NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID HEBREW ACADEMY OF CLEVELAND 1860 South Taylor Road Cleveland, Ohio 44118 Design by KF Graphics • 216.421.8520 “A PEOPLE SURVIVES AS LONG AS IT TRANSMITS ITS HERITAGE FROM ONE GENERATION TO THE NEXT” Hebrew Academy of Cleveland Dean: RABBI N.W. DESSLER IRVING I. STONE, k”z Board Chairman (1976-2000) DR. LOUIS J. MALCMACHER, President IVAN A. SOCLOF, Immediate Past President MELVIN WAXMAN, Board Vice Chairman Educational Director: RABBI SIMCHA DESSLER Financial Director: RABBI ELI DESSLER Editor: MRS. SELMA HELLMAN HEBREW ACADEMY NEWS • SHEVAT 5768 / JANUARY 2008 RABBI AND MRS. YEHUDA LANDSMAN (GIRL) RABBI AND MRS. E.B. FEIFER (BOY) MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. ABISH FEIFER MR. AND MRS. DAVID GOLDBLATT (GIRL) MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. YEHUDA APPEL AND MR. AND MRS. AROLD MALES RABBI AND MRS. CHAIM DESSLER (GIRL) MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. ELI DESSLER AND RABBI AND MRS. N.W. DESSLER RABBI AND MRS. BINYOMIN LICHTENSTEIN (BOY) RABBI AND MRS. MENACHEM WEINBERG (BOY) DR. AND MRS. DOVID GUTMAN (GIRL) MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. JACK GUTMAN RABBI AND MRS. AHRON EPSTEIN (GIRL) MAZAL TOV TO MRS. HARRIET FRANK RABBI AND MRS. CHEZKY SCHNEIDER (BOY) MAZAL TOV TO DR. AND MRS. ABBA SPERO MR. AND MRS. YEHOSHUA MORGENSTERN (GIRL) MAZAL TOV TO MRS. PAULA FEIGENBAUM RABBI AND MRS. YITZCHOK BLECH (BOY) MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. MORRY BLECH, RABBI AND MRS. SHIMEON WEINER MR. AND MRS. JULIO EJBSZYC AND MRS. SHARI BLECH MR. AND MRS. YITZIE NEWMAN (GIRL) MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. ARYEH NEWMAN AND DR. AND MRS. JEFFREY GROSS MR. AND MRS. JONATHAN ABBOUDI (BOY) MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. AVRAHAM BENSOUSSAN AND MR. AND MRS. ASHER RABINSKY MR. AND MRS. JEFFREY ZUCKERMAN (BOY) MR. AND MRS. JORDAN BERKOWITZ (BOY) MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. GERSHON IRELAND RABBI AND MRS. MOSHE FINE (GIRL) MR. AND MRS. ELI ELEFF (BOY) MAZAL TOV TO DR. AND MRS. MICHAEL ELEFF RABBI AND MRS. SIMCHA CHARNAS (BOY) RABBI AND MRS. DOVID GREENWALD (GIRL) MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. YOCHANAN GREENWALD RABBI AND MRS. MENACHEM FREEDMAN (GIRL) MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. MOSHE FREEDMAN RABBI AND MRS. MENACHEM SOFFER (GIRL) MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. LEIB SCHEINBAUM MR. AND MRS. BORUCH TAUB (GIRL) MAZAL TOV TO RABBI CHAIM TAUB, MRS. SOROH TAUB AND MR. AND MRS. SAM TAUB RABBI AND MRS. GEDALIAH GOLDSTEIN (BOY) MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. MOSHE HEIMOWITZ RABBI AND MRS. DONIEL FREUND (BOY) MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. AVNER FREUND RABBI AND MRS. DOV KUTOFF (BOY) MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. MORDECHAI KOVAL AND MRS. ESTHER KOVAL AN EDUCATION FOR LIFE Create an everlasting legacy with a gift or a bequest to the Hebrew Academy of Cleveland Endowment Fund. The Academy Endowment Fund insures Jewish continuity by providing a Jewish education to all children regardless of their financial capabilities. A contribution or provisions for a bequest represents a gift that keeps on giving. Additional dedications and opportunities are available. For further information, contact: (216) 321-5838 ext.160 GIVE THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING! SHEVAT 5768 / JANUARY 2008 s”xc 2008_Jan-news.qxd 1/21/08 3:35 PM Page 2
2 11 The Hebrew Academy of Cleveland has launched its sixty-fifth annual Scholarship Fund Campaign. Co-chairs of the 2007/08 Scholarship Fund Campaign are Harry M. and Perl Brown, Reuven and Naomi Dessler, Mendy and Ita Klein and Amir and Edna Jaffa. The Academy, which provides a dynamic Judaic and general studies education from early childhood through high school, has a 2007/08 scholarship campaign goal of $1,600,000. The campaign, which ensures the school’s longstanding policy of accepting students regardless of financial capabilities, culminates with a gala dinner to be held on Sunday, April 6, 2008, at the Academy’s Beatrice Stone Yavne High School in Beachwood. The event will pay tribute to Dr. Howard and Suri Goldman. In addition, the prestigious Alumnus Award will be presented to Rabbi Yossi Michalowicz. DR HOWARD AND SURI GOLDMAN The Hebrew Academy is blessed with the involvement of this dedicated couple who utilize their many talents for the benefit of the school, efficiently coordinating successful projects that have vastly benefited our institution. Howard, a native of Los Angeles, learned in Israel after which he was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate from UCLA. An alumnus of Albert Einstein College of Medicine, a urologist, noted surgeon and teacher, Howard has published over 50 journal articles and book chapters, recently co-edited a textbook on urology and is a sought after lecturer both in the United States and internationally. He currently serves on the executive boards of the Hebrew Academy of Cleveland and the Young Israel of Greater Cleveland (where he is also a Gabbai) and on the board of the Jewish Family Services Association of Cleveland. Suri, a native of St. Louis, attended Machon Gold in Yerushalayim and graduated from Stern College for Women with a B.A. in business. Professionally she traded gold and silver options at the COMEX in New York. After relocating from Memphis, Tennessee, Suri immediately became active in and co-chaired the school’s PTA, auction and concert. Suri also co-developed the Academy’s Junior High School’s chessed program which arranges monthly visits to Montefiore, Myers, Menorah Park and Stone Gardens. She consistently advocates the importance of community involvement and is active in Bikur Cholim and the Jewish Community Federation of Cleveland. She is a graduate of the Federation’s Mandel Leadership Course and currently serves on the board of the Overseas Connections Committee. The Goldman’s are very proud of their children Josh, Ari, Michal and Yonatan - who are students at the Hebrew Academy. RABBI YOSSI MICHALOWICZ Yossi Michalowicz, a dynamic speaker and charismatic leader, is the Rabbi of the Westmount Shul & Learning Center in Thornhill, Ontario. A native Clevelander, he attended the Academy for 13 years, graduating as Hebrew Valedictorian from the Academy’s Mesivta High School in 1974. He continued his studies at the Telshe Yeshiva where he received his Yoreh-Yoreh S'micha. Rabbi Michalowicz graduated from the Kaufman Pedagogical Institute where he was granted the degree of “Educator in Israel” and holds master’s degrees from John Carroll University and York University. Since his arrival in Toronto in 1984, he has been actively involved in Jewish education and outreach at all age levels, and is one of the most sought after speakers in the greater Toronto area, and his popular classes are well attended. Since 2004, Rabbi Michalowicz has exclusively focused his energies and talents to build his shul into one of the fastest growing shuls and kiruv centers in Thornhill. This past year, the shul had 1,300 participants attend High Holiday services. He has the unique ability to speak to large crowds, young and old alike, religious and secular, while simultaneously cultivating relationships with the individuals who make up his community. He and his wife, Gail, have been married for twenty nine years and are the parents of nine children. continued on page 12 LEAH KARASIK TO YAKOV GOLOGORSKY MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. BORIS KARASIK GERSHON FRIEDMAN TO SARA EAGLE MAZAL TOV TO DR. AND MRS. EMIL FRIEDMAN RENA KASNETT TO MOSHE SHAMIE MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. YITZCHOK KASNETT SHLOMO WEISS TO MENUCHA SEIDEMANN MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. ARYEH WEISS AND MR. AND MRS. ASHER BEHBOUDNIA REVA BOOKMAN TO NATI WIEDER MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. JEFFREY BOOKMAN AND MR. AND MRS. GEORGE WEISZ YERUCHEM WINER TO MALKY ROTH MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. ANDREW WINER AND MR. AND MRS. MICHAEL ROTH RACHEL OFFENBERG TO YAAKOV SWITZER MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. NOSSI OFFENBERG AND MR. AND MRS. STEVE GLASSMAN TZVI WEIMER TO SHOSHANA WEINSTEIN MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS SHRAGA WEIMER ALIZA KRAINESS TO ELI SWIFT SHIRA KRAINESS TO ASHI MENDLOVITZ MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. GREG KRAINESS AND MRS. ELKA CZAKO CHAIM BENNETT TO TEHILLA FELD MAZAL TOV TO MRS. ARELENE BENNETT AND RABBI AND MRS. CHAIM FELD YITZCHOK EINSTADTER TO ROCHEL ESTHER LASKIN MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. MOSHE EINSTADTER BAR MITVAHS RABBI AND MRS. SHMUEL FEUER AND GERSHON ZEV MR. STEVE AND DR. JULIE BELKIN AND YOSEF MR. AND MRS. EZRA GOLD AND SHIMON RABBI AND MRS. YOSSI KIRSCH AND DOVID YONA MRS. RIFKEH STEIN AND YOSEF RABBI AND MRS. SIMCHA MANN AND CHAIM MORDECHAI MR. AND MRS. FRED WEISER AND MOSHE DR. AND MRS. AVI LEVITIN AND TZVI RABBI AND MRS. ARIEL KLEIN AND DOVI MR. AND MRS. DAVID SCHWARTZ AND ARI RABBI AND MRS. ASHER NEWMAN AND MOSHE LEIB RABBI AND MRS. YAAKOV SCHWIMMER AND YOSSI RABBI AND MRS. MORDECHAI SALFER AND MOSHE BIRTHS RABBI AND MRS. SRULY HERTZKA (GIRL) MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. ELIYAHU BRUDNY AND RABBI AND MRS. N.W. DESSLER RABBI AND MRS. SHLOMO RAPAPORT (GIRL) RABBI AND MRS. ELIYOHU RAPAPORT (BOY) MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. DOVID RAPAPORT AND RABBI AND MRS. N.W. DESSLER ENGAGEMENTS DR. MOISHE LOVINGER TO DR. ROBYN FISCHER MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. HENRY LOVINGER SHLOMO MALCMACHER TO AVIGAYIL SLATUS MAZAL TOV TO DR. AND MRS. LOUIS MALCMACHER AND MRS. LOLA MALCMACHER SHMULI WINTERS TO TOVA KRAKOWER MAZAL TOV TO DR. AND MRS. MARK WINTERS ADINA HELLMAN TO YAAKOV WILLNER MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. YOEL HELLMAN SOROH TOVA GREENFELD TO TREVOR ROSEN MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. ISY GREENFELD AND MR. AND MRS. SOL ABRAHAM CHANA PORTER AND AVRAHAM CHAIM BRONSTEIN MAZAL TOV TO DR. LAWRENCE PORTER AND MRS. MERYL PORTER SHAYNE GRUNSPAN TO SAM KRICHEVSKY MAZAL TOV TO MRS. SHARONA GRUNSPAN AND MR. AND MRS. SOLOMON FROMOVITZ CHANA ORA WEINER TO NOSSON KIELSKI MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. SHIMEON WEINER AND MR. AND MRS. J. EJBSZYC SORA BIALO TO AVRUMI GURVITSCH MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. SHLOMO BIALO DENA ELBAZ TO MOSHE MAIMON MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. ELIE ELBAZ CHAYA LEVITANSKY TO ELIYAHU SELIGSON MAZAL TO TO RABBI AND MRS. A.G. LEVITANSKY AND MRS. SONIA LEVITANSKY AVIGAIL ELEFF TO ARIEL FOGEL MAZAL TOV TO DR. AND MRS. MICHAEL ELEFF SARA IRELAND AND AKIVA COOPERMAN MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. GERSHON IRELAND In conjunction with an emphasis on world geography and history, Mrs. Marilyn Soclof, grandmother of fourth grader Leah Seiger, shared her collection of antique Judaica from countries around the globe. Other parents who visited the class included Mr. Jonathan Heifetz who spoke about aerodynamics and piloting small planes, and Mr. Steve Belkin who showed slides of his travels to Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Kenya. 2008_Jan-news.qxd 1/21/08 3:36 PM Page 4
10 This November, Hebrew Academy of Cleveland’s Beatrice Stone Yavne High School hosted the National Bais Yaakov Convention. About 700 Bais Yaakov girls and their chaperones converged from cities across the United States – cities that can well claim to be on the Jewish map. Schools that traveled by plane included Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, San Diego, St. Louis, Miami, Minneapolis, Montreal, Ottawa and Los Angeles. Those that came by bus included Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Lakewood, Pittsburgh, Scranton, Milwaukee, the greater New York area, Philadelphia, Providence, Rochester, Toronto and Silver Spring. Every classroom in the high school building was decorated around the theme of the convention - Nodeh Lecha U’nesaper Tehilasecha, Let us acknowledge Hakodosh Boruch Hu, and give praise for all the good He has given us. The hallway walls were adorned with life-size panoramas, portraying the various aspects of Perek Shira, proclaiming the spontaneous songs intoned daily by the animate and inanimate objects in our world. The Thursday night session began with greetings from Mrs. Neche Moerman, principal of Yavne, who orchestrated the entire Shabbaton. Mrs. Moerman encouraged each girl to use her unique talents to further her goals as a bas Yisroel. Rabbi Simcha Dessler, Menahel, welcomed the delegates and expressed hakoras hatov to the award winning Yavne staff for sharing their time and talents and for creating such a special environment conducive to this unique sense of achdus. Rabbi N.W. Dessler, Shlita, Dean, advised the girls to use this convention weekend as a means for introspection and self-improvement. Rabbi Chaim Stein, Shlita, Rosh HaYeshiva of Telshe and head of the Vaad Ha Chinuch, greeted the girls and exclaimed that as a survivor of Churban Europe it was particularly gratifying to address the convention. The program began with a tribute by Mrs. Rena Tarshish, renowned educator and granddaughter of Rebbetzin Rochel Sorotzkin, v”g beloved Supervisor of Yavne High School for over fifty years, whose first yarzheit coincided with the Bais Yaakov Convention. Many schools presented divrei Torah, banners or skits. Speakers included Rabbi Heshy Kleinman, author of Praying With Fire; Rabbi Naphtali Burnstein, Rav, Young Israel of Cleveland; Rabbi Yochanan Greenwald, assistant principal, Yavne; Rebbetzin Ruthy Assaf, principal, Manhattan High School; Rabbi Engelsberg, Bais Yaakov of Detroit; Rabbi Zev Katz, principal, Yeshiva of Greater Washington; Mr. Harry M. Brown, vice president, Hebrew Academy; and Rabbi Yoel Bursztyn, menahel, Bais Yaakov of Los Angeles. Other principals presented workshops or shiurim to the delegates. It seemed fitting that a convention with the theme of “Nodeh Lecha U’nesaper Tehilasecha” took place at Yavne High School which was founded by Rabbi Chaim Zvi Katz zt’l, who was well-known for his tremendous ahavas Hashem and ahavas habriyos. At the closing banquet on Sunday night, Rabbi Simcha Dessler noted that fifteen of the principals or chaperones in attendance, from ten different cities, were Hebrew Academy of Cleveland alumni; a poignant reminder of the ripple effects of the Academy’s impact upon the world of chinuch. The entire weekend was a huge success – not only for the girls and their chaperones but for the community at large and for everyone who entered Yavne to view this inspiring, uplifting and unforgettable event. 3 Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Abraham Mr. and Mrs. Shimon Aloni Rabbi and Mrs. Yirachmiel Becker Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Bookman Rabbi and Mrs. Avrohom Brownstein Rabbi and Mrs. Zev Busel Rabbi and Mrs. Tzvi Chapler Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Clements Mr. and Mrs. Mair Cohen Rabbi and Mrs. David Dardashti Rabbi and Mrs. Shnior Denciger Rabbi and Mrs. Chaim Elias Mr. and Mrs. William Firestone Rabbi and Mrs. Yoel Fleisher Rabbi and Mrs. Shmuel Zalman Gifter Mr. and Mrs. Tzvi Green Rabbi and Mrs. Yigal Gross Rabbi and Mrs. Yosef Hauser Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Ireland Mr. and Mrs. David Jacobson Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Kaliff Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Keller Rabbi and Mrs. Nachum Langsner Rabbi and Mrs. Shia Levin Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Levine Mr. and Mrs. Mendy Levine Mr. and Mrs. Yosef Main Mr. and Mrs. Dovid Malcmacher Dr. and Mrs. Pinchas Mikhli Dr. and Mrs. Chaim Moeller Rabbi and Mrs. Henoch Morris Mr. and Mrs. Pinchas Mulivor Mr. and Mrs. Joel Pfeffer Mr. and Mrs. Dovid Reich Rabbi and Mrs. Yosef Reichman Rabbi and Mrs. Nisson Rottenberg Rabbi and Mrs. Shmuel Schenker Mr. and Mrs. David Schiffman Rabbi and Mrs. Raphael Schnall Rabbi and Mrs. Moshe Schottenstein Mr. and Mrs. Yitzchak Seinfeld Mr. and Mrs. Shaya Shtern Rabbi and Mrs. Neil Tuchman Dr. and Mrs. Harvey Wasserman Rabbi and Mrs. Menachem Weinberg Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Weiss Mr. and Mrs. Aharon Wolf Mr. and Mrs. Naftali Wolf Rabbi and Mrs. Dov Zilber Icy roads and near white-out conditions could not stop the throngs of children and their devoted parents who weathered bad road conditions and welcomed Uncle Moishy at the Hebrew Academy’s 6th Annual Concert. Chairwomen Debbie Schlesinger and Suri Goldman were gratified to see that adverse weather did not affect the amount or mood of participants who sang and danced along with Uncle Moishy. Rabbi Yaakov Hersh receives the J.E.C.C. Ratner/Goldberg Fellowship for excellence in education. (l-r) Mr. Gary Gross, outgoing President, J.E.C.C.; Mr. Seymour Kopelowitz, Executive Director, J.E.C.C.; Rabbi Yaakov Hersh, Rabbi Simcha Dessler, Educational Director, Mr. Charles A. Ratner, past President, J.E.C.C.; Rabbi Eli Dessler, Financial Director. This month, the Jewish Education Center of Cleveland awarded Rabbi Yaakov Hersh with it’s prestigious Ratner/Goldberg Fellowship for excellence in teaching. The award includes a scholarship for professional development in Eretz Yisroel. In his acceptance, Rabbi Hersh declared that he represented the entire Academy faculty – each of whom are deserving of this recognition. Rabbi Hersh also maintained that he has the absolute best position in the world – a fifth grade Rebbe at the Hebrew Academy of Cleveland! 2008_Jan-news.qxd 1/21/08 3:36 PM Page 6
4 9 These are the children on the cusp of their school journey; not quite first grade, yet old enough to learn their letters and vowels; patient enough to sit through parsha stories and projects involving several steps; able to understand certain expectations and ready to practice positive behaviors. We are proud of our three kindergarten classes. The children are busy learning berachos, building menorahs, practicing reading their aleph beis and ABC letters. They are always busy and enthusiastic as they learn basic knowledge and how to function in a classroom situation. It is a pleasure to watch the boundless energy channeled into productive and enjoyable activities as teachers gear their lessons to bring out the best in each of their youthful charges. This year our school enjoyed record enrollment in our Early Childhood Division. We believe that preschool is a time of laughter, singing, musical banging, and creative play. It is a time of basic learning, social interaction, hand and eye coordination, and general dexterity. This is the fertile ground when we cultivate in each child an intense love of yiddishkeit, of Torah and mitzvos, that will grow and flourish as the child develops. Coordinated by Mrs. Carol Schottenstein, moros spend hours and hours decorating elaborate classroom surroundings for each Yom Tov and for the weekly parshios, Torah readings, so that our tradition is positively integrated into the memories of students. Children revel in creating original objects for each holiday and each Shabbos. Their Friday knapsacks are filled with individualized artwork and parsha sheets displaying knowledge of the parsha of the week. There are pajama parties that teach the proper way to say Shema and go to sleep; and then rise with gratitude and say Modeh Ani. There are weddings that portray the biblical weddings of our Patriarchs and Matriarchs. Children are cooking and baking, measuring and mixing, enjoying hands-on activities and tasting the joys of shared fun in a rich environment. Our youngest contingent is on its way to a productive future with a positive attitude. Parents are welcome additions to the classroom and help with many projects. Sometimes they are the projects; Bubbies came in for a unit on the letter Beis, and Zaidies joined in for the letter Zayin. The parents of each preschooler contribute a recipe to a cookbook which features a page of comments and a photo of each child. Parents gladly supervise trips and special events; they are an integral part of the preschool experience. The Center for Students of Families and Communities, a Division of the Ohio Department of Education, awarded the Hebrew Academy of Cleveland’s Big Sister Mentoring Program its 2007 Asset Builder Award of Distinction. This award recognizes people who have created programs that sustain prevention and intervention programs and foster health, principles, and caring characteristics in Ohio’s youth. Rabbi Simcha Dessler, Educational Director remarked that the school is gratified that “The State of Ohio’s award recognizes the Academy’s strategic commitment to expand its academic and social support to meet the varied needs of the individual child.” Under the leadership of Mrs. Gil Wolovitz, Academy parent and licensed social worker, this mainstream proactive program has mushroomed from the original group of 14 matches three years ago to its current enrollment of 65 matches. Mature, optimistic and dependable young adults are chosen as big sisters from a pool of day school alumni, seminary girls, young married ladies, and senior high school students. The women are screened and trained to value the uniqueness of their charges and to foster a sense of self-esteem and empowerment. Follow-ups are the key to the success of this program; Mrs. Wolovitz provides continuous advice to the big sisters and arranges training sessions twice a year so that the Bigs can touch base with one another, share ideas and experiences, and hone techniques and skills. The Bigs contract to spend one hour a week focusing on their little sisters, playing board games, doing arts and crafts projects, baking, going on short local trips even engaging in long term projects such as scrapbooking and providing guitar, piano or art lessons. There are get-togethers for the Bigs and Littles during Chanukah and Purim, and an elegant banquet at the end of the year. The program is tremendously popular among all students in the Academy; everyone wants that special relationship, a friendship built on appreciating the talents of each individual. The program underscores the dictum that one person can make a far-reaching difference in the lives of others. Its motto, chosen by Mrs. Wolovitz sums up its philosophy, “To the world you may be one person, but to one person you are the world.” The program is a win-win situation where both the Bigs and the Littles benefit and thrive. Our recent graduates are spending their post high school year in various seminaries in Israel. In September they met for a melaveh malkah hosted in Israel by Rabbi and Mrs. Simcha Dessler. In December the class was treated to another chance to reunite – this time at a melaveh malkah, where the girls were hosted by Yavne graduates Blumy (Dessler) Jakobowitz, Naomi (Laufer) Ginz, Esther (Burnstein) Graser and Nechama (Heimowitz) Lever. They all agreed that they were well prepared for the rigorous seminary schedule and curriculum. The girls shared their most meaningful and inspiring experiences since arriving and thoroughly enjoyed touching base with their fellow graduates. Gil Wolovitz, coordinator of Hebrew Academy’s Big Sister Mentoring Program accepts State Award from Frances Strickland, wife of Ohio Governor Ted Strickland. 2008_Jan-news.qxd 1/21/08 3:36 PM Page 8
8 5 Students, board members, alumni, and friends of the Academy recently dedicated a mobile Bet Knesset synagogue to a unit of the Israel Defense Force. Captain Peter Reisman, HAC alumnus and currently in the IDF was the matchmaker. Many combat units in the Israel Defense Force have mobile synagogues. These synagogues are used when troops are stationed in the field away from their home base. Soldiers enter these synagogues to offer Psalms before battle and to bestow thanks when they return. The synagogues also provide a place to congregate and pray as well as a serene atmosphere where soldiers can sit and study when not on patrol or other duty. On a recent trip to Israel, Rabbi Eli Dessler, Financial Director joined with Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Reisman, Peter’s parents and ardent supporters of the Academy, to take part in the dedication of the synagogue. The synagogue was dedicated to the 36th Division of the IDF. Interestingly, the Rav of this base studied under former Clevelander Rabbi Shaul Dolinger who moved to Ashdod thirty years ago. We pray the time will come when these mobile synagogues will be employed during times of peace when Israel is safe and secure. The key to the success of our Yeshiva Ketana Division is the tremendous effort that Rebbeim and Moros expend on the talmidim. Students are taught an enthusiasm for Torah and mitzvos; they are taught basic knowledge and midos using a wide array of methodologies so that each boy can excel and grow in their learning. Festivals are ushered in with joy as students delve into appropriate halachos, laws and have the opportunity to physically participate in the preparations involved. Talmidim participate in kaparos with live chicken, make their own shofros, and recently, even created individualized dreidels for Chanukah. Nothing quite lights up a room or produces the poignant and touching memories of “first” celebrations. The glowing smiles of first graders as they proudly receive their chumashim, third graders as they begin mishnah, and fifth graders begin the study of Talmud reverberate in the minds of parents for a long time to come, and the children remember with pride how special these first beginnings were. Other creative projects that extend and augment the curriculum include trips to the Planetarium in conjunction with a unit on Rosh Chodesh; plays produced by students illustrating their studies in Mishnayos, and WOW (Who of the Week), a project to familiarize students with the lives of notable Jewish leaders. Technology has enhanced the curriculum in the Yeshiva Ketana with the purchase of large Smart Boards - tools that incorporates multimedia and interactive student participation. Rebbeim and Moros can generate computer-based lessons that actively involve student participation on a large wipe-erase board which immediately responds to their input. Under the direction of Rabbi Asher Newman, our students are flourishing in this pleasant and supportive environment. This year’s theme is achdus and every day brings new examples of the wonderful unity that abounds in the school. Girls from various classes and grade levels interact and support each other; play together at recess and share monthly assemblies based on the annual theme. In October, students concentrated on the midah of vatranus, selflessness and enjoying the successes of others. The paradigm of selflessness was Rochel Imeinu, who gave her secret symbols to her sister so that she would suffer no shame. October is the yarzheit of Rochel Imeinu and students commemorated the event with numerous artwork projects, plays, and appropriate curriculum. Girls of all ages shared a “Sunshine Umbrella” reveling in each other’s friendships. This theme continued in November when the Chanukah story served as a perfect example of the few sacrificing their own comfort for the benefit of the community. The midah of December was tzniyus and was initiated with a special song describing the unique role and status of the Jewish woman. The elementary school also organized a Walkathon for Keren Hashivis, raising over $1,350 for farmers in Israel, emphasizing our empathy with Jews around the world. The academic curriculum goals continue to be taught in a comprehensive and creative way. Under the direction of Mrs. Beverly Koval, students are progressing and expanding their capabilities and talents in a productive, nurturing environment. This fall the Sapirstein Campus welcomed the appointment of Rabbi Yigal Gross as menahel. The year began on a high note as the new Hebrew Academy Kollel established and began its association with faculty and students. Talmidim are learning in partnership with Kollel members. Rabbi Yoel Fleischer delivers a voluntary shiur in Halacha on Monday nights; Rabbi Chaim Elias presents a voluntary Hashkafah shiur on Wednesday nights. Rabbi Raphael Schnall meets with a post night seder group and Rabbi Zev Busel offers eighth graders the opportunity to complete the mesechta that they are learning in class. Recently, fathers and sons were delighted with the opportunity to learn, bond and interact at the Sapirstein Campus Beis Medrash during a Father/Son Sunday morning learning session. The program featured a milestone siyum on Meseches Kesubos conducted by Yeshiva High School talmid, Yehoshua Goldman. Yehoshua represented some of his classmates who achieved this significant accomplishment while learning with Rabbi Mordechai Kaplovitz during night seder. Students are challenged with a dynamic general studies program that utilizes modern technology and allows the boys the opportunity to become proficient in language skills and the sciences. The Sapirstein Campus division is thriving, and the students are benefiting from its many dimensions. Mr. Sidney Reisman (l), Rabbi Eli Dessler (3rd from left), Mr. Peter Reisman (r) and members of the IDF inside the mobile Bet Knesset (l-r) Rabbi Eli Dessler, Mr. Sidney Reisman, and Mr. Peter Reisman outside the mobile Bet Knesset 2008_Jan-news.qxd 1/21/08 3:36 PM Page 10
6 A new chapter in the history of the Hebrew Academy of Cleveland has been inaugurated this year with the formation of a formidable Kollel, located at the Academy’s Sapirstein Campus. The Kollel is comprised of young talmidei chachamim, scholars dedicated to immersing themselves in Torah and providing on-site role models for our talmidim. The Kollel members work together with the Rosh Kollel, principals and faculty to advance the school’s mission, philosophy, and policies. The Kollel has already infused our students with a unique sense of spirit and vibrancy, strengthened the existing voice of Torah throughout the day; it continues to enhance the Torah-based environment and positively impact the broader community. The Rosh Kollel is Rabbi Zev Busel, a grandson of the Telshe Rosh HaYeshivah, Rabbi Boruch Sorotzkin z”l and yibadel l’chaim tovim, Rabbi N.W. Dessler, shlita, the Academy’s Dean. A talmid chacham of note, Rabbi Busel has distinguished himself in his ability to convey his Torah erudition both orally and through the written word. Rabbi Busel comes to us from Beth Medrash Govoha in Lakewood, where he delivered chaburos and served as a Rosh Kollel in a morning kollel. His wife, the former Bassie Brudny, is a graduate of Bais Yaakov Intensive Seminary in New York. She taught for ten years in the Deal Yeshiva in Deal, New Jersey and she is a Limudei Kodesh teacher at the Academy. Rabbi Menachem Weinberg is an alumnus of the Talmudical Academy of Philadelphia and he most recently studied in the Brisker Kollel in Eretz Yisrael. His wife, Brochi, nee Drillman, is a graduate of Darchei Binah Seminary in Israel, and has an M.S. in counseling from Northeastern University. She is the Jr. High School social worker and a teacher at Yavne High School. Rabbi Chaim Elias, grandson of noted educator, Rabbi Joseph Elias, studied at the Telshe Yeshiva, Yeshivas Mir in Israel and Beth Medrash Govoha in Lakewood. His wife, Suri, nee Backenroth attended Seminar Yerushalayim in Israel and has a degree in speech pathology from Touro College. She is a speech therapist at the Academy. Rabbi Yoel Fleisher, is an alumnus of Yeshivas Ohr Hameir in Peekskill, and Yeshivas Mir in Israel, and comes to us from Beth Medrash Govoha in Lakewood. His wife, Sori, nee Goldberg, attended Bais Yaakov Academy (BYA) in Israel and has a M.A. in Special Education from NOVA Southeastern University. She is on the staff of the Academy’s Early Childhood Program. Rabbi Dov Zilber studied in Yeshiva Gedola of Passaic, the Brisker Kollel in Israel, and most recently was a member of the kollel of the Yeshiva Gedola of Passaic. His wife, Devori, nee Rieder, is a graduate of Bais Yaakov Academy (BYA) and has a Master’s Degree in Special Education from the College of New Rochelle. She is a special education teacher at the Hebrew Academy. Rabbi Raphael Schnall studied at Yeshivas Ohr Hameir in Peekskill, the Brisker Kollel, Rav Dovid Soloveichik (Brisk) in Israel and most recently in Beth Medrash Govoha in Lakewood. His wife, Rachel, nee Wasserman, graduated Bais Yaakov Intensive Seminary and is a high school teacher. Rabbi Nisson Rottenberg is an alumnus of the Ner Israel Yeshiva, Rav Dovid Soloveichik’s Brisk Yeshiva and the Brisker Kollel in Israel. His wife Tova, nee Barkin, is the granddaughter of Academy co-founder, Rabbi Eliyahu M. Bloch, z”l and the daughter of the late Telshe Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Dovid Barkin, z”l. Mrs. Rottenberg is a graduate of Yavne Seminary and is a kindergarten teacher at the Academy. Rabbi Moshe Schottensein, an Academy alumnus, studied at Yeshiva Mercaz Hatorah of Belle Harbor, Rav Avrohom Yehoshua Soloveichik’s Brisk Yeshiva and Rav Menachem Eichenstein’s Kollel in Israel. His wife, Shevy, nee Perecman, is a graduate of Bnos Chava Seminary in Israel and has recently published her first book with Targum Press, a novel called The Promise of Freedom. It is our fervent prayer that Hashem Yisborach bless this exciting endeavor, and that the many hopes and aspirations that we have for this milestone program will be realized. An overflow crowd filled the Academy’s Yavne building on October 24th to mark the milestone establishment of the new Kollel. The program included introductory remarks by Rabbi Simcha Dessler; divrei bracha by Rabbi Chaim Stein, shlita, Telshe Rosh Yeshiva and chairman of the Vaad HaChinuch; divrei bracha by Rabbi N.W. Dessler, shlita, Dean; and a major address by guest speaker Rabbi Shmuel Kamenetsky, shlita, Philadelphia Rosh Yeshiva, member of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah and Vaad Roshei Yeshiva of Torah Umesorah. The speakers lauded the Academy for its innovation, commented on the exceptional group of Kollel members and the Kollel’s communal impact, and offered their personal brachos for the Kollel’s continued success. 7 2008_Jan-news.qxd 1/21/08 3:36 PM Page 12
6 A new chapter in the history of the Hebrew Academy of Cleveland has been inaugurated this year with the formation of a formidable Kollel, located at the Academy’s Sapirstein Campus. The Kollel is comprised of young talmidei chachamim, scholars dedicated to immersing themselves in Torah and providing on-site role models for our talmidim. The Kollel members work together with the Rosh Kollel, principals and faculty to advance the school’s mission, philosophy, and policies. The Kollel has already infused our students with a unique sense of spirit and vibrancy, strengthened the existing voice of Torah throughout the day; it continues to enhance the Torah-based environment and positively impact the broader community. The Rosh Kollel is Rabbi Zev Busel, a grandson of the Telshe Rosh HaYeshivah, Rabbi Boruch Sorotzkin z”l and yibadel l’chaim tovim, Rabbi N.W. Dessler, shlita, the Academy’s Dean. A talmid chacham of note, Rabbi Busel has distinguished himself in his ability to convey his Torah erudition both orally and through the written word. Rabbi Busel comes to us from Beth Medrash Govoha in Lakewood, where he delivered chaburos and served as a Rosh Kollel in a morning kollel. His wife, the former Bassie Brudny, is a graduate of Bais Yaakov Intensive Seminary in New York. She taught for ten years in the Deal Yeshiva in Deal, New Jersey and she is a Limudei Kodesh teacher at the Academy. Rabbi Menachem Weinberg is an alumnus of the Talmudical Academy of Philadelphia and he most recently studied in the Brisker Kollel in Eretz Yisrael. His wife, Brochi, nee Drillman, is a graduate of Darchei Binah Seminary in Israel, and has an M.S. in counseling from Northeastern University. She is the Jr. High School social worker and a teacher at Yavne High School. Rabbi Chaim Elias, grandson of noted educator, Rabbi Joseph Elias, studied at the Telshe Yeshiva, Yeshivas Mir in Israel and Beth Medrash Govoha in Lakewood. His wife, Suri, nee Backenroth attended Seminar Yerushalayim in Israel and has a degree in speech pathology from Touro College. She is a speech therapist at the Academy. Rabbi Yoel Fleisher, is an alumnus of Yeshivas Ohr Hameir in Peekskill, and Yeshivas Mir in Israel, and comes to us from Beth Medrash Govoha in Lakewood. His wife, Sori, nee Goldberg, attended Bais Yaakov Academy (BYA) in Israel and has a M.A. in Special Education from NOVA Southeastern University. She is on the staff of the Academy’s Early Childhood Program. Rabbi Dov Zilber studied in Yeshiva Gedola of Passaic, the Brisker Kollel in Israel, and most recently was a member of the kollel of the Yeshiva Gedola of Passaic. His wife, Devori, nee Rieder, is a graduate of Bais Yaakov Academy (BYA) and has a Master’s Degree in Special Education from the College of New Rochelle. She is a special education teacher at the Hebrew Academy. Rabbi Raphael Schnall studied at Yeshivas Ohr Hameir in Peekskill, the Brisker Kollel, Rav Dovid Soloveichik (Brisk) in Israel and most recently in Beth Medrash Govoha in Lakewood. His wife, Rachel, nee Wasserman, graduated Bais Yaakov Intensive Seminary and is a high school teacher. Rabbi Nisson Rottenberg is an alumnus of the Ner Israel Yeshiva, Rav Dovid Soloveichik’s Brisk Yeshiva and the Brisker Kollel in Israel. His wife Tova, nee Barkin, is the granddaughter of Academy co-founder, Rabbi Eliyahu M. Bloch, z”l and the daughter of the late Telshe Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Dovid Barkin, z”l. Mrs. Rottenberg is a graduate of Yavne Seminary and is a kindergarten teacher at the Academy. Rabbi Moshe Schottensein, an Academy alumnus, studied at Yeshiva Mercaz Hatorah of Belle Harbor, Rav Avrohom Yehoshua Soloveichik’s Brisk Yeshiva and Rav Menachem Eichenstein’s Kollel in Israel. His wife, Shevy, nee Perecman, is a graduate of Bnos Chava Seminary in Israel and has recently published her first book with Targum Press, a novel called The Promise of Freedom. It is our fervent prayer that Hashem Yisborach bless this exciting endeavor, and that the many hopes and aspirations that we have for this milestone program will be realized. An overflow crowd filled the Academy’s Yavne building on October 24th to mark the milestone establishment of the new Kollel. The program included introductory remarks by Rabbi Simcha Dessler; divrei bracha by Rabbi Chaim Stein, shlita, Telshe Rosh Yeshiva and chairman of the Vaad HaChinuch; divrei bracha by Rabbi N.W. Dessler, shlita, Dean; and a major address by guest speaker Rabbi Shmuel Kamenetsky, shlita, Philadelphia Rosh Yeshiva, member of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah and Vaad Roshei Yeshiva of Torah Umesorah. The speakers lauded the Academy for its innovation, commented on the exceptional group of Kollel members and the Kollel’s communal impact, and offered their personal brachos for the Kollel’s continued success. 7 2008_Jan-news.qxd 1/21/08 3:36 PM Page 12
8 5 Students, board members, alumni, and friends of the Academy recently dedicated a mobile Bet Knesset synagogue to a unit of the Israel Defense Force. Captain Peter Reisman, HAC alumnus and currently in the IDF was the matchmaker. Many combat units in the Israel Defense Force have mobile synagogues. These synagogues are used when troops are stationed in the field away from their home base. Soldiers enter these synagogues to offer Psalms before battle and to bestow thanks when they return. The synagogues also provide a place to congregate and pray as well as a serene atmosphere where soldiers can sit and study when not on patrol or other duty. On a recent trip to Israel, Rabbi Eli Dessler, Financial Director joined with Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Reisman, Peter’s parents and ardent supporters of the Academy, to take part in the dedication of the synagogue. The synagogue was dedicated to the 36th Division of the IDF. Interestingly, the Rav of this base studied under former Clevelander Rabbi Shaul Dolinger who moved to Ashdod thirty years ago. We pray the time will come when these mobile synagogues will be employed during times of peace when Israel is safe and secure. The key to the success of our Yeshiva Ketana Division is the tremendous effort that Rebbeim and Moros expend on the talmidim. Students are taught an enthusiasm for Torah and mitzvos; they are taught basic knowledge and midos using a wide array of methodologies so that each boy can excel and grow in their learning. Festivals are ushered in with joy as students delve into appropriate halachos, laws and have the opportunity to physically participate in the preparations involved. Talmidim participate in kaparos with live chicken, make their own shofros, and recently, even created individualized dreidels for Chanukah. Nothing quite lights up a room or produces the poignant and touching memories of “first” celebrations. The glowing smiles of first graders as they proudly receive their chumashim, third graders as they begin mishnah, and fifth graders begin the study of Talmud reverberate in the minds of parents for a long time to come, and the children remember with pride how special these first beginnings were. Other creative projects that extend and augment the curriculum include trips to the Planetarium in conjunction with a unit on Rosh Chodesh; plays produced by students illustrating their studies in Mishnayos, and WOW (Who of the Week), a project to familiarize students with the lives of notable Jewish leaders. Technology has enhanced the curriculum in the Yeshiva Ketana with the purchase of large Smart Boards - tools that incorporates multimedia and interactive student participation. Rebbeim and Moros can generate computer-based lessons that actively involve student participation on a large wipe-erase board which immediately responds to their input. Under the direction of Rabbi Asher Newman, our students are flourishing in this pleasant and supportive environment. This year’s theme is achdus and every day brings new examples of the wonderful unity that abounds in the school. Girls from various classes and grade levels interact and support each other; play together at recess and share monthly assemblies based on the annual theme. In October, students concentrated on the midah of vatranus, selflessness and enjoying the successes of others. The paradigm of selflessness was Rochel Imeinu, who gave her secret symbols to her sister so that she would suffer no shame. October is the yarzheit of Rochel Imeinu and students commemorated the event with numerous artwork projects, plays, and appropriate curriculum. Girls of all ages shared a “Sunshine Umbrella” reveling in each other’s friendships. This theme continued in November when the Chanukah story served as a perfect example of the few sacrificing their own comfort for the benefit of the community. The midah of December was tzniyus and was initiated with a special song describing the unique role and status of the Jewish woman. The elementary school also organized a Walkathon for Keren Hashivis, raising over $1,350 for farmers in Israel, emphasizing our empathy with Jews around the world. The academic curriculum goals continue to be taught in a comprehensive and creative way. Under the direction of Mrs. Beverly Koval, students are progressing and expanding their capabilities and talents in a productive, nurturing environment. This fall the Sapirstein Campus welcomed the appointment of Rabbi Yigal Gross as menahel. The year began on a high note as the new Hebrew Academy Kollel established and began its association with faculty and students. Talmidim are learning in partnership with Kollel members. Rabbi Yoel Fleischer delivers a voluntary shiur in Halacha on Monday nights; Rabbi Chaim Elias presents a voluntary Hashkafah shiur on Wednesday nights. Rabbi Raphael Schnall meets with a post night seder group and Rabbi Zev Busel offers eighth graders the opportunity to complete the mesechta that they are learning in class. Recently, fathers and sons were delighted with the opportunity to learn, bond and interact at the Sapirstein Campus Beis Medrash during a Father/Son Sunday morning learning session. The program featured a milestone siyum on Meseches Kesubos conducted by Yeshiva High School talmid, Yehoshua Goldman. Yehoshua represented some of his classmates who achieved this significant accomplishment while learning with Rabbi Mordechai Kaplovitz during night seder. Students are challenged with a dynamic general studies program that utilizes modern technology and allows the boys the opportunity to become proficient in language skills and the sciences. The Sapirstein Campus division is thriving, and the students are benefiting from its many dimensions. Mr. Sidney Reisman (l), Rabbi Eli Dessler (3rd from left), Mr. Peter Reisman (r) and members of the IDF inside the mobile Bet Knesset (l-r) Rabbi Eli Dessler, Mr. Sidney Reisman, and Mr. Peter Reisman outside the mobile Bet Knesset 2008_Jan-news.qxd 1/21/08 3:36 PM Page 10
4 9 These are the children on the cusp of their school journey; not quite first grade, yet old enough to learn their letters and vowels; patient enough to sit through parsha stories and projects involving several steps; able to understand certain expectations and ready to practice positive behaviors. We are proud of our three kindergarten classes. The children are busy learning berachos, building menorahs, practicing reading their aleph beis and ABC letters. They are always busy and enthusiastic as they learn basic knowledge and how to function in a classroom situation. It is a pleasure to watch the boundless energy channeled into productive and enjoyable activities as teachers gear their lessons to bring out the best in each of their youthful charges. This year our school enjoyed record enrollment in our Early Childhood Division. We believe that preschool is a time of laughter, singing, musical banging, and creative play. It is a time of basic learning, social interaction, hand and eye coordination, and general dexterity. This is the fertile ground when we cultivate in each child an intense love of yiddishkeit, of Torah and mitzvos, that will grow and flourish as the child develops. Coordinated by Mrs. Carol Schottenstein, moros spend hours and hours decorating elaborate classroom surroundings for each Yom Tov and for the weekly parshios, Torah readings, so that our tradition is positively integrated into the memories of students. Children revel in creating original objects for each holiday and each Shabbos. Their Friday knapsacks are filled with individualized artwork and parsha sheets displaying knowledge of the parsha of the week. There are pajama parties that teach the proper way to say Shema and go to sleep; and then rise with gratitude and say Modeh Ani. There are weddings that portray the biblical weddings of our Patriarchs and Matriarchs. Children are cooking and baking, measuring and mixing, enjoying hands-on activities and tasting the joys of shared fun in a rich environment. Our youngest contingent is on its way to a productive future with a positive attitude. Parents are welcome additions to the classroom and help with many projects. Sometimes they are the projects; Bubbies came in for a unit on the letter Beis, and Zaidies joined in for the letter Zayin. The parents of each preschooler contribute a recipe to a cookbook which features a page of comments and a photo of each child. Parents gladly supervise trips and special events; they are an integral part of the preschool experience. The Center for Students of Families and Communities, a Division of the Ohio Department of Education, awarded the Hebrew Academy of Cleveland’s Big Sister Mentoring Program its 2007 Asset Builder Award of Distinction. This award recognizes people who have created programs that sustain prevention and intervention programs and foster health, principles, and caring characteristics in Ohio’s youth. Rabbi Simcha Dessler, Educational Director remarked that the school is gratified that “The State of Ohio’s award recognizes the Academy’s strategic commitment to expand its academic and social support to meet the varied needs of the individual child.” Under the leadership of Mrs. Gil Wolovitz, Academy parent and licensed social worker, this mainstream proactive program has mushroomed from the original group of 14 matches three years ago to its current enrollment of 65 matches. Mature, optimistic and dependable young adults are chosen as big sisters from a pool of day school alumni, seminary girls, young married ladies, and senior high school students. The women are screened and trained to value the uniqueness of their charges and to foster a sense of self-esteem and empowerment. Follow-ups are the key to the success of this program; Mrs. Wolovitz provides continuous advice to the big sisters and arranges training sessions twice a year so that the Bigs can touch base with one another, share ideas and experiences, and hone techniques and skills. The Bigs contract to spend one hour a week focusing on their little sisters, playing board games, doing arts and crafts projects, baking, going on short local trips even engaging in long term projects such as scrapbooking and providing guitar, piano or art lessons. There are get-togethers for the Bigs and Littles during Chanukah and Purim, and an elegant banquet at the end of the year. The program is tremendously popular among all students in the Academy; everyone wants that special relationship, a friendship built on appreciating the talents of each individual. The program underscores the dictum that one person can make a far-reaching difference in the lives of others. Its motto, chosen by Mrs. Wolovitz sums up its philosophy, “To the world you may be one person, but to one person you are the world.” The program is a win-win situation where both the Bigs and the Littles benefit and thrive. Our recent graduates are spending their post high school year in various seminaries in Israel. In September they met for a melaveh malkah hosted in Israel by Rabbi and Mrs. Simcha Dessler. In December the class was treated to another chance to reunite – this time at a melaveh malkah, where the girls were hosted by Yavne graduates Blumy (Dessler) Jakobowitz, Naomi (Laufer) Ginz, Esther (Burnstein) Graser and Nechama (Heimowitz) Lever. They all agreed that they were well prepared for the rigorous seminary schedule and curriculum. The girls shared their most meaningful and inspiring experiences since arriving and thoroughly enjoyed touching base with their fellow graduates. Gil Wolovitz, coordinator of Hebrew Academy’s Big Sister Mentoring Program accepts State Award from Frances Strickland, wife of Ohio Governor Ted Strickland. 2008_Jan-news.qxd 1/21/08 3:36 PM Page 8
10 This November, Hebrew Academy of Cleveland’s Beatrice Stone Yavne High School hosted the National Bais Yaakov Convention. About 700 Bais Yaakov girls and their chaperones converged from cities across the United States – cities that can well claim to be on the Jewish map. Schools that traveled by plane included Atlanta, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, San Diego, St. Louis, Miami, Minneapolis, Montreal, Ottawa and Los Angeles. Those that came by bus included Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Lakewood, Pittsburgh, Scranton, Milwaukee, the greater New York area, Philadelphia, Providence, Rochester, Toronto and Silver Spring. Every classroom in the high school building was decorated around the theme of the convention - Nodeh Lecha U’nesaper Tehilasecha, Let us acknowledge Hakodosh Boruch Hu, and give praise for all the good He has given us. The hallway walls were adorned with life-size panoramas, portraying the various aspects of Perek Shira, proclaiming the spontaneous songs intoned daily by the animate and inanimate objects in our world. The Thursday night session began with greetings from Mrs. Neche Moerman, principal of Yavne, who orchestrated the entire Shabbaton. Mrs. Moerman encouraged each girl to use her unique talents to further her goals as a bas Yisroel. Rabbi Simcha Dessler, Menahel, welcomed the delegates and expressed hakoras hatov to the award winning Yavne staff for sharing their time and talents and for creating such a special environment conducive to this unique sense of achdus. Rabbi N.W. Dessler, Shlita, Dean, advised the girls to use this convention weekend as a means for introspection and self-improvement. Rabbi Chaim Stein, Shlita, Rosh HaYeshiva of Telshe and head of the Vaad Ha Chinuch, greeted the girls and exclaimed that as a survivor of Churban Europe it was particularly gratifying to address the convention. The program began with a tribute by Mrs. Rena Tarshish, renowned educator and granddaughter of Rebbetzin Rochel Sorotzkin, v”g beloved Supervisor of Yavne High School for over fifty years, whose first yarzheit coincided with the Bais Yaakov Convention. Many schools presented divrei Torah, banners or skits. Speakers included Rabbi Heshy Kleinman, author of Praying With Fire; Rabbi Naphtali Burnstein, Rav, Young Israel of Cleveland; Rabbi Yochanan Greenwald, assistant principal, Yavne; Rebbetzin Ruthy Assaf, principal, Manhattan High School; Rabbi Engelsberg, Bais Yaakov of Detroit; Rabbi Zev Katz, principal, Yeshiva of Greater Washington; Mr. Harry M. Brown, vice president, Hebrew Academy; and Rabbi Yoel Bursztyn, menahel, Bais Yaakov of Los Angeles. Other principals presented workshops or shiurim to the delegates. It seemed fitting that a convention with the theme of “Nodeh Lecha U’nesaper Tehilasecha” took place at Yavne High School which was founded by Rabbi Chaim Zvi Katz zt’l, who was well-known for his tremendous ahavas Hashem and ahavas habriyos. At the closing banquet on Sunday night, Rabbi Simcha Dessler noted that fifteen of the principals or chaperones in attendance, from ten different cities, were Hebrew Academy of Cleveland alumni; a poignant reminder of the ripple effects of the Academy’s impact upon the world of chinuch. The entire weekend was a huge success – not only for the girls and their chaperones but for the community at large and for everyone who entered Yavne to view this inspiring, uplifting and unforgettable event. 3 Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey Abraham Mr. and Mrs. Shimon Aloni Rabbi and Mrs. Yirachmiel Becker Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Bookman Rabbi and Mrs. Avrohom Brownstein Rabbi and Mrs. Zev Busel Rabbi and Mrs. Tzvi Chapler Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Clements Mr. and Mrs. Mair Cohen Rabbi and Mrs. David Dardashti Rabbi and Mrs. Shnior Denciger Rabbi and Mrs. Chaim Elias Mr. and Mrs. William Firestone Rabbi and Mrs. Yoel Fleisher Rabbi and Mrs. Shmuel Zalman Gifter Mr. and Mrs. Tzvi Green Rabbi and Mrs. Yigal Gross Rabbi and Mrs. Yosef Hauser Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Ireland Mr. and Mrs. David Jacobson Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Kaliff Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Keller Rabbi and Mrs. Nachum Langsner Rabbi and Mrs. Shia Levin Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Levine Mr. and Mrs. Mendy Levine Mr. and Mrs. Yosef Main Mr. and Mrs. Dovid Malcmacher Dr. and Mrs. Pinchas Mikhli Dr. and Mrs. Chaim Moeller Rabbi and Mrs. Henoch Morris Mr. and Mrs. Pinchas Mulivor Mr. and Mrs. Joel Pfeffer Mr. and Mrs. Dovid Reich Rabbi and Mrs. Yosef Reichman Rabbi and Mrs. Nisson Rottenberg Rabbi and Mrs. Shmuel Schenker Mr. and Mrs. David Schiffman Rabbi and Mrs. Raphael Schnall Rabbi and Mrs. Moshe Schottenstein Mr. and Mrs. Yitzchak Seinfeld Mr. and Mrs. Shaya Shtern Rabbi and Mrs. Neil Tuchman Dr. and Mrs. Harvey Wasserman Rabbi and Mrs. Menachem Weinberg Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Weiss Mr. and Mrs. Aharon Wolf Mr. and Mrs. Naftali Wolf Rabbi and Mrs. Dov Zilber Icy roads and near white-out conditions could not stop the throngs of children and their devoted parents who weathered bad road conditions and welcomed Uncle Moishy at the Hebrew Academy’s 6th Annual Concert. Chairwomen Debbie Schlesinger and Suri Goldman were gratified to see that adverse weather did not affect the amount or mood of participants who sang and danced along with Uncle Moishy. Rabbi Yaakov Hersh receives the J.E.C.C. Ratner/Goldberg Fellowship for excellence in education. (l-r) Mr. Gary Gross, outgoing President, J.E.C.C.; Mr. Seymour Kopelowitz, Executive Director, J.E.C.C.; Rabbi Yaakov Hersh, Rabbi Simcha Dessler, Educational Director, Mr. Charles A. Ratner, past President, J.E.C.C.; Rabbi Eli Dessler, Financial Director. This month, the Jewish Education Center of Cleveland awarded Rabbi Yaakov Hersh with it’s prestigious Ratner/Goldberg Fellowship for excellence in teaching. The award includes a scholarship for professional development in Eretz Yisroel. In his acceptance, Rabbi Hersh declared that he represented the entire Academy faculty – each of whom are deserving of this recognition. Rabbi Hersh also maintained that he has the absolute best position in the world – a fifth grade Rebbe at the Hebrew Academy of Cleveland! 2008_Jan-news.qxd 1/21/08 3:36 PM Page 6
2 11 The Hebrew Academy of Cleveland has launched its sixty-fifth annual Scholarship Fund Campaign. Co-chairs of the 2007/08 Scholarship Fund Campaign are Harry M. and Perl Brown, Reuven and Naomi Dessler, Mendy and Ita Klein and Amir and Edna Jaffa. The Academy, which provides a dynamic Judaic and general studies education from early childhood through high school, has a 2007/08 scholarship campaign goal of $1,600,000. The campaign, which ensures the school’s longstanding policy of accepting students regardless of financial capabilities, culminates with a gala dinner to be held on Sunday, April 6, 2008, at the Academy’s Beatrice Stone Yavne High School in Beachwood. The event will pay tribute to Dr. Howard and Suri Goldman. In addition, the prestigious Alumnus Award will be presented to Rabbi Yossi Michalowicz. DR HOWARD AND SURI GOLDMAN The Hebrew Academy is blessed with the involvement of this dedicated couple who utilize their many talents for the benefit of the school, efficiently coordinating successful projects that have vastly benefited our institution. Howard, a native of Los Angeles, learned in Israel after which he was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate from UCLA. An alumnus of Albert Einstein College of Medicine, a urologist, noted surgeon and teacher, Howard has published over 50 journal articles and book chapters, recently co-edited a textbook on urology and is a sought after lecturer both in the United States and internationally. He currently serves on the executive boards of the Hebrew Academy of Cleveland and the Young Israel of Greater Cleveland (where he is also a Gabbai) and on the board of the Jewish Family Services Association of Cleveland. Suri, a native of St. Louis, attended Machon Gold in Yerushalayim and graduated from Stern College for Women with a B.A. in business. Professionally she traded gold and silver options at the COMEX in New York. After relocating from Memphis, Tennessee, Suri immediately became active in and co-chaired the school’s PTA, auction and concert. Suri also co-developed the Academy’s Junior High School’s chessed program which arranges monthly visits to Montefiore, Myers, Menorah Park and Stone Gardens. She consistently advocates the importance of community involvement and is active in Bikur Cholim and the Jewish Community Federation of Cleveland. She is a graduate of the Federation’s Mandel Leadership Course and currently serves on the board of the Overseas Connections Committee. The Goldman’s are very proud of their children Josh, Ari, Michal and Yonatan - who are students at the Hebrew Academy. RABBI YOSSI MICHALOWICZ Yossi Michalowicz, a dynamic speaker and charismatic leader, is the Rabbi of the Westmount Shul & Learning Center in Thornhill, Ontario. A native Clevelander, he attended the Academy for 13 years, graduating as Hebrew Valedictorian from the Academy’s Mesivta High School in 1974. He continued his studies at the Telshe Yeshiva where he received his Yoreh-Yoreh S'micha. Rabbi Michalowicz graduated from the Kaufman Pedagogical Institute where he was granted the degree of “Educator in Israel” and holds master’s degrees from John Carroll University and York University. Since his arrival in Toronto in 1984, he has been actively involved in Jewish education and outreach at all age levels, and is one of the most sought after speakers in the greater Toronto area, and his popular classes are well attended. Since 2004, Rabbi Michalowicz has exclusively focused his energies and talents to build his shul into one of the fastest growing shuls and kiruv centers in Thornhill. This past year, the shul had 1,300 participants attend High Holiday services. He has the unique ability to speak to large crowds, young and old alike, religious and secular, while simultaneously cultivating relationships with the individuals who make up his community. He and his wife, Gail, have been married for twenty nine years and are the parents of nine children. continued on page 12 LEAH KARASIK TO YAKOV GOLOGORSKY MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. BORIS KARASIK GERSHON FRIEDMAN TO SARA EAGLE MAZAL TOV TO DR. AND MRS. EMIL FRIEDMAN RENA KASNETT TO MOSHE SHAMIE MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. YITZCHOK KASNETT SHLOMO WEISS TO MENUCHA SEIDEMANN MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. ARYEH WEISS AND MR. AND MRS. ASHER BEHBOUDNIA REVA BOOKMAN TO NATI WIEDER MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. JEFFREY BOOKMAN AND MR. AND MRS. GEORGE WEISZ YERUCHEM WINER TO MALKY ROTH MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. ANDREW WINER AND MR. AND MRS. MICHAEL ROTH RACHEL OFFENBERG TO YAAKOV SWITZER MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. NOSSI OFFENBERG AND MR. AND MRS. STEVE GLASSMAN TZVI WEIMER TO SHOSHANA WEINSTEIN MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS SHRAGA WEIMER ALIZA KRAINESS TO ELI SWIFT SHIRA KRAINESS TO ASHI MENDLOVITZ MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. GREG KRAINESS AND MRS. ELKA CZAKO CHAIM BENNETT TO TEHILLA FELD MAZAL TOV TO MRS. ARELENE BENNETT AND RABBI AND MRS. CHAIM FELD YITZCHOK EINSTADTER TO ROCHEL ESTHER LASKIN MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. MOSHE EINSTADTER BAR MITVAHS RABBI AND MRS. SHMUEL FEUER AND GERSHON ZEV MR. STEVE AND DR. JULIE BELKIN AND YOSEF MR. AND MRS. EZRA GOLD AND SHIMON RABBI AND MRS. YOSSI KIRSCH AND DOVID YONA MRS. RIFKEH STEIN AND YOSEF RABBI AND MRS. SIMCHA MANN AND CHAIM MORDECHAI MR. AND MRS. FRED WEISER AND MOSHE DR. AND MRS. AVI LEVITIN AND TZVI RABBI AND MRS. ARIEL KLEIN AND DOVI MR. AND MRS. DAVID SCHWARTZ AND ARI RABBI AND MRS. ASHER NEWMAN AND MOSHE LEIB RABBI AND MRS. YAAKOV SCHWIMMER AND YOSSI RABBI AND MRS. MORDECHAI SALFER AND MOSHE BIRTHS RABBI AND MRS. SRULY HERTZKA (GIRL) MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. ELIYAHU BRUDNY AND RABBI AND MRS. N.W. DESSLER RABBI AND MRS. SHLOMO RAPAPORT (GIRL) RABBI AND MRS. ELIYOHU RAPAPORT (BOY) MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. DOVID RAPAPORT AND RABBI AND MRS. N.W. DESSLER ENGAGEMENTS DR. MOISHE LOVINGER TO DR. ROBYN FISCHER MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. HENRY LOVINGER SHLOMO MALCMACHER TO AVIGAYIL SLATUS MAZAL TOV TO DR. AND MRS. LOUIS MALCMACHER AND MRS. LOLA MALCMACHER SHMULI WINTERS TO TOVA KRAKOWER MAZAL TOV TO DR. AND MRS. MARK WINTERS ADINA HELLMAN TO YAAKOV WILLNER MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. YOEL HELLMAN SOROH TOVA GREENFELD TO TREVOR ROSEN MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. ISY GREENFELD AND MR. AND MRS. SOL ABRAHAM CHANA PORTER AND AVRAHAM CHAIM BRONSTEIN MAZAL TOV TO DR. LAWRENCE PORTER AND MRS. MERYL PORTER SHAYNE GRUNSPAN TO SAM KRICHEVSKY MAZAL TOV TO MRS. SHARONA GRUNSPAN AND MR. AND MRS. SOLOMON FROMOVITZ CHANA ORA WEINER TO NOSSON KIELSKI MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. SHIMEON WEINER AND MR. AND MRS. J. EJBSZYC SORA BIALO TO AVRUMI GURVITSCH MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. SHLOMO BIALO DENA ELBAZ TO MOSHE MAIMON MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. ELIE ELBAZ CHAYA LEVITANSKY TO ELIYAHU SELIGSON MAZAL TO TO RABBI AND MRS. A.G. LEVITANSKY AND MRS. SONIA LEVITANSKY AVIGAIL ELEFF TO ARIEL FOGEL MAZAL TOV TO DR. AND MRS. MICHAEL ELEFF SARA IRELAND AND AKIVA COOPERMAN MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. GERSHON IRELAND In conjunction with an emphasis on world geography and history, Mrs. Marilyn Soclof, grandmother of fourth grader Leah Seiger, shared her collection of antique Judaica from countries around the globe. Other parents who visited the class included Mr. Jonathan Heifetz who spoke about aerodynamics and piloting small planes, and Mr. Steve Belkin who showed slides of his travels to Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Kenya. 2008_Jan-news.qxd 1/21/08 3:36 PM Page 4
NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID HEBREW ACADEMY OF CLEVELAND 1860 South Taylor Road Cleveland, Ohio 44118 Design by KF Graphics • 216.421.8520 “A PEOPLE SURVIVES AS LONG AS IT TRANSMITS ITS HERITAGE FROM ONE GENERATION TO THE NEXT” Hebrew Academy of Cleveland Dean: RABBI N.W. DESSLER IRVING I. STONE, k”z Board Chairman (1976-2000) DR. LOUIS J. MALCMACHER, President IVAN A. SOCLOF, Immediate Past President MELVIN WAXMAN, Board Vice Chairman Educational Director: RABBI SIMCHA DESSLER Financial Director: RABBI ELI DESSLER Editor: MRS. SELMA HELLMAN HEBREW ACADEMY NEWS • SHEVAT 5768 / JANUARY 2008 RABBI AND MRS. YEHUDA LANDSMAN (GIRL) RABBI AND MRS. E.B. FEIFER (BOY) MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. ABISH FEIFER MR. AND MRS. DAVID GOLDBLATT (GIRL) MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. YEHUDA APPEL AND MR. AND MRS. AROLD MALES RABBI AND MRS. CHAIM DESSLER (GIRL) MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. ELI DESSLER AND RABBI AND MRS. N.W. DESSLER RABBI AND MRS. BINYOMIN LICHTENSTEIN (BOY) RABBI AND MRS. MENACHEM WEINBERG (BOY) DR. AND MRS. DOVID GUTMAN (GIRL) MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. JACK GUTMAN RABBI AND MRS. AHRON EPSTEIN (GIRL) MAZAL TOV TO MRS. HARRIET FRANK RABBI AND MRS. CHEZKY SCHNEIDER (BOY) MAZAL TOV TO DR. AND MRS. ABBA SPERO MR. AND MRS. YEHOSHUA MORGENSTERN (GIRL) MAZAL TOV TO MRS. PAULA FEIGENBAUM RABBI AND MRS. YITZCHOK BLECH (BOY) MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. MORRY BLECH, RABBI AND MRS. SHIMEON WEINER MR. AND MRS. JULIO EJBSZYC AND MRS. SHARI BLECH MR. AND MRS. YITZIE NEWMAN (GIRL) MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. ARYEH NEWMAN AND DR. AND MRS. JEFFREY GROSS MR. AND MRS. JONATHAN ABBOUDI (BOY) MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. AVRAHAM BENSOUSSAN AND MR. AND MRS. ASHER RABINSKY MR. AND MRS. JEFFREY ZUCKERMAN (BOY) MR. AND MRS. JORDAN BERKOWITZ (BOY) MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. GERSHON IRELAND RABBI AND MRS. MOSHE FINE (GIRL) MR. AND MRS. ELI ELEFF (BOY) MAZAL TOV TO DR. AND MRS. MICHAEL ELEFF RABBI AND MRS. SIMCHA CHARNAS (BOY) RABBI AND MRS. DOVID GREENWALD (GIRL) MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. YOCHANAN GREENWALD RABBI AND MRS. MENACHEM FREEDMAN (GIRL) MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. MOSHE FREEDMAN RABBI AND MRS. MENACHEM SOFFER (GIRL) MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. LEIB SCHEINBAUM MR. AND MRS. BORUCH TAUB (GIRL) MAZAL TOV TO RABBI CHAIM TAUB, MRS. SOROH TAUB AND MR. AND MRS. SAM TAUB RABBI AND MRS. GEDALIAH GOLDSTEIN (BOY) MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. MOSHE HEIMOWITZ RABBI AND MRS. DONIEL FREUND (BOY) MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. AVNER FREUND RABBI AND MRS. DOV KUTOFF (BOY) MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. MORDECHAI KOVAL AND MRS. ESTHER KOVAL AN EDUCATION FOR LIFE Create an everlasting legacy with a gift or a bequest to the Hebrew Academy of Cleveland Endowment Fund. The Academy Endowment Fund insures Jewish continuity by providing a Jewish education to all children regardless of their financial capabilities. A contribution or provisions for a bequest represents a gift that keeps on giving. Additional dedications and opportunities are available. For further information, contact: (216) 321-5838 ext.160 GIVE THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING! SHEVAT 5768 / JANUARY 2008 s”xc 2008_Jan-news.qxd 1/21/08 3:35 PM Page 2