D'var Torah

זכור את יום השבת לקדשו                         

CANDLE LIGHTING - 5:14 PM

HAVDALAH - 6:18 PM

SHABBAT PARSHAT - MISHPATIM -  (Exodus 21:1- 24:18)

SHABBAT SHEKALIM - (Exodus 30:11 - 16)

הסכום - Summary

• When Moses went up Mount Sinai he entered into the midst of a cloud.
• He remained there for forty days and forty nights.  
• In addition to the Ten Commandments that were given in last week's parsha Yitro, G-d gave Moses a variety of civil and criminal laws. They included; treatment of slaves, crimes of murder and kidnapping, personal injuries, damages through neglect or stealing, offenses against others through lying, idolatry, oppression, unfair  business practices, and unjust conduct of judges.
• Israelites are reminded to be sensitive to the needs of strangers.
• Rules are presented for the Sabbath, the Sabbatical Year, Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot.
• Shabbat Shekalim - A census was to be taken, every adult Israelite was required to contribute a half-shekel towards the maintenance of the sanctuary.
• The Torah portion also emphasized that the poor and rich alike are equal in the eyes of G-d, and must donate the same amount.

SHABBAT SHALOM  שבת שלום -

Nachum Chasan

Head of School

Alumni Spotlight

Each week, The Silver Summary will feature one alumnus from our rich alumni network. 

Dina Burcat

New York, NY

What years did you attend The Silver Academy?

I attended the Yeshiva from Ganeinu (1988-89) through 8th grade (1997-98).

Where did you grow up in Harrisburg?

I grew up in uptown Harrisburg on North Second Street, where my parents still live. We always had a really fun bus stop and used to celebrate on the first day of school every year. (After the first day, I think we stopped taking the bus!)

Where did you go to school after The Silver Academy?

After I graduated from the YA, I attended the Beth Tfiloh Dahan Community School in Baltimore, MD and then the University of Maryland for college. 

Where do you live now? 

Currently, I live in New York City.

What do you do?

After spending 5 years working at my high school alma mater, Beth Tfiloh, as the Development Associate and Alumni Coordinator, I moved to NYC in 2011 and have been working at Yeshiva University as the Associate Director of Alumni Affairs. 

What was your favorite class at The Silver Academy?

I was one of those kids who really just loved school (nerd alert!). I always loved our number jumbler time in Mrs. Dalton's math class, and it was always a party when Rabbi Stein broke out his keyboard.

Who was your best friend at The Silver Academy?

That's a hard one! We graduated with just 6 people in our class - Sari Goldsmith, Elan, Gordon, Scott Rubin, Alla Maksumov, Veronika Shakhnazaryan, and I were all very close by the time we graduated and I have amazing memories with all of them.

What was your favorite school lunch?

Mac and cheese was always a favorite! But I also remember when lunches were served on trays and it was a game to see which color you'd end up with. 

How many times were you sent to the principal's office?

I was a pretty good kid - I don't remember ever getting in trouble. But I did spend a lot of time in the secretary's office! Mrs. Hartman, office manager extraordinaire, was my grandmother, and I do remember visiting her office often to get "grammy snacks" or to get a test signed if I had forgotten to ask my parents the night before! 

What was your favorite memory and/or do you have any funny stories about The Silver Academy?

Our Israel trip in 1998 was such an unforgettable experience. To travel there with my oldest friends really was a bonding experience I'll never forget.

What was your favorite thing to do at the JCC? 

I was on the YA/JCC basketball team from 4th-8th grades, and I had so much fun with my teammates at our games. (And who can forget having to play in that one gym with carpet?)