The Columbus Torah Academy

181 Noe Bixby Rd, Columbus OH 43213

614.864.0299

www.torahacademy.org

March 27, 2015

7 Nisan 5775

Tzav

Candlelighting 7:33 p.m.

This Week on E-Dateline

Dvar Torah by Rabbi Yaakov Frankiel

Preview of the Week of March 29-April 3

Preview of the Week April 12-17

Scrip Update

Give & Get

News from the Lower School Judaic Studies Department

Mazal Tov To

Logo Items at Lands' End

Volunteer For Spring Fling

Junior CBI

Spring Show

First Grade Happenings

Some Days at the Museum

Fourth Grade State Reports

Art To Remember

Community News

Advertise in Dateline

Parshat Tzav Quiz

A Riddle From Israel

DVAR TORAH

By Rabbi Yaakov Frankiel

Time

Every year my family spouts matzah crumbs at the Seder. It starts something like this:

10 of us sitting around a table. Matzah is handed out; we start crunching.

My sister says, "Don't forget to lean."

We all lean.

The sound of crunching dominates.

Someone motions toward the middle of the table "Mmm. Mmmmmm!"

"Does she want water? Maror?"

Lean. To the left. No, no; the other left!! Giggling, we all lean. More crunching.

5 seconds later -

"I need more."

"What? You had half a matzah! How much do you need?"

"How much time is left? Who has a watch?"

A groan from a cruncher.

"You didn't eat enough."

"Time is almost up."

Frenzied crunching. A cough.

I laugh and groan through a dry mouth packed with dry "I can't!"

Someone else starts laughing.

The coughing, sputtering, giggling wars begin. Matzah bits are everywhere as we laugh our way into Maror.

The biggest miracle of the Seder night is that no one has choked in 30 years. What's the rush? Wouldn't a calm relaxed sipping of wine and nibbling of matzah be more appropriate for a night that symbolizes freedom?

And the phenomenon repeats itself in much of the story and the practice of Pesach - it's tied to time, tied to zrizut (alacrity) and chipazon (haste). Why? The Sforno (Rabbi Dr. Ovadya ben Yaakov, the 16th century Italian rabbi, philosopher and physician,) answers this question in explaining why the first mitzvah given to the Jewish people as a community is the sanctification of the moon. Apparently, it represents the determining factor of freedom vs. servitude.

The quality that identifies a free person is his ability to allocate his own time. A slave is a person whose schedule is governed by someone else. A liberated person, on the other hand, gets to decide how he uses his time. While we all have obligations throughout the day, the commitment to abide by them is sourced in our ability to chose what we believe is important, in our free will.

Says the Sforno: the mitzvah of determining the new moon, the new month, has Hashem telling us "You manage the time-clock". By having us determine the calendar, He is saying "You are free." So, what does this have to do with the Seder-speed? The message of the Seder is that freedom from Egyptian mastery is not the end game. Freed from Pharoah, we recommit. We recommit to another Master, but this time it wasn't a slave driver, it was a King. At the Seder, we use the clock to announce the purpose of the Exodus - that we are are proud knights of The Master Of The Universe - as we give Him our most precious commodity, our time. Although we'd never choose to eat this fast, we'd never choose to rush through the experience, we wouldn't care exactly which moment to burn the chametz or eat the afikomen, we understand that Someone knows better and His way is our way. We choose to shoulder that responsibility, accept that privilege. That new relationship between us and our Creator is the diadem of the Seder. In the words of Dan Zadra "You gave me your time, the most thoughtful gift of all."

(For some deep Torah from the Maharal, delivered by Dr. Akiva Tatz, on the point of speed: http://www.heritage.org.il/innernet/archives/time.htm).

PREVIEW OF THE WEEK OF MARCH 29-APRIL 3
Monday, March 30: Macaroni & Cheese Executive Board Meeting, 7:30pm Tuesday, March 32: Hamburgers Wednesday, April 1:Model Seders-Chicken Nuggets Sponsored by PTO 2:00pm Dismissal Thursday, April 2: Passover Break - NO SCHOOL Friday, April 3: Passover Break - NO SCHOOL

PREVIEW OF THE WEEK OF April 12-17
Monday, April 13: Pizza Bagels Tuesday, April 14: Hamburgers 7th Grade QSP Magazine Sale Kick-Off Wednesday, April 15: Lasagna-Volunteer: L. Blumberg Thursday, April 16: Sloppy Joe-Volunteer: R. Topolosky Friday, April 17: Tuna 4:00pm Friday Dismissal Schedule Resumes

SCRIP UPDATE - PLACES TO PURCHASE SCRIP

CTA Scrip Office, 864-0299 ext. 212

Monday-Thursday: 7:30am-4pm

Friday: 7:30am-2pm

There are limited quantities of gift cards in stock that can be purchased! Below is a list of what we have on-hand and in what denominations. Email your order request to:lcaputo@torahacademy.org . We are still able to place special orders, just email or call in your specifics. We will give you an approximate expectation for the order to arrive.

GIVE & GET

Looking to help raise money for CTA? Here are a few ways to do it that will cost you NOTHING:

Kroger Rewards Card: Go to www.kroger.com/communityrewards and register your rewards card. Kroger will donated up to 1% of your Kroger or Turkey Hill stores.

OFFICE MAX: Max Perks card number is: 207285005

Target RED Card: Go to https://rcam.target.com/ to manage your red card and enroll your card in the Take Charge of Education program to choose CTA. Target will donate up to 1% of your REDcard purchases at Target stores in the U.S and at Target.com.

Amazon Smile: Go to smile.amazon.com and register to benefit CTA. When you make a purchase, CTA will receive 1% of that purchase as a donation to our school.

iGive: Register with iGive at www.igive.com and your Amazon purchases and online purchases at close to 1500 retailers will give a kickback to CTA. To date we have raised over $1000.

Apples for Students at Giant Eagle: If you are a Giant Eagle shopper, go to www.GiantEagle.com/AFTS to register for their donation program. You will need your Giant Eagle Advantage Card number and the CTA School Code which is #4389.

If you have trouble with any of these, contact Shari or come visit her in her office and she will walk you through it!

NEWS FROM THE LOWER SCHOOL JUDAIC STUDIES DEPARTMENT

By Dror Karavani, Lower School Judaic Studies Coordinator

These last few weeks, the students have been busy with lots of learning, activities and art projects, revolving around the Passover holiday. Seder plates, four cups, afikomen covers, towels for Rachtzah (washing), and of course, the individual Haggadah which each child made to share and help lead the seder, were just some of the things that kept the students moving.

Kindergarten Siyum for Sefer Shemot

In small groups, led by the third grade students, the kindergartenrs last Friday, celebrated the completion of the parshiot in the book of Shemot by having a variety of learning activities. A gift box with special treats shaped like little Torahs came all the way from their friend in Kfar Saba. Chazak, chazak, v'netchazek.

Model Seder

Next Wednesday we will have our traditional model seder around the decorative tables with all of the seder plates and special foods which accompany them. With many games, songs, and visitiors, the students will demonstrate their knowledge of the "lail haseder," the seder night. I would like to wish everyone a Chag Pesach Kasher V'sameach.

MAZAL TOV TO:
Benjy Neymotin (Class of '03) on the birth of a son and to grandparents Evsey and Rita Neymotin Rena Cole Gardin (Class of '04) on the birth of a son and to grandparents Stuart and Marilyn Cole and great grandmother Leonore Zusman Rabbi Nuriel Klinger (Class of '05) on his recent appointment to Assistant Rabbi at Young Israel of Scarsdale

LOGO ITEMS AT LANDS' END

It's Spring! Are you looking to get new short sleeved shirts, jackets or other items with the new CTA logo on it? CTA is now registered with Lands' End for certain items with the school's logo on them. We are enrolled in the School Rewards Program and can receive up to a 3% cash-back reward on purchases. We also can order Lands' End scrip to use for all your purchases. Click here to see items for sale: http://www.landsend.com/pp/SchoolSearch.html action=landing&selectedSchoolNum=900026626

Also available in the office are navy blue winter hats with the CTA logo for $15 each. Contact Shari for more information.

VOLUNTEER FOR SPRING FLING

Mark you calendars for the Spring Fling Family Festival which is scheduled for Thursday, May 7, from 4-8 pm. Lawn signs will be available in the next few weeks. Let Shari know if you can help distribute or if you want one for your house. To volunteer for the day of the event, click to go to the form for volunteer options. Teens and adults are encouraged to help out. http://goo.gl/forms/y60Tu0Ymrp.

JUNIOR CBI

Save the Date for the Junior Columbus Baseball Invitational which will be held on Sunday, May 17 for boys and girls in grades 2-6 who attend CTA and CJDS. The 3rd annual event is a great opportunity to hone your baseball skills and enjoy a fun activity with your peers. The event will be held at the baseball fields at the JCC on College Avenue.

The times have yet to be confirmed.

To register in advance, go to https://payableform.appspot.com/forms/gidr9 Cost is $5 per player.

SPRING SHOW

The Lower School Spring Show scheduled for Wednesday, May 27, has been cancelled due to the number of lost academic days because of the inclement weather this winter.

Please mark your calendar for two community opportunities where CTA students will be singing. Third and fourth graders will be at the Community Yom HaShoah Commemoration on April 15 at Beth Jacob Congregation and students in grades 2-6 are invited to be a part of a Community Youth Choir on April 23 at the Community Yom Ha'Atzmaut Celebration at the JCC.

FIRST GRADE HAPPENINGS

First graders have been learning about space. A recent experiment with a lamp, minus the shade, to represent the sun demonstrated day and night. Using a ping pong ball, they learned how the sunlight reflects off of the moon. The flashlight helped them realize why we cannot see stars (besides our sun, of course) during the day even though they are still shining brightly.

They also learned about an important force called gravity. Students did an experiment with a ball of clay and a ping pong ball to see which would hit the ground first after they were dropped at the same time from the same height. Even though the clay was heavier than the ping pong ball, both hit the ground at the same time thanks to gravity.

As a follow up to the Iditarod, the 1st graders have been following the Iditarod online and observed Dallas Seavey cross the finish line in Nome just as school was starting last Wednesday. This is his third time winning, and it was interesting to note that the second place finisher was Dallas's dad! They will continue to keep an eye on the Iditarod website as the remaining mushers come in!

Pictured are some of the 1st graders with the quilt sent to them by the Iditarod Education Department. It is on its way to a school in Kansas, as its month-long visit with CTA concluded.

SOME DAYS AT THE MUSEUM

As part of the Social Studies curriculum, the fifth graders are currently studying with Mrs. Helen Miller about a unit on "Tools of History." They were able to make a great connection with a visit to the new CTA Archaeology museum. Our tour guide, Dror Karavani, showed the students the artifacts on display, many of which are almost 2000 years old and the students learned how these items are perfect examples of what archaeologists study to learn about how civilizations lived long ago.

Kindergarteners completed learning about the book of Shemot last week and were treated to a special afternoon led by the third graders. The 3rd graders have been studying Shemot, as well. Through interactive games and fun activities, the students reviewed and shared what they have learning together. Pictured is a group working on a Passover card for our fellow students at the Shiloh School, our sister school, in Kfar Saba, Israel.

FOURTH GRADE STATE REPORTS

The Fourth Graders have been using their research skills to explore and study the United States. The students are learning how to use a variety of sources: books, articles, and websites, for research. Each student gathered information about a state's climate, land forms, native animals, native plants, landmarks, state flag, and other interesting facts. To present this information, the students took us "on tour" of their state. Through these "tours", the students are gaining a better understanding of the five regions of the United States. Pictured are Ariel Ilin and Becca Hoffman each presenting to the class.

ART TO REMEMBER

COMMUNITY NEWS

JCC PRE-SHOW LES MISERABLES MEAL: Sunday, March 29, 12:30 p.m. For more information, please contact Matain Gutwaks at 559-6276 or mgutwaks@columbusjcc.org.

PREPASSOVER KOSHER DINNER: Tuesday, March 31, at 5:30 p.m. Please contact Matan Gutwaks at mgutwaks@columbusjcc.org or 559-6276 by Friday, March 27 to reserve your space.

COMMUNITY YOUTH CHOIR: Young people in grades 2-6 are invited to participate and perform with the Columbus Jewish Federation's Youth Choir at the upcoming Yom Ha'atzmaut Concert on April 23 at the JCC. The Youth Choir will perform at 6:15 pm. Rehearsals are on April 12 and 19. For more information or to sign up, contact Joanie Calem at jcalem@cjds.org.

YOM HAATZMAUT! VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: This year's Yom Ha'atzmaut Celebration, IsraelFest 2015: The Sounds of Israel, will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2015 from 4:30-8:30 PM at the JCC of Greater Columbus featuring arts and crafts, Israeli food, musical booths, kids attractions and more! Performances include 'Quinta and a Half,' a vocal group from K'far Saba, the Federation's Youth Choir and the Twelve Torches ceremony. Both adult and teen volunteers are needed for this year's festivities. You can receive community service hours for the amount of time you volunteer. If you are able to volunteer, contact epolster@tcjf.org.

ABE WEINRIB MEMORIAL 5K TRAIL RUN AND 1 MILE FAMILY FUN WALK: Sunday, April 26, 2:00 p.m. Register at premierraces.org.

AIPAC ANNUAL EVENT: Wednesday, April 29, 2015, 6:00 pm - Leadership Cocktail & Hors d'oeuvres Reception (Minimum 2015 Annual AIPAC Investment of $1,800) 7:00 pm - Community Program & Dessert Reception at The Sheraton at Capitol Square, 75 East State Street * Columbus, $36 Couvert Per Person Speaker to be Announced. *Please note that we have changed the date. For information or to register, please visit www.events.aipac.org/2015ColumbusAnnual. If you wish to purchase a table or have further questions, please contact Susan Kahan at312.253.8979 or skahan@aipac.org.

LEGO ROBOT CAMP: Design, build and program working robots. Learn problem solving, engineering and computer skills in a fun, hands-on environment. Upcoming Camps in Gahanna, Westerville and Dublin. Register at: www.robot-academy.com. For more information, call 769-7626 or email info@legorobotcamps.com.

ADVERTISE IN DATELINE

By demand, the E-Dateline will now be offering advertising space in its weekly newsletter. Space is limited and rates are weekly as follows:

Weekly Dateline Sponsorship $150 (includes tribute line at top of newsletter)

Full Weekly E-Dateline Sponsorship: $150 - Name at top

Full Size Submission: $75 - size is 780 x 432 pixels/10 x 6"

Half Size Submission: $50 - size is 390x 216 pixels/5.4 x 3"

1/3 Size Submission: $30 - size is 260 x 144 pixels/3.6 x 2"

Rates are weekly and all submissions must be received by Wednesday at noon. At this time advertising is only available in the e-Dateline, not paper version. Advertising submissions are subject to content review. Contact sherszage@torahacademy.org for more information.

PARSHAT TZAV QUIZ

1) What separated the kohen's skin from the priestly garments?

a) Nothing.

2) How often were the ashes removed from upon the mizbe'ach? How often were they removed from next to the mizbe'ach?

a. Everyday. Whenever there was a lot.

3) If someone extinguishes the fire on the mizbe'ach, how many Torah violations has he transgressed?

a. Two.

4) The portion of a flour-offering on the mizbe'ach may not be chametz. But is the kohen's portion allowed to be chametz?

a. No.

5) When a kohen is inaugurated, what offering must he bring?

a. A korban mincha - A tenth part of an ephah of flour.

6) 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.

7) 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.

8) 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.

9) What is the difference between a copper and earthenware vessel regarding removing absorbed tastes?

a. One 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.

10) Can an animal dedicated as an asham be replaced with another animal?

a. No.

(Parsha Tzav Quiz originally appeared on the

Ohr Somayach website, www.ohr.edu)

A RIDDLE FROM ISRAEL

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?

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.

I hope you enjoy the electronic version of our Dateline. Please check out our website at www.torahacademy.org.