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ESSENCE OF ESTER

Today was the final 2:00 dismissal of the 2011-2012 school year. The next time we have classes on a Friday will be April 20, and finishing time will be 3:30.

No Shiurim this Sunday, April 1.

We will have P.M. Day Care on Monday, April 2.

**SPECIAL** In case you were wondering what to give your children for lunch on Tuesday, April 3, Ben Yehuda pizza will be available for sale, just as on a regular Wednesday pizza day.

No post-3:30 Shiurim next Tuesday. We will NOT have P.M. Day Care on Tuesday, April 3. Next Tuesday, April 2 is the last day of classes before Pesach. Classes resume Monday, April 16. Chemdas Point Accumulation Deadline – May 14, at 3:29:59.

That’s a mere 45 days away.

Erev Shabbas HaGaddol Parashas Tzav March 30, 2012 Licht Bentchen: 7:12 P.M. Volume XVIII, Issue 27

Dear Parents,

As Yom Tov inexorably inches closer and closer, the echoes of Hilchos Pesach, songs of the Seder, and the studying of Haggadah resonate more loudly each day throughout our hallowed halls. We are certain that the in-home ambiance is also one of, “Wow! Pesach is a mere seven days away.” As such, we remind you that the final day of classes prior to Passover is next Tuesday, April 3, and we resume on Monday, April 16 (with a week of full post-3:30 line-ups).

As this is the final scheduled pre-Pesach 5772 ESTER, we present you today with:

“Post”ing The Washington PESACH

TIMES (and other Reminders)

Shabbos, March 31 - As it is Shabbos HaGaddol, the following should happen: * Special Haftorah. * Special Derasha. * Part of the Haggadah is read. Thursday, April 5 - * Bedikas Chametz after 8:26 P.M. Friday, April 6 - Erev Pesach * Fast of the First Born. * Stop eating Chometz by 10:38 A.M. * Burning and Selling of Chometz must take place by 11:54 A.M. * Licht Bentchen: 7:19 P.M. * Chatzos (Halachic Mid-night): 1:10 A.M. Mo’tza’ei Shabbos, April 7 - * Licht Bentchen: after 8:28 P.M. * Chatzos (Halachic Mid-night) 1:10 A.M. Thursday, April 12 - * Licht Bentchen: 7:24 P.M. Erev Shabbos, April 13 – * Licht Bentchen: 7:25 P.M.

Dismissing Old Dismissal Times Today was the final 2:00 P.M. Erev Shabbos release from bondage for the 2011-2012 school year. Beginning Friday, April 20th, we resume the good old 3:30 P.M. dismissal.

Final Call for Maos Chitim   Until Tuesday, you can still send in checks for Maos Chitim made out to Od Yosef Chai.

Totals and Collections Dept. The most up-to-date Parshathon donation is $11,540.31. 5B’s MTT minutes have reached 28,500. 6B have completed their Masmid Govoha point accumulation – 27,540. (That translates to 459 hours of Talmud Torah.)

We wish a heartfelt Mazel Tov to:

Chana Bracha Reingold, her parents, Rabbi Eliyahu and Mrs. Rachie Reingold, and her entire family, upon her becoming a Bas Mitzvah. Akiva Miller, his parents, Rabbi Scott and Mrs. Elisheva Miller, and his entire family, upon his becoming a Bar Mitzvah. Miss Glicka Silverman and her entire family, upon her engagement to Henry Baum. Miss Glicka Silverman and her entire family, upon the engagement of her brother, Shmuel, to Sarah Natelson. Rabbi and Mrs. Lichtenstein, and their entire family, upon the engagement of his sister, Tamar Lichtenstein to Barry Moskowitz. May they all continue to be blessed with Simachos.

We wish a Refuah Shelaimah to: Mrs. Chaya Shinensky. Mrs. Michelle Swartz’s sister.

$$””22"" TToorraahh SScchhooooll ooff GGrreeaatteerr WWaasshhiinnggttoonn

EE..SS..TT..EE..RR.. EErreevv SShhaabbbbooss ““TToorraahh”” EEvveennttss RReeppoorrtt

HaKaras HaTov We thank: Sharon Graff for handling, our office staff for distributing, and the following for sponsoring Rosh Chodesh Nissan treats: 1. The Benamou Family, in honor of the Yahrzeit of Mrs. Benamou’s mother, Chaya Bayla Necha bat Chaim on the 10th of Nissan. 2. The Biberfeld Family, in honor of Chaya becoming a Bas Mitzvah. 3. The Cohen Family, in honor of the engagement of Yaakov’s uncle, Hillel Mowery, to Jamie Goldreich. 4. Mr. and Mrs. Drang, Malka, and Ezra, in honor of Yosef’s 7th birthday. 5. Friends, with grateful thanks to Rabbi Charner and the Faculty of the Torah School. 6. Isaac Hager, Shuli Katz’s uncle, in honor of Shuli’s 12th birthday on Shabbas Hagadol. 7. The Leigh Family, in honor of Menashe's 6th birthday and in appreciation to his teachers for giving him a wonderful year. 8. Dr. and Mrs. Schore, in appreciation of all of the Tefillos and Brachos that the students have said on Mrs. Schore’s behalf. 9. The Walter Family, with special thanks to Rabbi Charner, Mrs. Malka, Mrs. Friedman, and all of Yisroel Yacov’s and Tehila’s wonderful teachers. Each and every one of you went above and beyond to help our children’s transition to the Torah School. Rabbi Samberg, for a special Seder presentation to parents on Sunday. Simmy and Yaakova Pollock, for once again initiating and carrying out the Bedikas Chometz kits mailing.

Middah Update Our focus has been on prepping our Talmidim to joyfully, graciously, happily, and helpfully offer assistance at home – especially as Pesach pproaches.

Maos Chitim Checks for Maos Chitim made out to Od Yosef Chai need to reach our office by Tuesday, April 3.

On The Horizon Sunday, April 1 – NO SHIURIM. Monday, April 2 – Rescheduled visit for Ms. Audrey Penn. Mrs. Aviva Werner’s Creative Writing Class. We do have P.M. Day Care. Tuesday, April 3 – Ben Yehuda pizza. Thanks to all of this week’s in-house helpers. Last day of school before Pesach. NO post 3:30 Shiurim. NO P.M. Day Care. Monday April 16 – Classes resume. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, April 17, 18, and 19 – Full post 3:30 line-up. Wednesday, April 18 – Nut House pizza. Thursday, April 19 – Yom HaShoah – Holocaust Remembrance Day. Friday, May 4 – 4th Annual Grandparents’ Day. Friday, May 11 – Third Annual TSGW Math Fair.

Monday, May 7 – Deadline for Chemdas Mishnayos testing – only 38 days away. Monday, May 14 – Chemdas point accumulation deadline – only 45 days away.

Today’s Attachments: Thoughts About the Sedarim – a repeat. Ooroo LaTefillah. Chosen Words. Soveya Newsletter. Olomeinu.

Berachos/Amen Campaign Reciting Berachos and answering Amen aloud continue at a frenetic pace. Many people are telling us how it has revitalized Kavana and care in saying blessings. May it be a Zechus for a Refuah Shelaimah for our designated Cholim.

From the Kadmah Card Archives ______ woke up early and got her sisters to go play quietly in the den so they wouldn’t wake up their mommy. When walking to Shul, ______ asked permission to run ahead of her mommy. ______ didn’t wake up her mother, even though she really wanted to. ______ has been very consistent in asking if she can go and run ahead of her mother and father.

In and Around

5G, in very timely fashion, finished studying Parashas Bo. Mazel Tov to them. Topics include:

3 out of the 4 sons in the Haggadah. Final 3 Makkos. Actual Ye’tzi’us Mitrayim. Nissan as Month #1. The Jewish calendar being a lunar one. Multiple Mitzvos of the Korban Pesach. Comparisons between the first Pesach in Egypt and in subsequent years and generations. Middah KiNegged Middah, that Hashem operates the world on a quid pro quo basis, is a major topic now in Haggadah study. It has many philosophical and practical lessons, connotations, and applications. Make sure to bring it up at your Sedarim, especially when discussing the Makkos. K/K are into taking away things (a.k.a. subtraction, minus, difference) and adding things (i.e. planting sunflower seeds). 1B/1B had a special theme this week: “Things that Move,” with days of special related activities:

Wednesday – Wheel Day Races – with “push power” toy vehicles. Thursday – Kite and Balloon Day. Friday – Paper Airplane Day – with a visit from a special “expert” judge.

1G/1G recited Shakespeare, learned sign language and took home their bean plants. Mrs. Kasierer’s 2B/2G performed plays for the First Graders and experimented with solids, liquids, and gasses. 2G acted out the beginning of Parashas VaYeira (i.e. Malachim visiting and Avraham preparing for and serving them). Ms. Jones’s 3G are working on perfecting the skill of using context clues to figure out difficult words. They’ve also explored congruency and symmetry in Geometry.

Mrs. Dunkin’s 3G have been using geoboards for their Geometry unit and have made Mexican brochures (obviously including hotels with the finest Hashgacha for Pesach). 4B have mastered long division and completed their interactive Smartboard journey to Maryland. Mrs. Lerner’s 2B have written delightful spring poems, as they have been inspired by the beautiful weather. (It’s a good thing they got it done so quickly – as summer might be here tomorrow.)

Good Shabbos! Chag Kasher Ve’Sameach!

Rabbi Yitzchak Charner Headmaster

The Resource Room By: Rachel Feldman

Do you find your school work very difficult for you? Have you ever felt like it’s hard to act like yourself in the classroom? I know what you mean. Sometimes school is very hard for me and sometimes it’s hard for me to say, “I don’t understand.” Let me tell you about a place that helps me with this.

To understand what I’m saying you should

visit the Torah School’s Resource Room. It’s located on the main level next to the library. When you first enter the room, you’ll see a lot of kids being helped by teachers. If you don’t see that, you’re probably not in the right room. The third cubicle on the left, to be exact, is the special place. In there, you’ll see a desk, a computer, pencils, markers, binders, and other utensils.

When I go to the Resource Room, it feels

like an escape from my classroom. I also feel like I can act like myself and I am definitely not afraid to say “I don’t understand” like I am in the classroom. I feel like all my teachers are always there for me, and they accept me for who I am. The Resource Room is a wonderful place and it really helps people like you and me. Everyone should have a place in school where they feel comfortable and accepted to be themselves. My place is the Resource Room. What’s yours?

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vk̈h ¦p §T©k UrUgVolume V, Issue 20 March 30, 2012

SOME THOUGHTS FOR OUR SEDARIM

“Delve into it (the Torah) and continue to delve into it (the Torah) for everything is in it.” This statement from Pirkei Avos is one to which we often pay lip service, but neglect to apply to our daily lives. We don’t always look toward the Torah and our Chachamim to assist us in problem solving and for guidance in all areas of human endeavor. One case in point is the Chinuch of our children. Our Divinely-given Law is replete with educational methodology and psychology – all we need to do is turn to it for direction. This is especially true as we approach Pesach. The whole Haggadah is predicated upon the Mitzvah of relating the exodus from Egypt to our children. Therefore, the Seder is the model for all of our dealings with our sons and daughters. HaRav Eliyahu Dessler, ZT’L, in Michtav MeiEliyahi, points out the following pedagogical principles which Chazal incorporated into the procedures of the first two nights of this Yom Tov: Initiating Dialogue -- It is critical that we engage in a “give and take” with our youngsters, rather than

merely lecturing them. Provoking Interest --Besides the classical Mah Nishtanah format, the Seder is structured so that our

children are stimulated to ask questions on their own. In fact, one of the guiding rules of these evenings is to do things Ki’dei SheYish’a’lu HaTinokos, in order that the children should ask. True learning takes place only when there is involvement.

Using A-V and Other Aids --Appealing to all five senses promotes greater understanding, interest, and motivation. In the Maggid section of the Haggadah, pouring out wine when reciting the ten plagues and pointing to the Matzah and Maror when discussing them are prime examples of this.

Employing Vivid Imagery – Stopping to think about and feel the significance of what we are saying is another facet of achieving true comprehension. Two of the ways in which we are instructed to consider the meaning of Pesach are:

pausing to reflect on what would have been if Hashem had not redeemed us 3324 years ago. actually viewing ourselves as if we had been the ones who went out of Mitzrayim. Breaking into Smaller Parts – Sometimes we miss the forest because of the trees. However, we often

overlook the beauty of individual trees because the totality is so overwhelming. Dayenu is the detailed analysis of the larger picture known as the “Exodus”.

Applying What We’ve Taught – Rav Dessler, in another essay, says that the overriding goal of the Mechanech/ Mechaneches is to transmit the love and beauty of Torah to his/her students. It is, therefore, quite necessary to illustrate that what we teach is applicable to and enhances our lives. The Haggadah does just this (immediately after Dayenu) in the paragraph which begins, “How much more so must we multiply our thanks to the All-Present.” Herein, we are told that, due to all of G-d’s Chasidim to us, we are required to properly demonstrate our appreciation to Him.

These rules are merely a sampling of the educational concepts presented in the Haggadah. The

importance of recognizing individuality, of goal-setting, of the use of mnemonics, of appropriate constructive disciplinary measures, and, of course, of organization are among other ideas stressed at the Seder. It is our obligation to seek out and discover all the gems to be found in Chazal’s Chochmas HaChinuch. Through doing this, we can hope to truly experience a “model” Seder and an improved year. Together with my family, I wish all of you a Chag Kasher Ve’Sameach.

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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 5, Issue 21 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:

Contrasts, details, gifts. These three concepts form the basis of developing true and lasting appreciation. They are the bedrock of the Hagadah we read on Pesach and the foundation upon which our gratitude to HaShem is built, says HaRav Noach Orlowek. Contrasts: Why is this night different from all other nights? We were slaves and now we are free. We were idol worshippers and now serve HaShem. We were destitute in Egypt and then left with great wealth. The more we actively compare and contrast the things we have in our lives, the greater the appreciation we’ll develop. We shouldn’t have to wait for those comparisons to be forced upon us, such as valuing our health only when we’re at risk of losing it (G-d forbid). Details: Were there 10 plagues in Egypt and 50 at the sea, 40 and 200, or 25 and 250? Was it just, “the days of your life,” that we should remember or, “ALL the days of your life”? Why the meticulous explanation of pasuk after pasuk starting way back with Yaakov’s relationship with Lavan and taking us all the way through the Egyptian servitude and exodus? A connoisseur of fine art sees the intricate details and deeper beauty of a painting much more than a simple passerby noticing a nice landscape. His appreciation, therefore, is so much greater. The more we become connoisseur’s of life, the greater our love and gratitude for the Master Artist.

The Hagadah – A Textbook for Hakaras HaTov

Gifts: Would it really have been enough if HaShem divided the sea but didn’t bring us through on dry land? Would it really have been enough to be in the desert for 40 years but not have the mahn? Would it really have been enough to not be given Shabbos, or the Torah, or to be brought into Eretz Yisroel, or not to have a Beis HaMikdash? When we go into a store and buy a bag of groceries that cost $18 and give the cashier a $20 bill, we say thank you when he gives us our $2 in change. Why? He owes it to us, yet we say thank you anyway because it’s the right thing to do. How much more so are we supposed to appreciate those things that ARE NOT COMING TO US – which is the definition of a gift.” על אחת כמה וכמה how much more so do – טובה כפולה ומכפלת למקום עלינוwe owe thanks to HaShem for the manifold favors!” We can translate these lessons into practical tools to help us set appropriate boundaries around our meals during the upcoming holiday (see below). This will allow us to have true freedom from overeating - a challenge which causes many of us to stumble during this zman chayrusaynu. Good שבת and chag kasher v’sameyach.

NOTE: THE NEXT ISS UE OF THE SW ITCHH

NEWSLETTER WILL B E A VAIL AB LE FOR THE SHAB B OS OF APR IL 20-21 – PARSH AS SHEMI NI

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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Gratitude in Action

(continued from above)

Contrasts: Weigh yourself the morning before Pesach, write it down, and commit to weighing yourself the day after yom tov is

over. Your goal is to remain within 2 - 3 pounds, if not ideally staying at the same weight. Take one pair of pants, or skirt, and

try it on before Pesach. Make a mental note of how it fits and commit to trying on the same pants or skirt the morning after

yom tov is over. Before eating each meal, think about how miserable you’ll feel if you gain so much weight that your

clothes will be tight and uncomfortable after only a little more than a weeks time. Compare the feeling of joy and success of maintaining your goals verse the few moments of palatable

pleasure you’ll get by ingesting what looks so tempting at the time, but is worthless to you as soon as you swallow the last

bite. As CHAZAL say, the wise man is the one who sees the results of the future and use that to motivate him in the

present.

Details: Consider how much time and preparation you and

your family put in to ensure a chametz-free home. Look at all the lists you checked off, all the kosher l’Pesach food you

bought, the wine and shmura matzos you made sure to get. Why are we commanded to do these things? For spring

cleaning? As a chesed to the food manufacturers or matza bakeries? Of course not. We’re obligated to create a physical

environment around us that best enables us to pursue spiritual heights: to adhere to HaShem’s mitzvos, to achieve personal and national freedom from our burdens, to strengthen our

emunah and hakaras hatov. Consider this before sitting down to your seudos. Use this as an incentive to take proper care of

your body in order to elevate your soul – and not to rationalize having free reign with the food as a release from the tension of

the intense preparations.

Gifts: What are we guaranteed in this world? Health? Prosperity? Family? Safety? The answer is nothing. No one on

this planet goes to sleep at night with a contract from the Creator guaranteeing anything for the next day. EVERYTHING we receive is a gift. Therefore, we have a unique obligation to

appreciate and take special care of those things G-d has chosen to give us. If we take but a few moments before each meal to

inventory the wonderful physical and spiritual blessings HaShem has bestowed upon us, we will have a much better

mind frame to properly utilize and protect those gifts, and not, G-d forbid, to abuse them through indulgence and indifference.

PESACH RECIPE CORNER

Country Fries w/Carrots

Ingredients: ½ red onion, diced; 2 C. carrots, diced; 3 T. oil; ½ C. water; 1 lb. potatoes, diced in very small pieces; dash of ginger; 2tsp. curry; 1 ½

tsp. salt; 1 ½ tsp. black pepper

Directions: Heat oil in skillet on medium heat. Saute onion and carrots on medium heat for 5

minutes. Add potatoes, ginger, curry, salt, pepper and water. Cover and cook for 30 minutes, or until

liquid is absorbed.

Tomato Basil Chicken

Ingredients: 2 chickens, cut into eighths; 2 garlic gloves, minced; 2 large beefsteak tomatoes, diced; 3 T. dried basil or ½ C. fresh basil; ½ C. red wine vinegar; ½ C. olive oil; ¼ tsp. black pepper; 1

tsp. salt; 5 sundried tomatoes

Directions: Preheat oven to 350 deg. Place

chicken in a single layer in two 9x13 pans. Process remaining ingredients in food processor with S-

blade. Pour mixture over chicken and baked uncovered for 1 ½ hours.

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!