NOVEMBER 15,  2013
12 Kislev 5774

From the Head of School ~
   Dr. David Portnoy

  

   

 

Dear Yavneh Family,

 

 

 

One of the most important values our Yavneh students learn is "Kol Yisrael arevim zeh la zeh," which translates into "All Jews  

(or all the people of Israel) are responsible for one another."

 

Many of you, no doubt, have been following The New York Times stories detailing the troubling news from that state concerning alleged rampant anti-Semitism in some public schools.  Here at Yavneh, in direct response to the events, we welcomed Roberta Clark, Executive Director of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) for North Texas, who spoke powerfully with our students about emotional and practical ways of dealing with such issues.

 

Already, our teens are mobilizing to reach out to those communities affected by the events, in an effort to show solidarity and support to fellow Jews and to be a positive force in an otherwise negatively-tinged situation.  Like their fellow Yavneh students who tirelessly raise awareness and funds for needy organizations in Dallas (Helping Hands for the Homeless), Israel (Students Against Terrorism) and Sub-Saharan Africa (Students 4 Students), this group appreciates how important it is to look beyond themselves, and to offer help and support wherever it is needed.

 

We are indeed fortunate to be part of a school community in which students have the support and resources to contribute so much to others, and I feel especially blessed to have such a great group of students doing this important work on all our behalf.

 

On behalf of my faculty colleagues, and all of us at Yavneh, we wish you a Shabbat Shalom!

 

Dr. P.
Celebrate Yavneh 2013-2014

Click here for the '13-'14 Dedication Form Dedication Deadline - December 13

Early Bird Yearbook Order Deadline - January 13
Final book orders due - March 1 
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Yavneh Calendar
click here for
more dates


November

20 ~  
Helping Hands for the Homeless supports
Family Gateway
7pm - Pollman Hall

27-29 ~ 
Thanksgiving Break
No School

27 ~ 
Alumni Basketball & Menorah Lighting
7pm 
 Schultz FamilyGym


December

9 ~  
Fall Arts Night  
7pm - Pollman Hall

11 ~ Class of '15
Parents 
College Info Night   
7pm - Yavneh Library  
 


SPIRIT WEEK  
11/18 to 11/22
 
Bulldog Monday  
Twin Time Tuesday 
Western Wednesday 
Jersey Thursday 
Freaky Friday 
YOU make  the difference!

 
Jason Epstein~ Class of 2014
          "Yavneh is Friendly.  Welcoming. Challenging."
Jason, a graduate of Akiba Academy, didn't think twice when it came time to choose a high school. "I decided to attend Yavneh to further my Jewish education because I know that it will help me grow as a person and prepare me for all I encounter in college, and throughout my lifetime," he said.

 

With hopes of becoming a psychologist, lawyer, or sports journalist, Jason's gotten a head start as an integral member of Yavneh's Mock Trial Team, as a reporter, news and sports editor, and
co-Editor-in-Chief of The Bulldog Print, Bulldog Soccer Team Captain, Varsity Basketball player and JV Basketball Team Captain.  In this fall's debut season return to TAPPS, the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools, Jason was named an All-District Newcomer.  He is co-President of Yavneh's renewed Student Council and has been a member of Dallas YACHAD, Junior World Affairs Council, Students4Students, Table Tennis team, and Uniting Students of Dallas.

 

"It's clear that Jason is an exceptional student, but something that most students of his caliber do not have is his humility.  As he continues to help to everyone around him, Jason makes a stellar example for himself as a student and a person," said Rachael Abrams '07, Journalism and Speech teacher and adviser to The Bulldog Print.  "He doesn't just dip his toes in all extracurricular activities, Jason jumps in.  Perhaps even more admirable, when he commits he sees it through -- even if it means going to press at 2:30am. I know Jason will flourish in every endeavor he pursues and I look forward to hearing of his successes."

 

The son of Dia and Barry, and brother of Daley '10, Jori '12, and Zach '17, Jason is a member of congregations Shaare Tefilla and Shearith Israel, also deeply involved with BBYO's Morton Arthur Lewis AZA #135, for which he has served many board positions. 

 

Jason, who has volunteered with BBYO's Boston Impact and attended BBYO's Chapter Leadership Training Conference has, closer to home, participated in the 2013 Klein Summer Internship Program at JFS,  planning and executing programs for the children of Bea's Kids, also interning at the Texas Jewish Post; copy-writing and editing stories.  "I learned skills in-house that I brought back to our paper," said Jason.  "Learning from various reporters and editors how  to write and edit quickly was an incredible experience."
 

"One of my favorite memories  of Jason has him chewing his breakfast bagel, waving a Maestro pencil and conducting the Yavneh Iyun Choir in a glorious rendition of Shiru Shiru, balancing a copy of the Talmud on his head -- something to do with having a Rabbinic mind -- and threatening to push ups," said Rabbi Yaakov Tannenbaum.  "While all of the Epsteins excel in multi-tasking, Jason takes it to new levels, and certainly new dimensions. After teaching Jason, and watching his amazing juggling act all these years, I can begin to understand how the Master Juggler in the Sky got the universe together relatively quickly."

 

"Accomplished student, champion athlete, successful student leader, volunteer for every worthy cause within shouting distance of Dallas/Fort Worth, is it true you have given away your sleeping gear to the homeless and the needy?," said Rabbi Tannenbaum.  "My question to you: How do you stay so resolutely cheerful and optimistic and happy while carrying the world's heaviest backpack and most punishing schedule? Is the key to cheerfulness not having time to have negative thoughts?"

 

If indeed this is the key, then Jason's key chain is complete.  Complete with positivity, a great smile, and a heart of a true gentleman's kindness.   

 

That key chain, Jason, will unlock any door you wish!


 Shabbat Shalom ~  
 
 
  Click here to enjoy this week's Dvar Torah  
from Rabbi Meir Tannenbaum, Assistant Principal/Judaic Curriculum.

 Shabbat Shalom ~ 
     Rabbi Meir Tannenbaum, Naomi Schrager, and the Judaic Studies Faculty

     

Yavneh in Review  

 
Yavneh Reax!  Anti-Semitism is NOT OK! ~ 
  
The Yavneh Family won't stand by as others are in pain and reaction is almost always our first response.  Roberta Clark, Community Director of the North Texas/Oklahoma Region of the Anti-Defamation league addressed our students this morning, in  response to allegations of anti-Semitism and physical attacks in the Pine Bush Central School District in New York.
 
"As Jews, we have a value of Btzelem Elokim, that we are all created in the image of G-d, and we are to treat every human being in that regard," said Ms. Clark.  We have a responsibility to care for everyone!"

"While it's much easier to respond in kind, in anger, and frustration, that behavior doesn't at all affect a positive change," said Ms. Clark, who reported that the ADL is working with the New York Governor's Office, Jewish Family Service, Human Rights agencies and others to provide anti-bullying resources and lessons of respect and honor.

Recommendations by Ms. Clark as to appropriate responses for those who might experience anti-Semitic remarks:

1) Assume there was good intent and explain the impact the comment had on you.

2) Ask the question - "what did you mean by that?" In having to answer the question,
     the person may realize the offense and retract, or at the very least have to think
     about what they said.

3)  Interrupt the comment and redirect the conversation.

4)  Broaden the offense to universal behavior.

5)  Make the offense individual - personal.  Ask "are you speaking of all Jews or
      someone specific.

6)  Say "ouch!"  One word can be incredibly impactful.  It sends the message that your
      feelings were hurt.

In response to the report, Yavneh students
Avi Baynash '16, Mitchell Levinson '16, and Grant Prengler '15 are crafting a letter to send to the Jewish Community of Pine Bush, to the schools and the board of directors. 
"It's not ok for anyone to feel pain and we want the community to know that, even though we are far away, we are right behind them." said Grant who initiated the reaction.
"We want those who may have done these acts to know it's not ok. It just isn't ok!"

 
   
College Cues to $cholarships & Financial Aid ~ 

Yavneh's Office of College Guidance welcomed the return of Dana Cazares, Regional Financial Aid Team Lead at Texas A&M, for a night of information and clarification on the process of paying for higher education.

 

  "It's a process, and it's a lot to learn, but there is so much help available to all of you," said Allyn Schmucker, Yavneh's College & Guidance Director, to parents of juniors and seniors.  "There are scholarships, loans and grants that people just don't know about - or just don't take the time to investigate, but I promise you, it's not really as scary as it seems."

 

Ms. Cazares, with 17 years of experience in the financial aid arena, pointed to grants, scholarships, loans, and student employment as the foundation of financial aid.  She discussed the protocol of filing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and the CSS (College Board's College Scholarship Service), and the process schools go through to determine eligibility for aid.

 

"The need is there but the money is out there and you, and your student, need to take the time to make the difference to your own bankbook," said Ms. Cazares who suggested initiating an email account, accessible to both the student and parent, for the sole interest of financial planning for school.  "Students should be spending at least 10-15 hours looking for scholarships and opportunities - after all, where else can you get paid so much per hour (given thousands of dollars in awards).

 

 

Recommended sites for support (click to visit sites):


While Ms. Cazares is employed at (and cheers on wholeheartedly) Texas A&M, her office based in Fort Worth, she is happy to provide services to students attending any school.   

For more information, email dcazares@tamu.edu or call 817.375.0960.   

In addition, Mrs. Schmucker is the go to for all advice on matters of college planning.  

Call 214.295.3500 or email at aschmucker@yavnehdallas.org  

   

Mitzvah Makers

 
Kidz Korner ~  


New stuffed animals can be dropped off in the "kennel" near LuAnn Pitlik's desk in Yavneh's Main Office.

Toys will be delivered to the youth patients of Medical City Children's Hospital! 

 












Polish Girlz ~ 

 

Kol Hakavod to Ronit Dickter '16, Carolyn Smith '16, and Dani Berman for brushing up on their mitzvah hours, providing polished joy to children at Dallas' Ronald McDonald House and Texas Scottish Rite Hospital, and their families.   

 

"I saw Alanna Wall,who was only 11-years-old when she founded Polish Girlz, on the Ellen DeGeneres show and I immediately felt a connection," said Ronit, who brought the Dallas chapter of Polish Girlz to light.  "I've want to be a nurse and I've always wanted to help kids and this seemed like something I could do now, while I'm still a kid."


The local girls, supported by YavnehMom Sandra Dickter, made their first visit to the Ronald McDonald House in April, and are now working toward getting together once or twice a month to bring some color to those who are hospitalized.  The next event is on December 18. 

 

"The polishes are donated by a few companies and the kids love getting to keep their color," said Ronit, who in addition to painting the nails, sometimes adds stickers, glitter, and colored glue to her artwork.  "Sometimes we are there while a child is in surgery, and it's a good way to pass the time for the family members.  Getting pampered is always nice and when you are hospitalized like these patients, some of them for months at a time, it really changes their day. "

 

Young ladies interested in helping must be 15-years-old.  Email ronitdickter@gmail.com for more information, or to register to participate.

 
YACHAD ~  

Yavneh once again represented at the Yachad High school Leadership conference,
in Stamford, CT, where close to 400 students from across the US and
Canada came together for training in working with those living with special needs.

Dallas' Yachad adviser and Yavneh Judaic Facultymember, Rabbi Sandor Shulkes and Meir Epstein' 15 and Ari Geller '15 spent the weekend bonding with others over games and activities, while at the same time learning how to get their peers involved in programs for those living with disabilities. Workshops emphasized issues of tolerance and diversity, as well as looking at leadership from a Torah perspective, learning about
the difference that even one person can make.

"All the aspects of the Shabbaton were amazing and it gave  

me the opportunity to meet new people and to attend  

amazing seminars and classes

with information to bring back to our own  chapter," said Meir.

 

Yachad is under the auspices of the National Jewish Council for Disabilities (NJCD),  

an agency of the Orthodox Union that provides educational and social  

inclusion programs.  Anyone interested in participating in the Dallas chapter, or in the community Shabbaton in January, should email dallasyachad@ou.org

 


Well Wishes & Mazel Tov  ~
Happy Birthday to ~
November

 16  Coach Cameron Markey & Erin Wernick        17  Reut Banai         19   Jacob Lampert


Applications for March of the Living 2014  are due November 27.
(Deadline by MOL Southern Region and there is no exception)

Senior Class of 2014 students from the Jewish Community (non-Yavneh students) are invited to join the Yavneh MOL Tour!  Sign up today!!!

Click here to register and click on the 2014 Student Trip tab at the top.

Click here to email Pam Fine for more information.

 The Bulldogs' Score! 
 
Bulldog Basketball


UPCOMING GAMES ~

Junior Varsity
November 18 ~ HOME vs. Sunset High School  @ 6:30pm

November 19 ~  HOME vs. Liberty Christian @ 6pm 

November 21~ HOME vs. Cambridge Dallas  @ 5pm

November 25 ~ AWAY at St. Marks School of Texas @ 7:30pm
 


Varsity Bulldog
November 18 ~ HOME vs. Sunset High School  @ 8pm

November 19 ~ HOME vs. Liberty Christian @ 7:30pm

November 21~ HOME vs. Cambridge Dallas  @ 8pm

November 23 ~ HOME vs. Romeo Prep @ 8pm

November 25 ~ AWAY at St. Marks School of Texas @ 7:30pm


Lady Bulldogs
November 19 ~ AWAY @ Episcopal School of Dallas @ 5:30pm

November 21~ HOME vs. Cambridge Dallas  @ 6:30pm

November 25 ~ AWAY at Rockwall Heritage Christian School  @ 6pm



Be sure to visit Bulldog Sports  
for more information, directions to 
away games, and complete and updated schedules. 

College Cues ~~    
                                                    Allyn Schmucker 
                                                            Director of Guidance/College Counselor

Class of '14 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.
 
Shanee Abouzaglo ~  Tulane University/Honors Program

Ben Calmenson ~University of Kansas
  
Jordan Cope ~  Tulane University/HonorsProgram
 
Jacob Feist ~ Indiana University, University of Alabama, University of Kansas  
                                
Daniel Granat ~  University of Kansas  

Itai Guttman ~  University of Kansas

Adam Karnett ~ University of Kansas

Sam Kleinman ~ University of Kansas

Gary Levine ~ Indiana University/Kelley School of Business

Logan Luskey ~ Louisiana State University, Oklahoma State University

Dalya Romaner ~ Tulane University 
 
Lauren Siegel ~ Indiana University, Tulane University 

 

Erin Smith ~ Indiana University, Texas A&M University, Tulane University 
 
Adam Steinbrecher ~ Indiana University/Kelley School of Business
  

CLASS OF 2015 College Info Night for Parents has been moved to Wednesday, December 11 @ 7pm in the Yavneh Library!


Upcoming College Admissions Representative Visits to Yavneh  

(YL = Yavneh Library  YOC = Yavneh Office Conference Room.

Be sure to check the College Counseling Bulletin Board for updates and have all
of the proper paperwork completed in order to attend)

 


College information sessions are held at Yavneh throughout the school day.   
Juniors and Seniors are invited to attend any college information session .

Permission slips can be found in the office or Mrs. Schmucker's office.  A signature from your teacher is required and the form must be completed no later than one day prior to the scheduled session. Your signed permission slip is your admission ticket into the session and will be collected at the session then turned in to the attendance office.

If a student chooses to attend an information session, it is the responsibility of the student to make up all work and assignments missed by attending any session.
 
 

November

 

Israel Gap Year Program Representatives 

 

Men's Programs


November  

24 ~ Yeshivat Shaarei Mevaseret Tzion @ 9am



December  

11 ~ Yeshivat Ashreinu @  1:20pm

Women's Programs

November    

18 ~ Midreshet Yeud  @ 3:30pm

  

19 ~ Tiferet Center @ 9am

  

 TBA ~ Machon Maayan

  

Co-ed Programs


November  

19 ~ Israel Experience at Bar Ilan @ 10:30am

 

 

For more information on any of the programs
of Yavneh's Office of College Guidance, email
Allyn Schmucker at aschmucker@yavnehdallas.org

For information on Israel Gap Year programs, email
Naomi Schrager at naomischrager@gmail.com

Please send all news and updates for Yavneh Academy's Etone to:  info@yavnehdallas.org

Yavneh 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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