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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
March 25, 2011
19 Adar 2 5771
Candle Lighting: 7:18 pm
Havdalah: 8:19 pm
Parshat Shemini
Parshat Parah
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Dvar Torah
Are you looking to brighten your day? Do you need something to lighten your life? Are you reading this on a Kindle? Whether you answered yes or no to any of the above questions, Hillel Academy 12th Grader, Rachel Wiesenfeld, while highlighting the parsha, can illumine your understanding of Parshat Shemini. See for yourself by reading this week's Dvar Torah. |
True or False:
The State of Israel is the first independent Jewish country in 2000 years?
False: From the 700s to the 900s, a powerful Jewish kingdom known as Khazaria existed in the Caucasus and Central Asian regions of the former Soviet Union. Government officials were required to be Jewish!
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.
Purim has passed and we have the feeling of friendship with one another. Now is a good time to concentrate on V'ahavta L'reyachach Kamocha(love your neighbor as yourself). One way of doing this is to follow Rebbe Akiva's teaching, "What you dislike don't do to others." Unity is what brings our redemption. Let us carry on the friendship of Purim in this manner and bring our redemption a bit closer. Want more chizuk? Email Rabbi Brodie at [email protected]
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Syntactical Superheroes
The great minds behind Hillel Academy's exemplary English Department would like you to know:
insure vs. ensure
The difference between the use of the words insure and ensure can be very subtle. The main difference is that you insure something to be prepared in case something bad happens, while you talk about taking steps to
ensure that something will (or won't) happen.
For example:
You
insure
your house against water and fire damage, but you put snacks in your car to
ensure
that you will have something to eat if you get stuck in traffic.
The valuables are
insured.
The government
ensured
the safety of the troops during the airlift.
For more on good grammar, please email [email protected] or [email protected].
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Teacher Feature
Last year, Ms. Oz wore a Cat in the Hat hat to mark the beginning of Book Blast. For the same event, Reb Shaw grew a mustache to look like the Lorax. To find out more fascinating details regarding Hillel Academy's talented faculty, please read this week's interview.
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Kosher for Pesach Food Available
Creative Kosher Catering has delicious kosher food available for Pesach. To see a menu, please click, "two orders of cookies, but hold the chametz." |
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Furniture Repair
Are you looking for a convenient way to repair your furniture? How about if someone repaired your furniture right in your own home? Does this sound good? Well then, click, "The experts at Traveling Chair Repair are going to fix my furniture while I wait at home." Otherwise, you could call Shraga Lowenstein at 347-268-8289, send an email to [email protected], or visit a cool blog at http://t-c-repair.blogspot.com/
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Did You Know?
The entry code to the front door has been changed. Please buzz in at all times.
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More Reminders
U turns in front of the building are a No No and potentially very dangerous.
Please turn in your picture forms to the office..
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Pre-K Newsletter
Page 1
Page 2 |
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Mazel Tov
Rabbi Ari and Mrs. Rachel Goldberg on the birth of a daughter Mr. James and Mrs. Linda Joshowitz on the bat mitzvah of their daughter Leah Mrs. Yetta Joshowitz on the bat mitzvah of her granddaughter Leah Ms. Leah Joshowitz on her bat mitzvah Dr. Michael and Mrs. Atara Kentor on the upcoming marriage of their daughter Ruth to Elli Himelstein Ms. Ruth Kentor on her upcoming marriage to Elli Himelstein Mr. Dave and Mrs. Amy Ratchkauskas on the bar mitzvah of their son Yoni Mr. Yoni Ratchkauskas on his bar mitzvah Refuah Shleima
Mrs. Marcia Zlochower
Masha bas Sarah Itka
Mr. Jeff Peters
Condolences
Rachel Rosenstein on the passing of her father
Would you like to share something with the Hillel Academy family?
If so, please email us at
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Around Town
Haggadah Seminar at Poale Zedeck: Astound your friends and family at the Seder this year with fascinating insights into the Haggadah! Rabbi Yolkut will give you the tools that you need to understand the Haggadah like never before! Sundays March 27, April 3 and April 10 at 9:30 AM
Children at the Seder: A Pesach Practicum. Learn both the halakhic requirements for children at the seder and a variety of strategies and games to keep your children and grandchildren engaged in the Seder. Monday
MARCH 28, 8:15 PM
Kashering Seminar
- Please submit your Pesach questions by Thursday, March 28to
[email protected]
to have them addressed at this refresher course on preparing for Pesach! ---Monday April 4 at 8:15 PM
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!
Snif this week is from 4:30-5:30 pm at Shaare Torah. Hope to see you there!
Great Glow-in-the-Dark Golfing and Purim Mesibah last week!
Tie Dying party for 5-6 grade girls - Sunday April 3, 3:30-5:00 PM at Shaare Torah- $5 members, $7 non members - call Leah Fuhrman at 412-421-3766 for more information.
Art Project + Movie for 2,3,4 grade girls - April 3, 3:30-5:00 PM at the Wiesenfeld home (2525 Beechwood Blvd.) $3 members, $4 non members. Call Maia Wiesenfeld at 412-422-1230 to RSVP!
Awesome Zach boys' activity and Chevraya Bet Fear Factor Night coming up!
As always, please contact [email protected] for more information!
Interested in attending Shira Day Camp this summer?
If so, click "camp" for an application.
Check out Shira Day Camp's awesome blog
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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 finish 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 collect 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 for 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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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
[email protected]
Rabbi Avrumi Sacks
Principal and Education Director
[email protected]
Mrs. Elky Langer
Assistant Principal GHS
[email protected]
Rabbi Sam Weinberg
Assistant Principal BHS
[email protected]
Rabbi Dov Nimchinsky
Judaic Studies Coordinator Elementary/Middle School
[email protected]
Mrs. Deborah Oz-Halbritter
General Studies Coordinator Elementary/Middle School
[email protected]
Mrs. Yikara Levari
Administrator and Student Activities Coordinator [email protected]
Mrs. Phyllis Harris
Director of Support Services [email protected]
Mrs. Selma Aronson
Executive Administrator
[email protected]
Ms. Hadar Glazer
Administrative Assistant
[email protected]
Mrs. Adina Shayowitz
Administrative Assistant
[email protected]
Ms. Sarah Hartman
Finance Manager
[email protected]
Mr. Adam Reinherz
Director of Community Relations
[email protected]
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Dvar Torah
Rachel Wiesenfeld - 12th Grade, GHS
"The sons of Aaron, Nadav and Avihu, each took his fire pan, placed fire on it, and then incense on it. They offered it before G-d, an unauthorized fire which G-d had not instructed them to offer. A fire came down from before G-d and consumed them, and they died before G-d."
Shemini 10:1-2
Rashi quotes R' Eliezer saying that the two men died because they made a halachic (legal) decision themselves in the presence of Moshe, their teacher. They did not hear the entire ruling that when bringing sacrifices it was necessary to bring a human fire in addition to the fire sent down by G-d. Although Nadav and Avihu ruled correctly and brought an additional fire, they should have consulted Moshe before acting. We learn from here about the inappropriateness of making halachic decisions on one's own in the presence of one's teachers without consulting them. Other commentaries disagree. They say that Nadav and Avihu did hear and understand the entire ruling about bringing a mortal fire; however, they simply applied it inappropriately. Since they did not consult Moshe, they did not realize that on this day of anointing the Mishkan (Tabernacle), it was fitting for only G-d's fire to be brought down, so that His greatness is shown publicly, and not accompanied by any man made effort. At Hillel Academy, students are taught from a very young age to treat others, especially teachers, with Derech Eretz (respect). We learn not to correct or contradict our teachers in a disrespectful way, especially in front of other people. By following this basic tenet of showing respect for our elders and teachers, we can be sure not to make the same mistakes as Aaron's sons.
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Reminder
Please remember that if your normal dismissal arrangements change, please notify the office by noon of that day, by phone or email.
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Purim and the Nursery
Morah Leah - [email protected]
Prior to Purim, the Nursery had been very busy preparing. The children worked with their 6th grade buddies to create puppets for a puppet theater. They made a puppet for Queen Esther, Vashti, King Achashverosh, Haman, Mordechai, and a horse. They even decorated a picture of Shushan. The puppets were used every day to reenact the story of Purim. Through this, the children became familiar with all the characters of the story. Additionally, the children had a wonderful time dressing up as the Purim characters and taking photos to recreate the story of the Megillah. Each child created a colored copy of his/her own Megillah starring him/her. They also decorated a fun Megillah holder. In addition, the students enjoyed making a bulletin board for Purim. They dressed up a large person cut-out in a costume that they would like to dress up as on Purim. Of course, it just wouldn't be Purim without a graggar! The children painted tin cans that we turned into tzedakah box graggars! Now, they can do two mitzvot at the same time! Finally, the children enjoyed making masks and crowns, singing and learning Purim songs and vocabulary, and dancing with the whole school on Rosh Chodesh!
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Members of the Hillel Academy royal family are pictured above.
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Mr. Kraut Testifies
Reb Shaw - [email protected]
This week, the Democratic House Policy Committee held a hearing at the University of Pittsburgh regarding SB.1 - the legislation that would increase EITC (Educational Improvement Tax Credit) to $100 million as well as create a low income scholarship program for students in failing districts. The OU submitted written testimony, and Hillel Academy CEO Daniel Kraut, offered oral testimony as well. You can access both on the IPA homepage by clicking here.
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High School Student Wins Scholarship
Mr. Reinherz - [email protected] This week, Hillel Academy 11th Grader, Sari Joshowitz, received an award from the Carson Scholars Fund. As one of six hundred "Carson Scholars" from around the country, Sari will receive a $1,000 college scholarship and medal celebrating this accomplishment. Recipients of the Carson Scholars Award are determined based upon academic excellence and community service. When informed of the award, Rabbi Avrumi Sacks, Principal and Educational Director of Hillel Academy of Pittsburgh, said, "All of Hillel Academy is very proud of Sari's accomplishments. We wish her much hatzlacha in her future pursuits." Mrs. Yikara Levari, Girls High School Administrator, added, "Sari is a deserving recipient of this award. This is great news for Sari, her family, and all of Hillel Academy." In addition to Sari's prizes, Hillel Academy will receive a trophy from the Carson Scholars Fund marking this accomplishment.  | |
Rabbi Sacks and Sari Joshowitz are seen here smiling upon receiving the great news.
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On behalf of the Hillel Academy Purim Basket Committee,
We would like to thank the army of volunteers who made the Purim Basket fundraiser such a success! Thank you to the people who made it all possible:
Deenie Greenberger, Rachel Goldberg, Shira Hazon, Yael Henteleff, Miriam Ingber, Rose Joshowitz, Efrat Kagan, Maxine Kisilinsky, Gayle Kraut, Faygie Marizan, Chaya Gitty Morgan, Gladys Margolis, Meira Sacks, Jackie Sax, Chani Schwartz, Yardena Smith, and Naomi Wiesen, and Ronit Wiesenfeld.
In addition to the volunteers, we could not have done it without our superb Hillel Academy staff - special thank you to Mrs. Aronson, Mr. Davis, Ms. Glazer, Ms. Hartman, Rabbi Nimchinsky, Mr. Reinherz, and Mrs. Shayowitz.
Thanks to all of you,
Aviva Klein and Stefanie Small
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Second Graders and Nutrition
Morah Chana - [email protected]
The second graders have been studying a unit on nutrition. This week, we visited Mr. Garwood in his lab. He spoke to us about the food pyramid and the healthy foods that we should eat. He also described different foods which have sugar. Mr. Garwood said that there are different kinds of sugars. For example, the sugar in an apple gives us energy. Candy gives us a lot of sugar, but it is not very healthful. To demonstrate how much sugar and energy is derived from candy, Mr. Garwood did an experiment with a gummy bear. He put a solution in a tube and heated it. Then he put the gummy bear in the tube. It was awesome to see how the gummy bear melted, and exciting to see all of the smoke come out of the tube! We found out just how much energy comes out of one gummy bear! The students had a wonderful time. As a special treat, the students were able to pet Zule, Hillel Academy's pet lizard, on their way out of the science lab.
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There have to be safer ways to heat your lunch.
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Girls High School Production and JAA
Mrs. Levari - [email protected]
Last week, students from the Hillel Academy Girls High School traveled to the Charles M. Morris Nursing & Rehab Center for a special presentation. The students performed excerpts from their recent production of The Wizard of Oz. The performance was met with great applause and appreciation from the nearly 100 attending residents. Yasher Koach to the girls and thank you to the JAA for facilitating this program.
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Hillel Academy students are celebrities whether in costume or uniform.
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Sign Up As A Preferred Customer Today at
www.hillelcash.org
To Earn Cashback For Yourself and Revenue for Hillel Academy!
Here are just a few examples of the Cashback that you will receive on all of your online purchases from
the following stores:
Macy's 3%
Sears 4%
Pet Care Rx 2%
Home Depot 3%
See the % of Cashback that you will earn from thousands of Partner Stores through
www.hillelcash.org
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See the 12,000 Daily HOT DEALS especially presented to
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MANY HOT DEALS HAVE NO SHIPPING CHARGES!
Sign up at the TOP RIGHT CORNER of the Hillel Academy Shopping Portal:
www.hillelcash.org
.
Questions? Contact
[email protected]
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Is there a lot of white space underneath this box? Are you reading the Hillel Happenings in Gmail? You might not be receiving all of the Hillel Happenings?
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The Hillel Minute
With each section of the Hillel Happenings, we try to convey the excitement and energy that fills the classrooms and hallways of Hillel Academy. While we all know that Hillel Academy is the greatest school in the world, there are certain aspects of Hillel Academy that we are much less familiar with. In this section, titled "The Hillel Minute," we present a minute long video dedicated to a particular aspect of Hillel Academy. The objective of "The Hillel Minute" is to provide our readers/viewers an opportunity to enjoyably learn more about one component of Hillel Academy. If you would like to see something featured in an upcoming "Hillel Minute," please email us at [email protected].
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Click above to learn more about the Hillel Academy Library
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Interview with Ms. Oz
This week, Reb Shaw returned to the readers with a simple request, "Who should we interview?" Well, you responded and we reacted. Per your request, Reb Shaw sat down Ms. Debbie Oz for a candid discussion on all things Hillel Academy. Over the course of their conversation, the two discussed building renovations, the villainous Bowser, and stylish vests. For the benefit of our readers, excerpts of this conversation have been reproduced below:
Reb Shaw: Hey, Ms. Oz, thanks so much for meeting with me today. First question, how long have you been working at Hillel Academy?
Ms. Oz: I've worked at Hillel for 21 glorious years.
Reb Shaw: That's great. What classes do you teach?
Ms. Oz: I teach 4th grade and the 5th grade girls. Both are wonderful!
Reb Shaw: Where did you complete your educational training?
Ms. Oz: Complete??? A teacher NEVER completes their educational training! I did, however, complete my 'formal' training at Southern Illinois University.
Reb Shaw: Fair enough, would you be willing to trade offices?
Ms. Oz: Absolutely, just as soon as the third floor executive suites are finished I will be happy to 'move up'.
Reb Shaw: You've attended numerous in-services throughout the years. What's the recipe for a great in-service?
Ms. Oz: A topic that teachers are interested in and can apply to the classroom.
Reb Shaw: How have Google Docs changed your life?
Ms. Oz: They have simplified life in many ways, while also complicating it.
Reb Shaw: Last year marked the 25th anniversary of the Super Mario Bros. video game. Do I strike you as more of a Goomba or Koopa Troopa?
Ms. Oz: Umm....I'm not familiar with video games unless we go WAY back to....PONG!
Reb Shaw: Squirrel Hill Trivia (because our readers love this stuff): When was the Squirrel Hill Baseball Association's Weather Policy last updated?
Ms. Oz: May 18th, 2008. (I looked it up on their website!)
Reb Shaw: Can we talk about how you offered me $50 for the neon vest that I wear during dismissal?
Ms. Oz: That was a one-time-only offer when it was brand new! If I recall, you said you wouldn't part with it any cost! It makes you 'cool.'
Reb Shaw: What can we expect from the upcoming Hillel Academy Book Blast?
Ms. Oz: Students can expect another spectacular experience with another round of surprise guest readers. We're counting down the days!
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Ms. Oz is seen with a member of the Hillel Academy fifth grade in the Hillel Academy Library, studying music (a special at Hillel Academy) with a SMART Board (one of many at Hillel Academy).
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The Hillel Grid
Everyone wants to be a part of the Hillel Grid. After last week's grid featuring distinguished Pittsburgh Jewish professionals, Hillel Academy teachers wanted back in the mix.
| Teachers in the Mix | When I was in school... | When I grow up... | Mr. Kraut ... | Mrs. Brookman
5G | We didn't have snow days; we had heat days. | I want to be a student at Hillel Academy. | Should have worn a sign that says "sauer" for Purim. | Ms. Oz
4th and 5G
| I lived in the shadow of my older brother. Everyone knew Michael (for better or worse!!!) and I was never sure if I should 'fess up' when someone asked, "Are you Michael's sister?"
| I want to own huge greenhouses filled with all my favorite plants where I can invite school students to explore horticulture in a fun environment. (Admission will be free!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)
| Is still waiting for his back-massaging chair pad. | Mrs. Greenberger
6G | We didn't have school on Shushan Purim!
| I'll wear a color other than black!
| Is sending his daughter to Shira Day Camp, you should too!!!!
| Morah Chana
1st and 2nd
| My classes were in a house where the playground is today! | I want to be an assistant traffic controller! | A very hard worker, but please give the Steelers a break! | Mrs. Morris
Library | The closets had doors and they locked! Just ask my cousin... | I want to be a librarian! | Would have loved my father! | Mrs. Lederer
3rd | Elementary, I went home for lunch every day. | I want to own a bakery. | Is Hillel's fix-it man. |
Do you want to see someone/something featured in an upcoming grid? Email Reb Shaw at [email protected] and let him know.
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Hillel Gear Spotted Here
After months of collaboration between Hillel Academy, Yeshiva Schools, Community Day School, and the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh, an ad campaign promoting the Pittsburgh Jewish Day Schools was released. One byproduct of these efforts was the giant billboard on the corner of Murray and Forward. It's a great sign, but can you spot the Hillel Gear?
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We tip our caps to Hillel nation.
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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 [email protected], and each week we'll select the best picture for inclusion in the Hillel Happenings.
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Click above to learn more about Hillel Academy
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