Bnei Akiva Schools Newsletter
November 4, 2016 - Chesvan 3, 5777
Parshat Noach - Candle Lighting: 5:45- Havdallah: 6:52

This week's dvar Torah is from Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis's visit to YOC this week. Click on the video above and enjoy!
Recent Events
UO Open House

Over 50 grade 8 families attended this year's UO Open House! Ulpana students warmly welcomed grade 8 students and their parents. The program began with brief presentations from Rabbi Grauer, Mrs. Gelernter, Yakira Begun ('14) and Esther Toby (grade 12). Students and parents then had mock classes with one Judaic Studies teacher and one General Studies teacher. Participants enjoyed the engaging sessions. Parents then attended a panel with administration and a grade 12 student, while grade 8s had a chance to meet each other and some Ulpana students. Participants enjoyed the engaging sessions and left with a good understanding of all Ulpana has to offer.

Rabbi Mirvis Visit

Both schools davened at YOC on Tuesday morning and heard from Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis. Rabbi Mirvis spoke about taking pride in being Jewish. Students connected with his personal examples and appreciated getting to know the Chief Rabbi. Thank you to Mizrachi Canada and Bnei Akiva of Toronto for organizing the visit.

YOC Father-Son Learning

Rabbi Dovid Gottlieb of Yeshivat Har Etzion led an enjoyable learning session. The topic focused on having empathy for others. The Tanakh source we looked at analyzed the burning bush and how the bush should be viewed. Rashi interprets the bush as sharing Bnei Yisrael's pain because it was a thorn bush. Hashem's prioritizing empathy displays how important it is to understand the needs and feelings of others.

The program was generously sponsored by by the Shor Family in loving memory of Rabbi Obadia ben Yemile a'h and Sara bat Ana a'h" and by an anonymous donor, sponsored in memory of Rav Yehuda Amital z"l and Rav Aharon Lichtenstein z"l.

UO Rosh Chodesh Birthday Surprise!

As part of a Rosh Chodesh program, Ulpana students surprised Mrs. Gelernter with a birthday party! Everyone enjoyed some delicious treats and celebratory dancing. Happy birthday, Mrs. G!

UO Mother-Daughter Learning

Mothers and daughters joined together at Ulpana after school on Thursday for a beautiful learning program. Following a delicious dinner, there was chavruta learning. Mrs. Guila Benchimol,a UO parent and PHD candidate of Sociological Crimonology,  then delivered a captivating, interactive shiur. The theme of respect beginning with oneself was prominent throughout the sources. Mothers and daughters alike connected with Mrs. Benchimol's personal stories and anecdotes. 

This program was generously co-sponsored by:
Elana and Jonathan Aziza are thrilled to co-sponsor this evening in celebration of the recent wedding of their son Josh to Nilah Zeifman.
 Donna Glassman and Allen Welman are proud to co-sponsor this event in honour of their daughter Shira and four excellent years at Ulpanat Orot. Mazel Tov on your upcoming graduation!
 Isaac and Lily Tannenbaum are most proud to co-sponsor this evening in honour of their grandchildren, Shane and Sarah Judelman, whom they love and adore. Mazel Tov Shane on your upcoming graduation!
 Dikla & Michael Weitzner are proud to co-sponsor this evening in honour of Adina Weitzner's 16th Birthday, and all the girls at Ulpana.


Upcoming Events
University Night

On Tuesday, November 8 at 7pm, grade 12 parents and students are invited to attend a university information session, taking place at Yeshivat Or Chaim. Several universities will be sending representatives and there will be a brief presentation on the application process, as well as information about scholarships and deferrals. We encourage all grade 12 students and parents to attend.  
Holocaust Education Week

Annually, UJA's Sarah and Chaim Neuberger Holocaust Education Centre presents over 100 programs across the Greater Toronto Area in the week leading up to the anniversary of Kristallnacht. Full program details can be found here.
Ulpana students will hear from Ms. Hannah Lessing on the topic of The Woman in Gold. YOC students will hear from Professor Doris Bergen; they will continue the discussion in smaller groups with members of our faculty, Professor Bergen and some of her graduate students.
UO Shabbaton

Ulpana students can't wait for their school-wide shabbaton at scenic Fern Resort! Grade 12s will leave on Thursday, November 17 to prepare for the arrival of the rest of the school. Grade 9 - 11 girls will leave on Friday, November 18 after davening and breakfast. More details to come! Look forward to an unbelievable Shabbat.
The Weeks Ahead
  • Saturday, Nov 5 - Fall back! (change your clocks) 
  • Sunday, Nov 6 - YOC Open House for prospective parents and students (no classes) 
  • Tuesday, Nov 8 - Short Day Schedule; 3:45pm dismissal (4:30pm for matmidim); University Night for grade 12 students and parents 7pm at Yeshivat Or Chaim 
  • Thursday, Nov 10 - YOC Mishmar 
  • Friday, Nov 11 - Remembrance Day; Short Friday Schedule begins (1:00pm dismissal) 
  • Sunday, Nov 13 - Bnei Akiva Fair; YOC school 
  • Monday, Nov 14 - Parent-teacher conference bookings open 
  • Friday, Nov 17 - Sunday, Nov 19 - UO Shabbaton
Announcements
YOC Apparel 

YOC apparel is now on sale, to be distributed at the upcoming school-wide shabbaton! Place your orders on student council's online store by  November 9 . Please be in touch with Mr. Lazar if you have any questions.
Interested in joining the Thornhill-YOC bus next year? Please contact  Ronit  at   416-841-8136.
In Pictures
YOC grade reps had their first meeting this week, focusing on planning for the upcoming shabbaton.
Athletics
UO Knights

UO Knights opened their season with a 32-16 win! They play on Tuesday and Thursday afternoon next week!
YOC Knights

YOC Knights teams have been practicing and look forward to getting their season started soon.
Community Events & Announcements
Learn about Post High School Learning Programs in Israel

The Israel Experience at Bar-Ilan University will be holding an information session on   November 10 at 8 pm  at the home of Jane and Erez Farkas. Please see the attached flyer for full details.

A representative from Yeshivat Hakotel will meet with interested parents after school at 5:30pm on November 17th at Yeshivat Or Chaim.

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