Vol. 15 Issue 17. Perfect Balance

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1 January 31, Sh vat 5774 Shabbat Parshat: Terumah Candle Lighting Friday: 4:48 p.m. Vol. 15 Issue 17 Perfect Balance Parshas Terumah contains a detailed list of technical specifications related to the design and construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and its vessels. The most significant of these vessels is, of course, the Aron, which housed the Luchos that Moshe brought down from Har Sinai, the tablets inscribed by the finger of Hashem. The special sanctity of the Aron and its precious contents is accentuated in a number of ways including special laws, and through a number of ideas presented by our sages. The Torah tells us that the Aron was placed in the Kodesh Kodoshim, an area that was restricted to all, and only the Kohen Gadol was permitted to enter, and that only once a year on Yom Kippur and with very strict parameters. We are also told that while the other vessels of the Mishkan were carried by the Leviim, the Aron miraculously supported the Leviim who were holding onto it. It was from on top of the Aron that the voice of Hashem emanated when communicating with Moshe. The Talmud in Megillah tells us that while the Torah provides the exact dimensions of the Kodesh Kodoshim, the placement of the Aron did not take up any space. One might think that the Luchos as well would not take up any space inside of the Aron, but the Talmud in Bava Basra explains that, in fact, the Luchos filled the space almost entirely. Rabbi Moshe Feinstein explains that this set of apparently conflicting phenomena is actually meant to convey a message. The Torah is presenting an analogy that instructs us in the appropriate approach we should take towards the study of and growth in Torah. One should study Torah; absorb its ideas and ideals until it fills him entirely, just as the Luchos filled the Aron. The second half of the analogy describes how such a person must view himself vis-à-vis the world around him. Should his abundant Torah knowledge be a source of pride, and cause him to feel superior to others, then he has not truly internalized the lessons of the Torah. Rather, his mastery of Torah values should help him to see his appropriate role in this world and strengthen his feelings of humility, just as the Aron itself did not have a large presence in the Kodesh Kadashim. Shabbat Shalom, Rabbi Don Pacht Head of School ROSH CHODESH TREATS Thank you to the Mattuck Family for sponsoring the Rosh Chodesh treats this week in honour of Meyer s birthday on January 24 th and Avichai s Bar Mitzvah birthday on January 29 th.

2 You are cordially invited to a biennial Shabbaton presented by Vancouver Hebrew Academy and Congregation Schara Tzedeck Friday night/shabbat day February 14-15, 15, 2014 at Congregation Schara Tzedeck 3476 Oak Street, Vancouver (Please see the attached registration form) PURIM IS COMING! Purim is closer than you think! Make someone s day by giving the gift of fun filled Misloach Manot packages. These boxes are loaded with goodies for the whole family. Not only that, every year thousands of dollars are raised in support of Greater Vancouver Jewish Day Schools. On Sunday, March 16 th the packages will be hand delivered by teams of dedicated volunteers. By now you should have received your log-in codes. If you haven t received your login code please vancouverpurimproject@gmail.com and we ll send it to you. If you order by January 31 st, not only do you support local Jewish day schools, you get 10% off your order. Don t miss out! THANK YOU Thank you to the PTA Hot Lunch Team for a great job this week: Ruth Penarroyo, Janet Ragetli, Meira Pacht, Adela Heffes, and Josa and Noah Sarna. RABBI ESTRIN'S YIDDLE RIDDLE Our parsha s named Terumah, and here s the translation: It is something you give; it means a donation. The stuff that was given was used for construction, To assemble the Mishkan and use for its functions. And the Jews gave with joy and they gave what was needed, So the holy abode could be swiftly completed. Now this terumah was not the first one that we gave, But the one from before was no way to behave. Requested to stall us until we were logical, (Just remember the Torah is not always chronological). What was that earlier donation? Answer to last week s riddle: Throw the treiff meat to the dogs. AVOT UBANIM Learn Torah. See Friends. Eat Snacks. Win Prizes. Saturday, February 1, 7:00 p.m. at Congregation Beth Hamidrash. VHA s Annual Torah Fair: תפארת בנים אבותם In the Footsteps of our Families - the Jewish communities from yesteryear that have helped shape and form our family ties *Thursday, February 27, :00 pm at VHA *please note the revised date Next Week the Middah in Focus will be Shetika - Silence

3 UNDERWATER STUDENT COUNCIL ART CONTEST Thank you to all the students who entered a picture in the Underwater Art Contest. Congratulations to the following winners: First Prize and Grade 5 Prize: Avigayil Mitelman Kindergarten: Keren Acoca Grade 1: Yossi Arustamov Grade 2: Dan Mizrachi Grade 3: Simone Pavlich Grade 4: Leiana Kahlon Grade 6/7 Boys: Nathan Lipetz Grade 6/7 Girls: Georgia Krombein CONCERT FOR A CURE Please join us on Wednesday, February 26 th at 10:00 a.m. in the school gym as VHA student Yosef Nider will be playing his violin in honour of his Zaida, Marvin Nider. Proceeds from the concert will be donated to the BC Cancer Foundation. Please see the attached flyer for more information. JEWISH FAMILY SKATE Please see the attached flyer with information on the Jewish Family Skate at the Richmond Oval on Monday, February 10 th from 1:00-3:00 pm. SAFEWAY CARDS Please remember to order your Safeway cards to help support VHA. This fundraiser is a significant way to raise money for our school and it doesn't cost you a thing. If every school family purchased a $50 or $100 card, it would greatly help us to finish our fundraising goal for the year. Thank you for supporting VHA as you do your regular grocery shopping. Please mark your calendar February th BC Family Day Statutory Holiday (school closed) 10 th Jewish Family Skate at the Richmond Oval 1:00-3:00 p.m. 11 th PTA Meeting, 8:00p.m. at the Brody s (5638 Baillie Str. in Vancouver) 14 th -15 th Shabbaton (Friday Night/Shabbat Day) at Congregation Schara Tzedeck 19 th Non-Uniform Day 25 th PTA Hot Lunch 26 th Concert for a Cure at 10:00 a.m. 27 th Torah Fair at 7:00 p.m. 28 th -March 3 rd Reading Break (school closed) Community Announcements The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs extends an invitation to attend an advocacy skills workshop with Steve McDonald, the Associate Director for Communications with the CIJA National Office. The session will be held on Tuesday, February 4 th, 7:30 p.m. at the JCC. RSVP to ylevin@cija.ca or phone The JCC Special Needs Department presents an informative evening with Dr. Gabor Mate speaking on Adolescent Depression; Sunday, February 2 5:00-7:30 p.m. at the JCC. Registration is now open for Camp Moshava Malibu for the summer of For more information, families are invited to an Open House at the home of Les and Tracy Ames on Sunday, February 2 nd at 11:00 a.m. (1107 West 33 rd Avenue). Plus, get $50 off family tuition just for attending the Open House. Congregation Schara Tzedeck presents Simcha Fest on Sunday, February 16, 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. If you are planning a wedding, a bar or bat mitzvah, or a gala dinner, come to this event to sample free food and speak with the vendors who could help you plan your special event. Families That Give look forward to seeing you on Sunday, February 16 at 10:30 a.m. as your family enjoys crafts and socializing with our beloved seniors at Louis Brier. This year we will be making a beautiful Shabbat keepsake. Spots are limited. RSVP to Gila Ross at before February 10 th. Next Week the Middah in Focus will be Shetika - Silence

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5 Jewish Family the Richmond Olympic Oval 6111 River Road, Richmond, BC Presented by Chabad of Richmond You are invited to celebrate BC Family Day with a fun skating event for all ages. Family Day Monday, February 10, :00-3:00pm בס"ד No Admission Fee Skate Rental $3.00 Helmet Rental $2.25 Parking $1.00/ hour Information and Reservations: or call (604) Co-sponsored by

6 SAFEWAY CARDS FOR SALE Cards never expire! Collect Air Miles too... Order Safeway cards now! Pick them up in school, or we will send them home with your child Easy ordering!! Name! $25 Cards x = $! $100 Cards x = $! TOTAL = $ Please return this form to the school office with a cheque made out to VHA. For questions please contact Yvonne at office@vhebrewacademy.com or call Buy as few or as many as you need! Don t hesitate...just help!

7 REGISTRATION FORM You are cordially invited to A Biennial Shabbaton presented by Vancouver Hebrew Academy and Congregation Schara Tzedeck What hat: : Spend an enjoyable and uplifting Shabbat with the greater VHA Family When: Friday night/shabbat day, February 14-15, 15, 2014, פרשת כי תשא Where: Congregation Schara Tzedeck, 3476 Oak Street, Vancouver Cost: See below. Come for Friday night, Shabbat day, or both. How: : Everyone is going to chip-in in and help out! Please sign up to help by ing e vha.pta@gmail.com Family Name: Number: Cost: Totals: Adults (16 and above) FRIDAY NIGHT ONLY X $18 Adults (16 and above) SHABBAT DAY ONLY X $18 Adults (16 and above) BOTH MEALS X $36 Children (7-15 years) FRIDAY NIGHT ONLY X $12 Children (7-15 years) SHABBAT DAY ONLY X $12 Children (7-15 years) BOTH MEALS X $24 Children (6 and under) FRIDAY NIGHT ONLY $0 Children (6 and under) SHABBAT DAY ONLY $0 Children (6 and under) BOTH MEALS $0 GRAND TOTAL : Registration forms should be returned to VHA, 1545 West 62 nd Ave, Vancouver, BC V6P 2E8, by Monday, February 10, Cheques should be payable to VHA. To arrange local accommodation or to offer to host, please contact Mrs. Shira Meltzer at or via e at shira@cityspeechcentre.com.

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