Yavneh Academy of Dallas
September 2009 * Elul 5769/5770 | |
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| A message from Don O'Quinn ~ Head of School |
Welcome back to school, welcome to a new year of adventures, of learning, of growth and experience.
We welcome our new freshman class, additional students to our sophomore and junior year rosters, and to our faculty listings, we welcome back Rachael Faubion to our Physics team and we've opened our doors to Chris Northrup (Math), Raphael & Ilana Rosenzweig (Judaic Studies), and Isabella Russell-Ides (Drama). Each new student, each new faculty member, adding color and design to the mosaic of the Yavneh family.
This summer we have reworked our curriculum, we have renovated our Student Lounge, and we have redesigned our sports program, adding Soccer for both men and women.
Yavneh is blessed. I see in this school the workings of G-d and I believe that when you are in His house, you must give G-d your very best. We are the beneficiaries of those who have supported Yavneh Academy through thick and through thin. I am just the messenger of those families and I am proud of the message we convey.
Yavneh is a place where everyone is welcome, where we teach people to live together, where Judaism is celebrated with joy, and it is the place from where students with strong Jewish identities, step out to become leaders of our world.
Please, I hope you'll invite your friends and families, who have children in grades 6 through high school, to join us at our Prospective Families' Open House Picnic on Tuesday, September 15, at 6:30pm, or at our Open House Information Night on October 20, at 7pm.
 Wherever you turn, wherever you are, Yavneh is the same, wonderful place it has been for 16 years. As we enter the High Holy Day season, I wish Yavneh a Sweet 16, I wish you all a sweet 5770, and I wish us all the sweetness of life.
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Faculty Feature ~
Rachael Faubion - Physics |
 If the definition of physics is "a science that deals with matter and energy and their interactions," then Yavneh Academy physics teacher Rachael Faubion, who has taught for 23 years, seven of them previously at Yavneh, is THE woman to be teaching. The energy, and matter, that she brings to her students is nothing less than stellar and full of enthusiasm, and it's returned whole- heartedly!
It's a tough call to say whether Mrs. Faubion missed Yavneh, or that Yavneh missed Mrs. Faubion - such is the "mutual admiration society." Regardless, after a two-year "sabbatical" from teaching, during which she worked on many global missions, she is BACK!
"Grades only partially indicate a student's understanding. A student will have to work at making an 'A' in my class, but they would also have to work to fail - but for most of my students their interest level for learning is very high."
During her absence, Mrs. Faubion has been to New Orleans, working on hurricane relief projects and also to Costa Rica four times a year, working to help build a children's orphanage.
"It is such a privilege to partner with people from different parts of the world in making a difference," said Mrs. Faubion. "The hammer and the nail, the tools to build the homes and centers, and the actual buildings themselves are a by-product of the relationships which are so powerful and transforming."
"While I love being out in the world, and I had a rhythm of going on these projects I've desperately missed being in the classroom, Yavneh's classrooms," said Mrs. Faubion. I love the academic setting, the spirit here, and the kids. Fortunately, Mr. O'Quinn invited me back and he's doing all there is to be done to make it happen. He's really someone very special."
Mrs. Faubion is a native of Harlingen, Texas, and received her BS in physics and psychology from UT- Austin, and her MA in teaching physics and chemistry from UT-Dallas. She is currently studying at the SMU Perkins School of Theology, taking a course in Ancient Literature.
Prior to teaching at Yavneh, Mrs. Faubion taught at Pearce High School, Lake Highlands High School, and Highland Park High School. Mrs. Faubion and her husband Pat, a banker with Comerica Bank, recently celebrated 30 years of marriage and share two sons, John, a senior at UT-Austin and Mark, a senior at Highland Park High School. Active in the membership of Highland Park United Methodist Church, Mrs. Faubion also enjoys running, reading, cooking and going on sailing family vacations. "To go to the Caribbean, and get on a sailboat and go island hopping wherever we want for a week or ten days, allows for great family time."
"Teaching is not a job to me, it is my passion and a privilege. I love what I do. I can't think of a job I would want to do except teaching. After my first conversations with Mr O'Quinn (a physics teacher himself) I knew this was where I was supposed to be. I have only paralleled my philosophy of teaching and learning with three or four other people as closely as we did."
"Having the opportunity to teach here is a precious gift to me each day and the students seem to be the priority," she said. Mrs. Faubion believes that spirit, the fact that the students are extremely caring about their education and each other, and the incredible support of the parents, is essential to a healthy, growing environment of learning.
"Yavneh students are also amazingly articulate about things that are important to them and this is demonstrated each day in the classroom all the way to the speeches at graduation. They are committed to their studies because they see value in what they are doing and this allows for high motivation." |
Yavneh, Class of 2010 ~
Ilan Attar
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 "I was open-minded and excited about attending high school and Yavneh has become my 'home,'" says Ilan, a former Torah Day School of Dallas student. "I spend more time here then I do at my own house, and I love it!"
"A superb school is made up of many things, but primarily, for a school to be considered amazing, it needs two things: great teachers and great students. I'm proud and confident in saying that Yavneh is simply two for two."
"From my kindergarten years until I was in 6th grade, I attended public school before going to middle school at a Jewish school that featured a 'split curriculum," said Ilan. "I think that while we do spend half the day on 'Judaic Studies,' these aren't ideals that are clearly defined or caged for that purpose. They are life-long lessons, encompassing all aspects of our lives both the Judaic elements as well as the secular."
"Ilan was such a joy to teach," said English teacher, Dr. Paula Harvey. "His positive attitude, strong work ethic, and intellectual curiosity are impressive. I always looked forward to reading his essays, which were filled with sophisticated insights."
Looking forward to a career in law or business, Ilan plans to spend at least a year in Israel before college. "To take a year to study and travel in Israel would be a great experience, one that I believe would strengthen my Jewish identity," said Ilan, who last visited Israel to see his grandparents before his bar mitzvah.
"Ilan is a fine young man and his English skills are excellent," said English teacher, Phyllis Beilue. "He was willing to double his assignments, attend AP practice sessions after school, and contribute his keen insights to class discussions. Ilan is so capable and personable that he could be successful in many areas. His difficulty may come in trying to choose among so many options."
"The family environment that Yavneh offers is often a bragging point that Yavneh publicizes to newcomers and they have undoubtedly earned that right," said Ilan. "Just as in twenty years I plan to receive a phone call or a text message on my birthday from my parents and siblings, I expect to see my phone ring with names from my Yavneh yearbook."
A Dallas native, the son of Nahid and Nemat, and brother of Leanor and Aaron, Ilan attends both Chabad of Dallas and Congregation Ohev Shalom. He is co-president of the Southwest Region of NCSY, a former Bulldog basketball player, a member of Yavneh's Yearbook Crew, a co-founder of the school's Red Cross Club, and a member of the JCC's Blumenthal basketball team.
Ilan's interest in the Red Cross, and in bringing a club to Yavneh, was kicked off by his enthusiasm for his summer '09 internship through Jewish Family Service. "During my six weeks at the Red Cross, really in a full-time opportunity, I worked in the 'Ready When The Time Comes,' group which prepares corporations and organizations who would help in case of a disaster," said Ilan. "I worked on their database, was able to go on pitches with my supervisor, and I saw exactly what the Red Cross does."
Ilan was invited to a leadership summit at the close of his internship. "I wrote a proposal with a mission statement and presented it to Mr. O'Quinn and he was very supportive," said Ilan. "We had more than 40 students sign up from the beginning and with a blood drive at the Points for Peace Tournament, CPR training for our club members, and training for disaster assistance, I think it will be a very productive year."
Ilan's productive goals, his spirit, spunk, and drive to succeed, ensure that whatever road he's on, it's the path to follow. |
Yavneh, Class of 2010 ~
Michael Bierman
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 "Yavneh sends off exuberant vibes to its students," said Michael Bierman. "It's not completely about the schooling, but about learning for the sake of learning."
"I always saw Yavneh as my next move in the game of life," said Michael, a graduate of Levine Academy. "Public school seemed so distant to the life I'm used to and a Jewish high school seemed like the next step."
"It's hard to believe Michael is graduating. I've grown so accustomed to seeing him in the student lounge, huddled down in one of the study groups, walking around in that very slick suit he wears to the the mock trial events, or chilling around campus with friends," said Assistant Principal Dr. Tim Cloward. "With his self-effacing charm and boyish intelligence, Michael is one of those young adults who fits in anywhere; he's just one of those kids everybody likes. You just know he will go on and do great things and that he will enjoy what he is doing."
"Michael is a soft spoken, hard working and surprisingly understated young man," said Science teacher, Dr. Steven Goldfine. "More often than not, his answers are not only correct, but insightful. He is an example of the attentive, vested, and able student who one truly enjoys teaching."
"The best part about attending Yavneh is the freedom to express one's personality," said Michael, the son of Ilene and Dr. Sol Bierman, also the brother of Philip '07 and Carly '12. "The friends I've made at Yavneh are like no other. With small classes students can truly bond all together rather than small groups inside the class. The toughest part will be leaving the memories behind and moving forward."
"Yavneh's small classes mean more face time with the teachers and Yavneh's teachers make themselves available to students for help at any turn," said Michael. "Everyone is friendly with everyone; freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior. That's just Yavneh."
"It has been a pleasure to watch Michael grow into a mature, thoughtful young man. Michael is personable and a real pleasure to know and teach," said Gloria Boyd. "Even as a freshman and sophomore, Michael who has a delightful sense of humor, could surprise with insightful observations and comments."
Born in Dallas, Michael attends Congregation Anshai Torah and has participated in many NCSY (National Council of Synagogue Youth) programs and has served a number of positions for his Rubin Kaplan chapter of BBYO (Bnai Brith Youth Organization), including that of Vice President. "I'm proud that even though my day revolved mostly around Judaism at school, I still felt like there was more to be done involving my Jewish life," he said.
At Yavneh, Michael has participated in the Health Occupations Club, basketball, soccer, tennis, and mock trial, as well as working onf the Bulldog Print staff.
As on who prefers to be "on the go," rather than just "hangin'," Michael 's summers are filled withexperience, friendship, and travel. In 2008, he volunteered at Baylor Hospital in Plano delivering flowers, visiting with patients alone and with the hospital dog. "Sometimes a smile is all a patient needs to make it," he learned. Michael then traveled to Baltimore to volunteer with Operation Shema, a project which had him assisting inner-city children with reading and math and helping to rebuild a torn-down sculpture garden.
In summer '09, Michael was one of three Yavneh students representing Dallas on the Budapest/Israel Tri Teen Program. The program, sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas and the Jewish Agency for Israel, included a weekend in Budapest, two weeks of camp at Szarvas, an International Jewish Youth Camp in Hungary, and then to a week in Israel. "I realize that even though we're from different places, with different languages, we're all teens and we all have the same issues, hobbies, the same troubles and the same fun," said Michael. "For me the best 'moment' was the last Shabbat where we stayed at the homes of our Israeli friends. Seeing Israel through the eyes of teen Israelis was really different."
Not certain yet of the professional path he'd like to follow, Michael is certain it will be something he will enjoy each day and that he hopes his life will always bring opportunities to make a difference. "I always find it tremendous when I can help others in need," he said.
With his smile, concern, care, and charm, Michael is certain to succeed in his desire. |
Yavneh, Class of 2010 ~
Mitchell Blumka
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 "Mitchell is a very sincere young man who is always eager to learn and always very respectful of his teachers," said Oral Law teacher Rabbi Howard Wolk. "He is very talented, soft-spoken, and Mitchell always wants to help. He takes his Judaism seriously and it was beautiful to see his tzitzit that he himself tied. Mitchell is a wonderful example of the impact that Yavneh can make on a student who is open toexplore and experience."
"I chose to attend Yavneh because of the opportunity presented me to l earn Torah and other Judaic topics while still being able to learn the secular topics and that's also the exact reason I enjoy the school," said Mitchell Blumka, who transferred to Yavneh from Jasper High School at the start of his sophomore year. "Public school does not give students the privilege of studying Talmud or Jewish history."
"Mitchell, who is a genuinely fine person with a sterling character, has also shown such a keen interest and sincere appreciation for all his Judaic studies. Where he separates himself from everyone else is in prayer services," said Rabbi Meir Tannenbaum. "There is not a student in the school who I believe has shown as much growth and progress in his davening as Mitchell. Sometimes I watch him daven and I myself am inspired."
"Though I know it's said quite often, I would describe the students and faculty as a family; some students are like immediate family while others are more like cousins and the faculty is like my aunts and uncles," said Mitchell. "They are always interested in what I am doing in my classes and what new poetry or art I create."
After graduation, Mitchell plans to participate on Chai Israel, an Ohr Sameyach program that combines thought-provoking classes, challenging internships, and exciting excursions in Israel. Once he returns, Mitchell plans to attend a university to study either engineering, Judaic studies, creative writing, or photo-journalism.
"What I love about Mitchell is how much I've watched him grow, not just in intellect, but in confidence and into his own as a really capable and responsible young man," said Journalism teacher and Bulldog Print sponsor Sandy Hall-Chiles. "He's one of the best travelling companions a teacher could ever have as he anticipates needs and really works to help problem-solve and relieve the stress of my responsibilities. Mitchell's honesty is refreshing and his photography is insightful."
Born in Amarillo, Mitchell moved to Plano with his parents, Ron and Susan Blumka, when he was just two months old. The family, including younger sister Millie '12, is very involved at Congregation Beth Torah. Now Moreh of his Berger chapter of BBYO, where he is responsible for training new members of the group, Mitchell has also served as chapter president for two terms.
At Yavneh, it's Mitchell's lens that often captures the sights of campus for both the Bulldog Print and the Yearbook and, this year, he also joins Yavneh's new Bulldog soccer team. He has spent the last two summers attending the Gloria Shields Journalism Workshop.
"Life is a game, boy," says Mr. Spencer in Mitchell's favorite book, "Catcher in the Rye," "Life is a game that one plays according to the rules." Mitchell's life, and the game he'll make of it, is one that any of us should want to get in on. |
Yavneh, Class of 2010 ~
Noy Bolurian
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 "A quiet and committed student, that's Noy Bolurian," says Head of School, Don O' Quinn. "She is one who works very hard."
Working hard is exactly how Noy, a former member of Yavneh's Health Occupations Club, sees herself reaching her dreams of attending the University of California at Los Angeles in advance of becoming a doctor or psychologist. "I like studying biology; I find viruses, genes, and how the human body works so interesting, and I really enjoy being around people. I'm looking forward to discovering my future," said Noy. A traveler at heart, with her mental suitcase packed at the get-go, Noy hopes to spend more time in Israel and Europe as well as some of the islands around the world.
Born in Petach Tikva, Israel, Noy and her family moved, first to San Diego, California, then to Dallas. She is the daughter of Yitzhak and Shulamit Bolurian and sister to Eden and Daniel. Previously involved with NCSY and BBYO, Noy's greatest fun outside of school is as a member of the The North Texas Co-ed Soccer Association (NTCSA). "I never realized how such a simple activity could bring so much joy," said Noy. "I love being outside, the practice, keeping fit, and the dedication. It's amazing the respect that the adults on the team have for us and I'm really learning a lot. Hopefully Noy will bring some of those lessons to Yavneh's newly formed Bulldog soccer squad.
The summer of 2008, the "best summer of my life," said Noy, included Geometry with Mrs. Thomas, a visit to family in Los Angeles, and six weeks in Israel where she spent time with her family and childhood friends. "It's amazing that, as long as I've been gone, I've been able to stay in touch and feel connected to my friends in Israel. I miss them very much really count the summer's visit as precious time." Summer 2009 found her accelerating her studies by taking Government at Collin College and then a return to her Los Angeles family, and her favorite cousin, Samina. "Even though we haven't grown up together, we are SO much alike and I love every minute we are together."
"I got to know Noy very well during the summer of her sophomore year as she was taking Geometry in summer school and I took her home many days after classes ended," said math teacher, Veronica Thomas. "We talked about life in Israel vs the U.S.A., her goals and aspirations. Noy is a very dedicated and serious student with a good work ethic. She will be successful at whatever college and career she chooses. I chose to attend Yavneh because I wanted to be surrounded by people of my own religion and learn Torah," said Noy who transferred to Yavneh from Shepton High School in her sophomore year. "I enjoy the learning environment and the challenges, and of course, the best part about attending Yavneh is the combination of student freedom and independence and yet, at the same time the academic challenge. I think that Yavneh's format prepares a student for college by allowing us to make choices and decisions.
"Noy is a person who is mature beyond her years," said Erin Ray, Yavneh's Guidance Assistant. "She is dependable, intelligent, kind, passionate, talkative, and giving, she is welcoming and forgiving, unbiased and accepting. Noy is a person with a great heart who lives by her convictions and sees the bigger picture in life. With the drive she has, I can see her succeeding in any field she delves!"
"The majority of the faculty is kind and caring and the students are hard-working, and I believe that Yavneh is extremely successful in combining secular with religious studies," said Noy. "I believe that Jewish Thought and Law is a class, less from the book and more of a guide to life. I appreciate learning the 'where and the why' of our traditions."
Traditionally, or not-so-much, Noy's determination and strength of courage will bring her to the top of her games; the game of soccer and the game of life. |
Yavneh News & Review
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YAVNEH KIDS IN THE COMMUNITY ~~
Yavneh Academy of Dallas is proud to recognize its student leadership and participation throughout the community.
Included on the roster of participants in the 2009-2010 Jewish Youth Tzedakah Foundation project, sponsored by the Center for Jewish Education of the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas, are Evie Denemark '12, Ali Feinstein '12, Jillian Herstein '12, Elan Kogutt '11, Jordan Prescott '12, Ben Romaner '12, Gabby Steinbrecher '12, and Ilana Wernick '12.
The students will meet once a month to learn about philanthropy, nonprofit organizations, and, by practical effort, how the grant making process works from beginning to end. Each student has pledged to donate a minimum of $250, will be matched by an anonymous donor.
Balancing charity with sportsmanship, Yavneh participants in the 2009 JCC Maccabi Games were  Basketball Silver medalists Reid Cohen '12, Jake Greif '12, Elan Kogutt '11, Jordan Prescott '12, Table Tennis Gold and Silver medalist Benji Liener '12, Girls' Basketball Silver medalists, Ali Feinstein '12, Gabby Steinbrecher '12, and Ilana Wernick '12, and Soccer participant, Kevin Sulski '12. Students traveled to San Antonio and San Francisco to compete, meet athletes from the United States, Canada, and South America.
"Giving tzedakah (charity) of time, money, and commitment to our community is the responsibility of every Jew," said Head of School, Don O'Quinn. "It is a great part of Yavneh's program to teach this to our students and to see that they, in their extra-curricular activities, makes us proud, indeed. This is the Yavneh spirit."
ANDY SCHULTZ SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS ~~
 Yavneh Academy is proud to announce Abbie Denemark '11, Benji Liener '12, Ethan Prescott '10, Micah Steinbrecher '10, and Sarah Weiss '11 as recipients of the 2009-2010 Andy Schultz Scholarship awards. Each student was presented with a merit-based student awards in the amount of $3000.
"It was very difficult process to come down to five awards," said Yavneh benefactor, Andy Schultz. "In knowing the students of Yavneh, and watching them make their way through high school on the Schultz Rosenberg Campus, I see an unbelievable sense of focus, concern, academic excellence, talent, and accomplishments in so many areas."
"The spirit and commitment of the Schultz family to Yavneh and to the Jewish Community, in Dallas and in the world, is absolute," said Don O'Quinn, Head of School. "Those who are honored by Andy's gifts have that same spirit. It was difficult for our team to select winners because so many of our students represent the fortitude of the Schultz family."
"The Schultz family has been associated with Yavneh almost from the beginning," said Mr. O'Quinn. "Years ago when we were based at Tiferet Israel and I was teaching physics, we started talking about a permanent campus. At that time Howard Schultz said 'I'm your man.'" When we started building our permanent home, the Schultz Rosenberg Campus, and we wanted a state-of-the-art gymnasium, Andy followed his father by echoing that sentiment. When we wanted to be sure to have the Beit Midrash, our house of worship in the center of campus, a landmark for our students and faculty, Leslie Schultz guaranteed it would happen. Jaynie Schultz was at the forefront of the Campus' construction process and remains dedicated to the heart of the campus today."
Each of the students who submitted an application did so with three letters of recommendation and an essay regarding "Describe the volunteer activities you are involved in and the amount of time you spend on each. Which is most meaningful to you and why?"
"These students, through their accomplishments, their giving of time and resources, and their leadership," said Mr. Schultz, "have an amazing head start on the path of service to their community. I've known many of these kids since they were in strollers and I'm very proud of all of them."
BACK TO SCHOOL ~ YAVNEH STYLE
 Summer 2009 skidded to a stop last month when Yavneh Academy of Dallas students came together for a Back To School picnic on August 13 and then found themselves book bound and back to the Schultz Rosenberg Campus on Monday, August 17.
"When you start your day, and end your day, thanking and speaking to G-d, there's not a lot of room for a bad day," said Don O'Quinn, Yavneh Academy of Dallas' Head of School.
"The choices we make affect our lives and we believe it is our role to help our students make better choices," said Rabbi Meir Tannenbaum, Judaic Curriculum Director. "Yavneh is a co-ed, college preparatory school that teaches mutual respect, that permeates Jewish life, and that has students who go on to study in Israel, at Stanford, Harvard, University of Texas, and around the country. Our children succeed beyond measure in their scholastic work and in who they are as human beings."
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Shabbat Shalom ~
Yavneh guests share davening and d'vrei Torah
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 August 28
RABBI DAVID GLICKMAN ~
Congregation Shearith Israel
September 4
RABBI HANOACH TELLER ~
Teacher, lecturer, storyteller, and author
of 27 books including "Hey, Taxi!" 
"Courtrooms of the Mind," "In an Unrelated Story," and "A Midrash and a Maaseh."
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Bulldog Notes ~ Yavneh Sports Update
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LADIES' VOLLEYBALL
SEPTEMBER
10 ~~ AWAY vs. Dallas @ 6:30pm
12 ~~ HOME vs. Beren Academy @ 9pm
13 ~~ HOME vs Beren Academy @ 10:30am
15 ~~ HOME vs. Winston @ 6pm
17 ~~ AWAY vs. McKinney Christian @ 6pm
22 ~~ HOME vs. HSAA @ 6pm
24 ~~ HOME vs. Covenant @ 6pm
BULLDOG BASKETBALL
JV Elite announced Yavneh Academy's Bulldog Elan Kogutt '11 Honorable Mention and he and fellow Bulldog, Jordan Prescott '12 were named runners-up for National Player of the Year at their grade levels to the Jewish Hoops All-American team. Founded in 2003, JV Elite, Inc. mission is to enhance Jewish basketball in North America and Israel.
"We are very excited that other coaches around the country recognized what we already knew, that Elan and Jordan are among the best Jewish players in America at their grade levels," said Yavneh's Athletic Director, Chad Baruch. "We expect great things from them in the future. This also is a great recognition for their teammates, particularly 2008-2009 captains William Zalstein '09 and Miles Pulitzer '10, who had so much to do with their success."
 In the third year that Jewish Hoops America has honored outstanding players and coaches, 14 coaches from around the country and a Jewish Hoops American representative cast their votes. Jewish Hoops America has compiled weekly rankings of the top 25 high school teams across the United States and Canada for the past three years.
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Yom Huledet Sameach, Well Wishes, and Mazal Tov!
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AUGUST
1 Thomas Glover 3 Leigh Bonner 5 Libby Panipinto 10 Linda Ault 15 Rachael Faubion 16 Peggy Leeman 19 Don O'Quinn 20 Jamie Kleinman 22 Rochelle Samuels 26 Brittany Barnett
SEPTEMBER
2 Shelby Gadol 8 Rabbi Maury Grebenau 10 Aliza Greenberg 15 Ilan Attar 16 Zoe Elewitz & Erin Ray 17 Evie Denemark 21 Lizzie Chatham, Miles Greenberg & Ben Romaner 22 Kelly Herson 27 Shea Miller 28 Jordan Prescott 30 Virginia Yates
MAZAL TOV TO:
Becky Schisler '10 who was elected Zohar USY President.
Michelle (Fogel) and Greg Samuels, on the birth of their son Ari Judah, born on August 6, 2009.
Gavi Wolk '03 and Talia Volk, on their recent engagement. Congratulations to Shimi '11, Akiva '00, Rabbi Howard and Annette Wolk, and the entire family.
David '98 and Melissa Rosenhouse on the birth of their daughter Rachel Malka, born on June 1, 2009.
CONDOLENCES:
May you be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem ~~~
to the entire family of Ronald Gruen z"l; grandfather of Alyssa ' 05, beloved husband of Ethel, a longtime Yavneh supporter, board member, and dear friend who passed away last night.
Services will be held on Thursday morning, at 10am, at the Chapel and graveside at Sparkmann Hillcrest (at Northwest Hwy). Shiva minyans, at 7pm on Thursday, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, will be held at Congregation Beth Torah, at 720 W. Lookout Drive, in Richardson.
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Mark it with a red pen ~ Calendar notes
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YAVNEH'S CALENDAR
SEPTEMBER
9 ~~ PTO meeting @ 6pm
Back to School/Meet the Teachers Night @ 7pm
12 ~~ Slichot & Pizza @ 10pm
13 ~~ Yearbook Meeting CANCELLED due to AP testing and Yavneh
Volleyball. MANDATORY meeting on Tuesday, September 29
(see 29, below for more information)
15 ~~ Yearbook/Student ID photos 9:30am to 1pm
Prospective Families' Open House Picnic @ 6:30pm
21 ~~ Fast of Gedaliah - Fast schedule
25-26 ~~ Fall Shabbaton - On Campus
28 ~~ Yom Kippur - No School
29 ~~ No School
Yearbook Meeting - @ Starbucks at Preston & Frankford @ 10am
Anyone wanting to participate in the '09-'10 Yearbook Crew must
attend this meeting. To join Yearbook, please contact Deb at
OCTOBER
5 ~~ Hol ha-Mo'ed - Community Service
6 ~~ Hol ha-Mo'ed - Secular Activities
7 ~~ Hol ha-Mo'ed - Regular Schedule
8 ~~ Hol ha-Mo'ed - Regular Schedule
9 ~~ Hol ha-Mo'ed - 11:30 dismissal
14 ~~ PSAT
20 ~~ Prospective Families' Open House @ 7pm
JANUARY
25 ~~ United Students of Dallas Dinner in Pollman Hall @ 7:30pm - Save the Date!
Yavneh's Uniting Students of Dallas announces its 2010 dinner to benefit the Texas Access to Justice Foundation, featuring keynote speaker Chief Justice Wallace Jefferson of the Texas Supreme Court, along with presentations by State Bar of Texas President Roland Johnson and Texas Young Lawyers Association President Cori Harbour. Please plan to join us, and help our students raise money to provide legal representation to indigent Texans!
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
SEPTEMBER
13 ~~ AKIBA INSPIRE, honoring Dr. Rick Hodes @ 5pm at the Westin Park Central
For information or reservations contact Marilyn Rutner at 214.295.3400 or email
mrutner@akibaacademy.org
COMMUNITY KOLLEL OF DALLAS
For information or to RSVP for all Kollel programming, call 214.295.3525 or email kollelofdallas@sbcglobal.net
11 ~~ Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Daniel Lapin @ 12noon at the JCC
Kollel presents internationally acclaimed author, radio host and voice on Jewish-Christian relations. Topic: "New Year, New Beginnings, New Relationships: Jews and Christians in America."
Lunch ($10 with advance order)
Ongoing Courses by Rav Hanan Schlesinger - beginning dates shown:
9/13 - Weekly Torah Portion @ 10:45am at Temple Shalom
9/16 - Weekly Torah Portion @ 10:45am at the JCC
9/16 - Deuteronomy: The Grand Finale @ 9:30am at the JCC
9/15 - Bereishit II: Stories of the First Jewish Family @ 9:30am at Adat Chaverim
9/15 - Standing Before God - And Ourselves @ 7:30pm at Temple Shalom
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College Cues ~ Acceptances, Visits, Scholarship Information, and more
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Mrs. Schmucker will be attending the NACAC (National Association of College Admissions Counseling) annual conference from September 21-27. She will be meeting with college representatives from colleges throughout the United States. Seniors will need to have their resumes turned in to Mrs. Schmucker by Friday, September 18.
September 9 ~~ All seniors will be meeting with Mrs. Schmucker in the Beit Midrash during 9th period.
UPCOMING AREA COLLEGE FAIRS (events are free & open to the public)
SEPTEMBER
14 ~~ @ PLANO WEST SENIOR HIGH - 6:30-8:30pm
15 ~~ @ PLANO SENIOR HIGH - 6:30-8:30pm
16 ~~ @ HIGHLAND PARK - 6-8pm
ALLEN HIGH SCHOOL 7-9pm
21 ~~ RISD COLLEGE INFORMATION SESSIONS (details sent previously)
@ J.J. PEARCE HIGH SCHOOL - 6:30-8:30pm
24 ~~ RISD COLLEGE FAIR @ UTDallas - 6:30-8:30pm
COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVE VISITS TO YAVNEH:
Juniors and seniors are encouraged to attend college sessions but must present Mrs. Schmucker with a form that has been signed by the instructor of the class they are missing. An official attendance sheet will also be signed by the student during the information session. All sessions, unless otherwise noted, will be held in the Library.
SEPTEMBER
14 ~~ University of Tampa @ 2:30pm
University of Denver @ 3:15pm
15 ~~ Brandeis University @ 12:30pm
University of Colorado @ 1:15pm
St. Edward's University @ 2:30pm
George Washington University @ 4pm
16 ~~ Tulane University @ 2:30pm
Northeastern @ 3:15pm
Indiana University @ 4pm
17 ~~ Barnard University @ 10am
Skidmore @ 12:30pm (in Mrs. Schmucker's office)
18 ~~ Millsaps College @ 11am
American University @ 12:14 pm
22 ~~ University of Connecticut @ 2pm
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PTO ~ Parent Teacher Organization
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SEPTEMBER
9 ~ Opening PTO meeting @ 6pm in the Library (preceeding Back to School night)
16 ~ PTO Rosh Hashana Treat Bag fill -
Schultz Rosenberg Boardroom. Please call the office at 214.295.3500 for time.
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Yavneh's Mitzvah Makers ~
Students, Faculty, and Alumni Making a Difference
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Mosman's Meals ~ We are continuing to provide a bit of respite for the Sidisin/Mosman family by sending a cooler of meals home from school each Friday.
We are sending meals, enough for three people, which can be delivered, to LuAnn Pitlik in Yavneh's front office by noon on Friday, in packaging that does not need to be returned. There are no food restrictions or allergies. If you are interested in preparing a meal during the coming weeks, please call Deb Silverthorn at 972.839.6916 or email her at info@yavnehdallas.org
Saginaw's Ride for Sense Corp Texas 4000 for Cancer ~ Charlie Saginaw '07, is one of 56 students who will ride from UT Austin, to Anchorage, Alaska in the Texas 4000 for Cancer. Please help Charlie raise the $4,500 he has pledged to this ride, monies to be donated to the MD Anderson Cancer Research Center. "Our legs will be our mode of transportation; we will sleep in schools, community centers and parks," said Charlie. "Our meals will be provided through donations from corporate sponsors, and the will to share information will be what keeps us pedaling on. Email info@yavnehdallas.org to connect to Charlie with your pledge for support.
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Inklings from Israel
Aaron Liener '09
Yeshivat Eretz Hatzvi |
My Dad and I arrived early Wednesday morning to Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport, we hopped off the plane, onto a sheirut (a shared cab or mini bus), and rolled into Jerusalem at 7am. After a short rest, we headed off to Mea Shearim (an orthodox neighborhood in Jerusalem) where we met up with my cousin and did a little
book shopping which ended up in my also buying a Brita filter and my borrowing of linens, pillow covers, a sleeping bag, and the generous donation of a fan.
This shopping led us to Geula, a neighborhood next to Mea Shearim,where I had the only thick-crust pizza in all of Jerusalem (if you find out this is not true, please let me know--I miss regular pizza!!). The next day we set off to Jerusalem for a tour of Jerusalem from all different angles -- Mt. Scopus, Mt. Olives, and from inside. We walked through the Arts District (Cardo), the Arab Shuk, and all around the Old City, culminating in a visit to the Kotel - my father's first visit, and my third, a meaningful experience for us both.
Friday we headed down South -- to Qumrun, Masada, and Ein Gedi -- highlighted by
floating in the Dead Sea, a first for both of us, before heading back into Jerusalem for a relaxing Shabbat. We enjoyed a beautiful Karlebach service at all located in the community bomb shelter.
After Shabbat, we head off to Malcha mall, to soak in the post-Shabbat life and enjoy some delicous, gourmet, kosher Burger King. It's amazing to enter a mall that is almost entirely shut down, and instead of seeing the mall get emptier and darker, it instead springs to life, catering to the needs of Jews observing Shabbat instead of inconveniencing them. Sunday,we went to Tel Aviv, visited family, walked by the beach, into Shuk HaCarmel.
On my way to the Yeshiva,during which I learned my way through and around Israel's many forms of public transport, I found familiar faces from Dallas; Avishai and David Avraham, the sons of Eli Avraham who, while living in Dallas last year, came to speak on behalf of Yavneh's Students Against Terrorism! After a visit in their home, I had for a tour of Zichron Yaakov, including a stop at the newly opened Mexican restaurant (Tacos in Israel, go figure). It was nice to get a taste of home!
As I arrived into my home for the next year, Room 12C, With a 45-lb duffel bag in one hand and a fully-loaded backpack in the other, I see a thick brown door with a huge handle. As I open the door, I walk into a room with extra thick walls, a special seal-tight window, and no AC--I discover that once again, I am in the bomb shelter. But life in the bomb shelter is good.
Yeshiva life has been a challange for me. I get up early every morning for prayers at 7:25 and am up until 10:00 at night studying a variety of Jewish subjects; Talmud, Tanach (the Old Testament), Halakha (Jewish Law), and Machshava (Jewish Philosophy). The best part of the day is Night Seder (class) when I'm free to pursue any Judaic subject!
If you have any questions about Israel, Yeshiva life, write me! While my internet access is limited, I will reply as soon as possible. Hope all is well in Dallas or wherever else in the world this email may end up. aaronliener@sbcglobal.net | |
| Please send all news and updates for the Yavneh Academy of Dallas e-zine to: info@yavnehdallas.org
Deb Silverthorn
Director of Communications
Yavneh Academy of Dallas
12324 Merit Drive
Dallas, TX 75251
214.295.3500
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