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HEADMASTER'S MESSAGE |
In this week's Torah portion of Ki Tisa, we read about a census that Moshe was commanded to conduct. This is a very timely subject as we have all heard about the massive U.S. Census 2010 project that is presently underway. However, it is important to note that the Torah's concept of a census differs from the modern idea in two very important ways. First, in Moshe's census each individual not only registered himself, he also described his lineage so that his family and tribe could be listed in the records as well. Second, each person was required to donate a half-shekel coin at the time of the census-taking. What was the significance of these two elements of the ancient census process? Rabbi Eli Munk, zt"l, explains that the Torah is teaching us that being counted should not be a passive process. We must do something to indicate that we are worthy of being included in the group. We do this in two ways: by connecting ourselves to our family and ancestors and demonstrating fidelity to their values, and by making a positive contribution to the community. When we do these two things we show clearly that we deserve to stand up and be counted. Shabbat Shalom Rabbi Zvi Kahn |
DISPLAYING THEIR TALENTS: CTA ACHIEVEMENT FAIR FULL OF TREATS |
 It took a bit of doing, but eighth-grader Max Kalef got the ball rolling, down the cardboard chute and through the obstacles, triggering the CD player.
His parents, Liz and Jeremy, watched and smiled proudly at his work on this machine, echoing the creations of sculptor and inventor, Rube Goldberg.
This year's Upper School Achievement Fair drew about 100 parents, who heard students speak about their learning experiences, purchased baked goods to help fund the 9th and 10th Grade New York Trip, and, in between, kvelled.
"This is my favorite time of the year," Upper School Principal Marcia Hershfield told the group.
CTA juniors Hillary Hoxworth and Ilan Levine both spoke warmly about their teachers and classmates and their enjoyment of school.
 English teacher and baseball coach Steve Guinan announced a campaign to raise $20,000 over the next month to help construct a baseball diamond. CTA is host to a baseball tournament this spring. Several day schools from across the country will be competing here.
Science and math teacher Matthew Kennedy showed how amazing science can be, conducting an experiment with exploding sugar that sent sparks flying in the chemistry lab (under the protective hood, of course). Two of his students dissected a frog for a throng of fascinated younger siblings.
"It was a terrific evening," said Rabbi Kahn. "Sometimes we forget how much our kids accomplish during a given school year. This brings it together all at one time. I am extremely proud of our students and teachers."
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PREVIEW OF THE WEEK |
Sunday, March 7: Bingo! Come Volunteer!
Monday, March 8: Ravioli-Volunteer: Y. Levi
2nd & 5th Grade Writing Workshop Begins
Executive Board Meeting, 7:30pm
Tuesday, March 9: Tacos-Volunteer: K. Binsky, J. Siegel
CTA Twirlers, Old gym, 4-4:45pm
Wednesday, March 10: Grilled Cheese-Volunteer: L. Blumberg, J. Keri
Thursday, March 11: Breaded Chicken-Volunteer: J. Karmia
Friday, March 12: Tuna-Volunteer: D. Meyer
1st Grade Iditarod, 9am |
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DATES TO REMEMBER |
Sunday, March 14: Daylight Savings Time Begins; turn clocks ahead 1 hour
Passover Storytime, 4pm, Barnes & Noble, Easton Town Center
March 15-19: Ohio Graduation Tests, Grade 10
Friday, March 19: Lower School Dress Down Day
4:00pm Friday Dismissal Schedule Resumes
March 29-April 7: Passover Vacation
Thursday, April 8: School Resumes
Friday, April 9: End of 3rd Quarter |
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SCRIP UPDATE - PLACES TO PURCHASE SCRIP |
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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.
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MAZAL TOV TO: |
Jenny Shindel Sinowitz (8th Grade Class of '93) on the birth of a daughter, Hadassah |
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SAVE THE DATE |
Lag B'Omer Spring Fling Concert and Carnival, Sunday, May 2, 2010. Details to follow. |
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THE IDITAROD IS COMING |
You are invited to bring your class to the soccer field on Friday, March 12, from 9:10-10:30 a.m. for our annual first-grade version of the famous Alaskan sled-dog race. We'll have four teams this year for you to cheer on. Bring some signs! Cookies and hot chocolate will be served after the race. Questions? Ask Deena Tanenbaum. |
THE ULTIMATE MITZVAH: SAVING A LIFE
CTA BLOOD DRIVE COLLECTS 32 PINTS |
Upper School students, along with CTA nurse Cathy Tran, hosted the American Red Cross this week both students and parents, to donate blood. Students made the arrangements, created publicity and volunteered during the drive to help check in donors and distribute snacks. The lead student organizers this year were seniors Miriam Geiger and Channa Schramm, and sophomore Molly Dolinger.
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SAY IT IN HEBREW
By Galit Golan, Hebrew Language Coordinator |
The Achievement Fair was a great opportunity to put the spotlight on the latest topic in our 12th-grade advanced Hebrew class. Zilla Loon's class has been learning about Israel as it is portrayed in Israeli modern literature. Students learned a poem by Yehuda Amichay, one of Israel's most respected writers, and read prose by S.Y Agnon, the only Israeli writer who has received the Nobel Prize for Literature. Students read an article from the magazine Eretz about Agnon's house in the Israeli neighborhood of Talpiot. Eretz is like National Geographic.
These stories and poems enabled the students to experience the development of Israel during the years through authentic eyes.
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The Boys Varsity Basketball team will be traveling Wednesday, March 10, to NYC for the Red Sarachek Basketball Tournament at Yeshiva University. The Lions came alive in the second half of the season finishing 4-6 in their last 10 games. In those last 10 games, they scored 61 points a game and had 13 turnovers per game while forcing 20 turnovers per game from the opposition. The Lions were led by their 3 guards, senior Josh Cohen (10.6ppg), sophomore Jared Stavsky (13.7ppg), and junior Danny Lebowitz (16.5ppg). But to be a successful YU tournament for the Lions, they will need to keep the opponents from the offensive rebounds. The Lions lack height and they are usually outrebounded by 10 rebounds a game. Down low, senior center Nathan Meese will have his hands full keeping other teams' big guys off the boards. To help him in the post will be junior Sam Rosenstein and sophomore Joey Cassell. Hopefully the Lions can get one of the other role players to step up and have a big game. The Lions will look for freshman Aaron Polster, sophomore Keenan Sobol, junior Aaron Portman or sophomore Michael Elbaz to fill that fourth void. The Lions are ready and they will play their first game Thursday, March 11. Tournament information and live game audio are available on-line at www.macslive.com. GO LIONS! |
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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:
Stacy Leeman and Gary Liebesman in honor of the engagement of Shayna Cohen
Josh and Amy Greenberg in memory of Harvey Sukienik's father
To all of the following in memory of Frank Nutis:
John and Marilyn Rosen
David and Miriam Portman
Jerry and Natalie Frager
Steven and Smadar Import Josh and Amy Greenberg |
THE CTA ANNUAL FUND DRIVE: YOU ARE THE KEY |
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Join your fellow parents and CTA supporters in giving to the school's annual campaign. There are a few ways you can participate:
1. Use the return envelope we've sent you within our four-page, full-color mailer.
2. Get on-line at torahacademy.org and click on "support CTA" to find the PayPal button.
3. Show your support by attending our "evening of giving" event. This gathering is a very important component of the school's campaign. When you attend, you show our students that you are an involved member of our school community.
2010 Annual Giving Event
May 6 at 7pm
The Home of Michael and Patty Schiff
400 S. Parkview Ave. in Bexley
Enjoy desserts and coffee and hear how your dollars make our great programs possible.
A card will be coming to you in the mail.
RSVP at 864-0299 |
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PURIM AT CTA |
Purim is always a special treat at CTA. This year was no exception. Sixth-graders presented a shpiel on the story of Esther, Mordecai and Haman. Lower-school students attended a carnival staged by the school's older students. And everyone had a chance to dress up and enjoy a magic show. Here are some of our favorite moments:
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PARSHAT KI TISA QUIZ by Rabbi Zecharia Weitz |
1) How were the Jews counted in the beginning of the Parsha?
a) A half Shekel was given by each male over 20 years of age
2) What was the Kiyor and what was it used for?
a) A large copper washing basin used by the kohanim to wash their hands and feet prior to service.
3) One of the spices in the Ketoret was "Chelbana". What was unique about this spice and what message does this send?
a) It had an unpleasant scent. The message is that Hashem actually wants the service and prayer of those people who, so-to-speak, have bad scents and are not so righteous. We should not avoid davening with them as well.
4) Who was the head artisan in charge of constructing the Mishkan and all therein, and who was his helper?
a) Betzalel and Ahaliav
5) On what day did the Golden Calf occur? How many days was this after we received the Torah on Sinai?
a) 17th of Tamuz; 40 days after Har Sinai
6) When Moshe called out "Mi La'Hashem Ai'li" ("Whoever is for Hashem, join me"), who responded?
a) The Levites
7) According to Rashi, what was a contributing factor to the breaking of the 1st Luchot (Tablets)?
a) The fact that the 1st ones were given in a great assembly with noise and "fanfare", they did not last. "There is nothing more beautiful than modesty".
8) What is the name of the special additional parsha we read this Shabbat?
a) Parshat Parah
9) Why is it specifically read now?
a) As we approach Pesach, historically is was a time the Jews had to purify themselves to enter the Temple Mount and eat the Pascal Lamb. For this reason, we read about the Red Heifer which was used for purification.
Discussion Question
Was the Golden Calf simply idolatry? If they thought Moshe died, why would they cease to believe in G-d? Why did they listen to Aharon when he said "a Holiday for Hashem tomorrow"? | |
I hope you enjoy the electronic version of our Dateline. Please check out our website at www.torahacademy.org. |
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