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March 1, 2013
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19 Adar I 5773
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From the Head of School ~ Dr. David Portnoy
Whenever I am asked to sum up the Yavneh Experience in a few short sentences - often  referred to as an organization's "elevator speech" - I invariably speak about the special programs that distinguish our high school: exceptional academics and college acceptances, a rich and nurturing Jewish life, journalism, mock trial and the arts, and ultimately... Basketball and Community Service.
First, Basketball. When I arrived at Yavneh, I quickly became aware of the importance of basketball, the quintessential American Jewish sport. Our storied program has produced winning teams, college student-athletes, and years of excitement on the hardwood. This year, I'm especially proud to share that our Boys Varsity posted a 27-5 record, the best winning percentage in Yavneh history!
Next, Community Service. In a word, our students' incredible dedication to community service, which in Hebrew we call Tikkun Olam (literally, repairing the world) is a true hallmark of a Yavneh Academy education. I have detailed the great work of such organizations as Helping Hands for the Homeless and Students 4 Students in prior messages in the Etone.
This Sunday, Yavneh students will lead Points for Peace for the eleventh year in a row. Founded by Yavneh students in 2002, Points for Peace is an exciting and energy-filled outgrowth of our Students Against Terrorism initiative. It is a terrific activity at the JCC that brings together the entire Dallas Community, as well as two of our most cherished Yavneh experiences: Basketball and Community Service. It is worthy of all our support - and many thanks to all of you who have already contributed. You don't have to play to support this wonderful cause, so come out to
the J on Sunday!
On behalf of our students, faculty and staff, we wish you a peaceful and healthy Shabbat Shalom!
~~ Dr. P
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Yearbooks are $85 - order deadline is March 15
Last orders for dedications
with all photos, messages, and designwork, must be received by March 3.
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Shabbat Shalom ~
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Rabbi Avrohom Weinrib
Congregation Zichron Eliezer
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Rabbi Avrohom Weinrib, of Congregation Zichron Eliezer in Cincinnati, Ohio joined us this morning - a guest rabbi and former classmate of Rabbi Meir Tannenbaum - the two having studied together at Yeshivat Mir in Jerusalem.
"I heard of a survey where young Jewish students were asked if they had the chance to begin life again - with a new family and/or with a new religion - would they," said Rabbi Weinrib. "Would you?" Those who did the survey found a varied response - some, happy with life as it was, and others admitted they might opt out, some just not feeling connected to the passion of our lifestyle."
"There's a story of a Rabbi Yitzchok Zilber, born in Russia, without the opportunity to live and study as a Jew. He used to tear pages of the gemara and study them, one at a time, during his breaks where he worked," said Rabbi Weinrib. "He'd write a question mark where he didn't understand something - knowing someday he'd learn with those who knew." "When he finally made aliyah, the first Jew he saw with a kippah at Lod Airport was a border patrol officer. He immediately pulled out a page and asked the officer if he knew the meaning. The officer didn't, he hadn't studied in depth, and Russian was amazed that a Jew who did have the opportunity to study didn't. That he had risked his life to study - and others who were free didn't by choice, was incredible to him, he felt it a tremendous loss."
"Life for all of us provides the ability to get up, to live with passion," said Rabbi Weinrib. "We all have it in us to find our own way to see the fire and enthusiasm in life. It's not always easy to find but it is there and we just have to tap into that energy."
"My bracha is that we should all always remain constantly growing, learning, and finding ourselves. We must be the role models for those who follow to have their own passion and to be better people."
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We hope you enjoy the Dvar Torah in this week's Snappy Sentiments and that you'll share and discuss them at your Shabbat table.
Shabbat Shalom ~
Rabbi Meir Tannenbaum, Naomi Schrager, and the Judaic Studies Faculty.
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Class of 2013 - Yosef Presburger ~
"Yavneh is: Unique. Encouraging. Challenging."
Yosef Presburger's kindness and gentlemanly manner has been a gracious presence on our campus. A graduate of the Ann and Nate Levine Academy, it was Yosef's desire to continue his Jewish education and that made Yavneh his first choice for his high school experience.
"I knew that Yavneh's academics, in all areas were strong, and I felt that coming here would send me on the right track," he said. "It was important to my whole family that I continue my education in a strong Jewish environment and my 'right track' included a need for both a secular and Judaic program. As I get ready to graduate, I know it was the right decision."
 "Discipline, direction, dedication and perseverance are all characteristics demonstrated by Yosef," said Allyn Schmucker, Yavneh's College Counselor and Director of Guidance. "Throughout his academic, athletic, and extra-curricular activities, he has displayed the strong sense of leadership and responsibility that is evidenced throughout his being. Yosef's peers and faculty members alike recognize the work ethic he has put forth and it is no wonder that he consistently receives awards for highest achievement year after year."
"Yavneh provides many opportunities for students to take advantage of and I think that has been good preparation for college and for the rest of our lives," said Yosef. "Students can decide what secular classes they want to take and the school has always worked with us to achieve our full potential. Our faculty creates an environment that stimulates learning."
"Yosef is one of Yavneh's strongest academicians," said former Head of School, Don O'Quinn. "He is a conscientious student with a strong engineering mind, and he solves problems readily. Yosef possesses a diversity of strengths and interests, he rarely rests, and he is committed to excellence and to achievement. I cherish our many conversations, and I wish him well."
Accepted to Texas A&M, the University of Miami, the University of Texas, the University of Texas/Dallas as well as Yeshiva Mechinat Yeud in Jerusalem, Yosef has goals to create a career that combines his appreciation for science and sports.
"Yosef displays exceptional ability, modesty and character," said former Judaic faculty member Raffi Rosenzweig. Although I regularly tried challenging Yosef by giving him extra or more difficult tasks, I had trouble pushing him out of his comfort zone because he consistently handled every demanding assignment with ease and competence.
Despite his extensive talents, both athletic and academic, Yosef remains grounded, friendly and considerate of others."
"The best part about Yavneh is the people you get to see every day. Friends, teachers, and administrators who are always there to help you in whatever you need," said Yosef. "One of Yavneh's greatest strengths is the amount of opportunities it provides regarding academics, Judaic studies, and extracurricular activities. I don't know of another school that provides the same support to its students with regard to the most challenging classes - here, you don't go through them alone."
Born in Mexico City, Yosef and his family - parents Susan and Willy, and his younger brother Alan moved to Dallas in 2007 and they are affiliated with DATA/Dallas Area Torah Association in Plano. Yosef's summer breaks have kept him involved in his passion for the sport of tennis as a member of the JCC's Maccabi Tennis team and as a coach at the JCC, at Samuell Grand Tennis Center, and at the T-Bar M Raquet Club.
Yosef has served as one of Yavneh's Student Ambassador's, he has been a Captain of the Bulldog Soccer Squad, a member of the Bulldog Tennis Team, and a member of Yavneh's WorldQuest teams which, this week placing 22 out of 77 teams at the  Academic WorldQuest Competition in Arlington. Off-campus, he volunteers at a local high school with Math Chair, Veronica Thomas, using his native-tongue to help the primarily Hispanic population, better understand math skills.
"Yosef leaves nothing to chance and the kids absolutely love working with him. They say he is the 'smartest kid in the whole world'," said Mrs. Thomas who has guided Yosef through his own Algebra II, Geometry, pre-Calculus, and BC Calculus. "He has an incredible heart and a very lovely soul."
Yosef's lovely soul, and the consideration with which he takes every step, are certain to help him forge a magnificent future.
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Yavneh in Review
12-13 Schultz Family Community Service Scholars ~~
Congratulations to the 2012 - 2013 Schultz Family Community Service Scholars, Jason Epstein '14, Jordan Cope '14, Talia Klein '14, Rachel Goodman '13, Elie Schramm '13, and Scott Lacritz '15, who were recognized for their honors by donor Andy Schultz after this morning's services.
"Community service is a big focus at Yavneh - its students raising not only money but giving of their own time, energy, and absolute intention to better the world," said Mr. Schultz, father of Yavneh students Zak '15 and Gaby '16. "It is with that spirit that our family created this scholarship - to honor students who are so impassioned by community service. You give to agencies and those in need close to home, and on the other side of the world and it's really incredible to think what young people are capable of. Yavneh sets the bar high in that area. For a long time I've been happy to be a Yavneh supporter and I'm now even prouder as a Yavneh parent."
"Yavneh was founded by survivors of the Holocaust," said Mr. Schultz. "As I see the students walking the halls, and serving our community, I truly believe you are fulfilling the dreams of those founders."
Purim Megillah, Dinner & Shpiel
There was extra ruach in the hamantaschen of Yavneh's family last weekend with the celebration of Havdallah, the reading of the Megillah, a delicious dinner, and a silly Senior Shpiel!
Todah Rabah to Associate Principals Naomi Schrager and Rabbi Meir Tannenbaum, to PTO co-Presidents Melanie Rudomin and Janyce Steinbrecher, and to the Class of 2013 for a night to remember!
Many thanks to
PTO members
Janice Berman,
Laura Collins,
Melanie Rudomin, Janyce Steinbrecher,
Barbara Carr-Goodman,
Faye Lavi,
Sheryl Wernick,
Ruthy Henkin and (not pictured) Ron Romaner for help in serving a terrific meal.
 
Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas' Women's Event ~ Thank you to Yavneh students, Dalya Romaner '14, Taylor Blue '15, Alexandra Lavi '15, Dania Tanur '14, Clara Moskowitz '13, Tamar Cohen '13, Rachel Chanon '13,
Yael Spirer '13, and Shea Miller '13 who represented Yavneh Academy at the
2013 Women's Event of the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas.
To be sure, those pictured above are only a few of the
future of Dallas' Jewish community leadership.
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The Bulldog Score!!!
Well Wishes & Mazel Tov! Happy Birthday To:
March
7 Dr. Paula Harvey 8 Valerie Lopez
Mazel Tov To:
Ethan Fisher '16, who (with his brother) is in the cast of the JCC's Titanic.
3/2 * 8pm
To order tickets, call 214.739.2737 or purchase online at jccdallas.org
We wish comfort among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem to:
Jordan Hirsch '06, on the passing of his father Michael z"l.
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The Bulldog Score!!!
Lady Bulldog Soccer practices will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays at 5:30pm on the Yavneh Soccer field.
The first game of the Lady Bulldog Soccer team will be on March 17 at Hobby Field. More information to follow.
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March of the Living 2013
Yavneh's MOL travelers have partnered with World Wear Project, to provide shoes and clothing for those in need while raising funds for their experience. The collection bin which can accept items   including shoes, clothing, belts, purses, wallets, hats, caps, backpacks, stuffed animals, hard toys and pots and pans is located in the Yavneh parking lot against the back fence.
For more info about Yavneh's MOL tour, visit, www.marchofthelivingdallas.org
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College Cues ~~
Class of '13 University & Israel Program Acceptances
Kol Hakavod to the following students who have received college acceptances and scholarship offers. Updated acceptances are in bold. Seniors, be sure to send notice of your acceptances to info@yavnehdallas.org so that we can share your news!
Rachel Chanon ~ Indiana University, University of Denver, University of Kansas
Sam Coretz ~ Lynn University, SCAD/Savannah College of Art & Design,
St. Edward's University, University of Arizona, University of Tampa
Tamar Cohen ~ Hofstra University, University of Kansas
Lane Engelberg ~Drexel University (Honors College),
Rochester Institute of Technology, Southern Methodist University, University of North Texas, University of Texas/Dallas, University of Houston
Karen Folz ~Southwestern University, Queens University Belfast,
Southern Methodist University (University Honors Program) Shelby Gadol ~ Indiana University, Tulane University
Hannah Gartner ~ Arizona State University, Indiana University San Francisco State University,University of Central Florida,
University of South Florida
Rachel Goodman ~ Indiana University, New York University, Tulane University, University of Texas (Liberal Arts Honors) Jordan Haberer ~ Austin College, George Mason University, Indiana University, University of Kansas, University of North Texas Kelly Herson ~ University of Georgia, University of Michigan,
University of Texas, University of Wisconsin
Justin Katz ~ Indiana University, Texas A&M, University of Maryland,
University of Massachusetts - Amherst (Commonwealth Honors College)
Katie Lerer ~ Colorado College, University of Denver
Josh Lynn ~ Colorado State University, Southern Methodist University,
University of Denver
Shea Miller ~ Indiana University, Texas A&M, University of Georgia,
University of Maryland, University of Michigan, University of Wisconsin
Clara Moskowitz ~ University of Maryland (College Park Scholars),
University of Miami, University of Michigan, Northeastern University,
Tulane University, Young Judaea YearCourse Yosef Presburger ~ Texas A&M, University of Miami, University of Texas,
University of Texas/Dallas, Yeshiva Mechinat Yeud
Bradley Riche ~ University of Massachusetts/Amherst,University of Miami
Kayley Romick ~ Texas A&M, University of Georgia,
University of Texas (Plan II Honors), Vanderbilt University
Rachel Rudberg ~ Austin College, Southern Methodist University,
St. Edward's University, Texas Christian University,
University of Denver
Max Schnitzer ~ Indiana University, Tulane University
Elie Schramm ~ University of Maryland (Honors College),
Yeshivat Eretz Hatzvi, Yeshivat Lev HaTorah, Yeshivat Reishit
Rachel Siegel ~ University of Texas (Plan II Honors), Yale University Yael Spirer ~ Indiana University
Mika Stein ~ New York University
Adam Wilensky ~ University of Kansas
Liora Zhrebker ~ Brandeis University, Indiana University
For more information on any of the programs of
Yavneh's Office of College Guidance, email Allyn Schmucker at
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12324 Merit Drive
Dallas, TX 75251
214.295.3500 
Unless otherwise credited, Yavneh Academy's Etone is written, photographed, and produced by
Deb Silverthorn
Director of Communications
Community Liaison
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