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Bnei Akiva Schools Newsletter
October 27, 2017 - Cheshvan 7, 5778
Lech Lecha - Candle Lighting 5:56 pm - Havdala 7:02 pm
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In the popular TEDx Talk and book Start With Why, ethnographer Simon Sinek argues that in life, business and every other human interaction "people don't buy what you do, they buy why you do it." His most cited example is Apple: he explains that consumers don't necessarily purchase computers, ipods, watches and all manner of other goods from Apple because those products are technologically superior to those from competitors; rather, Apple's products are ubiquitous because Apple sells a philosophy of thinking differently. It is because Apple promotes out-of-the-box thinking that they make products which are unique and cutting-edge, and not the other way around. In the same vein, Sinek believes that "if you hire people just because they can do a job, they'll work for your money. But if you hire people who believe what you believe, they'll work for you with blood and sweat and tears." A person's why is more important than what he produces or how it is produced. You need to start with why.
Parashat Lech Lecha introduces us to Avraham as a primary figure in Sefer Bereshit. Aviva Zornberg, in The Beginning of Desire, explains that for Avraham "the recognition of God is not a final conclusion reached after a long private philosophical odyssey, but... an unlocated passion which inspires him with an energy for hope and disillusion that takes him through the phases of his experience." Avraham's why is the sanctification of the divine in the world, a radical idea in both his time and ours. Throughout the parasha we see the sanctification of the divine name in everything Avraham does. Avraham avoids conflict with Lot by trusting in God to allow him to prosper even in less-desirable land; Avraham wins a war against a numerically and historically superior force; Avraham refuses the spoils of war, and accepts only blessings in God's name; Avraham participates in the Brit Bein Habetarim; and at the end of the parasha Avraham takes on the mitzva of circumcision at the age of 99. As Zornberg points out, putting God and godliness at the forefront - Avraham's why - informs every decision Avraham makes and every action he undertakes.
In the first mishmar of the school year, Rav Yair challenged the students at Yeshivat Or Chaim to find their why, to identify their driving force in both school and life. Ramban points out in Lech Lecha that ma'aseh avot siman l'banim, that the actions of the forefathers are symbolic to their children. May we all merit to recognize in ourselves Avraham's why - to sanctify God's name daily - in our own lives just as Avraham did in his.
Shabbat Shalom!
Mr. Jonathan Parker
Grade Coordinator, Yeshivat Or Chaim
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YOC Hachnassat Sefer Torah for Sephardic Beit Knesset
Two years ago, a group of YOC's Sephardic students requested their own minyan, where they could daven in their own nusach, embracing their own traditions. As the number of Sephardic students in our school increased over the past two years, and their love of the minyan was evident immediately, it became clear: a Sephardic Beit Knesset was the next step. Thanks to the generosity of many donors, led by the Bitton family, we inaugurated our new Sephardic Beit Knesset with a Hachnassat Sefer Torah celebration. The entire school and many community members attended the program. Following the completion of writing the new Sefer Torah, we marched from Laurelcrest, singing and dancing along the way. Thank you to everyone who attended this memorable event!
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YOC Rosh Chodesh Marcheshvan Tisch
To celebrate Rosh Chodesh last Friday, YOC students gathered in the MPR for a tisch. The singing was enhanced by special guest Elkana Shtamler (last year's young shaliach). Divrei Torah were shared and kugel was enjoyed.
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UO Mental Health Assembly
On Monday
, all UO students had the opportunity to hear a presentation from two representatives from the organization Jack.org. The speakers shared their own personal struggles with mental health and gave some tips on how we can all look after our own mental health. They explained that just as we are all careful to take care of our physical well-being, we should make sure we also look after our mental well-being.
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Grade 12 Interview Workshop
This week the seniors at Ulpana had the opportunity to learn valuable interviewing skills, through a presentation given by Ms. Shirley Bouskila, Employment Counsellor with JVS. Following the interview presentation we got to ask questions, and even sign up for mock interviews with teachers. Now we all feel so much more prepared and ready for our seminary interviews. Thank you to Ms. Bouskila for her presentation, Mrs. Thompson and Mrs. Munk for spearheading this initiative, and all the teachers who agreed to give us mock interviews.
By: Adina Weitzner, Grade 12
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YOC's Sephardic students heard from Rabbi Eli Mansour on their first day davening with their new Sefer Torah. Students appreciated his inspirational words and message. Click here to view the speech.
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For this week's mishmar, grade 11 and 12 students heard from a panel of alumni, speaking about their experiences at different yeshivot and Israel programs. Students appreciated hearing their perspectives. Thank you to David Zarkhine ('15), Josh Mayer ('15), Noam Karakowsky ('15), Yonatan Markus ('14) and Aviad Don.
Grade 9s and 10s had their first week of sessions, with topics ranging from Modern Israeli short stories to Halachot of War.
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University Night
Grade 12 students and parents are invited to an informative Post-Secondary Education night, 7pm at YOC on November 7. Information about university and college applications will be presented, and representatives from several institutions will be available to answer questions as well.
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Matmidim Update
Matmidim will have their regular meetings next week:
Sunday, October 29th with lunch provided; and Monday, October 30th and Wednesday, November 1st with snacks provided.
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- Sunday, October 29 - UO Open House, 9am - 12pm;YOC School
- Tuesday, October 31 - UO U of T visit (lunchtime, for interested grade 12s)
- Wednesday, November 1 - Mother-Daughter learning - 5:30pm, UO
- Thursday, November 2 - YOC no mishmar
- Friday, November 3 - Midreshet Torat Chesed Seminary visit (9:45am, UO grade 12)
- Sunday, November 5 - YOC Open House, 9am - 12pm; YOC no school
- Monday, November 6 - UO grade 12 seminary visits: Midreshet Moriah (10am); Midreshet Amit (11am); Be'Er Miriam Mayanot (11pm); Midreshet Ayin Hanatziv (12pm)
- Tuesday, November 7 - University Night for grade 12 Students and parents (7pm at YOC)
- Wednesday, November 8 - UO grade 12 Seminary visits; Midreshet Torah V'Avodah Seminary (8am); Migdal Oz (10am, UO grade 12)
- Thursday, November 9 - Torat Shraga Visit (YOC grade 12 - first period); UO grade 12 Seminary visits: Machon Ma'ayan and Midreshet Lindenbaum Seminary (10am); Bar Ilan Experience (4pm); YOC mishmar (Holocaust Education Week sessions)
- Friday, November 10 - MMY Seminary visit (9:45am, UO grade 12); UO Holocaust Education Week speaker
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| The highly-anticipated first meeting of YOC's sock club took place this past week. Students spoke about their sock choices and voted on a winner for "best socks of the week." With weekly e-newsletters, the club heads continue to keep students informed on all the latest sock news. We can't wait for the next meeting! |
See all the winning socks here! |
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UO Knights basketball continues!
- Thursday, November 2 vs NGS at 4pm;
- Tuesday, November 7 @ TWS at 4pm;
- Thursday, November 9 vs TCPH
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Aliyah:
Sarah Posluns ('14)
Births:
A boy to Nomi (Goldberger '05) and Rabbi Elan Mazer
A boy to Esther (Weinberg '02) and Irwin Shuman
A girl to Mrs. Hodaya and Rabbi Aviad Pituchey Chotam
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