Bnei Akiva Schools Newsletter
September 23, 2016 - Elul 20, 5776
Parshat Ki Tavo - Candle Lighting: 6:53 - Havdallah: 7:59

This week's parsha video is from Mr. Hillel Rapp, Director of General Studies and Educational Growth. Click here to watch.
Recent Events
12th annual IKO Charity Golf Tournament - our most successful Tournament ever!

On September 8, 2016, Bnei Akiva Schools hosted the 12th annual IKO Charity Golf Tournament at Station Creek Golf Course. Thanks to our sponsors, participants and volunteers, this year's event was a huge success. Not only was the event completely sold out, but we also raised more funds this year for our schools than in past years! We couldn't have done it without everyone's support and dedication.
The forecast had called for rain, but it turned out to be a day of sunny skies, and enjoyment from more than 300 attendees who came out to participate in this amazing event. A highlight of the day for many in attendance was having NHL legend and former Toronto Maple Leafs Captain Wendel Clark join us on the course golfing, posing for pictures, and sharing insider stories on what it was like being an NHLer.
Click here to view event day photos.  Mark your calendars in September 2017 ... we look forward to seeing you on the green at next year's event!
YOC Grade 9 Shabbaton

Our shabbaton was an opportunity for us to bond with each other and to really get to know our new classmates since we come from several different schools. It was also really nice to get to know the Rabbis and administrators outside of the classroom. We participated in activities with the Rabbeim that were interesting, with different styles and topics. We felt united as one during Slow Shira when Rav Yair gave a really meaningful talk and we were in a circle singing. The shmooze sessions with student leaders from older grades gave us really useful advice that should help guide us over the next four years. Thank you to the student leaders, Rabbeim and administrators for an amazing Shabbaton!
- Yisrael Price, grade 9 student 

Literary Night

Grade 9s participated in our annual Literary Night, focsed on book talk discussions of the various summer reading choices. Students appreciated this different format of novel analysis. We were joined by a number of parents, who added to the conversations and enjoyed hearing our students discuss literature analytically. Thank you to Mrs. Kagan and Mr. Saltsman for organizing the evening; and to Rabbi Spitz, Rabbi Kleinberg, Mr. Rapp and Mr. Lazar for facilitating sessions.

Shlichim and Shlichot

Our students are excited to have Shilat, Hodaya, Akiva and Elkanah as part of our school this year. Our young shlichim have already built important connections with our students, enhancing the ruach at our schools and acting as role models. Shilat and Hodaya are living in Thornhill, while Akiva and Elkanah live in the YOC area. They will continue to build connections and enhance Shabbat as part of those communities. See you in shul - Shabbat Shalom!
Upcoming Events
University Fair - Sept 25

Metro Toronto Convention Centre hosts a university fair on Sunday, September 25. We encourage students in grades 11 and 12 to attend to learn more about programs available across Ontario. Please see their website for more information.
YOC 11 & 12 Stratford Trip - Sept 29

YOC Grade 11 and 12 students will be traveling to Stratford to view All My Sons on Thursday, September 29. Payment for this trip was included in the trip fee. Grade 11 students will leave soon after davening so they can participate in an exciting stage combat workshop in the morning. Grade 12 students will leave after second period. We anticipate returns to Thornhill and YOC around 6:30pm. Students should bring a lunch. Looking forward to an enriching cultural experience!
Mother-Daughter Hatarat Nedarim

All mothers and  women of the community are cordially invited to join your daughters for Tefilah on Tuesday, September 27th at 8am, which will be followed by a short shiur and an opportunity to do Hatarat Nedarim with the members of the YU Torah Mitzion Kollel. Light refreshments to follow.  
Pre-Rosh Hashana Alumni Shiur with Rabbi Goldberg - Sept 25

Rabbi Moshe Goldberg will be giving a shiur next Sunday evening, September 25, from 8:00pm to 9:00pm about Inyanei Rosh Hashana. Maariv will follow if enough men are present for a Minyan. The shiur is organized by Or Chaim alumni, though everyone is encouraged to attend. The shiur will take place in the lower level Minyan room in the Glenhurst Medical Centre (2797 Bathurst St., at the north-east corner of Bathurst and Glencairn). Parking is available in the lot behind the building, or in the adjacent lot of Shaarei Shomayim, and the shiur room is located near the back door when entering from the parking lot. Click here to watch to a short video that shows where the room is . While not required, RSVP would be appreciated  by emailing Hyim Bessin. 
YOC Rebbe Mishmar  - Oct 6

Thursday, October 6 is Rebbe Mishmar! Students will dine and learn in their Rebbe's homes. Specific details to come soon. 
The Weeks Ahead

  • Tuesday, September 27 - UO Mother-Daughter Hatarat Nedarim
  • Thursday, September 29 - Deadline to bring in order forms for school pictures.
  • Thursday, September 29 - YOC grades 11&12 Stratford trip
  • Sunday, October 2 - Tuesday, Oct 4 - Rosh Hashana, no school
  • Wednesday, October 5 - Tzom Gedaliah, 2pm dismissal
  • Thursday, October 6 - UO McMaster visit at lunch for interested grade 12 students; YOC Rebbe Mishmar
  • Friday, October 7 - YOC McMaster visit at lunch for interested grade 12 students 
Athletics
YOC Senior Boys next tryout is Monday September 26th 5:30-7:30pm. YOC  Junior Boys next tryout is Tuesday September 27th 4:30-6:30pm.


In Pictures

UO Film Club's viewed True Grit for their first film of the year.

Kathleen Stevack spoke to UO's grade 9 Science class about her career and research as an aquatic toxicologist at the Ministry of Environment. Click here to view more photos.

This week's mishmar launched a series of sessions that will continue in the coming weeks. Topics included: Parsha and Shabbat Divrei Torah; analyzing rock music through a Torah lens; how to debate an atheist; comics and Torah; Jewish music and of course, Reely Reel Torah (Reely!). Click here to view more photos.
YOC students enjoyed a spirited tisch on Friday morning, featuring special guest Rabbi Shlomo Kimchi, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivat Bnei Akiva Orot Yehudah High School in Efrat, Israel.
Click here to view a short video from the tisch.
Shabbat Shalom! 
YOC Bus Announcement
We currently have a small bus that takes students to / from YOC. If there is enough interest, a second bus may be added, as well as service for Sundays and / or after Matmidim on Wednesday (6:30pm). If you are interested in joining, please contact Ronit at Anteby Community Transportation at 416-841-8136 or ronit613@gmail.com, or Leora Freiheit (parent liason) at leoraaster@yahoo.com.
Community Events & Announcements
Volunteer Opportunities

The Forest Hill Jewish Centre is looking for youth leaders! They are offering paid positions and can arrange for leaders to stay in the area. High school or university students would be ideal. Please contact Rifky for more information.

The BAYT is urgently looking for volunteers to help create a video for their annual Holocaust Education Week breakfast. Community service hours are available with this project. To help with this important, valuable project, please contact Harriette Fleising.
The Jerusalem Science Contest

Click here to learn more about the Jerusalem Science Contest. Through JSC, you can, earn a college tuition scholarship and cash prizes, and receive a certificate of completion (great for
colleges!)

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