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Hillel Academy
of Pittsburgh
5685 Beacon Street
Pittsburgh, PA
15217
P: (412) 521-8131
F: (412) 521-5150
www.hillelpgh.org
February 25, 2011
21 Adar 1 5771
Candle Lighting: 5:47 pm
Havdalah: 6:49 pm
Parshat Vayakhel
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Dvar Torah
What's more popping than a pop corn machine? Perhaps, it's an awesome Dvar Torah from Hillel Academy sixth grader Yitzchok Grossberg. See for yourself by reading this week's Dvar Torah.
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Which country under Nazi control saved every one of its Jews during the Holocaust?
(No, it's not Denmark.)
Answer: Albania Want more Jewish History? Email Rabbi Eisen at
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Through the Hillel Happenings, we try to provide our readers with a sense of the exciting, engaging, and meaningful work that happens at Hillel Academy. Chizuk, which is Hebrew for strength, is vital to Hillel Academy. This section, thanks to the weekly insights of Rabbi Brodie, is intended to give our readers a little extra strength. Click here to send us your feedback.
Let us remember that we receive divine assistance when we stand up to meet our challenges. The following story illustrates this. The Ponovitvitcher Rav, Rabbi Yosef Kahanaman of Eretz Yisroel, who was very successful raising funds for Torah institutions, was asked, "What is on your mind when you approach someone's door to solicit funds?" He answered, "I hope no one is home" Evidently, soliciting was difficult for him, but he rose to the occasion and received divine assistance. Hashem helps us when we stand up to meet our challenges.
Want more chizuk? Email Rabbi Brodie at abrodie@hillelpgh.org
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Syntactical Superheroes
The great minds behind Hillel Academy's exemplary English Department would like you to know:
Last week's grammar tip dealt with periods and commas. Some
people may be confused by that tip because they have seen periods and commas on the outside of quotation marks. That is because the Canadians and British follow different rules for periods and commas than we do. Just as the Brits spell cancellation with two "l's" and here in the United States it is customary to use only one "l." However, either is correct.
For more on good grammar, please email sfinder@hillelpgh.org or etipton@hillelpgh.org.
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Teacher Feature
Morah Irit speaks Hebrew and English fluently. Reb Shaw can text his name in 17 different languages.
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Tweet Tweet from the BHS
The Hillel Academy community is invited to follow the tweets of Rabbi Weinberg, Assistant Principal, Boys High School. His twitter handle (twitter username) is rsw_hillelbhs.
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Milky Way Special
Buy any large pie on Monday and recieve a coupon for the family deal on that following Wednesday.
The family deal consists of one large 18 inch pie, family plain fries, and a 2 liter soda for $20.
Come get your pie today for your coupon!
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Interested in Writing for the Jewish Chronicle?
Please speak to Mrs. Levari for more details.
ylevari@hillelpgh.org.
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Did You Know?
Mrs. Aronson's birthday is on Shabbos.
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Mazel Tov
Reb Danny and Dr. Shayna Shaw on the birth of a daughter Dr. Alex and Mrs. Jackie Sax on the birth of a grandaughter President Eddie and Mrs. Wendy Shaw on the birth of a grandaughter Rabbi Yisroel Pfeffer and Mrs. Chana Pfeffer on the birth of a grandson Mr. Yehuda Leib and Mrs. Deena Leah Pfeffer on the birth of a son Mr. Murray and Mrs. Elvira Pfeffer on the birth of a great grandson Refuah Shleima
Mrs. Marcia Zlochower
Masha bas Sarah Itka
Mr. Jeff Peters
Would you like to share something with the Hillel Academy family? If so, please email us at
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Around Town
Everyone is invited to a Shalom Zachor at the home of Rabbi Yisroel and Mrs. Chana Pfeffer (5840 Beacon Street) this Friday evening (2/25/11).
Newsflash: Shira Day Camp Early Bird Special extended until February 28th! Don't miss it!
Girls Oneg at PZ
Come join us for an hour of Shabbos afternoon fun! Oneg is for girls in Kindergarten through 8th grade at PZ from 3:15 pm to 4:15 pm. Can't wait to see you there!
Permanent snif time for the rest of the year: 4:30-5:30, including this week.Upcoming Events Zach Shabbaton in Detroit (RSVP Now!), Glow-in-the-dark Mini Golf, Purim Party, and other exciting events. Contact us at Pittbneiakiva@gmail.com for more info!
Interested in attending Shira Day Camp this summer?
If so, click "camp" for an application.
Camp Gan Israel of PittsburghRegistration for summer 2011 is now open! The Camp Gan Israel Early Bird discount is being offered through February 13th, 2011 at 11:59pm. Registering early and save $30 per camper per session. Camp dates: Monday, June 27th through Friday, August 5th, 2011. Visit www.cgipittsburgh.com for quick and easy online registration. For more information, please email CGI@CGIPittsburgh.com or call 412-715-4883
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Box Tops
Our second collection period is coming to an end. Please drop off your Box Tops in the school office now. We will be finishing the tallying process by the end of the month. After a wonderful start in the beginning, our collection is nearing its goal.
As usual, our grand prize will be tickets to Kennywood awarded at the end of the school year. Please label your bundle/envelope/baggie with the last name. We will be collecting until the end of the year so please remember to clip and save, and your name will be entered in the raffle. Thank you to every family that is contributing to our campaign.
Click "here" for information regarding Box Tops.
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Giant Eagle Apples for the Students
Do you want to help Hillel Academy?
Hillel Academy receives bonus points when you sign up.
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Hillel's Got You Covered
It's a cold wintery Pittsburgh day, but thankfully you're wearing a brand new Hillel Academy Winter Hat. This fine piece of cold weather gear will protect you from the elements, while ensuring that you're seasonally stylish and always equipped for an instant "Hillel Gear Spotted Here." Want to learn more? Email Reb Shaw at dshaw@hillelpgh.org.
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Who Wants an Awesome Kippah?
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Support Middle School Basketball
 New hoody sweatshirts available!Go Heat!
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Mordy Brown Catering
Every Thursday night, Mordy Brown Catering will be selling pizza for $16.00 a pie. $1.00 of each sale will be donated to Hillel Academy. Help support our school! Click here for a menu and more details.
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Hillel Academy
of Pittsburgh
Administration and Staff
Mr. Daniel J. Kraut
Chief Executive Officer
dkraut@hillelpgh.org
Rabbi Avrumi Sacks
Principal and Education Director
asacks@hillelpgh.org
Mrs. Elky Langer
Assistant Principal GHS
elanger@hillelpgh.org
Rabbi Sam Weinberg
Assistant Principal BHS
sweinberg@hillelpgh.org
Rabbi Dov Nimchinsky
Judaic Studies Coordinator Elementary/Middle School
dminchinsky@hillelpgh.org
Mrs. Deborah Oz-Halbritter
General Studies Coordinator Elementary/Middle School
doz@hillelpgh.org
Mrs. Yikara Levari
Administrator and Student Activities Coordinator ylevari@hillelpgh.org
Mrs. Phyllis Harris
Director of Support Services pharris@hillelpgh.org
Mrs. Selma Aronson
Executive Administrator
saronson@hillelpgh.org
Ms. Hadar Glazer
Administrative Assistant
hglazer@hillelpgh.org
Mrs. Adina Shayowitz
Administrative Assistant
ashayowitz@hillelpgh.org
Ms. Sarah Hartman
Finance Manager
finmgr@hillelpgh.org
Mr. Adam Reinherz
Director of Community Relations
areinherz@hillelpgh.org
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Dvar Torah
Yitzchok Grossberg - 5th Grade
וַיַּקְהֵ֣ל מֹשֶׁ֗ה אֶֽת־כָּל־עֲדַ֛ת בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל
Moshe gathered the entire assembly of the children of Israel. (Shemos 35:1)
The key to this pasuk (verse) is that Moshe gathered all of the people together. As we know, the second Beis Hamikdash (Temple) was destroyed because of Sinas Chinam (baseless hatred). Arguing and fighting has always ruined the foundation of our world. Therefore, before the building of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), Moshe gathered all of the people together and told them that the completion of the Mishkan was based on unity. Here at Hillel Academy, we have have a variety of Jews. Our teachers and Rabbeim demonstrate and teach us the importance of accepting one another, though we may not always agree.
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REMINDER
Isadore Joshowitz Early Childhood Center
Purim Carnival
Sunday, March 6th at Hillel Academy of Pittsburgh
Kindergarten and Pre-K performances: 10:30 am
Carnival Time: 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
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The Sound of Learning
Mr. Kingman - skingman@hillelpgh.org
This week, Mr. Kingman musically introduced Hillel Academy seventh grade girls and boys to fraction patterns. While relying upon his clarinet, Mr. Kingman demonstrated various relevant mathematical principles. Specifically, he informed the students how different notes can be both a fraction of a beat and bar. Additionally, Mr. Kingman explained how speeding up a song can alternate the fractions involved. The students left class with a greater understanding of fraction patterns and chamber ensembles.
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Somebody call Shwekey, we may have found a backup clarinetist.
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REMINDER
Purim is almost here which means it is time for the Hillel Academy Purim Baskets!
Please check your mail for letters and your email for messages about how to order through www.happypurim.com with your individualized login codes. You can also purchase specially made Purim cards to send to family and friends!
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Second Grade Explosions
Morah Chana - hdorsey@hillelpgh.org
The second graders culminated their science unit on weather by making an "awesome" volcano! The students watched carefully as Morah Chana displayed the materials they would need for the experiment. The class participated by stamping their feet to create the illusion of the volcano beginning to erupt. Our volcano erupted many times with red, blue, purple, and lime "lava." Everyone was in awe during the experiment. Listeners heard such comments offered by the viewers, "beautiful," "exciting," "cool," "fun," and "awesome." This hands on experiment will long be remembered by the second graders!
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The students had a blast and erupted with laughter due to the explosive lessons - feel free to insert your own pun here.
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Snow Tubing Travels
Rabbi Rosenberg - mrosenberg@hillelpgh.org
Last week, the upper middle school Sunday Learning Program had their winter trip. Participating students traveled to Boyce Park for a snow tubing adventure. Also joining Rabbi Rosenberg and the boys was Rabbi Yisroel Pfeffer who helped with chaperoning. A great time was had by all.
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The only thing better than a snow day is a snow night (with snow tubes).
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100th Day of Kindergarten Celebration
Mrs. Heidish - jheidish@hillelpgh.org
We celebrated our 100th day of Kindergarten on Friday, February 18, 2011! Kindergarten had been tracking each and every day with a single straw for each day. Since our very first day of school, we have carefully placed a straw in our "ones" cup. Every tenth day of school we had a "bundle dance" through the hall as we bundled our ten ones into one ten and placed the bundle into our "tens" cup. On our hundredth day of school, we bundled our ten tens onto one hundred and placed this bundle into our "hundreds" cup. This was our most special bundle dance of the year.
We have also kept track of our days in school by adding a penny every day and counting our coins. Each time we got five pennies, we traded them for a nickel. Once we got two nickels, we traded them for a dime, and so forth. These activities have helped us learn "place value" and "money value." On our 100th day of Kindergarten, we finally accumulated one dollar, one penny at a time!
On our 100th day of school, we also had a party! Each child brought 100 items from home for fun sorting activities that involved counting by ones, fives, and tens. We read 100 day of school stories, put together 100 piece puzzles, and connected the dots to 100 to make pictures. This was a fun day that each child will remember fondly for years to come!
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"I like these glasses much more than the ones we made on the 77th day of school."
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Interview with Morah Irit
The Hillel Happenings always lends an ear to its readers, even if it requires some translation. This week, following your request, Reb Shaw sat down with Morah Irit, one of Hillel Academy's talented Ivrit (Hebrew) teachers. Over the course of their conversation, Reb Shaw and Morah Irit debated the best way to eat shawarma, which line is the fastest to wait in during a customs check, and whether The Jerusalem Post or Haaretz features a better sports section. For the benefit of our readers, excerpts of this conversation have been provided below:
Reb Shaw: Shalom Morah Irit. Thank you so much for meeting with me today. How long have you been working at Hillel Academy?
Morah Irit: This is my 12th year.
Reb Shaw: That's great. Where did you grow up?
Morah Irit: In Israel (where else?) in the beautiful town of Rechovot.
Reb Shaw: So what new opportunities are available to students because of this year's new Hebrew program?
Morah Irit: Students have the opportunity to speak, read, sing and play in Ivrit (Hebrew), and use Ivrit on a daily basis, not only during Ivrit class. Students see Ivrit everywhere around them and hear Ivrit spoken by all their Judaic teachers. Ivrit is now part of the students' daily experience at Hillel.
Reb Shaw: That leads me to my next question. Who would win in a fight: Moshe Dayan or a bear?
Morah Irit: I would have to say... Chuck Norris.
Reb Shaw: And, what's the most beautiful part of Israel?
Morah Irit: That is an unfair question! You don't ask a mother which of her kids she likes the best!
Reb Shaw: Fine, but how do Israelis regard Omri Casspi (the first Israeli ever taken in Round 1 of the NBA draft)?
Morah Irit: Oh, with a name like this, he's a national hero!
Reb Shaw: Squirrel Hill Trivia (because our readers love this stuff): What is the coldest temperature ever recorded in Squirrel Hill history?
Morah Irit: I would say -30. Now, is that in Fahrenheit or Celsius?
Reb Shaw: As an Israeli, your survival skills are uncanny. If I gave you $5.21, a canteen of water, and four stamps, where would I find you in three days?
Morah Irit: Antarctica, teaching the penguins to sing 'Hatikva.'
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Morah Irit is seen here with three American students.
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Hillel Pop Culture Grid
Reb Shaw - dshaw@hillelpgh.org
Although the sixth grade boys of Hillel Academy have been featured in the Grid before, they along with their esteemed teacher, Mr. Werber, were antsy to share their opinions with the Happening's readers.
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Students in the Mix
| Bring Back... | I am celebrating my next birthday at... | My favorite hang out spot is... | | Jacob Weissenfeld | Go Go | Azerbaijan | The nook in the library or Pens locker room | Ezra Kraut
| Paper to the school | Disney Land | Bagel Nosh | Yeruchom Kagan
| Father and Son Learning | Kennywood | The Kollel | Ori Bar-Joseph
| Israeli Music | Israel | In front of a Torah | Avigdor Felder
| Delays | Fiji | In front of an all you can eat meat buffet | | Akiva Skaist | Recess on Friday's | Baltimore | Hillel Academy in Florida | Mr. Werber
| Barnes and Noble | The Jewish Home for the Aging | Hillel Academy (now give me a raise, please) |
Readers, we want to hear from you. Is there a question that you want answered? Email hillelhappenings@hillelpgh.org. |
Hillel Gear Spotted Here
Conquistadors and Hillel Academy alumni, Dr. Joel and Josh Weinberg were recently spotted in Spain. After being politely informed by the hotel staff that the Spanish no longer practice colonization, the Weinbergs removed their Hillel Academy magnet from the building's property. Thank you Weinberg family for extending Hillel nation to Spain.
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"On behalf of Hillel Academy of Pittsburgh, we declare that Hillel gear has been spotted here."
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Hey Hillel Happenings readers, we all know that Hillel nation extends well beyond Squirrel Hill. So here's our chance to prove it. Send a picture of yourself in Hillel gear (uniform, t-shirt, etc.) to hillelhappenings@hillelpgh.org, and each week we'll select the best picture for inclusion in the Hillel Happenings.
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