This week has seen a lot of electioneering at both schools for Student Council.  Congratulations go to our new YOC Student Council officers - Michael Ihilchik, Convener, Jacob Braun, Treasurer, Yoni Ohana, Secretary, Ariel Kelman, Vice President, and Gidon Meyer, President.  We wish the officers and the entire student body success in contributing to the school environment and student programing this coming school year.  Tomorrow elections at UO take place.  We wish good luck to all the candidates at Ulpana.

Rav Gemara, our Rosh HaYeshiva, lead the Father-Daughter Learning Program yesterday evening at the Ulpana.  Rav Gemara engaged the fathers and daughters in the study of Mizmor 107 in Tehilim demonstrating the prophetic nature of the chapter as it relates to the establishment of the modern State of Israel.  We had a nice turn-out and the program was enjoyed by all.

The National Chidon HaTanach takes place on Sunday and Monday at the Lipa Green Centre.  We wish our Chidon competitors, under the direction of Mrs. Gemara, hatzlacha rabbah.  We welcome back from Israel and congratulate Rivka Sabovitch upon placing 13th Worldwide in the International Chidon HaTanach Competition.   Next week students will have the special opportunity of attending the Shimon Peres event at the Sony Centre on Wednesday evening.  We thank CIJA for extending the invitation and sponsoring our students.  This is a unique opportunity for our students to receive Israel's Head-of-State and express through action our support of Israel.  The very same week is our 2nd annual Modern Middle East Conference organized by Dr. Isaac Hollander.  The guest respondent to student papers will be Dr. Mordechai Ben-Dat, editor of the CJN.

Special Lag B'Omer activities are being organized by the Students Councils at both schools.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Scot A. Berman