Wow! 8th Grader Moshe Grossberg is an unbelievable goalie. Think that's impressive? You should see him with a sefer. Read this week's Dvar Torah to find out more.   

Eis on

Jewish History

Strange but True:

Yom Limud is Approaching

Attention Hillel Academy Teachers, Yom Limud is scheduled for Monday, February 21, 2011, from 8:30 am - 3:45 p.m. at Congregation Beth Shalom. 

Please click "Continuing to Learn" for more details.

Dr. Adam & Mrs. Chevi Aronson on the birth of a son. 

Mrs. Marcia Zlochower

Masha bas Sarah Itka

Would you like to share something with the Hillel Academy family? If so, please email us at 

[email protected]

Zach Shabbaton will occur in Detroit the weekend of March 5th. In-Pittsburgh Shabbaton will be Shabbat, March 12th. Please contact us at [email protected] to RSVP and for more info.

All woman and girls are invited to Leah Kohanbash's Shabbos Kallah at 3:30 at Shalom and Leah's house, 5654 Hobart Street. 

Attention Boys! The Father & Son Program at the Kollel continues at our new time starting Jan. 29th, 2011 at 7:30 p.m-8:15p.m.  Mark your calendars - Melava Malka Feb. 19th!
Please contact Rabbi Morgan at the Kollel 412-421-5030 or Mitch Maizlech [email protected].
See you then for exciting learning, pizza & great prizes! 

February 11-12, Shaare Torah will host a weekend of song to celebrate the beginning of the month of Adar 1 and the commencing of the season of "Marbim B'Simcha" and Purim. The weekend will feature Yeshiva University's newest a cappella singing sensation - The Y-Studs. For more information click "Y Studs in Pittsburgh" or email [email protected] 

Moshe Grossberg - 8th Grade 

"Put the poles in the rings on the side of the Aron to carry it."  (Shemot 25:14)

The gemara in Sukka says that the Aron (ark) would carry those who carried it. Even though the Aron carries the Levi'im, this only occurred when the Levi'im performed the physical act of carrying the Aron. The Yetzapen Leshirim Toshia explains that the Aron is compared to the Torah. We see that when we are careful about keeping Torah and mitzvos, the Torah guards us. When we keep the Torah, the Torah keeps us. Here too, the Torah, like the Aron only "carries" us once we are "worn out," once we are exhausted from a full day of keeping the Torah and performing mitzvos, the Torah then takes over and helps us complete the day. Hillel teaches us to fill our day with Torah and mitzvos so that at the end of the day the Torah will carry us so we can continue doing mitzvos until the end of the day!

Good Shabbos!  

5th Grade Girls Begin Purim Preparations

Mrs. Brookman - [email protected]

This week, we began preparing for our unit on Purim. After introducing students to the concept of mishehichnas Adar marbim besimcha (when the month of Adar comes we increase our joyousness), we began creating masks. This activity helped us get into the spirit of Purim. Tikva Goldstein explained, "When I think of masks, I think of Purim." Following this activity, our unit on Purim will include an in-depth look at Megillat Esther, learning about the halachot (laws) and minhagim (customs) of Purim, and the completion of another project. 

No masks can hide the great learning that occurs at Hillel Academy.

Reb Shaw: How long have you been working at Hillel Academy?

Mrs. Finder: I have been working at Hillel Academy as the high school English teacher for the past seven years. However, prior to becoming the English teacher, I substituted at Hillel for two years. In total, I have been working here for nine years. 

Reb Shaw: Why is Hillel Academy the greatest school in the world?

Mrs. Finder: The top three reasons that make Hillel Academy the greatest school in the world are first the small class sizes that allow teachers to help their students learn more effectively. Second, I just love the students! They are curious, intelligent, conscientious, eager to learn, and fun. Finally, where else could you get a copy of the Hillel Happenings? 

Reb Shaw: Over break you traveled to Costa Rica. The weather here is phenomenal. Why would you go?

Mrs. Finder: At first glance I know it might look like I went to Costa Rica because the average daily temperature is between 82-84 degrees and very sunny. But the truth is, I went so I could hike through the rain forest and see monkeys in their natural habitat. It was on my bucket list. If you don't know what a bucket list is, ask the 8th grade boys. 

Reb Shaw: This year, with the help of Rabbi Sacks, Hillel Academy's English Department is being headed by you and Mrs. Tipton. What do you envision for the future of English studies at Hillel Academy?  

Mrs. Finder: I love working with Mrs. Tipton! With continued dedication, I see greater cohesiveness in the English curriculum K-12, and more emphasis on improving writing skills. 

Reb Shaw: If I gave you a ticket to the Super Bowl what would you do with it?

Mrs. Finder: Okay... so this whole football frenzy is kind of lost on me. However, my husband loves the Steelers. Ergo, he gets the ticket.

Reb Shaw: This past summer you were gracious enough to work with me on my writing skills, can you tell if they have improved?

Mrs. Finder: That was a win-win situation. I think both of our writing skills improved. Bouncing ideas off of another person and writing and rewriting something with two sets of eyes is the perfect way to improve. Plus, the coffee was good and the company was great! 

Reb Shaw: Squirrel Hill Trivia (because our readers love this stuff): How many times does Beechwood Blvd intersect Beechwood Blvd?

Mrs. Finder: Honestly, who designed that road? I have lived in Pittsburgh for almost 31 years and just recently I think I finally figured out all the intricacies of Beechwood Blvd. Therefore, I might be able to answer the question. It happens once - on the way to the Waterfront. 

Reb Shaw: Winter weather quandary: After coming inside my house, whenever I take off my boots I inadvertently step in a wet spot on the carpet (either from my own boots or someone else's). I am sure you can relate. How do I avoid the dreaded wet-sock-after-boot-removal syndrome?

Mrs. Finder: I think this is a common winter weather problem with an easy solution. Always leave a pair of slippers right next to where you take off your boots. Or, you could just stay inside until the snow melts. 

Reb Shaw: What would it take for you to answer these questions in rhyming pairs of iambic pentameter lines?

Mrs. Finder: It might be possible with extra time,
 But the evening is late; it's hard to rhyme. 

Reb Shaw: I'm getting bored of Oprah's Book Club. When are you starting yours?

Mrs. Finder: Some of Oprah's choices are really fine,
 From making my own club, I will decline. 

Mrs. Finder is seen retrieving piping hot water from Hillel Academy's futuristic urn.