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PARSHA SHELACH
By Rabbi Yosef Hauser | |
In this week's parasha, Shelach, the Torah continues to chronicle the sins of the B'nai Yisrael in the desert after they left Mt. Sinai. The Parasha tells the story of the spies and their failure, because of their lack of trust in Hashem, to give a good report about the land of Israel. One might ask: why does the Torah record this story and all the other terrible sins of the B'nai Yisrael? Indeed, we even receive the Mitzvah of Talmud Torah by learning these events! You would think that Hashem would want us to learn only the best about the B'nai Yisrael for our Mitzvah of Talmud Torah. There is a famous phenomenon that happens when a famous person gets a serious disease. When the public hears about it, doctors get flooded with calls to be tested for the disease. One could explain this by saying that there is no better way to warn people about a disease than for a famous person to contract it. After all, if someone famous gets it, then it could be a threat to everyone. Maybe this phenomenon is why Hashem included all these stories of the failings of the B'nai Yisrael. If these people, who witnessed the 10 plagues and the splitting of the sea, fail over and over in their trust in Hashem, then how much more so might we. The stories that we constantly learn in our Torah are a much stronger warning to us than if Hashem just warned us (which He does!). The stories serve as an example of how we can fail and how we can uplift ourselves if we so desire to get closer to Hashem. May we continue to "get the message" from the famous people in these Parashiyot and call our "doctor" to help strengthen our trust in Him. Shabbat Shalom.
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GRADUATION
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With small hands and tepid smiles, the 12th grade Class of 2013 began Kindergarten in Fall 2000. It is hard to believe, now, 13 years later, they will graduate from CTA prepared for the next stage of life. All are continuing their education, many at schools in Israel next year and then university.
You are invited to share the pride and attend graduation. The graduation milestone for each of these young men and women (and their parents) is monumental, but it is also a testament to our school community. We have partnered with parents to imbue our graduates with skills for learning, to be productive citizens of our world and in our Jewish communities. We look forward to hearing about their success!
Mazel Tov to Esther Geiger, Mirav Hazan, Max Herszage, Sarah Nutis, Cody Parks, Aaron Polster, Alec Salutsky, and Zach Ziv! Thank you to their parents for sharing your children with us.
12th Grade Graduation
Sunday, June 2 at 1 pm
8th Grade Graduation
Wednesday, June 5 at 7:30 pm
Kindergarten Celebration
Thursday, June 6 at 10 am
Awards Assembly
Friday, June 7 at 10 am
JOIN US FOR THESE CELEBRATIONS!
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Sunday, June 2: 12th Grade Graduation, 1:00 p.m.
Monday, June 3: Pizza Bagels-Volunteer: Y. Levi
June 3-6: High School Exams
Tuesday, June 4: Tacos
Executive Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, June 5: Grilled Cheese-Volunteer: L. Polster
CTA Twirlers, 4-5 p.m..
8th Grade Graduation, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 6: Hot Dogs
Kindergarten Celebration, 9:30 a.m. - Last day of school for kindergarteners
Friday, June 7: Upper School Awards Assembly, 10:00 a.m.
Last day of School, 12:00 p.m. dismissal
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Sunday, August 18: Back to School Picnic, 12:30-3 p.m.
Wednesday, August 21: 1st Day of School
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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-4pm
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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Remember: Target Take Charge of Education Program; Box Tops for Education; Giant Eagle Apples for Students, Kroger card, and empty inkjet cartridges into the box at the front office. To view the vendors participating in the Scrip Program go to www.glscrip.com.
Call & Deliver Program for Scrip: email [email protected] or call 864-0299 to order scrip and have it delivered to your home!
Don't forget Scrip for all your graduation gifts!
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NEWS FROM THE LOWER SCHOOL JUDAIC STUDIES DEPARTMENT
By Dror Karavani, Lower School Judaic Studies Coordinator
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Our First Grade Mascot: From the beginning of the year, Ariot played a big part in the First Grade Judaic curriculum. Ariot is the "Lion" and one of the main characters of the Tal Am program. Each child had the opportunity to take Ariot home for the Shabbat weekend and then come back to school and share their experiences with him through pictures. The children excitedly anticipated seeing how Ariot helped to prepare for Shabbat, participate in Havdalah, and more. This is another wonderful way that Morah Irit brings a love of Jewish learning and culture to our students.
Our first Chidon Yahadut: On Monday, we are going to have our first "Chidon Yahadut" for students in grades 3-6 in order to "show off" their knowledge in the various Judaic topics that have been taught throughout the year. Stay tuned....
 It's unbelievable how this year has passed by so quickly. There has been so much learning and wonderful activities in the Judaic Studies program. I want to emphasize my gratitude to the students for all of their accomplishments and to our amazing teachers, who led them in their learning successes. I'm looking forward to continuing observing each child's growth in academics and Jewish identity over the next school year. Chufshah N'eema (Have a nice vacation.)
Shabbat Shalom!
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SAY IT IN HEBREW
By Galit Golan, Hebrew Language Coordinator |
The end of the school year is almost here, and it's time to reflect and remember some of the highlights of the Hebrew Department activities during the school year.
- The Kindergarten students learned to read Hebrew, using the new and improved Hebrew Reading Magic curriculum.
- The Hebrew Learning Center provided individual and tailored-fit support to help students achieve their full potential.
- Second year of the intercommunity program, "Touching Hearts, Touching the Environment". In cooperation with the Federation and with a youth group in Israel, CTA students Skyped and worked with their Israeli peers to promote an environmental agenda.
- Emphasis on conversational Hebrew in all grade levels.
- Yom Ha'atzmaut and Yom Hazikaron: from a meaningful Yom Hazikaron ceremony, to an entire school celebration in Yom Haatzmaut, CTA students enjoyed a full Israeli experience.
- Shishi Ivrit, our monthly Hebrew award ceremony, was integrated with Power Point presentations and video clips of current events in Israel.
- Liat Shaked, the young Israeli shlicha, met with the students twice a month, engaging them in various Israel related learning activities.
- Commemoration project for fallen Israeli soldiers.
- Wax Museum: our 11th and 12th graders researched historic and present Israeli figures, and presented their research, dressed as the character, in the Wax Museum celebration.
Have a wonderful and safe summer break!
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| RETIRING TEACHERS - WE WILL MISS YOU |
Laurie Alexander has been the Director of Performing Arts at CTA since 1995. She has been involved in the outstanding theatrical productions throughout the school including Shakespeare, Underground RR Plays, High School dramas, Girls' Production, Lower School holiday plays and siyums, Chag Ha Siddur, Kindergarten Celebration and more. Anything on the stage, Laurie had a hand in polishing it and making our students shine! Appreciation also goes for her front office staff support and caring work in the nurse's station.
Dora Kopp began her involvement at CTA as a parent to CTA 8th grade alumnus, Josh and has worked at CTA since 1986. She taught math in the Upper School and was support staff in the Business Office. Most recently, Mrs. Kopp has been the Coordinator of Non-Public School Services which is the state funding that we receive for books and educational equipment. Her office, located behind the front desk was the first entry point in the school - a great place to see pictures of her grandkids.
Minna Shifman has been a faculty member at CTA since 1981, that is 32 years! Raising her children and our children here at CTA has been an investment of love for Morah Minna. She has taught Judaics and Hebrew language throughout the grades, but most recently to adorable second graders. Her attention to each child and the joy she finds in their distinct personalities are legendary.
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| GOODBYE TO THE ELBAZ & ARONOWITZ FAMILIES |
Rabbi Tzion and Morah Robin Elbaz came to CTA in 2008 along with their three children, Michael, Kinneret and Elisheva. During their years in Columbus, the Elbaz family has enriched our school and our community. Rabbi and Mrs. Elbaz are known as creative and exciting teachers, and they are famous for their class plays and special presentations. We appreciate everything the Elbaz's have done at CTA and we wish them much success and happiness in the future.
Devorah Aronowitz has taught at CTA since 2008. Mrs. Aronowitz began her tenure as an Upper School Judaic Studies teacher and Learning Center staff. For the past two years she has been Morah Aronowitz to our youngest students, teaching Judaics in Kindergarten. She has instilled strong values and core concepts about Jewish tradition in our children. We wish her and her family best wishes on their relocation to Richmond, Virginia.
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| MAZAL TOV TO: |
Lawrence and Kim Binsky on the Bar Mitzvah of their son Bradley
Ben Supowit (8th Grade Class of '97) on his engagement to Jenny Rolef
Rabbi Zvi and Sara Beth Kahn on the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter Adira
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| CONDOLENCES TO: |
Shana Hazan on the loss of her mother, Myrna Klazmer
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LAST WEEK - COLUMBUS BUS RIDERS - LAST WEEK!
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ALL (current and new) Columbus bus riders must fill out an Application for Pupil Transportation for the 2013-2014 school year. The form can be found on the Torah Academy website under "Downloadable Documents." Please fill it out and return it to Norma Whitmyre no later than the last day of school, Friday, June 7. Transportation cannot be guaranteed without a form.
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| END OF YEAR MEDICATION REMINDER |
Please make plans to personally pick up your child's medication by the last day of school, Friday, June 7. For safety reasons, medications will not be sent home with your child. Any medication/inhaler not picked up by the end of the last day of school will be thrown away.
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7th GRADE FUNDRAISER FOR 8TH GRADE WASHINGTON TRIP
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 Please help the 7th graders raise money for their 2013 Washington Trip by buying or renewing a Magazine. If you bought a magazine from a current 8th grader this year, all you have to do is renew the magazine and it will continue for another year. If you did not buy from a current 8th grader, here's your chance! The subscription drive will run through the end of the year. Please see any 7th grader OR go on-line to www.gaschoolstore.com. In the upper right hand corner, enter CTA's code, #2522449. Thanks for your support!
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PENCILS
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Please take advantage of the last chance as you clean out your supply boxes at the end of the year to donate your used and new pencils. Kim Abelman is continuing to collect pencils for Africa. A box can be found in the vestibule at the front of the school.
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T-SHIRTS AVAILABLE
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Want to remember the fun and pride that CTA shared during two great spring events? A limited number of Columbus Baseball Invitational and Spring Fling Fun Run t-shirts are available for $5 each. Size and quantities can be reserved by contacting [email protected].
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GIVE & GET
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Give & Get statements were mailed out recently. Sara Shatz has been updating them. Remember, your Give & Get commitment is due by June 30, 2013. If you have not fulfilled your commitment through donations, volunteerism or scrip, you still have time. Checks for the balance can also be dropped off at school. Thank you to those of you who have already completed your commitment.
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EMPTY YOUR TZEDAKAH BOXES FOR END OF THE YEAR
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Remember that CTA Tzedakah box that you received at Meet the Teachers? It must be pretty full by now. Please turn in all Tzedakah box money by check, in a baggie or envelope this coming week. Turn it in to the front desk and the amount will be counted and applied to your Give & Get commitment. To date, more than $1,000 has been raised through our Tzedakah Box Campaign this year.
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SCHOOL SUPPLY ORDERS FOR 2013-2014
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Pre-packaged Supply Kits for the 2013-2014 School Year will be available for order for students in Grades K-7 from SchoolKidz. Order forms are included from your child's teacher or orders will be able to be made online. A detailed flyer is below. Online ordering will be available: May 28 thru June 14, 2013. Go to www.shopttkits.com and enter account number: 84550.
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RED, WHITE AND CTA SPIRIT - JULY 4TH ACTIVITIES
SAVE THE DATE
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Plans are underway to create an awesome CTA float in the Bexley 4th of July Parade. Please let us know if you will be in town to walk/ride in the parade. Last year, more than 50 CTA students, faculty and parents accompanied the CTA float - definitely the talk of the town. Email Shari Herszage at [email protected] to let us know you are in town or to offer to help out.
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YESHAYAHU GINSBURG FINISHES SHAS FOR FOURTH TIME
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Mazel Tov to Yeshayahu Ginsburg on completing the entire Shas (Talmud) for the fourth time! Yeshayahu is a 2007 CTA high school graduate and is currently in the semicha program at Yeshiva University. Mazel Tov to his parents, Rabbi David & Shulamit Ginsburg.
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PHOTOS, PHOTOS, PHOTOS
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Please visit CTA's photo page at www.torahacademy.smugmug.com to see photos from the 2012-2013 school year. Photos are organized by events. CTA earns 85% of all purchases made. There are prints, downloads, shirts, mugs, canvas prints and more. View all the amazing pictures of your children taken at school. Feel free to tag the pictures, too.
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR UPPER SCHOOL
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On Friday, May 20th, while many Upper School students were in Michigan at NCSY Spring Regional Convention, all of the Upper School teachers participated in a workshop about working with ADHD students. Mr. Earl Oremus, Headmaster of Marburn Academy, helped the teachers get a better understanding of the challenges that ADHD students face in school. One of the main ideas was to remember that all learners are not intuitive about certain things. Students with ADHD are not intuitive with organization and self-regulation which are challenges in all areas of their lives. Being more understanding with students who have learning disabilities of any kind makes better educators for all students. According to Mrs. Delman, Upper School Principal, "The workshop was thought provoking and useful with hands-on techniques. We plan on inviting Mr. Oremus back again."
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FIELD DAY FUN
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 While the weather at last Friday's Field Day for grades K-8 was a little chillier than typical May weather, the students kept warm with their spirit and energy through banner decorations, relay races, spirit songs and more. Yellow, Red, Blue and Green Teams competed with Yellow taking the "crown", but everyone enjoyed a sweet treat at the end of the day.
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TZEDAKAH
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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:
Rabbi Michael and Michele Ungar and family in honor of Adira Bracha
Kahn's Bat Mitzvah
Gary Liebesman and Stacy Leeman in memory of Adele Tilson
Bary and Roni Leeman in honor of Joey and Lindsay Schottenstein
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1. Why is the portion about the spies written immediately after the portion about Miriam's tzara'at?
a. To show the evil of the meraglim (spies), that they saw Miriam punished for lashon hara (negative speech) yet failed to take a lesson from it.
2. To what was Moshe referring when he asked the spies "Are there trees in the land"?
a. Were there any righteous people in the land whose merit would "shade" the Canaanites from attack?
3. Who built Hebron?
a. Cham.
4. Which fruits did the meraglim bring back?
a. A cluster of grapes, a pomegranate and a fig.
5. How many people carried the grape cluster?
a. Eight.
6. Why did G-d shorten the meraglim's journey?
a. G-d knew the Jews would sin and be punished with a year's wandering for each day of the spies' mission. So He shortened the journey to soften the decree.
7. Why did the meraglim begin by saying the land is "flowing with milk and honey"?
a. Any lie which doesn't start with an element of truth won't be believed. Therefore, they began their false report with a true statement.
8. Why did the meraglim list Amalek first among the hostile nations they encountered?
a. To frighten the Jews. The Jewish People were afraid of Amalek because Amalek had once attacked them.
9. Why did the Land appear to "eat its inhabitants"?
a. G-d caused many deaths among the Canaanites so they would be preoccupied with burying their dead and not the meraglim.
10. Besides the incident of the meraglim, what other sin led to the decree of 40 years in the desert?
a. The golden calf.
(Parsha Shelach 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 our Parsha? look in Chapter 15, Verse 20. You will find the answer there.
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I hope you enjoy the electronic version of our Dateline. Please check out our website at www.torahacademy.org.
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