Mr.Jeffrey Ohrenstein from "Memorial Scrolls Trust" Addresses 8th Graders
This week, Yavneh Academy hosted Mr. Jeffrey Ohrenstein from the London based "Memorial Scrolls Trust."
This organization took upon itself the preservation and distribution of over 1,500 Sifrei Torah that were saved from destruction during the Second World War.
Jewish communities from throughout the region of Bohemia-Moravia sent their precious Sifrei Torah and other Judaica artifacts, to Prague where they were stored during the years 1942-43. Nazi atrocities wiped out the large majority of the Jews of these same communities.
After the defeat of Nazi Germany, small numbers of surviving Jews returned. Before they could adequately plan for the protection and distribution of hundreds of thousands of articles, including 2,000 Sifrei Torah, Communist authorities conquered the Central European country and rehoused the Torahs in damp and unsafe quarters, thereby rendering hundreds completely pasul, unusable.
Yavneh Academy was gifted one of these Torah Scrolls thirty three years ago by the Class of 1985, some of whose children are current Yavneh eighth graders. Due to severe damage while under the Communist regime, we can no longer read from it. Hence, it is housed in a special glass enclosure where it is viewed each year on Yom HaShoah.
Yavneh Students Go to the Metropolitan Opera
On Monday, a group of Yavneh students, including 6th graders and members of the Opera Club and Concert Choir, attended the final dress rehearsal of "La Fille Du Regiment" at the Metropolitan Opera.
Big Sister Program
This Monday Yavneh piloted our Big Sister program. Twenty-two eighth grade girls were paired up with the sixth grade girls. We had a breakout program with our very own Mr. Azi Steiner. He ran a "Learn how to paint" activity. All the girls painted beautiful scenery and learned some great painting techniques. The "Sisters" had a great time and are looking forward to developing strong bonds that help each other grow.