The Columbus Torah Academy
181 Noe Bixby Rd, Columbus OH 43213
614.864.0299

April 24, 2015

        5 Iyar  5775

Tazria-Metzora
  Candlelighting 8:01 p.m.
This Week on E-Dateline
Dvar Torah by Elana Katz
Preview of the Week
Dates To Remember
Scrip Update
Give & Get
News from the Lower School Judaic Studies Department
News from the Upper School Judaic Studies Department
Mazal Tov To
Condolences To
Welcome New Family
Columbus Bus Riders
Annual Giving Spring Fundraiser
6th Grade Sound of Silence Video
Spring Fling
Kings Island Discount Coupons
Yom Hazikaron Remembrance
Magazine and More Sale Is Underway
The Big Give
Kroger Rewards Enrollment
Tzedakah
CTA Presents the Columbus Baseball Invitational
Abe Weinrib Run
Jerusalem
Community News
Advertise in Dateline
Parshat Tazria-Metzora Quiz
A Riddle From Israel
Join Our Mailing List
DVAR TORAH 
By Leah Savage

 Our Parsha this week begins with the words -אדם כי יהיה "When a man will have an affliction on his skin", referring to the laws of Tzarat, a form of spiritually induced leprosy. In last week's Torah portion, we discussed the laws of Tumah, spiritual impurity, resulting from contact with a dead animal/carcass. Now, while discussing the laws of Tzarat, the Torah is teaching us a fundamental lesson in life. Tzarat teaches us the full potential of man and what can happen when he fails to use his potential. The Talmud in Arachin 16 explains that when a person speaks Lashon Hara (evil speech - including slander, gossip, lying, etc.), his skin will be stricken physically with a "spiritual affliction," meaning he is given the consequence of Tzarat. The evil speech does not just affect the person himself, it also affects his family, friends and community around him.

 

As mentioned, Tzarat is caused by speaking Lashon Hara.  The Gemara in  Nedarim 64B, states that a person who speaks Lashon Hara is considered dead even though he is technically still alive. Speaking Lashon Hara causes more separation between people than anything else. The punishment of Tzarat teaches us how speaking Lashon Hara can ruin your relationship with your community, which is why the person needs to be isolated.

 

Speech is a spiritual manifestation created by our physical body. In Bereshit its says,  When Hashem created man and He blew life into mankind. Rashi learns that at that moment, Hashem created speech. Speech is a privilege that Hashem gave us that is different from every other living creature, which is why we cannot take it for granted.

 

Today, we do not have the punishment of Tzarat. There are no Lashon Hara police patrolling our community making sure that we can make good choices as they relate to the things we say. That is our job. Hashem has entrusted us with the ability to speak with respect and choose words that will help people and keep our community together.

PREVIEW OF THE WEEK

Monday, April 27:  Pizza Bagels

Writer's Workshop Share Night, 7pm 

Tuesday, April 28: Hamburger-Volunteer: D. Hellman

Wednesday, April 29:  Grilled Cheese 

Thursday, April 30: Meatball Sub 

Friday, May 1: Tuna 

Lower School Dress Down Day

DATES TO REMEMBER

Monday, May 4: Annual Giving Spring Fundraiser, 7:30pm, at Joey & Lindsay Schottenstein

Thursday, May 7: Spring Fling, 4-8pm, at CTA

Thursday, May 14: 1st Grade Chag HaSiddur Program, 9:30am

May 17-19: CBI

Wednesday, May 20: Achievement Fair, Grades K-6

May 21-22: Senior Exams

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:[email protected] .  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. 

Magazine Sales: Help the 8th graders year round when you purchase magazines at www.gaschoolstore.com using code #2522449. 

 

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

Dror-new

Celebrating Yom Ha'atzmaut together.

On Monday, the first and fourth grade enjoyed the third skype with the Israeli high school students from the "Le'Oro Nelech" program with a variety of activities based on the upcoming holiday of Yom Ha'atzmaut, Israeli Independence Day.  They learned about the famous picture of David Ben Gurion, the first prime minister of Israel, declaring the new state of Israel and they sang together one of the most famous Israeli songs, Yerushalyim Shel Zahav, Jerusalem of Gold.  Even though our students can not  physically be in Israel for Yom Ha'atzmaut, the skype sessions  help bridge the distance and create the feelings of Am Echad....of being together as one nation.

 

 

犹太社区在中国

How many times have you heard the phrase that:" it looks like Chinese to me". This time you'd be right.  The title of this paragraph is definitely Chinese and it means "The Jewish Community in China."  Last Friday, it was very busy in our museum when the second and third graders had a special speaker.  Mr. Noam Urbach, nephew of our own Morah Sharon Schramm, came all the way from Israel...via China, to teach us about the Jewish community in China and the Chinese language.  He also visited the sixth grade as part of their social studies unit on Asia.  

      

安息日沙洛姆 And those words mean, "Shabbat Shalom."

 

ON THE UP & UP:
NEWS FROM THE UPPER SCHOOL JUDAIC STUDIES DEPARTMENT
By Rabbi Zecharia Weitz, Upper School Judaic Studies Coordinator

WeitzStop & Smell the Roses ...but make a beracha (blessing) first. In addition to learning Talmud, our Junior High Gemara classes have spent time exploring the world of berachot. The classes designed and executed a number of impressive and effective  projects to increase berachot awareness. We were especially excited when the opportunity arose to say some seasonal, less common berachot. Pictured below are the J.H. boys saying the beracha on fragrant herbs or flowers, the J.H. girls saying the once-a-year beracha on blossoming fruit trees and Shmuel Metz saying the blessing on fragrant smelling trees and tree-flowers. These, together with a thorough list of types of berachot, can be found on pages 222-230 in the Artscroll Siddur. 

 

MAZAL TOV TO:

Mina Weisz (Class of '06) Stieglitz on the birth of a daughter, Ariana Shira

   and to the grandparents Mike and Chanita (8th Grade Class of '72)

   Weisz and to great grandmother Mrs. Ruth Stavsky

Helene (Goldmeier) Azose (8th Grade Class of '76) on the birth of a

   grandson, son of David and Gabby Azose, and to great-grandparents Dr.

   Maynard and Miriam Goldmeier.

Dovid and Sarah (Siegel) Silverberg (Class of '07) on the birth of a son and

   to grandparents, Cantor Jeff and Tobi Siegel.

CONDOLENCES TO:

Dr. Bruce and Nancy Kay, Yehuda Kay (Class of '01), Dina Kay (8th Grade Class of'00) ,Gabe Kay (Class of '05), Asher Kay (Class of '07) and Sharona Kay (Class of '12) on the loss of mother and grandmother, Bette Kay

WELCOME NEW FAMILY

Please welcome Ariel & Moran Goldin, Ori, 2nd grade and Ziv, 4th grade, to the CTA Family. Please add to your copy of the CTA Parent Directory:

  Address: 485 Parkview Ave., Columbus, OH 43209, 512-8135

COLUMBUS BUS RIDERS

ALL (current and new) Columbus bus riders must fill out an Application for Pupil Transportation for the 2015-16 school year.  You can access this form at CTA's website www.torahacademy.org. Print the form, fill it out, and return it to Norma Whitmyre by the last day of school Wednesday, June 3, 2015. Transportation cannot be guaranteed without a form.

ANNUAL GIVING SPRING FUNDRAISER

   

CTA's Spring Fundraiser is scheduled for Monday, May 4 at 7:30 pm at the home of Lindsay and Joey Schottenstein.  The event is part of a larger fundraising effort for our Annual Fund which supports operating expenses.  It is one of the school's largest fundraisers.  If you have any questions or would like to make your pledge for 2015-2016 in advance, contact Shari or Rabbi Levine.

6TH GRADE SOUND OF SILENCE VIDEO 
Sixth graders in Morah Elana's class produced a video in honor of the laws surrounding negative speech found in this week's parsha. The 6th grade video focuses on the benefits of silence. The song is an adaptation of "The Sound of Silence" by Simon and Garfunkel. The new lyrics were written 
by Variations.  Go to https://youtu.be/WtmUtP4oR7U to view video. 
SPRING FLING 
Spring Fling Family Festival which is scheduled for Thursday, May 7, from 4-8 pm.  Lawn signs are available at school or by calling Shari. 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.

 

KINGS ISLAND DISCOUNT COUPONS

Special offers and coupons from Kings Island are available at the front desk.  Stop by and get your discounts for the summer!

YOM HAZIKARON REMEMBRANCE

 The CTA school community remembered fallen Israeli soldiers at a Yom Hazikaron ceremony this past Wednesday, coordinated by Kelly Adar and the Hebrew department.  11th and 12th grade students were a major part of the program.

 

In addition, CTA students displayed their Remembering2Gether projects at the community-wide Yom Hazikaron ceremony at the JCC on Tuesday evening.  The 9th and 10th grade students have been working in groups to connect with the families of fallen soldiers.


 

MAGAZINE AND MORE SALE IS UNDERWAY! 

The 7th graders have kicked off the annual 8th grade Magazine Subscription Drive! New this year, if you order on-line, you can take advantage of other items on the On-line Store. Please help the 7th graders raise money for the 2015 8th Grade Washington trip.  Please see any 7th grader OR go on-line to www.gaschoolstore.com and use code: 2522449. Students receive 40% for all sales. Thanks for your support!

THE BIG GIVE
KROGER REWARDS ENROLLMENT

Is your Kroger Reward card linked to CTA? If yes, you MUST re-enroll your rewards card beginning on April 1.  If you do not re-enroll, CTA will NOT earn $$$ from your purchases.  Annually, we receive close to $15,000. This DOES NOT HAPPEN AUTOMATICALLY. The rewards program terminates EVERY APRIL, and you NEED TO RESTART IT!!  UNLESS YOU RENEW YOUR REWARDS (every April 1st), CTA will not benefit at all.  Please take 5 minutes & go to: www.kroger.com/communityrewards to sign in or enroll. Remember to find AND select Columbus Torah Academy. If you have any questions or want help, contact Shari.

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 :

 

To the Annual Giving Fund by:

Bob and Marcia Hershfield in memory of Helen Nutis

Rabbi Tzvi Tuchman in memory of Helen Nutis

The Leitson Family and The Walter Family in memory of Helen Nutis

Neal J. Barkan in memory of Sage Moreno

Bruce and Mandy Wasserstrom in memory of Helen Nutis

CTA PRESENTS THE COLUMBUS BASEBALL INVITATIONAL

ABE WEINRIB RUN

 

JERUSALEM

 

COMMUNITY NEWS
AIPAC ANNUAL EVENT: Wednesday, April 29, 6:00 p.m. - Leadership Cocktail & Hors 'doeuvres 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 visitwww.events.aipac.org/2015ColumbusAnnual. If you wish to purchase a table or have further questions, please contact Susan Kahan at312.253.8979 or [email protected].

 

GALLERY PLAYERS AT THE JCC PRESENTS "THE FARNSWORTH INVENTION": May 2-17It's 1929. Two ambitious visionaries race against each other to invent a device called "television." Separated by two thousand miles, each knows that if he stops working, even for a moment, the other will gain the edge. Who will unlock the key to the greatest innovation of the 20th century: the ruthless media mogul, or the self-taught Idaho farm boy?  The answer comes to compelling life in The Farnsworth Invention, the play from Aaron Sorkin, creator of The West Wing. If you would like to come for a discounted rate of $10 on Sunday, May 17, at 2:30 p.m. with a talk-back after the show with Steve McVoy, President of the Early Television Museum and Foundation, please contact Norma Whitmyre at [email protected]. Tickets for other performances can be purchase by calling the JCC at 614.231.2731 or by visiting www.jccgalleryplayers.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 [email protected].

 

SUMMER READING SKILLS PROGRAMS are being offered by Miami University in Columbus at Ohio Domincan University and in Westerville at Otterbein Univeristy in phonics, comprehension, vocabulary, study skills, and speed reading for incoming kindergarteners through 11th graders. Flyers can be picked up at the front desk or for more information or to register, call 1-800-570-8936.

 

INTERFAITH DISCUSSION AND SCREENING OF JERUSALEM, COSI, 333 West Broad St.: Tuesday May 5, 2015, 7:00-8:30pm. Filmed for the first time in 3D and for the giant screen, JERUSALEM immerses audiences into one of the world's most beloved cities. Discover why this tiny piece of land is sacred to three major religions through the stories of Jewish, Christian, and Muslim families who call Jerusalem home. This special screening features a panel discussion lead by WOSU's (89.7) Ann Fisher.  Panelists include: Reverend Ward "Skip" Cornett III from Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Imran Malik, American Islamic Waqf Board of Directors of the Noor Islamic Cultural Center, and Rabbi Michael Ungar of Congregation Tifereth Israel.  The 3D version of the Film will screen at 7pm and the panel discussion will begin at 7:45.  The film's Columbus showings were cosponsored by the Columbus Jewish Foundation. This panel discussion has been facilitated by the Federation's Jewish Community Relations Committee with help from Rabbi Harold Berman and Rabbi Mitch Levine. You may purchase tickets for the event at cosi.org/jerusalem. More information and a film trailer are available at cosi.org/exhibits/theater.

 

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 [email protected] for more information. 

PARSHAT TAZRIA-METZORA QUIZ

Tazria

1)   When does a woman who has given birth to a son go to the mikveh?

a)   At the end of seven days.

 

2)    After a woman gives birth, she is required to offer two types of offerings. Which are they?

a.    An olah and a chatat.

 

3)    What animal does the woman offer as a chatat?

a.    A tor (turtle dove) or a ben yona (young pigeon). 

 

4.   Which of these offerings makes her tahor (ritual purity)?

a.   The chatat.

 

Metzora 

1.   When may a metzora not be pronounced tahor?

a.   At night.

 

2.   In the midbar, where did a metzora dwell while he was tamei?

a.   Outside the three camps.

 

3.   Why does the metzora require birds in the purification process?

a.   Tzara'at comes as a punishment for lashon hara. Therefore, the Torah requires the metzora to offer birds, who chatter constantly, to atone for his sin of chattering.

 

4.  In the purification process of a metzora, what does the cedar wood symbolize?

a.   The cedar is a lofty tree. It alludes to the fact that tzara'at comes as a punishment for haughtiness.

 

(Parsha Tazria-Metzora 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.