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Bnei Akiva Schools Newsletter
December 16, 2016 - Kislev 16, 5777
Parshat Vayishlach - Candle Lighting: 4:23 - Havdallah: 5:32
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What's in a name?
We sometimes encounter people in Tanach who have more than one name. For example, the heroine of Megillat Esther was also called Hadassah (Esther 2:7), and Moshe's father in law, Yitro, is also referred to as Chovav (Bamidbar 10:29). However, there are also times in Tanach where a character undergoes a name change.
There are two name changes in Parshat Vayishlach. One change is man-made and one is orchestrated by G-d. As Rachel struggles to give birth to her second son, she names him
בן אוני
and Yaakov changes the name to
בנימין
. One possible explanation for this name change is that Ben-Oni means "son of my pain," a negative meaning, while Binyamin means "son of my right hand" which symbolizes strength, a more positive meaning. (*I am open to and would love to hear other explanations for this name change.)
Another, more famous, name change that occurs in this week's Parsha is when G-d changes Yaakov's name to Yisrael. "G-d said to him, your name shall no longer be called Yaakov, but Yisrael shall be your name" (Bereshit 35:10). The meaning behind his new name, Yisrael, is a beautiful one and yet, shortly after his name is changed, he is called by his original name of Yaakov. Why doesn't the Torah only refer to him from now on as Yisrael? Why does the name Yaakov continue to pop up regularly?
Rabbi Kelman offers a great answer. He says that the two names, "Yaakov" and "Yisrael," represent two different aspects of Yaakov Avinu's life. Yaakov is derived from the word eikev, heel, and represents his lowly state, his problems with his older brother Eisav and being deceived by his dishonest uncle, Lavan. He is given his new name, Yisrael, because he "struggled with G-d and men and prevailed". He was able to overcome the various struggles and hardships throughout his life. Yet despite being chosen for a great mission, despite defeating all enemies, one must never forget where one comes from. Too often, people who have made a success of their life forget their roots, their humble beginnings, and their obligation to help those who are still downtrodden. Perhaps it is for this reason that the Torah continues to use the name Yaakov interchangeably with Yisrael. The greatness of Yisrael is that he never forgot that he was born Yaakov.
Shabbat Shalom!
Ms. Miriam Bessin
Limmudei Kodesh Teacher and Athletic Director, Ulpanat Orot
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Ulpana's grade 11 students traveled to New York last week for an exciting trip to visit Stern College. They attended lectures from professors, as well as torah learning shiurim. They also did a graffiti art tour, a paint night and volunteered at a soup kitchen and a clothing store for those in need. Thanks to Ms. Bessin, Mrs. Chocron and Mrs. Gelernter for chaperoning!
Click here for more pictures
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Over 45 grade 8 students from multiple elementary schools, including Netivot, Eitz Chaim, Associated and Or HaEmet, attended our grade 8 student program this past Monday. Following a delicious lunch, grade 8s learned in chavruta with YOC students, in a program led by Rabbi Spitz. Next, the 8s participated in 2 of the following options: a Science experiment with Mr. Balkissoon, an interactive activity with YOC students, exercises in the gym with Mr. Skarott and an art activity. The program concluded with a kumsitz, led by Rav Yair. Thank you to Mrs. Diamond and Mr. Lazar for coordinating the program, as well as to our student leaders who welcomed the grade 8s and facilitated programming.
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Last Friday, grade 9s and 12s joined together in the lunchroom, while 10s and 11s gathered in the MPR. Students enjoyed singing, sharing words of torah and snacking. It was the perfect way to prepare for Shabbat!
Click here for more pictures
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Since the beginning of the year, the Ivrit classes have been learning about Jerusalem - its geography, history and songs about the city. Students have also been learning how to speak in the shuk. On Thursday, as a culmination to the unit, we made a mock "Machane Yehuda Shuk." The students were divided into pairs - each pair made a shop sign and the students walked into each store and bought items - all while speaking in Ivrit.
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NEW DATE: Thursday, January 12, 2017
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- Sunday, Dec 18 - YOC no school
- Tuesday, Dec 20 - Exam outlines distributed to students by this date for January exams
- Thursday, Dec 22 - No mishmar
- Sunday, Dec 25 - Sunday, January 8 - Winter Break
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Lost and Found
Please note that the lost and found will be emptied over the December break. Students are encouraged to check and ensure none of their belongings are in the lost and found. Any items remaining over the break will be donated.
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Yearbook Ads
It's time to celebrate and honour the grade 12 grads with a "mazel tov" in our Yearbook. The deadline for submitting your ads is January 31st, 2017. Ads can be purchased here:
JostensAdService.com.
Click here to view details and ad options. With the purchase of at least one ad, students receive their yearbook copy with no additional charge. Please be in touch with
Dr. Nadler or the Jostens Help Line if you have any questions.
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Piano Lessons
Winter break piano lessons available by a piano teacher certified with first class honours from the Royal Conservatory of Music. All payment will be going to support Shalva, Israel's organization for kids with special needs.
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| Rabbi Grauer spent time in Israel with our 2016 graduates last week. |
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| Lorne Weiss and Ted Croitoru, Wealth Advisers at ScotiaMcLeod, spoke to the YOC's business club this past week. Students learned about the stock market, mutual funds, as well as how to plan for retirement beginning at a young age. |
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| Mark Ross spoke to the grade 10 and 11 Gemara classes about the intersection between Gemara and Law. Mr. Ross is a lawyer for Ross Barristers. Students appreciated learning about a career through the lens of Torah. |
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| The YU Torah Mitzion Beit Midrash came to Ulpana to give a shiur to grades 9 and 10 about "Kiddush Hashem: Lighting Candles on Chanukah" |
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| Rabbi Azoulay was invited to light the Menora in Ottawa with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. |
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YOC Knights
Both Knights teams defeated Crawford teams this past Monday. The stands were packed with cheering students, excited to watch their classmates play so well. Final scores: Seniors 66 - 54; Juniors 56 - 35. The Knights season continues in 2017!
Monday, Dec 19:
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Engagement:
Orah Rosenberg ('12) and Jeremy Herman ('12)
Aliyah:
Aviva Wapner ('16)
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Community Events & Announcements
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