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Shabbat Shalom! In previous years on Yom Kippur I have not fasted as I was not obligated to because I wasn't a bat mitzvah yet. My brother, Matthew, would keep it, although it is challenging for him. I, as his perfect sister, would eat in front of him to tease him and make him mad. I know that this may just seem like an act of annoyance, but it is really much more than that. I recently learned that it is actually defying the Jewish law by putting a stumbling block in front of the blind.

 

This week's Torah portion is a double parasha; Acherei Mot Kedoshim. This is part of which is known as the holiness code which teaches us how to live our lives in an appropriate and respectful way. The text says, in front of the blind you shall not put a stumbling block, לפניעורלאתתןמכשל. This verse does not need to be understood literally but rather we have a lot to learn from it about how to deal with people in general. For example as we learn from the Etz Hayim Hamash quoting Rabbi Samson Raphael Hersch the term blind refers not to only one who is physically blind but also to one who is intellectually deficient, lacking appropriate information, or morally blinded by the emotions. By not putting a stumbling block in front of the blind, by not misleading somebody, we are bringing more holiness into this world. Nehama Leibowitz explains that each persons responsibility extends to the whole world. The phrase; you shall not put a stumbling block in front of the blind reflects the essence of our portion which requires us to be holy.

 

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It is time to say goodbye. My name is Yossi Argov and I came to Vancouver two years ago as the Habonim Dror Camp Miriam shaliach (emissary). Two months after I arrived, I started volunteering at VTT, teaching Hebrew and exploring Israeli culture with students. This year almost everyone in the school knows who I am. When I walk down the halls, students typically remark, "You are the old man who told us the story." In January, I expanded my responsibilities by running Shabbat programs for younger students every second Friday.  Everything I have done here has been rewarding--and hopefully made an impact. Thank you for warmly welcoming me into your community two years ago. Your positive feedback, as well as the enthusiasm from the students, ensured I always came to VTT with a smiIe on my face.

Learning Commons Monitors of the Month:
Zachary Bunim, Noa Shor
Top Classes: K1, 1A, 1B
Top Readers this Month: Sharon Tanne, Chanel Lederman, Brody Sewell, Justin Greenberg, Gabriel Segev

Once news of the devastating earthquake that shattered Nepal reached our students, our sixth grade chesed club members bolted into action. Through bake sales and lemonade stands at parks across the city, they miraculously raised $2,100 for emergency relief. In the photo below, Allan Gill, CEO of the Joint Distribution Committee (part of the Jewish Federation network) commends our Grade 6 students for their quick action and substantial funds. The money will be matched dollar for dollar by the federal government.

Grade 6 students enjoyed some hands on (and suits on) learning during their visit to the HR MacMillan Science Centre.

This year is the 30th Anniversary of BC Children's Hospital "CHILD RUN." Join the Vancouver Talmud Torah team and help fight childhood cancer. Our school has had a team for the last several years in support of VTT student, Celia Gustavsson. You can join us, sponsor us or do both!

Sign up or donate here