8:15 This week my brother and I attended Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s Holocaust Commemoration at the Statehouse Atrium in Columbus. The event featured Chihiro Sugihara, who carries the legacy of his courageous grandfather, Chiune Sugihara, famed World War II Japanese diplomat, who served as consul in Kovno, Lithuania. In that capacity, he defied orders, risked his career, and saved the lives of thousands of refugees from the Nazi inferno by issuing transit visas through Japan. In 1939, all foreign diplomats were instructed to leave Kovno and, as he packed his belongings, Sugihara was informed that a Jewish delegation was waiting for him to plead the dire situation of the Jewish people. Recognizing the impossibility to obtain immigration visas to anywhere else in the world, he sacrificed – literally – to save some six thousand people. With 300 transit visas from Sugihara, the entire staff and students of Mir Yeshiva emigrated to Shanghai in Japanese- occupied China, remained there throughout the war, and emerged as the singular European yeshiva to survive the Holocaust. Sugihara also signed and stamped the passport of my father zt”l when he fled Lithuania through Siberia and Japan and arrived on these shores on Simchas Torah of 1940. This week, 84 years later, holding my father’s passport in hand, my brother and I expressed our gratitude to Sugihara’s grandson. In 1985, Sugihara was recognized by Yad Vashem as “Righteous Among the Nations” and he passed away a year later. He will forever remain a symbol of heroism and a paradigm of friendship to our people. Love, friendship and humanitarianism, centered on the appreciation of human life, are cardinal precepts of our faith. One such dictum, a rather familiar one, finds its source in this week’s parsha, Kedoshim: V’ahavta lere’acha kamocha, Love your fellow as yourself (19,18). Hillel paraphrased it simply as “What is hateful to you do not do to others” (Talmud Shabbos 31A). My great uncle, Rabbi Doniel Movshovitz of Kelm, hy”d taught that this particular mitzvah couldn’t possibly be fulfilled without the conscious recognition of the existence of re’acha, your fellow. The first step in a relationship is to acknowledge the presence of others, besides for one’s self, equally created in the image of the Almighty. Rabbi Nosson Wachtfogel, zt”l, a talmid of Rav Doniel added: Man is often so self preoccupied that he lacks awareness of the existence of others. Thus, the injunction of V’ahavta lere’acha kamocha opens our eyes to the realization that just as man experiences joy and sadness and requires his needs to be met, so too, does his fellow. In a world filled with darkness, agony in Eretz Yisrael and uncertainty throughout the world, it is worthwhile to reflect upon the sparks of light which have illuminated the world in the past and the goodness which will continue to prevail. The love and friendship, unity and empathy that do exist in the world coupled with the efforts we can make to spread it further could make this world a better one. Have a wonderful Shabbos! MAY 19 Girls Grade 1-6 Student Showcase • • • • • • MAY 20 Yavne Parent Teacher Conferences • • • • • • MAY 22 Boys Grades 1-3 PBL Exhibit • • • • • • MAY 27 Memorial Day Boys Divisions Only Grades 1-4 School Starts 9:00 AM Grades 5-6 Minyan 7:45 AM Jr. High Boys M’Dor L’Dor 7:50 AM Grades 1-6 Dismissal 12:00 PM Jr. High Boys Dismissal 2:10 PM • • • • • • MAY 29 Yavne STEM Fair 8:00 PM • • • • • • MAY 30 Boys Grades 4-8 Evening of Inspiration בס’’ד פרשת קדושים | ב’ אייר תשפ''ד | 2024, 10 May 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 It was a pleasure welcoming back our kinderlach. We are grateful to the parents who took the time to express their appreciation through thoughtful notes for preparing their children for Yom Tov, the beautiful and engaging projects, and the wealth of knowledge their children shared with them. The endeavor of nurturing and educating our children is inherently fulfilling, and it is particularly gratifying when parents express their gratitude for our efforts in both caring and educating their children. Our children are learning about counting Sefiras Ha’Omer. In the classrooms, there are huge Har Sinai displays on which flowers are placed each day as the kinderlach count the Omer, marking the day that was counted with a flower. This elevates the excitement and anticipation for Shavuos. The children are also learning about the story of Rabbi Akiva, what they are allowed and not allowed to do during the sefira days, the mitzva of Vehavta le re’acha kamocha and counting numbers through fun and engaging activities. On Wednesday, Rosh Chodes Iyar, our kinderlach enjoyed decorating Rosh Chodesh hats, receiving treats, and singing and dancing in our hallways. Kindergarten In Kindergarten we are very busy counting Sefiras Ha’Omer, and at the same time, learning the important lessons of Pirkei Avos, to help us improve in our interactions with our friends especially during this time of year. We also continue to hone our reading skills. We moved on to CVC words with the letter U. It was such fun to read the pages and illustrate our “Bug Book”, a story we wrote together in class, and then to decorate cookies to look like Lady Bugs! These kosher bugs were YUM!
| | Girls Elementary It was so special to welcome everyone back after Pesach. Our accomplishments in learning about Yom Tov and mastering the Haggadah were wonderfully reflected in the comments and completed charts the girl brought in Thursday morning. Here are some samples: “Breindy Kramer's exceptional preparation for the Seder and her role as a diligent helper to her cousins, managing the table and its cleanup, was truly commendable.”; “Batsheva Matitia actively participated in her Seder and shared much information from the divrei Torah in her beautiful Haggadah. She helped with Yom Tov preparations from alef to tof. Batsheva was a nachas to her Bubby and was so respectful.”; “Brocha Sturman helped so nicely on Yom Tov. She davened beautifully and even went to Shul on some days.”; “Esty Meisels said the entire Magid and everything through Chad Gadyah! She was also super helpful throughout Yom Tov by caring for her baby cousins, her little sister, and anything else that needed doing.”; “Miri Sauber had an amazing Yom Tov! She was a huge helper and bentched beautifully at every meal. She shared so much at the seder, and we are rightfully proud of her.” Thank you, moros and Hebrew Academy, for all your hard work preparing our girls for the mitzvos of Pesach! At the sixth-grade Bas Mitzvah program, Mrs. Goldbaum introduced Miriam HaNevia and the midah of bitachon. Miriam took tambourines and drums to sing Shira, expressing her faith in Hashem, knowing He would save Klal Yisroel. The girls walked away with profound lessons in emunah and bitachon. With great pride, we congratulate our fourth-grade classes on their momentous achievement of completing the entire Sefer Bereishis! This journey, which began in Kitah Aleph, is a testament to their perseverance and the guidance of their dedicated moros. Thank you, moros, for helping the girls reach this remarkable milestone. General Studies: Innovation Kick Off: After an introduction to what innovation learning looks like, the girls were challenged to create a future invention which would be practical and realistic based on the inventions over the last 100 years. Winners were chosen based on the most realistic invention, so they are: Tzipporah Zabludowski, Shira Brummer, and Ayala Cohen who had an idea for A futuristic "smarter" phone! Their phone would be charge-able through solar energy! This would solve the problem of needing a charger. It also would be part of a purse, which is more efficient than two separate items. 6th Grade Poetry Contest: The Sunday, May 19th Student Showcase event needed a poetic summary which had to hint to each grade level’s project/theme. We received some phenomenal poems! The poem chosen to be included in all the brochures was written by Sori Gottesman, whose clear and creative poem explained each grade's topic in a fun and creative way. Sori's poem will be included in a brochure to be given out on Showcase Day!
Junior High School We welcomed our talmidim back to school after Pesach and were pleased to see the level of participation in the Pesach incentive program. This week, our school welcomed New Jersey State Assemblyman, Rabbi Avi Schnall. Rabbi Schnall, who also serves as Agudath Israel Director of Federal Education Affairs, davened with us and spoke to a group of seventh grade talmidim about the power of askanus, community service. His message about the impact of the individual, and that every interaction is an opportunity, was well received. | | Yeshiva Ketana Mazel tov to Rabbi A.L. Mann on his siyum of Gemara Maseches Yoma. Rabbi Mann’s siyum coincided with his class finishing Mishnayos Yoma. With this in mind, Rabbi Mann included his talmidim, and concluded the Mesechta with the complete Hadran in front of class. In the process, Rabbi Mann used this opportunity to give an overview of all the tefilos recited at a siyum. Another great teaching moment by Rabbi Mann! Mazel tov to Rabbi Elias's fifth grade talmidim on their siyum of Parshas Ki Sisa. To help mark this achievement, the class went to Milky Way for their siyum. Besides for having a marvelous time, they also made a tremendous kiddush Hashem with their outstanding behavior. They were so remarkable that a guest from Baltimore, Mr. Fishel Gross, approached them and bought them all slushies to show how impressed he was with them. Now, that is the proper way to mark a siyum of Torah! Then Chaim Yaakov Koval’s grandfather from Toronto, Mr. Friedman shared a Torah trivia question and an amazing story with the class. Yavne High School Yavne Junior High enjoyed a sefira G.O. activity of team building races done with a partner or as a team. This time of year, we wish to improve our interpersonal relations to correct the mistakes of R’ Akiva’s students. All teams who completed the challenges were a winner and received an ice cream sandwich – which symbolizes that two is better than one!
| | Yavne High School (continued) In honor of Rosh Chodesh Iyar, G.O. organized a fun-filled trip to the Zoo. The girls enjoyed the beautiful weather and also enjoyed looking at Hashems wonderous creations. Thank you Hashem for the perfect weather. Thank you to our amazing G.O. heads, Ashira Bresler, Zahava Fertig, Shalva Neeland and Rikki Rokowsky for organizing the trip. Mrs. Pessie Saks met up with our seminary girls currently studying in Eretz Yisrael. It was great for the girls to reconnect. Mazel Tov! • Mr. & Mrs. Reuven Dessler on the birth of a great grandson to Elozar & Bluma Zwicka • Mrs. Dahlen Firestone and Mr. & Mrs. Mordechai Klein on the engagement of Shmuel to Yael • Rabbi & Mrs. Motti Ganeles on the birth of a son Mazel Tov to Mr. & Mrs. Chaim Davis. • Mr. & Mrs. Dovid Greenberger on the bar mitzvah of Tzvi Mazel Tov to Mr. & Mrs. Binyomin Greenberger. • Mr. & Mrs. Corey Leeson on the engagement of Chana to Ahron Kulik • The Lefkowitz family on the engagement of Shaindel to Shua Hackel (Five Towns) • Rabbi & Mrs. Leibel Scheinbaum on the engagement of their granddaughter Faigy Scheinbaum to Yehuda Dovid Lantzitsky • Rabbi & Mrs. Shraga Weimer on the engagement of their grandson Shimshie Methal to Chani Silberberg
Full page ad- $200 *Parent discount $180 Half a page ad- $100 *Parent discount $90 YAVNE SENIORS 2024 Write an ad to your favorite senior! Quarter page ad- $50 Business card ad- $25 One line greeting ad- $10 Sorah Berkowitz Rachel Clements Rivkah Clements Pessi Elias Rochi Freedman Chana Friedman Layla Goldberg Leeba Goldstein Hadassa Gruen Sara Kaliff Tehila Keller Riki Klein Tziporah Klein Sari Kohn Malka Koval Sari Koval Shayna Kutoff Renata Kysil Elisheva Leeson Sadie Lipins Leah Mendelson Shalva Neeland Miriam Nir Yehudis Platchek Hadassah Schlesinger Batsheva Shyken Tori Small Leah Spolter Yaeli Stelzer Rochel Zelasko Rena Zuckerman To place an ad visit hac1.org/yearbook AD DEADLINE: MAY 20
FUN FAIR The HAC PTA invites you to the for girls through grade 6 & boys though grade 4 Sunday, June 2nd 1-4PM | Yavne High School 2475 South Green Road PETTING PETTING ZOO BOUNCE HOUSES LIVE M BY USIC A.Y. NA B K Y A.Y. DIMEN NAKDIMEN CARNIVAL GAMES SAVE THE DATE! food for purchase!
SUNDAY, MAY 19TH 10:30-11:30 AM TAYLOR ROAD CAMPUS Save the Date! Student Showcase Girls Grades 1 - 6
Boys Grades 1-3 Project Based Learning Exhibit SAVE THE DATE! Exploring Our Habitat Expedition Exploring Our Habitat Expedition 11sstt GGrraaddee BBooyyss PPrreesseenntt 3RD GRADE BOY S PRESENT WorldTraveling the 2nd grade boys present
SAVE THE DATE!
THURSDAY MAY 30TH FROM 7-8 PM Junior High An Evening of Inspiration PRESENTS FRESCHL AUDITORIUM MENDY & ITA KLEIN CAMPUS
PLEASE JOIN HATZALAH OF CLEVELAND AS WE PROUDLY CELEBRATE THE GRADUATION OF OUR Inaugural EMT Class 6:30PM | MAY 13TH at the YOUNG ISRAEL OF GREATER CLEVELAND Opening Remarks RAV BORUCH HIRSCHFELD SHLIT”A Posek of Cleveland Hatzalah Rov of Ahavas Yisroel Rosh Kollel of Torah L.I.F.E. Kollel Honorary Address DR. DAN SIMON President of Academic and External Affairs Chief Scientific Officer for the University Hospitals Health System With the participation of Rabbonim and community leaders, local city and safety officials, and representatives from sister Hatzalah organizations SHLOMO DUNOFF AVRUMI ELBAUM PACI ELBAUM SHMUEL FEUER JOSH GRODKO NAFTALI HERSCOVIC DOVI HOWITT SHMUEL KESSLER SHLOIMIE KLEIN YOSSI KLEIN ELCHANAN MANTEL AVI MITTELMANN HESHY NEIMAN SHMULY NEUMAN DANIYEL PISTER DAVID POLLAK BETZALEL ROSENZWEIG SHRAGIE SCHIFF AL SCHLESINGER CHUNI STERN DOVID YOVITS YECHIEL ZELCER IN ADDITION TO OUR VETERAN PROVIDERS: DORON BENNETT. MICHOEL BLOOM. YOSSI CHAPLEY. MEIR COHEN, ELI GOLDSTONE. YOSSI HEIFETZ. SHIMON MERMELSTEIN. DONI RASKAS. DOVID RIBAKOW. DONNY STEINBERG Graduates: הצלה וטוב ונכון מאוד להיות בכל עיר ועיר מתנדבים בעם מן המשכילים להיות נכונים ומזמנים לכל דבר הצלה (שערי תשובה לר’ יונה ג’, ע“א) *Special Video Presentation *Additional Select Honorary Remarks. Dessert Buffet to Follow. Hatzalah of Cleveland thanks the Hebrew Academy of Cleveland for hosting the entire EMS training course at the Mendy and Ita Klein Oakwood Campus!