for one another. In following this situation, our students have seen Jewish communities come together across the board from the right and the left, they have learned about the tremendous value the Jewish people place on each and every life, and in some ways, they have witnessed a miracle in Gilad Shalit's safe and healthy return to Israel and his family.
Our students were excited when the news broke a week ago about the deal to return Gilad Shalit, and this morning as we joined together in prayer and celebration for Sukkot they brought tears to my eyes as they rejoiced in the news of his freedom. Removing the chair reserved for Gilad Shalit from our bimah was especially poignant for our students.
At this time there are no doubt many mixed emotions, and many prayers to be uttered. We may thank God for the release of the prisoner, or for the good news. We may also pray that this deal causes no future harm or terror for the Jewish people. We may pray that Gilad Shalit and his family know no further pain. Whatever our prayer is, we come together in this moment as a Jewish People and celebrate the value of every Jewish life.
Rabbi Eve Posen
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When I Was Younger
As a child I had a Cabbage Patch doll named Helena Zena. Helena Zena and I went everywhere together, including family vacations. On one such vacation I was holding Helena Zena by the ankle, dragging her on the very bumpy rocks on the shore of one of the Great Lakes. My parents asked me to stop and I responded, "But she likes it!" But of course the truth was that I was the one who liked it.
As children we learn what we like and don't like very quickly. Children are able to engage in a world of discovery and pleasure. When they discover what they like, they prefer to continue to do it over and over again, generally without regard for safety or other children. Children under a certain age lack the cognitive ability to understand self control. While pleasure and pain are two basic instincts, understanding how our actions effect others requires a developed conscience and an understanding of the world that only happens at an older age.
Read more...
You can review all of Rabbi Posen's weekly Parshat teachings by going to the Levine Academy website. Go to News & Events and click Publications or Click Here.
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| ECC | |
CLICK HERE to download this week's ECC Newsletter!
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Invite a friend to Story Friday! 
As a way to introduce new families to Levine Academy's Early Childhood Education, director Sheryl Feinberg hosts Story Friday once monthly, in the ECC Library. Designed for children ages 6 months to 2 yrs not currently enrolled in preschool, Story Friday brings to life our favorite storybook characters using puppetry, flannel boards and music. We celebrate Shabbat, and enjoy Music and Movement, and it all happens between 10 and 11 am. Free to attend: bring a friend and participate for the fun of it all!
Upcoming Story Fridays: October 28 and November 18, 10-11 am. No charge to attend. For more information, please email storyfridays@levineacademy.org, or call Sheryl or Mireille at (972) 248-3032. |
| Beck Lower School | |
THE LOWER SCHOOL IS LOVIN' LEVINE!!
Show your LOVE @ The Lower School Pep Rally
Friday, October 28, 2011
1:40pm until 2:45pm
Donsky Gym
- Performances by our AWESOME cheerleaders,
- 4th grade dance troupe!!
- Introduce & honor our athletes competing in Educare Sports Club!!
- Freeze Dance Competition
DRESS IN YOUR STALLION BEST!!
GET YOUR POSTERS, POM POMS AND NOISEMAKERS READY!!
The Donsky gym will be split into grade levels and there will be a spirit contest to see which grade has the most spirit!! The grade levels will be judged on spiritwear participation, posters, banners, decorations and noise!! Grades are welcome to decorate their areas of the gym on Thursday, October 27 from 3:30pm until 4:30pm.
The winning grade will receive a free dress day!!
Get a head start on your child's spirit by ordering Spirit Tags today.
CLICK HERE for a Pre-order form or buy them now.
Every child will receive one so no one will miss out.
Collect them all!
Contact Rachel Nicholas for more information.
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| Mishna Studies | |
From Rabbi Katzman:
In the Levine Academy's Mishna program for middle school, students have just completed a project on Mishna Sukka 3:4. This Mishna describes the laws about the mitzvah of lulav and about how Jewish law sometimes counts something as a mitzvah even when circumstances prevent a person from doing the entire mitzvah. Students made a poster about the Mishna and they pantomimed or acted out the shinun (traditional chant) of the mishna. Here is an example of a video by Aaron Hoffman and Jonah Fleisher pantomiming the mishna. When they pantomime the Mishna, they show the midrashic interpretation of the mitzvah of lualav, which argues that each part of the lulav symbolizes a different body part and a person shakes a lulav to say that they will use all of their body and senses only for good.
Presenting Aaron and Jonah - Masters of Mishnah!
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Masters of Mishnah A&J |
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| All School | |
Simchat Torah is this Thursday evening and Friday.
Celebrate the Torah- bring your kids to shul!
All area synagogues have services-
make this a day of celebration!
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 Reminder:
Parent Association
Insbrook Wrapping Paper Fundraiser
October 17th - October 31st
Please contact Leslie Krajmalnik at leslie@illumen.net
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STALLION STOP SPECIAL HOURS:
Thursday, October 27th 2:30-4:00pm
in preparation for spirit day on OCTOBER 28th!!!
COMING SOON SPECIAL HOURS FOR GRANDPARENTS DAY
TEACHER MADE GIFT ITEMS AND CHANUKAH ITEMS!
We've Got Spirit! Yes, WE do!
We've Got Spirit! How 'bout you????
Show YOUR Spirit! Flag your Friends!
Let's all Flag the weekend of October 27th!!!!
*COME FIND OUT WHAT FLAGGING IS ALL ABOUT
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Volleyball News!!! 
Dani Milner and Shira Hovav are the two girls that were selected to play in the All-Star Volleyball game on Tuesday October 18. These two girls represented Levine Academy with pride and heart. It was the first time Dani and Shira have ever played on the same team as their rivals. In the short amount of time that they had, they did the best they could.
It was a tough match in which they fell 21-25 and 10-25. The girls were excited to be able to show their talent in this All-Star game due to the fact that they missed this opportunity last year. The game was a great way to end their volleyball season.
From Coach Al, "As their coach sitting in the stands watching, I was very proud of all of their accomplishments this past season. There was never a day that I had to ask these two to give me more effort. They always gave 110% everyday and I am very grateful for them."
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| Simchas, Mazal Tovs and Mitzvahs! | |
Mazal Tovs
Another grandchild for Stella Raphael!
This time a granddaughter named Adee Sarah Raphael born 10/17/2011.
Mazal Tov to her parents, Guy and Mimzi Raphael!
Mitzvahs!
Talia Lurie is collecting toiletry items for the patients' families at Children's Hospital. This is to support the Jewish Federation Younger Set mitzvah project for Mitzvah Day.
The following items are needed:
Please bring these items to school and drop them off in the labeled box by the Greeter's Desk. Thank you for helping Talia support Young Set and Mitzvah Day!
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Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas Mitzvah Day | |
Community wide Mitzvah Day is approaching and Dallas has over 2000 people registered to date! Please remember the following:
1) Registration will close Wednesday, October 26, so please register ASAP.
2) Please bring items for the various drives we are collecting for and put into the boxes located at your agency. Many locations are depending on our community's ability to collect those items.
Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas
Mitzvah Day
October 30, 2011
Levine Academy is participating in Mitzvah Day with landscaping projects at the campus from 10am-12pm on October 30th.
To join the fun, please click HERE to register at the JFGD website.
Become one of the 4,000 people to participate all over Dallas on this special day!
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| Community |
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Glitterati Boutique  presented by Altrusa
On Sunday, October 30th, from noon - 5:00 PM, Altrusa International of Dallas will present their 7th annual art and gift boutique, featuring local crafters and artists.
The event will be held at Tiferet Israel Synagogue, 10909 Hillcrest Road, Dallas, TX 75230.
The boutique is the annual Altrusa fundraiser, benefiting the Vogel Alcove, Scottish Rite Children's Hospital, North Texas Food Bank, the Callier Center, DUNK (Dallas Uniforms for Needy Kids), the Letot Center, various literacy projects, micro-loans for women in developing countries, and a variety of other agencies. There will also be a dog adoption fair on site. Lunch will be for sale by Natalie's Kitchen, dietary laws observed. Come support local artisans and many great causes!
After a morning of "good deeds" on Mitzvah Day, the community is invited to participate in another mitzvah, shopping for a cause at the Glitterati Boutique, coordinated by Lili Feingold. For more information: www.altrusadallas.org or Facebook, Altrusa Glitterati
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Yavneh Lunch & Learn with Guest Speaker Roberta Clark
October 27, 2011
11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
The Impact of Electronic Hatred: Understanding and Responding to Cyberbullying
Yavneh Academy is pleased to welcome guest-speaker Roberta Clark, Associate Regional Director of the North Texas/Oklahoma Regional Office of the Anti-Defamation League, to discuss the epidemic of cyberbullying and the lasting effect it can have.
Ms. Clark graduated from the University of Houston with a degree in Political Science. She holds dual M.A. degrees in Jewish Education and Jewish Studies from Gratz College in Melrose Park, PA.
To RSVP please contact the Admissions Office at 214-295-3419 or at admissions@yavnehdallas.org. |
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Synagogue Events | |
Congregation Anshai Torah
Congregation Anshai Torah and Levine Academy Middle School students invite you to join in a special program on Simchat Torah morning!
Friday, October 21, 2011, 10:15a.m.-12:00p.m., at Congregation Anshai Torah
Special programs will be run by the Anshai/Levine Academy Middle School students for the following groups: Preschool, Kindergarten-First Grade, and Second-Fourth Grade
Age appropriate services, yom tov appropriate art projects, games, stories. Join the main sanctuary for Torah processional and special aliyah for the children. Kiddush lunch following services. Fun for all and a great way to extend the celebration! Parents are invited to join services in the main sanctuary.
R.S.V.P. to wweinberg@levineacademy.org to facilitate proper planning.
Friday 11/4- 6:00PM-6:30PM-Congregation Anshai Torah will have a short reception before services to honor Rabbi Weinberg on receiving his Honorary Doctorate.
Tuesday 11/8 - Congregation Anshai Torah Plano Area Sr. High School Lunch- Free lunch for Plano area Jewish high school students in 11th & 12th grades, 11:30AM-1:15PM. Both lunches. Contact: Helaine Kramsky, helaine.kramsky@anshaitorah.org, 972-473-7718.
Friday 11/11- 6:30PM- Congregation Anshai Torah Tot Shabbat-During Fri. night services families will be led in a Shabbat service upstairs with prayers, songs & stories. Then everyone will join Rabbi Weinberg and the congregation in the main sanctuary for a special children's blessing on the bima. Contact: Al Eisenberg, ecdirector@anshaitorah.org,, 972-473-7718.
Sunday 11/13 -Congregation Anshai Torah Hazak will have 2 guest speaker programs: 7PM- Stuart Prescott & Myra Edenson with the Dallas Jewish Community Foundation followed at 7:30PM with a Dessert reception with Dr. Anthony Macaluso, Jr. speaking on "Is Kosher Food Good for Your Colon"? Held in the Social Hall. RSVP by 11/6 to Del Matsil, delnbob@ flash.net.
Congregation Shearith Israel
Simchat Torah at Shearith Israel honoring Randy Fleisher and Dr. Joel Roffman
Thursday October 20th 6:30pm-8:00pm* CSI Douglas
All ages will have fun as we dance and eat and celebrate! (with plenty of L'Chaims for the adults!) Our Caramel Apple Feast will conclude our evening of fun. * Babysitting as always will be offered for the little ones.
Congregation Shearith Israel and Levine Academy Middle School students invite you to join in a special program on Simchat Torah morning!
Friday, October 21, 2011, 10:00a.m.-12:00a.m., at Congregation Shearith Israel
Special programs will be run by the CSI/Levine Academy Middle School students for the following groups: Preschool, Kindergarten-First Grade, and Second-Fourth Grade
Age appropriate services, yom tov appropriate art projects, games, stories. Join the main sanctuary for Torah processional and special aliyah for the children. Kiddush lunch following services. Fun for all and a great way to extend the celebration! Parents are invited to join services in the main sanctuary.
R.S.V.P. to wweinberg@levineacademy.org to facilitate proper planning.
Simchat Torah at Shearith Israel honoring Randy Fleisher and Dr. Joel Roffman
Friday, October 21nd 9am- 12:30pm
Join us at 9am for more fun, aliyot for all & a deluxe Kiddush lunch following services. Special treats for the children following Shearith's famous Torah Roll where we unroll the Torah for all to see!
Clothing Drive Continues
Now that school has started and you're cleaning out closets, consider donating your children's clothing to the World Wear Project. We take clothes, purses, hats, etc., all year long. Your donations translate into a monetary donation back to the Mitzvah Fund to support our ongoing community projects. For more information, contact Shirley Davidoff 214.987.2515 or sdavidoff@civadallas.com.
Temple Emanu-El
Tot Shabbat - Saturday, October 22, 2011 - 9:00 a.m.
Tot Shabbat is geared towards families with young children who wish to come and capture that special SHABBAT FEELING! Stories, dance and music will be a part of the spiritual experience. Please join us to celebrate with your child and other young families at Temple. The Tot Shabbat program welcomes all children up to age five and their families.
Soul-Singing: Jewish Music as Spiritual Practice
Saturday, October 22, 2011 - 12:00 - 1:15 p.m. in Linz Hall
A new learning opportunity with Cantor Cohn
How can music connect us more deeply to heart and spirit, cultivate inner qualities and illuminate Jewish texts? Explore these and other topics as we sing our way through Elul, the Days of Awe and the fall Festivals, utilizing various forms of melody.
We will join together for lunch at noon in Linz Hall. You can order a box lunch for $7.00 in advance or bring your own.
Contact Nancy Rivin at nrivin@tedallas.org or 214-706-0000 for more information.
ShabbaTogether - Friday, October 28, 2011 - 6:15 pm
Enjoyable service for children and adults with a delicious, affordable dinner, arts & crafts, ga ga, and music. A great way to spend ShabbaTogether! Join us on the 4th Friday of each month at 6:15 p.m. Cost for each dinner: $5 for children 10 and under, $10 for adults. Buy a ShabbaTogether Season Pass! Children: $35, Adults $70 (7 dinners) To register for dinner or buy a season pass please visit www.tedallas.org/shabbatogether or contact Carolyne Ojwang at cojwang@tedallas.org or 214-706-0000 x131 |
| Head of School's Suggestion Box | |
Levine Academy is your school. So, we want to your great ideas and suggestions. Please send them straight to our Head of School, Mark Stolovitsky, by emailing to suggestions@levineacademy.org.
We look forward to hearing from you! And, thank you so much to the person who suggested the suggestion box! |
| Archived eNewsletters |
To review past Levine Academy eNewsletters, please Click Here! You will find a list of archived eNewsletters for the 2011-2012 school year. |
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