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Weekly Newsletter with Important News & Updates from Columbus Torah Academy
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Shabbat Shalom D'var Torah
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By Elana Katz, 5th and 6th Grade Judaic Studies Teacher
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As the High Holiday seasons comes to an end, the strong focus on self improvement does not usually continue to permeate our thoughts and conversation. However, Hashem's conversation with Kayin in Parshat Bereishit provides an additional reminder of the teshuva process, as well as a springboard for understanding the human pysche.
"But to Kayin and to his offering He did not turn, and it annoyed Kayin exceedingly, and his countenance fell. Hashem said to Kayin, 'Why are you annoyed, and why has your countenance fallen? Is it not so that if you improve, it will be forgiven? If you do not improve, however, at the entrance, sin is lying, and to you is its longing, but you can rule over it.'" (Genesis 4:5-7)
Hashem explained to Kayin that he was being given the opportunity to correct a mistake and to improve a rejected offering. Radak, a 12th century medieval commentator, offers additional insight into Hashem's words. He explains that Hashem was pointing out to Kayin that he had a choice in the manner which he reacted to this disappointing situation. Kayin would be given the opportunity to improve his offering, and, as such, Hashem would forgive him and overlook his initial shortcomings. However, Kayin did not heed this warning, and instead killed his brother, Hevel, out of resentment and jealousy.
Radak explains that the tendency to justify and belittle our flaws is an approach that will continuously hold us back from growth and self improvement. Hashem clearly delineated the active role that we play in choosing our path to self improvement or regression. Hashem reminds us that challenges constantly await us, "but you can rule over it." We will often face stumbling blocks, but have both obvious and hidden potential to overcome those obstacles.
Chag Sameach and Shabbat Shalom!
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Preview of the Week: October 16-20
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Lunch:
Pizza Bagels
Sports:
Activities: Lower School Choir Practice, 4-5 pm
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Lunch:
Tacos -
Volunteer:
M. Lessnick
Sports:
Activities: Parent Cafe with Nicole Miller, 7:30 pm, Home of Seth and Leslie Hoffman
School Picture Retake Day
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Lunch:
Lasagna -
Volunteer:
I.Khozin
Sports:
Activities:
Garden Club, 4-5 pm
Choir, 4-5 pm
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Lunch:
Sloppy Joe
Volunteer:
S. Stanich
Sports:
Activities:
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Lunch:
Tuna
Volunteer:
Y. Sherk
Sports:
Activities:
Lower School Dress Down Day
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Upcoming Dates to Remember
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Oct. 24-25:
3rd Grade Ohio ELA Tests
Wed., Oct. 25:
PSAT/NMSQT Grades 10-11
Thurs., Oct. 26:
The Great CTA Challah Bake, Grades K-12, 4-5 pm
Fri., Oct. 27: End of
Sun., Oct. 29:
Steak Night, Beth Jacob, 6-8 pm; proceeds benefit 8th Grade Washington Trip and Girls Basketball Team
Fri., Nov. 3- Fri., Nov. 10:
Scholastic Book Fair
Wed., Nov. 8:
Parent Teacher Conferences - NO SCHOOL
Fri., Nov. 10:
Friday Early Dismissal at 2 pm Begins
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Important School Information
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School Picture Retakes are Tuesday, October 17. Bring back the package you were given to get your picture retaken.
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Important Information about Columbus Buses. Please click here for more information.
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PTO Directory:
The CTA PTO Directory was sent home with the youngest child of
ALL PAID
PTO members this week. Don’t miss out on this important booklet. Become a member of PTO for just
$25
! Please send your check, made out to CTA PTO, to the school office or pay directly through Paypal at
pto@torahacademy.org.
We’ll send the Directory right away!
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Click on link or icon below to see more.
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The next lower school Parent Cafe with Mrs. Miller is on
Tuesday, October 17 from 7:30-8:30 pm a the home of Seth and Leslie Hoffman. Contact nmiller@torahacademy.org for more information.
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Steak Night is on
October 29. All proceeds benefit the 8th Grade Trip to Washington DC and the Varsity Girls' Trip to MIaimi Basketball Tournament. More information to
RSVP here.
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The Great CTA Challah Bake: Thursdsay, October 26 from 4-5 pm. To register, click
here.
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Click icon above for detailed information and ways to fulfill your
Give & Get
.
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Blood Drive at the JCC College Ave. on
Tuesday, Oct. 17. More details by clicking on image or
here.
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Kollel Chinese Auction: Tuesday,
October 24
from 7-9 pm at Copious. More info at
www.thekollel.org
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Special Membership Offer to CTA families from the JCC ends on
October 31, 2017!
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AIPAC Columbus Annual Event -
November 13 at Sheraton on Capitol Square. More Information
here.
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Consider sponsoring
a Day of Learning in memory or honor of a loved one or to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, b'nai mitzvah or other life cycle event. A Day of Learning is a $180 donation and dedications are listed in both the CTA Weekly Communicator and the monthly CTA Dateline.
CTA's Day of Learning for
October 11, 2017/the 21st of Tishrei
was sponsored by
Henry and Candis Schwarz
in memory of dear friend,
Larry Pollak, Shlomo Zalman ben Yisroel
on the 6th yarzheit of his passing. May his memory be for a blessing.
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CTA accepts donations to our Annual Fund or Scholarship Fund throughout the year. We also accept Tribute Donations in memory of or in honor of loved ones. Donations can be made through the school office at 614-864-0299 or online by clicking
here.
Donations are listed in our monthly CTA Dateline. Check
here to see our most recent issue.
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Columbus Torah Academy | (V) 614-864-0299 | (F)614-864-2119 | info@torahacademy.org | www.torahacademy.org
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