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DVAR TORAH
 
At first glance, this week's Parsha, Tzav appears to be a repetition of Parshat Vayikra. Both parshiyot present the detailed laws concerning the five basic categories of Korbanot. At first glance, it seems peculiar that the Torah did not combine these two parshiyot and to include all the laws and details concerning the Korbanot into one parsha. Why are these laws divided into two separate parshiyot?
 
Rabbi Menachem Leibtag points out that these two Parshiyot serve fundamentally different purposes. In Parashat Tzav, each category of Korban is introduced by the phrase "Zot Torah Ha...." (see 6:2, 6:7, 6:18, 7:1, 7:11). This phrase generally means "these are the laws of _____." In this context, Rabbi Leibtag points out, the word "Torah" denotes a procedural law or a series of actions necessary for the completion of a given process. With this understanding, it is easy to understand the difference between Parshat Tzav and Vayikra. In Vayikra, we learn about why and under what circumstances each Korban is to be brought. In Tzav, we learn the details regarding how it is to be brought. 
 
Based on this understanding it is still unclear why the two parshiyot were not combined. Could we not have simply learned the "how" along with the "why" and "what" of Korbanot? 
 
Perhaps the Torah is teaching us a fundamental lesson regarding Mitzva observance in general. Many times we focus on the how before we fully understand the why or what. We want to know what to do even if we don't fully understand why it is why we are doing it. Conversely, we also might be lax in our observance if we don't fully understand the reasons behind it. Perhaps the Torah here is delivering a two-fold message. On the one hand, the Torah  is telling us that we must first understand why and in what context we perform mitzvot, and then focus on the performance; on the other hand, the Torah is telling us that ultimately the "why" and "what" should not necessarily impact the "how." 
 
In a few days, it will be Pesach. No doubt the air of preparation is upon us as we frantically convert our kitchens and prepare for the sedarim. At times, Pesach can seem procedural, complete with 40-page how-to guides and planners. It is important that we don't let the "why" of Pesach get lost in the shuffle, and make sure to use this time to appreciate our freedom from bondage and G-d willing, our ultimate redemption. 
 
Shabbat Shalom
 
Rabbi Weinberg, Principal



NEWS & VIEWS

The Nursery students are ready for Pesach!


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TEACHER FEATURE

Sitting in Mrs. Levari's quaint office, I can hear the sounds of FAB GHS students talking and eating lunch seeping through the bottom of the door. Mrs. Levari has graciously taken the time out of her day to meet with me so that I can learn more about her.
 
Originally from Elkins Park, a suburb of Philadelphia, Mrs. Levari has now lived in Pittsburgh for thirteen years. Mrs. Levari has very fond memories of high school, the Torah Academy Girls High School of Greater Philadelphia. "I was very strange in high school,' she admits. "[I've got] a lot of good moments and friends: laughing with my friends - we still have personal jokes today, and have a Facebook group where we share old photos and jokes. I can't believe it was so long ago."
 
Although Mrs. Levari has been in Pittsburgh for a long time, and appreciates that "everything is close, [it is] easy to raise kids in terms of walking places; [you] don't have to drive very far," living in Pittsburgh is an adjustment for her. "It rains so much, but doesn't snow so we don't have snow days. I definitely miss the nor'easters of Philly," she explains. When asked the most important question, Pittsburgh Steelers or Philadelphia Eagles, Mrs. Levari answers wisely: "Steelers. [I am] traumatized by my family; the Eagles took over Sunday. Steelers fans are much nicer."
 
While Mrs. Levari is now known as the Assistant Principal of the Middle School and High School Girls, education was not always her path. She originally thought she'd go into "social work, almost went to grad school, but got married and went back to Israel instead." Then she  moved back to Pittsburgh and was approached by Nina Butler, Mrs. Levari explains. She realized [she] could combine Torah learning with helping people. "The teachers I had in high school [were] very influential parts of my life." Mrs. Levari goes on to note that she wanted to "pay it forward," because it was a "very big thing for me."
 
Mrs. Levari spent two years in Israel at Bnos Chava, a teacher's institute, and then "Moreshet Institute in Neve Jerusalem, while simultaneously completing an online bachelor's in Psychology." She later went on to earn her Master's Degree in School Administration at Duquesne University, in Pittsburgh.
 
Being a dedicated teacher and principal are only some of the hats that Mrs. Levari wears at Hillel Academy. As she explains, "I am the parent of five kids, and run a mean and tight dismissal." Mrs. Levari loves working at Hillel, which she describes as "an obstacle course, watch out for the quagmire!"
 
As one can imagine, Mrs. Levari spends an extended amount of time around the FAB GHS students. "There is never a dull moment," she remarks. When I ask her how she could ever survive next year without this year's graduating class ( my class), Mrs. Levari heartfully tells me, "The anticipation and excitement of seeing [your class] again will keep me afloat."
There is not much spare time in Mrs. Levari's life. She says "When I'm not taking care of my family or working, I like to just do nothing." Mrs. Levari also enjoys reading, and is currently reading several books. Mrs. Levari notes that she does not like games - any type: not board games, not card games, nothing.
 
It is important to note that throughout our interview Mrs. Levari was happily enjoying her lunch of grapefruit and feta cheese. Mrs. Levari explains that she can appreciate an odd food combination - and I can't help but agree.
 
By Rachel Cohen
 
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ANNOUNCEMENTS



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Did you know the Bnot Sheirut have their own Facebook page? It's filled with lots of pictures and videos! Check it out at:  www.facebook.com/PittsburghBanot

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When you  #StartWithaSmile , Amazon donates 0.5% of the purchase price to Hillel Academy of Pittsburgh. Bookmark the link and support us every time you shop.  https://smile.amazon.com/ch/25-1067130   



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At Hillel Academy of Pittsburgh, we educate young men and women with unlimited capacity who compete in a superior manner in all challenges undertaken. Our students are Torah observant models of exemplary character, who love G-d, the Jewish people, and the land of Israel. To say that our students possess a love of learning, confidence and the ability to think critically, merely highlights the value of a Hillel education. What we ultimately achieve each day, and have been achieving for 70 years, is the gift of instilling each student with the foundation for a life spent actively serving and leading the Jewish community and society.


Micki Myers, Editor | Hillel Happenings | 412 521-8131 | hillelhappenings@hillelpgh.org |www. hillelpgh.org