NOVEMBER 2011 

      Cheshvan/Kislev 5772

The answer to how-to-get-into-college is answered in the form of Yavneh Academy's College Counselor and Director of Guidance, Allyn Schmucker, who is working with her fifth class of Yavneh seniors, applications being sent out every day.

A Waco native, and married to Harold, Mrs. Schmucker majored in elementary/early childhood education and psychology at UT-Austin, then taught kindergarten while taking special education classes and earning her masters degree at the University of Houston. "Being a counselor permitted me to work with the 'whole' of the student," she said. "While the classroom can limit interaction with each student, working as a counselor gave me the chance to really develop a connection, truly making a difference in someone's life."  

Previously a grade-level counselor in the public schools, Mrs. Schmucker chose to stay home when her daughter Dana, now a senior at Tulane University, was in kindergarten, returning to the school stage eleven years later.  "I missed the interaction with the students and thought it would be a great time to get back to full-time counseling. A friend let me know that Yavneh was looking for a college counselor and it's turned out to be the perfect situation," said Mrs. Schmucker. "As they say, the rest is history."

"I am most impressed with the commitment of the young men and women of Yavneh," said Mrs. Schmucker. "Their dedication to their faith is apparent and their commitment to their studies commendable. I am also so inspired by the generosity of the faculty and staff of Yavneh. It is obvious that each adult wants only the best out of each student and will aspire to assist each student to reach that goal without hesitation. With such common objectives from the students, parents, and faculty, it is easy to see how the students are able to reach beyond what most would think possible." 

"Mrs. Schmucker is always there for us. She always knows how to help us out when we need anything, and her candy jar is ALWAYS full," said Tova Kline '12.  "She is helpful when it comes to resumes and letting us know when to contact admissions counselors for our top choice colleges. My personal opinion is that Mrs. Schmucker is, to use her own favorite word, just 'perf.'"

As Yavneh's seniors are filled with excitement, completing their college applications, Mrs. Schmucker enjoys being part of the planning for the next phases of life.  Working with the students one-on-one allows her to learn more about each child. "I feel so lucky and privileged to be here," she said. "These young men and women share their stories, their dreams, and their passions with me and it's truly exciting to learn of their pasts and explore their futures."

The collaborative efforts of all of the teachers and of Mr. O'Quinn is unique says Mrs. Schmucker, and it's that teamwork that she believes makes the college-prep clock tick. "Mr. O'Quinn's encouragement and wisdom is prevalent and, because of this collaborative approach, the benefit to the students is immeasurable."

The key for preparing for the college search is to plan, beginning at the ninth grade level, when students should be thinking about the courses they are taking and the grades they are making. It is time to begin finding the extracurricular activities they are interested in and planning summers that also provide for some recognition.  "Volunteering is a great way to help others while doing something you love to do," she said, noting that students should find an interest and then volunteer in a place that centers around that interest.

"The most important thing to remember is to be yourself," said Mrs. Schmucker. "What you need to begin to do, is discover who you are and develop that person in the best ways possible."

Samantha calls attending Yavneh the best decision she ever made, she appreciates the chance to gain a strong high school general studies curriculum while continuing her Jewish education, which includes a preschool through eighth grade experience at Levine Academy.

Known for its small class sizes, Samantha calls them the "perfect size," allowing for intimate learning and a family atmosphere.  "I believe Yavneh gives the students the best of both worlds: a strong Jewish connection as well as a vigorous secular program," she said.  "Yavneh's teachers, whose passion is teaching, combined with students, and the lengths to which we will go to achieve, results in success."  

Reflecting on the responsibilities Yavneh students engage, Samantha appreciates that Yavneh's teachers provide the opportunity for students to develop their own ideas and make their own decisions.  "With this comes the need for students to be in class, to become reliable, and to take advantage of the lessons," she said. "At times when I have felt overwhelmed by work or nervous about a class, the teachers have helped me overcome my concerns."

"It was a pleasure for me to be Samantha's teacher for two years and to see her mature physically and academically," said Phyliss Beilue, a former member of Yavneh's English faculty.  "She is a lovely young woman with a sweet, appealing personality, and she is a talented, capable student whose impressive skills earned her a stellar score on the Advanced Placement Examination in English Language and Composition."

"Samantha's projects for various units were among the best, and visitors to the classroom would often ask which student had created the beautiful tile mosaic of a young woman for the Antigone unit," said Mrs. Beilue.  "I look forward to hearing what Samantha chooses for her vocation.  She could be successful in many areas."

With her college applications in circulation, Samantha would like to major in Business and Hospitality Management, looking toward a career in management at a fine hotel.  Having traveled much with her family, including to Budapest, London, Paris, Prague, Portugal, Spain, and Vienna, the bug has bit and making people's vacation dreams just right is something she'd like to pursue.  

Samantha's summer memories include Camp Tel Yehuda, where she bonded with teens from across the country - first with the foothold of nothing more in common than their religion, and then, this year's adventure to Costa Rica, on BBYO's Eco-Quest Tour, where she had the chance to play with local children and work on an ecologically-friendly ranch.

A Dallas native, and the daughter of Dale and Jackie and sister to Nicole '10 and Joel, Samantha belongs to Congregation Shearith Israel.  Proud of the strong Jewish community she's involved in outside of Yavneh, she has attended JCC camps, Camp Ramah in Los Angeles, she is a member of BBYO's Kravitz Chapter, and she was a member of the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas' Jewish Youth Tzedakah Foundation program. 

As a member of Yavneh's Theatre Club, Samantha was featured in The Dybbuk.  She has served as Reporter and Business Manager for Yavneh's The Bulldog Print, she is a co-Founder of Yavneh's new Book Club, and she's been involved with Helping Hands for the Homeless, HELP/Helping Everyone Live Peacefully, Theatre, Bulldog Tennis, and she is a founding Student Ambassador for the school.

"She is beautiful inside and out, and incredibly talented," said Head of School, Don O'Quinn.  "An exceptionally talented artist, Samantha is a classy young lady who has brightened our halls."

Brightened indeed, Samantha's future will be so as well, set to service guests who come her way, with her smile, her heart, and all that she can provide. 

For Evie, whose previous education was a lifetime at Akiba Academy, pushing on with her Judaic studies was a given.  To be at a school where Modern-Orthodoxy reigned, yet girls were given so many opportunities, akin to their male classmates, was enticing.

"Evie is an incredibly special person, emphatically concerned with her self-development," said Naomi Schrager, Associate Principal and Director of Judaic Programming.  "She wants to learn as much as she can, in as many different disciplines as possible, and she is always an asset to a class."

"Evie constantly aims to help improve the lives of others," said Mrs. Schrager.  "Evie is always occupied with helping. She is bright, committed, passionately Jewish and she has the potential to impact the world in incredible ways."

Learning from those who have become mentors, beyond what is classical teaching staff, has given Evie an incredible respect that will be long-lasting. Following in her sister's footsteps, Evie is Yavneh's second student Judaic Intern, teaching an introductory Mishna class.  "Students are successful at Yavneh because they see that the teachers are dedicated enough to give up their time both during and afterschool to help them with whatever they need," she has said.

"Evie is an excellent, thoughtful, conscientious student and a young woman of exceptional character," said Phyllis Beilue, a former member of Yavneh's English faculty.  "The Yavneh family can be justifiably proud of Evie whose decisions always reflect a firm grounding in her Jewish faith.  Excellent character produces excellent results."

"Evie will make the most of every moment and every opportunity in a pragmatic, sensible manner," said Mrs. Beilue.  "On a particularly stormy night last spring when tornado sirens were sounding throughout the city, Evie was sitting in her closet, knitting her remarkable 'hoof and horn' flag as her project for Orwell's Animal Farm.  This incident says so much about Evie's 'can do' attitude." 

Born in Cleveland, OH, Evie moved to Dallas with her parents Grace and Howard, and sister Abbie '11, when she was just three-years-old.  A member of Congregation Shaare Tefilla, Evie teaches a Shabbat class for three and four-year-olds, combining her skills for teaching and her love of Judaics.  "The kids are also really cute," she said.  "We have a combination of free play, davening, parsha, and circle time.  It's not so hard not being able to write or draw, but it does require some planning ahead, and if I want to make posters or drawings for the kids I have to do it beforehand."

A member of Yavneh's Theater Club for four years, Evie has been featured in The Dybbuk, Herschel & The Chanukah Goblins, and The Importance of Being Earnest.  "I enjoy having the ability to be someone else, to really get into the character's thoughts and feelings," said Evie, this year's Theater Club President.  "I think it is important to have this program at Yavneh because it is a great way to meet new people and bond with them."

Readying to pack her suitcase, Evie plans next year to travel to Israel and study in a seminary for a year - with a desire to further enhance her connection to G-d and the land of Israel. Upon her return, she'll take her training and lessons learned through her involvement through YACHAD, to pursue a career as a special education teacher.  I have been inspired by every teacher since preschool as well as those who have become friends, who work with children with special needs," said Evie, who has been involved with Dallas YACHAD chapter, affiliated with the National Jewish Council for Disabilities, for almost five years.  

"I joined YACHAD because I wanted to know what it was like to help people with special needs, and how to befriend them," said Evie.  "I have gained an appreciation for the gifts I have been given in life and an understanding of how hard it is to live with a disability.  I am most proud that I have found a way to be proud of being Jewish, despite living in a secular world."

Greatly involved in planning the annual YACHAD Shabbaton, hosted by Shaare Tefilla, Evie hopes that the experience gives those who she works with, the opportunity to hang out with someone who won't judge them on their differences.  "Though it can be overwhelming, it shows so many people caring, and wanting to make our guests happy."

Summering in Israel, through YACHAD's Yad B'Yad Summer Program, Evie enjoyed touring Israel with peers, appreciating the opportunities for a completely inclusive program for those with, and without, special needs.  This last summer. Evie brought her kindness and heart to work with a child, living with special needs, who was a camper at the JCC's Camp Simcha.

Never idle for a moment, when she's not studying, acting, or making others smile, and often multi-tasking when she is doing those things, Evie has turned miles and miles of yarn into scarves, shawls, and more.  She has donated close to 100 hats to Bnai Zion, honored by the organization two years ago for her support of the children of the Ahava Village for Children, a residential center for children from high-risk homes.  "I love making these hats," said Evie, "because it sends a message that someone who has never met these children, can still care about them."

Knit one, Evie is one purl "too," whose stitches connect beauty, effort, and dedication.

This star was born in Hollywood, Hollywood - Florida that is, but she moved to Dallas with her parents Sandra and Ruben before her first birthday, where later the family welcomed sisters Ronit '16 and Talia.  Associated with DATA of Plano, Liora enjoys precious moments of free time, using them to relax, watch television, be with her friends, bake, and take pictures.

A former JCC, Levine Academy, and Shelton School student, Liora came to Yavneh at the start of her junior year. "I wanted to learn more about my religion and to become better prepared for college," said Liora, who admits to an adjustment when she arrived, but says getting involved made the difference.  "I knew Yavneh was the place for me because I felt right away that the teachers were very helpful and accommodating and could see that students have the freedom to be themselves, and to always have the support of everyone at school." 

"Liora is a quiet and thoughtful student in the classroom, always carefully pondering each new idea and fact that she learns," said Rabbi Meir Tannenbaum, Associate Principal and Director of Judaic Curriculum.  "She never shies away from work, always putting in tremendous effort to understand every nuance of the material that she is learning."

"Our days are long but the free periods definitely help and I think students learn a lot of time management skills, as they must adjust to the school's environment and schedule.  It's definitely a very long and rigorous day but in the end it pays off," said Liora, who plans to take those skills with her to university.  Still unsure whether her path will find her as a fashion photographer or as a graphic designer, Liora has many who have influenced her goals. 

"Liora is hard-working and strives to view life's obstacles as opportunities to demonstrate the expression of her true potential," said Mathematics and Judaic Studies faculty member, Nicole Friedman.  "She is extremely amiable and has a sensitivity to others' feelings that far exceeds the maturity level of the 'average'  high school student. Liora takes the initiative inside and outside the classroom, whether it's asking a question in class when someone else is too afraid to speak up, to getting involved with helping others through many organizations."

A member of Yavneh's Yearbook Crew, Spirit Club, Helping Hands for the Homeless, and one who has lead a mission to participate in the projects of the KIND movement  http://www.kindsnacks.com/world/  intent on fulfilling at least one good deed each month. A summer internship at the Elisa Project furthered her interest in spreading awareness about positive self-image and eating disorders through S.W.A.D.E (Spreading the Word about Disordered Eating),.

"Liora truly marches to her own beat," said Mrs. Friedman.  "She brings her own passion to make a difference and I am blessed to know her."

"Outside of the classroom a different Liora emerges; a proactive and energetic activist always taking on some new project and community initiative," agreed Rabbi Tannenbaum.  "Still, both in and out of the classroom, she remains cheerful, polite, and respectful of others."

Cheerful, polite, and respectful - there's a mission to fulfill, and one that Liora has.  We are better for her joining our family!

SCHULTZ FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP HONOREES ~  

Andrew Schultz, representing the Schultz family, bestowed congratulations and awards to the 2011-2012 Schultz Family Community Service Scholarship winners; Justine Berman '12, David Dunsky '12, Jori Epstein '12, Rachel Goodman '13, Jillian Herstein '12, and Rachel Siegel '13.

(left to right) Rachel Siegel, Jillian Herstein, Rachel Goodman, Don O'Quinn, Jori Epstein, Justine Berman, David Dunsky, and Andrew Schultz.

Yavneh's Schultz Family Community Service Scholarship, was born of a fund set up by Yavneh campus benefactors Leslie and Howard Schultz, as a gift to their son.  It was created for current Yavneh students, rewarding community leadership, involvement, and a personal commitment to giving back to others. In addition, these one-year, $3,000 awards, for which students may reapply each year, celebrates academic achievement and Jewish identity, and is one that celebrates the Schultz family's steadfast belief that Jewish education builds Jewish leaders.

"The Schultz family is one of the reasons that our school and our campus are here," said Don O'Quinn, Yavneh's Head of School.  "Yavneh, based on the Schultz Rosenberg Campus, means community service.  Those who provided for our home here have tzedakah and chesed, charity and good deeds, as the base of their lives.  Here, it's what we do and it's a second nature for our students to look outward with concern and action." 

With just 119 students on the roster, Yavneh's students and their programs, locally and worldwide, raised more than $100,000 during the last school year alone.

"In reading the applications of the students I was blown away, over and over, by the amount of service, and the diversity of projects and incredible interests, that these students have participated in," said Andrew Schultz, noting that this year's honorees have tutored classmates and others in the community, they have worked with children living with special needs, and they raised funds to build a school in Ethiopia. 

The concept of bullying has a new face and it's that of the internet. Facebook, Twitter, emails, and other contacts have found rising numbers of victims - almost epidemic with tragic results. Reaching out with education and information, to our students and parents, Yavneh welcomed Roberta Clark, Associate Regional Director of the Anti-Defamation League, which provides guidance to the White House, the United Nations, and other significant agencies with regard to this and many other issues.

"This is certainly a rapidly escalating problem of which are students should be aware," said Head of School, Don O'Quinn, who is working with Ms. Clark to present programming to the student body throughout the year.  "We want them to be able to protect themselves on all counts.  Anyone can be a perpetrator, and everyone can be a victim. This is everyone's problem."

Ms. Clark recommended that students and adults alike keep their phones and online programs locked when not in use, so that others cannot impersonate them, causing harm, under their name.  She reminded all that everything that goes online is permanent and public - regardless of whether or not it has been "deleted."  "Delete" is just not always that, and once the unkindness has been made public, it's there.

Referring to a well-known Chasidic tale, Ms. Clark spoke of a man told many in his community telling lies about his Rabbi. Later, he realized the wrong he had done, and began to feel remorse. He went to the Rabbi and begged his forgiveness, saying he would do anything he could to make amends. The Rabbi told the man, "Take a feather pillow, cut it open, and scatter the feathers to the winds." The man thought it a strange request, but he did so. When he returned, the Rabbi said, "Now, go and gather the feathers. Because you can no more make amends for the damage your words have done than you can to collect the feathers." It has been said that lashon hara (evil tongue and speech) kills three people: the person who speaks it, the person who hears it, and the person about whom it is told.

"Netiquette is a whole new concept of manners and it's something we all need to learn and

Yavneh Counselor Heather Behr with Roberta Clark

adhere to.  The impact is instant and far reaching," said Ms. Clark, proud of the ADL's involvement in the passage of an anti-bullying law.  "The pain that comes from bullying is, as we've seen on the front pages of the papers, sometimes that which can't be fixed.  Children have killed themselves over the pain they have experienced, and the consequences are irreparable."

Noting there is no such person as an innocent bystander, Ms. Clark reminded all that if you know wrong is happening, don't know it, don't watch it, but stop it - that's what our tradition teaches us.  "I commend Yavneh for having these sessions and for understanding the need for ongoing concern.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SAFETY

* Change all passwords every three months

* Parents should have all usernames and passwords to their children's  

accounts and monitor technology usage.

*Do NOT share any personal information with others, strangers or those close to you, online.

*Families should discuss cyberbullying, stressing the concepts of personal responsibility and "netiquette."

IF YOU ARE A VICTIM

* Do NOT reply.

*Do NOT destroy evidence.

* Report the offense to your internet provider, law enforcement, and school.

 TEHILLIM FOR GILAD SHALIT ~~ 

Just the week prior to the release of Gilad Shalit, Yavneh students came together via webcam, with those from 100 other schools from around the United States, Australia, Israel, North America and Europe, linked to the Shalit family tent in Jerusalem across the world to pray on behalf of Gilad, and other missing soldiers. 

Gilad's father, Noam Shalit, spoke about how grateful he feels for such community efforts. Dr.Elie Wiesel, Chief Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, and Rabbi Jonathan Rosenblatt of Riverdale, NY, each spoke, followed by the group's recitation of four chapters of Tehillim, offered in the sincere hope that Gilad be returned to his family speedily.

Rabbi Rosenblatt spoke about prayer as miracle; that G-d allows us to speak and be listened to, and that we hope that despite the physical barriers, that Gilad was hearing the prayers, and that, even in his darkest of hours, that he felt the care and support.Rabbi Sacks spoke about the idea of community prayer; when people come together, prayers are listened to because differences are put aside to create one voice.

"It was truly a moment of Ahavat Yisrael," said Naomi Schrager, Associate Principal and Director of Judaic Programming,"of putting aside our petty concerns to express our love for our brother in Israel and his family."

In the coming weeks, Yavneh students will participate in a program of the Jewish Community Relations Council, sending wishes of "Welcome Home," to Gilad, continuing to pray for the safety of all soldiers.

THE CHAGGIM ~ CELEBRATIONS, AND LEARNING, ABOUND ~  

5772 and its ensuing holiday season meant for busy days full of learning, growing, praying, and understanding the meaning of the chaggim.  With the first fall break in years, set to coincide with the holiday of Sukkot, faculty and students made the most of our time together, preparing for this significant time of year, the spirit, and the deep meaning of the season.

Associate Principal and co-coordinator of Israel Programs, Rabbi Maury Grebenau, Associate Principal, Director of Judaic Programming, and co-coordinator of Israel Programs, Naomi Schrager, and Associate Principal and Director of Judaic Curriculum, Rabbi Meir Tannenbaum each prepared lessons for pre-Rosh Hashana, pre-Yom Kippur, and pre-Sukkot - with lasting impressions, opportunities for creative learning, and moments for students to examine their relationships with G-d, with others, and with their own selves.

Each group of students determined how best to fit rocks of all sizes; great and refined, to represent the priorities, into a glass jar representing one's life.  Best to fill the jar with the greatest of priorities, and then add those with lesser meaning, to fill in the spaces.

Preparing for the Days of Atonement, students gathered in groups to act out varied scenarios that would require apologies, and then discussed the concepts of sensitivity, honesty, loyalty and the meaning of a true atonement.

Students participated in the mitzvah of kapparot, by waving tzedakah three times in the air - charity to later be donated, as an exchange for behaviors of the year set to end. Prayers were recited, asking G-d to be compassionate to us, and that we should model that behavior is our own lives.

MIX IT UP DAY OF DIVERSITY TRAINING ~   

photos by Stephanie Rogenski     

KOL HAKAVOD to 

Dalit Agronin '12, Carly Bierman '12, Millie Blumka '12, Rachel Chanon '13, Samantha Danilewitz '12, Coreen Golan '12, Rachel Goodman '13, Kelly Herson '13, Jillian Herstein '12, Katie Lerer '13, Rachel Siegel '13, Gabby Steinbrecher '12, and Ilana Wernick '12 who, continued Yavneh's commitment to our community, volunteered at a recent fundraiser for the Legacy at Preston Hollow. 

TEAM MARGOTSUSAN ~ 

Congratulations to Yavneh's Millie Blumka '12 and Mina Pulitzer '12 who participated in the Race for the Cure, and who raised more than $3900 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation.   Millie and Mina honored the memories of their mothers, Susan Blumka (z"l) and Margot Rosenberg Pulitzer (z"l), with their hearts, respect, and stamina!  Joining the girls in the Race were Carly Bierman '12, Samantha Danilewitz, Jillian Herstein, Dejene Hodes '12, Jordan Prescott '12, Ben Romaner '12, and friends Dani Sureck and Cara Tolmas.   

Anyone wanting to still make a donation may do so by clicking:

https://secure.info-komen.org/site/Donation2?idb=0&6333.donation=form 1&df_id=6333&JServSessionIdr004=ggqiho7fz2.app337b      

OVARIAN CYCLE - RACE TO CHANGE THE FUTURE

YavnehMom Jill Bach (Michelle '09), Helen Gardner, and Julie Shrell are chairing Dallas' first-ever Ovarian Cycle Ride to Change the Future, co-sponsored by the Aaron Family JCC.  Official Sunday training dates for the Ride to Change the Future are January 15, 29 and February  12.  Membership at the JCC is not required for participation.  To register to participate, go to
www.ovariancycledallas.org

Kol Hakavod to Yavneh Family Riders, all appreciating your donations; Jill Bach, Ilene Bierman (Philip '07, Michael '10, Carly '12), Ron Blumka (Mitch '10, Millie '12), Andy Cohen (David '07, Emily '09, Jessie '11), Karen Cohen (David '07, Emily '09, Jessie '11), Jackie Danilewitz (Nicole '10, Samantha '12), Vered Golan  (Coreen Golan '12) Debbie Koeppel (Paige '10) Carol Kreditor (Sarah '06, Laura '09), Cindy Moskowitz (Zac '08, Daniel '10, Clara '13), Deb Silverthorn and Jonah Silverthorn!

(Click on any name to donate for that cyclist)

Fancy feet best wishes to Yavneh Family/JCC Community Stars Dancers; Shawn Alhadef (Bradley '08): The Berry Family Fund, Bruce Katz (Jared '11, Justin '13): Congregation Anshai Torah, Mark Kreditor (Sarah '05, Laura '09): The Florence Melton Adult Mini School at the J, and  Stephanie Prescott (Ethan '10, Jordan '12).  Circle your calendars for the December 3rd "Community Stars" event, at the Dallas Hyatt Regency.  

 

GABBI LEWIN ~ "HOW I SPENT MY SUMMER VACATION"

Memories & photos submitted by Gabbi Lewin

During my summer "vacation," in Uganda, on a program through the Uganda Orphans Rural Development Program. I learned the place is not just "Africa" and the people are not just "African." Every man is from a village, a tribe, a clan. He has a name of significance (usually associated with the seasons, the time of day he was born, I  knew of one child whose name was Poverty). Every person has a story. After 7-1/2 weeks, I began to learn just some of the stories that lie between the cassava and maze fields of the Ramogi Village.

 

I thought I would be spending most of my time with orphans.  There were many orphans, but not in the sense you might think. Difficult to identify from a crowd of smiling primary school children in green pinafores, I suspect a lasting touch from the British colonizers, the children rarely live in orphanages, rather they will live with a great-uncle. While they are supposed to leave in the middle of the day to go home for lunch, most children stick around the school as there is often no food at home.

 

Education may be one of the largest reasons for Uganda's drastic national decrease in HIV/AIDS rates of any African country. President (Bush's) Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a $30 billion fund, has reached deep into the mud hut walls of the Ramogi Village.  The A of Bush's ABC plan (Abstinence, Be faithful, use a Condom) is vigorously emphasized on the blue chipped signs on trees in front of school yards and education is just one aspect of larger social, interconnected issues.

 

In the village we heard the voices of many brave women providing a rare glimpse into their society. I was told that many of their husbands don't view their wives' rights as being equal to their own.  It is difficult for me to share this phenomenon without taking a major risk of generalization. Many, in fact, seemed to promote a sense of partnership; they work together in the several acres of farmland they own, using the first ray of sun as a digital alarm clock. Many strong values also seemed to transfer to their children with the heat of the blanket acting as the only separator between the mother and child.

 

Things I do have a better understanding about: what it means to live in poverty, even though the mosquito larvae in the running water we poured with a red bucket over our heads didn't quite count as living in poverty - after all, we had running water. I have a better understanding of sustainable growth - that it requires not imposing our wants on their needs.  It was important to observe what the needs were, and not to create them. Do they really need an electric scale, when measuring the weight gain or loss of a baby by tying a string around a baby's belly and wrist works? Does one child in a family of six need shoes when he could probably beat me in a 10K race any day, barefoot ... even after I trained? Does an infant need an endless supply of diapers when the 4-year-old sister would have to find a place to bury or wash them? Do local builders need the newest tools of industrialization when there's barely any medicine to stock the clinic cabinets because it gets stolen en route?  

 

I also understood how grateful they were to have us there.  Those who were two, and ninety-two, bowed on the floor to greet us with an overwhelming display of appreciation. I would hoist up a child as they said, "Waluwah Gitish," ("Thank you for your work"). At those moments I couldn't help but think, "What work?" They were teaching me!  

 

Needless to say, I only began to taste something fascinating, intriguing, complex, incomprehensible, but also comprehensible - all in one bite. One of my first journal entries reads, "I can't decide if this is the best thing I ever did for others, or for myself."

Yom Huledet Sameach,  

         Well Wishes, & Mazal Tov!

NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS 

          2  Jake Greif     3  Jonathan Kravitz & Adam Wilensky  4  Lourdes Linzey

            5  Alexis Riche    7  Jillian Herstein   9  Rachel Goodman    

            16  Veronica Thomas & Erin Wernick  19  Josh Lynn   23  Gabby Steinbrecher

Mazal Tov to:

      ~~ Rachel Lipinsky '07 and her family on Rachel's recent engagement to Greg Waldstreicher of Stamford, CT. 

    ~~ Brittany Herson '09, a Senior Fellows Honors Program honors program major in Communication Studies, with a minor in Hebrew at University of Texas at Austin, who is participating this semester in the Bill Archer Fellowship Program in Washington D.C.  

With 30 other UT students, Brittany is taking classes focusing on policy, economics, and

Brittany Herson '09 with Senator Joseph Lieberman submitted by Brittany Herson

persuasion, while serving a fulltime internship in the communications department at AIPAC.  "I have been writing articles and memos, creating newsletters, and going to briefings on the Hill," she said.  "I am the only Jewish intern on the program which has proved to be a very unique experience so far. Many have asked me questions about what different things mean and why we do them. I decided to do this program to challenge myself and to gain new experiences and insights and, after just the first couple of months, I have already learned invaluable skills."

 

Brittney, who has been listed on the UT Dean's list many semesters, serves on the Student Executive Cabinet at the Texas Hillel. She has a strong interest in Middle Eastern affairs and has traveled to the region on four occasions. Over the last three years, Brittney has held several internships in marketing and communications, with the American Jewish Committee and a Fortune 28 pharmaceutical company amongst her employers. At UT, Brittany is a certified yoga instructor, she writes for The Daily Texan, and she is a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars and Alpha Epsilon Phi sorority.

 LADY BULLDOG BASKETBALL

15 ~~ HOME vs. Cambridge @ 6:30pm (note game delay)

17 to 19 ~~ BEREN TOURNAMENT @ HOUSTON

29 ~~ AWAY vs. Cambridge @ 6pm

30 ~~ HOME vs. Thomas Jefferson High School @ 6pm 

SAMANTHA DANILEWITZ ~~ University of Indiana

JORI EPSTEIN ~~ University of Texas/Austin 

ALI FEINSTEIN ~~ University of Indiana 

COREEN GOLAN ~~ University of Kansas  

JAKE GREIF ~~ University of Indiana, University of Kansas   

JILLIAN HERSTEIN ~~ University of Indiana, University of Texas/Austin   

BENJI LIENER ~~ Tulane University 

ARI MARGOLIES ~~ University of Kansas

BEN ROMANER ~~ University of Oregon 

HANNAH SCHEPPS ~~ University of Arizona 

GABBY STEINBRECHER ~~ University of Indiana 

College Representatives from far and wide make a point of visiting Yavneh Academy each year, sharing information, application details, and more about their schools. Juniors and Seniors are invited to attend but must bring a signed permission slip from your teacher. The form can be picked up in the counselor's office and at Mrs. Pitlik's desk. Students must present the form to the teacher at least one day prior to the session - and parents are more than invited to join us. 

Locations to be announced the day before each program.

STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY   

MAKE-UP WORK OR MATERIAL MISSED.

COLLEGE & YESHIVA REPRESENTATIVE YAVNEH VISITS * 2011

NOVEMBER   

15 ~~  Midreshet HaRova @ 9am

28 ~~ Stern College & Yeshiva University @ 10:30am  

29 ~~ Yeshivat Yesodei HaTorah @ 9am

30 ~~ Midreshet Yeud @ 11:30am  

DECEMBER 

1 ~~ Reishit Yerushalayim

~ YAVNEH COLLEGE GUIDANCE

For more information regarding scholarships, application deadline, and any other college related issues, read the Senior Times or check in with Allyn Schmucker, Yavneh's College Guidance Counselor at 214.295.3500 or email aschmucker@yavnehdallas.org 

I have had many dreams in my life, none bigger than being featured in Yavneh Academy's "Inklings from Israel" segment and studying in Israel for a year. It is with much happiness and a sense of accomplishment that I can truly say I have transformed those dreams into reality. This year I am studying at Derech Etz Chaim (DEC), a yeshiva located in Har Nof, Jerusalem. The majority of my day is focused on the learning of Gemara, however, I do have a Navi and Rambam's Sefer Mitzvot class as well. Even though I thoroughly enjoy all of those classes, my favorite time of the day is from 8-9pm when I learn parsha with my chavrutah, anotherYavneh alum, Ilan Attar '10.

To add to our knowledge and to the Israel experience DEC takes us on many trips around Israel. So far this year we have taken a tour of the Old City of Jerusalem, walked through the caves in Ir David, went swimming and had a BBQ at a beach in Tel Aviv, and have we recently camped out for a night by the Kinneret after a day of kayaking and windsurfing. There are many perks to learning Judaic subjects and Jewish history in Israel. One I find

Connecting with Yavneh 2011 graduates,  Zev Klein (top left), Shimi Wolk, Elan Kogutt, Jonathan Sulski, (bottom row) Brittany Barnett, Sarah Weiss, Leigh Bonner, and Abbie Denemark

special is being able to learn about a certain event then in the same day being able to go visit exactly were it happened.

I always find it fun bumping into people I have not seen in years. There is no place that happens more than right here in Jerusalem. Besides seeing my former Yavneh classmates on a regular basis, I have met up with many old friends, and even by chance ended up in the same restaurant as a girl I went to pre-school with in Pittsburgh.

Being in Israel for the chaggim was phenomenal.  Rosh HaShana, Yom Kippur, and Simchat Torah I spent in yeshiva, and Sukkot I spent with my extended family. Sukkot in Israel is awesome, with thousands of sukkahs lining the streets and outer walls of apartment buildings, each filled with people projecting holiday songs. Another cool thing about Sukkot here is the simchat beit hashoeva's, or cheredie parties that go on all during chol hamoed (the interim days of the holiday). Dancing to a live musical band with 2000 other men, all dressed in black and white, was definitely a lasting memory. 

I am happy I made the decision to come to study in Israel for the year and hope the '12 Seniors look into the possibility of doing so. I want to thank Rabbi T, Rabbi Grebenau, and Mrs. Schrager for preparing me for the intensive Gemara program I am in.

I miss all you Yavneh people and hope to see y'all soon. If anybody is ever planning on coming to Israel give me a call and we will meet up, I am always looking for an excuse to buy and converse over an ice coffee. I look forward to seeing all the seniors on the March of the Living (I WILL see all of you), and I wish you all luck this year with your college ventures.