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MARCH 21, 2014
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19 ADAR II - 5774
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From the Head of School ~ Dr. David Portnoy
Dear Yavneh Family,
 Few experiences in the life of an educator rival that of seeing one's students' bylines in print. In the past week alone, two Yavneh alumnae, Rachel Siegel '13 (currently a freshman at Yale University) and Jori Epstein '12 (a sophomore at University of Texas at Austin) have published important articles in the Dallas Morning News and the Texas Jewish Post. While the authors and their articles speak for themselves, I would suggest that each of their writings reflects the deep learning these young women received during their four years here at Yavneh. Indeed, the uniquely Jewish and universal themes that are woven into each piece bespeak depths of character and insight that are at the heart of a Yavneh education. We as a community can be proud to call Rachel and Jori "our own," while anticipating further growth and wisdom on their parts and those of their fellow Yavneh graduates. May we continue to kvell over the accomplishments of our students and graduates, as they enrich our school, our community and our world. Shabbat Shalom from all of us at Yavneh! Dr. P.
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Yavneh is the community -
and Dallas' Jewish community is ours!
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Click Here to Volunteer!
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Yavneh Calendar
click here for
more dates
March
23 ~
"Antigone"
Presented by
Yavneh Theatre Dept.
2pm in Pollman Hall
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Yavneh's Chili Cookoff Team
Needs Great Cooks, Servers & Lovers
of the Greatness of the Yavneh Family.
Sunday, March 30
shifts available from 8am to 4pm
(Parents, Students, Yavneh Family welcome!
Mitzvah hours provided to student support)
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David Rudomin ~ Class of 2014
"Yavneh is: Relaxed. Fun. Strenuous."
While unsure at the time he applied to Yavneh, that he wanted to continue his schooling in a Jewish environment, a meeting with then Head of School Don O'Quinn assured David that Yavneh is about the individual, and that this 
"I realized after our meeting that Yavneh was the place for me. That I didn't want to leave the good friends I'd always been in school with, and that Yavneh's mix of laidback atmosphere, and strong academics, was where I belonged. Four years later, Yavneh is definitely where I belonged."
"Continuing my education with my friends from middle school has strengthened those bonds," said David, who attended Congregation Beth Torah's preschool and then Akiba Academy for elementary school through 8th grade. "Being at Yavneh with my friends, as well as kids I never knew before high school, has brought me extremely close to a wider group of friends."
"David is a deep thinker. He has tremendous potential and has begun, throughout his time in high school, to realize it and bring it out," said Naomi Schrager, Associate Principal/Judaic Programming. "When teaching David, it is clear that he thinks through the subject matter deeply and truly wants to understand it. He often will question the material and consistently tries to examine it from different angles."
"David has always been respectful in his dealings with me and has become increasingly mature over the years at Yavneh," said Mrs. Schrager. "He is conscientious in his decision making and honesty is very important to him. I, personally, have a lot of faith in  David and I believe that we have only seen the surface of what he is capable of."
With dreams of working with a NBA team, David has been accepted to Indiana University and the University of Colorado/Boulder. The Dallas Mavericks are David's favorite team and he hopes to bring his love for the sport, his commitment to winning, and an eventual business or law degree to the front office in Downtown Dallas!
A Dallas native, David is the son of Melanie and Yossi, and the older brother of Miranda. He is a member of Congregation Shaare Tefilla and of BBYO's Rubin Kaplan chapter. Having served as Sports Editor for The Bulldog Print, a Board Member of Helping Hands for the Homeless, and Secretary of Yavneh's revitalized Student Council, David appreciates that students are given the leeway, and respect, to lead organizations on-Campus. "One of the greatest things about Yavneh is the boundless opportunities I've been given," he said. "I've dedicated much of my time to extra-curricular activities and as a result I've learned so many skills and lessons."
A starting member of the now TAPPS 3A Division 4 District Championship Varsity Bulldog team, David's senior year has made memories he could have only hoped for as a Freshman. "One of the things I will always cherish most is my time as a Bulldog, said David as he and his teammates ready for this week's Red Sarachek Tournament at Yeshiva University. "I love my team and I've never been more proud to be a part of anything else."
Off the court and out of school David has his own dog walking business. Learning responsibility, while spending time with "man's best friend," is something he enjoys. Summer breaks have found David representing the Dallas JCC at Maccabi 2010 in Omaha and 2012 in Memphis, coincidentally with Coach Zimmerman leading the bench, and as a Camp Young Judaea camper thru YJ's Tel Yehuda in New York and Machon Israel summer program.
"David is the type of player who every coach dreams of," said David Zimmerman, Athletic Director and Head Coach of the Yavneh Bulldogs Basketball team. "He is a tough, intelligent, young man who will do whatever is necessary to achieve success."
"David's loyalty and commitment to the team, and to our school is unwavering," said Coach Zimmerman. "Every team needs a player who will not back down from the big moments and will stand up for each and every player on the team. David is that player!"
We scored in David making Yavneh his high school of choice - we wish him the best as he moves now to play on the big court of life.
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Shabbat Shalom ~
Click here to download
a dvar Torah from
Naomi Schrager,
Associate Principal/Judaic Programming
Shabbat Shalom from
Rabbi Meir Tannenbaum, Naomi Schrager,
and the Judaic Studies Faculty
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Yavneh in Review ~
Yeshiva University President Richard Joel on Campus ~
Yavneh students were honored to share Thursday morning's davening and learning time with Dr. Richard Joel, named Yeshiva University's President in 2003, and YU Bravmann Family University Professor in 2010. President Joel previously served as an Assistant  District Attorney in New York, Deputy
Chief of Appeals in the Bronx, and Associate Dean and Professor of Law at YU's
Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. His best achievement? - Marrying his best friend with whom he has six children and five "plus" grandchildren.
A featured speaker at last night's "Night to Celebrate Jewish Education," honoring Joy and Ronald Mankoff, hosted by the Center for Jewish Education of the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas, President Joel was happy to be amidst Yavneh's students - the only co-educational college preparatory school in Dallas with - at its core - Jewish learning.
"We Jews live in three time zones; we reflect on the past, we celebrate today, and we live for tomorrow," said Dr. Joel who was accompanied on his visit by Vice President for University Affairs at Yeshiva University Rabbi Dr. Herbert Dobrinsky, who has served YU for 52 years, and  Rabbi Ari Rockoff,Director Community Partnership, YU Center for the Jewish Future.
Dr. Joel told students and faculty of a man who found a cocoon, and observed its development as a butterfly began to poke it's way thru the shell. Wanting to help the creature out, the man poked a hole into the shell. When the butterfly emerged, it's body was swollen and it's leaves shriveled. In his haste to help, the man didn't realize that the butterfly needed time to mature. "Sometimes it's okay to take shortcuts, and others, it's important to 'gain strength in the cocoon,'" he said. "Jewish education is not a cocoon, but it does provide the nutrients you need to go out and to live, to fly and give beauty to the world."
"Yeshiva University and it's Stern College for women, with 3000 undergraduate students, have liberal arts and business,
limudei kodesh (Judaic Studies)," he said, noting that 85 percent of the schools' extra-curricular activities are co-educational. "There is a 24-hour shuttle between the two campuses, 16 NCAA teams, newspapers and student service programs that are of learning in the classroom, and around the world. Our students
become lawyers, and medical professionals, teachers, rabbis, and businesspeople.
You learn how important it is when you matter."
Yavneh alumni who have attended Stern College and Yeshiva University include:
Joseph Belleli '03, Josh Benporat '02, Devora Cohen '10,
Dr. Jennifer Fathy Namatiyof '03, Kelly Fathy Cedar '03, Evie Denemark '12,
Sophie Geller '11, Joey Gottlieb '98, Arielle Johnson '07,
Sarah Lachterman Orenstein '02, Adina Mandelcorn '12, Gila Mandelcorn '07,
Leon Minevich '02, Alex Radunsky '98, Itzy Ribald '03, Yanki Ribault '98,
Emily Rohan '12, Dana Rosenberg '07, Evan Rosenhouse '01, Jonathan Whitman '01, Rabbi Akiva Wolk '00, Gavi Wolk '02, Shimi Wolk '11, and Sara Zucker '04. (graduation dates are from Yavneh)
On Wednesday, Dr. Joel conferred upon Ethel Gruen, (Grandmother of Alyssa '05),
who with her husband Ronald z"l, has deep connections to both Yavneh and Yeshiva University, an honorary doctorate degree. "When you find good people, who have good values and who are committed to the transmission of good values," he said,
"you don't let that go unnoticed."
 "The friends you will meet in college will be those who dominate your life," said Dr. Joel. "In the Parsha Vayikra, we read that we are a People of purpose. We are not just of today, but of how today matters. We are a People who make blessings over a drink of water - of appreciation and thanks and understanding of what counts."
"A Cherokee grandfather teaching mussar (character improvement) to his grandchild told him that two wolves live within us. 'One of the wolves is 'good;' filled with love and compassion, peace and caring, kindness and compassion, and the other 'evil;' a liar, who is venomous and jealous, hurtful and violent," said Dr. Joel. "'They fight all the time,' said the grandfather. 'Which one wins,'" asked his charge. "'The one that wins,' is the one you feed,' answered the grandfather.'"
"I have no doubt that in this community, you are feeding the good," Dr. Joel told Yavneh's finest. "Your job, just isn't finished."
SMU Literary Festival ~
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Photo by Dr. Tim Cloward
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Yavneh was represented at this week's SMU Literary Festival - our pros at prose, under Dr. Tim Cloward and Lisa Huffaker's direction, sharing the best of their best.
Congrats to Niv Avneri '14, Sarah Barnett '14, Dr. Cloward, Itai Guttman '14,
Ms. Huffaker, Hanna Liebermann '14, Dalya Romaner '14, Zac Romick '15,
Adam Schor '14, and Dania Tanur '14.
Purim Sameach ~
Disney icons and princesses, a menagerie of animals, sports heroes and movie characters, and more made Yavneh's Megillah readings the place to be to celebrate a lively Chag Purim. There wasn't a livelier locale than the SRCampus for Saturday night's Havdalah and Megillah reading, followed by a delicious late supper and the ever-anticipated Senior Shpiel '14. 
Many thanks to Faye Lavi, Holly Lynn, Sophie Lynn, Melanie Rudomin, Janyce Steinbrecher, and Sheryl Wernick who on behalf of the PTO created fun-filled mishloach manot bags for the faculty and to these same wonderful Moms, to our Judaic and Maintenance staff members, and to A Taste of the World for providing the festivities, food, and freilach ruach of the holiday. Sunday morning minyan and Megillah once again had Haman hangin' in the Beit Midrash, with bagels and more to celebrate.
SAT'S Points for Peace "thank yous" continued ~
Volunteer
THANK YOUs continue to those
who helped make Points for Peace a great event!
We appreciate: Ariella Cohen '17, Ari Geller '15, Heidi Kravitz '17,
Jonathan Nurko '17, Jonathan Ochstein '17, Alan Presburger '17, and Tammy Schisler '16.
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Well Wishes & Mazel Tov ~
Happy Birthday to ~
March
22 Avi Bracha & Adina Richman
23 Michael Schramm 26 Kathy Woolston
Bernice & Sam Raden, grandparents of Math teacher, Aaron Raden, on the occasion of their 75th wedding anniversary.
Samuel Schuller Irom z"l, the Father of Dan (Yaffa)
and the Grandfather of Eliana '17, Yael, and Ygal.
Kevin Smith, of blessed memory ~ the brother of Deedy Herbert.
Eve Karlebach z"l, the Mother of David and the Grandmother of Shelbi '11.
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Alumni News~
Rachel Siegel '13, a freshman English major, with intent to double major in Global Affairs, at Yale University, on the recent publication of an article, "Flight Mystery Reminds us There is so Much Beyond our Control," in the Friday - 3/14, edition of the Dallas Morning News. Click here to read and be proud.
 Jori Epstein '12, a Journalism and Plan II double major at the University of Texas in Austin, on yesterday's cover story in the Texas Jewish Post - a review of her recent trip to Ethiopia where she saw Yavneh's Students4Students' donated school and students in action.
A founder of S4S, with Dalit Agronin '12 and Rachel Siegel '13, Jori gives a first-person review of a magnificent journey, and how that journey has just begun.
Click here to read - and live the moment through Jori's eyes, and beautiful words.
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Bulldog Score ~
  Come cheer on our first-ever Yavneh Bulldog Track Team!
Thursday, March 27 @ 3:30pm
Garland High School
Good luck to Yavneh's TAPPS 3A District 4 Champions as they head east to the 2014 Yeshiva University Red Sarachek Basketball Tournament.  For those cheering from Dallas, and beyond - the Bulldogs are seeded #4 and will see their first game on Friday, March 28. Click here to follow the schedule, for complete coverage, and to watch games online.
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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 ~ Northeastern University/Honors Program, Tulane University/Honors Program,
University of Miami, University of Texas/Austin - Health Science Scholars Honors Program
Niv Avneri ~ Indiana University, IDC Herzliya College, University of Denver, University of Miami
Sarah Barnett ~ Bradley University, Eckerd College, Goucher College, Ithaca College,
Knox College, Muhlenberg College, University of Kansas, University of Tampa
Ella Baum ~ Beloit College, Hendrix College
Ben Calmenson ~ Texas A&M, Tulane University, University of Illinois, University of Michigan, University of Kansas
Jordan Cope ~ Brandeis University, Tulane University/Honors Program,
University of Texas/Liberal Arts Honors Program
Hannah Delagi ~ American University of Paris, College of Charleston, Rhodes College
Jason Epstein ~ University of Michigan, University of Texas/Plan II,
Washington University at St. Louis
Jacob Feist ~ Indiana University, University of Alabama, University of Arizona, University of Kansas
Michelle Friedstadt ~ Bradley University, College of Charleston, Indiana University,
Tulane University, University of Missouri
Daniel Granat ~ University of Kansas
Tash Guaqueta ~ Florida Atlantic University, University of South Florida
Itai Guttman ~ University of Kansas, University of Maryland,
University of Massachusetts/Amherst, Yeshiva University Zach Harmon ~ Indiana University/Kelley School of Business, Texas A&M Mays Business School, University of Colorado/Leeds School of Business,
University of Massachusetts Amherst/Commonwealth Honors College,
University of Miami, University of Texas, University of Wisconsin
Adam Karnett ~ Indiana University, University of Denver, University of Kansas
Talia Klein ~ Midreshet Moriah, Stern College For Women/Yeshiva University
University of Maryland/Honors College
Sam Kleinman ~ Indiana University, University of Kansas
Gary Levine ~ Indiana University/Kelley School of Business, University of Georgia, University of Miami, University of Michigan, University of Texas
Hanna Liebermann ~ Austin College, Bar Ilan University Israel Experience, Hendrix College,
Midreshet Harova, Southwestern University, Stern College
Valerie Lopez ~ Machon Maayan, University of Texas/Arlington Logan Luskey ~ Colorado State University, Louisiana State University, Oklahoma State University, Texas A&M Lexi Riche ~ University of Miami
Dalya Romaner ~ Brandeis University, Lewis & Clark College, Northeastern University, Tulane University, University of Texas/Liberal Arts Honors Program
David Rudomin ~ Indiana University, University of Colorado/Boulder
Adam Schor ~ University of Georgia, University of Texas/McCombs School of Business
Lauren Siegel ~ Indiana University, Northeastern University/NUiu
School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Tulane University/Honors College University of Illinois, University of Michigan, University of Wisconsin at Madison/L&S Honors College
Osher Saboni ~ Indiana University, University of Kansas
Erin Smith ~ Indiana University, Texas A&M University, Tulane University, University of Georgia
Adam Steinbrecher ~ Indiana University/Kelley School of Business
Dania Tanur ~ Indiana University, Northeastern University/NUiu, University of Miami,
University of Texas
Yonah Taurog ~ University of Texas/Dallas, Yeshiva University
Michael Teplitskiy ~ University of Texas/Dallas
For more information on any of the programs
of Yavneh's Office of College Guidance, email
Allyn Schmucker at aschmucker@yavnehdallas.org
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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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