| HEADMASTER'S MESSAGE | |
 In this week's Torah portion, Tzav, we continue to learn about the procedures involved in the Avodah (service) of the Beit Hamikdash (Temple). One very interesting aspect of the Temple Service was that a fire had to be kept burning on the Mizbeach Hanechoshet (Copper Altar) at all times, even when it was not in use. Furthermore, whenever fire or coals were needed for other services in the Beit Hamikdash, they had to be taken from the Copper Altar. Why was this so? Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsh, the eminent 19th century leader of German Jewry, explains that the Copper Altar symbolized the Jewish people's dedication to Hashem and their willingness to make great sacrifices in order to observe His commandments. This high level of commitment was the base upon which all of the other aspects of the relationship between G-d and the Jewish people rested. This was represented by the constantly-burning flame on the Altar and the fact that it was used as the source for all other Temple rites.
Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Kahn
|
|
|
 The Board of Columbus Torah Academy is pleased to announce, following an extensive search process, that Rabbi Samuel J. Levine has been hired as Head of School and will begin in his position in July 2014.
Rabbi Levine has over 40 years of experience as Head of School in Jewish day schools. He is especially versed in growing enrollment and his track record in Charleston, Cleveland and Boca Raton are indicators of the enthusiasm and dedication that he will bring to CTA.
Hailing originally from Worcester, Massachusetts, Rabbi Levine served as the Secular Studies assistant principal for a small yeshiva in Queens. He then moved to Charleston, South Carolina in 1972, to serve, first as assistant principal for one year, and subsequently as Head of School for fifteen years; of the Addlestone Hebrew Academy, a co-ed day school affiliated with the orthodox synagogue in that community.
In 1988, Rabbi Levine became Head of School at Mizrachi School in Cleveland. At that time, the school rented rooms in a public school building and consisted of 50 students in K-5. Twelve years later the school had an enrollment of approximately 340 students in Nursery through Grade 12. In addition, during Rabbi Levine's tenure, the school secured a major grant that helped purchase the campus and the school, and is now known as Fuchs Mizrachi.
In 2000, he was invited to serve as Head of School at Hillel Day School of Boca Raton, a modern orthodox, Zionist day school. Fourteen years later, enrollment stands at a record 480 students. The budget is balanced, fundraising is up, tuition is stable with no tuition increase for the coming school year, and 98% of students are already enrolled for next year.
Rabbi Levine is excited to come to CTA and embrace the excellent staff, curriculum and community that has thrived in Columbus for the last 58 years. He is looking forward to increasing the visibility and relevance of our school in the greater community, and to promoting the stellar academics and warm environment. His experience in instructional leadership, governance and board development, finance, and resource development, will be essential for his implementation of a strong vision for the future of CTA.
We encourage everyone to take advantage of upcoming opportunities to meet Rabbi Levine and his wife Breindel, and welcome them to Columbus.
|
|
| |
Sunday, March 16: Purim
Monday, March 17: Ravioli-Volunteer: M. Szatmary
OGT Exam, Grade 10
Tuesday, March 18: Hamburgers-Volunteer: D. Koppes
OGT Exam Grade 10
Twirlers, 4-5pm
Wednesday, March 19: Grilled Cheese-Volunteer: P. Wolf
Lower School Student Council, 4-5pm
Thursday, March 20: Sloppy Joe-Volunteer: A. Rosen
6th Grade Parent Meeting at the Herszage home, 7:30pm
Friday, March 21: Tuna-Volunteer: M. Rosenberg
Lower School Dress Down Day
End of 3rd Quarter
|
|
| |
Tuesday, March 25: 7th Grade Magazine Sale Kick-Off, 9:15am
Monday, March 31: Sharing Night for Writing Workshop, 2nd and 5th Graders, 7:00pm, Shul
Monday, April 1: Annual Giving Advanced Gifts Event, 7:00pm, Seth & Leslie Hoffman's home
April 2-3: High School Play, Twelve Angry Jurors, 7:30pm, Shul
Monday, April 7: Executive Board Meeting
April 14-23: Passover Break - NO SCHOOL
Friday, April 25: 4:00 p.m. Friday Dismissal Schedule Resumes
|
SCRIP UPDATE - PLACES TO PURCHASE SCRIP
|
CTA Scrip Office, 864-0299 ext. 112
Monday-Thursday- 7:30am-4pm
Friday-7:30am-2pm
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.
|
|
|
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!
Help CTA to Win a Wireless Lab from Discovery Education and CDW-G. Enter daily until May 1. Go to:
http://cdwg.discoveryeducation.com/wawl/enter/index.cfm
and be entered to receive daily reminders. The more times you enter, the more times we have the chance to win!
iGive: Do you and your family make a lot of purchases on the internet? Have you registered for iGive? More than 1400 stores are connected through iGive and when registered, a percentage of your purchases will benefit CTA. We have been registered since 2011 and have earned close to $1000. However, we only have 62 registered members. Are you one of them? To get connected, go to http://www.igive.com/HS49PpM and register today!
|
|
NEWS FROM THE LOWER SCHOOL JUDAIC STUDIES DEPART.
By Dror Karavani, Lower School Judaic Studies Coordinator
|
 On Friday, we had our early Purim celebration, which began with a Megillah play written and performed by our very own Sixth Graders under the guidance of their teacher, Morah Elana, based on what they had learned in class. Following this, were many festivities including a parade led by Rabbi Hauser, in which students marched around and then had their costumes judged. Our magician entertained us with wonderful tricks and juggling which kept the children on the edge of their seats.  The carnival, organized by the Seventh Graders and Rabbi Weitz, was a hit as always, and a fun time was had by all. The children enjoyed their delicious lunches around the decorative tables in the lunchroom. Liat Shaked, our young Shlicha, had a special activity with our Third and Fourth Graders, exposing the children to the Israeli way of celebrating Purim. Our community Shaliach, Lior Abarbanel, did the same with our Fifth and Sixth Graders. Adding to the excitement was the integration with our General Studies classes, as they joined in the fun, providing additional Purim activities, using the Common Core guides. Happy Purim to all!
|
NEWS FROM THE HEBREW LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT
By Galit Golan, Hebrew Language Coordinator
|
 As part of the Israel studies curriculum, grades 6-12 meet Liat Shaked, the young Shlicha, every other week to learn about different aspects of Modern Israel. Last week, the 6th grade students learned about Eliezer Ben Yehudah, 1858-1922, who was a pioneer in the revival of spoken Hebrew. They discussed the importance of words and the way language connects us to each other. During this class, the students learned about Eliezer Ben Yehudah's life, and discussed the nature that the state of Israel would have had, if Hebrew wasn't the official national language. The students discussed the challenges in reviving a language and Ben Yehudah's determination to turn the Hebrew into the national spoken language in Israel. Later, the students watched a short video about Eliezer Ben Yehudah, and learned about places in Israel which are named after him. Below are pictures from the 6th grade class with Liat, and from Shishi Ivrit, the monthly award ceremony that took place last week.  
|
ON THE UP & UP:
NEWS FROM THE UPPER SCHOOL JUDAIC STUDIES DEPARTMENT
By Rabbi Zecharia Weitz, Upper School Judaic Studies Coordinator |
Simcha Time 
Just writing this gets me excited about tomorrow's programs. Here's a quick snapshot of what Purim festivities look like in the Upper School:
- H.S. Purim Seminar (8:30-10) - following the trappings and concept of a classic corporate seminar (water bottles and snacks - yes, boring speeches - no, free pens - well, that would be cool...), 8-12th will rotate through informal, interactive learning sessions given by Judaic Staff.
- 7th Grade Purim Carnival (10-12:15) - it's inspiring to see some of the creative and fun ideas our 7th graders come up with for their booths each year. This year was no exception. With fun booths, great prizes and yummy snacks, it's no wonder the Lower School is buzzing in anticipation. All proceeds help fund next year's 8th grade trip.
- Camp CTA (12:20-1:15) - with true camp spirit, this Student Council program places the girls vs. boys in an array of wacky feats.
- Staff vs. Varsity Basketball (1:15-2, or as long as we can make it down the court) - Daven for us.
Table Talk - Mishloach Manot (sending treats) and Matanot L'Evyonim (Gifts to the Needy) are based on 2 essential Jewish values; camaraderie and compassion for those in need. Why are specific to Purim? Why not have Mishloach Manot on Chanukah too, for example? How do Mishloach Manot and Matanot L'Evyonim uniquely connect to the message of Purim?
|
| MAZAL TOV TO: | |
Miriam Schottenstein (8th Grade Class of '02) on her engagement to Eli
Engelson
Donyel Meese (Class of '10) on her engagement to Joel Vinocur
Sarah Siegel (Class of '07) on her engagement to Dovid Silverberg
Ira and Judy (Vinar) Kahn (8th Grade Class of '78) of Skokie, IL, on the
engagement of their son, Michael Adam, to Elana Kreitman of Edison,
NJ
|
| CTA JUMP TEAM HEADS TO "FINAL FOUR" IN NYC |
 Columbus Torah Academy's Project JUMP Team has qualified for the "Final Four" and will head this week to the Board Room to participate in the JUMP Challenge held in the prestigious law offices of Weil, Gotshal, & Menges in New York City. Contestants will be asked to present details about their participation in the program which began in August and included chesed, Israel Advocacy, an Anti Bullying Campaign, Holocaust Education, and fundraising. The CTA JUMP team raised their own funding for the projects. Nineteen teams from across the country participated, with four being selected for the final round (schools from Seattle, Philadelphia and Miami). The National Council of Synagogue Youth (NCSY) established JUMP, the Jewish Unity Mentoring Program, in 2006 to provide creative means of bringing leadership training to Jewish day school students. Previous judges have included Ivanka Trump. This is CTA's first time participating in the program. (Not pictured is Noah Hazan.)
|
| 3RD AND 4TH GRADE BENEFIT FROM WRITER-IN-RESIDENCE |
 Writer-in-Residence, Amy Greenberg, continued her two week intensive program at CTA this week. Workshops with the 5th grade students advanced as the students continued to work on their short stories that will be compiled into a class anthology. Mrs. Greenberg also spent time this week in the 3rd and 4th grade classrooms utilizing techniques for developing poetry and generating dialogue within a story. The inspiration of the workshop encouraged creativity and allowed the students to concentrate on their writing skills. The students really enjoyed hearing each other's work read aloud and felt great pride in the appreciation their fellow students showed. It is hard to capture in a picture, but adorable to see their curious learning!
|
| BOOK DRIVE |
Recycle your books and help support the CTA library. Donate your gently used books to the school. Books may be left in the box in the lobby March 11 through March 28.
Also: If you need a siddur, chumash, bentcher or other Jewish book, check out the bookcase in the lobby. Take what you like and leave a donation at the front desk.
And: Shop Amazon.com/shops/CTA. Save the cost of shipping by picking up your book at the front desk. Simply email the seller before you buy.
|
| 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:
David Sheeley in memory of his mother, Teresa A. Sheeley-Pugh
|
| COMMUNITY NEWS |
CAMP MISHPACHA PARTY: Come meet your summer camp family on Sunday, March 30, 2014, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the JCC on College Avenue. There will be activities for all ages with some of the new camp specialists plus a Bounce House. Sign up for camp before April 1st to avoid a late fee!
|
|
FROM THE NURSE: MUMPS
|
There is an outbreak of mumps on the Ohio State Campus. The only way to prevent mumps is the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine.
Signs and symptoms of mumps are:
- Fever
- Headache
- Puffy-looking cheeks
- Muscle aches
- Earache
- Tiredness
- Pain with chewing or swallowing
- Swelling of the salivary glands around the cheeks, jaw and under the chin.
- Teenage boys may have swelling of the testicles. Girls may have swelling of the ovaries causing stomach pain.
If you suspect your child may have mumps: Go to the doctor. The school needs a written note from the doctor if your child has mumps.You will need to keep your child home from school for 9 days after the swelling has started and until the swelling has gone away and the child feels well enough to take part in childcare or school activities.
For more information about mumps refer to the attached document from Nationwide Children's Hospital. Please call the School Nurse if you have any questions.
|
| SETTING STUDENTS UP FOR SUCCESS | |
|
|
| |
1. How often were the ashes removed from upon the mizbe'ach? How often were they removed from next to the mizbe'ach?
a. Every day. Whenever there was a lot.
2. If someone extinguishes the fire on the mizbe'ach, how many Torah violations has he transgressed?
a. Two.
3. The portion of a flour-offering offered on the mizbe'ach may not be chametz. But is the kohen's portion allowed to be chametz?
a. No.
4. When a kohen is inaugurated, what offering must he bring?
a. A korban mincha - A tenth part of an ephah of flour.
5. What three baking processes were used to prepare the korban of Aharon and his sons?
a. Boiling, baking in an oven and frying in a pan.
6. What is the difference between a minchat kohen and a minchat Yisrael?
a. The minchat kohen is burnt completely. Only a handful of the minchat Yisrael is burnt, and the remainder is eaten by the kohanim.
7. When is a kohen disqualified from eating from a chatat?
a. If he is tamei (spiritually impure) at the time of the sprinkling of the blood.
8. What is the difference between a copper and earthenware vessel regarding removing absorbed tastes?
a. Once can remove an absorbed taste from a copper vessel by scouring and rinsing, whereas such a taste can never be removed from an earthenware vessel.
(Parsha Tzav Quiz appeared on the Ohr Somayach website)
|
|
| |
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 name of the parasha?
The winner of last week's riddle is Michelle Margolin.
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.
|
|
