MARCH 2012

      Adar/Nisan 5772

"It's amazing how much one can gain from Judaic Studies, from how to be a mensch to gaining skills of critical thinking and analysis," said Rishi Gurevitch, new to Yavneh this year, who teaches Chumash and Jewish History.  "The high school years are those when students' ideas and outlook on life begins to form.  This is the time when students have lots of questions about who they are who they want to be."

A Jewish education is absolutely critical during these formidable years," said Mrs. Gurevitch, a former student of the Beth Rivkah Jewish Girls School in New York, from elementary through high school.

"Yavneh's students are very talented," said Mrs. Gurevitch who previously taught students of adult education, kindergarten, fourth and seventh grades.  "The atmosphere here is warm and inviting and the students are polite and enthusiastic about their learning.  This has been a great experience."

"It's been really nice getting to know Ms. Gurevitch as she's gotten to know us  and the school for her first year at Yavneh,"  said Clara Moskowitz, '13.  "She's very enthusiastic about everything and it's like she has always been her.

Mrs. Gurevitch, also a Rebbetzin of Chabad of Arlington, is the wife of Rabbi Levi Gurevitch, and mother of Mendel,Esther, and Chaya.  The couple moved to North Texas, from New York, in 2008 to open and lead the first Chabad House there.  "We are dedicated to strengthening education and celebrating Jewish heritage," said Mrs. Gurevitch.  "We, like the community of students at Yavneh, also promote social and humanitarian action among its friends and members, knowing that each good deed makes our world a little bit kinder and a little bit brighter."

In the summertime, Mrs. Gurevitch manages Chabad of Arlington's Camp Gan Israel of Arlington and the Mid-Cities, a summer camp dedicated to enriching the lives of children from diverse Jewish backgrounds through stimulating camping experiences of funshops, sports, swimming, and trips, all with a warm and loving staff."

It is Mrs. Serybranski, Mrs. Gurevitch's third grade teacher, who stands out in the list of many memorable teachers.  Even as a child, she says, Mrs. Serybranski empowered us and made us feel that we could do anything, from reading 'big chapter books' to creating the most awesome science experiments. "I learned teaching isn't about lecturing, but rather about being a 'guide' on the side. Letting the students learn with a partner, or on their own, while I'm there to encourage, motivate and guide them in the right direction."

"I hope to give the students the tools necessary to succeed in life and teach them the joy of learning and inquiring knowledge and making them realize how important it is so they'll never want to stop," said Mrs. Gurevitch.

Yavneh's students, in Mrs. Gurevitch's class this year, and hopefully for many into her future, are sure to have a toolbox of treasures. 

"I came to Yavneh at the end of my sophomore year, and I never knew that a school this small could make such an impact on my life," said Tova.  "I've learned much about myself, about my Jewish self, and about the life I want to lead."

"I have learned so much about myself, Judaism, and life in general," said Tova.  "I know that wherever I go in life, Yavneh will be right there to follow me."

"Tova is passionate about dance but balances this with a love for being with her family and friends," said English teacher, Bonnie Atkins.  "Her passion comes through in her writing, especially when asked to reflect on what is important to her while drafting her college application essays."

"Tova is a serious writer but also comfortable enough with herself, her goals, and her strengths to write confidently," said Mrs. Atkins.  "I have enjoyed getting to know her and working with her as she prepares to graduate and pursue her dreams."

The coming year will find Tova in Israel, studying, volunteering, and touring as a participant on the Nativ www.nativ.org program, designed to create and inspire the Conservative Jewish leaders. Accepted to   Hofstra University,  

Penn State University, University of Denver, University of Kansas, and the University of Massachusetts/Amherst, once she returns from Israel, Tova looks forward to pursuing a career as a broadcast journalist. Meredith Vieira is a role model of mine who really shaped my dream," she said.  "Everything she does just really inspires me."

A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Tova moved to Dallas as a toddler.  A graduate of the Levine Academy, Tova transferred to Yavneh after two yeas at Richardson High School.  The daughter of Judy and Jim, and younger sister to Dena, much of Tova's life has been spent in the halls of her beloved Congregation Shearith Israel.  A member of that congregation's Junior Choir, and its Zohar USY chapter, CSI is home away from home.  A USY "funatic," Tova has served as Communications Vice-President, and one of the organization's greatest cheerleaders.  "I love that there is a lot of unity between everyone in our chapter, in the region, and between USY'ers everywhere," she said.  "We raise a lot of money for many tikkun olam projects and I love that everything we do has a base in Judaism." Enhancing her Jewish social life, Tova is also a member of BBYO's Ginny Weinstein #1604 and Yavneh's 2012 Yearbook Crew.

Outside the classroom, and away from USY, most of Tova's time is spent tip-toeing around, literally but with the poise, skill, and talent of wonderful ballerina.  Dancing for more than 10 years; ballet, pointe, modern, lyrical, jazz, character, Tova's tutu is a staple of the Dallas Ballet Center, for which she has performed in numerous productions including many renditions of the Nutcracker. Summer "break" for Tova has found her still on the dance floor, at a summer course through Ballet Chicago and a theatre program of the Dallas Theatre Center.

"I never expected to find a use for physics equations during a ballet rehearsal, but Mr. O'Quinn's teachings made that happen," said Tova.  "All of my teachers have really become guiding lights to academics and I appreciate them.  I know I would not be the student I am today without them."

Tova is a different student because of Yavneh, and Yavneh is a different school, because of her.  As she pointes herself in the direction of a future of grace, we wish you Bravo!

Born in Dallas, Sheera is the daughter of Rachel and Danny, and younger sister of Erez '08 and Liat '04.  Prior to graduating Akiba Academy, from preschool on Sheera had also attended Levine Academy and Torah Day School of Dallas, a Jewish education always important to she and her family.  

"At Yavneh, everyone is an individual and we are all part of a family," said Sheera.  "I knew this from my brother and sister who attended the school, years ago, and because those attributes have never changed, this is where I wanted to further my Jewish education and follow in their footsteps."

"I like that at Yavneh we are held to different standards than students at most schools.  Here, our Judaic Studies curriculum is just as vital as our math classes. It doesn't feel like too much, because we are happy to learn it and, often, the curriculums crossover, which is a preview of how to live as Jewish adults in a secular world.  The best part is Yavneh's teachers listen to us, and are ready to help you."

"Everyone at Yavneh is very welcoming, and each grade is integrated in classes," said Sheera, ever a social smiler throughout the day.  "It makes going to school more comfortable and it's nice to know every students name, and usually a little background about them too."

"Sheera's bubbly personality always livened the classroom and her easy warmth makes everyone around her feel welcome," said former Judaic Studies faculty member, Raffi Rosenzweig.  "Her happiness and humor are infectious and Sheera will bring that vitality with her wherever she goes."

That Yavneh's teachers expect from their students in the classroom, is a trait that extends beyond the classroom walls.  "We know where most of our teachers live, and we have Shabbat dinners at their homes, we see and care about their children," said Sheera.  "It is much more reassuring, when you know about them. It is not just a lecture from a stranger."

 "Sheera was a total delight in my class.  When we began our video presentations, her full personality came alive, she loved the camera, and it showed in each of her performances," said Speech teacher, Rhonda Russell.  "As she goes to college and ventures into life, her personality and confidence will carry her to new heights.  I know she will be very successful and I look forward to hearing about her accomplishments."

Sheera will spend her freshman year at Tel Aviv University, gaining credits that she'll apply to a U.S. school upon her return.  "I wanted to spend a year in Israel, but I needed to be sure I wouldn't lose my class standing.  This way, I can accomplish it all."   Accepted to Lynn University, Savannah College of Art & Design, St. Edwards University, Tel Aviv University, and the University of Kansas, Sheera would like to get a psychology degree and work with teenagers.  "I think the teen years are really tough and sadly there are a lot of kids who turn to suicide.  I want to be a part of finding solutions to their problems, or helping them find the solutions themselves."

Affiliated with Congregation Achdut Israel, where "when he sings, the rabbi makes you feel like you are in Israel," Sheera is a former member of BBYO's Kravitz chapter.  She has been involved in Yavneh's Hashinui Environmental Club, the Red Cross Club, the Debate Team, and Helping Everyone Live Peacefully.  Enjoying children, she has worked as a nanny and a counselor at the Jewish Community Center.

The first to admit she has a contagious laugh, and that she lives to be surrounded by laughter, Sheera will always find the happy in life, making it her mission to share it with all.

A Dallasite since birth, Benji graduated from Akiba Academy, and has been a member of Congregation Shaare Tefilla and Congregation Tiferet Israel.  He is the son of Liz and Robert, and brother of Aaron '09 and Sarah.

"I enjoy attending Yavneh not only for the close bond between the each student, but also because of the close bonds held between the students and teachers," said Benji who made the choice to attend Yavneh in order to continue his Jewish education with many of his Akiba classmates, and also to have the opportunity to have his brother Aaron, then a senior, give guidance to the adjustment to high school.  "It's a one-on-one environment with each teacher, and each of them is willing to help their students even if it's not during their actual class."

"Benji is a like a small comet - he is always burning up with ideas and things to say - interesting things and good ideas," said Science teacher and department chair, Dr. Steven Goldfine.  "Truly, I don't think a day has gone by that Benji wasn't bouncing in his seat with something he just had to share with the class.  If only we could bottle that enthusiasm for all of our students."

"In addition to the well qualified teachers, who are extremely qualified for the subjects they teach, Yavneh's provision of its math and writing labs, in which students can get a better grip on the materials taught in class, has been very helpful," said Benji.

"The best part of Yavneh is the kind environment and atmosphere in which Yavneh exhibits, and the many opportunities it offers its students with clubs and extracurricular activities," said Benji who has been an involved member of Students Against Terrorism, Mock Trial, Student Ambassadors, Uniting Students of Dallas, and the Music Ensemble.  He also played, and served as captain, of Yavneh's JV Bulldog Basketball.  He is also a member of Yachad and BBYO's Berger chapter.

Accepted to Tulane University, the University of Indiana, and the University of Miami, Benji plans to study business.

"Based on his grades, attendance and class participation I will rate Benji's academic performance as outstanding. He is always interested in supporting others; offering to help other students in the class, making sure that I am comfortable and "having a good day," said Benji's Math teacher of three years, department chair Veronica Thomas.  "Over the years he has developed a strong sense of confidence which will be a great asset for him as he transitions to college.  I have no doubt that within the next five years he will be the CEO of the family's business."

Perhaps running the family business, perhaps on his own, regardless - we can see clearly that Benji's future will be one he succeeds in with full focus.

Yavneh Academy of Dallas' Students Against Terrorism scored many points, just over $40,000 points that is, with its tenth annual Points for Peace Basketball Tournament.   Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the organization has raised more than $550,000 since it its inception.

The student-founded organization directed 62 teams and close to 300 athletes to the gym at the Jewish Community Center for a day of scoring, sharing, and smiling, to support Israel's victims of terrorism.

"It is incredible to stand here, a grown businessman and husband, watching how Students Against Terrorism and Points for Peace has grown in the last 10 years.  I couldn't have imagined it," said Ben Fine '05 who founded the organization with Yavneh classmates Ben Kogutt '04, Rachelle Krasoff '05, and Ariela Rosenberg Brafman '04.  "We started with high hopes and 25 or so teams in the gym of Levine Academy. As a student at Yavneh, having the encouragement to believe we, as kids, could change the world, changed my life."

"As an adult, giving back is something I continue to do," said Ben, looking on as the 10-year-old boys were playing, children born the same year as Students Against Terrorism and Points for Peace, "with the firsthand experience of seeing every
person's support for others, make an incredible difference."

Carrying on the torch, for this year's anniversary tournament, were Yavneh's Students Against Terrorism 2012 co-Presidents Jordan Prescott '12 and Emily Rohan '12 and executive board members Tamar Cohen '13, Rachel Goodman '13, Jake Greif '12, Itai Guttman '14, Kelly Herson '13, Adam Karnett '14, Scott Lacritz, Benji Liener '12, Mina Pulitzer '12, Ben Romaner '12, and Dania Tanur '14.
MANY THANKS also to the many Yavneh parents, siblings,
and friends who helped to volunteer before and during the event.  

"I remember playing in Points for Peace in its first year, and I'm so proud to have been a part of Students Against Terrorism these last four years, seeing through to co-leading the event in this my senior year," said Jordan Prescott.  "I'm so glad that people from the entire community came out to support us, and our efforts to support those in Israel suffering from the trials of terrorism."

Points for Peace, SAT Movie Nights, StandStrong4Israel bracelets, and Roses for Israel, all support programs including Camp Koby, which provides a nurturing camp program, the Keren Malka Foundation which provides long-term no-cost loans of expensive medical equipment, to ATZUM, which distributes funds directly to families whose lives have been irreparably shattered, to One Family Fund's Adopt-A-Family, Sderot AfterShock and Lifeline to the North projects, and to the NATAL Israel Trauma Center.  The 2012 Students Against Terrorism beneficiary is Ohr Meir U'Bracha, the Terror Victims Support Center that provides packages and delivers food to 400 families each week, and hosts an Adopt-a-Family program to provide for victimized families' needs, home visits, a Big Brother program, and a Family Therapy Vacation program.

"This is such a fun way to be giving, and giving back," said Heidi Kravitz, who with her teammates Rosie Bernstein, Megan Lacritz, and Amanda Steinborn, the "Sweetiez," raised $2400, the most of any team in the tournament. "The people who are getting our help, live lives that we can't even imagine."

With her teammates echoing her thoughts, and giggles proof of the good time had by all, the Sweetiez, participating for a third year together, raised their donations by going door-to-door, together, as well as requesting help from teachers and family members.  "Hardly anybody said no," said Rosie Bernstein, " and we love playing together to help others."

"This is incredible, so many people, little kids and adults who are here having a great time, a lot of fun, they've had a chance to see lots of friends, and in the process, we've made a lot of money to help a lot of people," said Emily Rohan.  "There is definitely a sense of community here and I'm excited and proud that, for most of my life, I been a part of this."

P4P - Special Edition

The tournament included a third-year division for those living with special needs, the Special Edition.  "One of my favorite parts of the day was a hug from Monti, who said 'I had a great time, when are we doing it again," said Judy Kogutt, Chair of the Special Needs Partnership of Jewish Family Service, and mother to division winning team captain Asher Kogutt, as well as Ben Kogutt, a founder of Points for Peace.  "To be asked by the Points for Peace organizers to be a part of this event is a great model for the inclusion that our Partnership is trying to accomplish.  It's wonderful to have those living with special needs truly be a part of the community, on such a fun day."

Points for Peace players born the same year as the tournament!  Happy #10 to all!!!

"These kids are amazing and it's inspiring to see the volunteer spirit of these teenagers," said Tom Easterling, Sports and Recreation Director at the JCC, who worked with Prescott and Rohan to make the event happen.  "It's the J's pleasure to host the event every year. These kids are working hard for a great cause and the giving is contagious." 

"Giving. Caring. Helping others," said Yavneh's Head of School, Don O'Quinn.  "That's the basics of what we teach at Yavneh.  We're a college preparatory school, make no mistake, but when our kids get to those great schools, the great people they are, come from their giving, their caring, and their helping others. 

YAVNEH'S NEW WEB SITE!   

 Check out Yavneh's redesigned Web site, featuring dynamic tools and widgets, improved usability and featuring a contemporary design that highlights faculty scholarship, academic and extracurricular offerings and the school's strong commitment to public service.

The team conducted focus groups with the school's board members, faculty and staff to get feedback. They also conducted a site audit to create a complete map of existing pages. Using that information, they developed a map for the new site with the communications and marketing team working to create new content and the technology team developing the programming.

 "A Web site is a work of continuous revision," says executive board president Dan Prescott, adding that feedback is welcome. "The process has been lengthy and many hours of imagination, innovation, planning, revising and implementation have gone into creating our new site."

In addition to a new design, viewers will find many new elements incorporated into the design of the site. "We have been able to implement some tools for prospective students that we haven't seen done before, that will draw potential students deeper in to the Web site, that will give prospective students a broad view of academic offerings and extracurricular opportunities in areas that interest them." said board member Mitch Moskowitz.

The Web site redesign has been a collaboration between the Shared Services and Yavneh Department teams. "We put a lot of care and consideration into every step of the redesign," emphasizes board member Jay Kleinman. "We recognize this Web site will serve the needs of multiple audiences and we've been committed to giving  

stakeholders a voice in the process."

"While the means we use to communicate are constantly evolving, our mission to stay deeply connected with our families and friends remains unchanged" said Yavneh's Head of School, Mr. Don O'Quinn.  

Visit Yavneh's new website at yavnehdallas.org   In addition, click to like Yavneh's facebook page at Yavneh's facebook page and follow us on Yavneh's Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/YavnehofDallas 

Pink Day 2012!!!  

Kol Hakavod to Kayley Romick '13 and friends for filling the halls with a perfectly pink view.  Supporting www.sharsheret.org, the stairwell spoke volumes about remembering those who have fought battles against breast cancer!!

Students 4 Students invites the community to the Monday, April 2 screening of "3 Points"

at 7pm at the Angelika Film Center at 75/Mockingbird Lane.

 Proceeds from the screening, which details NBA All Star, Atlanta Hawk Tracy McGrady's humanitarian efforts in the Darfur region of the Sudan, including his 2007 visits to refugee camps in the region, and other fundraising efforts, will support S4S' 2011-2012 campaign, that, will assist in the building of a school in Darfur. 

Yavneh's S4S co-founders Dalit Agronin '12, Jori Epstein '12, and Rachel Siegel '13 have teamed up with the Jewish World Watch Sister Schools Project, and hope to raise a minimum of $17,000 to begin construction on the project! Tickets are $15/person thru March 28, and $20/person, thereafter and at the door.  For sponsorship and ticket sales, email s4sdarfur@gmail.com or call 972.333.9541  

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

Yom Huledet Sameach,  

         Well Wishes, & Mazal Tov!

   A belated February 23 Happy Birthday to Emily Rohan!!!

MARCH  BIRTHDAYS

            3  Millie Blumka   7  Dr. Paula Harvey    11  Dorit Bracha

    CONGRATULATIONS TO YAVNEH'S SENIOR BULLDOGS! 

TODAH RABA FOR YOUR COMMITMENT & SPORTSMANSHIP!

SENIOR LADY BULLDOGS

 Emily Rohan 
 Jori Epstein
 Ali Feinstein
 Mina Pulitzer
Gabby Steinbrecher
 Ilana Wernick




SENIOR BULLDOGS

 
                     Jordan Prescott

                     Ben Romaner
                     Jake Greif 

                     Kevin Sulski 

YAVNEH ACADEMY'S LADY BULLDOGS

WIN IT ALL - AGAIN!

  

Congratulations to Yavneh Academy of Dallas' Bulldog Basketball teams and coaches who
won first place in the 2012 Captain Hyman O. Galbut Miami Invitational Women's Basketball Tournament.  Played in Miami, FL, the Lady Bulldog's first national trophy win came with an undefeated tournament, and a 54-44 score over Yeshiva University High School of Los Angeles in the final game.

"I'm so proud of our girls.  The team has grown strong together, and our program has been strengthened greatly in the last few years," said Lady Bulldogs Head Coach, Chris Walker, who is assisted by Yavneh alumni Eliza Lavi Hochman '05 and LaTosha Ridgway.  Earlier in the season, the Lady Bulldogs won the David A. Yaffee Memorial Tournament in Houston. "To end our season on this note is a dream come true."

The winning Lady Bulldogs team, captained by seniors Ali Feinstein and Ilana Wernick, both of whom were named Tournament All-Stars, includes Niv Avneri, Sarah Barnett '14, Hadas Cohen '15, Tamar Cohen '13, Jori Epstein '12, Rachel Goodman '13, Talia Klein '14, Alexandra Lavi '15, Sophie Lynn '15, Clara Moskowitz '13, Mina Pulitzer '12, Emily Rohan '12, Gabby Steinbrecher '12, Dania Tanur '14, and Erin Wernick '15.

"Our success came from the bonding of our team," said Ali Feinstein, the tournament and team MVP and 3-point Champion, who led the way with 21 points in the championship game.   "We focused in practices; whether it was shooting, running, or dribbling skills, everything paid off."  

"This is the second time during his Yavneh tenure that Coach Walker has had at least five girls to work with for four full years, and both times the results have been spectacular. The best part of this win was that this was such a team effort," said Coach Chad Baruch, Assistant Principal and Yavneh's Athletic Director.  "I loved seeing the team support its offensive and defensive stars like that when they needed it! Every one of the players and coaches can be proud of this championship."

"Coach Walker taught us to play with heart and in that last game, it all came together," said Ilana Wernick, noting the score was head-to-head throughout the game, until its last three minutes.  "Coach never gave up on us and in the last four years, I've learned skills, and life lessons, that will last forever."

  

Hosted by Miami's RASG Hebrew Academy, the tournament was also attended by Columbus Torah Academy, Columbus, OH, Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School, Livingston, NJ, Ma'ayanot Yeshiva High School for Girls, Teaneck, NJ, Margolin Hebrew Academy located in Memphis, TN, North Shore Hebrew Academy High School, Great Neck, NY, Ulpanat Orot High School for Girls, Toronto, Ontario, and Yeshiva Atlanta High School, Atlanta, GA.

"We at Yavneh are committed to developing strong leaders and instilling a bias to action," said Yavneh's Head of School, Don O'Quinn.  "Team sports accomplishes both of these goals.  Our ladies have set a great example for all of us."

 

SAMANTHA DANILEWITZ ~~ College of Charleston,  

                                       Indiana University,  Penn State,  

                                       San Diego State University, University of Arizona,

                                       University of Delaware   

EVIE DENEMARK ~~ Brandeis University, Sha'alavim for Women

                                              Stern College/Yeshiva University,

                                            University of Maryland 

LIORA DICKTER ~~ University of Kansas

JORI EPSTEIN ~~ Brandeis University, Emory University,  

                                        University of Texas/Austin,  

                                      Washington University/St. Louis  

ALI FEINSTEIN ~~ American University, Indiana University,  

                                          Rutgers University, Syracuse University,

                                          University of Maryland         

COREEN GOLAN ~~  College of Charleston, Indiana University,   

                                             San Diego State University,  

                                           University of California/Santa Barbara 

                                           University of California/Santa Cruz,  

                                             University of Colorado, University of Kansas,

                                             University of Central Florida,   

                                           Young Judaea YearCourse/Israel   

JAKE GREIF ~~ Indiana University, Kivunim/Israel, Tulane University,  

                                   University of Kansas, University of Miami    

JILLIAN HERSTEIN ~~ Indiana University, Tulane University,

                                                University of Miami, University of Texas/Austin     

DEJENE HODES ~~   Florida Institute of Technology, Goucher College, 

                                           Hofstra University,  

                                           Wentworth Institute of Technology 

TOVA KLINE ~~  Hofstra University, NATIV/Israel, Penn State,

                                      University of Denver, University of Kansas,

                                   University of Massachusetts/Amherst

SHEERA KRENGEL ~~ Lynn University, Savannah College of Art & Design,  

                                           St. Edwards University, Tel Aviv University,  

                                           University of Kansas

BENJI LIENER ~~ Indiana University, Tulane University,  

                                      University of Miami                                 

ADINA MANDELCORN ~~ Adelphi University  

ARI MARGOLIES ~~ University of Kansas, University of Tampa  

MINA PULITZER ~~  Indiana University, Kivunim/Israel,  

                                       Northeastern University, University of Colorado, 

                                         University of Denver, University of Maryland

EMILY ROHAN ~~  Stern College/Yeshiva University, Tiferet Center

BEN ROMANER ~~ University of Oregon,  

                                        Young Judaea YearCourse/Israel       

EMILY ROSENFELD ~~ University of Denver, University of Oregon 

HANNAH SCHEPPS ~~ University of Arizona 

GABBY STEINBRECHER ~~ Indiana University, Tulane University    

                                                  Washington University/St. Louis 

YAAKOV STOLOITSKY ~~ Bradbury University, Florida Intl. University,  

                                                Mechinat Yeud/Israel, University of Hartford  

KEVIN SULSKI ~~ Kivumin/Israel, Tulane University

ILANA WERNICK ~~  Midreshet Yeud/Israel, Tulane University,  

                                        University of Maryland, University of Texas/Austin   

~ 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 

 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.

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

My time in Israel, and being at Midreshet Harova, has taught me many things, about Judaism, Israel, and about myself.  One of the most important lessons that I have learnt in Israel is to never underestimate the value of time. 

The lack of bells, book reports, and PowerPoint presentations has forced me to prioritize what is most important to me.  I have tried to cherish every minute and use it to its full potential, and, as a result, by mid-December, I began to feel a bit "burnt out."

Welcoming my family to Israel, to celebrate my sister Rachel's bat mitzvah, was an incredible experience.  As it was a first trip for everyone, except my sister Sarah, I loved showing them around the country; one of my favorite parts was being able to take them around my neighborhood, the Old City of Jerusalem, provided me with an opportunity to discover Israel for myself as well.  Having my family come and provide me with a little bit of R & R was amazing; sleeping in a hotel room and eating hotel food was awesome!

It was nice seeing how much Rachel has grown up, and it was really special to celebrate such an occasion with my friends and family. 

I cannot believe that the year is more than half way over and I feel I have so much more to learn.  I am sure that when I come home in four months, it will be with a better understanding of myself, and my place in this world.   

Rachel Barnett ~ Levine Academy, Class of 2013  

Being on "Brittany's turf" was amazing!!!  

The best part of the trip was seeing Brittany and visiting all the sites in Israel. I also loved spending time with Brittany's friends from Yavneh.  Brittany would always have Yavneh kids at the house and they all accepted me into their circle, and I loved it of course. After all, I'm only 12, so that is very important to me. 

My experience in Israel was awesome! Being there with Brittany, and of course, my family, meant so much to me. Just think, I had my Bat Mitzvah at the Kotel. How many kids get to do that.  Having my service at the Western Wall brought tears to my eyes, and the fact that I was able to share the day with some of my favorite people made the day that much more special.  I felt such a connection to my Jewish roots while I was in Israel. 

  To top things off I had the honor of having Mark Stolovitsky (YavnehDad and Levine Academy, Head of School) officiate the ceremony as well as a Rabbi from the Chabad house in Israel.  After the ceremony, we all went to lunch.

I would like to thank the whole Klein family; Mordecai and Doris, Zoe, Zev, and

I would also like to thank Rivki and Rabbi Menachem Block, of Chabad of Plano/Collin County, for all their support and guidance.  I love spending time with them, and through them I've learned a lot.  Of course, I want to thank my family, for letting me have the opportunity to have my Bat Mitzvah in the holiest of places, the Promised Land.