Erev Shabb0s Parashiyos VaYakhel-Pekudei-Chazak! Parashas Parah March 16, 2012 Licht Bentchen: 6:58 P.M. Volume XVIII, Issue 25

Dear Parents,

We open today with an overview of last Friday’s: Shushan Purim Activities

The morning opened with an outstanding Boys’ Choir Performance. Many thanks to Rabbi Majeski, Mr. Shua Mendlowitz, and the guys. The final song was orchestrated by Rabbi Biberfeld who directed the choir’s rendition of Happy Birthday in celebration of Rabbi Majeski’s birthday. This was followed by our annual Shushan Purim Masquerade Parade. It featured many expected and unexpected creative costumes, such as Queen Esthers (at least 15), Mordechais, Kallahs, Chasanim, Harry Potter characters, bunny rabbits, scientists, sports players, pilots, cowboys, cowgirls, two fifths of Team Vogel, Shabbos HaMalka, witches, crayons, pirates, Cohanim Gedolim, firemen, racecar drivers, clowns, vampires, FBI Agents, dancers, Roshei Yeshiva, inventors, the Cat in the Hat, waiters, twins, paratroopers, policemen, Little Bo Peep, a genie, a boxer, a leprechaun, a robot, Dorothy, artists, explorers, mothers, chefs, lady bugs, butterflies, Rochel Imeinu, Vashti, a parrot, Rapunzel, Indians, a Shtetl person, penguins, Bais HaMikdash builders, a gymnast, Mrs. Ferneau, a smiley face, a dragonfly, and lots more. The Nicolo Whimsey Show was quite entertaining, with lots of very talented juggling and storytelling going on simultaneously. The narratives emphasized the traits of generosity, tolerance, and perseverance and the importance of reading books. Perhaps for the first time in their lives, our kids watched as Nicolo, the Wondering Minstrel, played the accordion. The show was interactive, with a number of youngsters called up to volunteer and having the opportunity to ask some very insightful questions. Next, we had our second 3M (Monthly Middometer Medalist) Assembly of 2011-2012. The following boys and girls were selected for demonstrating, in outstanding fashion, the Midah of HaKaras HaTov:

K Priva Milikowsky Shoshana Hochstadt Tzipora Miller Menashe Leigh Sara Leah Soloff Kayla Schwechter Tzirel Sussman Shira Slater 2B Tehila Walter Aaron Hallivis Faiga Bracha Winter Samuel Hershenson K Akiva Jacobs Avremel Backman Tuvia Moses Mordechai Beitsh 2B Pinny Hirschfeld Yaakov Baars Batsheva Melamed Ilan Cohn Chani Namrow Dovid Gayer Rivka Starkman Gavriel Merkin 1G Dovid Shinensky Tzipora Moses Shua Verschleisser Chana Rutstein 3G Rina Troy Leah Hirschfeld Aliza Tyberg Rechel Langer 1G Paula Ungar Tzivia Brotsky 3G Rina Kushnier Michal Eizenstat Esther Malka Lichtenstein Chasy Idstein Rani Lipman Chana Leah Ravin Pessie Mittelman Elisheva Sukol Rina Leah Myers Yocheved Walls Chaya Raichik 3B Hadassah Rubin Yanky Beitsh 1B Dovid Kanovsky Mendel Beitsh Aryeh Miller Eli Lazar Raphael Mizrahi Zev Samberg Moshe Reuven Sussman Shaya Scher 4G Eli Shimoff Rivka Rachel Danesh 1B Rochel L. T. Goldstein Akiva Biberfeld Shira Leah Graham Jacob Brenner Bracha Hes Simcha Katz Rivka Hillman Aharon Klatzkow Shira Komarow Zev Ravin Batsheva Kreiser Aaron Shemtov Dalya Namrow Yehuda Leib Slater Bati Shemtov 2G Sarah Slater Esther Cortell Kayla Eisenberg Zicey Hollander

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

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

4B 5B Beryl Backman Benny Benamou Yitzchak Meir Biberfeld Sholom Bluming Ari Ferneau Eitan Edinger Eyal Fogel Yonasan Klatzkow Naftali Lipman Yosef Sanders Yoni Rubin Yitzchok Shlomo Savir Meir Schwartz Ezra Troy Shlomo Starkman Avi Verschleisser Yitz Taragin 6G 5G Chaiky Backman Esther Feldman Chaya Biberfeld Rachel Feldman Rachel Rutstein Rena Esther Kerchner 6B 5G Shulie Katz Chaya Beitsh Sammy Merzel Aviva Broth Miriam Fink Tzippora Merkin

Many thanks to Rabbi Feldman for the certificates and Mazel Tov to all our youngsters for their ongoing growth in Middos. As we’ve written before, the current Middah focus is on Not Arguing with or Contradicting Teachers or Parents. This is, obviously, tied in with Project Derech. Finally, our Rebbes reincarnated the hilarious adventures of Harvey. This time, we were introduced to Mrs. Harvey and Ben Harvey (their son). Todah to Rabbis Biberfeld, Feldman, Friedman, Hoffman, Lichtenstein, and Samberg for putting their thespian talents on display. Purim programming was actually kicked off last Tuesday by our two Fifth Grade Girls classes. Under the guidance of Mrs. Katz, they wrote and acted, their own dramatic and humorous versions of Megillas Esther. Their beautiful scenery is on display in our upstairs halls. Many thanks to Mrs. Katz and the girls.

Aleph Bais Siyumim Now, to this week! We had major twin highlights – the

Kindergartens’ Aleph Bais Siyumim. The significance of these occasions (the children’s entrée into Lashon HaKodesh) and the excitement were palpably felt. Many thanks to Morah Rochel and Mrs. Gottlieb for a beautiful program and to Mrs. FitzGerald for being so flexible and for assisting in so many ways.

We wish a Refuah Shelaimah to: Simmy Pollock. Mrs. Laurie Cohen, who is having foot surgery today. Mrs. Evans, who will be back, G-d willing, on Monday.

We wish a heartfelt Mazel Tov to: Yaakov Kerchner, his parents, Dan and Debra, and his entire family, upon the occasion of his becoming a Bar Mitzvah. Howie and Elaine Feldman and family, upon Rivky’s marriage to Oren Perez. Rabbi Ivan and Mrs. Arleeta Lerner and family, upon the engagement of their grandson, Yosef Miller, to Gabriella Bernstein. May they continue to blessed with Simachos.

Today’s Attachments:

Chosen Words. Soveya Newsletter. Classroom Close-Ups by Mrs. Gail Karp. Derech Update. Good Deeds Day Flyer. ON THE HORIZON

Sunday, March 18 – 5th/6th Shiurim. 5th Grade Siyum at 10:10. Rabbi Samberg will not be giving his class this week. On Sunday, March 25, he will be teaching a special Hagaddah class. Monday, March 19 – Ms. Audrey Penn’s scheduled second visit is being rescheduled. Mrs. Werner’s Creative Writing class. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, March 20, 21, and 22 – Full post 3:30 line-up. Wednesday, March 21 – Nut House pizza. Thanks to this week’s in-house helpers.

Thursday, March 22 - Rosh Chodesh Nissan NOAM (Night Out at Max’s). Sunday, March 25 – Federation’s community-wide Good Deeds Day. See attached flyer. Wednesday, April 4 – Pesach break begins. Monday April 16 – Classes resume.

Friday, May 4 – 4th Annual Grandparents’ Day. Friday, May 11 – Third Annual TSGW Math Fair.

Matanos LaEvyonim Thanks to your contributions and our year-long in-school daily Tzedakah collections, $1186.42 (plus 3 Shekalim) was sent to Od

Yosef Chai for Purim. Time to send in $ to Od Yosef Chai for Maos Chitim.

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.

Ongoing Stuff Chemdas deadline is 59 days hence. Parshathon $ is up to 11,154.44. 6B’s Masmid Govoha points now total 27,540. 5B’s MTT minutes have reached 22,220.

Capitol Food Drive The boxes for the Capitol Food Drive are filling up in our lobby. However, there’s still lots of room for your cans and boxes.

What’s Going On?

Ms. Audrey Penn regaled our kids with her storytelling. More significantly, she enthusiastically

shared what ideas and inspirations can be used to write a great story. 6G had their visit to the Smithsonian on Monday. Todah to our chaperones: Aaron Orlofsky, Debbie Cohen, Chad Miller, and Rochelle Ferneau. Mazel Tov to all four first grade, upon their completion of Perek Aleph in Chumash Bereishees. In Music, Michal Eizenstat shared a biography of Raffi, the children’s singer. Michal explained how Raffi, like some other singers, expresses his ideas and beliefs through his music. As an environmentalist, the theme of many of Raffi’s songs is about protecting the earth and, by extension, children. In her presentation, Michal played a recording of the song “Joshua the Giraffe” for her friends. In the song, Raffi clearly conveys his feelings about the earth and its creatures.

Michal quoted specific lines from the song that are meaningful to her and then eloquently offered her own explanations of Raffi’s lyrics and views. 4B/4G have wonderfully performed Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing for a number of classes. On Wednesday, March 14 (3/14 or 3.14), we celebrated a relatively new Yom Tov, Pi Day. (Should we have 2 days outside Eretz Yisrael?) Many activities were conducted which were fun and educational. There was also food that was consumed (making it a real Jewish occasion). 3B performed a reading Shadow Puppet Show for Mrs. Kasierer’s second grade boys using a projector and shadow puppets. The class was divided into three groups, and each group performed a Trickster Tale story from their reader. The stories were quite apropos to Purim, and the boys did a great of bringing them to life! Ms. Griffin’s 1G/1G made weather vanes and weather pictures in computer class. Mrs. Lerner’s 2B are busy learning how to describe a Beagle-Beaked-Bald-Headed Grinch, a Circus Cat, a Fizza-ma-wizza-ma-dill, and various other Dr. Suess characters. Mrs. Dunkin’s 3G made Mexican masks. 4G are busy learning about long division. They are also learning about their personal families coming to America and to Maryland. 5B have started learning the Mishna with Rashi inside the Gemarrah. 5G/5G are deep in thought, writing Divrei Torah for their class Haggadah and are learning about Yetzias Mitzrayim – just in time for Pesach! 6B/6G are erupting with enthusiasm and are all “Aa “about their “lava”ly volcano unit (soon to be extinct).

This week, we studied the following two new laws of Yir’ah for parents and teachers:

Halacha XVII Not to Start Eating Before a Parent or Teacher,

Unless Permission Has Been Given In general, it is polite to show this deference

to all people, especially your host. Halacha XVIII

Not To Leave the Presence of a Parent or Teacher Without Permission

Your Derech Updates will give you much more than the above skeletal descriptions.

Appeal (No $ Requested) As we’ve stated and written many times, to make

Project Derech effective, we need home/school collaboration. This means that, if we hope to see an improvement in the respect our youngsters show us and their Mechanchim, we, as mothers and fathers, must: Read the Derech Updates. Discuss the weekly precept. Answer our sons’ and daughters’ questions about the Halacha. Practice the laws. Be consistent in applying them.

We thank you for working with us in this vital endeavor.

From the Kadmah Card Archives

______ came off the trampoline on Shabbos, even though her friends wanted to stay. _____ listened to her parents and cleaned up a mess that wasn’t hers! ______ ran to the dinner table right away after being asked one time only! When asked to do something, _______ often says “of course” and does it right away.

Hope you have easy fasts!

Good Shabbos!

Rabbi Yitzchak Charner

Headmaster

It is a mitzvah of Yirah not to eat before our parent or teacher starts eating. .

() ( ) .

Reverence dictates that a child should wait for his parents to eat first before he himself starts eating. (Derech Eretz dictates that one refrain from eating first in the presence of his host.) However, one may eat before his parent (or host) begins if permission has been granted. Since parental expectations in this area of observance are prone to be inconsistent, it is recommended that parents discuss with their children the various possibilities that arise during the course of a typical meal. For example:

Children are expected to wait for both father and mother to eat first, unless the parents deem otherwise. This may apply to all courses (entrée, main course, dessert) – if the parents so prefer. If a parent is called away before starting a course, he may give permission to begin eating in his absence; if the parent forgot to do so, the children may ask permission to begin. (See other examples below.)

In the presence of elders, one should not serve himself first from a center platter nor partake first from individually served portions (even fruit). (Mishnah Berurah 12:28) A student should not slouch before his Rebbe Muvhak, (even at the Passover Seder), but should sit as one sits before a king. (Yorah Deah 242:16)

**** Though Reb Yaakov (Kaminetsky) Zt’l was rarely critical of others’ behavior, a failure to show proper Derech Eretz was one thing for which he often gave instruction. Once, on a visit to his cousin Rabbi Ruderman, the latter’s nephew, Ezra Neuberger, served Reb Yaakov – as the older of the two – his tea first. Though in the middle of a serious discussion, Reb Yaakov immediately pushed the young man’s hand in the direction of Rabbi Ruderman, with the admonition that he must always serve his Rebbe first.

(continued on side 2)

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Mitzvah Note/Kadmah Card

I reviewed the halacha of “not eating before a parent or teacher ” with: (student’s name) __________________________________ Grade __________ Parents’ Signature: _______________________________

TEST YOUR CHILD!

1. What does waiting for a parent or elder to eat first show?

2. When may a child eat first in the presence of elders? 3. How should a student sit in front of his teacher?

WHAT SHOULD YOU SAY?

You are at the dinner table with your parent: 1. Your parent is talking to guests and has not yet

started to eat. Your soup is getting cold. 2. Your parent is called to the phone before starting to

eat. 3. You have a guest who has started to eat before your

parents have starting eating.

When in the immediate presence of our parent or teacher, it is a Mitzvah of Yir’ah not to leave without permission.

()

(-) () :

In the story of Noach (Bereishees 8:16), it is written: And Hashem spoke to Noach saying, “Leave the Teivah (ark).” Although Noach surely was anxious to leave (see Yalkut) and had every indication that this was the correct time to leave, he said, “Just as I entered only with permission, so must I leave only with permission.” From here we learn that being in another’s domain demands certain etiquette. This applies especially to a child who is in the domain of his parent or a student in the domain of his teacher. In a similar vein, it should be noted that one may not sit in the presence of an important person without permission. This applies especially to a Rebbe Muvhak (teacher from whom one gained the most Torah knowledge) or Talmid Chacham Muflag (eminent Torah scholar of the generation). Furthermore, when leaving their immediate presence, one should not turn his back to the Rabbi, but, rather, back away (about 4 Amos or 8 feet) just as one does for an Aron Kodesh.

**** Rabbi Boruch Ber Leibowitz, ZT’L, Rosh Yeshiva of Kaminetz, was very meticulous in the Mitzvah of honor towards parents. His father, Rav Shmuel, was a great Torah scholar, who liked to come hear his son’s discourses. When the time for the lecture would arrive, the students would sit in their places, awaiting their Rebbe. The door would open, and the form of Rav Boruch Ber would appear at the door. All the disciples would stand up in honor of the Rav, and they would look at him respectfully. Rav Boruch Ber would not go to his usual place right away, but would first turn to his father and greet him. Then he would ask his father humbly, “Dear Tatta, please permit me to give my Shiur (lecture) to the students.” The father would smile and nod. Only then, after receiving permission from his father, would Rav Boruch Ber go to his place and begin to speak. After the lecture, Rav Boruch Ber would not leave immediately. Instead, he would go over to his father and ask, lowering his head, “Tatta Dear, did I teach the Shiur well?” The more the students witnessed such Kibud Av V’eim, the more they respected him.

(continued on side 2)

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Mitzvah Note/Kadmah Card

I reviewed the halacha of “not leaving a parent’s or teacher’s presence without permission” with: (student’s name) __________________________________ Grade __________ Parents’ Signature: _______________________________

TEST YOUR CHILD!

1. Define ‘immediate presence.” Give examples. 2. Name other people whose presence you would not leave

without permission. Why? 3. May one sit in the presence of an important person without

permission? 4. In what manner does one leave the presence of a Rebbe

Muvhak or a Talmid Chacham Muflag?

WHAT SHOULD YOU SAY?

…. Your teacher is speaking to you privately. The conversation has just ended.

…. You are eating dinner with your parent. You want to get a note from your schoolbag.

…. You are in the middle of a conversation with your parent when the telephone or doorbell rings.

1

.

Torah thought on health and wellness:

We conclude Sefer Shemos with the tailoring of the bigdei Kahuna (the special clothing for the Kohanim). Each garment carried a unique function, as well as combining to beautify and distinguish the Kohanim and their avoda. The Kohanim’s elevated stature enabled them to fulfill their vital role amongst Klal Yisroel as the beacons of ruchniyus and kedusha. So, too, is the position of the Jewish People in relation to the nations of the world. This is the responsibility we accepted upon ourselves leading up to Matan Torah, to be a Mamleches Kohanim and Goy Kadosh – a kingdom of priests and sanctified nation. More than anyone, we are obligated to care for ourselves in this world with the utmost distinction – both on a physical and spiritual level. And one way to accomplish this is to look into the creation itself for direction. HaRav Noach Orlowek, in his presentation titled What Chazal Say About Staying Healthy, cites Rav Tzadok in Tzidkus HaTzadik, (קעג) teaching that a person is supposed to discover lessons for living by observing the details of HaShem’s world. We are to learn modesty from a cat (which makes sure to relieve itself in a private place), and honesty from an ant (they don’t take things from each other - gemara in Eruvin). Animals instinctively know to protect themselves and to stay away from things that are harmful. In their own environment, they do not overeat. We’re supposed to choose to be like that, says Rav Orlowek. He brings a beautiful mushel from his rebbe, HaRav Simcha Wasserman, ל''זצ to illustrate the point.

Man is on manual control while nature is on automatic, Rav Simcha said – like different kinds of cameras. A picture from an automatic camera comes out right each time and is fairly easy to take, but it’s not a work of art. A manual camera has lots of settings and you have to invest time and effort to know what you’re doing. And the result can either be a dud or a masterpiece, depending on the skill of the photographer. Nature is programmed to take care of itself and is wonderful to observe and be a part of. Man, however, has the potential to make himself the masterpiece of creation. But we have to invest the energy and choose to learn from the lessons with which HaShem surrounds us. It doesn’t happen automatically. Our bodies are the clothing for our souls. As such, we must take meticulous care in order for them to properly serve their function – allowing us to properly fulfill our role as a kingdom of priests and sanctified nation. 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

Wearing Our Souls On Our Sleeves

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 19 6209 Western Run Drive, Baltimore, MD 21209

Copyright © 2011 by Soveya, Inc.

SWITCHH Newsletter (Soveya Wellness Initiative To Create Healthy Habits)

Copyright © 2012 by Soveya, Inc.

2

RED MEAT IS BLAMED FOR ONE IN 10 EARLY DEATHS

The U.S. Department of Health was recently urged to review its guidance on red meat after a study found that eating

ONLY half the daily recommended amount can significantly increase the risk of dying early from cancer and heart

disease.

According to the study, people should cut their red meat consumption to 1.5 ounces (42 grams) a day, equivalent to

one large steak a week. This could prevent almost one in 10 early deaths in men and one in 13 in women.

Small quantities of processed meat such as sausages or salami can increase the likelihood of dying early by a fifth,

researchers from Harvard School of Medicine found. Eating steak increases the risk of early death by 12%.

The study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine followed more than 100,000 people for around 28 years

asking them periodically about their diet and lifestyle. It was found that for every serving of red meat - equivalent to 3 ounces (85 grams) - eaten each day there was an 18%

increased risk of dying from heart disease and a 10% increased risk of dying from cancer.

Dr Frank Hu, co-author of the study, said: “The bottom line is that we should make red meat only an occasional rather

than regular part of our diet.”

Join Rabbi Eli & Zakah Glaser for Pesach!

The Glasers will be giving lectures & shiurim throughout Yom Tov

DISCOUNTED PRICE if you mention Soveya when booking

Easy & Healthy

RECIPE CORNER

Fruity Tzimmes

Ingredients: 2 medium onions; 3 medium sweet potatoes; 1 medium butternut squash; 1 lb. parsnips; 2 lb. carrots; 4 apples; 1 C. orange juice; 1/2 tsp. dried coriander; 2 tsp. cinnamon; 1/2 tsp. ground cloves; 1/2 C. prunes; 1/4 C. dried dates; 1/4 C. dried apricots

Directions: Peel and chop vegetables and apples. Combine orange juice and spices. Pour juice over vegetables and fruit in a big pot; add enough water to cover 1/3 of the vegetables. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 1 hour. Mash mixture.

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!

Fruit is the Sweetest Choice!

Fruit is a perfect food for those of us who have a mean sweet tooth. It can curb cravings, boost antioxidants and offers a multitude of other health benefits. The kind of fruit you eat is less important than how

it's packaged. Whether you prefer canned, frozen, dry or fresh, weigh the pros and cons and the impact they have on your diet.

Dried fruit is certainly convenient, portable and tasty. When the moisture is removed from fruit, it allows for a longer shelf life, but also makes it higher in sugar and more calorically dense than fresh fruit. It's also easy to overindulge. For example, one cup of fresh apricot

slices will cost you about 74 calories. One cup of dried apricots weigh in at more than 300 calories!

If you like canned fruit, avoid those that contain added sugar. Look for fruit packed in water or its own juice, rather than sugary syrups.

A great option for fruit lovers is frozen fruit. Fresh-frozen fruit loses very few nutrients, and you can find a greater variety of fruit year-

round. Frozen fruit is a favorite among smoothie lovers - it's ready to go straight into the blender! Again, look for varieties without added

sugar.

There are plenty of healthful ways to incorporate fruit into a healthy diet - get creative and check out Soveya's Incredibly Easy & Healthy

Cookbook – GREAT FOR PESACH!

Rosh Chodesh Nisan is Coming...

Each Rosh Chodesh, the PTA provides treats to our students. The PTA is seeking sponsors for this coming month’s Rosh Chodesh treats. For a $25 sponsorship, your name and message (in recognition of, in honor of, in appreciation of, etc), will be distributed to each class and read aloud to the students. This is a great way to also show your children’s teachers your appreciation. Please return the form below (attention: Rosh Chodesh Sponsorship), with payment, to the office by March 22, 2012. Thank you for your support. If you have any questions, please call the school at 301-962-8003, x 2300.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We would like to sponsor Rosh Chodesh treats for Rosh Chodesh Nisan. Enclosed is our check for $25, payable to TSGW PTA. Message: _________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________