Dear Yavneh Family,

We wish a hearty Nesiya Tova (a good, safe trip) to the more than 150 participants of the Jewish Federation's "The Big One," which promises to be one of the largest group visits to Israel in recent years.  Yavneh-related families are well represented on the mission, and we send our warmest regards to all those representing our DFW community!

Speaking of warmth, the recent weather fluctuations have brought many cases of sickness to our campus.   This week, Rabbi T and I both spoke with the students about "The One Thing" that distinguishes us as individuals (he has been guiding us through the Ashrei prayer as an introduction to the Mincha service each day), and, as many of you know, that "one thing" for me is the health and well-being of our students, families and staff.

A foundational element of a proper wellness regimen is proper sleep, which, for teenagers, averages 8 hours or more per night. One of our trustees, at our recent parent coffee, shared her "Seven-Hour Rule" (the minimum sleep requirement in her home) with a group of prospective parents, emphasizing the value we at Yavneh put on student health and safety, in addition to our unwavering focus on excellence and menschlekeit.

Let this be a week of safe travels, good health and continued striving and learning.

On behalf of all of us at Yavneh, we wish you a Shabbat Shalom!

-Dr. P