The Filtered ESTER

Chemdas has hit the school. See attached letters. G-d willing, report cards will be sent home on Tuesday.

Sign-up forms for conferences have been available on-line

since Tuesday. To view them: For A-K - Tuesday, 12/13:

https://docs.google.com/a/tsgw.org/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AgUHFWpzH_l9dEx4VWRRbUlsVHNiRFFrU29BNTRiVUE&hl=en_US#gid=0

For L-Z - Wednesday, 12/14:

https://docs.google.com/a/tsgw.org/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AgUHFWpzH_l9dFNQWERYb2hmTlVtSWRDS2d3VFlYS3c&hl=en_US#gid=0

To sign up or make changes, please email Abby Pines at apines@tsgw.org with your specific requests.

Book Fair starts on Monday and will be available through Thursday, Dec. 22. Although some times will

vary, it will be open for business daily during lunch and just prior to and after P.M. car pool time. Sign-up forms

to volunteer to help are available online at: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/20F084FACA72FA31-book/2531700

Many thanks to Lisa Solomson.

Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 13 and 14 – 2:00 P.M. Dismissal. No P.M. Day Care.

Evening Conferences (A-K on Tuesday and L-Z on Wednesday).

Thursday, December 15 – 10:00 opening.

A.M. Day Care begins at 8:30. 2nd-6th Grades should Daven at home.

Full post-3:30 schedule.

Thursday, December 22 - Afternoon Chanukah Carnival. We need lots of additional adult supervision. Please

let us know if you are available.

Erev Shabbos Parashas Va Yishlach December 9, 2011 Licht Bentchen: 4:28 P.M. Volume XVIII, Issue 12

Dear Parents, After all the mega-time, mega-work, mega-harassing, mega-organizing, and “just plain” super efforts on the part of super special people, we’ve “made it” through our annual Dinner. Thank G-d, our "gala affair" was beautiful and truly a Kavod to our honorees. Although, as is the case with everything in life, it was over before we knew it, the fond memories of the occasion will remain transfixed in our minds. A panorama retrospective of all that transpired will reveal that: We had an SRO crowd to “celebrate” our school and to honor our very worthy honorees, Rabbi Raphael and Mrs. Chani Mendlowitz and Mrs. Dorit Kasierer. Scott Hillman was singled out and “gifted” for his coordination of our recent construction. There was an almost tangible warm outpouring of positive feelings engendered by the group. People actually were happy to attend a Sunday evening banquet because of the populace's dedication to the Torah School and the limited # of and time spent on speeches. More delicious than the tasty food and the luscious desserts were our children – who starred in the Jeffrey Reches-produced DVD. We will have this 14+ minute star-studded feature film running during Parent Teacher Conferences. We also have an "eye-catching" journal to commemorate the occasion. (By the way, for anyone who is not yet a proud owner of this marvelous ad book, we have a copy for you in our office. As in the past, it includes a directory of all Torah School families - listed alphabetically in English.) We were treated to an entertaining choir performance. We listened to great dinner music. Our tables and the halls were enhanced by the creative and original centerpieces and murals designed by all our students. As many commented, the evening was a real Kovod LaTorah, thereby being a true Kiddush Hashem.

We owe heartfelt Hakaras HaTov to: Zev Teichman, for being MC and for dedicating his “life” to all the pre-during-and-after banquet work which made this year’s dinner so beautiful. Our Journal Committee, coordinated by Marlene Teichman, with the careful overview of Jodi Mailman and Abby Pines. Our Dinner Committee, chaired by Chani Feldman and Devorah Slater. Our supporting and supportive cast without whom the impossible would have actually been impossible. Rabbi Yakov Majeski and our youngsters for serenading and Mrs. Miri Gottleib for accompanying. The Ashira Orchestra led by Alan Sussman and featuring Dan Kerchner, Hirsh Komarow, Roy Fuchs, and Gary Goodman, for the musical interludes. Shua and Huda Mendlowitz, for playing and singing a tribute to their parents. Barry Graham, Kenny Sragg, and Dan Kerchner for a special musical interlude. Mrs. Chaya Shinensky and our K-6 artists for their very detailed and beautiful creations. Chaya spent mega-hours inside, outside, during, before, and after school to plan and get together all of the kids’ creations depicting the wonders of Hashem’s creations. See Mrs. Shinensky’s Classroom Close-up for details. Our very special, superlative, superific, sanity-maintaining office staff of Marlene Teichman, Jodi Mailman, and Abby Pines for all their background, front ground, middle ground, and “no-man’s-land” efforts and contributions. Yehuda Shinensky for assisting his wife. Chaiky Backman, Chaya Biberfeld, Ariella Cohn, Adena Hawk, Tzippy Hes, Nava Krestt, Rochel Kramer, and Esther Schwartz for staying after school last Thursday and Esther and Rochel again for continuing on to Mrs. Shinensky’s home to assemble the artwork for the dinner.

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

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

Cory Myers, for once again so graciously giving of his superlative photographic talents. Everyone listed on the In Gratitude page 13 of the journal. All of you for your support and allowing us to work with you in educating our children. Rabbi Raphael and Mrs. Chani Mendlowitz and Mrs. Dorit Kasierer for allowing themselves to be subjected to the ordeal of being our honorees. They agreed to it only because of their dedication to our kids and to our school.

....And, for a Final Word For all the Hatzlacha with which we've been blessed and, particularly, for the success of our dinner, we first and foremost thank the Ribbono Shel Olam and pray that He will continue to find us deserving of being the beneficiaries of His Chasadim.

On Another Note…

Now that our Dinner is over, we have our next “nudging” item – the 9th Annual Chinese Auction on Sunday, February 12, 2012. Your help and presence (and presents) are more critical than ever to the school. Please mark the date on your calendar – today!

On the Horizon Sunday, December 11 – 5th/6th Shiruim. Rabbi Samberg’s Chumash Skills Class for adults. Monday, December 12 – 2011-

2012 Book Fair opens thanks to Ms. Lisa Solomson. See attached flyer. Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 13 and 14 – 2:00 Dismissals. NO PM Day Care. Evening Parent Teacher Conferences. **On Tuesday, for parents of students whose last names begin with A-K. **On Wednesday, for parents of students whose last names begin with L-Z. Wednesday, December 14 – Ben Yehuda pizza. Todah to all of this week’s in-house helpers. Thursday, December 15 – A.M. Day Care begins at 8:30. 10:00 Opening. Grades 2-6 should Daven at home.

Week of December 19 – No post-3:30 classes. This is to enable everyone to be home in time to light the Chanukah lights. Tuesday, December 20 – Boys’ Choir will not sing at Bethesda Naval Hospital. The event at which they were going to perform was cancelled by the Hospital.. First night of Chanukah. Thursday, December 22 – Afternoon Chanukah Carnival.

We have our Chanukah Carnival in the P.M. In order for this tension-free, relaxing event to run smoothly, we need lots of parent volunteers. Therefore, we ask you to please let us know if you can be here (and for how long) between the hours of 11:30 and 3:30. Our plans are that we will have a moonbounce, plus about 22 children-created, Chanukah-themed booths, games, and raffles and an inordinate amount of high-decibel controlled noise. (You don’t have to pay for the noise, as it is priceless). Once again, we have declared a price freeze, with charges at 1994 rates for each activity, although the number of attractions has increased.

Therefore, the total cost for each child who wants to do everything once would be $7.50. (This includes .25 per booth, game, or raffle and $1.75 for the moonbounce.) However, as has been the case the past nine years, you don't have to send in cash, check, or credit card to pay for this event. The above amount will be covered by the yearly activity cost which you’ve already paid (hopefully).

We will give each youngster two punch cards which will be the equivalent of 30 tickets. (Todah to Jodi Mailman for designing these cards seven years ago and to Rami Mandelbaum for bringing them up to date.)

If a child needs more tickets, they can then be purchased for $.25 each. After all is said and done, you can anticipate your offspring arriving home exhilarated, exhausted, energized (as in bunny), exasperated, and exceedingly loaded with excessive and exceptional amounts of treasured prizes just for your examination. Each youngster should bring a paper bag (with his/her name on it) to school to carry all winnings. Extra tickets may be purchased before and during (but not after) the festivities. Of course, you are invited to bring younger (or older) siblings to participate in the goings-on.

Finally, we can use: large (empty) refrigerator, oven, washing machine, or dishwasher appliance boxes, or wardrobe boxes used in the moving (sic) process. Parents to assist that P.M.

Friday December 23 – Monday December 26 – Chanukah Break. Tuesday, December 27 – Classes resume. Rosh Chodesh Teves NOAM (Night Out at Max’s). Wednesday, December 28 – Chanukah Music/Art Festival for 1G-6G including Girls’ Choir performance 9:15 a.m. (details to follow). All female relatives and friends are welcome. Monday, January 2 – Ms. Jones’s 3G Poetry Presentation at 9:00. Mrs. Dunkin’s 3G Poetry Presentation at 2:45. Sunday, February 12, 2012 – Ninth Annual TSGW Chinese Auction. Harassment for this event begins immediately following our Dinner.

Project Derech – Week V

On Wednesday, we began the fifth precept of Project Derech:

Behaving According to the Halachos and Spirit of Derech Eretz – in Speech.

This is an introduction to many Halachos we will encounter in greater depth in Project Derech next year. Included are all of the following: Greeting others Speaking in a pleasant tone Not interrupting

Saying “please” and “thank you” Calling adults by title Not speaking before adults Departing with Derech Eretz Reporting back Avoiding improper speech Because these are too many to master at one time, we are now focusing on two: Greeting others. Not interrupting. As usual, we ask you to also concentrate on these areas at home. We hope that the attached Derech Update will assist you in discussing the importance of utilizing our power of speech in positive ways.

From the Kadmah Card Kavod and HaKaras HaTov:

________ wrote a beautiful thank you card to her soccer coach for coaching her through the season. _________ said “Thank you, Mommy”, for the yummy Shabbos Seudah and thank you to a friend for having her over to play. _________ thanked the mailman for the mail. _________ has been thanking her parents for all the things they buy and do to prepare for her “yummy” dinners.

We are pleased to announce that the Torah School of Greater Washington will be listed as a charity under the CFC (Combined Federal Campaign) this year! Our catalog number is 42131. If you are a Federal employee and are considering making a contribution to the CFC, please give the Torah School of Greater Washington (#42131) your most generous consideration. You are encouraged to share this information with parents and other family members and anyone else who may be interested.

Today’s Accompaniments Olomeinu for Kislev. Ooroo LaTefillah. Chosen Words. SOVEYA Newsletter. Classroom Close-ups by Mrs. Chaya Shinensky. Derech Update. Flyer and packet about the 2011-2012 TSGW Book Fair. Chemdas explanatory letters.

We wish a heartfelt Mazel Tov to: Elaine and Howie Feldman, upon their daughter Rivky’s engagement to Oren Perez. Rina and Steve Eisenberg and family, upon the birth of a girl. May they continue to be blessed with Simachos.

Chemdas Gets Off the Ground

Chemdas booklets have been given out and 1000’s of points have already been earned. Please read the attached explanatory letters. Please, please, please encourage your youngsters to pace themselves to achieve their classes’ goals. Your children’s teachers are available to assist with this. We extend condolences to Adelaide Tenembaum and family, upon the passing of her mother. May she be comforted among the mourners of Tziyon and Yerushalayim.

Hearing/Vision Screenings We thank Mrs. Elaine Feldman for conducting the ongoing hearing/vision screenings for K, 1, 4, and those new to the County

What’s Happenin’? CANCELLATION: The boy’s choir will not be singing at Bethesda Naval Hospital for Chanukah, as the hospital’s program has been cancelled. 3rd-6th Grades continue to include Chai Lifeline Parshathon materials during Parasha classes. The multiple choice test is coming up on December 19. Again, we ask you to help and encourage your children to get sponsors for this very worthy cause. 2B, 2G and 2B had visits on Wednesday from Echoes of Nature. Topic: “What’s Buggin’ You?” They even got to pet an Australian Walking Stick. 5G/5G had Siyumin upon the completion of Parashas Shemos. Each young lady wrote and said a D’var Torah (all of which are now on my desk for me to read). 6G celebrated its Siyum of Parashas Yisro with a fun-filled and learning-filled Mrs. Kreiser-designed game to review Yisro. 5G/5G have an insightful and beautiful bulletin board display. It dissects and depicts “Le’Kail Baruch” – the final paragraph of the first Berachah said before the morning Ke’ri’as Shema. Kindergartners are blending their newly-learned Nekudos with Hebrew letters and played Aleph Bais Bingo. They are also counting and writing to #31 and

studying transportation. (Their report of the ICC’s efficaciousness will soon be out.) First Graders are really into the rules of Shevaim and have started learning וכלב המש , seven of the Hebrew prefixes. 1G/1G designed and wrote postcards from Australia, presented their research about an Australian animal, attempted to fly a boomerang, and made Aborigine dot art. PE classes started their involvement in the Presidential Fitness program. (This doesn’t mean that they will be fit to be President.) 5G wrote and performed plays in Ivrit about doing acts of Chesed, have learned a song that tells about each Shofet from Sefer Shofetim, are learning how to use context clues to figure out meanings of words. This was assisted by the readings of “Baloney (Henry P.)” and “Jabberwocky.” The Second Grade created “How To” posters (which are on display) in conjunction with the organization trait in writing. 2G learned, in Ivrit, the objects in and the sections of their room and labeled all of them. Ms. Jones’s 3G wrote couplets and cinquains, began graphs in Math, and did experiments with the wedge. Mrs. Dunkin’s 3G wrote rhyming couplets and are into time in Math. (Elapsed time is so much fun!) 4B did an interactive pollution activity on the Smartboard and watched Lou Gehrig’s farewell speech, given in Yankee Stadium. Chanukah’s history and Halachos are, obviously, main topics all over the place. Many classes have written thank you letters to all sorts of people. This was in conjunction with the Project Derech focus of HaKaras HaTov. 6B/G are still involved in creating their own countries. They have studied various landforms and learned how different maps represent bodies of water and natural resources. They have also explored GCF (Greatest Common Factor) and LCM (Least Common Multiple). 5B have contrasted, in Mishnah, a Mizbeiach and Bamah. Contact your local Fifth Grader for details. 3B have named and hyphenated seven syllable words and used inclined planes to Shlepp things along. In Music, Ariella Miller enlightened her classmates as to how an original song is composed using technology..She arranged her own composition on Garage Band by adding one track or layer at a time to her piece. Ariella chose the beat, the key, overlapped shakers and synthesizers, and added a bass, gradually adding one component at a time until her original masterpiece was complete.

Have a Good Shabbos!

Rabbi Yitzchak Charner

Headmaster

December 2, 2011 Dear First and Second Grade Parents, Next week, we will announce in First and Second Grades the restarting of our TSGW Chemdas program. The purpose of this project is the further enhance your children's love and knowledge of and abilities in Talmud Torah. It is a VOLUNTARY, extra- curricular, motivational system which encourages the study of Beki'us, basic Torah knowledge. It is patterned and named after similar learning opportunities in other Yeshivos. This year once again provides a very special opportunity, as the whole program continues to be sponsored by Nechemia and Naomi Mond and Mordechai and Tami Hyatt in memory of Yehuda Mond, Z’l. We thank them for their generosity (and for taking care of getting the printing done) and pray that all our children’s endeavors will be a true Iyluy Neshamah for Yehuda. We thank Rabbi Feldman, our Chemdas Jr. coordinator, for getting it all together and for explaining the program to our youngsters. Todah to the second grade boys for all their assistance. Your sons and daughters have received our beautiful CHEMDAS Handbook (thanks to Mrs. Arly Mandelbaum for the cover) which contains almost EVERYTHING they need to study. We have minimum requirements for each grade which are delineated in the Student Record Sheets in the back of the handbook. Youngsters study to achieve the numbers of points needed for their grades, thereby working towards prizes. Testing of their newly acquired knowledge is done in school. The following are the “frozen” point totals which are required at each level: 1st – 350 2nd- 440 The deadline for this is Monday, May 14, 2012. A trip is planned for all who reach the highest "rung" for their grade level. The major costs of this adventure are underwritten by our PTA. However, there is a per child charge for this full day foray. The last few years, the amount was $25, and we anticipate that it will be the same for Chemdas 2011-2012. Please note that regular work must take precedence over CHEMDAS efforts. Also, our goals are to engender and maintain enthusiasm, not to pressure kids to do things against their will. Pressure, in this case, will likely be counterproductive. However, we do ask you to encourage (in a positive way) your progeny to get involved. It would be beneficial if you help the kids plan to pace themselves over the next six months. For example: We have over 23 weeks until May 14, 2012 hits us. If you help your sons/daughters set weekly goals, starting with topics they already know or with which they are familiar, it will both motivate them and prevent the last minute procrastination crunch. We also ask you to examine the handbook carefully and share with us any thoughts you have about its set-up. We look to keep improving. Thank you for your cooperation in working with us to develop our children into B'nai and B'nos Torah who have true Ahavas HaTorah. Sincerely,

Rabbi Yitzchak Charner Headmaster

December 2, 2011 Dear Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Grade Parents, Next week, we will announce in Grades 3 - 6 the restarting of our TSGW Chemdas program. The purpose of this project is the further enhance your children's love and knowledge of and abilities in Talmud Torah. It is a VOLUNTARY, extra- curricular, motivational system which encourages the study of Beki'us, basic Torah knowledge. It is patterned and named after similar learning opportunities in other Yeshivos. This year once again provides a special opportunity, as the whole program continues to be sponsored by Nechemia and Naomi Mond and Mordechai and Tami Hyatt in memory of Yehuda Mond, Z’L. We thank them for their generosity (and for taking care of getting the printing done) and pray that all our children’s endeavors will be a true Iyluy Neshamah for Yehuda. We thank Rabbi Hoffman, our Chemdas Sr. coordinator, for getting it all together and for explaining the program to our youngsters. Your sons and daughters should have already received our beautiful CHEMDAS Handbook (thanks to Mrs. Arly Mandelbaum for the cover) which contains almost EVERYTHING they need to study. We have minimum requirements for each grade which are delineated in the Student Record Sheets in the back of the handbook. Youngsters study to achieve the numbers of points needed for their grades, thereby working towards prizes. Testing of their newly acquired knowledge is done in school. Some other permanent members of Chemdas are: • Reading a biography of a Gadol and writing a report. (Grades 4-6) • Doing a project on a specific Mitzvah, with a written explanation. (Grades 3-6) • A Berachos test, which will be given in February (after we've completed our in-school unit on Hilchos Berachos). (Grades 3-6) The requirements for the projects are grade-appropriate, and the points to be earned vary from class level to class level. Rabbi Hoffman can provide details upon request. The following is important information regarding the Gadol and Mitzvah projects: Projects turned in: * by Tuesday, March 6, 2012 –are eligible for full credit. * between Wednesday, March 7, 2011 and Monday, April 2, 2012 – can only receive up to 2/3 credit. * after Monday, April 2, 2012 – can only receive 1/3 credit. No project will be accepted after Monday, April 30, 2012.

Additional Info Final Date for Mishnayos Testing is Monday, May 7, 2012. Students will not be tested during recess Written tests will be returned within a week of test being turned in.

The following are the "frozen" point totals which are required at each level:

3rd – 600, 4th – 900, 5th – 1200, 6th - 1500 The deadline for all this is Monday, May 14, 2012. A trip is planned for all who reach the highest "rung" for their grade level. The major costs of this adventure are underwritten by our PTA. However, there is a per child charge for this full day foray. The last few years, the amount was $25, and we anticipate that it will be the same for Chemdas 2011-2012. Please note that regular work must take precedence over CHEMDAS efforts also, our goals are to engender and maintain enthusiasm, not to pressure kids to do things against their will. Pressure, in this case, will likely be counterproductive. However, we do ask you to encourage (in a positive way) your progeny to get involved. It would be beneficial if you help the kids plan to pace themselves over the next six months. For example: We have over 23 weeks until May 14, 2012 hits us. If you help your sons/daughters set weekly goals, starting with topics they already know or with which they are familiar, it will both motivate them and prevent the last minute procrastination crunch. We also ask you to examine the handbook carefully and share with us any thoughts you have about its set-up. We look to keep improving. Thank you for your cooperation in working with us to develop our children into B'nai and B'nos Torah who have true Ahavas HaTorah. Sincerely

Rabbi Yitzchak Charner Headmaster

The Torah School of Greater Washington

Annual Art Show

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‘How great are Your works, Hashem. Youmake them all with wisdom; the world is fullof Your possesions.’ - Isaiah 44:6

This year, the theme of the Art Show focuses on the beauty ofHashem’s creations. Each grade illustrated a different aspect of thebeauty of the world Hashem created for us. From sunrise to sunset,the four seasons and the bright fruits we enjoy, we recognize thateverything is a gift from Hashem. This includes the artist’s ability toimitate His artworks, as artist Yona Weinrib writes so eloquently,(as an adaption of the Shavuos liturgical poem, Akdamus):

“If all the skies were parchment and the quills were made of trees, and the ink towrite the letters was the water of the seas, and the people of creation were the scribes towrite the tale, they could never tell all the Glory of the G-d of Israel. For it’s He who paintsthe picture, we just follow His command, for Hashem’s the master artist, we’re justbrushes in his hands...”

December 9, 2011 Classroom Close-ups

Volume VIII, Issue 9, by Mrs. Chaya Shinensky All Fired up in Art!

Art Show Reflections: As the Torah School dinner began to wind down this past Sunday night, I took a moment to look

at the art display one last time. I felt proud of each and every one of my students, most of whom I’ve had for four years by now. As I looked at each piece, I reflected on how much each student has grown in art class! This is especially true of those who came in on their first day of art class with their disclaimers about why art is ‘not their thing.’ In-spite of their comments, they all seem to find their own niche’ that speaks to and inspires each of them. To echo what our music teacher, Miri Gottlieb, expressed so eloquently at the dinner in the school video, the arts provide students with yet another opportunity to shine and express their talents and abilities, especially for those who struggle in other areas. New This Year!

This year in art we are all “fired up” over our new ceramics program! With the recent acquisition of a state of the art kiln, the Torah School students are enjoying a new art form, ceramic clay building. The art of ceramics is one of the oldest forms, dating back to ancient biblical times. In class, I like to point out to the students that ceramic built vessels were the ‘Tupperware’ of ancient times. During Chanukah, we will look at images of antique ceramic vases similar to those used to store the oil of the Menorah in the Beis Hamikdosh. The students never cease to be amazed by the process of taking a lump of sticky wet clay and turning it into a beautiful, strong and useful work of art. We hope you enjoy the projects and perhaps find them useful, as well! A snapshot of what we are learning...

Each year, I try to incorporate a new concept into the art curriculum. This year, I am focusing on using a spiral curriculum that teaches the same concept, but at more in depth levels, from kindergarten through sixth grade. For example, when teaching color theory, in kindergarten I introduce the primary and secondary colors and basic color mixing. I like to show the students a prism and demonstrate how light refracts, thereby creating a rainbow prism. As the grades progress, I introduce how the colors relate to each other on the color wheel. In first and second grades, we talk about warm and cool colors. In third and fourth, we do projects using analogous and complementary colors, and in the fifth and sixth grades, we talk about color and mood and explore hue and values. We also compare additive light and subtractive light, integrating science concepts, as well. This style allows the students to revisit concepts that are familiar to them and develop their understanding on a deeper level each year.

This year, I also have the opportunity to work more closely with the teachers to collaborate and

move toward a more integrated art curriculum, helping to reinforce concepts taught in the classrooms, as well.

Finally, I want to thank all of the parents and staff members who helped contribute to the art program, allowing it to grow over the years. I also would like to thank Rabbi Charner for his ongoing support in recognizing the importance of the arts in education, giving students an opportunity to learn how to become creative problem solvers and allowing them to shine by expressing their artistic abilities. Art is a collaboration between G-d and the artist, and the less the artist does the better. Andre Gide Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep. Scott Adams A picture is worth a thousand words. - Napoleon Bonaparte That being true, the next time you find yourself in the school, I invite you to stop in and come and see for yourself the beautiful creations your children are working on in art class!

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vkh ¦p §T©k UrUgVolume V, Issue 9 December 9, 2011

TSGW BOOK FAIR 2011

MONDAY, DECEMBER 12– THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22

Browse our fantastic selection of secular and Judaic books! Once again, Barnes and Noble has provided a large selection of children’s literature. We also have a variety of Judaica titles supplied by Elli-Chai’s One Stop Judaica Shop. Students will be visiting the Book Fair with their class during school hours on Monday, 12/12 (grades 3-6) and Monday, 12/19 (grades K-2). The Book Fair will also be open daily during both morning and afternoon carpools, as well as during lunchtime and lunch recess. Please take the opportunity to visit the Book Fair while attending Parent/Teacher Conferences on 12/13 and 12/14 or during the Chanukah Carnival on 12/22.

Book Fair Order Forms: Unable to stop by in person? A complete list of the titles available at the Book Fair is attached for you to review. Mark the items you would like to purchase and send it back to school with your payment (Cash or Check made out to TSGW).

Teacher Wish Lists: Help build our classroom libraries by purchasing books that your child’s teacher has specifically requested. This is a wonderful way to thank our teachers and enhance their curricula. The books that you donate will become a permanent part of the classroom library and every gift will be recognized with a bookplate identifying your family or child as the donor. Look for the Classroom Wish List display at the Book Fair.

Gift Certificates: Searching for the perfect gift? Purchase a Book Fair Gift Certificate for your children, their teachers, or other Torah School community members. Fill out the attached Gift Certificate Order Form and send it into school with your payment (Cash or Check made out to TSGW). The Certificate will then be given to your child or other recipient.

The Torah School Book Fair provides funds to the school library for the acquisition of new books. It is also a wonderful opportunity to increase your home libraries, as well as purchase gifts for family members and friends. Your involvement enriches the lives of your children, their teachers, and the entire Torah School community. We look forward to seeing you there!

VOLUNTEERS ARE STILL NEEDED TO HELP WITH THIS SPECIAL EVENT! Please follow the link at www.SignUpGenius.com/go/20F084FACA72FA31-book to schedule a time to help. If you have any other questions about the Book Fair, please contact Lisa Solomson at lsolomson@gmail.com or 301-593-9039.

1

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Torah thought on health and wellness: Two hundred women were on the edge of their seats. At the culmination of her engaging presentation about practical nutrition and successful weight-loss strategies at the recently completed Agudah convention, Mrs. Zakah Glaser teased the crowd by saying, “Now I’m going to share with you the No. 1 key to implementing your lifestyle change.” She paused for a second to make sure she had everyone’s undivided attention, then said, “ Daven. Ask HaShem for help. ”

The cavernous hall filled to capacity was quiet. Some seemed confused, a little let down. Perhaps they were hoping for the secret formula, or can’t miss magic that would give them instant success in a battle that so many have been struggling with for so long. Many others appeared enlightened, refreshingly surprised that involving HaShem in the most mundane of acts – healthy eating - is just as vital as davening for any other important issue in life.

We are taught that a person’s evil inclination grows stronger and renews itself every day, and without HaShem’s help we are powerless to overcome it (Sukah 52a, Kidushin 30b). We should be continually asking for His help. There’s no better lesson than in this week’s parsha as we learn about Yaakov’s threefold preparation for his epic reunion with Esav including: (1) sending gifts to appease his fury; (2) organize an action plan for battle; (3) fervent tefillos to the al-Mighty.

But what exactly should we pray for? At the beginning of a ‘new’ plan, we say, “Okay, HaShem, this is it. This is the one that will turn me around.”

We are motivated and sincere, but too often emphasize the end result instead of the solution. “HaShem, please help me lose my weight,” is a common and genuine request. However, it’s usually not the most effective focus.

We need to concentrate on the solution – meaning, what steps do we need to take to get there. Are we willing to learn to let go of the ‘freedom’ we feel with spontaneous eating, putting something in our mouths whenever we feel like it? Are we willing to say “no” without thinking we’re restricting and depriving ourselves of crucial fun, enjoyment or relaxation? Can we learn to live within healthy boundaries – making sure we eat the right amounts of the right types of foods while avoiding the nosh and junk that do little for our nutritional needs, but a lot for our waistlines?

We need to ask HaShem for the help to change, for the willingness to be uncomfortable with doing something different, with learning new habits and ways of reacting to our feelings. This is the key to lifestyle changes. This is what we should focus on and daven for.

For nothing changes if nothing changes. And with HaShem’s help, we can change anything. 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

Nothing Changes if Nothing Changes

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 8 6209 Western Run Drive, Baltimore, MD 21209

Copyright © 2011 by Soveya, Inc.

SWITCHH Newsletter (Soveya Wellness Initiative To Create Healthy Habits)

Copyright © 2011 by Soveya, Inc.

2

Beets are indeed a treat -- a sweet and satisfying vegetable that is rich in

nutrients and naturally low in calories and fat. Beets contain a

wealth of fiber -- half soluble and half insoluble. Both types play roles in fighting fat. These colorful root

vegetables contain powerful nutrient compounds that help protect against

heart disease, birth defects and certain cancers, especially colon

cancer.

Easy & Healthy RECIPE CORNER

Potato Beet Latkes

Ingredients: 3 T. olive oil; 1 small onion, pureed; 2 eggs, beaten; 3 potatoes, shredded; 2 medium beets, boiled or microwaved, drained and shredded; 1/2 C. ground walnuts; 1/2 C. oat bran; 1 tsp. salt; 1/4 tsp. pepper

Directions: Mix all ingredients well. Heat olive oil in a pan. Drop mixture by spoonfuls into pan. Brown well on both sides.

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!

Beets are particularly rich in folic

acid, calcium, and iron. Consuming adequate amounts of folic acid during

the childbearing years is a must for women; a deficiency in this critical nutrient has been linked to neural-

tube birth defects. But this important vitamin is critical to lifelong health

for men, women, and children, because long-term deficiencies have

been linked to heart disease and cervical cancer, too.

Eating beets on a regular basis can

lower LDL cholesterol by as much as 30 percent. Beets contain a

compound known as betaine that can reduce inflammation in joints, bones,

the throat and blood vessels by 20 percent. This helps those suffering

from things such as osteoporosis and asthma.

And the Beet Goes On . . .

Quick Tip for Better Health - Cut Out Added Sugar

Just for today, do your best to not eat anything with added sugar in it, or cut-back. This will greatly help if you are trying to

lose weight.

Pledge not to eat anything with added sugar in it. Of course, with vegetables and fresh fruit, there's no added sugar, so

there's no need to be concerned. Fill up with vegetables, and have some fruit for snacks or dessert.

Instead of sugary breakfast cereal, have some unsweetened oatmeal cooked with cut up apples or banana - whatever real

fruit you like. Instead of a candy bar, have a few pieces of pineapple, strawberries, or apple. Rather than that late night

ice cream, cookies or pie, have some unsweetened applesauce with cinnamon sprinkled on top, or a juicy pear.

Check nutrition labels before eating. Anything that lists in the ingredients words such as "sugar, high fructose corn syrup, dextrose (anything with the suffix 'ose' or 'ol' is generally

sugar in disguise) cane, cane juice, dextrin, sorbitol, mannitol," etc. are sugars to avoid.