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WEEKLY TORAH PORTION WITH RABBI BELLAS  

 

Shabbat Parashat Toldot

What Does Being Jewish Mean to Me?

 

A few days ago, I was asked to think about the question, "What does being Jewish mean to you?" It was noted that as a Rabbi, it was a very interesting thing about which to think. Indeed, it was... After taking a moment to reflect on all the ideas that were coming to mind, I came up with one word: PEOPLEHOOD. I noted that Judaism is more than a religion of beliefs, more than a culture, more than a nation, more than a system of observances and ritual practices. It is all of these things and even more which, when put together, create a PEOPLE. My Jewishness means being connected to other Jews all around the world with whom I share a history, set of values, language, and cycle of religious life. We may not agree about all things related to being Jewish, but those are so outnumbered by what unites us as a people. In reflecting on some of the behaviors of our matriarchs and patriarchs in this week's parasha/Torah portion and those from recent weeks, I am struck by how the theme of peoplehood was so central to their lives, even though they were just planting the seeds of the people that would grow from their descendants.

 

Shabbat Shalom,

 

As per tradition, our Grade 3 students led their peers in K through Grade 2 in a heartfelt Remembrance Day Assembly. Todah Rabah to the entire Grade 3 faculty team for beautifully preparing the students.

Imagine volunteering to enter a worldwide math contest? Yishar Ko'ach to Emma Greensite, Jonah Ezekiel, Jack Tritt, Noam Guralnick, Max Laskin, Maya Bellas, Lyrie Murad, Romy Ashkenazy, Hannah Lando, Jordan Rosenfeld, Aaron Schaffer, Yuval Tanne, David Fishman, Megan Greenwald, Chloe Pulver, Benji Abro, Aaron Casseres, Joshua Bergida, Rachel Bugis, Liron Gertsman, and Milena Markovich for being brave enough to put their computation skills to the test. Some of our students had impressive results, with one  scoring 21st in the world!!!

To see more photos of the students participating in the contest, click here.


If only flu shots felt as easy as they look!
Mrs. Lowenstein prepares for the flu season, thanks to a shot from "Dr. Dan."

24 members of our VTT community (parents, faculty and staff) signed up for the Talmud Torah blood clinic. Thanks to Jennifer Chelin and Debra Miller for organizing.

Through song, dance, poetry and video, sixty sixth graders remembered those who fought for our freedom at the joint Remembrance Day/Kristallnact assembly.


One is never to young to learn about tzedakah!
Preschool 3 students make their deposits to the Jewish Food Bank.


Getting to know our neighbours...
Kindergarten students had a special visit from the fire department this week.

Grade 3 students work on an extension activity after reading Shel Silverstein's "The Giving Tree."