|
|
|
|
|
HEADMASTER'S MESSAGE |
This week's Torah portion of Yitro is most famous for containing the story of the Kabbalat HaTorah, the receiving of the Torah on Mount Sinai. However, the parsha opens with a different story, that of Yitro, Moshe's father-in-law, who heard about the momentous events that happened for, and to, the Jewish people and came hurrying to join them. According to one school of thought in the Talmud, this incident actually happened later, after the Torah was already given. Its placement here, at the beginning of parshat Yitro, is thus out of chronological order. "If so," ask the commentators, "why was it put here?" Rabbi Boruch Simon suggests that the story of Yitro's impassioned journey to join the Jewish people offers us valuable lessons about how to properly receive the Torah. Rabbi Simon explains that Yitro was an important tribal leader in Midian. He enjoyed a life of great wealth and prestige. But, he was willing to forsake all of that in order to link his future destiny with that of Bnei Yisrael. This serves as an eternal model of dedication and the willingness to make sacrifices for what one believes in. That is why Yitro's story is placed where it is and why it deserves to be studied and remembered."
Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Zvi Kahn |
|
|
Matthew Rodier, Susie Wilhelm and Chaya Andrusier raise
their glasses in a toast.
And with pleasure, the sixth- and seventh-graders ate and learned about medieval customs.
Rabbi Kahn and Mrs. Hershfield led the serving team, pouring mead (apple juice) and serving the roast beast (grilled cheese sandwiches).
Minstrels Tal Benatar and Aaron Portman danced about and entertained the diners with their flutes. Juggler Danny Lebowitz tossed tennis balls about.
And everyone had to honor the vernacular phrasing of the time: "Good morrow, your grace." "Shall we dine?" "Good sir, give here some bread." "Methinks the meat is too dry."
Social studies teacher Sage Thompson snapped photos and gave instructions, and everyone had a blast with this curricular unit on the historical period of lords and ladies.
"The feast was fun," said Susie Wilhelm. "I liked how we spoke like we were in the Medieval time. I also liked how we got to boss around the parents and Rabbi Kahn and Mrs. Hershfield like they were servants."
The lessons began with a study of the era. Students presented reports on daily life, politics, history and culture, covering such subjects as the monarchy, the Crusades, the Plague and treatment of Jews during the period.
On Wednesday, students put on hats and gathered for games in the gym, including a realy, fencing and archery. Then came the feast, held in the old library. Servers, who included Columbus Jewish community shaliach Avi Kagan, teacher Dr. Matthew Kennedy, and parent Susie Bality, brought out the meal and cleaned up afterward.
After lunch, students heard a guest speaker, Daniel Colvin, who demonstrated papermaking and calligraphy.
"I thought it was an awesome way to spend the day," said Roston Shore. "It must have been fun to plan. I hope that the teachers can continue the creativity."
 |
|
PREVIEW OF THE WEEK |
Sunday, February 7: Bingo! Come Volunteer!
Monday, February 8: Macaroni & Cheese-Volunteer: Y. Levi
Executive Board Meeting, 7:30pm
Tuesday, February 9: Tacos-Volunteer: M. Sobol
Wednesday, February 10: Pizza-Volunteer: L. Blumberg
HS Mishmar, 4-5:30pm
Thursday, February 11: BBQ Chicken-Volunteer: J. Karmia
PLAN Test, Grade 10
Friday, February 12: Tuna-Volunteer: D. Meyer |
|
DATES TO REMEMBER |
Monday, February 15: President's Day - - NO SCHOOL
Wednesday, February 17: Build Your Own Sub Dinner, 5:30pm;
Upper School Open House & Achievement Fair, 6:30pm
Friday, February 19: Lower School Dress Down Day
February 23-24: Pizza Dinner, 6pm; High School Play, "Yellow Tulips," 7:30pm
Friday, February 26: Purim Festivities |
|
SPORTS |
Saturday, February 6, 2010
HOME Basketball Game vs. Granville Christian
HS Boys, 8:00pm
Monday, February 8, 2010
HOME Basketball Tournament Game vs. Liberty Christian
Jr High Boys, 5pm
AWAY Basketball Game vs. Village Academy
HS Girls, 6pm
Thursday, February 11, 2010
SENIOR NIGHT HOME Basketball Games vs. Madison Christian
HS Girls, 6:30pm
vs. TBA
HS Boys, 8pm
Saturday, February 13, 2010
HOME Basketball Game vs. Granville Christian
HS Girls, 8:00pm |
|
SCRIP UPDATE - PLACES TO PURCHASE SCRIP |
|
Monday-Thursday, 8:00am-4:00pm
Friday, 8:00am-2:00pm CTA Scrip Office, 864-0299 ext. 112 or contact Aliza Finegold at 239-6356 or scrip@torahacademy.org.
REMEMBER: Target Take Charge of Education Program; SchoolMall; Box Tops for Education; turn in paper for recycling in the bin in the upper school parking lot, and empty inkjet cartridges into the box at the school entrance. To view the vendors participating in the Scrip Program go to CTA Scrip List.
Yossick's is offering pizza after Shabbos and a delicious Sunday brunch. Get your Yossick's scrip and give them a try. Yossick's is located at 539 South 5th Street in German Village.
Gili's Goodies: Miss your kids, family and friends in Israel? Send them a gift basket, birthday cake, balloons or other treats for any occasion from Gili's Goodies, a bakery and gift basket company in Jerusalem. CTA will receive 10% of your order. Call 1-866-721-7292 or go to www.gilisgoodies.com.
Giant Eagle's "Apples for the Student" Program runs until March 31, 2010. The school ID Number is 4389.
GIVE & GET: We invite all parents to take an active part in the education of our children by becoming involved at CTA as a volunteer. We hope each family will contribute at least 20 hours in the 2009-2010 school year. There are many ways to volunteer. Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Robin Garvin, at 235-0350 or rgar234@yahoo.com, to get involved.
|
|
MAZAL TOV TO: |
Scott Shulman (Class of '05) on his engagement to Deena Rendel
Debbie Weinerman (Class of '04) on her engagement to Nadav Recca
Edwin and Cigarette Parks on Hava becoming a Bat Mitzvah |
|
THANK YOU TO: |
|
Pearl Ben moshe, Robin Garvin and Joni Schottenstein for their help with the H1N1 clinic last Friday. |
|
CHECKING OUT THE SEVENTH GRADE |
|
Sixth-grade students enjoyed Middle School Preview day on Wed., Feb. 3. Following the Upper School Parent Breakfast, the sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-graders convened in the shul for a program. Eighth graders had prepared a power point presentation about middle school academics and activities and seventh-graders sat on a panel and answered prepared questions from the sixth-graders. Sixth-graders then accompanied them to class and enjoyed Mr. Guinan's English literature, Dr. Kennedy's science, and Rabbi Boiangiu and Mrs. Aronowitz's Judaics classes. |
|
PTO PURIM CARDS |
Wishing You a Joyous Purim!
The CTA PTO is selling Purim cards again this year. In lieu of sending tranditional Mishloach Manot to your friends and family, you can support the PTO. These colorful postcard-size cards are designed by a lower school art class. A pack of 15 cards is available for $15. Purim 2010/5770 falls this year on February 28. To receive your order by February 18, please call Agi Hartstein at 239-8760 by Feb. 10. |
|
STUDENTS LEARN THAT "EVERYBODY COUNTS" |
"Annoyed." "Frustrated." "Lost."
These were a few of the words fourth-graders used to describe how they felt when being given directions so fast they could barely keep up. And it's exactly the reaction Robin Hoffman was looking for. The parent volunteer was teaching the students how their peers with learning disabilities and processing difficulties feel when they can't follow along in class.
Hoffman was one of several parents who came to CTA during the week to teach lessons from Everybody Counts, a national program that helps kids appreciate how their peers with differences perceive and navigate the world.
In kindergarten, volunteers led children in exercises simulating visual, hearing and motor impairment. First-graders took part in simulation activities including a "trust walk," Braille instruction and mobility exercises using a cane. Third-graders learned about living with developmental disabilities, including motor impairment and eye-hand coordination problems, impairment of sense of touch, and learning problems. Other topics included motor and orthopedic disabilities, chronic conditions (such as anorexia) and serious illnesses. High school students will be part of a presentation Wednesday.
The rest of Hoffman's presentation involved asking a handful of students to role-play, with one of them posing as a student with motor control problems, one as a bully who makes fun of him and a few others as onlookers who must decide what to do.
Nearby, parent Rabbi Michael Ungar helped a group of kids tape their hands, place them inside of socks-then perform two tasks. First they reached into a bag to identify objects inside, then they put on shirts and buttoned them. Most had trouble and became frustrated quickly.
Ungar, whose four children attend CTA including fourth-grader Liat, said people don't often understand the constellation of challenges, including difficulties with fine motor skills that developmentally or cognitively disabled people also deal with. "This is experiential, so hopefully students get a sense of what it's like to deal with this stuff," he said.
In the second grade, volunteers Joni Schottenstein and Kim Binksy, and Schottenstein's daughter Gila, taught about deafness. Schottenstein showed the kids a model of the ear and explained how sounds are detected. Gila, who wears hearing aids, helped show the students how to sign their names and various words, such as "lion," "flower," "girl," "boy," "mother," and "father."
In gym class, teacher Matt Bailey asked various lower-school students to tape their arms, wear gloves, put on blindfolds, use crutches and use a wheelchair, then participate in simple games to simulate the challenges that many student athletes face.
Delman, a CTA parent and the school counselor who taught the program this year and last, said she enjoys watching the kids come up with their own observations. "The kids learn ways that they could help people who have challenges. They learn about some of the things that are hard for other people to do."
|
SAY IT IN HEBREW
a weekly column by Galit Golan, Hebrew Language Coordinator |
It's already been a week since Tu B'Shevat, the birthday for the trees.
Upper grade students celebrated Tu B'Shevat with their own unique seder. We used a Tu B'Shevat Haggadah that was inspired by the Jewish sages from the city of Sefad.
During the week before Tu B'Shevat, the students researched and wrote about plants and trees that are common in Israel. In the Seder, each group presented the information they gathered, or retold an agadah or midrash in their own words.
In the Haggadah, we found an interesting comparison between the Tu B'Shevat Seder and Passover seders: at Passover we eat matzot, and at Tu B'Shevat we eat fruit. At the Passover Seder we usually drink red wine. During the Tu B'Shevat Seder we drink white and red wine. During Passover we tell the story of the exodus from Egypt, and during Tu B'Shevat we give thanks for the fruit of Israel.שבוע טוב ושבת שלום.
|
|
ENROLLMENT AGREEMENTS |
Enrollment Agreements are due February 15, 2010. After that date a late fee of $200 applies. |
|
HOT LUNCH FORMS |
Lunch forms and past due balances were due on January 19. Please send in all forms immediately. |
|
NATIONAL MERIT FINALIST |
Mazal Tov to Tehila Wenger for advancing in the competition to be named a National Merit Finalist! We wish Tehila luck in the selection process for a Merit Scholarship. |
|
MONEY FROM FEDERATION FOR STUDENTS TRAVELING TO ISRAEL |
As students plan for the remainder of their high school year, and upcoming college admission, they should keep in mind that The Columbus Jewish Federation has grants available for both long and short term Israel Experience programs. During High School, teen grants are available for up to $2,000. As college students, and post-university, ages 18 -27, they are also entitled to a second grant, valued up to $2,500 for an approved trip. Scholarships, based on financial need are available, one time, for an additional $2,000. Please call Nancy Rosen at 559-3250 for a grant application or with any questions. She is also happy to help you research the different programs and additional funding sources. |
|
MONEY FOR COLLEGE |
College Goal Sunday offers FREE, professional help filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). College Goal Sunday will begin promptly at 2:00 pm on February 14, 2010 at the Newark Campus, Reese Center. In addition to the Newark Campus, College Goal Sunday is being offered in more than 40 locations in Ohio. Site and registration information is available at http://www.ohiocollegegoalsunday.org. |
|
EARN HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE CREDIT SIMULTANEOUSLY |
The Post Secondary Enrollment Option (PSEO) allows some high school students to enroll in college classes at Columbus State or Ohio State. If the courses are taken over the summer, the student is responsible for all fees. If the courses are taken during the school year, there is often state funding available. The following two links (http://www.cscc.edu/USE and http://www-afa.adm.ohio-state.edu/undergrad/academy/) give more information about these programs - one at CSCC and one at OSU. Contact Mrs. Delman with any questions. |
|
FOOD DRIVE |
|
Presented by the
Lower School Student Council
to benefit the Mid-Ohio Food Bank
Please bring canned and packaged (unopened)
foods to CTA.
Students will deposit them in boxes in their classrooms. |
|
DAVID & IRENE COLE ESSAY CONTEST |
The David & Irene Cole Essay Contest is Back: "How I will perpetuate my Jewish knowledge and practice as a college freshman and why." The contest is open to any Columbus area Jewish high school senior graduating in Spring 2010. For more information and for an application go to:
|
|
UPPER SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE & ACHIEVEMENT FAIR |
|
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
5:30 p.m.
Build Your Own Sub Dinner
Including: Chips or pretzels, coleslaw, dessert, beverage
$5.00
6:30 p.m.
Program in the Shul
Ohio Ed Choice renwals and applications
9th Grade Incentive Package Enrollment Agreements available
High School Course Registration for 2010
Junior High and High School Highlights
Sneak Preview of High School Play, "Yellow Tulips"
Surprise Announcement
7:00 p.m.
Exhibits and Interactive Activities Galore!
Come browse and share in a fun-filled evening.
COLUMBUS TORAH ACADEMY
Where Tomorrow's Leaders Get Their Start
181 Noe Bixby Road
To RSVP for dinner:
|
|
TZEDAKAH |
|
It has been a time-honored Jewish tradition to give tzedakah in recognition of important events. Todah Rabah to the following for their donation to the Scholarship Fund:
- Jonathan and Agi Hartstein in honor of Avi Kahn's Bar Mitzvah
- Mark and Jean Epstein in memory of Reuven Sukienik and Frank Nutis
- Rick and Terri Barnett and Mrs. Carolyn Asch in memory of Frank Nutis
- Albert and Jaki Keri in honor of Avi Kahn's Bar Mitzvah, in honor of Arik Bality's Bar Mitzvah, and in memory of Frank Nutis
- Robin, Alex, and Gabe Hoffman in memory of Frank Nutis, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, and in honor of Hava Parks becoming a Bat Mitzvah
- William and Frances Bloch in honor of Hava Parks' Bat Mitzvah
- Warren and Marlene Sobol and family in honor of Rabbi & Mrs. Kahn and family, in memory of Frank Nutis, Pearl Ben moshe's father, Tricia Rosenstein's father, Rick Cohen's father, and Harvey Sukienik's father
In memory of Frank Nutis
- Jeffrey and Aliza Levy
- Martin and May Kelsten
- Shirlee and Eugene Cohen
- Liam Fuller
- Gary and Stacy Beckman
- Mike and Hilary Talis
- The Bloch Family
- Marvin and Elaine Pack
- Irving and Helen Smith
- Stacy Leeman, Gary, Yaki, and Yonah Liebesman
- Gil and Shirly Benatar
- Violet and Russell Kutell
To the General Tzedekah Fund:
· Stacy Leeman and Gary Liebesman
· Joel and Freda Margolies
To the A. Leonard and Irene Adler Library Fund:
· Ruth and Buddy Adler in memory of Zayde Frank Nutis and in appreciation of the Kahn's hospitality
Join the roster of CTA supporters! It's easy to remember or honor someone - and benefit CTA. Visit torahacademy.org and click "support CTA." You also may call us at 864-0299, or stop by. |
|
SPONSOR A DAY OF LEARNING |
|
SPONSOR A DAY OF LEARNING IN MEMORY OF
MR. FRANK NUTIS For more information, please contact Rabbi Elbaz at 864-0299. |
 |
PARSHA YITRO QUIZ by Rabbi Zecharia Weitz |
|
1) The Torah tells us that Yitro just brought Tziporah back. Where was she all of this time?
a) Aharon had convinced Moshe not to bring her back with him to Mitzrayim; it was bad enough to have the whole nation in slavery already!
2) What were the names of Moshe's 2 sons?
a) Gershom and Eliezer
3) What was Yitro's advice on how to improve the judicial system?
a) Instead of every question going to Moshe, he should appoint different tiers of judges qualified to answer standard questions. Only especially difficult questions would go to Moshe. This way the Jews would not have to wait on Moshe from day to night.
4) Why did Yitro go back to his land after converting?
a) To convert the rest of his family
5) What was the month and day of the giving of the Torah?
a) 6th of Sivan
6) How many days after leaving Mitzrayim did we receive the Torah?
a) 49
7) What mountain was the Torah given on?
a) Har Sinai - Mount Sinai
8) Challenge: Can you name the Ten Commandments?
9) What was special about the way the Jews heard the Ten Commandments?
a) Initially Hashem said all ten at once (which is something unimaginable) and only afterwards said each individually. (Medrash)
10) What was unique about the thunder at Har Sinai?
a) They were able to see the thunder! (Medrash)
Discussion Questions
1. There are 613 mitzvot, why were only these 10 singled out to be the Ten Commandments?
2. Why was the Torah given specifically 49 days after leaving Mitzrayim? Is that just how long it took to get from point A to point B or is there more to it?
| |
I hope you enjoy the electronic version of our Dateline. Please check out our website at www.torahacademy.org. |
|
|
