DECEMBER 2011 

      Kislev/Tevet 5772

Helping students make their words work best for them, Bonnie Atkins has joined Yavneh's faculty to teach AP English III and to direct the new Writing Center. Her sweet spirit and enthusiastic and engaging personality, make Mrs. Atkins' room one to which students are drawn.

"After writing for public relations agencies for a few years, I knew the corporate and agency life was not for me," said Mrs. Atkins.  "I went back to school to escape and hone my writing skills.  While I accepted a graduate lecturer position on campus, to work through my studies, I never planned to teach in any other long-term capacity.  The first day, when I walked into the classroom, I was hooked and I've never left."

Ms. Atkins, a native of Connecticut, who has a BA in English Literature from the University of Connecticut and a MA in Composition from San Francisco State University, has taught at her alma mater by the bay, and at Mercy High School in San Francisco.  She's taught dual credit courses for Grapevine High School and Tarrant County College, as well as Intro, Advanced Rhetoric, and Composition courses at TCU.

Even teachers need summer breaks and for the Atkins family, including husband Paul and sons Zachary (8) and Cooper (3), summer vacations mean hitting both coasts; seeing the sights of San Francisco and extended family in Connecticut, as well as a third trip - up for grabs.  Last summer, the family drove to visit Florida's Disney World in a day, they took an everglades airboat ride, they boated and fished on the Gulf, and they toured NASA. During the drive, the Atkins family stopped at a Civil War landmark site, ate pralines in New Orleans, and they pulled over on the side of the road and just ran out onto the white sands of Destin, Florida.  

Mrs. Atkins, who played competitive tennis from the time she was in fourth grade through college, spent much of her youth at tournaments, lessons and clinics, also running summer tennis programs for the local parks and recreation center.   She also helped produce her high school's annual One Act competition, she organized holiday gift-giving programs for underprivileged kids.

Daring, a little, it may be hereditary as her great-grandfather, Irving Graber, is remembered for chartering a plane and "distributing" flyers about the opening of his new clothing store during the Great Depression.  How so remembered?  There is a law on the books in Chicago preventing anyone from throwing marketing material from an airplane!

"My students at Yavneh have me still in the 'in awe' phase," said Mrs. Atkins.  "These kids work so hard and are so devoted to both aspects of themselves, religious and secular. They have obviously found a way to balance it all. As we all have things that we need to balance in life, the earlier they learn the better and more successful they will be."

"Yavneh's smaller student population allows for kids to really know each other and their teachers and many are so comfortable introducing themselves. Working in the Writing Center, a hub for the school's writing-across-the-curriculum work, allows me to meet with students other than my own," said Mrs. Atkins.  "I must have worked with at least half of the seniors as they pounded out their academic resumes and college application essays. Furthermore, the administration, faculty and staff have been very welcoming and made me feel at home almost instantly.  I certainly feel like I have connected with more students and more quickly by this time than I ever have before!"

"Mrs. Atkins and what she provides through the Writing Center has been a huge help to me as I've made my way through the whole college application process," said senior, Dalit Agronin.  "I sent Mrs. Atkins my essays to review, and rather than making the changes for me, or giving me the answers, she taught me how to think about my writing and how I can make my writing better. "

"I have received countless emails from Mrs. Atkins, way past midnight with corrections and recommendations," said Dalit.  "She has taken so much time from her super busy schedule to help me and I am so grateful!"

A Dallas Jewish Day School veteran, having attended both Akiba and Levine academies, for David, the where of his high school education wasn't an option. "I wanted to continue my Jewish education and Yavneh is unique, offering a fantastic dual curriculum with excellent Judaic classes and at the same time, great General Studies classes.  Due to our dual-curriculum, we have a long day but a school day as long as ours conditions students for the endurances of work we can plan on in our academic futures."

The application process well underway, David's professional dream is to become an engineer. Interested in both computer and aerospace engineering, David spent last summer at the NASA High School Aerospace Scholar camp, getting a taste of what his prospects could be.

Judaics and General Studies accounted for, David echoes the sentiments of many of his peers, saying "the best part of Yavneh is the ability for students to call Yavneh a second home. At Yavneh, what is special is beyond the education, but the special is in the friendships between seniors and freshmen, it's in the relationships and the strong connections that are built between the faculty and the students," he said.

Recalling a birthday celebration during his English class last year, David smiles at the memory of a "ginormous" poster, signed by many students and teachers, with chocolate milk, cake, chips, and more.  "My friends are very genuine and I know they care for me."

Born in Houston, David moved to Dallas with

his parents Aviva and Fred and older sister

Shayna '09, and baby sister Evie was born just a few years later.  For David, having both of his grandmothers nearby; Bita who lives with them and Lee who is close, the relationships he shares with them are a treasure.

A member of Congregation Tiferet Israel, where he returns each year to recite his bar mitzvah haftora, David can also often be found leading the Junior Congregation. 

Graphic Designer for the award-winning Bulldog Print, David has also served as Secretary for Helping Hands for the Homeless, using his computer design talents to support that organization as well as the 2011 Yearbook. 

Tech-connected, David enjoys sites including Engadget and Cracked.com, playing video games including Warhawk, on the Playstation 3, and playing Frisbee with his dog, Dixie, walking her each night with Mom and sisters along for the trek. 

Summer "break" for David, in addition to the NASA program, has found David participating in the Gloria Shields Journalism Workshop, taking a weeklong iPhone development session at UTD, after which he spent a "baillion" hours creating Spot It!,  

his own first app.

Yavneh is lucky that David spotted our campus as his own and we'll track his future, online, and on target.

"I wanted a school that celebrates the holidays, gives me time to pray to Hashem daily, and that hosts Shabbatons," said the former Congregation Beth Torah preschooler and Akiba Academy graduate.  "I enjoy the balance the faculty and student body achieve so perfectly between academic excellence in the secular world, the emphasis on Judaic Studies, and the stressing the need for strong morals."

"I've never felt that Yavneh has deprived me in any way of a secular education or that I'm behind my public school friends," said Jori.  "On the contrary, I think I'm ahead. When you look at Yavneh alumni, you see successful business people, doctors, lawyers, journalists - all living their lives with the sense of who they are that Yavneh teaches.

Already accepted to the University of Texas' Liberal Arts Program and the UT Plan II Honors Program, Jori has aspirations in both journalism and law, shaped by the connections to the legal world with Assistant Principal Chad Baruch's guidance and her involvement with publications like Yavneh's Bulldog Print, as a contributor for the Dallas Morning News' Student Voices column, Street Zine, and Spare Change News.  "Volunteering at Spare Change in Boston especially impacted me increasing my desire to help others regardless of what profession I pursue," she said.

"Yavneh is the environment," said Jori.  "I think the school really prepares one for future stages of life as students assume great responsibilities both academically and in extracurricular activities. I think the overall willingness of the school, and especially of Mr. O'Quinn, to let everyone try what they want, with wholehearted support, makes Yavneh a one-of-a-kind success."

Also "one-of-a-kind" is the relationship students have with their teachers.  "Where else do teachers invite their students for meals, sit and talk with them about anything and everything during off-periods, or text their students?," asked Jori.  "Mr. O'Quinn has truly impacted my growth not just as a student, but as a person, giving me little tidbits of life lessons each time I enter his office, even if my reason to be there differs greatly from the advice offered.  It's touching to see how much the faculty and administration care about us."

The daughter of Dia and Barry, Jori and her siblings Daley '10, Jason '14, and Zach, has made supporting the Food Pantry at Jewish Family Service a family affair.  Chairing annual food drives, since the children were very young, this year's drive was once again a success (tune in to the January issue of the enews!). 

Summer soires have meant working as a counselor at Akiba's Camp Mazal and the JCC's pre-camp, traveling with her family to the east coast and to Israel, and participating on BBYO's Camp Impact programs in Boston and Washington D.C.

A member of Congregation Shaare Tefilla and Congregation Shearith Israel, Jori appreciates aspects of both communities. A co-President of Yavneh's Students4Students organization, Jori has been heavily involved in the raising of funds that, this year, built a school in Ethiopia.  Monies raised during the 2011-2012 school year will be donated to Jewish World Watch to build a second school, this one for 900 students, in a refugee camp in Darfur.

She is a member of, and has served as Chapter Newspaper Editor, Secretary, and Vice President, for BBYO's Judy Kravitz chapter, #1219.  She has been a Copy Editor, News Editor, and Report for The Bulldog Print, Captain of the Mock Trial team, a Yavneh Student Ambassador, a member of Uniting Students of Dallas, and a Students Against Terrorism volunteer.  She has also played on Yavneh's Volleyball and Lady's Basketball Bulldog teams.

Whether Jori is typing on the keyboard or running up the scoreboard, she's a win for Yavneh's home team!

For Ali, chasing the dream was her goal and "at Yavneh students are given the support to follow your dreams.  That's what I wanted in a high school!"

"Our teachers are phenomenal, always here to help, and they really know all their students, and they have a special connection with each and every one of us, creating a better environment for learning," said Ali.

"Ali is one of those unique young people who is both extremely ambitious and extremely adept at working with people," said Dr. Tim Cloward.  "You can see it on the basketball court - she is blessed with great individual talent but quite willing to submerge that talent for the good of the team.  She is like that in life - she works extremely hard and has made herself a first-rate student.  Ali is also gifted with the ability to work with people and she has made herself an important cog in our current senior class.  We are lucky to have her here."

"Yavneh's environment for learning is made even better because I have made friends at Yavneh that I know I can call at any hour of the day or night and they will be there to help me out with whatever I need," said Ali.  "We always have a great time together, going through much together; hard exams, all- nighters, winning or losing basketball games, and yet we have helped each other through it all."

Born in Toronto, Ali moved to Dallas when she was just three-years-old.  The "baby" sister of Jenny, Remy, Josh, all of whom live in Israel, Ali looks forward, to spending a gap-year there before returning to the U.S. to attend college.  Ali who has been accepted to the University of Indiana, and is awaiting other responses, plans to study sports management and business.  Watching her parents Susie and Allan succeed, as a talent agent and business owner, respectively, Ali has learned "from the best," about what hard work can bring to a career.

Ali and her family belong to Chabad of Dallas and Congregation Shaare Tefilla, and she is a member of BBYO's Kravitz chapter.  A graduate of the Levine Academy, Ali is "proud that I have always gone to a Hebrew day school. Being Jewish, I have learned so much about my religion, and I am confident that I have had a great education."

Summer vacations have long meant visiting her siblings and family in Israel.  This last year, Ali made her way south of the U.S. border, to Costa Rica, with BBYO's Passport Around the World program, where the group both toured the area and volunteered on a number of projects.

A guard for the Lady Bulldogs, and MVP and 3-point-champion of the 2011 David A. Yaffee Memorial Basketball Tournament (see story below), Ali has also given time and spirit to Yavneh's Mock Trial Team, the Bulldog Print, and Helping Hands for the Homeless.

"Ali is a serious student who takes important things to heart," said Judaic Faculty member, Rabbi Howard Wolk.  "She is inquisitive and she believes that nothing can hold her back. This is an important trait in life and I'm sure the sky is the limit for Ali's future."

Ali's schedule, like that for many Yavneh students, has her on campus from 8am until after the sun sets!  "It's tough to have the long days but that's how we get in the extra-curricular activities and I wouldn't give them up!"

And we, Ali, wouldn't give you up!  Yavneh's registry is blessed to have scored you for our team!

"I visited and I immediately noticed the welcoming, friendly, and family-like atmosphere present on campus," said Coreen, who transferred to Yavneh after a freshman year at J.J. Pearce High School. "I particularly enjoy attending Yavneh because I feel I that am a part of a family that, everyday, learns about Judaism, life-lessons, and together, participates in intricate class discussions."

"Although Coreen came to us a little late in the game, she has so seamlessly fit into the fabric of Yavneh," said Assistant Principal and Director of Judaic Studies Programming, Naomi Schrager.  "She has an inquisitive mind, and often asks very penetrating questions.  Coreen, who is a very FUN person to be around, sincerely wants to learn and she has a refreshingly positive outlook on life."

A Dallas native, Coreen is the daughter of Moshe and Vered, and a member of Congregation Tiferet Israel, where she has volunteered during the High Holidays, working with the youngest members of the congregation.

A member of Yavneh's Lady Bulldog Volleyball and Tennis teams, Coreen has also participated in Yavneh's  Mock Trial, HELP/Helping Everyone Live Peacefully, Helping Hands for the Homeless, and in the Theatre Club, with a role in the 2010 production of The Dybbuk.

Coreen spent Summer 2010 at Camp Tel Yehudah, in New York, but traveled to Washington DC with the group, lobbying to congressmen for various rights and learning about leadership opportunities.   This year, she traveled to Israel, again with a Young Judaea group, Machon, learning about the Israeli culture, history and Middle Eastern politics.

A Camp Young Judaea "veteran," with eight years of CYJ Texas and Tel Yehudah behind her, Young Judaea's Year Course program is in Coreen's future just after graduation.  A step to follow her siblings Dani and Michelle, Coreen sees Year Course as "a chance for me to grow and become independent."  

Thusfar accepted to the University of Kansas, Coreen wants to study psychology before attending law school.  "The study of psychology and the human behavior has always interested me, and, well, my parents and family have always advised me to become a lawyer because of my 'argumentative,' yet clever, way of thinking."

"Clever," ever - always with a smile that says "hey!" Three years was almost enough time together, now, as an alum - we'll look forward to a lifetime connect!

COMMUNITY BOARDS OF DIRECTORS CONVENE AT YAVNEH ~~ 

   

Yavneh Academy administration and leaders have recently had the opportunity to host members of the community, those who have supported the school from its earliest days.  Celebrating its CHAI/18 anniversary, Head of School Don O'Quinn and Board President Dan Prescott and others have shared the best of Yavneh; its students, its  

Schultz Rosenberg Campus with members of the board of the Jewish Community Center and the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas.

 

Enmeshed at its Schultz Rosenberg Campus since 2005, Yavneh's earliest classes were held at the Lodge at the JCC.  Today, the JCC is still the home to the Yavneh Bulldog Tennis Team and host of Yavneh's Students Against Terrorism Points for Peace Basketball Tournament. Students from Yavneh participate in the Federation's Jewish Youth Tzedakah Foundation and the JCC's Maccabi and other sports programs.

 

"Our kids are our community and they are the leaders of the future of our community," said Mr. Prescott, speaking of the students, past and present, including  

Kelly Herson '13, Benjamin Liener '12, Mika Stein '13, and Ilana Wernick '12, who visited with different guests.  "They are involved in so many areas of this community, reaching out, touching all corners locally, and globally, and we, as adults, have much to learn about the concept of tikun olam, repairing the world.  I definitely feel safe in the hands of our youth."

 

"From the first tour I was given when I first moved here, to the opportunity to hear  

Mr. O'Quinn, Dan Prescott, and Kelly Herson extol the goodness of Yavneh, I have been  

Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas' Chairman of the Board - Jeff Rasansky, JFGD President & CEO - Susan Kramer, Yavneh Head of School - Don O'Quinn and Yavneh Board President - Dan Prescott

very proud of this institution and the Federation's support of all that it is," said Susan Kramer, President and CEO of the Federation.    

  

"The impact on our community, through the learning and service, here and around the world," she continued, "is truly a light unto the nations.  The wisdom, the grasp of knowledge, and the very best potential that is seen in, and nurtured, in each student is incredible.  When I grow up, I want to go to Yavneh." 

 

"It is incumbent on our Board to know and understand the real difference and impact the Federation makes day in and day out in the lives of those we support. Kelly is a shining example of why Yavneh is such an important partner to the Federation," said Federation Board Chair, Jeff Rasansky. "She was articulate, passionate, and dedicated; her commitment to Torah, Jewish studies, and the Jewish people motivate me every day to raise money, and community support, to help fund Jewish education in Dallas. Because of Yavneh's work, as seen firsthand, the future of our Dallas Jewish community is in great hands."

 

JCC guests and Yavneh leadership who recently toured Yavneh's campus were Mike Hirsh, Stuart Prescott, Jeff Seymour, Ron Foxman, Ynette Hogue, Don O'Quinn, Steven Rosenberg, Dan Prescott, senior Benjamin Liener, and Ken Goldberg.

"Our kids have gone on to do great things in the world; they are lawyers and doctors, teachers, and lieutenants in the Israel Defense Force and the U.S. Air Force," said   

Mr. O'Quinn.  "They go on to do great things but they do them first here at Yavneh.  They feed the homeless, they support victims of terror, they care about the environment, and they build schools in Ethiopia and Darfur."

 

"When you start and end your day with prayer," says Mr. O'Quinn, "much of what you do in between, in addition to gaining an excellent college preparatory education, involves caring about others. What more could you want of an education?"

 

 






ART EXPO ~~

Yavneh's artists once again found their works on display. 

Art designs of Juniors Rachel Chanon, Tamar Cohen, Shelby Gadol, Rachel Goodman,
Katie Lerer, Josh Lynn, Stephanie Medina,
Jonah Mitzner,
Yonah Presburger and
Max Schnitzer, as well as teacher Monica Ribald and alumnus, Mikkie Gartner '11, were featured by the Texas Sculpture Association at the Rising Gallery in Dallas, in conjunction with
moderndallas.net   

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

YAFFEE TOURNAMENT

 

Kol Hakavod and Congratulations to Yavneh's Bulldog Basketball teams and coaches for their efforts in the 2011 David A. Yaffee Memorial Tournament, played in Houston.  Yavneh's Lady Bulldogs took the trophy for the women, and Los Angeles' Shalhevet School won the men's division, with the Yavneh Bulldogs coming in third place. 

 

Houston's Robert M. Beren Academy and Emery/Weiner School played host for the tournament, also welcoming Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy (Overland Park, KS).

 

"Both of our teams played very well and the girls went undefeated, including two wins against a very strong Emery Weiner team," said Yavneh's Athletic Director and Associate Principal, Chad Baruch.  "Our boys also played well, losing tough games on very little rest the first two days of the tournament. The schedule really worked against us, but the guys fought valiantly."

 

The Lady Bulldog's Ali Feinstein '12, won MVP and was the tournament's 3-Point Champion, while Emily Rohan '12 made the All-Tournament Team.  For the Men, Jordan Prescott made the All-Tournament Team.

 

"I'm really proud of our team as a whole," said Lady Bulldogs Chris Walker, who coached the team to its victory with Assistant Coach LaTosha Ridgeway also at the bench.  "These girls don't give up, and to date they hadn't lost a game.  Lots of excitement, and lots of effort.  That's what the weekend was all about."

 

The winning Lady Bulldogs team includes   Dania Tanur '14, Sophie Lynn '15, Tamar Cohen '13, Alexandra Lavi '15, Erin Wernick '15,    Hadas Cohen '15,  Talia Klein '14,  Sarah Barnett '14, Clara Moskowitz '13, Ilana Wernick '12, Gabby Steinbrecher '12, Mina Pulitzer '12, Jori Epstein '12, Emily Rohan '12, Ali Feinstein '12, Rachel Goodman '13,  and (not pictured) Niv Avneri '15.

"Discipline, pride, and teamwork is the foundation of Yavneh basketball and we are very fortunate to have two senior captains, Ilana Wernick and Ali Feinstein, who lead by example while making sure teammates consistently adhere to our team principles and values on and off the court."

 

"A lot of the credit of our team's success stems from their commitment and dedication to developing the necessary individual skills of basketball, and incorporating them with the team concepts and strategies that our coaching staff set in place," said Coach Walker.  "We are very pleased with their accomplishments and we are very proud of them for being so gracious during times of victory, as well as their encouraging efforts in defeat."   

The Yavneh Bulldogs, coached by Chad Baruch, Zack Pollack, and Max Ribald,   is built of Zac Schultz '15, David Rudomin '14, Adam Steinbrecher '14, Itai Guttman '14,   Ben Romaner '12, Jason Epstein '14, Meir Epstein '15, Josh Lynn '13, Ori Guttman '15,   Sam Kleinman '14, Jake Greif '12, Jordan Prescott '12, Kevin Sulski '12, and Adam Karnett '14.

"We really gave it our all and, as a senior, I'm so glad we came through.  We really did it," said an excited Ali Feinstein, who serves as co-captain, with Ilana Wernick, of the Lady Bulldogs.  "I love this tournament because it's Jewish kids from around the country, and we have so much in common, including a real love for basketball!  Many of us stay in touch with the Houston kids, throughout the year, but I've made many friends from the other schools too."

 

"The time away together also always brings our team," said Ali, "already a strong group, even closer together."

POETRY DAY  ~~   

Yavneh's 13th Poetry Day, an annual favorite coordinated by Associate Principal, Dr. Tim Cloward, once again featured visiting writers who shared their work and discussed the writing process.  "An important part of these events is to have our students write, and to remind them that they, themselves, are creative writers," said Dr. Cloward, who invited the experts, many of whom are affiliated with The Writer's Garret, a local literary organization. 

 

"We expose our students to some of the area's best writers, and we remind them that there are mentors out there who can help lead them to becoming first-rate writers," said Dr. Cloward.  "Students enjoyed the always lively event with readings from the guests, and the creation of works of some possibly prophetic poets."

 

KASHRUT 101 - 202 - and more!

Judaic administrators, Naomi Schrager, Rabbi Maury Grebenau, and Rabbi Meir Tannenbaum and  and Rabbi Sholey Klein, Kashrus Administrator of Dallas Kosher, the oldest kosher certification agency in the Southwest, presented a morning of education regarding kosher items and practice, for Yavneh's students, explaining many of reasons for the "how" and "why" of keeping kosher.

"What could be wrong with - you fill in the blank," said Rabbi Klein, who had recently returned from Kosherfest, the annual meeting place for the industry's top kosher supermarket and restaurant buyers and the AKO Conference (Association for Kashrus Organizers), where the heads of 120 kosher organizations gathered for their annual conference.  "There are a number of ingredients that go into seemingly simple foods, that are eaten everyday, and many of those are not understood.

Donuts, fruitcakes, and many other baked goods are cooked in lard, many "all natural" listings come from beaver, cat, whale, bugs, and other animals that are not kosher themselves, or the process by which they are used isn't kosher, explained Rabbi Klein.

Products that might not appear to be "dairy," as is classically understood, may contain whey, lactose, casein, or sodium caseinate, all milk derivatives.

Snacktime a priority for our students, Rabbi Klein addressed many favorites, including Slurpees, an all-time Yavneh student favorite, and spoke of the flavors at the Preston/Forest location, all kosher, but that students need to keep in mind flavors that are pareve (most) and those that are dairy (he identified Pina Colada).  Oreos, not innately dairy, but listed as OU Dairy - direct that the cookies were likely baked in a facility, or on equipment, where other dairy foods were produced, and most chewing gum, without approved authorization, has a gum base that is not kosher - "almost 100 percent are animal bi-products," said the rabbi.

After Rabbi Klein's introduction and explanations, students and faculty spent time in groups learning from varied Jewish texts, the origination of many of the laws.  The goal - to educate, and to bring a further grasping of the students as to why Yavneh's campus is, and must remain, a kosher site.

"We expect 100 percent of the food brought onto our campus to be kosher," said Rabbi Tannenbaum.  "We don't want to police the situation, but we expect all to have a respect for our school, our campus, and to the Schultz and Rosenberg families who created a haven for a Jewish high school, one that would be kosher."

"Yavneh is a school that teaches tolerance and respect for local groups, and for those around the world, and it's important to have that same respect here at our own home," said Rabbi Tannenbaum.  "Regardless of the extent to which you follow the laws at home, here, we live the traditions and the understandings and values on which Yavneh Academy was built."

VETERAN'S DAY, 2011 ~~
 

"I saw an ad in the Jewish Press that said 'Join the Army, See the World,' - and so I did," said U.S. Army Chaplain - Rabbi Maj. Ira Ehrenpreis, when addressing Yavneh's students.  Fatigues over his tzistzis and under his tallis, Rabbi Ehrenpreis was interested enough to make at least "one phone call."  That call, and three months later, the rabbi reported to Fort Monmouth in New Jersey.

 

Prior to his current assignment as a recruiter in Grand Prairie, the rabbi, who credited his grandparents with his foundation of Yiddiskeit, a strength he believes that has carried him through some difficult times, has been based in Ft. Bragg, NC, Ft. Lewis, WA, Iraq, and Korea.   

"Baskin-Robbins ice cream for breakfast, lunch,  

and dinner when kosher meals weren't available,  

artillery flying overhead as we asked the Four Questions during the Pesach Seder in Iraq, and a delay, by five months, of a lulav and etrog, due to 9/11," are only the beginning of my adventures," said the rabbi. 

 

"I was on the phone with friends in New York, wishing them a 'Shana Tova,'" said Rabbi Maj. Ehrenpreis, married and the father of five - a family that has now made the Metroplex their home, attending Congregation Shaare Tefilla. "Together we heard a 'bang,' then another - it was the towers being hit.  That was how I found out about September 11."

 

Rabbi Ehrenpreis lessons of cadence of early workout, between dvar Torah and breakfast,that will long be remembered.

 

 

                                                                          UNITING STUDENTS OF DALLAS'

BENEFIT TO SUPPORT THE  

TEXAS ACCESS TO JUSTICE FOUNDATION ~~   

 

Uniting Students of Dallas once again has made those less fortunate, but in need of access to a fair justice system, its priority.  On Wednesday, January 11,  

USD will host it's third annual benefit to support the Texas Access to Justice Foundation featuring keynote speaker, Former U.S. Attorney Paul Coggins, as well as Immediate Past-President of the State Bar of Texas, Terry Tottenham, and

Photo courtesy Paul Coggins

President-Elect of the Texas Young Lawyers Association, C.E. Rhodes, Jr.  The evening will begin with a reception at 6:30,   

followed by a dinner and program  

 in Yavneh's Pollman Hall. 

 

Mr. Coggins, who served as the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas from 1993 to 2001, is now the head of Locke Lord LLP's national White Collar Criminal Defense and Internal Investigations practice.

 

Created by the Texas Supreme Court, in 1984, the Texas Access to Justice Foundation is committed to the vision that all Texans have equal access to justice, regardless of their income. The Foundation is now the largest source of funding for civil legal aid, providing the funding to assist more than 100,000 Texans each year in attaining access to the civil justice system.

 

"Now, more than ever, the Foundation needs our help," said Mina Pulitzer '12, President of Uniting Students of Dallas, which has raised more than $30,000 in the last two years.  "With an increasing population of poor Texans and declining funding, it is up to us to help the Foundation preserve the vision of equal access to Texas justice.  We hope everyone in our community will spread the word and please join Uniting Students of Dallas in supporting the critical efforts of the Texas Access to Justice Foundation."

 

"In running this event for three years," said Chad Baruch, Esq, Yavneh Assistant Principal and Athletic Director  "our students have gained a much deeper understanding of the struggles so many Texans face to obtain access to the justice system, and an appreciation for why that access is so critical to our way of life and our system of government."

 

"Having been a trial lawyer for many years, I've seen first-hand how our system can breakdown without equal access, in both civil and criminal cases," said Mr. Coggins.  "It is very heartening to see this critical issue at the forefront of our children's minds and efforts.  From Uniting Students of Dallas' leaders we see that our students will not inherit our service system, they will improve it."

 

Individual tickets are $100 and event and table sponsorships are also available.

 

For information or to RSVP, email info@yavnehdallas.org
or call 214.295.3500

 

LOTZ FUND ~~ 

From Esme Jacobson, the mother of Yavneh alum Leon '07,   

an opportunity to lend a hand, heart, and support.

Lynda Lotz, a member of our community, now has the responsibility of caring for her four grandchildren, three of whom are under the age of three.  Lynda is a working, single grandmother with challenges that are enormous.  In response, the Dallas Jewish Community Foundation has established the "DJCF Lotz Fund for Children Raised By A Single Grandparent"  a mitzvah to provide assistance to Lynda and others in similar situations, so their grandchildren can grow and develop in healthy, loving and nurturing environments.   

The Dallas Jewish Community Foundation has established the "Lotz Fund" for Ms. Lotz and others in her situation.  All donations are tax deductible.  Donations can either be made online at http://djcf.org/lotz-fund.html or by sending donations, made out to DJCF and clearly marked "LOTZ FUND," to:

Dallas Jewish Community Foundation

7800 Northaven Road

Dallas, TX  75230

LEGACY AT PRESTON HOLLOW SUPPORT! ~~

Kol Hakavod to Yavneh students who volunteered at the YES! event to support the Legacy at Preston Hollow;  

Katie Lerer,  

Rachel Goodman,

Rachel Chanon, Jillian Herstein,

Coreen Golan, Rachel Siegel,Dalit Agronin, Millie Blumka, Carly Bierman, Gabby Steinbrecher, Ilana Wernick,  Samantha Danilewitz and Kelly Herson.

Following, a letter of appreciation, sent to Yavneh's College Counselor and Director of Guidance, Allyn Schmucker, who coordinated the students involvement: 

        Dear Allyn:

        Please share this note of gratitude with the lovely young ladies from Yavneh

        who came to the YES! event to sell raffle tickets. They did an amazing job!

        In the short time they were there, we took in over $12,000! We absolutely could

        not have done that without their help, and we thank them so much for saying: YES!

        With sincere gratitude,

        Andrea Statman and Patsy Goodman 

        Director of Development and Associate Director of Development

        The Legacy Senior Communities, Inc.

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. 

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)

Yom Huledet Sameach,  

         Well Wishes, & Mazal Tov!

DECEMBER BIRTHDAYS 

2   Yosef Presburger & Yaakov Stolovitsky    11  Kim Corbet

  13   Elki Schonbrunn     15  Niv Avneri    16   Serina Romick &  Zak Romick

   17  Gloria Boyd      18   Meir Epstein      22   LuAnn Pitlik

   24    Bradley Riche  and   25  Hannah Schepps

MAZAL TOV TO:

  

~~ Rabbi Akiva '00 and Dr. Rachel Wolk, big sister Miri, and a grand extended Wolk family, on the birth of Atara, born on October 3.

  








~~ Benji '02 and Leah Cheirif, and big brother Moshe, and the beloved extended Cheirif family on the birth of Yosef, born on October 27.  

  

  

 

   

OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES ~

We wish comfort among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem to: 

  

~~~ the family of Milton Lewis Bach z"l,

the Husband of Bernice, Father of Alan (Jill), and Grandfather of Michelle '09 and Alicia.   

 

~~~ the family of of Abraham Presburger z"l,

the Father of Guillermo (Susan Rapoport) and the Grandfather of Yosef '13 and Alan. 

  

~~~ of Marion Karnett z"l,

the Mother of Martin (Dr. Laura Collins) and the Grandmother of Adam '14 and Josh '10. 

 LADY BULLDOG BASKETBALL

12 ~~ HOME vs. HSAA North @ 6pm 

17 ~~ HOME vs. Commerce High School @ 6:30pm

24 ~~  AWAY vs. Texoma Christian @ 6pm

SAMANTHA DANILEWITZ ~~ University of Arizona, University of Indiana

LIORA DICKTER ~~ University of Kansas

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 ~~ Tulane University, University of Indiana,  

                                                   University of Texas/Austin   

TOVA KLINE ~~  Hofstra University, Penn State University,  

                                   University of Kansas  

SHEERA KRENGEL ~~ Savannah College of Art & Design 

BENJI LIENER ~~ Tulane University 

ADINA MANDELCORN ~~ Adelphi University  

ARI MARGOLIES ~~ University of Kansas, University of Tampa  

MINA PULITZER ~~  University of Indiana 

BEN ROMANER ~~ University of Oregon   

EMILY ROSENFELD ~~ University of Denver, University of Oregon 

HANNAH SCHEPPS ~~ University of Arizona 

GABBY STEINBRECHER ~~ University of Indiana, Tulane University    

                                                          Washington University/St. Louis 

YAAKOV STOLOITSKY ~~ Bradbury University, Florida Intl University,  

                                                      University of Hartford  

KEVIN SULSKI ~~ Tulane University

ILANA WERNICK ~~  Tulane University  

Apply NOW for the
2012 Klein Summer Internship Program

Applications are being accepted now, online, through January 20 for the  

2012 Klein Summer Internship Program at Jewish Family Service (JFS).  

This six-week internship program gives students the opportunity to  

work with non-profit agencies in the DFW area, matching each student's individual interests and skills with the needs of the participating agencies.  

Students are considered for internships without regard to religion, race or ethnicity.
 
Students accepted into the program will have the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the community while gaining valuable work experience.
Current high school sophomores and juniors, who will be age 16 by  

September 1, 2012 are eligible to apply.  

For the benefits of applicants, we will hold an optional workshop,  

"How to fill out an Internship Application." All applicants are encouraged to attend one of the following times: Sunday, December 18, 2 to 3 p.m. or Sunday, January 8, 2 to 3 p.m.  

at JFS, 5402 Arapaho Road.  

RSVPs required to Janine Pulman, Director of Volunteer Services, jpulman@JFSdallas.org 

Interviews for the program will begin in February and the 2012 Klein Summer Interns  

will be announced by mid-March.  We anticipate 5 paid internships and 20+ unpaid internships.  Attendance at the June 3 orientation workshop prior to the start  

of the internship is mandatory.  Interns are required to work 30 hours a week for  

six weeks at their assigned agency.  Interns are responsible for their  

own transportation to/from the non-profit agency.   

More information about the program, including the application can be found at www.JFSdallas.org. QUESTIONS?  Contact Janine Pulman, jpulman@JFSdallas.org   

COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

~ 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 

***  Samuel Fine '05, co-founder of OneReceipt, a faster and simpler way for people to organize their receipts and analyze spending habits. onereceipt.com helps people bring email and paper receipts into one location, for free. OneReceipt works directly with Gmail / Google Apps to automatically understand email receipts.

***  Sarah Epstein '08, and her mother Tina, who have created EpSteps, shoes, totebags, and more, which feature the beautiful art of Tina, whose work adorns the first floor of Yavneh's classroom  

building.  Visit  www.epsteps.com 

*** Nikki Friedman, Math & Judaic Studies faculty member, is the "Nik" behind Nik Naks' pie servers and tongs, ladels, serving forks, and more make the serving of any meal brighter.  Orders can be placed directly by calling Nikki Friedman at 847.827.8228 or visit www.niknaksgifts.com

         for all of your shopping done through amazon.com.   

Yavneh's MOL group receives a percentage of each sale and

it doesn't cost the purchaser any additional monies!!!   

Tell your friends and family!

~~~ Support Yavneh's 2012 March of the Living Tour participants with purchases made through www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/CustomRhinestoneTees and custometeesetc.com    

Custom Tees' Abigail Ruttenberg  

will donate a percentage of each  

sale to the MOL students, wanting  

to help make meaningful memories happen!   

For more information,  visit the website or call 888.483.3738, or email abigail@customteesetc.com.  Please note Yavneh MOL when making your order.