The Hillel Happenings

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DVAR TORAH

Parshat Vayikra contains the extremely nuanced and detailed laws that pertain to the various korbanot, sacrifices, that were brought in the Mishkan, Tabernacle, and Temple. The opening verses of the Parshah outline the procedure of the korban ola , or burnt-offering, a voluntary sacrifice that was entirely burnt on the altar. The Torah uses a peculiar phraseology that commands the kohanim to separate the animal into pieces and place those pieces "upon the wood which is on the fire which is on the altar" (1:8). Rather than simply stating that the pieces shall be placed "upon the altar," the Torah goes through the trouble of specifying the wood and fire as well.

The Gemara in Masekhet Menachot (22a) explains that this verbosity is intended to establish a sort of halachic parity between the wood, fire, and the altar. The Gemara explains that the phrase, "upon the wood which is on the fire which is on the altar" serves to teach us that all three of these elements are to be purchased with public funds. One might have thought that the individual who offers a sacrifice is responsible to provide not only the animal itself, but also the fuel needed to sustain the fire that will consume the sacrifice on the altar. The Torah therefore clarifies that just as the altar itself was paid for by the public treasury, so the fuel on the altar is supplied by the Temple's funds.

However, it is difficult to understand why this is the case; why should the public treasury be used to pay for the wood needed any time an individual decides to voluntarily offer a sacrifice? Perhaps the answer stems from the fundamental notion of kol Yisrael arevim zeh la-zeh - all Jews are responsible for one another, which establishes a degree of communal responsibility for the actions of individuals. Though it is undoubtedly the violator who bears primary personal responsibility for his wrongdoing, the nation at large also must participate in this process.

In the field of education we fully understand the incredible impact we can have on our students' lives. With that, we also understand the tremendous responsibility that we have to help create leaders, builders, and creators. We truly understand that "it takes a village" is not just a saying, but a reality, and we cherish the opportunity to contribute positively in every one of our students' lives.

Shabbat Shalom

Rabbi Weinberg, Principal

NEWS & VIEWS

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Ms. Myers: Yes

Ms. Hartman: Yes

Officer Sage: Depends what you were taught and what your perception of wet is

Mrs. Aronson: Yes

Mrs. Chapley: Yes

Mrs. Kurin: Well, H 2 0 in liquid form is water. So, yes

Mrs. Uebing: Yes

Rabbi Levy: Water itself isnot wet; water makes things wet

Ms. Adams: Yes

Ms. Langer: Yes

Raz Ozeri: No

Mr. Garwood: Yes, the internet is stupid

Ms. Morgan: Yes

Morah Chana: Yes

Shira Weinberger: Water is not wet

Morah Dori: It depends on the temperature outside because if it's frozen, it's not wet

Ms. Focareta: Yes

Mr. Vic: Yes

Morah Tovi: Yes, it's wet when you touch it

Rabbi Weinberg: Yes

Morah Karen: Of course

Mrs. Abraham: Yes

Mrs. Van Sickle: No

Morah Ruth: Yes

Mrs. Feldman: Yes

Morah Melissa: Yes, unless it's in the form of ice

Mr. Roth: Yes

Morah Jessie: Yes

Ms. Kraybill: Yes

Ms. Mia: I don't know. Yes?

Mrs. Levari: Yes

Mrs. McDougall: Yes

Mrs. Milch: I'd consider water a liquid, so yes.

Mr. Sutton: Yes

Mrs. Grossberg: Yes

Mrs. Finder: Yes

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Can you describe your role in Hillel?

My official title is Director of Special Services. My job is very special! I coordinate lots of things to help K-12 teachers to create the optimum learning environment for kids; work with the support staff to make sure students are learning in the best way possible; help families find resources in and out of school to help their kids be the best; and overall, work together with the division principals to create a cohesive environment with teachers and students in the classroom. I think of myself as a puzzle master and a bottle of Crazy Glue that works to put a puzzle together and preserve it! I'm always willing to rework it however, if it needs adjusting!

What do you does a typical day look like for you?

There is no such thing as a typical day - every day is as unique as the students at Hillel. I can always count on some Class List meetings, helping to solve some recess issues, talking to some amazing students, and hearing some wonderful kids read!

What's your favorite rainy day activity?

I like to take advantage of stocking my freezer with freshly baked challah, catching up on Netflix shows, and catching up with out of town friends.

What's the most rewarding part of your job?

The best part of my job is watching and hearing about the students' and teachers' successes! No matter how big or small the progress is, it makes me feel great to hear about it! The support staff meets once a week and we share our good news on a formal basis at that time. It makes us all feel great!

How is Hillel different from other schools you have worked at?

Hillel is a wonderful place to work. The people make it special. It is hard to pinpoint, but the deep level of caring for one another is like no where else I have worked.

What's your favorite thing to read?

I love reading historical fiction. I also enjoy reading the hard copy of the newspaper everyday. I have been tempted to go digital but have not taken the plunge!

Can you tell us a little bit about your own education?

I have a BA in Elementary Education. I taught elementary school for the first part of my career. I then went back to school for a Masters In Social Work, specializing in Group Work and Administration. I then had a long career in the JCC world as Camp Director, Children's Director, and various other departments (both here in Pittsburgh and in Massachusetts). I returned to teaching and then ultimately came to Hillel in 2012. This job is the perfect marriage for all of my skills!

What three things can always be found in your fridge?

I always have Orange Juice, Trader Joes Greek Yogurt and leftovers from dinner!

What do you do in the summer?

I always try to spend time at my cabin in Cook Forest, spend time with friends, exercise, clean out my basement, and clean out my closet!

Do you have any secret talents?

I am very good at making a campfire!

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I feel so lucky working here at Hillel. I have the best support staff and am so thankful for how hard they work every day! I could not do my job without them! Did you know that Morah Micah who works in the preschool part-time is my son?

By Chana Yolkut

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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 | h [email protected] |www. hillelpgh.org