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Bnei Akiva Schools Newsletter
November 10, 2017 - Cheshvan 21, 5778
Chayei Sara - Candle Lighting 4:38 pm - Havdala 5:45 pm
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This week's parsha recounts the well-known story of Eliezer and his quest to find a wife for Yitzchak. Before Eliezer departs for Haran, he bids farewell to Avraham and he asks what seems like a pretty reasonable question; namely, what happens if the bride refuses to come to the land of Canaan? Can he encourage Yitzchak to relocate to her instead? Avraham responds, citing the promise that Hashem made to him that his children will stay in the land that Hashem gave to him and that the bride should not be interested in coming back to Canaan, then Eliezer would be absolved of his task. Following this, he reiterates the point and demands that "
פן תשיב את בני שמה
" "however, do not return my son to there" (
כד:ו
).
The Seforno discusses Avraham's response and explains that "
תקנה בה חזקה להורישה לזרעך
", that Hashem established a
חזקה
, a guarantee, that the land would be inherited by Avraham's descendants. The word
חזקה
in the gemara in Bava Batra refers to the concept that if one resides in a property for an uninterrupted 3 year term, then it is considered a comprehensive proof that he is the real owner. But the gemara also explains that even if a resident only lived in a property for part of the first and third years, as long as he spent the entirety of the second year within the land, that is enough for him to create a full
חזקה
on the property. The Seforno explains Avraham's response to Eliezer in terms of chazaka, because on a symbolic level the Avot had to create a chazaka, an unbreakable bond to the land for the sake of their descendants.
As such, Avraham, who only came to the land in his later years, and Yaakov, who left Canaan and spent his twilight years in Egypt, could only partially complete the chazaka. For the chazaka to be valid, for the Jewish people to be eternally bound to what would eventually become the Land of Israel, there was a need for Yitzchak, as the 'middle' forefather, to spend his entire life within the boundaries of the land that Hashem had given to him. As such, it was impossible for Yitzchak to ever leave the land and for that reason Avraham responded so forcefully to Eliezer's question of whether or not Yitzchak could move to Haran to accommodate a potential bride.
It is vital that we remember that the Jewish people's link to the land of Israel is not merely a product of the Balfour declaration or a resolution of the United Nations, but rather a fulfillment of a promise made by Hashem and cemented for eternity by the actions of our forefathers.
Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Daniel Thwaites
Limmudei Kodesh Teacher
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Over 50 families came to our Yeshivat Or Chaim House last Sunday, enjoying a full morning of speeches, our school video, mock classes, student programming, panels, and refreshments.
Thank you to our student volunteers who welcomed the grade 8 families, to our terrific staff for their attendance and support, and to our alumni speaker, Roni Perez ('15).
Registration for next year's Grade 9 is now open.
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Last Friday after breakfast, the entire Yeshiva gathered in the MPR for a special program with Shlomo Katz. Students were inspired by his words and his reflective exercise. Singing was truly beautiful. Many of our students continued to enjoy Shlomo's music at his Motzei Shabbat concert. Thank you to Shaarei Shomayim for arranging the visit!
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Grade 12 students and parents attended a university night, focused on the application process and the options available. Presentations included applying to Ontario and US universities. Representatives from several universities attended. The evening was informative and well-attended. Thank you to Mr. Rapp, Mrs. Kagan and Mrs. Weinberg for organizing the program.
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YOC Holocaust Education Week Mishmar
YOC's mishmar focused on this year's Holocaust Education Week theme of Pivotal Moments post-Holocaust. Discussions included theological implications, halachik dilemmas
, rebuilding Torah, the Eichmann trial, the Sephardic World post-Holocaust, representations of bravery in film, and Holocaust on TV and the internet. Thank you to all Rabbeim and staff who prepared sessions! Students were engaged in thoughtful Holocaust Education discussions that continued beyond mishmar.
Ulpana's Holocaust Education Week program took place this morning and will be included in next week's newsletter.
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YOC Mirvish Trip (Grades 10 & 11)
Grade 10 and 11 students will be viewing the award-winning stage adaptation of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time on Wednesday, November 15. Students will leave during lunchtime, traveling to/from the theatre by school bus. We're looking forward to the show!
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UO Shabbaton
UO students are eagerly anticipating the school-wide shabbaton, taking place November 17-19 at Fern Resort. Please make sure that your daughter brings in her permission form that were emailed out to the office.
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YOC students are eagerly anticipating this year's school-wide shabbaton! Grade 12s depart around noon on Thursday, November 23. If you have not yet submitted your paintball waiver and school waiver, please do so asap!
Grades 9 - 11 depart on Friday, November 24. Davening will be at 8:30 and we will load buses after breakfast. Students must bring lunch with them, which will be eaten after the activity on the way up. If you have not yet submitted your school waiver, please do so asap!
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Grad Photos
YOC grad photos take place Wednesday, November 22 and UO grad photos on Friday, November 23. Grade 12s - don't forget to dress for the photos!
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Matmidim Update
Matmidim learn together three times this week:
Sunday, November 12 11:30-12:30 with lunch
Monday, November 13 5:30-6:30 with snack
Wednesday, November 15 4:30-5:30 with snack
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- Sunday, November 12 - YOC school; Bnei Akiva Fair
- Monday, November 13 - Shaalavim Seminary visit (10:00am, UO grade 12); YOC period 3 - Orayta visit (grade 12); UO McMaster visit (grade 12 UO, lunch)
- Wednesday, November 15 - YOC Grades 10/11 Mirvish trip - departing lunchtime; Netiv Aryeh Yeshiva visit (grade 12 YOC, lunch); YOC McMaster visit (grade 12 YOC, lunch)
- Thursday, November 16 - UO Media Arts field trip; YOC no mishmar; UO grade 12 depart for shabbaton (PM)
- Friday, November 17 - UO Shabbaton
- Sunday, November 19 - YOC no school; UO Shabbaton returns
- Monday, November 20 - PD day; no classes
- Tuesday, November 21 - YOC Atzmona yeshiva visit (davening/breakfast)
- Wednesday, November 22 - YOC Grad photos (grade 12s)
- Thursday, November 23 - YOC grade 12 depart for shabbaton at lunchtime; YOC Eretz HaTzvi yeshiva visit (grade 12, first period); YOC no mishmar
- Friday, November 24 - UO grad pictures ; YOC grades 9 - 11 depart for shabbaton after breakfast. Late davening (8:30am)
- Sunday, November 26 - YOC Shabbaton returns
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| One of our young shlichot, Hodaya, gave a special fraction review class for the GLS class, which finished with a fun dominoes game to apply their understanding. |
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UO Knights
UO Knights won their last regular season game today, defeating TCPHS by a score of 35-8. They have qualified for the playoffs!
After the game, Hannah Lipson, the lone grade 12 on the team, was honoured for her contributions to UO athletics and as this year's captain. "Prof" then
surprised the team by announcing that they are officially going to a bball tournament in Cleveland this February! Go Knights!
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Engagement:
Rafi Gasner ('10) and Benjy Brandwein
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