| HEADMASTER'S MESSAGE | |
In this week's parsha of Va'era the Torah presents the lineage of Moshe and Aharon and highlights their roles as the two brothers who Hashem appointed to lead the Jewish people out of Egyptian bondage. When they are first mentioned, the Torah refers to them as, "Aharon and Moshe." However, at the end of the section the Torah reverses the order and refers to them as, "Moshe and Aharon." The commentators present several reasons for the change. One illuminating approach is that by switching the order the Torah is telling us that Aharon and Moshe were equal and neither deserved to be given precedence over the other. How can this be so when clearly Moshe is the primary leader of the people and is the main personality behind their redemption? The answer is that the Torah values people not solely by their accomplishments, but also by their level of effort and the degree to which they utilize their talents for good. Since both Moshe and Aharon fully maximized their potential the Torah views them as complete equals.
Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Zvi Kahn
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TOWN HALL MEETING
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SAVE THE DATE:
TOWN HALL MEETING ON
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30, 2013
AT 7:30 P.M.
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YOU'VE GOT MAIL! ENROLLMENT AGREEMENTS HAVE ARRIVED
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Enrollment Agreements for 2013-2014 are due completed and signed with registration fee(s) by January 31, 2013. In an effort to streamline the process, forms have been sent via email. You must print them out, but can complete them at your convenience and bring or send them with your child back to school. In past years, families were required to be present at school to complete the forms. This makes things MUCH easier for parents! If you have not received your Enrollment Agreement or would like one sent home via mail or with your child, please contact Shari Herszage at sherszage@torahacademy.org.
Sixth graders took a "Field Trip" to the Upper School this week to see the classrooms and meet some of the teachers they will have in 7th grade next year. For families who have children in both Upper and Lower School, they are used to the differences between the two wings, but the transition is a significant one, both in physical space and also academic expectations. During the month of January and throughout the school year, parents are encouraged to ask questions about curriculum and observe the grades that their children will be entering in 2013-2014. Administrators are available to answer your questions. Looking forward to seeing everyone back next year, we encourage it! Financial Assistance forms are available at www.psas.com or www.torahacademy.org and must be completed with supporting documentation by February 15, 2013. Questions can be directed to Sara Shatz at sshatz@torahacademy.org.
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Monday, January 14: Macaroni & Cheese-Volunteer: J. Topolosky
7th Grade Shakespeare Festival all week
Tuesday, January 15: Chicken Nuggets-Volunteer: D. Koppes
HS Mid Term Exams through Friday
Executive Board Meeting, 7:30pm
Wednesday, January 16: Grilled Cheese-Volunteer: T. Levison
Thursday, January 17: Chicken Cutlet-Volunteer: O. Gerberg
Parent Breakfast, Grades K-6, 8:00am
7th Grade Shakespeare Performance, 7:30pm, JCC
Friday, January 18: Fish Sticks-Volunteer: R. Berger
Author Visit
End of 2nd Quarter
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Monday, January 21: Martin Luther King Day - No School
Wednesday, January 30: Town Hall Meeting, 7:30pm
Thursday, January 31: Enrollment Agreements Due
Wednesday, February 6: Parent Breakfast, Grades 7-12, 8:30am
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It's Basketball Season!
Monday, Jan. 14
HOME vs. Cypress Christian
Middle School Girls, 5:00 p.m.
Middle School Boys, 6:15 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 17
HOME vs. Polaris Christian
Middle School Girls, 5:00 p.m.
Middle School Boys, 6:15 p.m.
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SCRIP UPDATE - PLACES TO PURCHASE SCRIP
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CTA Scrip Office, 864-0299 ext. 112
Monday-Thursday- 7:30am-4pm; Friday- 7:30am-1:30pm
The Scrip Office keeps a variety of available scrip on hand. Special order scrip from hundreds of stores is available by sending your request to scrip@torahacademy.org. To see a complete selection of all of the Scrip choices, go to www.glscrip.com. To benefit CTA with online purchases, register at www.iGive.com.
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"I heard through the Grapevine..." Remember to enroll in/renew your Kroger's Community Rewards Program!
Visit www.krogercommunityrewards.com, click on "OHIO", click on "Enroll." All participants must have a valid online account at Kroger.com and must sign up online to participate. If you have any questions, please contact Shari at sherszage@torahacademy.org or Sara at sshatz@torahacademy.org.
"L'chaim and Todah Rabah ... to the Hartsteins who bought a new oven at Sears through Scrip gift cards; to the Schubachs who invested in non-slip heavy duty rubber mats for their garage from Lowes... well worth fall prevention! 4% of these purchases go towards CTA, while contributing 5% to your G&G commitment! And, to the Finegolds for their Whole Foods gift card purchase.
PLEASE email Kim to let her know about your Scrip purchases or your volunteering efforts, so we can thank you here, and remind others too!
Call & Deliver Program: Email scrip@torahacademy.org or call 864-0299 to order scrip and we can have it delivered to your home.
The Give & Get (G&G) Commitment for 2012-2013 is $2,000 per family. G&G is fulfilled through donations, Scrip purchases, solicitations & volunteering. The weekly G&G Grapevine gives you ideas of how to easily do your part. Send a record of all G&G volunteer hours to gandg@torahacademy.org.
If you would like to volunteer, contact Volunteer Coordinator, Kim Abelman, at 855-5195 or kimabel3@gmail.com. Volunteer time is worth $25 per hour towards Give & Get.
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NEWS FROM THE LOWER SCHOOL JUDAIC STUDIES DEPARTMENT
By Dror Karavani, Lower School Judaic Studies Coordinator | |
Kindergarten Chumash Bereishit Siyum
After weeks of learning the parshiot stories and values of the various characters in the Chumash, the Kindergarteners finished Bereishit and celebrated with a siyum on Thursday. Dressing in the Israeli colors, wearing crowns and performing a play with songs reflecting the main idea of each parasha, the students put on a beautiful presentation. Morah Aronowitz was so proud and gave each student a medal and Rabbi Kahn gave them a special certificate. At the end of the program, everyone watched a cute power point presentation of the students dressed up and acting out the scenes which they learned. Each student received an album as a memento and concluded the party with a  yummy treat. Kudos to Morah Aronowitz for all of her hard work and dedication in preparing the students for this occasion. This could not have happened without our special daily help from Morah Naomi. This is just a small picture of what occurs in and out of their classroom on a regular basis. Yasher Koach. Chazak, Chazak, v'nitchazayk! May we go from strength to strength! Shabbat Shalom and Chodesh Tov!
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SAY IT IN HEBREW
By Galit Golan, Hebrew Language Coordinator |  As part of an international project, Partnership 2000, a group of CTA's 9th and 10th grade students have had the opportunity to connect and work together with teens in Israel on an interschool project. In addition to the personal connection that will develop between our students with the NETA students in Kfar Saba, Israel, the two groups will create together a campaign to promote an environmental agenda. This is the second year of this project. This year we decided to improve the format, and have fewer groups from each side, to reduce technical problems. This week we have planned our first Skype meeting with the Kfar Saba Students. However, due to a storm in Israel, the Skype connection on their side didn't work. We quickly switched the method of communication from Skype to a phone call. The students had a lovely conversation with their peers in Israel. They introduced themselves, and had a free-flowing conversation with the Israeli teens on the other side about sports, hobbies and trips. When Judah Stein  told Ido, Kfeer and Heli from Israel that his birthday is on Saturday, they all wished him a happy birthday. This was such a great opportunity for our students to get to know kids their age in Israel, and learn about them on a personal level. We can hardly wait for our next meeting with Ido Kfeer and Heli next Thursday. At right is a picture of our students talking on the phone with their peers from Kfar Saba. Shabbat Shalom! |
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ON THE UP & UP:
NEWS FROM THE UPPER SCHOOL JUDAIC STUDIES DEPARTMENT
By Rabbi Zecharia Weitz, Upper School Judaic Studies Coordinator
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Taking the Lesson Home focusing on the 8th Grade Talmud Class
The student's in Rabbi Frankiel's Talmud Class have been examining the sugya (topic) of Kibud Av V'em, Honoring One's Parents, (presented in the second chapter of Tractate Kiddushin) over this grading period.
They spanned the mitzvah's parameters - from the importance of the mitzvah to its practical application, from the stories of our sages to the heart of the lesson for personal development. The students have explored over 10 Talmudic articles in their original texts; the Torah's high expectations of a changed outlook of their parents, of themselves and of the world - intertwined in the 4th of the Ten Commandments.
The girls' studies culminated this week in taking all they have discovered and bringing it home - writing and publishing storybooks for the youngest of CTA students. The original books are halachically sound, entertaining, beautifully arranged and show clarity of understanding to the point that our Kindergarteners connect with the lessons therein. The students look forward to sharing them with the Kindergarteners.
Food for Thought: Va'era is the 2nd parsha covering our nation's "grassroots". What might have been Hashem's reasoning behind starting us out as persecuted slaves to the Egyptians? Why was this experience a necessary step in the development of the Chosen People?
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UPPER SCHOOL GENERAL STUDIES NEWS
By Lara McCormick, 8th Grade Science Teacher |
 The 8th grade science classes are approaching the completion of the Earth Science unit. We are zooming through geologic time and have passed the Cambrian explosion and found ourselves exploring the Mesozoic Era where Pangea continues to break up, inland lakes appear, climate change occurs and dinosaurs appear in the fossil record. This week, students are examining differences in plants and animals prevalent in the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous Periods. Students compared morphology and movement of dinosaurs and other animals by examining their locomotor patterns. In the photo, the second period class prepares for a crocodile vs. dinosaur locomotion race in the old gym.
Students also demonstrated the posture of several Cretaceous dinosaurs, with several extinct species represented by Margalit, Leilah and Sivan (at right).
 Our next unit will be motion and energy where several exciting projects are in the future for the 8th graders - so stay tuned! Our Science Friday discussions are also ending as they have been usurped by Friday review sessions for the Ohio Achievement Test.
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TZEDAKAH BOX TURN IN THIS MONDAY, JANUARY 14
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Have you been filling your CTA tzedaka box? This Monday, January 14 is another Tzedaka Box Turn-In Day. Remember, donations count dollar for dollar towards your Give and Get statement and help our school. Please write a check for the amount or put the coins and dollars in an envelope or baggie clearly marked with your name on it. If you have any questions, contact Shari.
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| CTA ALUM NAMED OUTSTANDING IDF SOLDIER |
 CTA Alumni, Joey Cassell from the Class of 2012 received an award for outstanding soldier in his battalion as he serves in the IDF (Israel Defense Forces). Some of CTA classmates were on hand to cheer him on and see him receive this honor.
Pictured are (left to right) Rachel Salutsky, Abi Rosen, Joey Cassell, Sarah Epstein, and Noah Portman, who are all studying in Israel this year.
Mazel Tov to Joey's parents, Jonathon Cassell and Michele Cassell.
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| HIGH SCHOOL BOYS EARN 2ND PLACE AT DETROIT TOURNEY |
 Last week, immediately following winter break, the CTA High School Boys' Basketball Team played in the 2nd Annual Akiva Basketball Tournament in Detroit. The team came home with a second place trophy after playing hard against Block Yeshiva of St. Louis, Fuchs Mizrachi of Cleveland and the host team Akiva of Detroit. The regional tournament is special because many of the athletes know each other from other tournaments, camp, and youth groups. A special part of the weekend is the Shabbaton aspect of spending Shabbat together. Special appreciation goes to the coaches for their dedication, and the many fans who made the trip up - students, parents and faculty. Awards also went to David Polster, Aaron Polster & Cody Parks for making the All-Tournament team. Congratulations to David Polster, overall winner of Friday's 3-Point Shoot Out. CTA basketball continues into February. Watch the schedule and come out and support our Lions!
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| PARENT BREAKFAST GRADES K-6 |
 
Columbus Torah Academy
invites you and your family
to attend the
Parent Breakfast, Grades K-6
Thursday, January 17, 2013
8:00 a.m.
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| AUTHOR VISIT COMING JANUARY 18! |
 Authors Rhonda Brazina and Ida Margolis, will visit CTA on January 18. They will meet with the children to read, sing and discuss their book, Carrots for Charlie - A Tale of Health, Fitness and Happiness.
After the programs the authors will autograph books. If you'd like to buy a book for your child or to give as gifts, they are available at school for $10. Please contact Mrs. Miller at cmiller@torahacademy.org or the office has books available at the front desk. To learn more about Carrots for Charlie visit www.carrotsforcharlie.com.
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| MAZAL TOV TO: |
Valery and Olga Eskin on the birth of a son
Rabbi Jesse & Chani Boiangiu on the birth of a son
Yoni Zofan (Class of 2000) on the birth of a son
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| THANK YOU TO: |
Ari Berger and Naomi Brenner, Larry and Robin Garvin, Steven and Smadar Import, Rabbi Zvi and Sara Beth Kahn, and Stacy Leeman and Gary Liebesman for sponsoring this month's delicious Rosh Chodesh Faculty and Staff Appreciation Lunch!
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| CONDOLENCES TO: |
Beverly Schottenstein on the loss of her brother, Melvin Freedberg
Condolences to Jackie Carson (Class of '01), Corey Carson (Class of '04)
and Stefanie Carson (8th Grade Class of '02) on the loss of their
grandmother
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| BASKETBALL & DINNER |
Come support our varsity teams and have dinner, too!
Saturday, January 19: Pizza Night 
Varsity Girls - 6:30 p.m.
Varsity Boys - 8:00 p.m.
$2.00 per slice or $15.00 for the entire pizza pie
Saturday, January 26: Sub Night 
Varsity Girls - 7:00 p.m.
Varsity Boys - 8:00 p.m.
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| SHAKESPEARE'S WORLD TOUR |
 Again? Are you kidding? We go on the road every year at this time. We are 14 lads and ladies in stunning long dresses, knickers and tights (don't laugh), sporting the Bard's famous lines - and a few of our own. With Mrs. Moreno, Angela Barch and Laurie Alexander driving us to perfection, we will be ready Thursday, January 17, at 7:30 p.m. to present to you, our honored guests ($5 a ticket, please) selections from William's greatest hits. We will be performing on the historical, red curtained JCC theatre and we plan to make it rock! Join us - nachas and culture all rolled into 1 hour! The 7th Grade
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| EQUAL EXCHANGE - YEARBOOK FUNDRAISER |
The CTA High School Yearbook staff is participating in a brand-new fundraiser until January 16. Yearbook staff members are selling fairly-traded products through Equal Exchange Fundraising - offering organic foods such as coffee, chocolate, cocoa and tea, beautiful gifts and recycled cotton gift wrap (tree-free!). All coffee, chocolate, candy bars, cocoa and tea are certified Kosher.
With Equal Exchange Fundraising, CTA can support sustainability, enjoy award winning products and make a difference in the lives of small farmers and artisans across the globe. The Yearbook staff will also earn 4% profits on the items sold to help them produce the 2012-2013 Yearbook.
How to Buy: Option 1
Purchase directly from the following Yearbook staff members: Shoshana Ginsburg, Alyssa Karmia, Esther Geiger, Ariella Hartstein, Hava Parks, Riki Shenkar, Susie Wilhelm and Becky Portman.
How to Buy: Option 2
Browse the catalog on-line here:
http://library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1102150262022-1707/EqualExchangeOrderForm.pdf
Print it out and drop it off, with your payment, to Yearbook Adviser Amy Neiwirth by January 16.
Wondering what exactly "Fair Trade" is? Fair Trade is a way of doing business that ultimately aims to keep small farmers an active part of the world marketplace, and aims to empower consumers to make purchases that support their values. Fair Trade is also a set of business practices voluntarily adopted by the producers and buyers of agricultural commodities and hand-made crafts that are designed to advance many economic, social and environmental goals.
If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Neiwirth at: aneiwirth@torahacademy.org.
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| CHICKIES NIGHT FUNDRAISER JANUARY 20 | |
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| COMMUNITY NEWS |
JCC Food & Wine Tasting: Saturday, February 2, 2013, 8:00-10:30 p.m., at the JCC. Tickets are $30 if purchased before Jan. 25. For more information or to RSVP, contact Linda Starr at 559-6229 or lstarr@columbusjcc.org.
JCC Annual and 3-Month Memberships available. For more information or for rates, call 559-6227 or 559-6229.
Star House Collecting New & Used Sleeping Bags for Homeless Teenagers: It's nearly unfathomable to think that there are teenage kids put out on the streets of Columbus to survive on their own, but it's true. Fortunately, there is an organization called Star House (http://www.osustarhouse.com/) that offers a safe place for these youths Monday through Friday from 9-5. At night and on weekends they are on their own to find a place to sleep. They can't stay at the shelters because they become prey for the older members, so they live outside. They are in need of sleeping bags. If you have an old sleeping bag or would care to donate a new one, please contact Rick Zwelling at 260-0157 or rickzwelling@yahoo.com and he will pick them up from you.
Jewish Overnight Camp sponsored by the Columbus Jewish Federation: Representatives from different camps will gather at the JCC Northeast on Sunday, January 13, from 1:30-3:20 p.m. for a Jewish Camping Fair. For more information, contact Alyssa Russell at arussell@tcjf.org or 559-3234.
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1. Did G-d ever appear to Avraham and say "I am G-d"?
a. Yes.
2. What cause did the forefathers have to question G-d?
a. Although G-d swore to give them the land, they never actually had control over it.
3. How was Moshe commanded to act towards Pharaoh?
a. With the respect due a king.
4. How long did Levi live?
a. 137 years.
5. Who was Aharon's wife? Who was her father? Who was her brother?
a. Elisheva, daughter of Aminadav, sister of Nachshon.
6. Why are Yitro and Yosef both referred to as "Putiel"?
a. Yitro fattened (pitem) cows for idol worship. Yosef scoffed (pitpet) at his evil inclination.
7. After which plague did G-d begin to "harden Pharaoh's heart"?
a. After the sixth plague - - shechin (boils).
8. Give two reasons why the blood was chosen as the first plague?
a. (1) Because the Nile was an Egyptian god. (2) Because an invading army first attacks the enemy's water supply, and G-d did the same.
9. How long did the plague of blood last?
a. Seven days.
10. Why did the frogs affect Pharaoh's house first?
a. Pharaoh himself advised the enslavement of the Jewish People.
(Parsha Va'eRa Quiz originally appeared on the
Ohr Somayach website, www.ohr.edu)
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As part of our partnership with the Shiloh school in Israel, we will be receiving riddles each week relating to the Parasha. You will notice this each week on this back page. The goal is to have the parents and children discuss the parasha, while trying to figure out the connection between the picture and the parasha. All answered riddles should be given to the Judaic teacher on Monday. The names of the winners will be announced and sent to our friends in Israel.
 What is the connection between the picture and the parasha? Look in Chapter 7, Verse 28. You will find the answer there.
 The winner of last week's riddle is Akiva Gisser.
Moreh Dror Karavani will collect all of the submitted answers, put them into a box, and save them for the big raffle! You will hear more about this very soon. Keep your answers coming.
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