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Bnei Akiva Schools Newsletter
September 15, 2017 - Elul 24, 5777
Parshat Nitzavim Vayelech - Candle Lighting: 7:08- Havdallah: 8:14
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L'chaim!
This week's parsha marks one of the most dramatic moments in the Torah. Moshe is completing his monologue to the Jewish people soon before he is about to leave the world.
One of the most powerful statements Moshe makes to the people can be found in 30:19:
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הַֽעִדֹ֨תִי בָכֶ֣ם הַיּוֹם֘ אֶת־הַשָּׁמַ֣יִם וְאֶת־הָאָ֒רֶץ֒ הַֽחַיִּ֤ים וְהַמָּ֨וֶת֙ נָתַ֣תִּי לְפָנֶ֔יךָ הַבְּרָכָ֖ה וְהַקְּלָלָ֑ה וּבָֽחַרְתָּ֙ בַּֽחַיִּ֔ים לְמַ֥עַן תִּֽחְיֶ֖ה אַתָּ֥ה וְזַרְעֶֽךָ
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This day, I call upon the heaven and the earth as witnesses [that I have warned] you: I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. You shall choose life, so that you and your offspring will live;
The context in which Moshe relays this is essential. His speech has slowly been picking up steam, recounting the history of the Jewish people and advising them to make good choices after he will no longer be there to guide them. The passuk listed above marks one of the most intense moments of the powerful words of Moshe. He tells the Jewish people that they have been given a choice, and they must choose life. We are instructed to remember that we are blessed with the gift of life. We say L'chaim, toasting to life. We sing to life. We appreciate life.
It is because of the power of Moshe's words that the discussion in the Gemara seeking to clarify its meaning is all the more shocking. Rabbi Yishmael and Rabbi Akiva argue about what it means to actually choose life. According to the former "life" means to choose a trade or a craft; we are instructed to find a way to make a living. Rabbi Akiva believes that choosing life refers to safety and recreation, such as swimming. To choose life means to take care of one's physical condition and to be prepared for physical dangers. Learning to swim both improves one's health and prevents the potential dangers of drowning.
Could this be it? Could it be that the powerful words of Moshe Rabbeinu instructing the Jews to choose life soon before he dies really mean to find a job or to stay physically fit?
I believe the answer may actually be yes. To live life really does mean to participate the economic and social structures of our world all while remaining aware of G-d's presence. To live life does not mean to cut oneself off from society in an effort to serve G-d. To choose life means to live life.
This is a powerful lesson as we are about to enter into the Yamim Nora'im. While we are about to spend ten days entrenched in tefilla and deep spiritual introspection, it is essential to remember that these days are meant to refocus us as we continue to live our lives day in and day out in the incredible world G-d has given us. L'Chaim!
Shabbat Shalom!
Mrs. Sara Munk
Assistant Principal |
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This past Sunday, we traveled to the Kinark Outdoor Centre for a two day retreat. We had the chance to participate in a lot of fun activities such as the high ropes course and rock climbing wall. We made new friends, we bonded with our teachers and we loved having student council along for the trip. Our highlight was the campfire on Sunday night where we sang, told stories and roasted marshmallows. Thanks to everyone who arranged this trip!
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70 Students attended the first matmidim session this past week. For the first session, presentations were made on the 13 topics that will be learned this year. Topics that will be covered range from mishnayot to parsha to shmirat halashon. We look forward to another year of learning lishma.
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Parent Information Evening
Parents from both schools joined us at Or Chaim for an evening focused on curriculum and post-secondary planning. Grade 9 parents learned about basics at YOC and Ulpana; grade 9 and 10 parents had formal curriculum sessions. After grade 11 and 12 parents had the opportunity to meet their son or daughter's teachers, grade 11 parents had a session on preliminary post-secondary education options, while grade 12 parents learned about Yeshiot, Seminaries and other Israel programs. Thank you to our student volunteers, our staff and faculty and all parents who joined us!
Click here for more pictures
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Mother-Daughter Hatarat Nedarim
Ulpana students and mothers participated in a meaningful Hatarat Nedarim davening. Joined by the Yeshiva University Beit Midrash, they focused on important, relevant themes heading into Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur. Thank you to the YU Beit Midrash for coming.
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13th annual IKO Charity Golf Tournament
On September 7, 2017, Bnei Akiva Schools hosted the 13th annual IKO Charity Golf Tournament at Station Creek Golf Course. This amazing event could not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors, participants and volunteers. Each year, this event continues to be an incredible fundraising initiative for the school - in fact, golfers' interest this year surpassed the golf course's capacity, leading us to establish a wait list for participation!
Despite heavy rains periodically throughout the day, golfers showed their true commitment by sticking it out on the green to finish out their 18 holes. Once dry inside, everyone generously bid on silent auction and raffle prizes, and enjoyed a delicious dinner and award presentation.
We couldn't have achieved this year's success without everyone's dedication and support - thank you!
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UO Grade 12 Leadership Seminar
On Wednesday
of this past week, the Ulpanat Orot grade 12 Leadership Seminar program began, where grade 12 will hear from community leaders once a week. This week's speaker was Rabbi Daniel Korobkin from the BAYT. Rabbi Korobkin spoke about the issues a religious family faces in present-day society. He gave personal anecdotes and answered questions after the presentation. The grade 12 class is very grateful to Rabbi Korobkin for taking time out of his busy schedule to come speak.
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Literary Night
Grade 9 and 11 students will be discussing their summer reading choice in a mandatory book club evening on Monday, September 25 at 6pm. This evening is always a welcome opportunity to discuss literature in a different forum. Parents are welcome to join! RSVP to Mrs. Kagan at YOC and Mrs. Fixler at UO.
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Learn about the various clubs, chesed opportunities,
intramurals, and other co-curricular programs available
to you at Yeshivat Or Chaim and Ulpanat Orot!
Both fairs will take place on Wednesday, September 27
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- Sunday, September 17 - YOC no school
- Tuesday, September 19 - Ryerson visit at lunch
- Wednesday, September 20 - Friday, September 22 - Rosh Hashana, no school
- Sunday, September 24 - Tzom Gedaliah; YOC No School; Ontario Universities Fair
- Monday, September 25 - Literary Night - 6pm, grades 9 & 11 YOC & UO. Parents welcome!
- Thursday, September 28 - YOC grade 12 sukkah building - 11:15 onward; No mishmar
- Friday, September 29 - Erev Yom Kippur (no school)
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Mrs. Thompson's grade 11 class began reading the play 12 Angry Men this week, sitting in order of the juror number they were each reading!
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| Alan Simon spoke to YOC grade 9 students about his experiences in New York on September 11, 2001. |
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YOC
We are looking for donations of old fitness equipment. Please be in touch with Mr. Skarott.
Junior Boys Basketball Tryout #3 will take place on Sunday, September 17th at 2:30-4:00pm.
Cross Country practice will take place on Monday, September 18th and Tuesday, September 19th from 5:30-6:30pm.
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UO
UO's second basketball tryout will be
this Sunday
at YOC from
6-8pm
.
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