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So much to be thankful for. We're thankful for the
families that make Yavneh, the family that it is.
In the past month we've sent students to St. Louis to be honored for their journalistic endeavors, we've sent others to New York City to bring the literary works they've studied to life, and we've seen the stage of our own Pollman Hall come to life with "Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins" in a manner that left every guest with a smile on their face, and in their heart. We've seen the stands filled at our basketball games, and the courtroom too as our Mock Trial participants see the system at work. We've welcomed our families and community members to our 2nd Annual Center Stage event, with tastes of Israel, holiday shopping, and the talents of our students all to benefit the family that we are. As we are sending out applications for 2009-2010 to prospective students from throughout the community; from families attending schools private and public, we're excited as we begin meeting the faces that might create the Class of 2013. Our next Open House is on January 13 at 7pm. There is much to be thankful for this season. Thank you for the part you play. Don O'Quinn |
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It was a second career, and a connection through a
hairdresser shared with then Yavneh math teacher,
Carol Seets, that brought Veronica Thomas to Yavneh
Academy five years ago. After a career as an
international corporate accountant with companies
that include Johnson & Johnson (in Puerto Rico),
Colgate Palmolive (in her native Jamaica), Forney
International, and Dr. Pepper (in Dallas), with her
children in college, Mrs. Thomas decided it was time
for a new career. With a mathematics degree from
the University of the West Indies in Jamaica,
additional education courses from Texas Women's
University and an MBA in finance from Texas A&M,
she was ready to teach. Prior to coming to Yavneh,
she taught at Coppell High School and El Centro
College.
"I've always enjoyed teaching but I marvel at the amount of time that the students spend at Yavneh during the day and that they still have time to participate in extracurricular activities," said Mrs. Thomas, now Math Department Chair. "As with any education, reinforcement is always good and I think the Jewish education that Yavneh reinforces will allow our students to teach the next generation about their religion and culture." "What I most enjoy about teaching is that I am able to watch my students learn to appreciate the subject of math rather than hate it. While it takes planning to be sure that my curriculum allows for my student's success, I do enjoy that. I really think that because of my knowledge, both in an out of the classroom, students gravitate toward me. I make sure that all students have equal opportunities and they appreciate those." The appreciation is returned for the respect and honor the students give their teacher. "Mrs. Thomas is great teacher who truly expects the best out of her students and pushes them to succeed," said Emily Cohen '09, who has studied Geometry, Pre-Calculus, and CalculusAB with Mrs. Thomas. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Mrs. Thomas married her high school sweetheart, and restauranteur, Jeff. Together they share children Denise and Adrian, who are both graduates of Yale and Stanford universities. Worldly and wise, there's only one sticky point, or rather "not-so-sticky" point to Mrs. Thomas. She's not a fan of peanut butter and her children have yet to taste the nutty treat. Very involved in her church, Mrs. Thomas and her husband both mentor newly engaged couples. She treasures the written word, yes the written word, and so to friends and family she writes old-fashioned letters every month. |
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Sara Greenberg came to Yavneh because "it was a natural transition from Solomon Schechter Academy, and learning in a Jewish environment seemed right." The laid back atmosphere and the serious curriculum make for a perfect learning experience and Sara found everyone willing to help and eager to see each student progress with each day. "I can't recall many students who have asked to meet after class to discuss Judaic concepts that they may not understand. Sara is that rare gem," said Rabbi Meir Tannenbaum. "She takes her responsibility both as a Jew and a human being very seriously and she is never satisfied with what she knows, but always is seeking more information and a deeper understanding." "The quick pace in the classroom and the amount of independent work that we do will ready us for higher education," said Sara who plans to attend a liberal arts university as an art history major. "Whether contemporary or a thousand years old, art can teach us history, art can teach us about ourselves, and most importantly art teaches the celebration of self expression. With a degree in art history I hope to become a curator, able to share the knowledge and beauty that art exemplifies. "Sara never left class without acknowledging me with a good word," said her art teacher, Monica Ribald. "Never complaining, and always complying, Sara was consistent with her practicing art skill and always trying to improve. I recognized her as a fine student who will have much success in her life." Calling her dad, Bob, the "funniest man I know," her mother, Elise, "my rock," and sister, Allyson, the "best friend I could ever ask for," the Dallas native is very close to her family. A member of Congregation Shearith Israel, at Yavneh Sara has been involved in HELP (Helping Everyone Live Peacefully), Hashinui, and the theatre group. "I appreciate the support Yavneh's administration gives to its students and the organizations. The outlets are important as a release from the serious and heavy load that we carry. Through these groups, I've made friendships that I know will be everlasting." A calm soul in a playful person who enjoys riding a bike, picking flowers, and "frolicking," Sara spent last summer preparing her college entrance materials, working, and traveling with her family. May the flowers you appreciate, and the art your value, always bring color and peace to your life. |
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When Brittney Herson, then a ninth grade student at
Solomon Schechter Academy, first toured Yavneh, the
school was housed in a rented space on Park Central.
"Everybody was so friendly and they all seemed so
happy to be at school! I then realized that even though
the building was not ideal, the school itself, its values,
students, teachers, and administrators were so warm
and enthusiastic and I knew that I wanted to be a part
of that welcoming and supportive environment." That
was then and this is now and Brittney, now a senior, is
a member of the first class to graduate with four years
spent on Yavneh's Schultz Rosenberg Campus.
"The Jewish studies portion of our days not only teach us about Judaism but also give us a strong sense of who we are in this world," said Brittney. "With that, I think we are able to really feel comfortable about our place and ourselves, and so school time is not spent worrying about cliques or any of the things that might get in the way of really absorbing what we learn." "My time working on the Yavneh newspaper has really piqued my interest in the journalism world and working for a magazine or newspaper seems like something I would really like to do," said Brittney Herson, Editor-in-Chief of The Bulldog Print. "I'm still very open but excited about whatever my future will be." "Brittney's scholarship, her responsiveness, and her receptivity will lead her with much promise of success," said Sandy Hall-Chiles, Journalism Advisor. "To teach her is to be in the presence of an 'old soul' sort of intellective being. Brittney enjoys a challenge. For two years now she has dominated our newspaper staff propelling it to state and national prominence. No one is more pleased by her own excellence than Brittney, but, no one else works harder than she for that ultimate reward." Looking at careers in both writing and medical fields, last summer, Brittney, who interned for a dermatologist and a pharmaceutical company, also attended a summer program at Brown University, where she took a writing workshop and a course on Exploring Medicine. "Because Yavneh is so small, we really have the opportunity to develop relationships with our teachers and they are so willing to help us in every way," said Brittney. "Whether it be staying after class or answering emails, their support and dedication is very comforting and encouraging." Brittney calls the toughest part of Yavneh the long days, with some days that start at 7:30 a.m. and her key hitting the front door at 9:00 p.m. Davening, studies, yoga, journalism, and more keep this senior stretching her mind, body, and notepad. "Even though it is tough to be at school so many hours, it has taught me a lot about time management and organization," said Britt ney. "I wouldn't trade my experiences at Yavneh for anything!" A Dallas native, Brittney is the daughter of Neil and Gail and big sister to Kelly (Yavneh '13). A member of Shearith Israel who also attends Congregation Shaare Tefilla, Brittney enjoys sharing Shabbat in the Eruv. "It's amazing to be surrounded by friends observing Shabbat and it makes me really proud to be Jewish," she said. In addition to The Bulldog Print, Brittney is President of Students Against Terrorism's Points-For- Peace, which she's been associated with for four years. Founder of Yavneh's Yoga Club, Brittney also enjoys being with her friends, baking cookies, listening to music, going to the movies, reading, shopping, jogging, and being with her family. The thesaurus is filled with words that mean Brittney; kind, nice, polite, sweet, and thoughtful. Whether you use those attributes to write, or heal, the world will be a warmer place. |
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With a smile as bright as the colors she's been
surrounded by in her father and grandmother's art
studio, Patrice Khunteyev came to Yavneh Academy
in her junior year. Having started high school at a
local public school, Patrice, who had previously
attended Akiba Academy, realized she wanted to
broaden her Jewish education and surround herself
with a family environment.
"We were very lucky when Patrice choose to transfer to Yavneh Academy," said Dr. Tim Cloward. "We were blessed with a wonderful soul whose smile has brightened up our campus every day. Patrice adapted to her new environment immediately and has become a very well-loved member of our student body. It has been a joy to watch her mature and develop since she joined us, and we look forward to great things from her in the future." "Immediately I loved the family environment Yavneh provided," she said. "You can tell everyone is happy here. While it's a little hard to comprehend how Yavneh students are able to take in so many hours of learning, from the morning Judaic classes to the afternoon general studies classes, I realized quickly that handling all those hours was a lot easier than I thought. Yavneh has great teachers and rabbis and they all seem to enjoy working with students. Yavneh is able to accommodate everyone's needs." "Patrice is a gregarious and happy young woman who is very sweet towards her fellow students and to younger children as well. She is committed and strong in her motivations," said Rabbi Maury Grebenau. "Patrice is willing to put the effort into projects that she feels are important and she is keenly aware of the difference she can make in the Jewish community. I expect that she will continue to grow and help other people in the future." Born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Patrice moved to Dallas with her parents, Igor and Ella, when she was just eight-months-old. Her little brother, Ethan, was born ten years later. Affiliated with Chabad of Dallas, Patrice is involved in Yavneh's Yearbook team and HELP (Helping Everyone Live Peacefully) and Hashinui organizations. Summer 2008 found Patrice working at the JCC's Camp Chai and preparing to take her SAT exams. On the time she gets to call her own, she enjoys working out, hanging out with friends, and watching movies. Caring for others or keeping her friends in giggles, Patrice has a smile we should all emulate. |
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HERSHEL & GOBLINS ***Congratulations to
the cast and crew of Hershel & the Hanukkah Goblins,
directed by Jamey Jamison. Yavneh's Theatre Group
members; Ilan Attar, Brittany Barnett, Mitchell Blumka,
A.J. Burk, Arielle Burstein, Mark Cheirif, Sahar David,
Evie Denemark, Jared Katz, Matt Kirby, Jamie
Kleinman, Paige Koeppel, Eve Moel, Daniel
Moskowitz, Libby Panipinto, Bess Reisberg, Emily
Rosenfeld, Adam Sallmander, Becky Schisler, Gabby
Steinbrecher, Jonathan Sulski, and Natalie Taub.
King
and Queens of the kitchen, Toda Raba to the
Rosenfeld family; Kristi, Lenny, and Emily who
donated all the food and made a most delicious
Israeli lunch.
SAT SPEAKER - ELI AVRAHAM ***
MOCK TRIAL SEES CHAD BARUCH IN COURT
*** After the appellee's attorney finished,
Coach Baruch presented his oral argument. While the
traditional court case allows for a full jury, several
witnesses, and the potential for drama, an appellate
case gives all the power to three judges, who listen to
and dissect the attorneys' arguments. After the
formalities, Yavneh students were given the
opportunity to ask questions to the attorneys for both
parties. The morning provided a great learning
opportunity as well as a chance to see the man who
prides himself in basketball, shine on another court!
ST. LOUIS BULLDOG PRINT AWARD TRIP
*** The students were
joined by Zac Moskowitz '08, (now a freshman at
Washington University at St. Louis) who previously
served as Editor-in-Chief of The Bulldog Print.
While at the conference, students had the opportunity
to have their most recent issue critiqued and they
attended a number of workshops.
On November 12, eight working poets affiliated with The Writers Garret led writing workshops with our students. After the workshops the student body gathered in the Student Lounge for a reading by the visiting writers. The highlight was visiting poet Alexandro Perez, who incorporated a handstand and two back flips into the performance of one of his poems. Dr. Cloward also read a poem, though he refused to do his poem "Kangaroo," (though he did, with much appreciation, later provide a private reading for a smaller audience). Yavneh students have responded to this exposure to area writers by producing awarding winning poetry themselves. Our students are encouraged to submit their work to the Dallas Public Library's annual "Express Yourself" Poetry Contest. In the 2007- 2008 year, Yavneh had four of the eleven winning poets chosen in the high school division - an extraordinary number for a school our size!
NEW YORK LIT TRIP *** "The Literary New York Adventure was designed to give students an understanding of New York as a place from which writers drew literary inspiration," said Rabbi Cohen. "As we read Langston Hughes, a Black writer, we visited the Apollo Theatre in Harlem. We read Amy Tan, an Asian author, and we visited Chinatown. We read Henry James and visited Washington Square. Moreover, we traveled the buses and subways to feel the energy and diversity of one of the world's greatest cities and stayed in residential neighborhoods, not hotels, to connect with real people, not tour guides."
The adventure to the Apollo Theatre, a ride on the
Staten Island Ferry, a trip to Ground Zero, the
Financial District and walking through Chinatown
were only the beginning of what brought their studies
to life. The lights of Times Square, a walk through
Central Park, a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art,
combined with the experience of Shabbat kept in
whole, made for memories they won't soon
forget. |
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November 7 ~~ Rabbi Zvi Drizin
The Intown Chabad This week we read of Avraham, one of the greatest people in Judaism, yet he was only introduced when he was 75-years-old. He is told "Lech, lech - leave this land, your Father's place, to a land I will show you." This is the beginning of great change in Jewish history, the founding of the Jewish Nation, yet all that happens is Hashem telling Avraham to move. Wouldn't you expect something a little more profound? This charge really signifies the important core value of leaving behind the limitation of one's circumstances because the more attached you are to your defined view of this world, the more you limit your chances of developement in the future. In today's world, Tony Romo had his thumb injured in a game and was carted off the field told, Imagine if the coach had said "Tony, You're not playing again." If Romo is so attached to his identity as a football player he would have suffered tremendously and would have had to totally reinvent himself as a new person. The essence of our learning this week is to not
identify with our circumstances but to remember our
connection with Hashem and to always identify with
His voice.
This week we commemorate the thirteenth anniversary of one Jew assassinating another. While Yitzchak Rabin's (obm) work on the Oslo Accord was controversial, the fact that his murder was committed by another Jew rocked us to the core. No matter what branch of Judaism you came from, it was scary. This weekend marks the seventieth anniversary of Krystallnacht when, on November 9, 1938, German soldiers and citizens alike ransacked homes and businesses, destroyed synagogues and sent hundreds of Jews to Concentration camps. This week we also celebrate Veteran's Day, honoring all those, including the thousands of Jews who have been drafted and who have served our country. The world was
changed by each of these occasions. We must
always remember the possibility that change provides
and use the lessons of the past to engender positive
action.
This week, Avraham is in his tent, recuperating from the circumcision. Three angels/men appear and this visit becomes the model for Bikkur Holim, visiting the sick. Reciprocating, Avraham goes out of his way to accommodate his guests, offering Hakhnasat Orchim, welcoming the stranger. We read Avraham served curds (many translations improperly render chem'ah as butter). The Everett Fox translation uses 'cream.' The text is not troubled that these angelic messengers ate, or by the fact that Avraham didn't have two sets of dishes! Avraham's meal of milk with meat violates the rabbinic prohibition but I found little commentary on this verse: either because the Rabbis aren't bothered by it, or because they couldn't figure out how to deal with it, and consequently avoided it. One explanation is: when the text says they 'ate,' it refers to the 'words of Torah' that Avraham offered at the meal. It isn't necessarily a problem that the angels ate meat with milk, as the angels appeared as travelers and how do we know they were Jewish. Many Rabbis are flabbergasted. Do you mean Avraham, founder of the Jewish People didn't keep kosher? The understanding is that the patriarchs observed the Torah and the mitzvot (even though this is before Sinai) because, according to the Rabbis, the Torah existed even before the world; God looked into the Torah to create the world. Although it sounds like they were served together (all in one verse), apologists point out that the dairy is listed first, and that it is possible that the dairy was served to alleviate their hunger, and then, the table was reset. Unfortunately, the text does not indicate any break between the dairy and meat courses. After all, one can eat meat almost immediately after dairy. Avraham's menu shouldn't be a problem as the laws of Kashrut only appear later in the Torah and the prohibition in the Torah, may actually be more specific than the way we understand it today through the rabbinic lens. Rather than try and convince us that even though it looks 'traif' they were still keeping kosher, one midrash (Shabbat 88b) uses the apparent lack of observance to our credit. When God presents the Torah at Sinai, the angels protest, suggesting the Israelites will violate it. God rebukes them by reminding them that they themselves ate milk with meat. The Baal Shem Tov asked why do we say "God of Abraham, God of Isaac and God of Jacob" in the Amidah prayer (and not God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob)? Because each one of the patriarchs and matriarchs had a unique relationship with God. The God of Abraham was not the God of Isaac. The God of Rachel was not the God of Leah. The 'Torah' of Avraham was not the same as the 'Torah' of Moses. The Torah's integrity is not compromised because it contains 'continuity errors'; in fact, it teaches us that each generation has its unique encounter with God and a unique relationship with the Torah.
Torah is our memory, the history of the world, and through it, we have no fear. This week we read of the clock ticking - the life of Sarah is at its end, she is 127-years-old and each of those years is worth something. Time is a gift and we must use it wisely; never kill a moment of time. Just as Avraham and Sarah lived their years full, at the end of our lifetimes we will ask "what kind of a life did we live?" We are Hashem's ambassadors and as we believe that He controls our second and our years, as the microseconds go by, we must always realize we only have today, each day. |
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Our list of what to be thankful for grew as the holiday
weekend brought home many of our alumni Bulldogs!
Win or lose (one of each for the alums and current
players), it was a great day!
DECEMBER
4 ~~~ vs. Juan Diego Prep @ 7pm - AWAY
at Austin Sports Center
8 ~~~ vs. Lewisville Temple @ 7:30pm -
AWAY
9 ~~~ vs. Phoenix School @ 7:30pm -
HOME
11 ~~~ vs. Dallas Academy @ 7:30pm -
HOME
12 ~~~ vs. Panama HS @ 8:30am - AWAY AT
South Garland Tournament
16 ~~~ vs. Lewisville Temple @ 7:30pm -
HOME LADIES' BASKETBALL
DECEMBER
8 ~~~ vs. Lewisville Temple @ 6pm -
AWAY
9 ~~~ vs. Phoenix School @ 6pm - HOME
11 ~~~ vs. Dallas Academy @ 6pm - HOME
16 ~~~ vs. Lewisville Temple @ 6pm -
HOME
29 to 31 ~~~ R.L. Turner Tourney in
Carrollton |
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Yearbooks are $55 until January 9 and $65 from January 12 to March 3.
* Business Card $
36
(b/w) $ 46 (c)
* ¼ of a page $ 54 (b/w)
$
64 (c)
* ½ of a page $ 90 (b/w) $
100 (c)
* Full Page $ 180
(b/w)
$ 190 (c)
Design and send in your own ad, or submit copy and
photos, to
Yavneh Academy's Main Office or
send via email to info@yavnehdallas.org
Please make payment to "Yavneh Academy" and
note For more information, |
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DECEMBER
2 Yaakov Stolovitsky, 5 Daley Epstein, 10 Matthew Kirby, 11 Kim Corbet, 14 Devora Cohen, 15 Shelbi Karlebach, 17 Gloria Boyd, 22 LuAnn Pitlik, 25 Sandy Freling & Hannah Schepps, and 30 Asriel Agronin & Arielle Burstein
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YAVNEH CALENDAR
DECEMBER
4 ~~~ AUSTIN BASED YAVNEH ALUMNI EVENT
@ 7pm
4, 5, and 7 ~~~ MARCH OF LIVING GARAGE SALE
10 ~~~9th GRADE CHANUKAH EVENT @
8pm
10 ~~~ YAVNEH ANNUAL FUND
PHONE-A-THON * 7 to 9pm
FINAL EXAM SCHEDULE
15 ~~~ Jewish Thought & Law - 10am to 12pm
16 ~~~ Chumash, Jewish History, and Jr & Sr
Fundamentals - 10am to
12pm
17 ~~~ Talmud and Oral Law - 10am to 12pm
18 ~~~ Make Up Finals - 10am to 12pm
19 ~~~ Make Up Finals - morning by appt 19 - JAN 2 ~~~ WINTER BREAK COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING
DECEMBER
4 ~~~ Lights! Celebrate Hanukkah Live in
Concert
7 ~~~ NCSY's 4th Annual Evening of
Laughs
17 ~~ Akiba Academy presents author Jamie
Geller *
7pm @ Pollman Hall JANUARY
31 ~~~ THE AARON FAMILY JCC
PRESENTS "JEWPHOBIA" |
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DECEMBER 10 ~
YAVNEH ANNUAL FUND PHONE-A-THON@ 7
to 9pm
Please call Sandy Freling at 214) 295-3502 if you would like to make calls for this important fundraising event. The 2008~2009 Annual Fund is underway and we look forward to a year of 100% participation from our Yavneh families, faculty, and support from the community.
Linda & Steve Blasnik, Reena & Jeff Greenberg, and Jaynie Schultz & Ron Romaner
Simcha - Joy * $5,000 to $9,999
Mitzvah - Commandment * $1,000 to
$4,999
Chesed - Kindness * $500 to $999
Reiut - Friendship * $361 to $499
Double Chai - Life * $181 to $360
Chai - Life * $18 to $180 For more information, or to make a donation, please call Sandy Freling at 214-295-3502 or email sfreling@yavnehdallas.org |
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Notes from Allyn Schmucker ~ College Guidance Counselor
Mazal Tov to the Class of 2009 on their
college & university acceptances. Kol
Hakavod!
*** updates in bold EMILY COHEN ~~ Drexel University, Tulane University SHAYNA DUNSKY ~~ Tulane University ELIANA GERSHON ~~ Indiana University SARA GREENBERG ~~ Eckerd College, Hendrix College and University of Tampa COREY KLEINMAN ~~ University of Kansas DAVID KRAVITZ ~~ University of Pittsburgh LAURA KREDITOR ~~ Drexel University, St. Edwards University, and Towson University AARON LIENER ~~ Tulane University MICHAEL MELTZER ~~ Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University ALEXA MEYERS ~~ University of Arizona,SCAD/Savannah College of Art & Design and University of Kansas ELIZABETH WEINSTEIN ~~ Tulane University
*** The Senior Times, distributed to Yavneh seniors each month is filled with information and scholarship opportunities. Parents and students should also be sure to take advantage of the scholarship box outside the Counseling Office on the first floor of Yavneh. For general college and planning questions and information, email aschmucker@yavnehdallas.org DID YOU KNOW The Hillel website has updated its college search for Jewish students. Students can now use a drop down menu to input criteria. Results can provide you with a variety of services provided on campuses. http://www.hillel.org/HillelApps/JLOC/Search.aspx
NEW COLLEGE BOARD POLICY ~ |
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Holiday Shopping? Gifts for babies, birthdays, or anniversaries? Visit marchofthelivingdallas.org to help support Yavneh students participating in the 2009 March of the Living tour. The link will connect you to Amazon.com and, with no extra charge to you, MOL benefits! MOL Garage Sale ~ December 4, 5 (from 9am to 3pm), and December 7 (from 8am to 5pm) at 6247 Lafayette Drive. Thank you in advance for supporting our students. |
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Join us for Yavneh's second regional Alumni event on Thursday, December 4. Cheer our Bulldogs on to victory as they play Juan Diego Prep at the Austin Sports Center (425 Woodward Street) at 7pm and then enjoy a light dinner while catching up with old friends. RSVP to sfreling@yavnehdallas.org or call 214.295.3502 |
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Yavneh Alumni Parents, Pam & Jeff Fine *** We just finished dinner with our wonderful group of kids in Israel. Everyone is very happy where they are for the year and they were even happier after eating themselves silly at the Thanksgiving buffet at our hotel! The students were thrilled to be together and it was a pleasure to see them all. Love from all! |
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Please send all news and updates for the Yavneh
Academy of Dallas e-zine to: info@yavnehdallas.org
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