8:03 My grandfather, Rabbi Eliyahu E. Dessler zt”l, one of the twentieth century’s most influential Torah personalities, once visited a match factory. Large quantities of lumber were brought in and placed at one end of an assembly line and, thanks to the technology of that era, small match sticks automatically emerged on the opposite end of the assembly line. Observing numerous employees in the area, he inquired why the automatic production required the involvement of scores of employees. He was told that the employees ensured that all the screws properly fit the machine and the absence of a singular, albeit seemingly insignificant, screw could result in a malfunction of the entire operation. Quick to learn a lesson, Rav Dessler remarked to his students that each individual has a unique purpose – a personal mission – in life and his contributions are absolutely required for the fulfillment of Hashem’s master plan. Simply understood, a collective Klal Yisrael, united by the Almighty and His Torah, is comprised of myriad individual Jews across the globe; each is mandated, and indeed expected, to observe mitzvos, study Torah, maintain a sense of integrity and act with kindness thereby making this world a better place. Man’s positive contributions to yiddishkeit and to society work towards the fulfillment of Hashem’s master plan. This concept can readily find expression in the world of Torah chinuch and there is not a more apparent season than the beginning of a new school year. For weeks in advance, anticipation and preparation dominate the lives of school personnel, educators, parents and children. An incredible amount of time and energy is shared, an inspiring amount of heart and soul is expended, and fervent prayers are uttered and beseeched. Why all the effort? So that our children should be educated, inspired, and empowered to reach their individual potentials. So that our children are prepared for a promising future. In this week’s parsha, the Torah compares man to the tree of a field when it states Ki ha’adam eitz hasadeh (20,19). While commentaries and interpretations abound, Maharal writes that just as trees blossom and produce fruit to fulfill their purpose, similarly, man must be productive to reach his potential on this earth. How does a child reach his potential? Who carries the mantle of responsibility to enable him to reach his potential? We all do. It takes a village to raise a child and certainly the home/school partnership is at the center of that village. This is a time to acknowledge and recognize that despite any differences, agendas, styles, or personalities, we stand united by an ideal and unified in our objective: to provide our children an outstanding educational experience. Every principal, administrator, specialist, teacher, secretary, parent and student deserves a great debt of gratitude for magnanimously stepping up to the plate. And let’s not forget the dedicated lay leaders and volunteers who devote their time and talents for the betterment of our school and community. The immeasurable contributions of all the stakeholders should never be taken for granted. It is thanks to you – our partners – that our school is a bastion of Torah and a thriving center of vibrant Torah chinuch dedicated to educating a new generation of leaders. Have a wonderful Shabbos! AUGUST 30 First Day of School (morning classes only) Early Childhood Orientation • • • • • • AUGUST 31 First Full Day of School First Day of Early Childhood בס’’ד פרשת שופטים | א’ אלול תשפ''ג | 2023, 18 August Only at Plaza Leasing: Sales and Rentals simplified! All of your vehicle needs in one place! Call 216-707-9000 or email [email protected]
| | August 18 Mazel Tov! • Mr. and Mrs. Ben Baskin on the bar mitzvah of Amos Mazel tov to Dr. Yehuda Baskin • Mr. & Mrs. Hershel Cohen on the engagement of Pesie to Meir Ives (Monsey) • Rabbi & Mrs. Dovid Davidowitz on the upcoming marriage of Yitzchok to Leah Nechama Lind • Mr. & Mrs. Dov Frankel on the upcoming marriage of Avromi to Nechama Aranoff Mazel tov to Rabbi & Mrs. Sherman Frankel • Mr. & Mrs. Elie Koval on the engagement of Elana to Meir Leiser (Brooklyn) Mazel tov to Mr. & Mrs. Murray Koval • Rabbi & Mrs. Moshe Kurtz on the birth of a son • Mr. & Mrs. Avi Lampert on the bar mitzvah of Tzvi Mazel tov to Rabbi & Mrs. Eli Newman • Dr. & Mrs. Yoel Schwartz on the birth of a grandson to Noach Aryeh & Shira Schwartz
Open House for Kindergarten! Sunday, August 27, 11:00—12:00 Incoming Kindergarten and their Parents: We will be open for you to walk through and familiarize yourselves with the facility. Snacks will be available. Looking forward to greeting you! Address: 1516 Warrensville Center Road Please park in the lower parking lot First Day of School Wednesday, August 30 from 8:30am-12:00pm (early dismissal) Classroom assistants will be at the entrance to greet your children and show them to their classrooms.