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April 12, 2013
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2 Iyar 5773
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From the Head of School ~ Dr. David Portnoy
Dear Yavneh Family, 
Dear Yavneh Family,
While I typically write this greeting myself, I am sharing the following from our March of the Living email list, as written by Yavneh alumni parent Jeff Fine (referring to Yavneh chaperones Karen Zucker, Pam Fine and Max Glauben):
"Dear Parents/Supporters:
Every once in a while there is an incredible unplanned experience on MOL - and that just happened two hours ago.
Our three buses pull up, kids assemble at the Rappaport Monument, what had been the entrance to the Warsaw Ghetto, for their tour-a fleet of black SUVs pulls up and out comes the Chiefs of the Israel and Polish armed forces (Benny Gantz and his Polish counterpart), with a small honor guard and they proceed, with essentially only our group in attendance, to lay a wreath at the monument.
 The Polish Chief laid the Star of David wreath, the honor guard played taps, there was a short and solemn ceremony - and it was all over. Pam said it was an incredible, almost surreal experience - which she felt herself very fortunate to see. To stand on the spot where 70 years ago the Warsaw Ghetto uprising started - and to witness such a ceremony - with all of its implications, Pam said it was incredibly moving.
Max said that never in his life, but especially when he was 14 years old in the Warsaw Ghetto, could he have imagined the Chief of the Polish Army laying a Magen David wreath at a memorial to the Jews, in the presence of the Chief of the Israeli forces-totally unimaginable."
May our students and staff continue to learn and grow, and to travel safely this week in Israel.
On behalf of our students, faculty and staff, we wish you a peaceful and healthy Shabbat Shalom,
Dr. P.
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Yom HaZikaron
Join Yavneh to remember!
 Sunday, April 14 @ 7pm at Levine Academy
Café Israel, of the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas, invites all to the Community Yom haZikaron Memorial Service, an evening dedicated to the memories of those who have given their lives in defense of the State of Israel.
Members of our community will share stories of the fallen, honor those who gave their lives defending the State of Israel through readings, and read names of fallen family and friends from our community.
Monday, April 15 @ 9:30am 
Yavneh Academy's Pollman Hall
We invite our extended Yavneh Family to join us as we commemorate Yom HaZikaron, Israel Memorial Day, with a screening of
"Follow Me: The Yoni Netanyahu Story."
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Yom Haatzmaut
Student & Family Lunch Picnic
Yavneh Academy will host a Yom Haatzamaut Picnic Lunch on Tuesday, April 16 for its students and faculty. There is no need to bring lunch.
Community Celebration at the JCC
Be sure to join us, and the community, at the JCC on Tuesday, April 16, from 4:30-8pm to celebrate Israel's 65th anniversary.
We have one-hour slots open from 4 to 8pm.
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AP Test Reviews
Circle your calendars - Mrs. Leeman's AP Reviews:
Tuesday: April 30 & Thursday: May 2 @ 1pm in the Yavneh Library!
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Yavneh Calendar
click here for more dates
April
15 ~
Yom HaZikaron screening of "Follow Me: The Yoni Netanyahu Story" 9:30am/Pollman Hall
30 ~
Mrs. Leeman's
AP Lit Review @ 1pm
Yavneh Library
May
2 ~
Mrs. Leeman's
AP Lit Review @ 1pm
Yavneh Library
6-14 ~
10 ~
Yavneh Spring Shabbaton (note new date!)
14 ~
Erev Shavuot Friday Schedule
15-17 ~
Shavuot No School
23 ~
Sports Banquet
@ 6pm
Pollman Hall
27 ~
Memorial Day NO SCHOOL
28 ~
Senior Party
@ 6:30pm
Pollman Hall
30 ~
Graduation Sr. Photo & Rehearsal
11:30am -
photo @ Tiferet Israel
Rehearsal follows at SR Campus
June
2 ~
Graduation
3pm @ Schultz Family Gym
April
14 ~
Congregation Anshai Torah Ante Up
Hold'em Tournament
12:30pm @ CAT
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From the Judaic Studies department ~
Rabbi Ronen Newirth ~ A special visit from Rabbi Ronen Neuwirth, the rabbi at Ohel Ari (Minyan Chadash) Congregation in Ra'annana, provided an opportunity for our students to think more about Yom HaShoah and how one can have faith, in reflecting on tragic times. "It is impossible to grasp the millions killed in the Shoah, but we have an obligation to learn, to realize, and to understand for those who survived, and those who didn't," said Rabbi Neuwirth who recently co-founded and serves as Executive Director of Beit Hillel - Tolerant Spiritual Leadership. "Judaism is based on our connection to our past and the living of our traditions and heritage now and in the future."  "At Pesach, we partake in the matzah, which represents our redemption, and the maror, which signifies our hardships and slavery," said Rabbi Neuwirth. "This coming week we commemeorate Yom HaZikaron, Israeli Memorial Day, just before we celebrate Yom Haaztmaut, Israeli Independence Day."
"We break a glass at a wedding to recall the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem more than 2,000 years ago, then we cheer in joy Mazel Tov," said Rabbi Neuwirth. "We must try to cope, to find the mercy and compassion, in spite of the challenge." "Hashem tells us in the Torah that sometimes he is a merciful Father, and other times there will be death and destruction," said Rabbi Neuwirth, noting G-d is presented both as a savior and as a melech ma-meet, a Man of war.  "In 'just' 65 years, the growth of Israel has been significant and as such we see how G-d 'speaks' to us through the Torah," added Rabbi Neuwirth. "From the ashes of the Shoah we cam back and we built a nation. We built an incredible nation and it is only because we have had the faith, and we have not isolated the past, from our future." "At Pesach, we say we will wait for a day of light without darkness preceding it," closed Rabbi Neuwirth. "Until then, we can only try to understand."
Shabbat Shalom ~
Rabbi Meir Tannenbaum, Naomi Schrager, and the Judaic Studies Faculty.
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Class of 2013 - Max Schnitzer
"Yavneh is: Enabling. Caring. Supportive."
A native Dallasite, Max is the son of Rebecca and Michael and brother to
Ari and Adam. Max is a member of Congregation Shearith Israel and a very
involved member of Bnai Brith Youth Organization. A member of the Rubin
Kaplan chapter and a Beau for the Jennie Zesmer BBG chapter, Max also served
as the NTO Regional Moreh.
 Max's decision to transfer to Yavneh was inspired by his wanting to learn more
about his heritage, and Jewish life, on an academic level. "Yavneh has been the perfect
place for what I was looking for," said Max who graduated from the Levine Academy. "I enjoy attending the school because of the multiple aspects that are offered. On one hand, Yavneh provides its students with the highest quality of secular learning, transforming its students into very intellectual people, and also on the Judaic Studies side, in addition to the academics, there's a connection to our roots that I don't think you get from anywhere else. I am very proud of my Judaism, and love how I can express it and learn about it every day."
"I realized I felt uncomfortable in the large public school environment and I had heard only positive things about Yavneh's very tight-knit community," said Max. "I wanted to be a part of that kind of school."
"Yavneh's extended day would mean nothing though without the amazing faculty always pushing the students to strive for greatness," said Max. "From day one, I have been taught to always do the best I possibly can, but along with that, do what I love doing. I think that Yavneh students are so successful later on in life because they are provided with all the essential tools and support during such a vital time period at school, and have hard work and commitment engrained in their minds."
"Max is a talented mathematician who is capable of depth of mathematical understanding," said former Head of School, Don O'Quinn. "He is a quiet, competent, and intelligent student, truly a young gentleman of quality."
Accepted to both Indiana University and Tulane University, Max plans to major in either Environmental Studies or International Relations. "I've become very interested in conserving the environment and my parents have inspired my professional dreams, always advising me to do something that interests me and that I love."
 "Max is a gentle soul living in the chaotic world of a teenager. His actions are deliberate and based on his values and a strong moral obligation," said Allyn Schmucker, Yavneh's College Counselor and Guidance Director. "Max is a determined young man, a pensive person, a leader with compassion and a sense of responsibility for his community. Seldom will you find a more courteous gentleman."
"Max has become politically and socially aware of issues relevant to teens and his fortitude and determination to understand the world around him has facilitated his development to become an extraordinary and compassionate leader."
A member of Yavneh's Students4Students and the Bulldog Varsity Basketball team, Max was sidelined for most of his Senior season due to a fractured vertebrae. Still, he cheered on his team and, at the end of the season, he found himself shooting 100%.
"Go Bulldogs," and "Go Max," always with a smile, always a straight shooter, on the court, and off!
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Yavneh in Review ~
Kol Hakavod to the staff of Yavneh's The Bulldog Print,
who received numerous awards of the Dallas Morning News High School Journalism Day and Competition.
The Yavneh Family is SO proud!
The Bulldog Print - Honorable Mention, Best Newspaper
Shanee Abouzaglo - Winner, Sports Feature
Rachel Siegel - Winner, Headline Portfolio
Honorable Mention, Short Feature
Rachel Goodman - Honorable Mention, Editorial
Kelly Herson - Honorable Mention, Headline Portfolio
Mika Stein - Honorable Mention, Column Portfolio
Scott Lacritz - Honorable Mention, Graphics Portfolio
Yavneh's The Bulldog Print team is comprised of Editor-in-chief - Rachel Siegel '13, Editor - Kelly Herson '13, Layout Editor - Dalya Romaner '14, Graphics Editor - Scott Lacritz '15, Advertising Editor - Adam Steinbrecher '14, Photo Editor - Erin Smith '15, News Editor - Hannah Delagi '15, Features Editor - Taylor Blue '15, Perspectives Editor - Rachel Goodman '13, Sports Editor - Jason Epstein '14, Entertainment Editor - Hannah Gartner '13, and Reporters Amitai Abouzaglo '16, Shanee Abouzaglo '14, Niv Avneri '14, Avi Baynash '16, Cassie Gross '15, Zach Harmon '14, Alexandra Lavi '15, Katie Lerer '13, Mitchell Levinson '16, Hanna Liebermann '14, Ethan Pearson '15, Elimelekh Perl '16, David Rudomin '14, Mika Stein '13, Erin Wernick '16, and Benji Zoller '16.
Yom HaShoah Recollections ~
Agnes Hoffman ~
Yom HaShoah at Yavneh was an opportunity to commemorate the millions who were killed during the Holocaust, but also to celebrate and learn about the life of survivor, and Dallas resident, Agnes Hoffman.
 Our esteemed guest was introduced to Yavneh by junior classman Lauren Siegel, as her family delivers Meals on Wheels to Ms. Hoffman thru Jewish Family Service.
Ms. Hoffman, born in Hungary, was the only member of her family to survive the war, having been taken to Auschwitz, and separated from her family when she was just 13-years-old. Ms. Hoffman shared with students and faculty many stories of survival, and many of close calls, all told with a magnificent energy and respect of the occasion.
Liberated first in 1945 to Denmark,hand then through the Red Cross to Sweden, Ms. Hoffman was then, in 1950, was reunited in the United States with an uncle who lived in Cleveland. Once her four children were school-age, Ms. Hoffman became the first female commodities broker on the trading floor in Chicago, she was a model, a game-show contestant, and a sales representative for the retail business before owning her own store in Richardson.
Excited about the prospect of a book about her life,
Ms. Hoffman, "now a free soul," told the students her key message is that they should be good to each other and to tell the world what happened, and what should never be again. "After seeing such torture," she said, "and never expecting to have happiness again, it is your generation who must be sure to make this world safe for the next generations."
"Be grateful for what you have," said Ms. Hoffman, "be grateful because you have so much."
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March of the Living 2013 ~ 
This, from today's report from Pam Fine ~
Sometime after midnight last night, the group flew from Poland and after little sleep on a three hour flight, with lots of happiness and excitement, landed in Israel. They immediately made their way for early morning falafel en route to Masada (via the Arad road). The less known route to Masada is typically used by Israeli youth groups, and arrives at the Roman siege ramp at the part of the  fortress closest to the mountains. Everyone (including Max) climbed the ramp to Masada, where they davened Shaharit on the top of Masada led by Rabbi Tannenbaum. The weather is blue sky spectacular-no more snow boots. Although warm, there was a great breeze this morning.
Late morning they went to nearby Ein Gedi nature preserve, where they hiked and had lunch in
the area associated with King David composing the psalms. Everyone really enjoyed the outdoors, the beauty of the Dead Sea area, and were particularly interested in the retelling of the story of Masada.
The group has arrived in Jerusalem at the youth hostel and they are going to the Kotel for Kabbalat Shabbat, followed by Shabbat dinner with Yavneh and MOL alumni who are currently in Israel. It will be an early night so they can have a very restful and relaxing Shabbat day in Jerusalem.
The students are reportedly a pleasure to travel with, they are really good people, and they are getting a lot from this trip.
All is well.
Shabbat Shalom!
to read reports from students and our chaperones.
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Well Wishes & Mazel Tov!  Mazel Tov to Yavneh's Star Scholars; Sammy Weyser '16, Joey Goldman '16, and Mitchell Levinson '16 who were honored this morning during Schacharit services. The Star Scholarship awards are presented to students for whom their attendance at Yavneh signifies a new experience in Jewish Day School education.
"I'm honored to make the presentation to these wonderful and successful students," said Head of School, Dr. David Portnoy. "Joey, Mitchell, and Sammy came to Yavneh from outside of a Jewish Day School program and they have flourished, succeeded, and become great assets to our Yavneh Family." Happy Birthday To:
13 Steve Levine 17 Daniel Granat 18 Monica Ribald
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The Bulldog Score!!!
Bulldog Sports BanquetThursday, May 23 @ 6pm
Athletes, Coaches, and Faculty - no charge
$10/Bulldog Fans & Family
April
14 ~ vs. Blue Stars @ 3pm - Field # 9
24 ~ vs. Inter FC @ 8pm - Field #12
May
1 ~ vs. Dealy Dragons @ 6:30pm - Field #9
5 ~ vs. Dealy Dragons @ 1pm - Field #9
8 ~ vs. Blue Stars @ 6:30pm - Field # 9
19 ~ vs. Inter FC @ 1pm - Field #9
26 ~ vs. Inter FC @ 1pm - Field #9
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College Cues ~~
April 8 @ 4 to 8pm - DFW NATIONAL COLLEGE FAIR The Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas in Irving is the site of the 2013 Dallas/Fort Worth National College Fair. The fair is free to high school students, parents and anyone else interested in higher education. Students can meet one-on-one with representatives from colleges and universities around the world at their booths to discuss entrance requirements, campus life, application deadlines and majors. In addition, there are information sessions ranging on Financing Your College Education to The Admissions Essay and Interview for you to attend. A complete list of all colleges attending is posted on the College Bulletin Board outside Mrs. Thomas' office. Registration, at www.gotomyncf.com is required. Please be sure to print out the provided bar code for entrance to the fair.
May 1 @ 7:30pm at the Hyatt Regency North Dallas (701 E. Campbell - Richardson, TX 75082) May 2 @ 7:30pm at the Sheraton Dallas 400 North Olive Street Dallas 75201 Brown, Cornell, Columbia, Rice, and the University of Chicago invite you and your parent to a program that will include an in-depth look into highly selective admission. Representatives will be addressing a variety of complex factors into the application process. RSVP at Exploring Educational Excellence
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, Southern Methodist University,
Stern College, 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,
University of Massachusetts - Amherst
Hannah Gartner ~ Arizona State University, Indiana University San Francisco State University, San Diego State University, University of Central Florida, University of Maryland, 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 California at Los Angeles, 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, Skidmore College, University of Denver,
University of Vermont
Josh Lynn ~ Colorado State University, Southern Methodist University,
University of Denver
Stephanie Medina ~ Brookhaven College Shea Miller ~ Indiana University, Texas A&M, University of Georgia,
University of Maryland, University of Michigan,
University of Wisconsin
Clara Moskowitz ~ Brandeis University, Northeastern University, Tulane University, University of Maryland (College Park Scholars), University of Miami, University of Michigan,
University of Southern California, Young Judaea YearCourse Yosef Presburger ~ Boston University, Rice University, Texas A&M,
University of Miami, University of Texas,
University of Texas/Dallas, Yeshiva Mechinat Yeud
Bradley Riche ~ American University, 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 ~ Brandeis University, University of Maryland (Honors College),
Washington University/St. Louis, Yeshiva University (Honors)
Yeshivat Eretz Hatzvi, Yeshivat Lev HaTorah, Yeshivat Reishit University of Texas (Plan II Honors), Yale University (Directed Studies) Yael Spirer ~ Indiana University
Mika Stein ~ New York University
Adam Wilensky ~ Indiana University, Johnson & Wales University, 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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Please send all news and updates for Yavneh Academy's Etone to: info@yavnehdallas.orgYavneh Academy of Dallas 12324 Merit Drive Dallas, TX 75251 214.295.3500 www.yavnehdallas.org Unless otherwise credited, Yavneh Academy's Etone
is written, photographed, and produced by
Deb Silverthorn
Director of Communications & Community Liaison
Yavneh Academy is a beneficiary and partner agency of  the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas |
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