| HEADMASTER'S MESSAGE | |
 It is a fundamental principle of Jewish tradition that, "Before G-d brings the illness, He has already prepared the cure." We find two illustrations of this concept in this week's Torah portion of Vayera. The parsha begins with the famous story of the destruction of Sodom and its surrounding cities due to the wickedness of their inhabitants. We see that before Hashem has even informed Avraham of His plans for Sodom, He has already prepared an angelic messenger to rescue Lot and his family from the impending catastrophe. The second incident occurs at the end of the parsha. The Torah, seemingly out of the blue, relates that Avraham received a message updating him about his family back in Padan Aram. The message included news about the birth of a grand-daughter to Avraham's brother, Nachor. The baby's name was Rivkah. It is only in the next Torah portion of Chaya Sarah that we learn the true significance of this event. After Sarah's death, the lives of Avraham and Yitzchak became dark and joyless. Only much later when Rivkah arrived as Yitzchak's bride-to-be did the light and happiness return. We see again how Hashem constantly arranges matters so that the means of salvation and redemption are in place well before they are needed.
Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Zvi Kahn
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WELCOME GUESTS - YOU CAN HELP
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While it's not part of this weekly column to include tidbits from the Torah portion, the concept of Hachnasat Orchim (welcoming guests), which we learned in the Torah last week, where it is described that our forefather Abraham so kindly welcomed guests into his tent, is a lesson we can incorporate into our CTA interactions.
Next week is Kindergarten Open House for prospective parents whose children will be ready for Kindergarten in Fall 2014 (less than one year away!). Open House will be held on Tuesday evening, October 22 at 7:00 pm or Wednesday morning, October 23 at 9:30 am and will offer interested parents an opportunity to hear about the curriculum, meet teachers and administrators and visit classrooms.
When a prospective family visits CTA, they are able to experience the learning that our students are privileged to be a part of everyday, but they are also able to feel the warmth of our school community.
Here's what you can do: Encourage your friends to visit CTA. Our parents and students are the best ambassadors. Bring a friend on a tour, Shari is happy to guide you. Invite someone to the Thanksgiving/Chanukah Show. Tell someone how happy your child is at CTA and give them an opportunity to experience it.
Let's make our good experiences at CTA become contagious. Get viral on Facebook. Forward Dateline to a friend. We are counting on you and thank you in advance!
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Monday, October 21: Macaroni & Cheese Volunteer-M. Szatmary
Tuesday, October 22: Chicken Nuggets: Volunteer-L. Polster
Kindergarten Open House, 7:00pm
Wednesday, October 23: Grilled Cheese: Volunteer-M. Szatmary
Kindergarten Open House, 9:30am
Thursday, October 24: Turkey Pastrami: Volunteer-M. Napper
Friday, October 25: Fish Sticks
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Friday, November 1: End of 1st Quarter
Sunday, November 3: Daylight Savings Time Ends-turn clocks back 1hr.
Steak & Jazz Night, 5:30-7:30pm, Beth Jacob
Monday, November 4: Spirit Day and Turn in Tzedakah Box
Friday, November 8: 2:00 p.m. Friday Dismissal Schedule Begins
Monday, November 11: CTA Executive Board Meeting, 7:30pm
November 11-15: Scholastic Book Fair
Wednesday, November 13: Parent-Teacher Conferences-NO SCHOOL
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SCRIP UPDATE - PLACES TO PURCHASE SCRIP
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CTA Scrip Office, 864-0299 ext. 112
Monday-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 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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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 scrip@torahacademy.org or call 864-0299 to order scrip and have it delivered to your home!
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.
Featured Fundraisers: Innisbrook Fall Fundraiser from PTO, Fruit Sale through Oct. 22, to benefit 8th Grade Washington Trip, Steak & Jazz Dinner to benefit 8th Grade Washington Trip and High School Girls Basketball, Fun Factory collection of Ink Jet cartridges, and iGive.com.
Attention Giant Eagle Shoppers! Shop. Scan. Support Our School. Apples for the Students starts again October 1. This program is a great way for our school to earn educational rewards such as computers, software, video equipment, gym and playground gear, and more. Is your Giant Eagle Advantage Card registered? Now is the time to check. All you need is our school code 4389 to verify a card or register a new car.
2. Enter your Giant Eagle Advantage Card number (which appears under the bar code).
3. Enter the school code.
4. Done! Please encourage your extended family and friends to register, too.
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NEWS FROM THE LOWER SCHOOL JUDAIC STUDIES DEPARTMENT
By Dror Karavani, Lower School Judaic Studies Coordinator
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This week is a special parsha for the Third Graders, since they're studying Parashat Vayeira in their classroom. In addition to the learning, the students prepared and acted in skits from the parasha using the Chumash skills they've been taught. It was so nice to see the stories which they've learned come to life. In Kindergarten, in order to emphasize the mitzvah of hachnasat orchim (welcoming guests), which is one of the values portrayed in this week's parasha, the students designed and sent cards to their "senior buddies," teachers, and other guests extending  invitations to their "Avraham Avinu Tent" in their classroom. It was so nice to see the students welcoming their guests, serving drinks, and having big smiles on their faces. What a wonderful way to teach our Jewish values.
 On Tuesday, we marked the day of Yom Petirat Rochel Imainu (the yahrzeit of our Matriarch, Rachel). The students learned about her character traits and her contribution to the Jewish people. We joined together in CTA, as our friends in Israel did at Rochel's tomb, praying for rain in Israel.
 We would like to thank Mr. Tanenbaum, who brought aravot (willows) from his garden and helped us plant a bunch of them in our school garden. We hope to see them blooming this coming spring and use them next sukkot. Shabbat Shalom!
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SAY IT IN HEBREW
By Galit Golan, Hebrew Language Coordinator
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 This week, we commemorate Yitzhak Rabin, who was an Israeli politician, statesman, general and the fifth Prime Minister of Israel, serving two terms in office, 1974-77 and 1992 until his assassination in 1995. Yitzhak Rabin who won the Nobel Peace Prize together with Shimon Peres and Yasser Arafat, was assassinated by a right-wing Israeli radical who was opposed to Rabin's signing of the Oslo Accords. Rabin's murder shook many Israelis and led Israeli society to take a close look at its value of tolerance. That led to the establishment of the Yitzhak Rabin Center, Israel's national institute commemorating Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, Yitzhak Rabin, and ensuring the lessons from the assassination are learned by society.This institute is dedicated to improving the shape of Israeli society by ensuring the legacy of the former Prime Minister. Through its programming and outreach, the Center strives to reinforce democratic values, equalize educational opportunity, promote tolerance and understanding among the mosaic of communities that  comprise Israel and develop a cadre of leaders equipped to confront the unique challenges Israel faces. CTA students talked about Yitzhak Rabin in their classes, and had the opportunity to stop by the memorial table for
Rabin in the school lobby. The upper school had an activity with Liat, our Israeli Shlicha, about tolerance and acceptance. Pictured are: Nathaniel Keri and Jonah Stavsky standing by the memorial table for Yitzhak Rabin.
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ON THE UP & UP:
NEWS FROM THE UPPER SCHOOL JUDAIC STUDIES DEPT.
By Rabbi Zecharia Weitz |
W-CTA
Would you find it hard to imagine what living through the largest plague of locusts in history could have been like? Even after learning the story in Yoel (Joel), would it still be beyond your imagination? Well then come to Mrs. Claman's class! In an attempt to make this surreal event a bit more tangible, Mrs. Claman's Jr. High Navi class created radio show clips covering this Navi-time miracle. Complete with live coverage and interviews from those who were there, the Jr. High Navi class were challenged to imagine what experiencing this miracle could have been like.
Spotlight on Mrs. Morris
 "I'm really enjoying being on the student end of learning again" reflected Mrs. Morris on her experience thus far in OSU's MSW program. "There's a great degree of connectivity between social work and teaching; advocating for the individual, connecting them with the proper resources and helping them find their personal path to success." We hope Mrs. Morris' experience in the program is rewarding and enables her enhance the lives of others on an even deeper level.
 Food for Thought: In a passionate and even bold fashion, Avraham selflessly pleaded to Hashem to pardon even one of the 5 cities in the Sedom region - but to no avail. It is nothing short of shocking to note that later in Vayara (this week's parsha), Lot begs the angels to spare one of the cities for personal reasons - and the wish of this far less righteous individual is granted! How does that work?
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| MAZAL TOV TO: |
Shari (Flamholz) Goren (8th Grade Class of '71) on the engagement of her
son Tal to Chen Zofniath
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| HEADMASTER SEARCH |
We are excited about the progress that has been made by CTA's Headmaster Search Committee. Already a significant number of highly qualified candidates have forwarded us their resumes so they could be considered for the position. On Monday, October 14, the search committee, strongly representing the parent, donor, teacher and administrative communities, met to discuss our recruiting and interviewing strategy. This was followed by a discussion of the resumes of nineteen selected candidates who have applied for the position. While the committee is expecting additional applicants, we are both pleased and enthusiastic with the response thus far. We will be selecting candidates to be interviewed by the end of October. Look for updates on the Search Process in the Dateline.
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| STAR TEACHER: TIM PRAY |
 Tim Pray is a new High School History teacher. Mr. Pray is well-known to the students because of his stellar work as a substitute teacher at CTA last year. Tim received two B.A. degrees from The Ohio State University, one in Classics and Ancient History and the second in Integrated Social Studies. He also received a Masters in Education from OSU. Before coming to CTA, Tim served as a teacher and football coach in the Grove City school system.
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SCHOLARSHIP DINNER CORNER
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AD BOOK: The deadline of October 24 is this week. Please note that this is the best way to meet your Give & Get family commitment. If you still want to help out, there is plenty of time. Contact Shari at sherszage@torahacademy.org
 SILENT & STUDENT ART AUCTION: Parent volunteers began working this week on Student Art Auction projects this week in the classrooms. Gorgeous works are being created by our students and will be for sale at the Scholarship Dinner. Pictured are 8th graders working on their American Flag 3D project which is inspired by the upcoming class trip to Washington DC.
If you are looking to help out with the Silent Auction solicitation of prizes, contact Esther Bernzweig at ebernzweig@gmail.com.
DINNER INVITATIONS: Watch your mail at home for an invitation to the Scholarship Dinner which will be held on Sunday, November 24 at 5:30 pm at the Hilton Downtown. Honorees are Drs. Dan & Leslie Chase, parents, volunteers and supporters of our school. The Gala evening will feature the Auctions (as noted above), a sit down dinner, performance by the Lower School Choir and recognition to the Kahn Family as they prepare to move to Florida and Norma Whitmyre for her milestone of twenty years of service to CTA. All parents are encouraged to attend this event.
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FUNDING FACTORY
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INK JET CARTRIDGES, CELL PHONES AND
MORE CAN EARN FUNDS FOR PTO!
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FRUIT SALE THROUGH OCTOBER 22
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 Support the CTA Eighth Grade Washington Trip by buying citrus fruit from Florida. CTA eighth graders are taking orders now for Florida Indian Groves' oranges, grapefruits and tangelos for delivery sometime around the first week of December. Citrus fruit makes a wonderful host or vendor gift, centerpiece at your Shabbat table and a fresh, healthy snack for your family. Please place your order today by calling any eighth grader or contacting Esther Bernzweig (ebernzweig@gmail.com) or Susan Lubow (slubow@porterwright.com).
Pricing is as follows:
10 lbs. Carton of Navel Oranges, Tangelos or
Indian River Red Grapefruit $20.
20 lbs. Carton of Navel Oranges, Tangelos or
Indian River Red Grapefruit $27.
10 lbs. MIXED Carton of Navel Oranges and
Indian River Red Grapefruit $20.
20 lbs. MIXED Carton of Navel Oranges and
Indian River Red Grapefruit $27.
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HANUKKAH HOP - SAVE THE DATE
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The Annual Community-Wide Hannukah Hop is schedule for Tuesday, December 3 from 4:30-7 pm at CJDS, 161 Granville Dublin Road, New Albany. CTA, CJDS and area preschools will join together to celebrate the holiday of Hannukah on the 6th night with activities, dinner and a performance. Mark your calendar today to make sure you don't miss it!
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CANTEEN VS. VENDING MACHINE
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Snacks are available at the front desk (benefitting Yearbook) and the vending machine. The vending machine accepts coins ONLY. The canteen accepts bills and coins. So, if your child prefers the snacks from the vending machine, we ask that you send coins with them to school as the front office is unable to make change.
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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:
Mike and Heidi Levey in honor of Drs. Dan and Leslie Chase
To the Annual Giving Fund:
Carol and Peter Flexer in honor of their grandchildren, Libby, Rebekah,
and Jak Klynn
To The Library Fund by:
Cheryl Miller in memory of Miriam Karlsberg and Moshe Frank
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COMMUNITY NEWS
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MOVIE: THE LOST TOWN: Sunday, November 10, 1:00 p.m., at the Drexel Theatre- Deep in Western Ukraine, in a clearing surrounded by forests and farmland, there once was a town called Trochenbrod. Founded in 1835 as a farming colony, by 1938 the town's exclusively Jewish population had grown to 3,000. Then, in 1942, Trochenbrod was decimated by the Nazis. Seventy years later, Avrom Bendavid-Val, whose father grew up in Trochenbrod, continues to dedicate his life to piecing together the town's history. He travels the world to interview former residents, visits the site dozens of times and teases out scraps of information from the locals about the daily life of this community. First made famous by Jonathan Safram Foer's "Everything is Illuminated, Trochebrod was the only all Jewish town to ever exist outside of Palestine. The town's 3,000 Jews were obliterated by the Nazi's except for 33 people who escaped the massacre. Several of those survivors and their descendants have lived here in Columbus, Ohio. Tickets: $8 JCC members, seniors, students; $10 Non-members.
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1. Why did G-d appear to Avraham after the brit mila?
a. Avraham was sick, so G-d came to "visit" him.
2. Why was Avraham sitting at the entrance to his tent?
a. He was looking for guests.
3. What were the missions of the three angels?
a. To announce Yitzchak's birth, to heal Avraham and to destroy Sodom.
4. Why did Avraham enjoin the guests to wash the dust off their feet?
a. He thought they were among those who worship the dust, and he didn't want any object of idolatry in his home.
5. Why did Avraham ask specifically Yishmael, and not someone else, to prepare food for the guests?
a. To train him in the performance of mitzvot.
6. Why did the angels ask Avraham where Sarah was?
a. To call attention to Sarah's modesty, so as to endear her to her husband.
7. When G-d related Sarah's thoughts to Avraham, He did not relate them precisely. Why?
a. For the sake of peace.
8. What "cry" from Sodom came before G-d?
a. The cry of a girl who was executed for giving food to the poor.
(Parsha Vayera Quiz appeared on the Ohr Somayach website)
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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 18, Verse 4. You will find the answer there.
The winner of last week's riddle is Tova Berger.
Moreh Dror Karavani will collect all of the submitted answers, put them in 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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