| HEADMASTER'S MESSAGE | |
This week we again read a double Torah portion: Acharei Mot-Kedoshim. The parsha of Kedoshim contains fifty-one mitzvot. Several of them, such as, "You shall not steal, neither shall you deal falsely, nor shall you lie one to another," are written in the plural form. It is as if G-d is commanding not just individuals, but rather the entire community not to steal, cheat or lie. Why was it important for these prohibitions to be addressed to the community? Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, zt"l, explains that the key to answering this question may be found in the Talmud (Bava Metzia 61b), where the Rabbis state that one is not allowed to steal even for a good and noble cause, and even in a case where taking the item from the person would actually be to his ultimate benefit. Why are such things prohibited? Rav Moshe points out that in certain areas we should not limit our focus to the individual and his or her specific circumstances; we must also consider society as a whole. If the Torah permitted thievery when accompanied by good intentions, the result would be that many people would find rationalizations and legitimate-sounding explanations to defend all sorts of illicit actions. Soon the community would become full of corruption and fraud. That is why the Torah uses the plural form regarding these prohibitions. Even though an individual may, in certain very rare situations, be justified in violating specific laws, this is still prohibited because of the damage to the society as a whole.
Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Zvi Kahn
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SPRING FLING FAMILY FESTIVAL IS FOR EVERYONE!
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The countdown begins to one of the biggest events of the school year - the Spring Fling Festival which will be held on Sunday, April 28 from 1-7:30 pm at CTA. In celebration of Lag BaOmer, the day will be fun-filled with activities for the whole family! A complete schedule of activities will be coming. Please do your part to let friends, family, and neighbors know about this fun day. Share on Facebook! Make sure your lawn sign is showing (more available).
A special thank you to our event sponsors: Leonore Zusman and the Marilyn & Stuart Cole Fund of the Columbus Jewish Foundation and Joey & Lindsay Schottenstein.
There will be carnival amusement rides (ferris wheel, carousel, etc) throughout the day and the concession stand will be open with a variety of healthy snacks, sweets and drinks. Beginning at 4:30 pm a BBQ dinner will be available.
New this year is the 1-Mile Fun Run on the campus of CTA. Pre-registration is $5 and $10 at the door. T-shirts are limited. Thank you to run sponsor First Bexley Bank.
Between 1:00 and 3:00 pm, Jewish agencies from throughout the community will be manning tables in the "Big Tent" with information and activities. Plan to visit with JCC Summer Camps, Camp Gan Israel, Temple Israel and more.
Don't miss the exquisite face painting! Pam Lippy will be holding a Youth Tennis Clinic for ages 3-12. A Fire Engine will be on hand to tour and meet our local firefighters! Our talented performers are practicing full force for the Talent Show. CTA alum, Daniel Zwelling and The Daniel Zwelling Band will share their sweet contemporary Jewish and jazz sounds during dinner.
Are you winding up to be in the CTA Alum/Student Softball Game? Get involved, even if you aren't a student or alum. Join that day!
And, the day will end with a big bonfire. Bring your Lag Baomer spirit and song!
Plenty of volunteer opportunities are available by contacting [email protected].
See you next Sunday!
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SPRING FLING FAMILY FESTIVAL
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Monday, April 22: Ravioli-Volunteer:
Ohio Achievement Assessments all week, Grades 3-8
Writing Workshop Sharing Night, 2nd & 5th Grade, 7:00pm
Tuesday, April 23: Chicken Nuggets-Volunteer: M. Napper
Wednesday, April 24: Lasagna-Volunteer: P. Wolf
NO CTA Twirlers
Thursday, April 25: Turkey Pastrami-Volunteer: A. Rosen
Friday, April 26: Fish Sticks- Volunteer: S. Lubow
Lower School Dress Down Day
4:00pm Dismissal
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Sunday, April 28: Lag BaOmer Spring Fling Family Festival, 1-7:30pm
April 29-May 3: Scholastic Bookfair-Online Book Fair open 4/16-5/6
Wednesday, May 1: Celebration of Achievement - Grades K-12
Yearbook Fundraising Dinner, 5:30-7:30pm
Thursday, May 2: 1st Grade Chag HaSiddur, 9:30am
Tuesday, May 7: PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGE: 5th Grade Underground Railroad Plays
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It's Baseball
and Softball Season!
Monday, April 22
HOME Baseball Game vs. Liberty Christian East
5pm
Tuesday, April 23
HOME Baseball Game vs. Granville Christian
5pm
AWAY Softball Game vs. Granville Christian
5pm
Thursday, April 25
HOME Softball Game vs. FCI Academy
5pm
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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 [email protected]. 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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Call & Deliver Program for Scrip: email [email protected] or call 864-0299 to order scrip and have it delivered to your home!
Give & Get Opportunity: We need volunteers from 11am to 8pm to work Spring Fling! If you are interested in volunteering and getting Give & Get hours, which go towards your annual $2,000 family commitment, please email Kim Abelman at [email protected]
The $2,000 per family Give & Get commitment for 2012-2013 is fulfilled through donations, Scrip purchases, solicitations and volunteering. Send a record of all G&G volunteer hours to [email protected]. If you would like to volunteer, contact Volunteer Coordinator, Kim Abelman, at 855-5195 or [email protected]. 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
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Yom Ha'Atzmaut: Part of the celebration surrounding Yom Ha'Atzmaut was that the third graders created a topographical map of Israel marked with the biblical cities. They were using these to teach the younger students. This was another opportunity to integrate our Chumash learning to the Jewish holidays. Second, third, and fourth graders sent Yom Ha'Atzmaut greeting cards and treats to their friends in the Shiloh school in Kfar Saba.
 Birkat Ha'elanot: Just before ending the month of Nissan, the students visited our tree garden to, once again, say the blessing for the trees, Birkat Ha'elanot, thanking G-d for the creation of the world. As in the past, we invite you to join us in enlarging this special space by sponsoring a tree. Sponsorship funds will support educational programs at CTA. if you would like to buy a tree, please contact Dror Karavani at [email protected].
 "Maaseh Avot, Siman L'Banim" in Fifth Grade: One of the main points in our Judaic curriculum is focusing on Jewish values. In Rabbi Hauser's fifth grade Mishnah class, the students presented power point presentations and plays about the lives of the Tanaim (Rabbis mentioned in the Mishnah). Everyone was very excited to present information about the teachings of the Rabbis who gave us our oral tradition.
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SAY IT IN HEBREW
By Galit Golan, Hebrew Language Coordinator |
 This week we had three big Israel related events in the school: Yom Hazikaron ceremony, the Wax Museum and Yom Ha'Atzmaut festival. Yom Hazikaron events on Monday started with a presentation by Rabbi Shalom Hammer, a motivational speaker for the IDF. After that, grades 4-10 were invited to a Yom Hazikaron ceremony, presented by the 11th & 12th graders, under the direction of Morah Kelly Adar. Looking at many of the people in the audience, it was clear that everyone was deeply touched and moved by this emotional ceremony. Cantor Baruch Shifman sang the "Kel Male Rachamin" and the students recited poems and quotes. On Tuesday, Yom Ha'Atzmaut, the 11th & 12th graders presented the "Israeli Wax  Museum." Each student chose and researched an important personality from the Jewish or Israeli history and current times. During the event itself, the students dressed up as the personalities that they researched and presented a poster with the information about the personality in English and in Hebrew. When the Wax Museum guests pressed the buttons located near each personality, the personality "came to life", and started telling about him/herself. Both students and guests learned a lot and had a great time.  
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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 |
Although I know very little about the actual "facebook", I have become a big fan of "fakebook". Fakebook is an educational tool that allows students to use the facebook design and concept to portray a historical event, book or any dialogue. I decided to experiment with this website with my 9th grade Navi class. We just completed the epic showdown between Eliyahu and the idolaters on Mt. Carmel, and I wanted to bring the event to life. I rarely experience such enthusiasm from students after assigning a project. It offered an exciting mix of Torah with ...social media. "At first my mother was like 'are you on facebook?!" remarked Ericka Schneiderman, "but then I explained it was fakebook". In Ariella Hartstein's words, "It was fun to be on facebook and be learning Navi at the same time." Be sure to check us out in full color at the Celebration of Achievement on Wednesday, May 1st. For a sneak preview go to:http://www.classtools.net/fb/3/MNWeYb
http://www.classtools.net/fb/80/gemGWL
 
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| MAZAL TOV TO: |
Victor Katz (Class of '96) on his engagement
Rena (Cole) Gardin (Class of '04) on the birth of a son
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| PURCHASE AN AD IN THE CTA YEARBOOK |
Over the past several years, Columbus Torah Academy has produced an eye-catching, full-color yearbook to showcase our stellar academics, sports, and student life. The CTA yearbook staff uses the latest computer technology in the publication process - and we count on the support of community members, CTA families, teachers, and alumni, as well as local businesses & organizations to help us produce our yearbook at a reasonable cost. Advertising in the Columbus Torah Academy yearbook provides an excellent opportunity for you to publish your congratulations to the Class of 2013 as well as to get the word out about your business or your organization. The most important reason to advertise in the yearbook is to send a strong message that you support our school and its mission. Make a difference in the lives of students and families in our school-support the Columbus Torah Academy High School yearbook!
COLUMBUS TORAH ACADEMY 2013
YEARBOOK ADVERTISING RATES
Ad prices reflect commitment to advertise by May 10, 2013. After May 10 the price increases by $15 per ad. If you will need an ad to be designed for you, please add a $20 prep fee to each price.
Full page Plus (7.5 x 10 inches) - $215 - Receive a copy of the full-color CTA Yearbook!
Full page (7.5 x 10 inches) - $125
1/2 page (7.5 x 5 inches) - $95
1/4 page (3.75 x 5 inches) - $65
1/8 page (3.75 x 2.5 inches) - $35
Please contact Yearbook Adviser Amy Neiwirth for more information or to obtain an advertising contract -[email protected]. Don't own a copy of the 2012 yearbook? Purchase one for the bargain price of $20 at the Yearbook's booth at Spring Fling on Sunday, April 28!
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YOM HA'ATZMAUT CELEBRATED SCHOOL-WIDE
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Israel's modern statehood of the past 65 years was celebrated on Tuesday during Yom Ha'Atzmaut, Israel Independence Day. Students in the Lower School engaged in games, stories and art activities in the classroom and participated in making pita bread to enjoy the flavors of Israel. In addition, Lower School students in grades 4-5 visited the Israel Wax Museum created by the 11th and 12th graders in the Hebrew class (see Galit's article). In the Upper School, the afternoon was a series of stations in celebration: Scavenger Hunt, Israeli Salad and Pita Creation and Game Show. The students in 7th-12th were divided into three teams and the teams worked together to successfully complete the tasks in each station. The winning team - Blue - will receive a pizza party! More photos can be seen online.
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WRITER'S WORKSHOP TO HOST SHARING NIGHT - APRIL 22
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 Students in 2nd and 5th grade invite their parents, families and members of the community this Monday, April 22, at 7:00 pm for a Sharing Night as a culmination of their Writer's Workshop held earlier this winter. Writer-in-residence, Amy Greenberg, along with classroom teachers, led the students for two intensive weeks of skill building in creative writing and the writing process. Second graders focused on poetry and fifth grade worked to develop their short story writing skills. The exposure to the writing process and the development of their own writings is a significant part of the language arts curriculum in those grades. Sharing Night will be an opportunity for the students to celebrate their accomplishments and for each student to share a piece of original work.  Sharing and reading aloud is an essential part of the writing process which helps students to hear what they cannot see and to develop better expression, diction, spelling and flow to their writing. Student work will be compiled into a complete anthology. Pictured are some students during Writer's Workshop.
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| OHIO ACHIEVEMENT ASSESSMENTS THIS COMING WEEK |
Students in grades 3-8 will be taking the Ohio Achievement Assessments this coming week. The OAA's measure students on what they know and are able to do in various subjects. While CTA does not teach to the test, we do prepare our students for the OAA's in class with Buckle Down workbooks and recommended practice tests online. The results are a guide that CTA is in-line or exceeding the state of Ohio's academic expectations.
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SAVE THE DATE - CELEBRATION OF ACHIEVEMENT
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 Save the date for the Celebration of Achievement on Wednesday, May 1, from 6-8 pm at CTA. The school will be transformed into interactive displays and exhibits of student work and art work. Students in all grades K-12 will be highlighted. Do not miss the chance to share our pride in your child's accomplishments and to see what amazing academic opportunities they will have in later grades at CTA. Book Fair will be open that night, as well! More details and reminders will be coming.
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CELEBRATION OF ACHIEVEMENT AND SPRING ART SHOW
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CBI RAFFLE - BE A PART OF IT & BE A WINNER!
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Drawing will be held on Sunday, May 21, 2013 for the Columbus Baseball Invitational Raffle. Raffle tickets cost $10 each or 6 for $50.00. We are looking for adult volunteers to sell tickets. Sellers can earn $25 iTunes gift card incentives. Contact [email protected] to find out more or purchase tickets.
First Prize is a $500 gift card to American Eagle.
Second Prize is a $250.00 gift card to American Eagle
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| CTA ANNUAL GIVING CAMPAIGN UNDERWAY |
Last week, supporters of Columbus Torah Academy gathered at the home of Patrick Wiesel & Diane Chang to share their commitment and dedication to CTA. The evening, led by Dr. Al Dembe, CTA Board Member and Alumni Parent, was a testament to the widespread support that CTA receives throughout the community and the impact that CTA and Jewish day school education have on the success of our Jewish community. Attendees pledged new and continuing support to the school. Fifty percent of the school's budget must be raised through fundraising and donations. If you have not made a pledge for the 2013-2014 school year, please contact Shari at [email protected] Gifts are payable beginning July 1, 2013. Note to Parents: Remember that donations to the school count dollar for dollar towards your Give and Get commitment.
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| JR NCSY SHABBATON! |
Where? Beth Jacob Synagogue, Berwick
When? April 26-28
Who? ALL 6th, 7th & 8th GRADERS!!
Join us for 48 HOURS OF AWESOMENESS with dozens and dozens of Jr NCSYers from Cleveland, Detroit, Cincinnati, Pittsburgh and more!
LASER TAG
INFLATABLES
ARCADES
SHABBAT MEALS & RUACH
ONEG SHABBAT - KIDDUSH
TEEN-RUN PROGRAMMING
SATURDAY NIGHT MUSIC AND BONFIRE AND ROLLORCOASTERS!!!
For more info contact Rabbi Frankiel @[email protected].
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| COMMUNITY NEWS |
BEXLEY LIBRARY is offering free classes and workshops next week on Financial Literacy.
College Savings Plans and Financial Aid: Monday, April 22, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Planning to send your kids or yourself to college? Capital University's Director of Financial Aid Susan Kannenwischer will give tips on the financial aid process, and Karen Koeller of Fifth-Third Bank's Bexley branch will discuss 529 college savings plans.
Making Cents Storytime: Tuesday, April 23, 10:00-10:45 a.m. and 2:00-2:45 p.m. Join us for a special "Making Cents" storytime designed for kids ages 3-6.
Cleverly Simple Grocery Savings Workshop: Tuesday, April 23, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Lynette Rice, author of CleverlySimple.com and a Savings.com Deal-Pro, will discuss realistic couponing, strategic grocery shopping, and meal planning to help you save money. Each participant receives a workbook to take home.
Credit Counseling: Thursday, April 25, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Looking for ways to improve your credit score? Interested in tips to prevent identify theft? Representatives from PNC Bank will discuss credit counseling, identity theft, and credit fraud.
SUMMER READING SKILLS: Miami University Corporate & Community Institute is offering Phonics, Comprehension, Vocabulary, Study Skills, and Speed Reading for kindergarteners through 11th graders. Classes are taught by professional instructors from the Institute of Reading Development. For more information or to register, call 1-800-570-8936.
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| TZEDAKAH |
It has been a time-honored Jewish tradition to give tzedakah in recognition of important events. Todah Rabah to the following for their donation to the Scholarship Fund:
To Scholarship Fund by:
Gary Liebesman and Stacy Leeman in memory of Selma Mellman and
Larry Felsenthal
Judith Catozza Gatti in memory of Dr. Irving Fried and Annabelle Snyder
To the Library Fund:
Cheryl Miller in memory of Esther Gordon-Dash and Ruth Glassman
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PARSHA ACHAREI-MOT KEDOSHIM QUIZ
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Acharei Mot
1. Why does the Torah emphasize the Parshat Acharei Mot was taught after the death of Aaron's sons?
a. To strengthen the warning not to enter the Kodesh Kodashim expect on Yom Kippur.
2. What is the punishment for a Kohen Gadol who inappropriately enters the Kodesh Kodashim?
a. Death.
3. How long did the first Beit Hamikdash exist?
a. 410 years.
4. What did the Kohen Gadol wear when he entered the Kodesh Kodashim?
a. Only the four linen garments worn by an ordinary Kohen.
Kedoshim
1. Why was Parshat Kedoshim said in front of all the Jewish People?
a. Because the fundamental teachings of the Torah are contained in this Parsha.
2. Why does the Torah mention the duty to honor one's father before it mentions the duty to honor one's mother?
a. Since it is more natural to honor one's, the Torah stresses the obligation to honor one's father.
3. Why is the command to fear one's parents followed by the command to keep Shabbat?
a. To teach that one must not violate Torah law even at the command of one's parents.
4. Why does Shabbat observance supersede honoring parents?
a. Because the parents are also commanded by Hashem to observe Shabbat. Parents deserve great honor, but not at the "expense" of Hashem's honor.
(Parsha Acharei-Mot Kedoshim 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 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 our Parsha?  The winner of last week's riddle is Rochel Berkovich.
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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