6:00 The doorbell rang and at the door stood a stranger: an Israeli man who did not speak English. His left hand held a suitcase and his right hand, well, was missing due to a work related accident. I was only a child at the time but I recall the encounter and that this stranger quickly became part of our family. He stayed with us for weeks until my father, zt”l, arranged for one of Cleveland’s prominent surgeons to fit him with a prosthesis. He then returned to Israel with his “new hand” which he used to pen letters of appreciation to my parents for a most appreciated, life-altering kindness. To us, he was a stranger; we had never seen him before he rang the bell on that particular evening. What motivated him to travel thousands of miles from Eretz Yisroel and what made him choose our home? Some ten years earlier, on his way home from shul in Tel Aviv, he noticed my maternal grandfather on his second-floor porch. On that Shabbos, and each Shabbos thereafter, as he passed my grandfather he warmly greeted him with “Shabbat Shalom”. One day, my grandfather, who appreciated the gesture, informed him that if he ever needed anything he could count on his children in America and with that he proceeded to give him the address of our home. The Israeli man unexpectedly suffered the loss of his right hand and decided to take my grandfather up on his offer years after the latter had passed away. My father would periodically recall the story and reflect upon the words of Shlomo HaMelech, the wisest of all men: Shelach lachmecha al pnei hamayim ki berov yamim timtzaehu, Cast your bread upon the face of water for after many days you shall find it (Koheles II, I). Little did the man know that this simple, yet sincere, gesture to an elderly man relaxing on his porch would result in a true, life-altering, personal salvation. But Hakadosh Baruch Hu never forgets a kindness. Parshas Vayera details Avraham Avinu’s incredibly gracious hospitality towards his guests, unaware that they were actually malachim, angels. The Torah records that as the guests rose to leave, v’Avraham holech imam leshalcham, Avraham walked with them to escort them (18,16). Mechilta teaches us that this is a classic example of the principle of middah k’neged middah, a measure for measure. Because Avraham escorted the angels, the Almighty later escorted His children during the forty years of their journey in the Midbar – as stated in the Torah: v’Hashem holech lifneihem, G-d walked before them (Shemos, 13,21). A good deed rarely goes unnoticed. Certainly Hashem never forgets a kindness. What a profound lesson for ourselves and for our children. Have a wonderful Shabbos! NOVEMBER 5 Daylight Savings Time Ends Set clocks back one hour • • • • • • NOVEMBER 6 Parent Teacher Conferences Junior High Boys 7th Grade 6:30-9:30 PM • • • • • • NOVEMBER 8 Parent Teacher Conferences Junior High Boys 8th Grade 6:30-9:30 PM • • • • • • NOVEMBER 10 First Early Friday Dismissal 1:15 PM (Early Childhood, Kindergarten, Grades 1-6) בס’’ד פרשת וירא | י”ט חשון תשפ''ד | 2023, 3 November Only at Plaza Leasing: Sales and Rentals simplified! All of your vehicle needs in one place! Call 216-707-9000 or email [email protected]
| | Early Childhood This week, the story of the parsha came alive in every one of our classes with creative and fulfilled educational and enriching activities. For Art and Literacy Awareness, Morah Naomi and Morah Miriam’s class decorated Refuah Sheleima cards which they brought to Mrs. Wendy Green’s house to put into bags that will go to families of those unwell for Shabbos. During Dramatic Play, for the mitzvah of hachnosas orchim, the children were practicing to welcome guests. They practiced saying, “Hi, come in” with a big smile while also saying, “Would you like a drink or something to eat?” and “I will share all my toys with you.” For Social Skills, the children continued to practice these actions and everything else they learned about hachnosas orchim.The kinderlach in Morah Bassi and Morah Elisheva’s class practiced calling their friends to wish them a refuah shelaima. For Math: As an extension of the mitzvah of hachnosas orchim, Morah Chani and Morah Devora’s class listened to the story The Doorbell Rang by Pat Hutchins. During playtime, the children received twelve pretend cookies and kept practicing to divide them evenly for all their “guests.” During our Music and Movement, the kinderlach pretended to be leaves falling from trees, and, “turning into a pillar of salt.” The children played a “freeze” game. When the music played, the children danced around, but as soon as the music stopped, they “froze,” just like Lot’s wife. For Sensory Awareness, many of our classes had salt-tasting activities. And last but not least, in honor of the birth of Yitzchak Avinu, Morah Dina and Morah Chassi, Morah Chumee and Morah Yitty’s classes had a “Shalom Zachar” during their Shabbos Party.
Kindergarten Excitement is in the air in kindergarten, where learning, parsha and mitzvos come to life! A huge mazal tov to Morah Modes’ class upon their Aleph Bais siyum! After reviewing all the letters until they know them so well, they celebrated by decorating their osiyos crowns, sharing their special letter show and tell items, and participating in all sorts of fun activities designed to reinforce letter recognition in a fun way! Of course no siyum would be complete without the treats…The kindergarteners were so excited to give out the treat that they brought in. Thank you, parents, for your participation in this exciting milestone event by sending in treats for the siyum… and now on to the nekudos! All the kindergarten classes received an exciting invitation to a hachnasas orchim Party, that will take place on Friday, IY”H. The kindergarteners were busy trying to guess WHO the “Mystery Guest” is…Details to follow next week! Morah Heigh’s class took a walk to Rabbi Dessler’s office, to bring him their full pushka. They were so proud to be able to tell him that they filled it by bringing in a coin for tzeddakah every day, and they were so happy to be able to deliver it and actually see how this mitzvah plays out to the end, as Rabbi Dessler explained the process of tzeddakah. | | Girls Elementary On Thursday, Rachel Imeinu's yahrtzeit, the entire Girls division joined elementary schools around the world for a yom tefila. It was special to feel connected to all of klal Yisroel as we recited tehilim together with heartfelt Kavana. May Hakodosh Baruch Hu hear the tefilos of our precious tinokos shel bais rabun and bring a yeshua.
| | Girls Elementary (continued) Friday night, over 60 girls in grades 2-4 gathered together in the Zuckerman home for a Kabalas Shabbos program. Under the direction of Morah Faigy Zuckerman, the girls sang Kabalas Shabbos, listened to a beautiful story and were treated to a Shabbos treat. This program is modeled after another Kabalas Shabbos gathering taking place in Wickliffe at the Libersohn home led by Morah Chavi and Devorie Libersohn. May this be a zechus for all of klal Yisroel in Eretz Yisroel and around the world. Miss Levin and Miss Libersohn’s kitah gimel are moving along in Chumash and had their very first Chumash test. The girls were treated to delicious cupcakes with a special message from their moros reassuring them "You’ll do great; there's muffin to worry about". Truth be told, the girls did an outstanding job! What can be better than an opportunity to get creative and learn at the same time? That is what Miss Weinberg's sixth grade did when they prepared and presented a pasuk in Navi. By creating dioramas, comic strips and other creative presentations, the girls gave over their lessons so beautifully. What an incredible learning experience! Junior High School Rabbi Avrohom Kramer of the Israeli Yeshiva Tiferes Tzvi in Yerushalayim visited our school and, in Rabbi Sturman’s eighth grade shiur, he encouraged the talmidim. While there, he met Yehuda Berner on the day of his bar mitzvah and wished him a Mazel Tov! In addition, Rabbi Ephraim Nisenbaum spoke to the Junior High on Friday. General Studies: Electives-Computer Graphics: A highlight of our afternoon program includes electives where students have the opportunity to choose courses of interest during the school day. Some options include STEM, stock market, Jewish history, LEAGUES, guitar and art. This year, we added computer graphics as one of the choices for 7th and 8th grade boys. Mrs. Chen leads the graphics program and has already introduced Adobe Illustrator, a powerful program that enables students to experience creating stunning illustrations, logos, typography, and more. Here are samples of the boys work. Electives help create engaging outlets for the boys to build confidence, develop skills, and to shine outside of the traditional classroom setting.
Yeshiva Ketana Mazel tov to fourth generation Academy student, Dovi Bander whose upsherin was held in Rabbi Matitia’s third grade. Continued nachas to the Soclof, Seiger and Bander families. As the excitement mounts for our first grade talmidim as they prepare for the Chumash Mesiba where they will receive their very first Chumash, the boys are starting to learn pesukim. To heighten their anticipation, the talmidim in Mrs. Burnstein’s class had the tremendous zechus of reading the first pasuk of Bereishis from a Sefer Torah. We are extremely proud of our talmidim in the Yeshiva Ketana for their participation on our tzedaka campaign where we raised money for families in Eretz Yisrael. B’chasdei Hashem, in less than two weeks, they were able to raise $3,359. The fourth graders raised the most money, but each grade did their part in being nosei b’ol im chaveiro. Also, Zevy Gresack, Daniel Goldzweig and Baruch Leib Rossio raised money for Israel by raking leaves during their free time in their neighborhood. Tizku L’Mitzvos and may we share besuros tovos b’karov! Mazel tov to Mendel Levitansky and Nachi Neuman on their siyum of Maseches Ta’anis. Their Rebbe , Rabbi Elias, and their classmates in fifth grade, joined in congratulating them on this wonderful achievement. May Mendel and Nachi continue growing into true talmidei chachamim and continue bringing beautiful nachas to their parents. This past Tuesday, Rabbi Chaim Alevsky visited our school to demonstrate to our sixth grade boys the proper method of twisting and knotting a pair of tzitzis. He then proceeded, with the aid of the Rabbeim, to assist the boys in the actual making of a pair of tzitzis which will be sent to the Israeli soldiers on the front lines. What a wonderful day, both educational and entertaining, enjoyed by all. | |
| | Yavne High School This week, Yavne Junior High celebrated with all students who have אב, אלול, תשרי, in birthdays חשון .Our 8th grade “birthday party” committee – Miriam Boim, Mushka Goldberg, Aviva Bresler, Sara Galinsky, Shoshana Berkowitz, and Blimi Kutoff – under the supervision of Miss Rochel Leah Katz baked cakes and prepared frostings, fondant, sprinkles, and other edible decorating supplies. The girls divided into groups and each group decorated their cake based on one of the birthday months. Pictured are the fabulous, creative results. The Yavne JH GS department is excited to announce its new enrichment program, IginteU! Beyond the Classroom! Last Friday, the students learned about the program after an exciting breakout. After choosing to participate in a spirited Machanayim game or create an artistic project, the students enjoyed delicious treats. Of course, the program ended with dancing! This optional program is designed to provide opportunities centered on individual preferences as well as spark or build an interest! We look forward to offering different opportunities throughout the year. Our energetic “Shabbos Treats” heads, Rachelli Boim, Tehilla Gallor, Tzipori Malcmacher, Rivka Netanel, Sora Mindy Thav and Ariella Vitebskiy, put together an amazing breakout of this very special group to send our girls home Erev Shabbos with the sweet taste of “7th Heaven”! The girls were “treated” to jumbo freeze pops as their first special treat.
| | Early Friday Dismissal—Next Friday Attention Parents of Early Childhood, Kindergarten and Elementary School: Please be reminded that the winter Friday dismissal will change for daylight savings time frame (from November 10th until mid winter vacation only) from 2:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. On those days, lunch and General Studies will begin earlier and the districts have communicated that they will provide transportation. Carpoolers, please pick up your children promptly. This schedule includes early childhood through grade 6 in both boys and girls divisions. Boys Junior High and Yavne High School Friday dismissals remain as they were this year. Yavne High School (continued) Project Stand Up was started last year as a Sefira program to bring more awareness. This year we took it a step further to focus on the different aspects of kovod. At our breakout we watched a very powerful video of how kovod separates us from the rest of the nations. We then watched another video showing many differences scenarios where kovod may be lacking. A self-reflection questionnaire was handed out to all the girls and they filled it out while they watched the video. The questionnaires were then collected and put into envelopes and will be returned to the girls at the end of the year so that they can track their growth. Each month the program will focus on a specific aspect, including kovod to your parents, teachers, friends, etc. This month we are focusing on kovod to our friends. We made three kabbalos as a school, to not hang up on one friend to talk to another, when a friend joins a conversation to make sure they are included in the conversation and to answer the classroom door when a classmate is knocking. Envelopes will be placed in the lobby and every time a student does a kabbalah, she will place a ticket in the appropriate envelope. The girls were treated to a lemonade STAND and cUPcakes to go with the Project Stand Up name. We hope to grow, as a school, in this very important middah!! Thank you to Ms. Buvie Meisels for making this amazing program happen. Thank you our dedicated heads, Gitty Meisels, Tori Small and Chana Friedman.
Mazel Tov! Federation Campaign for Jewish Needs & Israel Emergency Fund Please help us express our hakaras hatov to the Jewish Federation of Cleveland for their partnership with and support of the Hebrew Academy. We are a recipient of Federation funds and we partner with them closely on security issues as well. Their campaign helps to ensure that Cleveland continues to be a vibrant hub of Jewish communal life. Please join us in helping them reach their campaign goals by coming to a campaign outreach event on either Tuesday, November 28 | 6:30 – 8:30 pm (Giving Tuesday) or Sunday, December 10 | 9:30 am – 1 pm. If you are able to join us in this effort (for any amount of time) please RSVP to Mrs. Shirah Stern at [email protected] by Friday, November 10th. Tizku l’Mitzvos. | | • Rabbi & Mrs. Naphtali Burnstein on the birth of a grandson to Mordechai & Hindy Burnstein • Rabbi & Mrs. Yankel Velvel Katz on the marriage of their granddaughter Nechama to Tzvi Hersh Swerdloff Mazel tov to Rabbi & Mrs. Faivel Katz. • Mr. & Mrs. Murray Koval and Rabbi & Mrs. Boruch Manies on the birth of a granddaughter to Ovadia & Bassy Manies Parent Communication As technology grows at the Hebrew Academy and as we advance to meet its demands, we have made a recent change. We would like to introduce you to our new educational software Parent Locker for all divisions. This will be the new website for you, as a parent, to use for report cards, progress reports, parent-teacher conferences, as well as other educational information and interaction. Some parents may be familiar with this website as we piloted this program at Yavne this past year. Be on the lookout for an email from your division for more information. Safety & Security We thank the Midwest Agudath Israel for facilitating a Zoom meeting with Ohio Senator J.D. Vance for Ohio’s Jewish communal leadership. Rabbi Dessler and others brought up the rise of antisemitism around the world and the security concerns in Ohio’s communities. Responding to Rabbi Dessler’s question, Senator Vance, a friend and supporter of Israel, spoke forcefully against anti Semitism and expressed that we are in the beginning of a civilization struggle and he will continue to be unequivocally supportive of the security needs of our communities.
Yeshiva Ketana Gym & Preschool Cafeteria (enter through main entrance) 3's are invited to come play 2:00-3:00 4's are invited to come play 3:30-4:30 Moon Bounce Crafts Snacks The PTA proudly presents for the 3's and 4's Bring your child to play with their friends and get to meet other parents in your child’s grade! Please note that all children must be accompanied by a parent at all times. *Limited to children in the Early Childhood Division* Sunday, November 5th At the Klein Campus contact Leah Steinman with any questions 323-561-5344 Sunday Playdates
Want to Donate up to $1,500 to HAC for Scholarships Without it Costing You a Penny? Now You can! Want to Choose What Your State Taxes Support? Now You can! Use Your Tax Dollars to Help Our Families! YOU’RE DONE! IT’S THAT EASY! * NEW THIS YEAR! A couple filing jointly can now donate $1,500 together. You no longer need to donate $750 separately! The tax credit maximum cannot exceed a tax payer’s Ohio State liability before withholdings or estimated payments. Please consult with your tax advisor/accountant before participating. For More information or assistance, please contact Rabbi Moshe Marcovich at (216) 727-3008 or email [email protected] 3 EASY STEPS: 1) Make your donation* at everychildeveryfamily.org/donate. 2) Designate Hebrew Academy of Cleveland as your school. 3) Submit the email receipt to your accountant with your tax documents.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): What is an SGO? SGO is an acronym for Scholarship Granting Organization. SGOs are 501(c)(3) organizations that raise and distribute scholarship funds primarily to k-12 students. The Hebrew Academy of Cleveland has partnered with the Ohio Scholarship Fund DBA Every Child Every Family SGO. How do SGOs work? The State of Ohio now allows individual donors to make donations up to $750 through an SGO (up to $1,500 a couple) and receive a 100% tax credit-dollar for dollar-towards a taxpayer’s Ohio tax liability. Who is eligible for this tax credit? Anybody that has a tax liability before withholdings or estimated payments. You do not need to be a HAC parent. The maximum credit cannot exceed the total tax liability. Typically, you can see what your liability was last year by looking at line 13 of your 2022 Ohio IT 1040 State tax return. Do all charities qualify for this tax credit? What’s the difference between tax credit and tax deductible? No. Although charities qualify for a charitable contribution standard deduction, tax payers only benefit if they have sufficient deductions to itemize. Additionally, the tax payer will only receive a partial tax savings (depending on their tax bracket). Only donations to an SGO qualify for the tax credit which reduces the donor’s actual tax liability 100% dollar for dollar even if they don’t itemize their deductions and irrelevant of their tax bracket. If we are filing jointly, can we donate $1,500 or do we need to donate $750 twice? Great News! You can now donate $1,500 together! You no longer need to donate $750 separately. Can I choose for my donation to be earmarked to the Hebrew Academy of Cleveland? Yes! Hebrew Academy has partnered with the Ohio Scholarship Fund DBA Every Child Every Family SGO and you can choose Hebrew Academy from the “School to Donate To” dropdown. Can I choose which student receive my donation? No. Hebrew Academy is required to have a scholarship application process and prioritize scholarships for students of low-income households at the school’s discretion. Do SGOs in all states work exactly the same way? No. Every state has its own rules. Although many states offer a partial tax credit (usually between 50% to 75%), Ohio is one of the only states to offer a 100% tax credit-dollar for dollar! Why have I never heard of it? SGOs have been around in other states for many years. Agudath Israel of Ohio and others have been advocating strongly for many years to bring SGOs to Ohio, and played a critical role in ensuring its inclusion as part of the approved biennial budget by Ohio’s Legislature. A special thank you to our parent and executive committee board member, Rabbi Yitz Frank, of Agudath Israel of Ohio for working tirelessly on behalf of our school and parent body! Ok, I’m ready! What’s the next step? It’s really easy! Visit https://everychildeveryfamily.org/donate/ and submit your donation(s). Submit the email receipt you receive from the SGO to your accountant. You’re done! It’s that simple! Where can I find out more? You can visit https://everychildeveryfamily.org. Additionally, Additional information on scholarship granting organizations is available through the Ohio Attorney General’s office at https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-5747.73. Please note: This FAQ is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide official tax advice. Consult with your tax advisor/accountant before participating.