Shabbat Parashat Va'y'hi

The Blessing that Jacob, Ephra'im and Menashe Passed Down to Us

At a traditional Shabbat dinner, one of the rituals is that parents bestow blessings upon their children. When my parents come over for Shabbat dinner, one of the unique aspects of the experience is that around our table, after singing Shalom Aleikhem and before reciting the Kiddush, we have multiple generations of parents who can bless their children. Not only am I able to bless my son and two daughters, but my father still rises and comes to bless me! He has been doing it since I was a little boy and it is a brief reminder not only of my childhood, but also of my roots that go much, much deeper...

One of the sacred aspects of many of our traditional customs is that they are characterized by having long histories. In fact, six hundred and thirteen of our mitzvot/commandments come directly from the Torah itself, though not all of them apply in the modern world since we no longer have a Temple in Jerusalem. Other practices, while not direct commandments, also originate in the Torah, the practice of sharing blessings with loved ones among them. This week's parasha recounts that in his very old age, Jacob takes a moment to surround himself with his children and grandchildren. He wishes not only to pass down the mantle of familial leadership to the next generations, but also to share warmth, love, and blessing with those who are nearest and dearest to him. Jacob grants a blessing to each of his sons and then takes Joseph's sons Ephra'im and Menashe, lays his hands upon their heads, and blesses them as well. The blessing of these two grandsons is significant for us because it sets the stage for a meaningful and powerful custom of our own ritual blessings today.

We need volunteers from January 30 to February 2, at all hours and in all configurations. Click this link to sign up on Volunteer Spot. You will have to first enter your email address to be directed to the sign up page. 

STAFF UPDATE      

We would like to inform our community that Audrey Moss, Associate Director of Development, has resigned from her position, effective January 27, 2012.  Audrey expressed much passion and enthusiasm for VTT, however, she felt that the time was right to seek opportunities to expand herself professionally. We are truly sorry that Audrey has chosen to move on and appreciate her valuable contribution to VTT during her tenure with us.

VTT'S YEARBOOK CLUB IS COMING!

For Grade 6 & 7 students

Tuesdays, from 3:30-4:30, in the media lab with  

Stay tuned for details to sign up   

VTT'S 7th ANNUAL COMMUNITY BINGO EVENING IS COMING!     

Talmud Torah's Seventh Annual BINGO NIGHT is on Tuesday, January 24, 2012 from 5:30 p.m.

 

The following day is a Pro-D.  

Everyone is welcome!  

Even the youngest in our community!

 

To ensure we have enough great prizes to offer, we need your help! Every family is asked to contribute items related to the list below and submit them to their child's classroom/homeroom teacher.   

 

Deadline to submit your item(s):
Friday, January 13, 2012.  

The first class to complete their prize collection wins a class party that will be held on Friday, January 27, 2012.

CLASS THEMES

P31 Bath-time: soaps, bubbles, washcloths, novelty towels, gift certificates to bath shops, gels, soap crayons, fluffy towels...

P32 Craft Kit: felts, scissors, glue, crayons, washable felt pens, construction paper...

P33 Big Things: big balls, big calculators, giant pencils, big stuffed toys, oversized hats...the bigger the better!

 

P41 Things that keep you warm: Starbucks card, hats, mitts, scarves, fuzzy socks, slippers, thermos, hand warmers, bathrobes...

 

P42 Animal World: stuffed animals of all types and sizes, books about animals, animal themed items...

K1 Balls: beach, hockey, tennis, golf, soccer, Nerf, bouncy...

 

K2 Books that keep you busy: crossword, word search, almanacs, Klutz books, Sticker books, origami books...

 

K3 Kids that cook: Cook books for kids, measuring spoons and cups, kids size rolling pin, cookie cutters, pans, cake mix, cookie mix....

1A Things That Stick: stickers, fancy tape, glitter glue, window writers...

1B Things that go in a backpack: The back pack, lunch box, thermos, note books, pens, pencils, tape, scissors, pencil bag, geometry set...

 

1C Building Sets: Lego, Megablocks, blocks, magnets...

 

1D Soft: Blankets, pillows, stuffed toys, slippers anything that makes you say...oh my gosh that is sooooo soft

2A Grade 2 Toonie Bag: Please donate 2 or 3 coins per student

2B Grade 2 Toonie Bag: Please donate 2 or 3 coins per student

 

2C Grade 2 Toonie Bag: Please donate 2 or 3 coins per student

3A Things that glow: Flashlights, lanterns, night lights, lamps, key chains, safety vests, glasses, headlamps, lava lamps, toys....

 

3B Gourmet Kosher Snacks: fresh and new chips, candy, drinks, chocolate

 

3C Electronics: games, puzzles, electric cars, electric animals, clock radios....

4A Stationery: funky notepads, cool notebooks, pens, pencils, paper, stationery holders, book lights, thank you notes..

4B School Supplies: post-its, pencil cases, glue, pencils, pens, folders, staplers, cool notebooks, locks, locker supplies, calculators...

4C Double Trouble: things that come in pairs, slippers, gloves, books with sequels, movies with sequels, his and hers things....

5A Movie Night: gift certificates to movie stores, DVD's, movie coupons, movie review book

5B Time is money: Clocks, watches, piggy banks, wallets, change purse, locker clocks, money belts....

5C Things you take to camp: knapsacks, toiletry bags, travel pillow, radio, post cards, stamps, coloring supplies, hats...

 

6A Gift Givers: gift certificates to anywhere a kid would love to shop - toys r us, future shop, video stores, Kidsbooks, Oakridge..

6B Puzzles + Games: board games, card games, sports games, family games....

 

7 A & B Lottery Tickets: any kind you like! (If you are able, please donate $5 worth of lottery tickets per child)

 

If you would like to donate any extra items, personally or from your place of work, please drop them off in the office with a note saying who the item is from so that we can thank you.

All the prizes we collect help us to provide more prizes on BINGO NIGHT and make lots of kids go home with smiles!