Special thanks to VTT parent Scott Jackson.

Check it out here

HEAD OF SCHOOL'S MESSAGE
VTT AGM Bids Adieu & Welcomes New Members

Dear VTT Community,

As a community school, we rely on the expertise and wisdom of scores of talented and committed individuals devoted to the cause of Jewish education. At Tuesday's Annual General Meeting, we had the opportunity to express our deep gratitude to Allen Gaerber, Danny Shugarman and Stanley Yasin for their years of loyal service to Talmud Torah. Collectively, they contributed to our development, governance and capital campaign goals--all vital areas to ensure the school long-term health. We also thanked Sorel Leinburd who has stepped down as Board co-President, but will remain actively involved in Board affairs.

 

Welcome to our three newest members to join the VTT Board of Directors: Brian Chelin, Udi Daon and Jessica Jaiven.

In her AGM Director's Report, Michelle Gerber, Board co-President, highlighted the accomplishments of the last year. Click this link for a summary.

Whether one sits on our Board or not, I am acutely aware of the efforts of so many in our community to make VTT a vibrant institution of educational excellence. A sincere Todah Rabah to everyone!!!

Shabbat Shalom,

 

 

 

 

 

Cathy Lowenstein, M.Ed.

Head of School 

WEEKLY TORAH PORTION WITH RABBI BELLAS  

 

Shabbat Parashat Lekh-L'kha

Avraham & Halloween?

 

Living as Jews in the modern world today is, in many ways, much more difficult than it was when we lived in small autonomous communities, free from the influences and lifestyles of larger surrounding cultures. Life in an open and pluralistic country makes us just one of the many patches in the quilted fabric of Canada, exposed both to all that is good about freedom and democracy and to customs, practices, and holidays that are not our own. As Jews who choose to integrate ourselves into the modern world, we must find a balance between emphasizing our Jewish uniqueness and finding comfort with what larger society has to offer. A choice about Halloween is one that we must make every year.

 

Four thousand years ago, a man named Abram (later Abraham) faced a similar dilemma. He grew up in a land where pagan religions were the norm, while he had come to a realization that he was different and believed differently. Abram realized the concept of the one and only God and, after having acted upon his new-found understanding of the world, was spoken to by God and told that he must leave his land, the place where he was born, and his father's house for a new place where he could settle his family in a new faith without the influences of the larger pagan population. Abram needed to create a safe distance between himself and the pagan peoples and nations in order to ensure the birth and on-going existence of the new "ONE-GOD BELIEF." Understanding the importance and necessity of God's command, Abram unhesitatingly agreed to move to a new land. As a result of Abram's brave and faithful choice, we exist as a Jewish people today.

 

 

Shabbat Shalom,

 

Please pass along our Early Years Open House information to family and friends with children of preschool or kindergarten age. Pre-registration highly appreciated!
Email Tammy Kalvari at tkalvari@talmudtorah.com

Our lunch time chess club with Toni Deline is a popular way for our students from Grades 1-7 to challenge themselves and have a laugh or two at the same time.


This first grade student was spot on with his guess of 75 beads for the estimation jar game. Yishar Ko'ach!

Thank you to Michal Sitbon, our Judaics Librarian, for organizing our Drop Everything and Read Day.


Grade 2 students visited their peers in Kindergarten for a joint activity map and treasure activity.

Grade 4 girls display their strength in the face of their male competitors in phys ed class.


Our iPad program in Kindergarten is a powerful way to engage students in early literacy activities.

A Grade 2 student works with a Kindergarten student through their special buddies program.