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November 22, 2013	י''ט כסלו, תשע''ד
Candle Lighting 5:13 p.m.	פרשת וישב

Announcing our MAIN EVENT HONOREES

for 2013-2014:

Mr. Neil and Mrs. Marcy Kalnitz

Join us for this gala event on February 23, 2014

A Message from our Head of School

This past Wednesday, was a very special day at Torah Day School of Atlanta. It was decided that we were overdue in showing our hakaros hatov to some of our long-time, generous donors. These donors have generously given to TDSA throughout the years. Thank you's were definitely in order. We decided to extend invitations to those who had not seen the school in a while. This gave them the opportunity to visit our classes and see first-hand what makes TDSA such a unique school.

Our eighth grade ambassadors took our guests to the gym for our morning line-up. We treated them to a few moments in Rabbi Hiller's class during davening. One of our guests got a ticket for joining the boys in singing "Adon Olom!" It is not clear who had a bigger smile; our guest or the boys and their rebbe. Then we took them through our children-created art-filled hallways, stopping in Morah Dena's class where her students sang and gave our guests gifts. One of the highlights of our tour was our visit to the middle school science classroom. The students were in the middle of science experiments, studying the laws of gas using volume, pressure, and temperature. This is clearly an example of the experiential learning here at TDSA. Of course, you cannot end a visit without emulating our avos, and including a delicious meal and dvar Torah held in our beautiful library. Everyone left with a genuinely warm feelings in their hearts. We hope to invite our supporters, large and small, throughout the year, to see first-hand the beautiful things happening at TDSA. One of the guests even commented how TDSA's existence here at 1985 LaVista Road was a series of miracles that one could never have predicted.

A short "thank you for coming" video was sent, (which you can see Here) and responded to with, "It was a very special morning for me. I enjoyed every minute of it. The school and its students, faculty and administrators breathe Yiddishkeit in such a profound, pure and sincere way! It was an honor and privilege to spend time with all of you. - Craig Lefkoff"

No one could describe your children's day better. Thank you for entrusting them to us, and please call and set up a time to see for yourselves.

Good Shabbos,

Rabbi Joshua Einzig

Thank You! תודה רבה

Our 2013-2014 Annual Fund Campaign: Friends of TDSA, which has replaced our annual Ad Journal, is growing exponentially! Please save the date, Sunday, February 23, 2014, when we will honor Marcy and Neil Kalnitz at our 2014 TDSA Main Event. All the "Friends" of TDSA" will be acknowledged in the 2014 Main Event Program and will be listed according to their contribution levels.

The goal is to have 100% participation from our parent body. Can you imagine the powerful message that would send to our generous donors, many of whom are not current, past or future TDSA families? It lets them know, in plain dollars and cents, that the families who benefit from their generosity are on board with them, and join them in their support of Torah Day School of Atlanta.

The Friends of TDSA Annual Fund supports the school in a myriad of ways. They include attracting and retaining high quality and experienced educators, purchasing instructional materials and supplies, sending faculty to professional development workshops and seminars to ensure the most up-to-date teaching techniques and information, funding various out-of-school enrichment activities that enhance the level of experiential education, and providing the necessary day-to-day operations, building and ground maintenance, scholarship, and so much more!

Please make a difference by making a pledge to Friends of TDSA Annual Fund! The future of our children and their education depend on it! After we receive your donation, you will receive our newly designed TDSA car magnet. Please call today with your pledge.

Thank you to the parents who have already generously pledged or contributed to date to the 2013-2014 Friends of TDSA Annual Fund:

Mr. and Mrs. Eric Adelman, Rabbi and Mrs. Ariel Asa, Mr. and Mrs. Craig Ashapa, Mr. David Benschitrit, Mrs. Karen Benschitrit, Rabbi and Mrs. Michael Berger, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Biran, Ms. Abigail Bogan, Dr. and Mrs. Lee Caplan, Mrs. Michal Esral, Mr. and Mrs. Bert Farache, Rabbi and Mrs. Yakov Fleshel, Dr. and Mrs. Raphael Gershon, Ms. Yakovah Greenbaum, Mr. Ari Greenbaum, Mr. and Mrs. Adam Grossblatt, Mr. and Mrs. Rick Halpern, Mr. and Mrs. Elan Hertzberg, Mr. and Mrs. Naftali Honikman, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Iacullo, Rabbi and Mrs. Karmi Ingber, Mr. and Mrs. Neil Kalnitz, Mr. and Mrs. Mark Kaplan, Mr. and Mrs. Scott Kuperberg, Dr. and Mrs. Barry Levitt, Rabbi and Mrs. Yossi Lew, Rabbi and Mrs. Chaim Lindenblatt, Mr. and Mrs. Hudie Lipszyc, Mrs. Jana Lynn, Rabbi and Mrs. Hirshy Minkowicz, Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Ooziel, Mr. Yukhan Osipov and Ms. Diana Rafailov, Dr. and Mrs. Dmitriy Pelishev, Mr. and Mrs. Asher Perez, Rabbi and Mrs. Mordechai Pollock, Mr. and Mrs. Martin Salomon, Ms. Yehudit Schwartz, Mr. and Mrs. Naftali Shmuel, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Siegel, Mr. and Mrs. Gidon Sobel, Mr. Harvey Steele, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Stroll, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Tanenbaum, Mr. and Mrs. Josh Wittenberg, Dr. and Mrs. Michael Wolf, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Zavulunov, and Rabbi and Mrs. Israel Zelman.

Divrei Torah by Eighth Grade Boys

Parshas Vayeshev

In this week's Parsha, Perek Lamed-Zayin, Pasuk Bais, the Pasuk says "V'yavei Yosef es deebasum ra kel avihem." "And Yosef would bring bad reports about his brothers to his father."

The Midrash says that this is one of the main reasons Yosef's brothers hated him so much. Yosef would make them look bad in the eyes of their father for actions for which they had not even done. Yosef would misinterpret his brother's actions and accuse them falsely.

Rashi comments that Yosef should have been dan likaf zichus - given them the benefit of the doubt. Yosef should have come directly to Yaakov with all the facts of the situation rather than making up his own faulty conclusions about them.

We can apply this valuable lesson in our daily lives. Every day, we see people do things that we think may be inappropriate. We must try to be dan likaf zichuse and give them the benefit of the doubt in the situation. Just as you would hope that others judge you favorably, you should also judge others favorably.

By Binyomin Pearlman

The pasuk says after the brothers threw Yosef into the pit, a group of Ishmalite merchants came by with camels carrying various types of sweet-smelling spices (37:25).

Why did the pasuk need to tell us about the spices that the merchants were carrying? We know the Torah never tells us anything extra and this seems to be extra. Why did the Torah go out if its way to tell us about the sweet-smelling spices that the merchants were carrying?

I learned with Rabbi Cohen in third grade a beautiful answer. Rashi says we learn from here the great reward of Tzadikim. Normally, the Ishmalite caravans carried cargo that didn't really smell good. This time, Hashem intervened and caused the merchants to carry sweet-smelling spices.

We can see how much Hashem loves his nation and Tzadikim. If we do what we are supposed to, Hashem will reward us with seemingly small things, which in the long run, we will really want.

By Moshe Alterman

Thank you to the eighth grade boys' rebbe, Rabbi Eliyahu Tendler, for encouraging your talmidim to think about, analyze, and apply the lessons they are learning in class.

Calendar Corner

פינת לוח הזמנים

Sun. 11/24 כ''א כסלו

Chanukah Carnival 1:00-4:00 p.m.

Tues. 11/26 כ''ג כסלו

Last day of Fall afterschool classes

Wed. 11/27 כ''ד כסלו

NOON Dismissal all classes

Chanukah 1st night

ערב חנוכה

Thurs.-Fri.

11/28-29 כ''ה-כ''ו כסלו

No school- Thanksgiving recess

Tues. 12/3 ל' כסלו

End of first trimester

Fri. 12/13 י' טבת

NOON Dismissal all classes

תענית עשרה בטבת

Fast of the 10th of Teves

From the Desk of Mrs. Linda Rabinowitz, General Studies Principal

What's all the buzz about Common Core Standards?

The Common Core Standards for reading and math were released in 2010. As a private school, we are not required to adhere to the Common Core, but, for the most part, we have opted to do so. Our Go Math Curriculum is completely aligned with the Common Core, and the skills and concepts of our language arts curriculum are largely aligned as well. The Common Core outlines the body of skills and knowledge that students are expected to develop each year, with the ultimate goal of ensuring they are ready to succeed in a 21st century world. Rather than mandating specific texts, the Common Core identifies skills and concepts that students are expected to master at each grade level. The emphasis of the Common Core is on deeper learning, critical thinking, and collaboration. The Common Core is process-oriented, rather than formula-oriented. Before, students often memorized math procedures, but did not necessarily understand why. Now, they are asked to analyze problems and numbers and to articulate their thinking process. They are learning to think like mathematicians. Before, in writing, students might have been asked to write three paragraphs with three points each, including an introduction and a conclusion. Now students are encouraged to ask, "What do I want to say? How do I want to say it? Do I want to tell a story, persuade, or inform?" The Common Core demands a higher level of engagement from students. Isn't this what we all want for our children?

Counseling Corner by Dr. Sarah Levy

SEL: Sticks and Stones

Class Acts פעילויות בכתות

Fourth grade boys- Rabbi Alterman's Limudei Kodesh classes

Mazal tov to 4B on their siyum (completion) of parshas Mikeitz this week! We calculated that, having learned all 146 pesukim in the parsha, and reading each pasuk at least 27 times (20 just in Hebrew and at least another 7 translating), that means we have learned 3942 pesukim since the beginning of the year. Wow! It is even more special that we finished just in time for next week's Torah reading -- parshas Mikeitz!

Seventh grade girls - Mrs. Hiller's and Ms. Tendler's Limudei Kodesh classes

In our Chumash study, seventh grade girls are in the midst of learning the brochos of Bil'am and his "wish list" of what he really wanted to say. We are amazed at how Bil'am and Balak refuse to give up their determination to curse B'nei Yisrael. We can learn from them to have such persistence in accomplishing good things. We completed perek hay of Shmuel Bet in our Navi study, and analyzed some of Dovid Hamelech's outstanding actions. Even when war was at his doorstep, he did not make a single move without asking Hashem, exhibiting complete ratzon Hashem, rather than relying solely on his own logic. We contrasted this with Shaul Hamelech, and discussed how to apply this in our own lives, for example, by consulting a rav when making a critical decision. We are also learning the halachos of Chanukah according to the Shulchan Aruch. Important questions are explained, such as what to do if the wind extinguishes your menorah.

TDSA Boys' Choir at Chanukah Celebration

The TDSA 3rd- 5th grade boys' choir, under the direction of Rabbi Shalom Yosef Horowitz, will perform at the Kroger Toco Hills Chanukah Celebration on Sunday, December 1st at 4:00 p.m. Following the performance, the celebration will continue with singing, dancing, latkes, and other treats for visitors. Choir members should be at the store no later than 3:50 p.m. Please email Rabbi Horowitz at shorowitz@torahday.org if you have any questions about the choir. See you in the front entrance of the Kroger store.

Middle school social studies - Mrs. Gleicher's classes

This week has been a social studies teacher's dream. The seventh grade classes had been studying about globalization and humanitarian aid. To underscore the meaning of these terms, we viewed a video of the Israeli medical teams sent to help out the victims of the typhoon in the Philippines. The eighth graders have been busy using their historical inquiry skills to find out what happened in Dallas fifty years ago. They researched, watched videos, and then interviewed someone who remembered the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Each student presented either a newspaper or video of the events they learned about. Please visit the MS Social Studies Edline page to view these very creative projects. Saving the best for last, President A. Lincoln aka Mr. Lawrence Stroll, stopped by for a visit. He shared background information about the Gettysburg Address and then gave his interpretation of the speech. The seventh graders recited the speech together. With great thanks to Ken Burns and his learntheaddress.org campaign, eighth grade tech assistant Moshe Bari took up the challenge to create a mash-up of the Gettysburg address recited by TDSA administrators, faculty, and students. Please Click Here to view it. We are so proud to be part of this project marking the 150th anniversary of the Gettysburg address. Great thanks to Mrs. Burns for her involvement in all of these technology related projects.

TDSA Scout Troop 613

Civic awareness, knowing how the community works, is not only important as a resident but is also necessary to earn a Citizenship in the Community merit badge. The boys attended a meeting of the DeKalb County Zoning Board this week, met CEO Mr. Lee May, and received a quick tutorial in how property use decisions are made in our area. Middle school social studies teacher Mrs. Rhoda Gleicher is guiding the troop through the maze of communal involvement on their way to earning this Eagle Scout required badge.

The troop has an indoor climb at Stone Summit in the works, as well as a rifle shoot at Camp Bert Adams in Covington. Stay tuned for more information. Sunday night swimming leaves from the TDSA circle at 6:30pm and returns by 8:30pm. Please RSVP for all events to allow for adequate transportation. For more information, call or email Avraham Warga, 404-806-1446, warga.avi@gmail.com.

Positive Press

We receive positive feedback from parents and community members so often, usually during a face-to-face encounter. Now we would like to put out a request that you put wonderful stories these in writing. Let us hear your stories of ways in which TDSA has had a positive impact on you, your child, or your family. In essence, these would be nachas stories about our students, faculty, or school in general, and how they have positively impacted others. You may email your story to lmorris@torahday.org.

Days of Learning

A meaningful way to commemorate any life-cycle event is to sponsoring a TDSA Day of Learning for $180 to sponsor a full day or $90 for half a day (must be shared with another person). You can also do a Group Day of Learning if you have a number of friends who want to sponsor with you. Please contact Sara Abrams in the Business Office, 404-982-0800 ext. 104, or sabrams@torahday.org . During the week of November 18th, the following Days of Learning were dedicated:

Refuah Sheleimah for Ms. Jamie Greenblatt, Yehudit bas Ruth, sponsored by Sara Abrams and family.
In memory of Rachaeli Fier, z"l, Chana Rachael bas Yitzchak, on her 2nd yahrzeit, sponsored by her loving family, Eric, Nicole, Yoni, Shui, and Ari Fier.
Refuah Sheleimah for Ahuva bas Tova, daughter of Yaakov and Tova Zehnwirth, and granddaughter of Rabbi Menashe and Mrs. Randee Goldberger, sponsored by Andrew and Sydney Lewis and family.
In memory of Abner Rubin, z"l, Avraham ben BenZion HaLevi, sponsored by Andrew and Sydney Lewis.

Mazel tov מזל טוב:

Rabbi Ely and Mrs. Malka Landman and family on the birth of a daughter, Shalva Emuna.
Dr. Ron and Mrs. Hadassah Ezoory on the bar mitzvah of Yaakov Zeiger.
Mr. Jonathan and Mrs. Davida Levin on the birth of a grandson, and to parents, Mr. Ben and Dr. Shoshana Kohen-Kadosh.

Please let us know about your simchos; our TDSA family likes to share in your nachas with you! A great way to celebrate your simcha is by sponsoring a TDSA Day of Learning for $180 to sponsor a full day or $90 for half a day (must be shared with another person). You can also do a Group Day of Learning if you have a number of friends who want to sponsor with you. Please contact Sara Abrams in the Business Office, 404-982-0800 ext. 104, or sabrams@torahday.org.

Business Bytes מעט על עסקים

Only 5 weeks left to pre-apply for the SSO program!!!!

Do it today at: www.apogee123.org

These are some of the highlights of the current SSO law:

$58,000,000 maximum allocated each year
Credits allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Pass through taxpayers can redirect up to $10,000 each
Within 60 days of the pre-approval notice, donors must make their contributions to an SSO.
Donations to an SSO only count in the same calendar year in which the donation was pre-approved and paid.
For a list of matching companies for the SSO program please : Click Here

Thank you to the TDSA families and friends who have already enrolled in the SSO program for 2014

for a total of $463,688 so far! Keep it coming!