5685 Beacon Street | Pittsburgh PA, 15217  |  (412) 521-8131



Parshat Behar-Bechukotai
May 19, 2017 -  23 Iyar 5777
Day 38 of the Omer
Shabbat Candle Lighting - by 8:15  pm
Shabbat Ends - 9:24 pm
DVAR TORAH - Thoughts from the Principal & Educational Director
         Parshat Bechukotai  begins with the phrase, "im bechukotai teileichu v'et mitsvotai tishmoru va'asisem otam-  if you follow my statutes and guard my Mitzvot."Based upon the Medrash, Rashi interprets this translation as follows: "if you toil  in studying My Torah in order to observe My commandments and actually fulfill them..." 
In this context, the  pasuk  is instructing us that the essence of Klal Yisroel's religious life and observance is not only studying Torah, but amalah b'Torah  -toil in the study of Torah. This important point is one that our sages underscore throughout the Talmud and that is, simple Torah study is not enough, rather intensive Torah study is required of us. 
  
      This emphasis on Ameilut  is one that still resonates in the world of education today. When we teach our children, it is not necessarily what we teach them, but how  we teach them. It is vital that we do not only focus on the product of their output, but the process of their input. But why does the Torah call this Ameilut  - toil? The word toil implies a burden, hardly something that would make the Torah seem appealing to our youth. 

     In reality, this very dichotomy is the burden of parents and educators. The Torah is beautiful and its lessons are exciting. However, to appreciate its depth, one must learn it on a deep and meaningful level. In addition, our relationship with the Torah must be a complex one. Relationships require time, they require commitment, they require ameilut.  Our burden is teaching our children, and ourselves, that this ameilut  is not a burden, it is what ultimately gives us fulfillment and deeper understanding of the Torah.  


Shabbat Shalom!

Rabbi Weinberg
Rabbi Weinberg can be reached at [email protected] .
Rabbi Brodie - 50 years teaching tomorrow's leaders today


Hillel Academy of Pittsburgh is proud to honor Rabbi Ahron Brodie. For 50 years, Rabbi Brodie has dutifully instructed thousands of students. His patience and care has reared generations of educated and dedicated Torah minded Jews in Pittsburgh and around the world.  Show your support by placing an ad on your own or with a group in this year's dinner journal.  http://bit.ly/RBrodie50yrs_GiveAnAd
  


Middos Program -  In memory of Morah Shirley Dorsey, OB"M
Our daily Sefira program is -   לעילוי נשמת שרה בת דוד -  In memory of Morah Shirley Dorsey, OM"B

May 19th, Day 38 of the Omer
"לֹא יְהֵא אָדָם נִכְנַס לְתּוֹך דִבְרֵי חֲבֵרוֹ"
"A person should not interrupt his friend's words."

As part of our daily Sefira quote program, we have added a suggestion jar by the front desk with each day's quote. Students are encouraged to write down their thoughts and suggestions about each quote and place it in the jar. Every day at lunch, we will share some of the suggestions with the students.

Additionally, all of the learning and acts of kindness associated with this program are l'ilui nishmas (in memory of) our beloved friend and colleague, Morah Shirley Dorsey a"h. May our students' learning and acts of kindness be a merit for her soul and legacy.

Rabbi Levy

Rabbi Levy can be reached [email protected]
Weekly Updates

Whoever reads the sign on the door of 3rd grade might wonder why it says, "Welcome Parents."
The reason is the biographies we have been talking about are finally happening. Amazing job so far goes to Martin Luther King Jr aka Yonah, Jane Goodall aka Meira, Walt Disney aka Sima, Clara Barton aka Bayla, Albert Einstein aka Kivi & JoJo, Betsy Ross aka Chana, Amelia Earhart aka Theresa, Abigail Adams aka Abby, Genghis Khan aka Bassie, Ronald Reagan aka Azi, George Washington aka Akiva S., Roberto Clemente aka Zishe, Anne Frank aka Perri , Rachel Carson aka Tamar, Henry Ford aka Shimon, Alexander Bell aka Akiva C., and of course  Queen   Elizabeth --Zeke!
By: Michoel Chapley & Meira Yolkut




The E.C.C  had a special Lag Bomer Oneg. Each child got a marshmallow as they entered and  then we sat in the dark around our "Bonfire"  singing songs.   A fun time was had by all. 





Mr. Kingman and the eighth grade girls helped the third graders create interactive Mothers Day cards using Snap!, a visual computer programming language.



Eighth grade and the GHS went to Weinberg Terrace to help plant flowers. 


 The fifth grade boys and girls recently traveled to  Fort   Ligonier  in order to gain a better understanding of the significance of the  fort 's role in the French and Indian War and its relation to local, national, and world history. Fort Ligonier is a   British  fortification  from the  French and Indian War  that  served as a staging area for the  Forbes Expedition  of 1758. During the eight years of its existence as a garrison, Fort Ligonier was never taken by an enemy. It served as a post of passage to the new  Fort Pitt , and during  Pontiac's War  of 1763, was a vital link in the British communication and supply lines. 
The fort was attacked twice and besieged by the Native Americans, prior to the decisive victory at  Bushy Run  in August of that year.  Students engaged in several hands on activities where they were able to try writing as people did in the 18th century using a quill pen and ink, create their own tin-punched tart pan using the tools and techniques of the trade of the time, and they had the opportunity to make their own candle which they discovered was a very long and slow process. Students also enjoyed a very informative/educational tour of the museum and  fort.  The trip was an excellent addition to our curriculum and the students gave the whole experience an awesome review!
 





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Groundbreaking photos - T o view the photo album click show me more .  

Save the Date




It is with great sorrow that we share with you the news of the passing of 
Gary Segal, z"l
beloved father of Penina Kohanbash
 The funeral was in Florida where Penina remains for the rest of Shiva. 

Go Figure
7
Shovels used during groundb reaking
11
Months until the Herman Lipsitz, z"l, building is completed.
1
Hillel  coach, Dayna Greenfield, inducted   into the Jewish Sports Hall of Fame
43
Days until the first day of Camp Hillel. 

11
Class of 2017 graduation
 date in June
6
Tuesday, June 6 - the Joshua L. Sindler, z'l, Night of Art and Music.
Camp Registration

Tomchai




 
If you are interested in volunteering or know someone who might be, please contact  [email protected].
Around Town
Bnei Akiva's Yom Yerushalayim Carnival has been MOVED to  Tuesday, May 23rd from  4-6 PM at Shaare Torah. We can't wait to see everyone there!  Snif resumes this week from  4:30 to 5:30  at Shaare Torah."

Girl's Oneg: Every week from 3:30-4:30 in the PZ Educational Building.  For all girls in grades K-6.  Special Event!  Shabbos, June 10th, Mother Daughter Oneg Event!! Oneg will be at its regular time, 3:30-4:30.  June 10th will be the last week of Oneg.  See you again next year!!







Babysitting will be available during the screening. 
Email  [email protected] by  Friday the 19th to confirm a spot.




Hillel Academy of Pittsburgh

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Please send condolence notices to  [email protected].