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Yavneh Academy is about learning inside the
classroom and out. Yavneh Academy is about
supporting our amazing youth in efforts to make a
difference in the world once they leave our doorstep,
and Yavneh Academy is about watching, with so much
pride, the success of our student driven programs.
This year, Students Against Terrorism, which has raised over $250,000 to support those dealing with the aftermath of terrorism in Israel, has hosted the Eli Avraham, the UNT Schusterman Visiting Professor of Israel Studies and, just last week we premiered our first Israel Movie Night, featuring "Beaufort," and the audience was terrific. Today we announce registration is open for our seventh Points For Peace 3-on-3 basketball tournament, March 15, and we invite you all to join us. (A link to register can be found at the bottom of this e- news) Helping Everyone Live Peacefully continues to HELP groups locally, nationally, and internationally by their own volunteer hours, and by raising funds, in the most ernest efforts toward Tikun Olam - repairing the world. Hashinui hosted wonderful Environmental Fair in the Fall and, this week, you will receive the student-produced e-brochure with directions on how to create a meaningful Tu B'Shvat seder for your family and friends. For this holiday which honors the birthday of the tree - I'm most proud of the forest that grows here at Yavneh. Uniting Students of Dallas hosted a community Mix-It-Up day in the Fall with students from across Dallas and guests with experience in many areas of promoting civil rights and combatting prejudice. This is Yavneh outside the classroom. The lessons they learn within, are everlasting. Welcome to Yavneh Academy. |
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Rabbi Shapiro grew up in London, England (he is a
major fan of the soccer - OOPS - football team, the
Arsenal Football Club), the brother of Lisa and Cara
and the son of South African parents, Bella and Joe
(obm). Their home life was a traditional one, filled with
strong values and customs.
"It was my freshman year at the University of Birmingham, where I studied French language and literature and political science, when I began to examine my Jewish roots," said Rabbi Shapiro. "I was living with three non-Jewish roommates and it was the time of the signing of the Oslo Accord, and I felt a tremendous amount of Jewish pride. I wanted to express that and I felt learning more about Judaism was the best way to do that." Rabbi Shapiro met the campus Chabad Rabbi, Fishel Cohen, and during that summer studies at Brovender's Yeshiva in Efrat. "The Chabad philosophy was something I very much appreciated, not only the commitment to following a Jewish path but also the openness to the modern world." Rabbi Shapiro then studied at Kfar Chabad Yeshiva in Israel, and while he returned to England and studied law for two years, his mind was set on a life of teaching. With a shiduch arranged by the mother of Rebbetzin Baila Dubrawsky of Chabad of Dallas (who knew both families), in 2001 Rabbi Shapiro married Dallas- raised Michal (formerly Meyerovitz) who attended Akiba Academy, Solomon Schechter (now the Levine Academy), the Greenhill School, Hockaday, and UT Austin (where she became involved at the Chabad House). The couple has three children: Moussia (who is proud to have been born in London, in the same hospital room as Prince William and Prince Harry!), Chana, and Yossi (both Dallasites). Rabbi, Michal, and Moussia moved to Dallas in 2004 when Rabbi was asked to head the Adult Education programming for Chabad of Dallas. Focusing on Lunch n' Learn, evening classes in the homes of his students, and working with couples interested in discussing all areas of Judaism, Rabbi Shapiro is proud of the growth of the program. In 2007, Rabbi Shapiro came to Yavneh on a short- term substituting assignment while Rabbi Meir Tannenbaum was away on the March of the Living. Once "in the house," Rabbi Shapiro and Yavneh connected and so here he remains, this year teaching Fundmentals, Oral Law, and Chumash. "Rabbi Shapiro is one of the most intelligent people I know but, more that than, he's not only incredibly knowledgeable about his subject, he teaches it with so much passion!," said Leigh Bonner '11. "I have always enjoyed my Talmud classes because of the logic and challenges that the subject presents. Rabbi continues to challenge me but he still manages to make sure I have a tight grasp on the material." "Yavneh is a great balance of secular and Judaic education and our students seem to always share a desire to learn and to successfully constantly tread between the two worlds," said Rabbi Shapiro. "It's important that we are raising and educating strong, committed Jews and I strongly believe that a Jewish education will brace them for the world once they are on their own." "Rabbi Shapiro has a great sense of humor which makes him very approachable as a teacher," said Leigh. "He is naturally respected by his students and, most of all, he is certainly prepared to listen to all class discussion which makes me feel very comfortable in his classroom." "These are the most formative years in a human being's lifetime, there seems to be much less judgmental, and the teenagers I'm blessed to work with are a breath of fresh air, always open to new ideas." It is Yavneh's faculty members that Rabbi Shapiro credits with the success of the school. "It is so refreshing to work with the educators that I am able to team with," he said. "They are truly committed and empowering and we are always honest with each other and ready to help each other out. I believe the joint passion for the heritage that we love is passed on to our students." |
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"I decided to attend Yavneh because I wanted to
continue my Jewish education," said Laura who
attended Solomon Schechter Academy (now Levine
Academy) for middle school, and transferred to
Yavneh from Booker T. Washington at the start of her
sophomore year. "I enjoy Yavneh because the school
provides a very free environment which allows the
students to make our own decisions."
"The faculty at Yavneh teaches us how to manage our time wisely, so everything gets finished," said Laura. "These are lessons we'll take with us to college and beyond. The truth is that even after a long nine-hour day, most kids stay after school to study or to participate in extra-curricular activities." After graduation, Laura plans to spend a year in Israel studying at Machon Maayan, which provides interactive seminars, internships, and more in a Torah-observant atmosphere. Once she returns, she hopes to study psychology, kinesiology, or education. "I'm not certain yet what I want to do but I know I want to do it with children," she said. Not that socializing doesn't come easy to Laura, with a smile that doesn't take a rest, but she confirms that the closeness of Yavneh students is something she appreciates. "I am proud to say that there isn't a single person at Yavneh that I haven't had a conversation with," she said. "Everyone is a friend with everyone, no matter the grade level. I'm certain I will keep in contact with many of my friends after graduation." "I love that Yavneh's teachers really take the time to know you, and understand your way of learning," said Laura. "They work with every student to push us to success, to be sure we understand why we are learning, not just 'feeding' us material." "I can't recall a student who has grown so much in such a short time as Laura. I have not met many people her age, who have succeeded in a serious spiritual journey of self-discovery, yet she most certainly has," said Rabbi Meir Tannenbaum. "In addition, she has matured into a caring and devoted leader of, not just her class, but th e entire school. When we need to choose a student to represent the school, it is hard to think of a better choice than Laura Kreditor. I myself have been inspired by watching Laura's growth and expect that her amazing progress will propel her to new heights." A native Dallasite, Laura is the daughter of Carol and Mark Kreditor, and sister of Sarah '06. While a lifelong member of Congregation Beth Torah, Laura also finds herself enjoying services at Shaare Tefilla as, in the last year-and-a-half, she's found herself enjoying keeping Shabbat. "I can't walk to Beth Torah so sometimes I go to Shaare," she said. "But I appreciate that Sari and Rabbi Raskin have opened their home to me so that I can also be a part of that community." "For me, keeping Shabbos, has brought a new dimension to my friendships because we concentrate on each other, talking, and there's no television, no computer, nothing else distracting us. My favorite part of the week is Shabbos with a bunch of friends at our home." "Laura has a lot of wonderful qualities and I truly enjoyed having her in my classes," said Rabbi Uri Grosberg. "Laura has a combination of sincerity and a thirst for knowledge, rare qualities in a teenager and she always sought out the truth. A dependable and caring young lady, I know her future we lead her to much success, as she continues on her journey as a 'Torah Jew!'" An involved member of the Weinstein chapter of BBYO, Laura has served as both Jewish Heritage Chair and President. At Yavneh, Laura is a member of HELP, Helping Everyone Live Peacefully and, with basketball on her mind, Laura took to the hoops for Yavneh's Lady Bulldogs in her junior and senior years. I really have enjoyed watching Laura grow as a basketball player, student, and person," said Coach Chad Baruch. "She has a great and kind heart, and a terrific sense of humor, and we will miss her very much next year." Not one to sit still for long, Laura has worked as a dance specialist at Camp Mazal, at Carvel Ice Cream stores, and at Stuie's Place. She has completed all of the coursework for her realtor's license and, once she turns 18 on February 5, she will be able to take her test. "I can't wait to work alongside my Dad," said Laura. "It'll be cool." |
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"After having spent 13 years at Akiba, it only seemed
natural to follow the worn path and go to Yavneh, and I
have not regretted that decision at all," said Aaron.
"Yavneh has provided me with many opportunities for
growth and the perfect environment for guiding a
young leader."
"Our faculty is amazing, not only giving a world class education in the classroom, but spending time outside of class to assist students with any problem they may have." Aaron admits the Yavneh day is "by no means easy. The eight core classes, plus all of the extracurricular activities, result in a long day for every student, from the freshmen to the most hardened senior," he said. "The Judaic classes provide an opportunity for spiritual growth, to learn about their Jewish heritage, and learn Torah in an environment where the teachers constantly encourage the students to do more. With many students in AP or pre-AP level classes, sometimes with three or four of the most rigorous courses back-to-back, the afternoon grind can be a challenge that makes a marathon look like a walk through the park. But through hard work and true dedication, Yavneh kids are able to pull the occasional 13-hour-day and still come out just fine." "I had the rare pleasure of working with Aaron for four years (at Akiba and Yavneh) and he is among the most diligent, highly motivated, and thoughtful students I have taught," said English teacher Dr. Paula Harvey. Aaron will spend next year in Israel studying, traveling, and learning more about himself and the Jewish life he plans to lead. Back in the States, he hopes to attend the pre-med program at Washington University in St. Louis. "I've always wanted to be a doctor," said Aaron. "Ever since I was a young child, I've always wanted to be able to directly help people, especially when they cannot help themselves." "Yavneh provides a unique opportunity," said Aaron. "I find that the longer I have been at Yavneh, the less I recognize individuals as friends and more as family. There is no such thing as a secret in Yavneh, which truly makes everyone a part of the greater Yavneh family." A fourth generation Dallasite, Aaron attended Akiba Academy from preschool through eighth grade. The son of Liz and Robert, and brother of Benji '12, and Sarah, '20, Aaron is a member of Shaare Tefilla, and Gabbai on Shabbos afternoons. "I am proud to be an active member of this community," said Aaron. "I have witnessed first-hand Aaron's incredible transformation from young budding scholar into a mature, scholarly, and active community leader," said Rabbi Meir Tannenbaum. Not only can he thoroughly read and dissect a complex section of Talmud, but he also devotes almost every free moment towards helping others less fortunate than him. President of Yavneh's Students Against Terrorism, an organization he's participated in for four years, Aaron is also involved in the school's Uniting Students of Dallas (this year he is USD's treasurer), mock trial (this year as captain), tennis, and Yavneh's Health Occupations Association. He has spent the summers working at his family's A&A Optical and he's volunteered at Medical City. Yavneh's faculty is amazing, not only giving a world class education in the classroom, they are extremely supportive of student initiatives, whether they be for Israel advocacy, environmental awareness, or simply helping out those in need," said Aaron, in between Students Against Terrorism projects "Israel Movie Night," and "Points 4 Peace." "They are not simply supportive, they give young leaders valuable life tools that will be carried beyond the gates of the Schultz Rosenberg Campus. Faculty mentors, like Mr. O'Quinn, Coach Baruch, and Dr. Cloward are always there to lend a helping hand and an open wallet whenever a student has a great idea that can better the world around them." "Additionally, the student body is at Yavneh is second to none - we all know how to work hard but also have fun," said Aaron. "We share the strong bond of religion and I am fortunate to attend Yavneh with such strong individuals." Among the strong, who hold Yavneh high on guard, are you Aaron. |
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It may be the hair that's the first thing one sees when
looking AT Michael Meltzer but when looking IN to the
spirit and heart of this senior, his hair disappears and
a light shines bright! A smirk and a smile are almost
always present and a better friend to count on can't be
found.
"I decided to attend Yavneh because I wanted to continue my Jewish learning in an environment that I was comfortable in," said Michael who joined many from his class at Solomon Schechter Academy (now Levine Academy) in what is now Yavneh's Class of 2009. "With such small class sizes, every student gets a lot of attention from every teacher," said Michael. "In terms of student relationships, the small student body means that everyone knows everyone and we're all friends. It doesn't matter what grade anyone is in, we really all click together." "Michael is a very diligent and helpful student, willing to share his knowledge with his classmates," said math teacher Veronica Thomas. "This year he has changed a bit - he's a very relaxed student in my Calculus class, wanting to learn as much as he can, I am very proud of Michael's success at Yavneh and am sure that he will be a very successful." After a year participating in Israel on the Young Judaea Year Course Program, Michael looks forward to pursuing a career as an aerospace engineer, designing personal air-vehicles of the future. "My role models are the Wright brothers," he said. "They had a dream and they fulfilled it with perseverance and determination." Born in Los Angeles, Michael and his family moved to Dallas before he was two. He is the son of Hedy and Bruce and the brother of Julie '10, Josh, and Marisa. Always close to heart is Michael's older brother, Trevor, who died four years ago. A member of Congregation Shearith Israel, Michael is also a member of the Lacey chapter of BBYO and Young Judaea. A longtime member of Boy Scout Troop 570, where he reached the rank of Star, Michael also spent a number of years fencing with the Lone Star Fencing Center, competing on an international level, winning a number of awards. A piano student for 12 years, he mostly enjoys playing classical music (except of course when he's jammin' with Yavneh's Musical Ensemble. Then it's all-out and open!). He has spent time volunteering at the North Texas Food Bank and Brother Bill's Helping Hand (a local food pantry). In 2008, Michael participated on Young Judaea's Machon program, a six-week program where participants travel throughout Israel. Not only has Michael spent many years as a camper at Camp Young Judaea in Wimberly, he and his sister Julie celebrated their Bnai Mitzvah at their beloved campsite. This year, hanging on to the memories, Michael will work at the camp as a counselor. Hanging on to memories, and making them here at Yavneh, is the key to Michael's heart. Dreaming of flight, for now, is only a dream. Michael, we know you will reach for the stars! |
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Please watch Channel 5 news or click on the link below for updated information about Yavneh Academy's bad weather schedule. Please register on to the cancellations.com, and add Yavneh Academy in 75251, to your "current organizations," and you'll receive an email anytime an update is made. www.cancellations.com |
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JEWISH LIFE COAST-TO-COAST ***
Yavneh Academy welcomed 30 students from Yeshiva University and other colleges who visited Texas as participants in the Jewish Life Coast to Coast Service Corps run by YU's Center for the Jewish Future (CJF). In its third year, the program has also visited communities in Los Angeles and along the Eastern Seaboard.
While many in
attendance were not expecting a difficult movie, all
viewers left with a greater insight into the social and
political conflicts evident in Israeli society. The strong
interest in the event, combined with a great turnout,
has prompted SAT to begin preparation for such an
event again in the future.
The CSPA, owned by Columbia University and
associated with its Graduate School of Journalism, is
an international student press association uniting
student journalists and faculty advisers at schools and
colleges through educational conferences, idea
exchanges and award programs.
"I'm just flabbergasted that these students have been
able to break into the national arena of scholastic
press excellence in only a little over two years of
publication," said Mrs. Hall-Chiles. "Many schools wait
years after starting publications to make it this far. I
could not be prouder of these young journalists, or
more honored to work with anyone."
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January 23 ~~ Stephen J. Savitsky President * Orthodox Union
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The Chili Cookoff is Sunday, March 22 and Yavneh's
Kosher Chili Cookoff Team, led by our Head Chili,
Martin Appell, is in the making! We need people to
work shifts from 8am to 3pm. Come join in the
community fun, spirit, and great chili. Please call Deb
Silverthorn at 972.839.6916 or email
info@yavnehdallas.org
if you'd like to
participate.
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Congratulations and Kol Hakavod to Yavneh's Senior
Lady Bulldogs!!! Wishing Zoe Klein, Corey Kleinman,
and Laura Kreditor all the best in the future!
YAVNEH BULLDOG
SCHEDULE
VARSITY
FEBRUARY 5 - 8
FEBRUARY 16
JUNIOR VARSITY
FEBRUARY 12
FEBRUARY 16
LADIES
FEBRUARY 12 - 15 |
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Yearbooks are $65 and must be ordered by March 3.
FINAL DEADLINE, FEBRUARY 10!
Dedicate a memory to your
students! * 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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FEBRUARY
1 Phyllis Beilue, 3 A.J. Burk, 5 Laura Kreditor 10 Dylan Kaye, 17 Tori Weinstein, 18 Michelle Bach, 19 Micah Steinbrecher, 22 Avi Bracha, 23 Keren Bar-Haim & Carly Bierman, and 27 Brittney Herson
Mazal Tov:
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YAVNEH CALENDAR
FEBRUARY
16 ~~~ YAVNEH BLOOD DRIVE * 8am to
5pm
16 ~~~ DAVID MOSS VISITS YAVNEH
26 ~~~ YAVNEH TALENT SHOW
MARCH
9 ~~~ FAST DAY SCHEDULE * TA'ANIT
ESTHER
10 ~~~ NO SCHOOL * PURIM
15 ~~~ POINTS FOR PEACE @ 10am to 6pm
23 ~~~ ACT/SAT REVIEW @ 7pm
26 ~~~ "THE MIRACLE WORKER" @
7:30pm
29 ~~~ "THE MIRACLE WORKER" @
3pm
APRIL
19 to May 1 ~~~ MARCH OF THE LIVING TOUR
20 ~~~ CLASSES RESUME COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING FEBRUARY
COMMUNITY KOLLEL ~~
CUSTOMS OF THE PASSOVER SEDER
To register for the above programs, or for more
information on additional activities and programs visit
www.kollelofdallas.org or call 214.295.3525
COPING WITH ADOLESCENCE PROJECT
"Adolescence: Is It Really Possible to Get Along?"
"Adolescence: Testing Limits, Taking Risks" Developed by Dallas resident, the project provides a reliable forum for teens and their parents to ask questions and get expert advice in confidence on issues of importance to them. Each workshop consists of a short presentation by a panel of experts followed by a question and answer period. The project is sponsored by Congregation Tiferet Israel, Jewish Family Service, Dallas Chapter of Hadassah and the B'nai B'rith Youth Organization. It is supported in part by a grant from the Dallas Jewish Women's Fund. For more information, call Debby Chambers at 214.693.3611
RABBI LEVI A. OLAN LECTURE SERIES |
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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.
Annual Fund 2008-2009 Gifts Made in January
For more information, or to make a donation, call Don O'Quinn or LuAnn Pitlik at 214-295-3500 or email info@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 ASRIEL AGRONIN ~~ NYU Polytech, Texas A&M, University of Texas/Dallas MICHELLE BACH ~~ University of Arizona, San Diego State University, Savannah College of Art & Design SARAH BLASNIK ~~ Savannah College of Art & Design PETER BOKOV ~~ Indiana University, Tulane University, University of Miami, and UT-Dallas EMILY COHEN ~~ Case-Western, University of Connecticut, University of Vermont, Drexel University, Tulane University SHAYNA DUNSKY ~~ Rutgers University, University of Michigan, University of Pittsburgh, Tulane University MICA ESQUENAZI ~~ Tulane University ELIANA GERSHON ~~ University of Connecticut,Indiana University SARA GREENBERG ~~ McDaniel College, Ohio Wesleyan, Eckerd College, Hendrix College and University of Tampa ZOE KLEIN ~~ Rutgers University, University of Pittsburgh COREY KLEINMAN ~~ Eckerd College, University of Kansas DAVID KRAVITZ ~~ Rutgers University, University of Illinois, University of Pittsburgh LAURA KREDITOR ~~ Hofstra University, Northeastern University, SUNY-Albany, Drexel University, St. Edwards University, Rutgers University, and Towson University AARON LIENER ~~ UT-Austin, Tulane University MICHAEL MELTZER ~~ Case Western Reserve, Georgia Institute of Technology, Texas A & M, University of Colorado at Boulder, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University ALEXA MEYERS ~~ University of Arizona, SCAD/Savannah College of Art & Design, University of Kansas EVE MOEL ~~ Adelphi University, American University NATALIE TAUB ~~ University of Indiana,University of Tampa ELIZABETH WEINSTEIN ~~ University of Arizona, University of Denver, Tulane University SHELLEY WIDOM ~~ University of Arizona, University of Kansas Yavneh's College Guidance Counselor, Allyn Schmucker, visited with all Juniors on January 15 during their English classes to discuss the college search. Each Junior received Yavneh's step-by-step college guide to use throughout the process. Valuable information such as essay writing, testing, college visits, financial aid and much more can be found within the pages of the notebook. "THINKING ABOUT COLLEGES," a new tool from College Board is now available at www.collegeboard.com/quickstart. MY COLLEGE QUICKSTART is an interesting and insightful activity for Juniors and their parents. The password, to this college search and SAT prep program, provided free of charge, is printed on the top and bottom right- hand side of your PSAT score report.
PRACTICE SAT & ACT ~~~ Sunday March 8 at
8:30am. *** 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
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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!
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2nd Lt. Jonathan "Yoni" Goldstein '04, of the 71st Operational Support Squadron, wrote about the Chanukah parties at Vance Air Force Base in Oklahoma. See more at www.vance.af.mil ALUMNI - Please send all alumni news and updates, changes of address, phone, or email, to Deb Silverthorn at: info@yavnehdallas.org |
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from Daniel Bonner ~~~ It's funny to think: just a few weeks ago, a group of us had spent Saturday night delivering pizza to soldiers at various checkpoints and bases around Jerusalem. Their carefree, happy demeanors did not betray the fact that so soon, they would have to - very seriously - cross enemy lines.
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POINTS FOR PEACE BASKETBALL!!! DON'T
MISS
OUT!!!
Registration for Points for Peace 2009 is open! MARCH 15 @ THE J
If you've already registered, we can't wait to see you!
Please forward this email to your friends and
family! Be a part of the mitzvah!!! |
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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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