5:59 Jewish unity is at the heart of a message in Parshas Ki Sisa, wherein we learn of the ketores, the incense that was offered twice each day in the Beis HaMidkash. All of the incense had a pleasant aroma with the exception of one: the chelbona. That the chelbona had a foul odor and was still included among the other spices serves to provide us with the following powerful message: Those who have strayed from the path of righteousness are never to be excluded. Indeed, the Talmud (Kerisus 67B) declares that a public fast day that excludes such individuals is not considered a proper communal fast. Rabbeinu Bechaya explains that at the moment a wicked or wayward person is inspired to repent, the name of Heaven is elevated and sanctified. Until then, the community – with each of us responsible for one another - shoulders that person’s responsibility. We also learn this concept from the aravah that is taken with arbah minim on the festival of Succos. The aravah has neither taste nor smell and thus seems to contribute little, if anything, to the arbah minim. Still, it is included with the other three species (the esrog, lulav and hadasim) all of which convey either taste, smell or both. Similar to the aravah are those individuals who contribute neither Torah nor mitzvos for the betterment of the world, yet they are still included among Klal Yisrael and are perceived before G-d as one unit, one people. In an era which breeds polarization and at a time when we may focus more on that which divides than on what unites, this concept is clearly food for thought. Our national educational institutions must bear in mind that each child is a contributor thereby benefitting the society in which we live. While each child should be embraced, nevertheless, at times, the needs of certain students are better served in another venue. Thus, educators should be ready and willing to secure the best environment where every child can thrive and be made to feel welcome and productive. Like the chelbona and its foul odor, or the aravah and its seeming lack of a redeeming quality, we must value each individual – adult and child alike – recognizing that we all have strengths and weaknesses. We need to develop the attitude wherein we value contributions and accept others for who we and they truly are: one community, one people. Have a wonderful Shabbos! MARCH 21 Taanis Esther Early Childhood dismissal 1:40 PM Kindergarten Dismissal 2:00 PM Grades 1-6 Dismissal 2:00 PM Jr. High Boys Dismissal 12:30 PM Yavne Dismissal 1:00 PM • • • • • • MARCH 24-25 Purim-No School • • • • • • March 31 Yavne Production • • • • • • APRIL 1 HAC Tribute Dinner Cleveland Museum of Art 6:00 PM • • • • • • APRIL 8 Solar Eclipse 2:00 Dismissal בס’’ד פרשת כי תשא | כ”א אדר א’ תשפ''ד | 2024, 1 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 Excitement is in the air as we continue diving into Purim preparations! The Preschool is filled with laughter, singing, dancing, and fun projects! In honor of Parshas Ki Sisa, kinderlach were given a coin, which was then counted-just like how Moshe Rabbeinu counted Bnei Yisrael! We loved that the kinderlach were able to practice counting and number recognition, as well as immerse themselves in the Parsha! What a special opportunity! Looking forward to many more ahead! Kindergarten As a culminating activity for a Brachos unit, Morah Sara Eiserman and Morah Blumy’s class made their own brachos placemats. How proud they are to use them every day at snack time! And, they are so useful, with the brachos acharonos printed on them, so the kindergarteners don’t need to take out a siddur. Morah Blech’s class learned from Parshas Ki Sisa all about the importance of every Jew and that when Bnei Yisrael were counted, they were counted by giving a half shekel. Now that Kindergarten has completed learning the lower case letters, they are learning to recognize and match the upper case ones to their lower case partners. Morah Shuli’s class played an upper case search game in which they had to shake around a carrot container filled with upper case alphabet letters, until they were able to find the upper case of each letter, and mark it on their paper. The Kindergarten classes have taken a GIANT step forward. Now that they know all the alphabet letters and their sounds, they are beginning to put them together to write words on their own! This brings a whole new dimension to their journal pages, on which they not only draw a picture, but even try to sound out how to write what it is.
| | Girls Elementary Shehechiyunu vikiyimunu vihigiyanu lazman hazeh! Our first grade classes are so excited to receive their first Chumash. On Friday, parents and grandparents gathered in the newly renovated Auditorium to watch a magnificent performance presented by our first graders. Each girl received a Chumash from Rabbi Dessler and, then, together with their parents, went down to the cafeteria to enjoy a beautiful décor, fit for the occasion, with delicious refreshments. We are amazed how well the moros prepared our girls, infusing each of them with ahavas haTorah in helping them reach this memorable milestone. May their excitement and love for learning continue to grow. The sixth grade gathered together on Wednesday for their monthly Bas Mitzvah program. The theme of this month was “Stepping up to the plate.” Mrs. Goldbaum introduced Devorah HaNevia and explained to the girls how Devorah HaNevia filled her role as shofetes for Klal Yisrael. Throughout generations, there were many women who stepped up to the plate when they realized there was a need For Klal Yisrael. Thank you to our panelists, Mrs. Tennenbaum, Mrs. Resnick, and Mrs. Levovitz for speaking to the girls about the specific ways each of them fulfills our community's needs. Our third grade classes are really moving along in Lashon. To reinforce the words koev and koeves, the girls used their Hebrew sentence building skills and wrote a dialogue between themselves and the school nurse. Their beautifully decorated paper dolls are hanging right outside our third grade classrooms. Through dance and drama, Mrs. Dessler's fifth grade class used their talents and creativity to present a beautiful Navi performance on Ahud ben Garah, Devorah Hanevia and Barak. The girls did an incredible job and all in attendance walked away with a deeper understanding of these perakim.
| | Girls Elementary (continued) General Studies: Mrs. Kirschenbaum’s third graders had an action packed day with hands on learning. The girls started off in the new Innovation Lab working on our in school book reports. The girls were proud to finish up their novel study on My Father's Dragon. Next, they created creatures out of clay based off of a CIJE science unit on bears. The girls had to come up with the environment, type of species, habitat, adaptations, and eating habits of their creatures. Yeshiva Ketana Mazel tov to Ari Rokowsky on his siyum of Maseches Chagiga. The siyum was duly celebrated with Rabbi A.L. Mann who is both his daily Rebbe in school, and his Rebbe for extra Mishnayos learning. His grandparents and parents were in attendance, as well. What wonderful nachas! Every morning, while most of the 5th and 6th grade boys leave the Bais Medrash for a well-deserved break after davening, two boys remain behind. Nachi Neuman and Moshe Weiner are found sitting at their seats, learning Mishnayos together b’chavrusa. They recently celebrated finishing Maseches Challah together, and have moved on to the next mesechta. What beautiful nachas for their parents. Mazel Tov! Rabbi Elias’ fifth grade class recently finished Parshas Terumah, which discusses, in detail, the forming of the klei (vessels) haMishkan. The boys used their artistic skills to form miniature clay keilim, which they proudly displayed for public view. All the boys were involved and were very proud of their accomplishments. Rabbi Klein’s fifth grade class recently celebrated their own unique siyum. They concluded and mastered all of the Gemara of the first mishna of Perek Eilu Metzius. Rabbi Klein treated them to a deluxe breakfast which was enjoyed by all. Mazel Tov and hatzlacha on continuing to grow into true bnei Torah. On Purim Katan, the class also danced into Rabbi Dessler’s office spreading the spirit of Purim! Winners of this week’s Shnayim Mikra Target gift card: 3rd grade: Avi Howitt, Gavriel Lempel and Mordechai Meisels. 4 th grade: Eli Bernstein, Yehuda Grodko and Yerachmiel Steinmetz. 5th grade: Shlomo Makalsky, Chaim Rivkin and Yisroel Taub. 6th grade: Hillel Feit, Chaim Mann and Yaakov Wren.
| | Yeshiva Ketana (continued) General Studies: The 6th grade kicked off its first week of a month-long floor hockey tournament this week! The boys on each of the six teams first worked together to develop and improve their skills through stickhandling drills led by our gym teacher, Mr. Bendzuck. They then got to put their newly developed skills to good use at the end of the period in fun 4 v 4 games. The official games start next Monday. Good luck to each of the six teams! Junior High School Purim Katan was celebrated in Junior High style with simcha, song, ruach and “imported” doughnuts. More importantly, an explanation by Rabbi Kahn of the significance of the day. The 7th Grade Boys were given the opportunity to sell tickets for our annual $10,000 raffle and earn prizes. Over 20 boys enthusiastically joined! They were treated to a pizza lunch launch with Rabbi Moshe Marcovich who guided them to ensure a successful campaign. Hatzlacha rabba, boys! General Studies: Our Junior High Jewish History program is studying early 19th century history and learning about the importance of the Yeshiva of Volozhin. This artistic representation was created by the students under the direction of Mrs. Chen, our art teacher. Volozhin is known as the “mother of all Yeshivos” and its influence and ideals helped form the direction and focus of all yeshivos today. May our generation continue the illustrious chain of our mesorah by dedicating our efforts to learning and inculcating Torah into every aspect of our lives. Mr. Radie is back in the halls! Our beloved Science teacher, Mr. Ken Radie returned this week to the junior high as a substitute for Rabbi Berkman’s classes. It is such a treat for all of us to have Mr. Radie back, even if only for a short amount of time. May Mr. Radie continue to have good health and be open for future opportunities to be in our classrooms moving forward. Congratulations to Sruly Rudner who was our Junior High Spelling Bee Champion and to all the participants.
| | Yavne High School In honor of Purim Katan, 8th grade Yavne girls came to school at night and decorated their hallway as the North Pole. Of course, the warmth in Yavne, melted all the ice :)! Thank you, Mrs. Bracha Spector, for chaperoning this activity after school hours. Yavne 8th graders celebrated a Chumash siyum on Parshas Shoftim with their teacher, Mrs. Bracha Spector. Indeed it was a huge accomplishment, marking a half year of hard work and gaining significant textual skills. We wish them to go michayil l’chayil and taste the sweetness of success in their Torah learning. Last Friday – Purim Katan was Adar Shtick day at Yavne. The High School very tastefully decorated the Lobby and hallways each with their own theme. The lobby was decorated by the Seniors who had the theme of “Yavne (Cleveland) Clinic”. The 11th graders decorated the upstairs hallway, their theme was “Never a Plane Day at Yavne” (airport theme). Not to forget about the office, which gave a “shiny finish” to the festivities. There was a great spirit of Achdus in the air, especially when all the grades got together and danced in the lobby. A special Kumsitz was enjoyed by all.
| | Yavne High School (continued) PTA Corner Restaurant Week is NEXT WEEK March 3-8! We have the participation of all 12 of our community’s eateries to tempt your palate. Join us in supporting Hebrew Academy by patronizing any or all of our local food establishments. Tell them you are here to support HAC and they will donate a portion of the cost of your meal to the school. When ordering online use coupon code HAC or bring the flyer into the store. B’teavon and Tizku l’mitzvos! Thank you to our event co-chairs, Mrs. Chavi Cohen and Mrs. Alex Fleksher. Thank you to our January and February Volunteers: Mrs. Perel Domb, Mrs. Becky Goldzweig, Mrs. Penina Kazen, Mrs. Tzippy Kiss, Mrs. Chany Klein, Mrs. Aliza Koval and Mrs. Chaya Roberts. For the Safety of Our Children Now that the weather is nicer, please discuss bike and walking safety with your children. Bikers should wear helmets and those entering and exiting the Klein Campus should follow all safety rules. Please watch for cars and make sure you are not in the way of approaching vehicles!
| | Mazel Tov! • Rabbi & Mrs. Zalman Noach Berkman on the marriage of Henna Golda to Shalom Dorman • Mrs. Shoshana Chen on the birth of a grandson to Mendel & Chaya Hershkowitz • Rabbi & Mrs. Doovie Jacoby on the bar mitzvah Meir Simcha • Mr. & Mrs. Amir Jaffa on the birth of a grandson to Yitzchok & Rikki Chesir Mazel Tov to Mrs. Ita Klein. • Rabbi & Mrs. Yaakov Krakauer on the birth of a son • Rabbi & Mrs. Elozor Mann on the birth of a grandson to Bentzion & Soroh Leah Munk • Mr. & Mrs. Heshy Platschek on the forthcoming marriage of Mindy to Dovi Brick Mazel tov to Mrs. Hentscha Jakobovitch. • Mr. & Mrs. Larry Waxman on the engagement of Aaron to Amanda Zucker (Minnesota) Mazel Tov to Mr. Mel Waxman. • Mr. & Mrs. Jeff Zuckerman on the birth of a grandson to Chisky & Shani Huppert Watch this Month’s HAC Video If you have not seen this month’s Academy’s video clip, click here and enjoy! Camp S.T.E.P. We are proud to announce that registration for summer 2024 will open on March 5th. Please note space is limited. Looking forward to an amazing summer!
Session 1: July 8 - July 26 Session 2: July 29 - Aug 16 RXG Sophies: entering 2nd & 3rd Grade RXG Juniors: entering 4th & 5th Grade FOR THIS YEAR: girls entering 6th & 7th Grade Registration opening March 5th Mrs. Y. Freundlich & Mrs. M.L. Domb Questions? Email: [email protected] RXGison the way! A division of Camp S.T.E.P. Dreamingof the summer? RXG XTREME [email protected] | Can’t wait for the summer!
A division of Camp S.T.E.P. ANOTHER AMAZING SUMMER AMAZING SUMMER! Lookingforwardto
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
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, 2023 CASH!
CL H GHER MBING EIGHTY-FIRST ANNUA L NURTURING CONNECTIONS. INSPIRING LEADERS. SAVE THE DATE! כ“ב אדר ב' תשפ“ד 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 FRANK THE MENDY KLEIN COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD IN TRIBUTE TO DRS. SHAYA & TAMARA LEMPEL RABBI MAIMON ELBAZ THE ALUMNUS AWARD