7:30 The Midrash tells the story about Rav Yanai who would walk the streets in search of Torah scholars to invite them for dinner. Once, he extended an invitation to an individual whose dignified appearance and manner of dress led Rav Yanai to believe that he was in the presence of a true talmid chacham. During dinner, however, Rav Yanai quickly realized that he was mistaken and that his guest was ignorant in Torah learning and was also not able to recite Birchas HaMazon, Grace after Meals. Rav Yanai felt that he had wasted his time and reacted with a stinging remark. His guest, in turn, countered that he had passed an elementary school and overheard the students chanting the words, Torah tziva lanu…, that the Torah is commanded to us and is the rightful heritage of every Jew – thus he too is a beneficiary and is angry that the Rav Yanai's of the world failed to extend themselves to include him in the world of Torah scholarship. Rav Yanai’s attitude changed and as he engaged his guest in conversation he pondered what merit this man had to have been invited to his home – an honor reserved strictly for talmidei chachamim. The guest responded to his host’s politely worded question and revealed that throughout his lifetime he had never repeated gossip and that he had never encountered a dispute that he failed to mediate. Rav Yanai now regretted his earlier comment for he realized that his guest was truly righteous, a baal derech eretz of exceptional character – one who adequately prepared himself for the Torah scholarship which would surely follow. There are many lessons to be derived from this Midrash. Perhaps, as we find ourselves between the festivals of Purim and Pesach, the story is that much more meaningful. At the Seder, as we begin Maggid – the narrative of Yetzias Mitzrayim – we recite the words, kol dichfin yesei veyechol, whoever is hungry shall come and eat; whoever is needy shall come and celebrate Pesach with us. On Pesach, the Seder is so powerful because we relive the entire experience m'shibud l'geulah, from exile to redemption. We reflect upon and appreciate anew the miracles performed on our behalf during that time which was the birth of our nation. Both the reflection and the experience enable Jews around the world to reevaluate their lives and renew their commitment to yiddishkeit. In recent years, hundreds of Jews have returned to their roots because they were a guest at someone's Seder. Thus, how would we respond to Rav Yanai's guest? Those of us – like Rav Yanai – who are knowledgeable of our mesorah and have experience in conducting a Seder, how would we reach out toward those who - like Rav Yanai's guest – are not so privileged, but nevertheless share this eternal inheritance? Do we recite the words kol dichfin yesei veyechol without a full realization of its meaning from year to year? Or can we bring their meaning and the powerful, life-altering Seder experience into the lives of our uneducated and unaffiliated fellow Jews and thereby reunite them with their mesorah, their heritage? Have a wonderful Shabbos! March 31 Yavne Production • • • • • • APRIL 1 HAC Tribute Dinner Cleveland Museum of Art 6:00 PM Make Your Reservations Now! • • • • • • APRIL 8 Solar Eclipse 2:00 Dismissal • • • • • • APRIL 18-MAY 1 Pesach Vacation • • • • • • MAY 2 School Resumes-Regular Start בס’’ד פרשת צו | י”ט אדר ב’ תשפ''ד | 2024, 29 March 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 Our kinderlach returned to school on Tuesday brimming with enthusiasm to recount their Purim adventures with their moros and friends. Once everyone settled, our teachers seamlessly transitioned into learning about Pesach, Yetzias Mitzrayim, and the Hagadah. The sweet sounds of the Ma Nishtana, Dayenu, and many other Pesach songs are gracing our hallways as the children engage in crafting their Pesach projects, and work meticulously on assembling their hagados. In conjunction with learning the letter tes, Kinderlach in Morah Laya and Morah Chaya's class and Morah Naomi and Morah Miriam’s class were treated to visits from a few class TATTIES! The children “interviewed” the fathers to discover what their favorite colors, foods and books are, and participated in activities that they love to do with their Kinderlach! Kindergarten Kindergarten was treated to a special activity before Purim. Rabbi Yosef Peysin, father of our kindergartener Leib Peysin, came to school to lead a sing along with Morah Modes’ and Morah Mindy’s class. The kindergarteners really enjoyed singing some favorites in the Purim spirit! Thank you, Rabbi Peysin, for sharing your time and talent. Now that Purim is behind us, Kindergarten has jumped right into learning about Pesach. Morah Blech’s class learned about the 10 Makkos that Hashem sent upon Mitzrayim, and made adorable “Makkos Mittens” to remind them what those 10 Makkos are.
| | Girls Elementary It has been truly heartwarming to watch our girls leap straight from Purim celebration to Pesach preparation. Their moros began teaching them all about Pesach and are helping them create the most beautiful hagados. They are eagerly awaiting to show you these masterpieces! Morah Zuckerman's first graders are mid learning about Yom Revi’i, and have transformed the classroom using “Me’oros” throughout Chumash! It is such nachas to watch the girls learning with so much excitement, and see how many words they can translate all on their own. In conjunction with learning various topics in Chumash, Mrs. Domb's sixth graders grouped together to choose what they recently learned and brainstormed a way to present it. The girls used their talent and creativity to come up with amazing ideas and did an incredible job presenting. Kindergarten (continued) Moving along in our reading skills, the kindergarteners are now learning to read CVC words, with the vowel sound “a”. Of course, who would come to visit in honor of this? The Cat In The Hat! After listening to the book being read aloud, the classes made their own Cat in the Hat costumes, including the hat and the tie. Pictured is Morah Sara Keller’s and Morah Tehilla’s class wearing their Cat in the Hat costumes.
| | Girls Elementary (continued) General Studies: The Jewish Press announced the winners from the International Synagogue’s Purim Art and Writing Contest this week! The winners work will be displayed at the JFK Airport! Congratulations to Zahava Landis, Gr 3; Toby Solowitch Grade 4; Eta Resnick, Grade 5; Bracha Gurvitz, Grade 5; Shaina Ziva Lasky, Grade 6; Seema Heimlich, Grade 5; Basya Schwarz, Grade 5; Orli Stern, Grade 6; Basya Katz, Grade 6; Devorah Mann, Grade 5; Racheli Sochaczewksy, Grade 6; and Chana Elkan, Grade 3. Student Showcase work is in full force! Every class is working hard on learning, creating, designing and problem solving as they collaborate with classmates to complete their projects to share at our annual Student Showcase. Parents, please look out for more details (we are planning on a Sunday Showcase day (May 19) to relieve those who juggle work schedules, carpools, and appointments. Mrs. Kirschenbaum’s 3rd graders created a model of what happens when the moon eclipses the sun. The girls are gearing up to see the real life eclipse on April 8! Yeshiva Ketana Our talmidim were extremely proud of the special Tehillim they recited over Purim weekend, taking advantage of this auspicious time for Tefillah. The Koach Hatefilah Initiative was enthusiastically embraced and so many of our boys took advantage of this opportunity. Pictured are the boys eagerly holding up their charts and the special prizes they earned for rising to the challenge. May all of our tefilos be accepted, b’karov. As part of the contest, we will be testing the talmidim on Borei Nefashos, Asher Yatzar, and Al Hamichya, in the coming days. Separate prizes will, b’ezras Hashem, be awarded for this, as well. Mazel tov to Rabbi Drazin’s fourth grade class on their siyum of Parshas Be’shalach. Moshe Greenberg and Yehuda Grodko added to the simcha by sharing divrei Torah with their classmates. May they continue sharing divrei Torah in the future, and continue bringing nachas to their parents. Mazel tov to Chesky Adler on his recent upsherin. The upsherin took place in his brother, Yehoshua’s sixth grade classroom (Rabbi Sokol). With his parents and siblings looking on, Chesky proudly recited the alef bais and patiently allowed his hair to be cut. May all the berachos and segulos associated with an upsherin come true for Chezky, and may the mesikus of Torah he experienced grow and last throughout a long and healthy lifetime.
| | Yeshiva Ketana (continued) Mazel tov to Rabbi S.Y. Mann’s sixth grade class on their siyum of Perek Ha’kones. This is the first time the boys have completed an entire perek in Gemara. May this siyum be the first of many siyumim of perakim in shas for all of our wonderful talmidim. Rabbi Mann, with the help of his “experienced“ chefs, treated the class to a delicious, grilled se’udah. Rabbi Dessler and Rabbi Kahn enhanced this wonderful event with their presence and with their heart-warming divrei bracha. Yeshiva Ketana recently concluded their ten-week Shnayim Mikra program. Grades 3-6 were challenged to complete their assigned kriah on the respective parsha of each week. The following boys participated on a weekly basis, completing their assignment a minimum of 9 times: Avi Abraham, Zalmen Alevsky, Asher Baum, Eli Bernstein, Ben Bulua, Bentzion Dafner, Yoni Domb, Yosef Elkan, Mendel Goldberg, Moshe Greenberg, Avi Howitt, Yitzchak Shmuel Katz, Yisroel Kaye, Moshe Fishel Kohn, Eliyahu Koyfman, Chaim Krash, Chaim Kroll, Moshe Maimon, Meir Mann, Eli Meisels, Shlomo Peretz Nalick, Yehuda Raher, Zevy Rosner, Chaim Ruck, Avi Shulman, Yehuda Shyken, Ahron Stelzer, Eli Stempel, Yisroel Taub, Zevi Weiss and Yechiel Zabludowski. Junior High School We are proud of the many talmidim who raised funds over Purim for many worthy tzedakos. Their efforts and achievements are a testament to the fact that we don’t live for ourselves and we are sensitive to others and to worthy causes. General Studies: The Hebrew Academy was honored with a presentation from Dr. Chaim Presby, a world-renowned scientist who specializes in photonics. Dr. Presby has published more than 180 papers in scholarly journals and has procured 200 patents in the field of fiber optics. He also is a senior lecturer for Gateway’s kiruv organization and published a book called, “The ABCs of Torah and Science.” Dr. Presby spoke at Yavne and to the 5th -8 th grade boys at the Klein campus about the majesty of Hashem’s creation of the universe and specifics about the upcoming solar eclipse in an engaging manner.
| | Yavne High School Friday in Yavne Junior High was a full day of celebration in preparation of Purim! Thank you to our high school G.O. for giving us the go carts to start the day with a fast paced windblowing-in-our-face adventure! The girls (and their teachers) had a blast zooming around the parking lot and the gym! After a potato kugel break, we then had the privilege to hear from Mrs. Rivky Silver, a treasured Hebrew Academy parent and music teacher, who shared her inspiring and impressive story and journey. The girls drank up her message of “ashreinu ma tov chelkeinu” and appreciated the connection to Purim’s “kiymu v’kiblu hayehudim”. Next, the girls were divided into groups and participated in activities connected to the mitzvos of Purim! The girls enjoyed giving and receiving mishloach manos to each other, searching for hidden words in the megillah, blindfolded giving matanos laevyonim, setting a table for seudas Purim… As a grand finale to our special day, junior high joined high school for a heartwarming kumzitz, led by Mrs. S. Kohn! We heard many expressions of appreciation from our girls – for a most memorable day of meaningful fun! Yavne Junior High students are fortunate to have the most dedicated teachers, who care so much for their students wellbeing and development. To this end, they seek to forge personal connections and bond with their students outside the classroom. We’d like to express great appreciation to Mrs. Sefi Katz and Mrs. Bracha Spector for making Purim parties for their students in 7th and 8th grades respectively. The teachers and students planned and prepared together the menus, theme, décor, program… The simchas Purim, achdus and comradery at these events will surely leave lasting memories for our girls.
| | Yavne High School (continued) Last Friday, the Yavne girls walked into a big surprise. The G.O. had transformed the building into Machane Yavne, complete with a lake surrounded by camp chairs, a “bunk room”, a spectacular canteen, and a camp office. The day began with a bang, when the G.O. girls drove up to the stage in a golf cart and broke out Machane Yavne with a dance and a song. Next on the schedule was shiur, because in Machane Yavne no day is complete without inspiration! Thank you to our dedicated teachers for dressing up as camp counselors. The grades then alternated with different activities- team building, arts and crafts, golf carting, and a fun and interactive game. Afterwards, everyone enjoyed a refreshing canteen of slushies and hot pretzels. The whole day was filled with incredible ruach! Thank you to our heads, Zahava Fertig, Rikki Rokowsky, Ashira Bresler and Shalva Neeland for all your incredible hard work! A special thank you to Mrs. Shani Kohn, Mrs. Pessie Saks and Mrs. Bresler, also a special thank you to Mr. Wren for dealing with all the mess! This past Motzei Shabbos the Yavne girls had their annual Purim Chagiga at the JCC auditorium. Thank you to Rabbi Baum who read the Megilla for the girls, and thank you to Mr. Yosef Greenberger who made havdala and added to the ruach with sound and lights. The girls were treated to a deluxe buffet followed by dancing. Each grade dressed up according a Shevet, 9th grade dressed up as burglars and robbers, expressing a main theme of Yosef and Binyamin and won the contest for best costume. 10th Grade dressed up as “Tzahal” soldiers (Gad), 11th grade were baseball players because Yissachar and Zevulun were a team and our seniors were Kings because Yehuda had malchus and they’re the oldest! The Chagiga was so much fun and enjoyed by all! Thank you to Mrs. Shani Kohn and the Chagiga heads, Rachel Clements, Rivka Clements, Pessi Elias, Rochel Katz, Riki Klein, Sari Kohn, Bella Neeland, Leah Ribiat and Rochel Zelasko for all their hard work. When we were packing up to leave, the security guard came over to Mrs. Zelasko and he wanted to speak to someone in charge of the girls. Mrs. Zelasko was apprehensive about what he was about to say. Baruch Hashem our girls made an incredible Kiddush Hashem. He said that he has been doing this job for over 40 years and he’s never seen a group of such well-behaved, well- mannered girls. What nachas!! Ms. Litwin had the pleasure of visiting her students in Eretz Yisrael this past week. General Studies: Our College Psychology class has been learning about stages of child development and skill acquisition. On Wednesday Ettie Becker came to assist with a hands on demonstration! They are currently learning about development in early childhood. After studying Piaget's preoperational stage, students were able to try out conservation and hierarchical classification tasks with Etty (age 3), as well as observe her language, gross and fine motor skills and early math and counting skills. Each student will also be observing a child between the ages of 6 months to 6 years and completing a theory application project in which they will compare the child's physical, cognitive, social emotional and language development to what is typically developing at that age.
| | Bigs & Littles Program On Shushan Purim all the Bigs and Littles in the HAC Bigs Littles Mentoring Program enjoyed a fabulous few hours at Whirley Ball. It was loads of fun playing Whirley Ball, bowling and lazer tag. We thank Leeba and Shana Goldstein for helping Mrs. Wolovitz with the party and Mrs. Sorah Esther Weimer for all her hard work. Yavne High School (continued) PTA Corner Thank you to our March Volunteers: Mrs. Perel Domb, Dr. Leonie Jacob, Mrs. Atara Reiss, Mrs. Chaya Roberts, Mrs. Rivki Silver, Mrs. Leah Steinman, Mr. Shmuel Stern. Restaurant Week: Thank you to all those who participated in HAC’s 2nd Annual Dine 2 Donate Restaurant Week! The donations are still being tallied but we have heard that a delicious time was enjoyed by all! Thank you to our event co-chairs Mrs. Chavi Cohen and Mrs. Alex Fleksher. Volunteer Opportunities: We are in need of a few volunteers (either men or women) who can help make phone calls to Fun Fair Sponsors both past and potential. For more information or to volunteer please email Mrs. Shirah Stern at [email protected].
| | Mazel Tov! • Dr. & Mrs. Shmuel Goldstein on the birth of a grandson to Yosef & Chani Birnbaum and a granddaughter to Chaim & Esti Reznitsky • Mr. & Mrs. Shmully Halpern on the engagement of Henna to Shimon Silberstein (Monsey) Mazel Tov to Mrs. Ita Klein. • Mrs. Chaya Gitty Kohn on the birth of a grandson to Yosef Mordechai and Chavie Blumenkrantz • Mr. & Mrs. Malachi Muskal on the birth of son Mazel Tov to Mr. & Mrs. Nachman Muskal. • Rabbi & Mrs. Yossi Resnick on the bar mitzvah of Shlomo • Rabbi & Mrs. Mordechai Silverberg on the marriage of Devora to Chisky Rosenberg • Rabbi & Mrs. Shraga Weimer on the engagement of their granddaughter Tova Weimer to Dovid Gelberman (Detroit) 81st Scholarship Tribute Dinner - Monday! The Academy’s 81st Scholarship Tribute Dinner is now sold out with a capacity crowd. The event will be held this coming MONDAY, April 1st at 6:00 p.m. at the Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Boulevard. There will be options for valet parking in front of the building and self park in the Museum’s lot adjacent to the Museum. There will be a minyan for Mincha at 6:00 p.m. and Maariv following the event. The HAC Choir members received a note that states that members should be brought by their parents before 6:15 p.m. and will be escorted to the private dining room. The boys will be transported home by bus immediately following the choir presentation. We look forward to greeting you there!
Want to Donate up to $1,500 to HAC for Scholarships Without it Costing You a Penny? Use Your Tax Dollars to Help Our Families! YOU’RE DONE! IT’S THAT EASY! * 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 by April 15th (before you file your taxes). 2) Designate Hebrew Academy of Cleveland as your school. 3) Submit the email receipt to your accountant with your tax documents. Deadline for 2023 Donation April 15, 2024
CL H GHER MBING EIGHTY-FIRST ANNUA L NURTURING CONNECTIONS. INSPIRING LEADERS. SAVE THE DATE! כ“ב אדר ב' תשפ“ד CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF ART Hebrew Academy of Cleveland / 1800 Warrensville Center Road / Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44121 For ads email [email protected] or call 216.382.3300 x 372. For dinner reservations email [email protected] or call 216.382.3300 x 360. Ads and reservations can also be placed online at hac1.org/apps/pages/dinner RABBI YITZ & ROCHELLE FRANK THE MENDY KLEIN COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD IN TRIBUTE TO DRS. SHAYA & TAMARA LEMPEL RABBI MAIMON ELBAZ THE ALUMNUS AWARD
All tickets purchased by March 25th will be entered into a raffle. 2 winners will be picked! 1st winner: $500 Unger’s gift card 2nd winner: $250 Amazon gift card TO PURCHASE TICKETS VISIT: WWW.HAC1.ORG/RAFFLE/ OR CALL 216-382-3300 X 364 KEEP THE FLAME OF TORAH BURNING IN THE HEARTS OF OUR CHILDREN! Ticket Prices 45 - $1,000 20 - $500 12 - $360 5 - $180 4 - $150 3 - $120 1 - $50 Thank You to Our Corporate Sponsors: EARLY BIRD SPECIAL April 1, 2024 CASH!
T O P U R C H A S E Y O U R T I C K E T S C L I C K O N T H E L I N K B E L O W H A C 1 . O R G / A P P S / P A G E S / E X P O | Y A V N E P R O D U C T I O N 2 4 @ G M A I L . C O M S U N D A Y , M A R C H 3 1 S T