Erev Shabbos Parashas VaYeira November 2, 2012 Licht Bentchen: 5:48 P.M. Volume XIX, Issue 8

Dear Parents, Thank G-d, we have “dodged the bullet” of Hurricane Sandy. We must react by recognizing and being appreciative of Hashem’s Chasadim that we did not suffer from the power outages, flooding, and devastation that were predicted for us and actually occurred in other locales. Nevertheless, we did lose two days of learning and productivity. Therefore, we express HaKaras HaTov to Rabbeim and teachers who made sure their students learned and had constructive activities during our unplanned hiatus. Special thanks to Rabbi Amram Hes for volunteering to teach a bunch of our kids in YGW on Tuesday.

In spite of, or, perhaps, especially because of, our Berachos, we should bear in mind a few items:

We must feel compassion for and find ways to assist those whose plight was not so fortuitous. A local example of a typical, historic, proper Jewish reaction to such situations is the Kemp Mill Hurricane Sandy Relief Shabbos. The Kemp Mill community has, online and in other ways, offered hospitality to anyone who needs it for Shabbos. They are even working on sponsoring a bus from Teaneck. Mi KiAmecha Yisrael.

There is a major lesson to be extracted from Sandy. Although we think we run the world and are in charge, the Ribbono Shel Olam is really running the show. In spite of all our advanced, wonderful, modern technology, we can not stop the forces of “nature” (A.K.A. HaKadosh Baruch Hu). On the flip side, this also means that no matter the seemingly insurmountable crises or difficulties in which we find ourselves, He can help us. We just must direct our hopes for resolution in the right direction and through the proper medium – upwards and via Tefillah.

We look forward to a calmer Torah – and – learning-filled full week.

On the Sunny and Dry Dept. of Rescheduled Trips

and Programs

Please search for a few rescheduled items.

Sunday, November 4 – 5th/6th Shiurim – 9:30-11:30. Rabbi Samberg’s Chumash Skills for Adults class – 10:30-11:30. Monday, November 5 – Start of Mrs. Werner’s Creative Writing Class for boys. Tuesday, November 6 – Election Day – Let’s all get out to vote. A.M. 2B/2G to Sharp’s at Waterford Farm. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, November 6, 7, and 8 – Full post 3:30 schedule. Wednesday, November 7 – Nut House pizza. Thanks to all of this week’s in-house helpers. Friday, November 9 – Grandparents Pictures for Chanukah will be taken. Monday, November 12 – 5B/5G to Glen Echo for Orienteering program. Tuesday, November 13 – Rescheduled 3B/3B/3G to National Portrait Gallery. Wednesday, November 14 – P.M. 2B/2G to Sharp’s at Waterford Farm. Thursday, November 15 – Rescheduled 1B “All About Us” program at 2:00 P.M. Monday, November 19 – Mrs. Evans’ 2G History Festival - 9:00-10:30. Rescheduled 5B/5G to Project Ascent. Tuesday November 27 – 1G/1G Chag HaSiddur at 9:15. Sunday, December 2 – 18th Annual TSGW Dinner. Tuesday, December 4 – Rescheduled - 1B Chag HaSiddur at 9:15.

$”2" Torah School of Greater Washington

E.S.T.E.R. Erev Shabbos “Torah” Events Report

The Torah School of Greater Washington is registered with Combined Federal Campaign of the National Capital Area (CFCNCA). Our CFC number is 42181. Please have the Torah School in mind with your CFCNCA donation.

Today’s Attachments Project Derech info. Ooroo LaTefillah. Classroom Close-ups by Mrs. Talya Weinberg, our Art Teacher. SOVEYA newsletter.

The Derech Installment We are now firmly ensconced in Week 2

of Year II of Project Derech (second time around), and we hope that you are once again committed to working along with us on studying and implementing the new Halachos. It is incontrovertible that home/school collaboration is a necessary ingredient in the success of this program, which is designed to affectuate improvements in our children's demonstration of Kavod.

Another crucial factor in this process can be gleaned from the Mishnah in Pirkei Avos (4:1) which teaches us: ;&*9"% ;! $",/% ?$"&,/ &%'*!, "Who is honored? He who honors others." Or as it was rephrased by the father of the Telzer Rav: "To be a $"&,/ (one who is respected), a person must be a $",/ (one who shows respect for others)." If we hope to see our sons and daughters displaying proper respect and consideration for ourselves and others, WE must lead the DERECH. This is especially critical in the interactions with our spouses which our kids observe very carefully and in our dealings with our youngsters themselves (not to mention our parents, teachers, all other people, etc.). It is through our deeds that we teach – much more than from what we preach. An additional area which should be addressed is our own natural discomfort with demanding respect (especially outer manifestations) from our children and students. A study of the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh Dei'ah 242:20) finds R' Yosef Caro

concerned with this point. He tells us that we must not look at this issue from our own perspectives. Rather, we must realize that one who doesn't allow a student (or child) to serve him/her is depriving the youngster of opportunities for personal growth and for developing proper Yir'as Sha'may'im, fear of Hashem. This means that our reluctance to enforce the laws of Kavod is actually harmful to our sons and daughters. For their sake, we must insist on adherence to the letter of the law. The precepts we are presently studying are: It is a Mitzvah of Kavod to serve and help our parents, grandparents, and teachers - in a cheerful way. Once again, we ask and encourage you to: Read the Derech update and discuss it with your sons and daughters. Implement these precepts at home. Encourage your K-3 youngsters to monitor their improvements by using the Kadmah cards they've received. Then we ask you to sign them and send them in so your sons and daughters will be eligible for the weekly Derech raffle. We look forward to seeing our children's proper development in implementation of and appreciation for Hilchos Kavod.

Banquet/Journal Reminders The invitations are out, the dinner is in 30 days, and lots of people are hard at work to ensure that we have a successful event. Please participate with your own ads, by soliciting businesses you frequent, by harassing friends and relatives, and by attending the dinner. We need everyone’s involvement!!

We wish a hearfelt Mazel Tov to: Dr. Jeremy and Dr. Naomi Schnittman and family, upon the birth a boy. Rabbi Simmy and Mrs. Debbie Merkin and family, upon the birth of a boy. Rabbi Leibel and Mrs. Nechamie Fajnland and family, upon the Upshearin of Shimon. Rabbi Ivan and Mrs. Arleeta Lerner, upon the birth of a boy to their children, Michoel and Tamar Lerner, in Kiryat Sefer. May they continue to be blessed with Simachos.

We wish a Refuah Shelaimah to Sruli Pollock.

Fall Back This Sunday, November 4 at 2:00 A.M., it will become 1:00 A.M. Hence, next week at this time (168 hours from now), it will not be this time.

We Are Actually Learning and

Doing So Much

Music to Our Ears As written two weeks ago, “The President’s Own” Marine Band String Quartet (which included two violins, a viola and a cello) visited us on October 19. They described and demonstrated each instrument individually and played from various composers a number of selections and styles. These included: John Philip Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever”. Pizzicato (not from Ben Yehuda or the Nut House). Tango. “Por Una Cabeza”. Mozart. George Gershwin – and others.

1G/1G will soon become “parents” of a bunch of chicks soon to be hatched in the incubator lent to us by the Edingers. Yesterday, Mrs. Lerner’s 2B actually got in their semi-dry Fall Nature Walk, observing the changing flora and fauna. Unfortunately, “Joey,” their furry baby kangaroo puppet, didn’t hop to the park. They are also thrilled with their 5B Reading Buddies.

3B wrote about historical events in many President’s lives, are thrilled with solving two digit addition and subtraction problems (using multiple methods), learned about Chinese Art and aerial perspectives, and are really excited about Rabbi Samberg’s “Shaila of the Week”. 6B is really into Mrs. Kelin’s interactive “Personal History in Ten Objects” project. We look forward to some wonderful products. Kindergartners are enjoying their 3G and 4B Reading Buddies, having a great time playing Go Dag (fish) for colors, Adom and Tzahov, and, as part of their unit on families, discussed what families do when they are all stuck together inside for two days and nights. Mrs. Dunkin spoke to Mrs. Evans’s 2G about immigrating from South Africa to the USA. (Right now, it is easier than moving here from Canada – based on recent experiences). 3G are into Presidential bios. Computers 3rd and 4th Graders began touch typing with the program, TuxTyping, learning proper finger placement and the home base keys. The Kindergartners reinforced using their “left” and their “right” while logging in, pressing keys on the keyboard, and clicking tool bar buttons with the mouse to enhance their names with different colors and fonts. 1st Graders used TuxPaint to create their own creative patterns, honing their keyboard and mouse skills. Many of our kids have been really surprised to learn about the Electoral College system. 5B have learned, in Chumash, that man plans, but Hashem executes. 5G are reading The Hundred Dresses and have learned about the Renaissance, the invention of the printing press, and Prince Henry the Navigator. 6G learned about features of global and climate zones and are into their “create-a-country” projects. They’ve also balanced their pre-algebra equations.

Good Shabbos!!

Sincerely,

Rabbi Yitzchak Charner

Headmaster

This Week’s Parnasei HaYom

Wednesday, October 31 ‐  The learning in Kindergarten was dedicated in honorof Yedidya Bensimon's 6th birthday, sponsored by hisgrandparents, Mr. & Mrs. Zwillinger. Thursday, November 1 ‐ The learning in the Sixth Grade  Boys’ class wasdedicated in honor of Avi Verschleisser’s 12th birthday,sponsored by his parents, Mr. & Mrs. Eli Verschleisser, andin honor of Benny Benamou’s 12th birthday, sponsored byhis parents, Rabbi & Mrs. Yaakov Benamou & hisgrandfather, Saba Aryeh Kestenbaum.

The learning in Kindergarten was dedicated in honorof Aaron Hoffman’s 6th birthday, sponsored by hisgrandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Blumenthal & Rabbi &Mrs. Stuart Hoffman.

Friday, November 2 ‐ The learning in the 3rd Grade Boys' class is dedicatedin honor of Tzviya Bas Yisroel, sponsored by hergranddaughter._______________________________________________________If you are interested in becoming a “Parnas HaYom,”Sponsor of the Day, the cost is $36 per class or $180 for theentire school.Please contact Yossie Charner at ryrcharner@tsgw.orgor at 443-938-2683.

You can sponsor a day of learning in honor of a birthday,another special event, a Yahrzeit, a Refuah Shelaimah, or asHakaras Hatov (in appreciation) for someone.

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vk̈h ¦p §T©k UrUgVolume VI, Issue 5 November 9, 2012

Halacha #4 It is a mitzvah of Kavod to serve and help our parents and grandparents – in a cheerful way. ? ()

A child is obligated to give food, drink, and clothing to his parents. He must serve them with a pleasant facial expression. Indeed, the most basic requirement of the Mitzvah of honoring parents is the attempt to please one’s parents. If a child serves his parents the best of food, but shows them a dismal face, he will be punished. (Yoreh Deah 240:4).

There are many stories describing the manner in which our sages honored their parents and the great pains they took to do so properly. Grandparents, too, should be honored similarly. We must educate our children to value, to honor, and to cherish their grandparents by encouraging as many forms of caring and respectful interactions as possible. For example, children can be trained to bring them food and drink, help with their coats, run errands, and carry parcels. Frequent phone calls, visits, letters, and photographs, and sharing a poem, or piece of artwork are ways of honoring both in-town and out-of-town grandparents.

Rabbi Yehoshua, a great sage in Eretz Yisroel, once had a perplexing dream. In this

dream, he was told that, when he died, he would share a place in Gan Eden with Nanas the Butcher. Rabbi Yehoshua woke up in a panic. What could this dream mean? All his life he had learned Torah and done Mitzvos. Why, he wondered, should he share the same portion in Olam Habah as an ordinary butcher? He decided he must find out more about this person.

Rabbi Yehoshua went from city to city looking for a man by the name of Nanas the Butcher. Eventually, he found the man. The great Sage studied the butcher and said, “Tell me, my brother, what do you do in your free time when you are not working in your meat store?”

Nanas answered, “I take care of my sick parents. Unfortunately, they cannot even stand, so I must dress them, feed them, wash them, and do whatever they ask.”

Rabbi Yehoshua kissed Nanas on the forehead and said, “How good and pleasant are your deeds! How fortunate I am to share your place in Gan Eden.” Halacha #5 It is a mitzvah of Kavod to serve and help our teachers. ()

November 2, 2012 Classroom Close-up

by Mrs. Talya Weinberg Volume IX, Issue 4

Hello from the Art Studio! I am your child's new art teacher, Talya Weinberg, and I am very excited to be teaching art at TSGW. I wanted to take this opportunity to share with you what has been going on and to give you a glimpse into how the Art Studio operates. Kindergarten through 2nd grade began the art year by creating their own easel pictures of what they like about art. The following week, students drew their full-body self portraits, which were then placed on their popsicle stick easels. It was a good lesson for the beginning of the year to help me see what each student values in the art world, and it was also a great way of learning self expression -- both in their pictures and self portraits. Each piece came out looking great- they will be on display on our bulletin board before they are sent home! Grades 3 and 4 learned about the Elements of Art: Line, Value, Space, Shape, Color, Texture, and Form. Beginning with the element of Line, we played a “Line game” where we rolled a cube that had various line shapes on it and then drew whatever line came out on top. It was a neat way to learn about lines, as well as learning about what abstract art is. When they were satisfied with their work, the boys and girls colored in the shapes that came about from drawing the various lines. The fourth graders then incorporated their line work into cityscapes, transforming upward arrows into amazing 3D buildings! 5th and 6th graders not only learned about lines and shapes by drawing their own version of a cityscape, but they were also able to see the value in their pictures by spritzing the bottom half of their paper with water, pressing the top half (where the cityscape was) down, and lifting the paper to reveal a reflection. The results were phenomenal - the students were really impressed by the finished products! Each day, after an initial free-sketch warm-up, we begin our daily projects. The students are also enjoying the “stations” that I have placed around the room, to be utilized when they are finished with their projects and there is still class time left. The stations include a book station, where they can pick an art book to read at their seat, an Art Dice game that they can play, or contributing to our gigantic abstract mural that is hanging on the wall. Please be assured that I do not expect students to paint like Rembrandt. It is far more important that they learn to appreciate art and the act of creating. We’re not all painters, but we are all creative. :) Quick reminder: Please remember to send your child in with a smock as we WILL be using paints for the next few art sessions! Next week, we will be getting started on our grand project for the upcoming TSGW Banquet. Stay tuned for more details on that!

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Rabbi Eli Glaser, CNWC, CWMC – Director, p 1-888-8-SOVEYA (876-8392), f 443-379-0665, www.soveya.com, info@soveya.com Volume 6, Issue 3 6209 Western Run Drive, Baltimore, MD 21209

SWITCHH Newsletter (Soveya Wellness Initiative To Create Healthy Habits)

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Copyright © 2012 by Soveya, Inc.

Torah thought on health and wellness:

(based on the writings of the Shem MiShmuel by the Sochatchover Rebbe, translated by Rabbi Zvi Belovski)

Why did they eat? Three angels approach Avraham in the guise of travelers passing by in the heat of the day. Avraham exhibits incredible chesed as he hurries himself and his family to prepare a meal and a place to rest for his guests – all this during the most painful period of recovery from his bris milah. “He took cream and milk and the calf which he had prepared, and placed these before them; he stood over them beneath the tree and they ate - וויאכל ,” (Bereishis 18, 8). There are various ways to understand the phrase, “and they ate - ויאכלו”. Looking at it from the perspective that they actually consumed the food, the obviously question is why? Angels, unlike human beings, have no physical body and therefore no need for nutrition. What benefit occurred from their “digesting” the meal? Elevation – otherwise known as spiritual health. Angels get their nourishment directly from G-d. They don’t need the intermediary of food in order to be healthy. We also get all of our sustenance from HaShem. But He created the world that we, as physical beings, need to receive our fuel in the form of food - the wonderful, enjoyable and stimulating delivery system of our health and vitality. But there is an additional function to eating that we can share with the Angels. When a higher form of existence consumes a lower form, that act elevates it to a greater spiritual level than it could have ever achieved on its own.

ANGEL FOOD

Even though food – plants and animals – has inherent kedushah by being created by HaShem, it is raised to higher plane when consumed by a greater creation. The korbon (sacrifice) doesn’t elevate the mizbeyach (altar). The mizbeyach elevates the korbon. Food doesn’t elevate Shabbos. Shabbos elevates food. That’s what the angels did by “eating” Avraham’s meal. And that is what we do every time we eat - we take the limited spiritual potential of food and attach it to our more sophisticated and valuable mode of life. We take the worlds of the tzamei'ach (plant life) and chai (animal life) and raise them to the level of medaber (human life). Or do we? If we let our animalistic desires for self-indulgence dictate our behavior with food, are we in fact elevating the gift HaShem has given us to provide our physical wellbeing and opportunity for spiritual refinement? Or are we exploiting the occasion – lowering ourselves and the food in the process? Heart disease instead of health. Stroke instead of satiation. Diabetes instead of digestion. Angels don’t have a choice. We do. Good שבת.

SWITCHH is a coalition of Jewish Day Schools committed to effecting real and lasting changes toward our approach to eating and nutrition. The Wellness Initiative uses a Torah educational approach combined with practical tools and the latest news and information to inform and empower parents, teachers and students about the obligation to properly care for our bodies by developing and enjoying healthy eating habits. SWITCHH is

presented by Soveya, providing nutrition & wellness coaching, educational programs, teleconferences, seminars and newsletters concerning health, nutrition, and obesity prevention.

Changing the Jewish World – One Pound at a Time

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Easy & Healthy RECIPE CORNER

Tempeh Broccoli Stir Fry Ingredients: 10 oz. tempeh; ¼ C. vegetable broth (Imagine Soup); 32 oz. frozen broccoli florets; 1 small onion, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 1 T. garlic, minced; 1 tsp. ground ginger; 1 T. soy sauce

Directions: Cut tempeh into small cubes and steam for

10 minutes or heat in microwave. Heat the broth in a large pan and add the tempeh, broccoli, onion, bell pepper, garlic, and ginger. Cook on medium-high heat, stirring

frequently, until the tempeh is lightly browned and the vegetables are tender, about seven minutes. Add the soy

sauce just before serving.

From Soveya’s Incredibly Easy & Healthy Cookbook (300 no sugar, No flour, recipes – all but a few gluten free & kosher for Pesach)

BUY FOR YOURSELF OR FOR THE PERFECT GIFT – ORDER TODAY!

Five Quick Tips for Daily Healthy Living

* STAY ACTIVE. Exercise is essential for overall physical and mental health. Whether it’s a formal activity like sports, or informal like finding more opportunities to walk instead of

drive, or take the stairs instead of an elevator, physical exertion helps stimulate your metabolism and generates blood flow to

different parts of your body.

* GO WITH PLANTS. Make half your plate vegetables and fruits. Cook with healthy plant oils, like olive and canola oil.

Experiment with different kinds of proteins like beans, nuts and seeds, or tofu

(see the Soveya Cookbook for great recipe ideas).

* SHY AWAY FROM RED MEAT. Choose healthier animal-based protein sources like fish, chicken and turkey, not burgers and hot dogs. Avoiding red meats and processed meats lowers the

risk of heart disease, diabetes, and colon cancer.

* STICK TO WHOLE GRAINS. These have a gentler effect on blood

sugar and insulin. Whole grains (brown rice, kasha, barley, quinoa) in place of refined grains (bread, pasta, cake) makes it

easier to control weight and lowers the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

* HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE. Your body needs water as much as nutrition – 64 ounces a day is ideal. Sugary drinks are the

worst choice.

Attention: PRINCIPALS

Schedule Soveya for your upcoming Professional Day speaker. Rabbi Glaser has provided numerous

presentations to students, teachers and parents at schools across the country regarding the Torah perspective on health and nutrition - timely and

important topics that are enlightening, engaging and well received.

“I believe this initiative will have a positive impact on

your students, parents and teachers,” – Rabbi Dovid Nojowitz, National Director of Torah Umesorah

Contact Soveya for more information and to book a speaking appearance.

Dear Parents:

Welcome to the start of a new school year and another year of A+ School Rewards.

Starting October 5, 2012 through March 28, 2013, the Torah School will have the

opportunity to earn cash through Giant A+ School Rewards Program.

All you have to do is:

Log on to www.giantfood.com/aplus to register online OR Dial 1-877-275-2758 to register your card over the phone

OR Call or email the school and we will do it for you!

After you register your card, each shopping trip at Giant using your GIANT Card earns

CASH for our school! Each month, the amount of CASH awarded will be updated on the

Giant website. You can track the amount of points you earn for our school by checking

your grocery receipt and online when you create an account at giantfood.com. Our

school will receive a check at the end of the program. The money can be used for any of

our school’s educational needs. Last year we earned $1,646.17!!

Remember, even if you registered your card last year, you must re-register this year for

our school to receive credit. Attending to this simple process makes a HUGE difference

to our school. We need your support. Please be sure to register your card to benefit the

Torah School of Greater Washington using ID #03021.

Also, don’t forget to encourage your friends and relatives to do the same.

It could mean the world to our children.