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Judaism has many obligations and one is to celebrate occasions of joy. At Yavneh, our students work hard, they study hard, they pray with conviction and they celebrate - they celebrate with dancing, laughter, and pure, sheer appreciation for all that G-d has provided. We are celebrating the myriad of college, university, and Israel program acceptances of our seniors and their more than $1.3 million dollars in merit scholarships, we have celebrated the holiday of Purim in costume and merriment, we've celebrated our student's literary, art, theatrical, and sports acheivements and accomplishments, the spring tradition of Color Wars with the spirit of friendship and sport, and we celebrate another successful Points for Peace tournament where $50,000 was raised and donated to support victims of terrorism. As busy as our students are at the task of learning, and as serious as our faculty is about our responsibilities to educate, when the opportunity to celebrate arises, we do so in fine fashion. We send 24 of our seniors, along with chaperones Aida Drizin, Pam Fine, Max Glauben, and Rabbi Meir Tannenbaum, to participate in the 2009 March of the Living with blessings of safe travel, memory-making, and knowing that, in sharing in this experience, their lives will soon be changed forever. With the holiday of Passover on our doorsteps, we wish you all a blessed season of freedom, treasured time with your families, and our appreciation for the gift to share in your children's lives. Joy. What an incredible obligation. May we all partake. Chag Sameach. Don O'Quinn |
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Passing through the Yavneh Offices means stepping
through the new daytime homestead of Earline
Whybourn, Yavneh's new business manager. We
welcome her and her years of accounting experience,
most recently with ibraces: Invisible Braces That Make
You Smile.
Ms. Whybourn, born and raised in Jonesboro, Arkansas, graduated from Arkansas State University. She is the mother of Kevin (and wife Jessica) and Jason (and wife Sarah), and the grandmother of Catie and Krissy. She is expecting her third grandchild in June. "Some of the best moments of my week happen on Sunday mornings when my granddaughters come over," said Ms. Whybourn. "We have breakfast together, walk to the creek, and then we feed the ducks. There's little better than watching the girls have fun." Ms. Whybourn, a lifelong avid reader, who enjoys traveling, has been to England, Scotland, and Austria, where she learned to ski. "I've always loved accounting, dating back to my high school days," she said. "I enjoy the research and the issue solving, and the people I'm able to connect with. So far, I've only been it's just been a short time but everyone I've worked with so far has been lovely and I'm really very happy to be here. I'm learning the processes and looking forward to meeting more people and settling in." Ms. Whybourn started college as a nursing student and then took a leave to raise her children. Once she returned to school, she put two and two together (yes, pun intended), and followed the path that would lead her to Yavneh. "Ms. Whybourn brings with her experience and a tremendous background and she's a very competent lady who will smooth over the operations in our business office," said Head of School, Donald O'Quinn. "She will improve our efficiency and we are delighted to have her here." |
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"Yavneh provides students with a combination of
Judaic Studies and secular classes, and a philosophy
that teaches much more than the titles of the classes,"
said Zeke who attended both Akiba Academy and
Solomon Schechter Academy before coming to
Yavneh. "I've learned about freedom here, and
developed a sense of responsibility regarding my
workload that I think has prepared me for college. My
Jewish Thought & Law class isn't 'just' a study class
but one where I've learned to think as well. I've
learned to discuss and argue issues that are relevant
to life now."
"Torah study isn't just history but it teaches us how to live; about death and mourning, about visiting the sick, about how to act in the world," said Zeke. "For many students going to college, thinking about how to act morally and ethically, and how to respond in a certain situation, is a thought process. For us, it's a 'given.' We've learned and studied the rules of life." "The relevancy of the then-and-now adds to the class. I've also learned to think and analyze as we've studied halacha and gemara and I've seen different perspectives and how learned how to look at things from more than one point of view. I know I can apply those skills to anything I'll study." Zeke also credits Yavneh's faculty with preparing him for college in many ways. "I received a 4 on the English AP, a 5 on the history test, and a 750 (out of 800) on my SAT2/Literature exams. That's because the format of our classes really prepares us not only for test taking but also for any discussion on any subject. In addition, the small class sizes, adds to the personal attention we get." "Zeke and I talk about any and everything including religion, politics, math, and Life 101," said math teacher Veronica Thomas. I have really enjoyed Zeke and I have watched him develop into a mature and respectful young man. He thinks that he is not a mathematician but I differ and I know that once he decides on his field of study, he will be very successful." Off of "life's stage" and back on the stage at Yavneh's Pollman Hall, Zeke has enjoyed participating in the school's theatre program, most recently toting the pipe and voice of Captain Keller in recent Yavneh performances of "The Miracle Worker." "Our director, Jamey (Jamison) pushes us to the limits of our abilities with this show and, while it was a difficult show, we're happy with the production," said Zeke who is also a reporter on The Bulldog Print staff and a member of Yavneh's Mock Trial team. He has volunteered with Brother Bill's Helping Hands food pantry and worked at UT Southwestern Medical Center in departments of exercise physiology and internal medicine. A great music fan, Zeke used some of his summer earnings to purchase a guitar and take lessons. "It's relaxing and musical talent is something I've always respected," he said. Also a fan of the Outward Bound program, Zeke spent part of his summer learning team building skills, how to rely on others, and much about being independent. The son of Claudia and Joseph, Zeke will take those skills with him when he heads to Israel in the fall, a participant on Young Judaea's YearCourse program. Ready to travel, to learn, and to use his independence to become the strongest Zeke he can be, we'll watch with pride. |
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"I loved Yavneh's small community environment and I
knew so many of the students who would be coming
here," said Natalie, another former Akiba Academy
and Solomon Schechter Academy student. "I wanted
to continue my Jewish education and Yavneh was
where I wanted to be."
"We all have very close relationships with our teachers both in and out of the classrooms," said Natalie who points to a business calculus class she had with Rabbi Maury Grebenau. "There are only four kids in Rabbi Grebenau's class and it's a course of study we can all relate to. There's often a Jewish connection, a real-life connection, and discussions about anything and everything come out. Our teachers get to know us as people, not just kids who do work and go home. Because we have so many of the teachers, over and again during our four years, they know how we learn and they really want us to succeed. Knowing that they feel that way is something I think special to Yavneh." "Natalie stands out as a student who never seems to be frazzled. She is dependable and responsible, and she can always be counted on to have done her work in a timely manner and to the best of her ability," said Rabbi Maury Grebenau. "Natalie has a great deal of confidence and spirit and she is very proud of her Jewish heritage and involves herself a great deal with the community and with other volunteer work. I expect that she will continue to brighten the lives of everyone that she comes into contact with." A Dallas native, Natalie is the daughter of Mark and Cielo, and the brother of Jeremy. A member of Chabad of Plano, Natalie has also been involved in BBYO's Kra vitz Chapter, NCSY, and as a volunteer for the SPCA and Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas. She is a member of Yavneh's Hashinui Environmental club, she's worked on the Yearbook committee, and HELP (Helping Everyone Live Peacefully). She enjoys watching movies, baking, and going to concerts (Radiohead, Apollo Sunshine, and Bright Eyes on the top of her list). Excited to meet new people and take her first adult steps on her own, Natalie looks forward to next year's college experience and the chance to decide who and what she will become. "Yavneh has given me a great preview of the independence a college student has, I've learned how to be responsible for my work, for knowing what I believe in, and for reaching goals." As high as you set them Natalie, we're ready to watch you reach, reach, and reach some more. You'll get there! |
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"Yavneh is a good culture and every single person
here brings something to the table," said Ethan. "I
wouldn't want to go anywhere without them."
For Ethan, Yavneh was the "next logical step" after graduating from Akiba Academy and that step was a great one. "My double period of Talmud is THE reason to come in the morning," he said. "The atmosphere of the Beit Midrash and the environment is conducive to good learning and great conversations coming together. Every single class you walk away with something important. It's just awesome." "There may not be a more spiritual student in the school than Ethan," said Rabbi Meir Tannenbaum. "When he comes to prayers, Judaic classes, and Shabbatons you can feel his excitement and energy. He is that rare student that finds such joy and happiness when he learns a new section in Talmud, new verse in Chumash, or novel concept in Jewish philosophy." "I feel that the education I've gotten at Yavneh has prepared me for college, and I know I'm ready for the next step in my education," said Ethan who plans to study psychology. Considering a future in social work or as a professor, Ethan's thoughtful and sensitive manor will help him make a difference. "Ethan is a sweet-natured and free-spirited soul who is loved by both our staff and his fellow students here at Yavneh," said Assistant Principal Dr. Tim Cloward. "Ethan is a very intelligent young man, he has an active and inquisitive mind and is always a joy to have in class. Prior to continuing his higher education, Ethan will first spend a year participating on Young Judaea's YearCourse. "I'm excited to spend a year in Israel," said Ethan who has spent a number of summers with Young Judaea at CYJ in Texas and Camp Tel Yehuda in New York. "Jewish camp programs are about spending time with Jewish kids like you, and Jewish kids who are nothing like you, and I'm sure that YearCourse will be an extension of that," he said. "Because we are all Jewish, you really never feel alone." The son of Dinah and Saul (who themselves met on a post high-school Israel study pro gram), and brother of Amos and Daniel, Ethan is a member of Congregation Nishmat Am. He's involved in Yavneh's Music Ensemble and a founder of the school's Frisbee Club. He enjoys playing the guitar and traveling, having packed his suitcases for England, Italy, Scotland, Switzerland, Wales, and to many places in the United States. Two summers in Utah, participating in the Outward Bound program, brought Ethan "confidence, an appreciation of all people, leadership, wilderness, and even spiritual skills," he said. "Everything you need in life you can learn on the river!" Whatever rapids he rides, Ethan will do so with a positive outlook, a strong connection to who he is, and a smile on his face. |
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MIRACLE WORKER~~ Congratulations to the cast and crew of The Miracle Worker, directed by Yavneh's Jamey Jamison and performed on March 26 and 29. 
Kol Hakavod to actors Ilan Attar, Leigh Bonner, Arielle Burstein, Sahar David, Jillian Herstein, Paige Koeppel, Jonathan Mishler, Eve Moel, Daniel Moskowitz, Libby Panipinto, Zeke Quittner-Strom, Bess Reisberg, Emily Rosenfeld, Adam Sallmander, Michelle Tanur, and Tori Weinstein.
Extra joy
came in the form of the
campus introduction of David Tzvi Hirsch Schrager!!!
Welcome to the Yavneh family!
Individual honors were given to Yavneh senior Eliana
Gershon in the category of Comic Cartoons, and to
David Fine '08, in the categories of Editorial page
design: Tabloid Format Color ("Blind Supporters Dress
for a Cause,") and Op-Ed or News Analysis Page
Design: Tabloid Format Color ("Religious Exploration).
The students attended the 85th Columbia Scholastic
Press Association Scholastic Convention, toured
through New York visiting the Metropolitan Museum of
Art and Times Square, they experienced "Fuerza
Bruta" at the Daryl Roth Theatre, and enjoyed eating
at many kosher restaurants in the Midtown area
including the Jewish Theological Seminary, adjacent
to the Columbia Campus.
"We had a great time and we definitely bonded as a
staff," said Daley Epstein '10, a copy editor in her
second year with Yavneh's Bulldog Print newspaper.
"I'm very proud though that, in just our third year, we
brought home a Silver Crown. There were many
papers with decades of participation and it was just
amazing that we won and how far we've come, in such
a short time."
Yavneh's Silver Crown was one of 62 awarded from
the 1,795 magazines, newspapers, yearbooks and
online publications of the current CSPA members
were eligible to enter the Crown Awards. Publications
were judged on writing/editing, design, content,
concept, photography, art and graphics. In addition,
nine magazines, 20 newspapers, four online
newspapers, and 13 yearbooks received Gold Crown
Awards.
"The Bulldog Print allows us to bring our initiative and
helps us build skills while keeping our school
community informed," said Daley Epstein who, in New
York, participated in
workshops regarding design and layout and
leadership of one's staff. "We learned so much in the
classes and we all brought home many techniques to
make our paper even better overall."
"It just goes to show how excellently students respond
when they are fully empowered with responsibility to
produce quality publications themselves," said Ms.
Hall-Chiles.
ATZUM, which distributes funds directly to families
whose lives have been irreparably shattered,
particularly to those whose main provider was the
victim. ATZUM provides taxi rides to and from school
for children unable to ride buses after being injured in
a bus bombing, school tuition for children of survivors
of terror seeking to bring added earning capacity to
their families orthopedic household equipment for
people suffering chronic pain as a result of their
injuries and more.
"This year we chose ATZUM because of the sincerity
and passion we saw in its founder, Levi Lauer," said
Brittney Herson '09, Points for Peace president. "Mr.
Lauer came all the way from Israel to speak with SAT
about his personal mission and dedication to his
organization. The personal stories of all of the people
he had helped, and the lives he has saved, made us
want to help."
"These young ladies and gentlemen are incredible
and every day school in the country should sponsor a
Students Against Terrorism organization," said Mr.
Lauer. "I'm so impressed with their commitment, their
concern, and their contributions to making this world a
better place. We, at ATZUM, are honored to be the
recipient of the monies raised at this year's Points for
Peace tournament and, with the help of these
dedicated students and all who participate, we will
continue to help many."
"Mr. Lauer made us feel so special for our hard work,
and in turn inspired us," said Brittney. "For him to be at
our event and partake and volunteer and see all of our
efforts in play was amazing and it truly completed the
day and made it extra special."
"I hope that through Points for Peace we were able
to open the eyes and hearts of the Jewish community,"
said Brittney. "We want to empower them and let
everyone know how even the smallest contribution
makes a huge difference."
2009 POINTS FOR PEACE BASKETBALL
WINNERS:
High School Boys ~ Pistons: Jake Gordon,
Michael Jahner, Chase Freeman, and Sean Kote
High School Girls ~ Mustangs: Cara Tolmas,
Emily Rohan, Elyssa Aft, and Jamie Kleinman
7-8th Grade Boys ~ 3.5 Jews: Josh
Dickerman, Jake Goldberg, Kyle Weinreb, and Brady
Kahn
7-8th Grade Girls ~ Power Rangers: Kelly
Herson, Rachel Goodman, Grace Horn, and Tali
Richman
5-6th Grade Boys ~ Hornets: Griffin Olesky,
Mason Brown, Bobby Phillips, and Bo Jims
3-4th Grade Boys ~ Hornets: Jordan
Sternblitz, Jake Hershman, Clay Goldberg, and Garrett
Stoler
3-4th Grade Girls ~ Hornets: Elise Andres,
Zoe Williams, Isabel Middleman, and Ellen Margaret
Andrews
1-2th Grade ~ Cavaliers: Mia Raskin, Mason
Dropkin, Zachary Bernstein, and Sam Greilich
For more information about Students Against
Terrorism programming, or to make a donation, visit
www.studentsagainstterrorism.org
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March 13 ~~~ RABBI LEVI LAUER Executive Director of ATZUM 2009 Points for Peace Recipient
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MARCH Belated blessings to Millie Blumka ~
March 3
APRIL
Mazal Tov:
~~~ to Veronica Thomas and her family on the
birth of her granddaughter, Sadie Moon Thomas.
~~~ to Naomi and Rabbi Jeff Schrager
and their family on the birth of their son David Tzvi
Hirsch
Schrager.
~~~ to Brittany Barnett '11, who recently
participated in
Texas' National Young Leaders State Conference
~~~ to Eli Tabaria '06, his bride Dana,
and their families on the couple's March 15
marriage.
~~~to Yavneh Girl's Basketball Assistant Coach
and Michelle Cheirif '04 and Ori Raphael, and
their families, on their recent engagement.
~~~ to Yanki Ribault '98,who has recieved a
contract to begin his residency at St. Barnabas in New
Jersey. Condolences to: ~~ Zev '11 and Zoe '09 Klein and their family on the passing of their grandfather, Rabbi Samuel Klein. ~~ Elan '10 and Ben '04 Kogutt and their family on the loss of their Great Aunt, Dorothy Kogutt. ~~ Shimon '02 and Sara '02, Lachterman, and their family, on the loss of their grandfather Irving Ciment. May God comfort you among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
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YAVNEH CALENDAR
APRIL
6 to 19 ~~~ PASSOVER BREAK
19 to May 1 ~~~ MARCH OF THE LIVING
TOUR
20 ~~~ CLASSES RESUME @ 8am MAY
14 ~~~ GRADUATION REHEARSAL @ 12:30pm
at
Congregation Tiferet Israel
17 ~~~ GRADUATION @ 3pm at Congregation
Tiferet
Israel
25 ~~~ MEMORIAL DAY * NO SCHOOL
28 ~~~ EREV SHAVUOT * FRIDAY SCHEDULE
29 ~~~ SHAVUOT * NO SCHOOL JUNE
1 ~~~ FINALS * JEWISH THOUGHT & LAW,
ENGLISH
2 ~~~ FINALS * CHUMASH, ESSENTIALS,
MATH
3 ~~~ FINALS * HEBREW, SOCIAL
STUDIES
4 ~~~ FINALS * TALMUD, ETHIC, SCIENCE AUGUST
13 ~~~ NEW FAMILY ORIENTATION @ 6pm in the
Student Lounge
17 ~~~ FIRST DAY OF 2009-2010 SCHOOL
YEAR COMMUNITY PROGRAMMING
APRIL ~~
19 ~~ YOM HASHOA AT TEMPLE
SHALOM
20 ~~ YOM HASHOA AT TEMPLE
SHALOM
28 ~~ YOM HAZIKARON @ the JCC
29 ~~ YOM HAATZMAUT @ the JCC
MAY ~~
3 to June 7 ~~ WOMEN'S BASKETBALL @ the
JCC
17 ~~ 2nd ANNUAL ZWEIG END OF
SCHOOLYEAR BASH
25 ~~ SPECIAL NEEDS FAMILY DAY @ the
JCC
To register, call Melissa Bernstein at 214.239.7134.
For more information or for sponsorship opportunities,
call Rabbi Jay Weinstein at 972.661.0127. |
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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.
Many thanks to all who have contributed to our campaign. 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. More than $1.3
million dollars in merit scholarships have been
offered
to our 2009 graduating class members. Kol
Hakavod!
*** updates in bold ASRIEL AGRONIN ~~ Northern Arizona University, Purdue, Syracuse University, University of Miami, Yeshiva Lev HaTorah, Yeshiva Machon Lev, Yeshiva University, NYU Polytech, Texas A&M, University of Texas/Dallas MICHELLE BACH ~~ Florida State University, University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of Arizona, San Diego State University, Savannah College of Art & Design SARAH BLASNIK ~~ Young Judaea YearCourse, Savannah College of Art & Design PETER BOKOV ~~ Clark University, University of Kansas, Indiana University, Tulane University, University of Miami, and UT-Dallas EMILY COHEN ~~ American University, Clemson University, George Washington University, Texas A&M, The Israel Experience, University of Maryland, University of Miami, Case-Western, University of Connecticut, University of Vermont, Drexel University, Tulane University SHAYNA DUNSKY ~~ Boston University, Rutgers University, Tafnit B'nai Akiva, University of California/Los Angeles, University of Michigan, University of Pittsburgh, Tulane University MICA ESQUENAZI ~~ Brandeis University, NATIV College Leadership Program, Rice University, Stanford UniversityTulane University ELIANA GERSHON ~~ NATIV College Leadership Program, University of Michigan, Indiana University, Ithaca, University of Connecticut SARA GREENBERG ~~ Goucher College, Rollins College, University of Denver, McDaniel College, Ohio Wesleyan, Eckerd College, Hendrix College and University of Tampa
BRITTNEY HERSON ~~ Brandeis University, NYU, SMU, USC, University of Texas PATRICE KHUNTEYEV ~~ St. Edwards University, Texas Tech University, University of Texas/San Antonio ZOE KLEIN ~~ Boston University, Machon Maayan, Tulane University, University of Maryland, Rutgers University, University of Pittsburgh COREY KLEINMAN ~~ Eckerd College, Indiana University, University of Arizona, University of Colorado, University of Denver, University of Kansas DAVID KRAVITZ ~~ University of Maryland (Jimenez-Porter Writers' House), University of Texas/Austin, Yeshiva Eretz HaTzvi,Rutgers University, University of Illinois, University of Pittsburgh LAURA KREDITOR ~~ Boston University, Machon Maayan, Stern College, Hofstra University, Northeastern University, SUNY-Albany, Drexel University, St. Edwards University, Rutgers University, and Towson University AARON LIENER ~~ University of Maryland, Yeshiva Ohr Yerushalyim, Yeshiva Eretz HaTzvi, UT-Austin, Tulane University MICHAEL MELTZER ~~ Purdue, Syracuse University, University of Maryland, Virginia Tech, 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 JONATHAN MISHLER ~~ University of Arkansas EVE MOEL ~~ UT-Dallas, Adelphi University, American University ARIEL OSTERREICHER ~~ Collin College ZEKE QUITTNER-STROM ~~ Grinell College, Tufts University, University of Colorado/Boulder, University of Rochester, University of Santa Barbara, University of Santa Cruz NATALIE TAUB ~~ Arizona State University, Hofstra University, Indiana University, University of Arizona, University of Colorado/Boulder, University of Denver, University of Kansas, University of Tampa, University of Texas ETHAN WARANCH ~~ Prescott College, University of Arkansas ELIZABETH WEINSTEIN ~~ Emory University, University of Wisconsin, University of Arizona, University of Denver, Tulane University SHELLEY WIDOM ~~ Hofstra University, Simmons College of Arts & Sciences, University of Hartford,University of Arizona, University of Kansas WILLIAM ZALSTEIN ~~ UT-San Antonio, Yeshiva Chai Israel
SENIORS: We will need to mail a final
transcript to
that college or university. It is important that you make
sure your community service hours are complete and
posted on your transcript. In order to graduate, you
must complete your community service requirement.
Please take a few moments to update your service
hours then turn them in to LuAnn Pitlik.
When you finally make that all important decision
about college, you will need to notify those schools to
which you applied but will not attend. YOU ARE
REQUIRED TO WRITE A WITHDRAWAL to each
school in which you were accepted. A template can
be found on the February Senior Times. "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. *** 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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This Friday, April 17, 24 seniors from Yavneh
Academy, chaperoned by Rabbi Meir Tannenbaum,
Aida Drizin, Pam Fine, and Holocaust survivor Max
Glauben, will leave Dallas to participate in the 2009
March of the Living Tour.
Students will learn first hand the truth about the Holocaust as they spend a week touring Poland, then marching from Auschwitz to Birkenau. They will then travel to Israel, celebrating in Israel's 61st anniversary, seeing the fruits of the labor of Holocaust survivors as well as Jews fr om all over the world who struggled together against enormous odds to create the Jewish state. You can still support the March of the Living Tour by shopping online, from Amazon, through marchofthelivingdallas.org. Sponsorships are also available on the marchofthelivingdallas.org site. Donations can be sent to MOL/Yavneh Academy of Dallas. 12324 Merit Drive. Dallas, TX 75251
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Yavneh SpiritWear is On Sale Now! Ties, Hoodies, Class T-Shirts, and more are available in the school office. Don't miss out, don't miss the spirit! Dress Yavneh - Be Yavneh! |
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from Gabriella Lewin '08 ~~~ For my last three months in Israel, I chose to volunteer with the Israeli Navy and I am LOVING it! Since the Navy base is operated by Israel's Army, we were required to first partcipate in a week-long service of Sar-El, a small unit in the army with only about 30 officers whose job is to run volunteer programs on army bases. On the first day we met our two mefakedets, or commanders. The army base we were working at consisted of many warehouses where army machinery and weapons were repaired. The days were spent scraping mud out of tank wheels or bagging wrenches which were to be shipped to a different army station for repair. "You have all done an amazing job over the week," they told us as they called our names, one by one, and they then attached Sar-El appallettes onto our uniform shoulders. "All of the soldiers here know what these mean. Wear them with pride." Not only were we bonded as a close group before leaving for the Navy for our last three months, but the Sar-El experience was an extremely personally rewarding experience, one I recommend to anyone. *** The Sar-El program is the basis of a book recently featured at the Tycher Library. Check out "Army Fatigues: Joining Israel's Army of International Volunteers," by Mark Werner. |
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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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Kudos and
appreciation to the crew team: Brittney
Barnett, Mitchell
Blumka, Alexandra Burke, Mark Cheirif, Jessie Cohen,
Melissa Diamond, Matt Kirby, Jamie Kleinman, Sergiy
Rozhdestvenskyy, Jonathan Sulski, and Natalie Taub.
"It's
hard to believe that we've reached this national
level of excellence in only two full years of newspaper
work. Many schools never reach this quality," said
Sandy Hall-Chiles, director of the program who was
accompanied on the trip by Chad Baruch, Yavneh's
Athletic Director, and art teacher, Monica Ribald along
with students Peter Bokov, Arielle Burstein, Daley
Epstein, Jaclyn Peiser, Ethan Prescott, Miles Pulitzer,
Zeke Quittner-Strom,Sarah Rohan, and Emily
Rosenfeld. Without the support of Mr. O'Quinn, the
parents and most importantly, the unwavering
dedication of my wonderful student staff, none of this
would be achievable."
In Dallas,
Peter Bokov (Graphics), Arielle Burstein
(Columns and Long Feature), Daley Epstein (Short
Feature), Brittney Herson (Short Feature and Feature
Page Design), and Emily Rosenfeld (Sports Feature
Writing) were named among the winners in the 2008-
2009 Dallas Morning News High School Journalism
Day Contest which also named The Bulldog Print Best
Paper in the Class B Division (smaller schools).
POINTS
FOR PEACE~~
Since 2002, SAT has, through learn-a-thons, the
annual "Points for Peace" basketball tournament, the
sale of "StandStrong4Israel" bracelets, and other
programs, raised over $300,000. Monies have
supported an Israeli family whose son was injured in a
bombing in 2001, paid for half of an ambulance for the
Magen David Adom, monies have been sent to
support Camp Koby, which provides a nurturing camp
program to children of families struck by terrorism and
the Keren Malka Foundation which provides long-term
no-cost loans of specialized and expensive home
equipment; walkers, standers, special wheelchairs,
bath inserts, bed lifts and more. 
"We went door-to-door
and it was amazing that, even
when so many people are having hard times, we were
still able to collect so much money," said Tali
Richman, a member of The Power Rangers team
which won their division (7-8th grade girls) and who
raised a record $2000 for one team. "Kohl's donated
$500 and that helped a lot. We love playing in the
tournament but this was about so much more than
basketball, it was more about doing for others. Israel
is our homeland and to see it torn by war is upsetting.
Anything we can do to help, we want to do."
CHILI COOKOFF
~~
Head Chef and Chili
King ~ Martin Appell.
March 20
~~~ RABBI MAURY GREBENAU
March 27
~~~ RABBI HOWARD
WOLK
