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 AV 5767 / JULY 2007 s”xc “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 • AV 5767 / JULY 2007 MR. AND MRS. YITZCHAK FIXLER (BOY) MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. KENNY FIXLER MR. AND DR. SHIMSHON FIXLER (GIRL) MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. KENNY FIXLER AND MR. AND MRS. LOUIS SCHONFELD BAR MITZVAHS MR. AND MRS. BENYOMIN CWEIBER AND YECHEZKAL SHRAGA DR. AND MRS. ELI FINK AND OVADYA DR. AND MRS. STANLEY WARN AND SHMUEL RABBI AND MRS. ELOZAR SAKS AND SHMUEL YAAKOV RABBI AND MRS. YEHUDA APPEL AND ELAZAR SIMCHA MR. AND MRS. NACHMAN MUSKAL AND MOSHE MR. AND MRS. MARK BANDER AND TZVI MR. AND MRS. DOV FRANKEL AND AVROMI MR. AND DR. STEVE BELKIN AND BEAU DR. AND MRS. BENJAMEN GOLDMAN AND NOAM RABBI AND MRS. SHMUEL FEUER AND GERSHON ZEV MR. AND MRS. REUVEN MANDEL (GIRL) MAZAL TOV TO DR. AND MRS. MORRIS MANDEL AND DR. AND MRS. FRED BOLOTIN RABBI AND MRS. YEHUDA GOLDBERG (GIRL) MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. NAFTOLI PLOTNIK AND MR. AND MRS. SOL ABRAHAM RABBI AND MRS. HERSHY DAFNER (GIRL) MR. AND MRS. BINYOMIN NEUMAN (BOY) MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. SHIA NEUMAN AND MR. AND MRS. LAZAR NEUMAN RABBI AND MRS. CHAIM REISS (GIRL) MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. ARTHUR SCHAMOVIC AND MRS. SERENA SCHAMOVIC MR. AND MRS. DAVID GOLDBERG (GIRL) MR. AND MRS. YAAKOV GECOVICH (BOY) MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. MICHAEL GECOVICH AND DR. AND MRS. JEFFREY SCHWERSENSKI MR. AND MRS. CHARLIE BEER (GIRL) MAZEL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. NATE OFFENBERG AND MR. AND MRS. STEVE GLASSMAN RABBI AND MRS. NATHAN LEVER (GIRL) MAZAL TOV TO DR. AND MRS. DAVID LEVER AND RABBI AND MRS. MOSHE HEIMOWITZ MR. AND MRS. ELI LAZAROWITZ (BOY) MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. SHERMAN FRANKEL RABBI AND MRS. NOCHUM SOKOL (BOY) MR. AND MRS. BINYOMIN HOEN (BOY) MR. AND MRS. NOSSON HOEN (GIRL) MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. MICHAEL HOEN MR. AND MRS. SHMUEL NEUMAN (BOY) MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. DOVID NEUMAN AND MR. AND MRS. LAZAR NEUMAN MR. AND MRS DOVID GREENBERGER (GIRL) MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. BINYOMIN GREENBERGER This newsletter is sponsored by: AN EDUCATION FOR LIFE
2 11 A “unique class” and a “magical evening” were just two of the sentiments heard over and over in describing Yavne’s commencement exercises. The sense of pride and accomplishment was felt throughout the evening. Rabbi Shlomo Eisenberger spoke on behalf of the Vaad Hachinuch, and Rabbi Simcha Dessler presented the Beatrice Stone Middos Award to Malka Golda Goodman. Dr. Louis Malcmacher, HAC President, presented the Hendel Berliner Valedictorian Awards to Gitty Dessler (Limudei Kodesh and General Studies Valedictorian); Sora Perel Domb (Limudei Kodesh Valedictorian); Malka Golda Goodman (General Studies Valedictorian); Sara Rivka Winchell (General Studies Valedictorian). Salutatorians were Chavi Greenberg, Hadassah Hoen and Miriam Ribakow. The program concluded with parting words by Yavne Principal, Mrs. Neche Moerman, and with heartfelt remarks by Mrs. Linda Bensoussan, parent representative who expressed appreciation on behalf of the many graduates whose parents are proud alumni of the school. There are defining moments in our lives when we pause and reflect on the great privilege of watching our children learn and grow. What can be more touching than a Siddur party, when the children recall the magnitude of our debts to our Avos in their pure and innocent voices? How poignant it is to watch children proudly receive their first Siddur or Chumash. We celebrate vicariously when classes join to celebrate a siyum.Each graduation is a cause for tremendous joy and hakaros hatov to the Rebbeim and moros who have invested so much in our children and to Hashem Yisborach for allowing us to partake in these spectacular simchos. continued on page 12 SORA GUTMAN TO YAAKOV YITZCHOK STEFANSKY MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. SHIMON GUTMAN AND MR. AND MRS. MAX STRAUSS YERUCHAM KATZ TO BASSIE GRUMAN MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. YANKEL VELVEL KATZ DENA MANN TO YOSSI PILCHEK MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. SHMUEL YAAKOV MANN AND MRS. ESTHER MANN CHAIM YEHUDA KAPLOVITZ TO CHAYA TWERSKI MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. MORDECHAI KAPLOVITZ ESTY KATZ TO YOSSI KARMEL MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. AVROHOM KATZ AND REBBETZIN S.I. KATZ ESTY KAPLAN TO CHAIM LEIB RABINOVITZ MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. YOSEF KAPLAN AND REBBETZIN S.I. KATZ BIRTHS MR. AND MRS. MOTTY SCHEINERMAN (BOY) MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. YITZCHOK SCHEINERMAN MR. AND MRS. ELI FRANK (BOY) MAZEL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. TZVI SCHUR MRS. HARRIET FRANK AND REBBETZIN SHOSHANA SCHUR RABBI AND MRS. MORDECHAI FEIGENBAUM (GIRL) MAZAL TOV TO MRS. PAULA FEIGENBAUM RABBI AND MRS. YOSSI RENNERT (GIRL) MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. PINCHAS KLAHR AND RABBI AND MRS. ELIYAHU RENNERT RABBI AND MRS. ZALMAN SCHEINBAUM (BOY) RABBI AND MRS. MORDECHAI GLUCK (BOY) MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. A.L. SCHEINBAUM MR. AND MRS. BENTZION BROWN (BOY) MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. HARRY M. BROWN MR. AND MRS. HUDI GOLDISH (GIRL) MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. DAVID GOLDISH AND MRS. HILDA GOLDISH RABBI AND MRS. SRULY KOVAL (BOY) MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. JACOB KOVAL DR. AND MRS. NOCHUM INDICH AND MRS. ESTHER KOVAL RABBI AND MRS. AVI METHAL (GIRL) RABBI AND MRS. LEVI ISRAEL (GIRL) MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. SHRAGA WEIMER RABBI AND MRS. AHRON LIPA MANN (BOY) MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. ELOZAR MANN AND MRS. ESTHER MANN RABBI AND MRS. AHRON MEIR RECHNITZ (GIRL) MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. RAMIEL HOWITT MR. AND MRS. DANI BERKOWITZ (BOY) MAZAL TOV TO DR. AND MRS. MARK BERKOWITZ MR. AND MRS. YECHIEL FEIFER (BOY) MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. ABISH FEIFER ENGAGEMENTS AND MARRIAGES BLUMY DESSLER TO SHIMMY JACOBOVITS MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. ELI DESSLER AND RABBI AND MRS. N.W. DESSLER SHLOIMY HEIFETZ TO ESTI HOFFMAN MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. JONATHAN HEIFTEZ MR. ANAD MRS. MORTON HEIFETZ, AND MR. AND MRS. EUGENE DAVIDOVITS ESTI SCHWIMMER TO MOSHE SHACHAR ROCHI SCHWIMMER TO ELIYAHU DOMBROFF MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. YAAKOV SCHWIMMER MEIR BERMAN TO ATARA YAVNEH MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. NATHAN BERMAN SORAH FREUND TO SHLOMIE ACOCA MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. AVNER FREUND MOSHE YECHIEL PLOTNIK TO TZIPORAH SINGER MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. NAFTOLI PLOTNIK AND MR. AND MRS. SOL ABRAHAM DASSA MANN TO DOV HALLE MAZAL TOV TO DR. AND MRS. AVRAHAM HALLE RABBI AND MRS. SIMCHA MANN AND MRS. ESTHER MANN FAIGE FANT TO YISSOCHAR DOV MERLING MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. DOVID FANT AND MRS. RHODA LIPTON LEAH MALKA AUSBAND TO SHLOIMIE BADER MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. ELIYAHU AUSBAND AND RABBI AND MRS. AIZIK AUSBAND ESTHER BURNSTEIN TO ELI GRAISER MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. NAPHTALI BURNSTEIN Rabbi N.W. Dessler, shlita, joined four generations to mark the milestone of an Upsherin. (l-r) Mr. Yossi Abraham, Mr. Heshy Neiman and Boruch, Mr. Elya Abraham
10 3 This past month the Beis Hamedrash was full to capacity with the sound of Torah, fathers learning together with their sons, eyes focused on the text, transmitting our heritage as has been affected throughout the ages. Our talmidim are a source of pride to their parents and community. They are motivated to achieve and excel. Several celebrated siyumim on the Talmud Mesches Taanis. Rebbeim personalize shiurim and stress yiras Shomayim, mussar, and derech eretz. In addition, talmidim are taught secular subjects on a high academic level and challenged in math, science, and technology. Our two and three year olds learn berachos. They practice with various foods. When they know their berachos, they participate in their first Amen party, clearly thanking Hashem for all the good that He gives us. Older boys and girls practice saying berachos out loud, annunciating the words properly, making sure a friend is on hand to multiply the benefit of the berachah by answering a loud amen. During the last week of school, Mrs. Tamar Ansh, an Academy alumna residing in Israel and author of the children’s book on Let us say Amen, led an Amen Party attended by students in all the Girls Elementary grades. May the amens pronounced be a zechus and provide merit for all of klal Yisrael. Yavne students have a well deserved reputation as young women who are proficient in their limudei kodesh, well-versed in general studies which includes college preparatory courses, and exemplary at chesed. This year students showcased their talents with a giant Mitzvah Mall. Each store featured an exhibit that focused on a particular mitzvah and sold their merchandise through games, PowerPoint presentations and interactive activities. Annual events such as a spectacular production, ongoing chesed programs, and a successful Shavuos Flower Drive to benefit Tifrach Yeshiva in Israel add to the conviviality mixed with academic excellence and chesed that characterizes this division. Hands on introductions to the alphabet include licorice letters, 3-D mosaic name posters, and puppets that teach the sounds of the vowels. Rabbi Yigal Gross has been appointed Menahel of the Academy’s Junior and Senior High S chool at the Sapirstein Campus. Hailing from Jerusalem, Israel, Rabbi Gross is Founder and Director of Ma’aloh, a thriving seminary program for over 1500 participants; and Founder and Director of Lomdim Organization, a national program which enriches Torah education. Rabbi Gross has 18 years of experience in teaching, curriculum development, and administration. A musmach of Yeshiva Torah Ore, and Mirrer Yeshiva Central Institute, Rabbi Gross has published workbooks, entitled Chumash V’Sefer Ezer. Rabbi Gross and his wife, Menucha, are the parents of six children and will be relocating to our community this month.
9 Class photos taken in September and June do not justly tell the story of the yearlong growth that our youngest students accomplished. Their social skills have been developed; their dexterity improved; their knowledge enhanced. Most of all, they have been introduced to the wonderful world of Shabbos and yom tovim through a myriad of hands-on, creative projects that have taught them to love and cherish our Torah and mitzvos. How do you teach Torah, midos, and maasim tovim? The best way is through example, and our talmidim are blessed with a corps of inspiring Rebbeim who lead the boys on the road to excellence. Rebbeim enthusiastically impart a wide range of knowledge. They know which stories and projects will inspire the boys. The annual construction of models of the keilim, vessels of the Mishkan make that era seem vibrant and relevant. Every year, new ideas and programs are introduced under the auspices of Project BEAM (Be a Mensch). It is therefore no wonder that feelings of achievement and achdus, unity permeate the air. The yearlong, comprehensive, across-grade-level curriculum, Kol Atzmaosai Tomarna, blossomed and bore fruit. Girls became aware of the magnitude of gratitude that we owe Hashem for our bodies and the world around us. Projects each month focused on gratitude – to parents, teachers, auxiliary staff, and community helpers. Students serenaded their mothers with a musical program at the annual mother/daughter Melaveh Malkah. The curriculm culminated with a huge fair celebrating the symphony created by the mitzvos involving our limbs. Each class operated a booth that portrayed a mitzvah that we do with our hands, feet, eyes or mouths. In this way, the whole division joined in a serenade to the wonderful ways we can work beneficially together. 4 Sixth grade has become the year that students use their knowledge of the scientific method to hypothesize results about scientific subjects that interest them. Students in both the boys and girls divisions present their projects to a panel of judges who evaluate their work and ability to explain their experiments. A traditional fourth grade assignment in both the boys and girls divisions is a semester long state project. Students research their state, create PowerPoint presentations, and during the last week of school share their knowledge through games and hands-on activities with the rest of their elementary division.
8 5 Once again, the annual Chinese Auction proved a popular and distinctive event. In keeping with the auction’s theme, “Through the Looking Glass,” Beatrice Stone Yavne High School’s auditorium was transformed into a serene and dream-like environment. Friends and families milled around the room, partaking of the reception food and the friendly ambiance. Children were entertained with a lively bubble show and had their own mini Chinese auction. Thanks to Mrs. Courtney Evenchik and Mrs. Bassy Gutman for spearheading the many committees that helped make this event a success. With pride and diligence the sixth grade boys presented this year’s Gedolim Fair. They researched different Rabbonim, presented oral and written reports, created posters with significant data, and displayed seforim written by these Gedolim. The highlight of the Fair was a speech by Rabbi N.W. Dessler, shlita who spoke eloquently about Rav Elchonon Wasserman, zt’l and the Gedolim with whom he had the great zechus to meet and learn from. Each boy identified one lesson that they learned from their Gadol and wrote a Hebrew biography and a small kabalah, attempted commitment, to try and follow one of these lessons. The Fair was a tremendous success, and all who observed it were impressed with the talmidim. Chesed can be pursued at any age; it can be taught through lively programs and heartfelt visits; it can be viewed as a class treat, social enjoyment that inspires the giver as much as the receiver. Preschool classes sang for the Jewish Family Service’s program for Holocaust survivors. A thank-you letter from the JFSA proclaimed, “They (the children) brought smiles and even tears to our clients. One woman said that was the best program we ever had (and that’s out of about 480 programs).” A preschool program at Stone Gardens Assisted Living Residence garnered a similar response. The Program Director exclaimed, “The performance really came alive that morning with the sweet voices of the children singing. The smiles and joy that radiated from our residents’ faces was so heartwarming.” First grade boys created a quilt to give to residents at Menorah Park Center for Senior Living. The Boys Choir sang for Bikur Cholim of Cleveland’s GILA, Senior Division. A thank you note described how, “over 90 ladies sat and watched spellbound and so much enjoyed the singing. The boys behaved beautifully and made a real Kiddush Hashem.” Talmidim from the Yeshiva High School regularly visited R.H. Myers Apartments for Senior Citizens and the Montefiore Home. Students at Yavne visit the homebound on Shabbos. The emphasis in school is on the world that chesed fosters, on building friendships, and appreciating all our citizens. The school wishes to thank Mr. and Mrs. Andy Lefkowitz for spearheading and coordinating a project to update and renovate the school playground. The playground features colorful, interactive play areas that are safe and engaging. Students clamber up the climbing area; cuddle in the playhouse, and climb the swivel slide. The equipment is attractive and safe, sturdy and enjoyable.
7 The Hebrew Academy hosted the 11th annual Midwest Mifal V’Dibarta Bam Contest, under the direction of Rabbi Hillel Drazin. The contest is the culmination of a yearlong study in depth of Mishnayos in memory of the children who perished in the Holocaust. It includes a series of exams, and it ends with an audience-packed siyum and awarding of prizes for those who took the tests. Parents and friends were amazed at the tenacious determination with which the talmidim pursued their studies and undertook the tests; this admirable persistence is surely a great zechus for the kedoshim who are commemorated by this event. This program was sponsored by the Klein, Jaffa and Halpern families. The Academy’s annual Family Concert featured popular singer Dovid Gabay and included a spontaneous performance by our youngest students. Thanks to Mrs. Suri Goldman, Mrs. Peninnah Lipton and Mrs. Debbie Schlesinger for arranging this ruach-filled experience. An overflow crowd attended the Hebrew Academy’s 64th Scholarship Tribute Dinner which paid tribute to Dr. and Mrs. Mark Berkowitz and honored Dr. and Mrs. Alan Schlesinger with the prestigious Alumni Award. The evening was enhanced by a dynamic performance of the Academy Boys Choir under the talented direction of Mr. Yudi Silber. A Highlight of the event was a surprise Siyum HaShas on the entire Talmud, conducted by honoree, Dr. Mark Berkowitz. Technology is integrated across the curriculum on all grade levels. All grades spent time each week in our computer lab. Younger grades practiced word processing, grammar skills, and math proficiency. They learned how to use HyperStudio and Publisher to organize projects. This year fourth graders used PowerPoint to create slide show presentations on the states they researched. Sixth graders created more elaborate PowerPoint presentations for research reports on countries around the world. Ninth graders took part in a national project called “Books of Hope.” Using HyperStudio, they wrote stories and designed books that were sent to refugee children in other countries. Ninth graders also designed travel brochures, postage stamps, and relief maps showing the weather, climate, birds, insects, and plants in various countries. Eleventh graders studied Robotics and designed individual representations. Seniors studying statistics used Minitab to analyze results and write reports on statistical research projects. The computer lab was in full use, preparing our students for a world of technology. 6
7 The Hebrew Academy hosted the 11th annual Midwest Mifal V’Dibarta Bam Contest, under the direction of Rabbi Hillel Drazin. The contest is the culmination of a yearlong study in depth of Mishnayos in memory of the children who perished in the Holocaust. It includes a series of exams, and it ends with an audience-packed siyum and awarding of prizes for those who took the tests. Parents and friends were amazed at the tenacious determination with which the talmidim pursued their studies and undertook the tests; this admirable persistence is surely a great zechus for the kedoshim who are commemorated by this event. This program was sponsored by the Klein, Jaffa and Halpern families. The Academy’s annual Family Concert featured popular singer Dovid Gabay and included a spontaneous performance by our youngest students. Thanks to Mrs. Suri Goldman, Mrs. Peninnah Lipton and Mrs. Debbie Schlesinger for arranging this ruach-filled experience. An overflow crowd attended the Hebrew Academy’s 64th Scholarship Tribute Dinner which paid tribute to Dr. and Mrs. Mark Berkowitz and honored Dr. and Mrs. Alan Schlesinger with the prestigious Alumni Award. The evening was enhanced by a dynamic performance of the Academy Boys Choir under the talented direction of Mr. Yudi Silber. A Highlight of the event was a surprise Siyum HaShas on the entire Talmud, conducted by honoree, Dr. Mark Berkowitz. Technology is integrated across the curriculum on all grade levels. All grades spent time each week in our computer lab. Younger grades practiced word processing, grammar skills, and math proficiency. They learned how to use HyperStudio and Publisher to organize projects. This year fourth graders used PowerPoint to create slide show presentations on the states they researched. Sixth graders created more elaborate PowerPoint presentations for research reports on countries around the world. Ninth graders took part in a national project called “Books of Hope.” Using HyperStudio, they wrote stories and designed books that were sent to refugee children in other countries. Ninth graders also designed travel brochures, postage stamps, and relief maps showing the weather, climate, birds, insects, and plants in various countries. Eleventh graders studied Robotics and designed individual representations. Seniors studying statistics used Minitab to analyze results and write reports on statistical research projects. The computer lab was in full use, preparing our students for a world of technology. 6
8 5 Once again, the annual Chinese Auction proved a popular and distinctive event. In keeping with the auction’s theme, “Through the Looking Glass,” Beatrice Stone Yavne High School’s auditorium was transformed into a serene and dream-like environment. Friends and families milled around the room, partaking of the reception food and the friendly ambiance. Children were entertained with a lively bubble show and had their own mini Chinese auction. Thanks to Mrs. Courtney Evenchik and Mrs. Bassy Gutman for spearheading the many committees that helped make this event a success. With pride and diligence the sixth grade boys presented this year’s Gedolim Fair. They researched different Rabbonim, presented oral and written reports, created posters with significant data, and displayed seforim written by these Gedolim. The highlight of the Fair was a speech by Rabbi N.W. Dessler, shlita who spoke eloquently about Rav Elchonon Wasserman, zt’l and the Gedolim with whom he had the great zechus to meet and learn from. Each boy identified one lesson that they learned from their Gadol and wrote a Hebrew biography and a small kabalah, attempted commitment, to try and follow one of these lessons. The Fair was a tremendous success, and all who observed it were impressed with the talmidim. Chesed can be pursued at any age; it can be taught through lively programs and heartfelt visits; it can be viewed as a class treat, social enjoyment that inspires the giver as much as the receiver. Preschool classes sang for the Jewish Family Service’s program for Holocaust survivors. A thank-you letter from the JFSA proclaimed, “They (the children) brought smiles and even tears to our clients. One woman said that was the best program we ever had (and that’s out of about 480 programs).” A preschool program at Stone Gardens Assisted Living Residence garnered a similar response. The Program Director exclaimed, “The performance really came alive that morning with the sweet voices of the children singing. The smiles and joy that radiated from our residents’ faces was so heartwarming.” First grade boys created a quilt to give to residents at Menorah Park Center for Senior Living. The Boys Choir sang for Bikur Cholim of Cleveland’s GILA, Senior Division. A thank you note described how, “over 90 ladies sat and watched spellbound and so much enjoyed the singing. The boys behaved beautifully and made a real Kiddush Hashem.” Talmidim from the Yeshiva High School regularly visited R.H. Myers Apartments for Senior Citizens and the Montefiore Home. Students at Yavne visit the homebound on Shabbos. The emphasis in school is on the world that chesed fosters, on building friendships, and appreciating all our citizens. The school wishes to thank Mr. and Mrs. Andy Lefkowitz for spearheading and coordinating a project to update and renovate the school playground. The playground features colorful, interactive play areas that are safe and engaging. Students clamber up the climbing area; cuddle in the playhouse, and climb the swivel slide. The equipment is attractive and safe, sturdy and enjoyable.
9 Class photos taken in September and June do not justly tell the story of the yearlong growth that our youngest students accomplished. Their social skills have been developed; their dexterity improved; their knowledge enhanced. Most of all, they have been introduced to the wonderful world of Shabbos and yom tovim through a myriad of hands-on, creative projects that have taught them to love and cherish our Torah and mitzvos. How do you teach Torah, midos, and maasim tovim? The best way is through example, and our talmidim are blessed with a corps of inspiring Rebbeim who lead the boys on the road to excellence. Rebbeim enthusiastically impart a wide range of knowledge. They know which stories and projects will inspire the boys. The annual construction of models of the keilim, vessels of the Mishkan make that era seem vibrant and relevant. Every year, new ideas and programs are introduced under the auspices of Project BEAM (Be a Mensch). It is therefore no wonder that feelings of achievement and achdus, unity permeate the air. The yearlong, comprehensive, across-grade-level curriculum, Kol Atzmaosai Tomarna, blossomed and bore fruit. Girls became aware of the magnitude of gratitude that we owe Hashem for our bodies and the world around us. Projects each month focused on gratitude – to parents, teachers, auxiliary staff, and community helpers. Students serenaded their mothers with a musical program at the annual mother/daughter Melaveh Malkah. The curriculm culminated with a huge fair celebrating the symphony created by the mitzvos involving our limbs. Each class operated a booth that portrayed a mitzvah that we do with our hands, feet, eyes or mouths. In this way, the whole division joined in a serenade to the wonderful ways we can work beneficially together. 4 Sixth grade has become the year that students use their knowledge of the scientific method to hypothesize results about scientific subjects that interest them. Students in both the boys and girls divisions present their projects to a panel of judges who evaluate their work and ability to explain their experiments. A traditional fourth grade assignment in both the boys and girls divisions is a semester long state project. Students research their state, create PowerPoint presentations, and during the last week of school share their knowledge through games and hands-on activities with the rest of their elementary division.
10 3 This past month the Beis Hamedrash was full to capacity with the sound of Torah, fathers learning together with their sons, eyes focused on the text, transmitting our heritage as has been affected throughout the ages. Our talmidim are a source of pride to their parents and community. They are motivated to achieve and excel. Several celebrated siyumim on the Talmud Mesches Taanis. Rebbeim personalize shiurim and stress yiras Shomayim, mussar, and derech eretz. In addition, talmidim are taught secular subjects on a high academic level and challenged in math, science, and technology. Our two and three year olds learn berachos. They practice with various foods. When they know their berachos, they participate in their first Amen party, clearly thanking Hashem for all the good that He gives us. Older boys and girls practice saying berachos out loud, annunciating the words properly, making sure a friend is on hand to multiply the benefit of the berachah by answering a loud amen. During the last week of school, Mrs. Tamar Ansh, an Academy alumna residing in Israel and author of the children’s book on Let us say Amen, led an Amen Party attended by students in all the Girls Elementary grades. May the amens pronounced be a zechus and provide merit for all of klal Yisrael. Yavne students have a well deserved reputation as young women who are proficient in their limudei kodesh, well-versed in general studies which includes college preparatory courses, and exemplary at chesed. This year students showcased their talents with a giant Mitzvah Mall. Each store featured an exhibit that focused on a particular mitzvah and sold their merchandise through games, PowerPoint presentations and interactive activities. Annual events such as a spectacular production, ongoing chesed programs, and a successful Shavuos Flower Drive to benefit Tifrach Yeshiva in Israel add to the conviviality mixed with academic excellence and chesed that characterizes this division. Hands on introductions to the alphabet include licorice letters, 3-D mosaic name posters, and puppets that teach the sounds of the vowels. Rabbi Yigal Gross has been appointed Menahel of the Academy’s Junior and Senior High S chool at the Sapirstein Campus. Hailing from Jerusalem, Israel, Rabbi Gross is Founder and Director of Ma’aloh, a thriving seminary program for over 1500 participants; and Founder and Director of Lomdim Organization, a national program which enriches Torah education. Rabbi Gross has 18 years of experience in teaching, curriculum development, and administration. A musmach of Yeshiva Torah Ore, and Mirrer Yeshiva Central Institute, Rabbi Gross has published workbooks, entitled Chumash V’Sefer Ezer. Rabbi Gross and his wife, Menucha, are the parents of six children and will be relocating to our community this month.
2 11 A “unique class” and a “magical evening” were just two of the sentiments heard over and over in describing Yavne’s commencement exercises. The sense of pride and accomplishment was felt throughout the evening. Rabbi Shlomo Eisenberger spoke on behalf of the Vaad Hachinuch, and Rabbi Simcha Dessler presented the Beatrice Stone Middos Award to Malka Golda Goodman. Dr. Louis Malcmacher, HAC President, presented the Hendel Berliner Valedictorian Awards to Gitty Dessler (Limudei Kodesh and General Studies Valedictorian); Sora Perel Domb (Limudei Kodesh Valedictorian); Malka Golda Goodman (General Studies Valedictorian); Sara Rivka Winchell (General Studies Valedictorian). Salutatorians were Chavi Greenberg, Hadassah Hoen and Miriam Ribakow. The program concluded with parting words by Yavne Principal, Mrs. Neche Moerman, and with heartfelt remarks by Mrs. Linda Bensoussan, parent representative who expressed appreciation on behalf of the many graduates whose parents are proud alumni of the school. There are defining moments in our lives when we pause and reflect on the great privilege of watching our children learn and grow. What can be more touching than a Siddur party, when the children recall the magnitude of our debts to our Avos in their pure and innocent voices? How poignant it is to watch children proudly receive their first Siddur or Chumash. We celebrate vicariously when classes join to celebrate a siyum.Each graduation is a cause for tremendous joy and hakaros hatov to the Rebbeim and moros who have invested so much in our children and to Hashem Yisborach for allowing us to partake in these spectacular simchos. continued on page 12 SORA GUTMAN TO YAAKOV YITZCHOK STEFANSKY MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. SHIMON GUTMAN AND MR. AND MRS. MAX STRAUSS YERUCHAM KATZ TO BASSIE GRUMAN MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. YANKEL VELVEL KATZ DENA MANN TO YOSSI PILCHEK MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. SHMUEL YAAKOV MANN AND MRS. ESTHER MANN CHAIM YEHUDA KAPLOVITZ TO CHAYA TWERSKI MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. MORDECHAI KAPLOVITZ ESTY KATZ TO YOSSI KARMEL MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. AVROHOM KATZ AND REBBETZIN S.I. KATZ ESTY KAPLAN TO CHAIM LEIB RABINOVITZ MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. YOSEF KAPLAN AND REBBETZIN S.I. KATZ BIRTHS MR. AND MRS. MOTTY SCHEINERMAN (BOY) MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. YITZCHOK SCHEINERMAN MR. AND MRS. ELI FRANK (BOY) MAZEL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. TZVI SCHUR MRS. HARRIET FRANK AND REBBETZIN SHOSHANA SCHUR RABBI AND MRS. MORDECHAI FEIGENBAUM (GIRL) MAZAL TOV TO MRS. PAULA FEIGENBAUM RABBI AND MRS. YOSSI RENNERT (GIRL) MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. PINCHAS KLAHR AND RABBI AND MRS. ELIYAHU RENNERT RABBI AND MRS. ZALMAN SCHEINBAUM (BOY) RABBI AND MRS. MORDECHAI GLUCK (BOY) MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. A.L. SCHEINBAUM MR. AND MRS. BENTZION BROWN (BOY) MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. HARRY M. BROWN MR. AND MRS. HUDI GOLDISH (GIRL) MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. DAVID GOLDISH AND MRS. HILDA GOLDISH RABBI AND MRS. SRULY KOVAL (BOY) MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. JACOB KOVAL DR. AND MRS. NOCHUM INDICH AND MRS. ESTHER KOVAL RABBI AND MRS. AVI METHAL (GIRL) RABBI AND MRS. LEVI ISRAEL (GIRL) MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. SHRAGA WEIMER RABBI AND MRS. AHRON LIPA MANN (BOY) MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. ELOZAR MANN AND MRS. ESTHER MANN RABBI AND MRS. AHRON MEIR RECHNITZ (GIRL) MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. RAMIEL HOWITT MR. AND MRS. DANI BERKOWITZ (BOY) MAZAL TOV TO DR. AND MRS. MARK BERKOWITZ MR. AND MRS. YECHIEL FEIFER (BOY) MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. ABISH FEIFER ENGAGEMENTS AND MARRIAGES BLUMY DESSLER TO SHIMMY JACOBOVITS MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. ELI DESSLER AND RABBI AND MRS. N.W. DESSLER SHLOIMY HEIFETZ TO ESTI HOFFMAN MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. JONATHAN HEIFTEZ MR. ANAD MRS. MORTON HEIFETZ, AND MR. AND MRS. EUGENE DAVIDOVITS ESTI SCHWIMMER TO MOSHE SHACHAR ROCHI SCHWIMMER TO ELIYAHU DOMBROFF MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. YAAKOV SCHWIMMER MEIR BERMAN TO ATARA YAVNEH MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. NATHAN BERMAN SORAH FREUND TO SHLOMIE ACOCA MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. AVNER FREUND MOSHE YECHIEL PLOTNIK TO TZIPORAH SINGER MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. NAFTOLI PLOTNIK AND MR. AND MRS. SOL ABRAHAM DASSA MANN TO DOV HALLE MAZAL TOV TO DR. AND MRS. AVRAHAM HALLE RABBI AND MRS. SIMCHA MANN AND MRS. ESTHER MANN FAIGE FANT TO YISSOCHAR DOV MERLING MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. DOVID FANT AND MRS. RHODA LIPTON LEAH MALKA AUSBAND TO SHLOIMIE BADER MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. ELIYAHU AUSBAND AND RABBI AND MRS. AIZIK AUSBAND ESTHER BURNSTEIN TO ELI GRAISER MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. NAPHTALI BURNSTEIN Rabbi N.W. Dessler, shlita, joined four generations to mark the milestone of an Upsherin. (l-r) Mr. Yossi Abraham, Mr. Heshy Neiman and Boruch, Mr. Elya Abraham
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 AV 5767 / JULY 2007 s”xc “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 • AV 5767 / JULY 2007 MR. AND MRS. YITZCHAK FIXLER (BOY) MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. KENNY FIXLER MR. AND DR. SHIMSHON FIXLER (GIRL) MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. KENNY FIXLER AND MR. AND MRS. LOUIS SCHONFELD BAR MITZVAHS MR. AND MRS. BENYOMIN CWEIBER AND YECHEZKAL SHRAGA DR. AND MRS. ELI FINK AND OVADYA DR. AND MRS. STANLEY WARN AND SHMUEL RABBI AND MRS. ELOZAR SAKS AND SHMUEL YAAKOV RABBI AND MRS. YEHUDA APPEL AND ELAZAR SIMCHA MR. AND MRS. NACHMAN MUSKAL AND MOSHE MR. AND MRS. MARK BANDER AND TZVI MR. AND MRS. DOV FRANKEL AND AVROMI MR. AND DR. STEVE BELKIN AND BEAU DR. AND MRS. BENJAMEN GOLDMAN AND NOAM RABBI AND MRS. SHMUEL FEUER AND GERSHON ZEV MR. AND MRS. REUVEN MANDEL (GIRL) MAZAL TOV TO DR. AND MRS. MORRIS MANDEL AND DR. AND MRS. FRED BOLOTIN RABBI AND MRS. YEHUDA GOLDBERG (GIRL) MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. NAFTOLI PLOTNIK AND MR. AND MRS. SOL ABRAHAM RABBI AND MRS. HERSHY DAFNER (GIRL) MR. AND MRS. BINYOMIN NEUMAN (BOY) MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. SHIA NEUMAN AND MR. AND MRS. LAZAR NEUMAN RABBI AND MRS. CHAIM REISS (GIRL) MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. ARTHUR SCHAMOVIC AND MRS. SERENA SCHAMOVIC MR. AND MRS. DAVID GOLDBERG (GIRL) MR. AND MRS. YAAKOV GECOVICH (BOY) MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. MICHAEL GECOVICH AND DR. AND MRS. JEFFREY SCHWERSENSKI MR. AND MRS. CHARLIE BEER (GIRL) MAZEL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. NATE OFFENBERG AND MR. AND MRS. STEVE GLASSMAN RABBI AND MRS. NATHAN LEVER (GIRL) MAZAL TOV TO DR. AND MRS. DAVID LEVER AND RABBI AND MRS. MOSHE HEIMOWITZ MR. AND MRS. ELI LAZAROWITZ (BOY) MAZAL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. SHERMAN FRANKEL RABBI AND MRS. NOCHUM SOKOL (BOY) MR. AND MRS. BINYOMIN HOEN (BOY) MR. AND MRS. NOSSON HOEN (GIRL) MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. MICHAEL HOEN MR. AND MRS. SHMUEL NEUMAN (BOY) MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. DOVID NEUMAN AND MR. AND MRS. LAZAR NEUMAN MR. AND MRS DOVID GREENBERGER (GIRL) MAZAL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. BINYOMIN GREENBERGER This newsletter is sponsored by: AN EDUCATION FOR LIFE