"In the Ethics of the Fathers, rabbis said 'Be sure to greet all with a friendly face.' Although we all strive to fulfill this requirement, few succeed as well as Sam.  Every day as he walks into prayers, he greets you with a big smile, a fist pump or on some days even a hug ," said Rabbi Meir Tannenbaum, Associate Principal/Judaic Curriculum.  "His warmth and kindness has helped transform him from a shy timid freshman, trying to establish a name for himself, into one of the leaders of the school.   Sam is now not only a captain of the basketball team, but a mentor that many students view as a role model, turning to for help and counsel. Although he will be missed at school, I'm sure that these qualities will continue to help Sam achieve many great things in life."

"Sam has a wonderful sense of humor and a connection with his classmates that made for lively discussion.  When he gets passionate about a subject he commits to his ideals and articulates his insights well," said English teacher, Bonnie Atkins.  "Between navigating success in the classroom, and on the basketball court, Sam has developed into a young man with a clear awareness of the world around him." 

"Yavneh promotes independence and students are taught, and expected, to take responsibility for their workload.  I believe this will prepare us for our college experiences.  The success we have comes from hard work," said Sam.  "I have very good relationships with most of my teachers and our administrators - I respect them and their knowledge and I feel they give me the same in return." 

"The school has become an extension of my family and  I have incredible friends!," said Sam.  "We have each others' backs and we can count on each other for anything."

Looking forward to a career that would follow in the footsteps of his grandfathers, whose business acumen and success he admires, Sam has been accepted to Indiana University and the University of Kansas, and he is waiting on responses from the University of Georgia, the University of Missouri, and the University of Texas. Preparing for that career, Sam has served an internship at the Grocery Clearance Store, where he learned much about running a business. 

A Dallas native and member of Congregation Shearith Israel, Sam played on Dallas' 2009, 2010, and 2012 basketball teams at the JCC Maccabi games in San Antonio, Omaha, and Memphis. He has been a member of Helping Hands for the Homeless, Spirit Club, Student Ambassadors, and Students Against Terrorism, supporting its Points for Peace Basketball Tournament (March 9 - click here to register).

When Sam drives the ball down the Bulldog's basketball court, he does so with the same determination, heart, and goal as he does as a friend, son, and student.  As his days on our court soon come to a close (Senior Celebration Night, and Sam's last season home game is February 11), the depth with which he reviews his season - on and off the court, is sincere.

You Sam, are sure to be remembered as both, forever young at heart, and in drive!

Yavneh Academy hosted government representatives  past and present, from near and far this week.   On Wednesday, we had a visit from Avi Dichter, who has served as Israel Minister of Public Security, Minister of Home Front Defense, and Director of the Southern District, Protection Division, Deputy Director, and Director of the Israel Security Agency. He was a member of the Knesset from 2006-2012 for the Kadima Party, before joining Prime Minister Netanyahu's inner security cabinet until the elections of 2013.

"When you live in the jungle, you have to realize there are basic rules for survival and that includes that the quickest deer must move faster than the slowest lion, and you must be moving in the right direction," said Mr. Dichter, who advanced in the IDF ranks from air marshal to agency director in the early 2000's. He is credited with restructuring the ISA to affect a dramatic reduction in the number of terrorist attacks and to a restoration of public morale and safety.

 Mr. Dichter also planned the West Bank security barrier with Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.   "Israel is in the middle of the jungle and we are surrounded by Egypt, Turkey, and Iran.  We have 8 million people, and they each have more than 80 million, yet the Gross National Product for Israel is $32,000, while in Turkey it is $14,000, in Iran it is $12,500, and in Egpyt, it is just $6300."

"Israel is the only democracy in the Middle East.  It always has been, it is, and it will remain so.  The peace process that is under the American umbrella is reliant on an increase of trust. Right now, unfortunately, I believe there is a low level of trust," said Mr. Dichter who

"We aren't in a hurry, and we would like for peace to be reached as soon as possible,

but there are no short cuts in the Middle  East, and now, we need to know what  

we will give, and what we will get, in each phase - and if it takes five, 10,  

or 15 years, that's ok.  We must be smart, and we must be determined, but we are not in any hurry," said Mr. Dichter.  "We aren't going anywhere."

Friday morning, Eric Axel '98, a member of Yavneh's Board of Directors, and a consultant to Texas State Senator John Carona to liaise with the Dallas Jewish Community, presented a dvar Torah, before introducing the senator to the student body.

"First I want to say it's great to be back at Yavneh - and  to congratulate you on 'your' Yavneh," said Eric.  "When I was a student we had far fewer students and, while we were glad to be housed at the JCC and Shearith Israel, our entire school space could fit inside this beautiful Beit Midrash.  Thisis a beautiful place."

"In this week's parsha, Terumah, we read about how the Jews were directed to donate in order to build the mishkan," said Eric.  "As we all know, we can donate monetarily, or with our time and effort, in an effort of tikun olam - to repair the world.  Our guest today has spent many years in public service, a great example of giving back."

Sen. Carona, now in his sixth term in the Texas Senate, represents District 16 in Dallas County.  Senator Carona, who previously served three terms in the Texas House of Representatives, has authored or sponsored over 550 bills that have become law, helping to streamline Texas government, and affect issues including education, health care, criminal justice, banking, economic development, transportation, and homeland security.

"I'm almost certain as I'm looking out at you that future senators and other public service people are in this audience, and we are going to need you, all of you, in whatever capacity you care to give," said Sen. Carona.  "In the next 30 years, the population of the state of Texas will double - double!  We will need additional roads, utilities, schools, and more and believe me, those 30 years will pass quickly."

Sen. Carona, currently the Chairman of the Senate Business and Commerce Committee, Joint Chairman of the Legislative Oversight Board on Windstorm Insurance, and Co-Chairman of the Joint Committee to Study Seacoast Territory Insurance.  The Senator, who has been Chairman of the Senate Transportation and Homeland Security Committee, and a member of the Senate Select Committee on Redistricting, is now member of the Senate Criminal Justice, Education, and Jurisprudence committees.   

"It's incredibly important that you carve out a bit of your time to share with the community at large," said the Senator, who answered questions about issues of raising minimum wage and investments in Iran-related ventures, issues that affect him not only in his political responsibilities, but too as the founder, President, and CEO of Associa, an international realty management firm, with more than 9000 employees.  "How fortunate you are that you are at a school where you are taught how fortunate you are, and given the many opportunities that you are to give back." 

~~~ 

Dr. Josh Holo, Dean of the L.A. Campus of the Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion (HUC-JIR) visited Yavneh, speaking with Dr. Portnoy's senior Economics

Reporting & Photo by Dr. David Portnoy

and Business classes, also delivering a Dvar Torah before Mincha to the entire school.  He spoke with the seniors about hubcaps, pirates and the theme of Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh Bazeh, that each Jew is responsible for every Jew,and about Parshat Mishpatim to the entire student body. 

Dr. Holo, a Professor of Medieval Jewish History, was visiting Dallas as part of the Wexner Fellowship Program, and as visiting scholar at Temple Shalom and Temple Emanu-El of Dallas.  His visit was arranged by Rabbi Nancy Kasten and the Wexner Program.

Associate Principal/Judaic Curriculum and Max Glauben shared learning, davening, and bonding time with Yavneh's Austin residents including Peter Bokov '09, David Dunsky '12, Daley Epstein '10, Jori Epstein '12, Rachel Goodman '13, Paige Koeppel '10, Erez Krengel '08, Sheera Krengel '12, Aaron Liener '09, Jillian Herstein '12, Yael Spirer '13, Kevin Sulski '12, and Michelle Tanur '11.