s xc SHEVAT 5767 / FEBRUARY 2007 A PUBLICATION OF THE HEBREW ACADEMY OF CLEVELAND

s xc SHEVAT 5767 / FEBRUARY 2007 A PUBLICATION OF THE HEBREW ACADEMY OF CLEVELAND

The Hebrew Academy of Cleveland has launched its sixty-fourth Scholarship Fund Campaign. Co-chairs of the 2006/07 Scholarship Fund Campaign are Harry M. and Perl Brown, Reuven and Naomi Dessler, Mendy and Ita Klein, and Amir and Edna Jaffa. The Academy, which provides a dynamic Judaic and General Studies education from early childhood through high school, has a 2006/07 scholarship campaign goal of $1,500,000. The campaign, which ensures the school s longstanding policy of accepting students regardless of financial capabilities, culminates with a gala dinner to be held on Sunday, March 18, 2007. The event will pay tribute to Dr. Mark and Miriam Berkowitz, and the prestigious Alumni Award will be presented to Dr. Alan and Debbie Schlesinger. DR. MARK AND MIRIAM BERKOWITZ Dr. Mark and Miriam Berkowitz, community activists, are renown for their devotion to the community at large. Mark, a descendant of Rabbi Yechezkel of Paneth, the famed Mare Yechezkel of Sibenbergen, Romania, is an orthopedic surgeon, trained at Yeshiva University, New York Medical College, and Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. Mark currently maintains a private practice for orthopedic reconstructive surgery and sports medicine, and serves as Chairman for the Division of Orthopedic Surgery at Lutheran Hospital, affiliated with the Cleveland Clinic. A member of the Executive Boards of the Hebrew Academy and Young Israel of Greater Cleveland, Mark is an active participant of a daily Daf Yomi shiur and a host of other communal affairs. Miriam lends her talents to many communal services including the Cleveland Eruv Society, The Chevra Kadisha/Jewish Sacred Society, and the Young Israel of Cleveland. Mark and Miriam are the proud parents of Sara, Daniel, David, Rachel, and Devorah, all alumni of the Hebrew Academy. Their oldest grandchild, Avi Farkas, is now enrolled in the Academy s Early Childhood Division. DR. ALAN AND DEBBIE SCHLESINGER Dr. Alan and Debbie Schlesinger personify the ideals of the Hebrew Academy of Cleveland. Through their dedication to Torah and selfless community service, they have earned a wonderful reputation that they so richly deserve. A 1986 graduate of the Academy s Mesivta High School, Alan continued his education at Yeshiva Ohr Yerushalayim in Israel. Alan attended Yeshiva University and the Ohio State Dental School and now maintains a successful dental practice. He still finds time to serve on the Boards of Directors of the Academy and Young Israel of Greater Cleveland where he is also a Gabbai. In addition, Alan is active in the Chevra Kadisha/Jewish Sacred Society. Debbie, a 1987 graduate of the Academy s Beatrice Stone Yavne High School, studied in Machon Devorah Seminary in Israel and then received a B.A. in accounting from Ohio State University. Debbie serves as a dynamic activist in the Academy where she is past PTA President. She is also active in Bikur Cholim and Pirchei. Alan and Debbie Schlesinger are the proud parents of second-generation Academy students Kayla, Yonah, Yehuda, Michal, Akiva, and Yaakov and Hadassah. 2

An overflow crowd attended the recent community-wide evening remembering the life and legacy of Rebbetzin Sorotzkin. The veteran supervisor of the Academy s Beatrice Stone Yavne High School, Rebbetzin Sorotzkin was a scion of an illustrious heritage the Bloch family of Telshe, Lithuania and the wife of Rabbi Boruch Sorotzkin, zt l, Rosh HaYeshiva of Telshe and chairman of the Academy s Vaad HaChinuch for many years. Rabbi Simcha Dessler, Educational Director, stated that the Rebbetzin touched the lives of generations of Academy students and faculty throughout a successful career that spanned six decades. Rebbetzin Rena Tarshish, the eldest granddaughter and a mechaneches, educator in Israel, illustrated how Rebbetzin Sorotzkin personified the malchus, royalty of Telshe, its disciplined dedication to Torah and serving Hashem, and the omnipresent awareness that we are a nation of malchus whose actions are always focused on the glorification of the Name of Hashem. Concluding the evening, Mrs. Neche Moerman, Yavne principal, introduced a most moving musical tribute by Yavne students. Rebbetzin Sorotzkin was a role model to her staff and students alike. She brought to the classroom wide-ranging knowledge and the ability to ignite a tremendous enthusiasm for Yiddishkeit. The middos of hakaras hatov, gratitude; ayin tov, seeing the good in everything; vatranus, the ability to sacrifice her desires for those of others, and ahavas Yisroel shone through her every action. Rebbetzin Sorotzkin felt that there was no such thing as a small favor. Quoting the incident when Moshe lifted the well cover for the daughters of Yisro, she remarked that Moshe felt little expenditure of energy, but the women told their father, an Egyptian man saved us, thus relaying the message that the doer of chessed should feel as if he did nothing, while the receiver should feel overwhelming gratitude. This was Rebbetzin Sorotzkin s style, to share inspiration in a warm, personal way. Rebbetzin Sorotzkin s emunah was exemplary. Meeting each challenge, she would ask, What does Hashem want from me? She would often remark, I did not have any hard days, and all who had contact with Rebbetzin Sorotzkin remember her glowing smile and the affection with which she greeted everyone. Excellence in Judaic Studies was her hallmark, and Rebbetzin Sorotzkin s students still quote extensively from pesukim they learned with her. A very creative and exciting teacher, Rebbetzin Sorotzkin prepared extensive worksheets that she shared with the school. These study guides were incorporated into the curriculum of day schools around the country. As Supervisor of grades 7 12, Rebbetzin Sorotzkin developed an all-encompassing curriculum that is the prototype for Bais Yaakov schools today. Rebbetzin Sorotzkin s speeches for women at national conventions are remembered well, and her notes of advice and encouragement to her staff are treasured by generations of teachers. Every day we will miss Rebbetzin Sorotzkin s vast wisdom, warm smile and her kind words composed distinctly for each person she met. We were privileged to have had Rebbetzin Sorotzkin in our midst. Now it is left to us to bring her nachas in the Olam HaEmes as we attempt to emulate her ways. Tehae zichra baruch. Quotes from letter by Dassi Hoen, Senior I remember always seeing her with a smile on her face, as if every day was an extraordinary day in her life. This smile was truly contagious; it livened up our days and told those a little low on spirit maybe it s not so bad after all. Whenever we were fortunate enough to have her as a substitute, we learned a lot in many unexpected ways Sometimes she told us fascinating stories about her father, Rav Avrohom Y. Bloch; Rav Lazar Gordon, the Telsher Rav, and her husband, Rav Boruch Sorotzkin, zt l; sometimes she taught us vital lessons like the importance of hakaras hatov, gratitude and Talmud Torah; and sometimes she simply sang to us. She sang songs in Yiddish and then taught them to us line by line asking us to sing louder and louder. I remember once on a fast day, during davening, we were reciting Avinu Malkeinu. As we reached the final verse and were about to recite it in a regular voice, Rebbetzin Sorotzkin stepped in and told us to sing the words, and to feel their deep meaning. She started singing, and following her lead, our voices rose in beautiful harmony. In this way she turned an ordinary activity into an inspirational moment. When one of the students went to help her, Rebbetzin Sorotzkin always made her feel like an enormous baalas chesed, even if it was just a small favor, like holding open a door or carrying her bag Each girl will sorely miss Rebbetzin Sorotzkin. She taught us many lessons through word, deed, and mostly through personal example. I hope that we will never forget her lessons and will live to implement them. 3

The Hebrew Academy Boys Choir performing. Yeshiva High School talmidim wishing a refuah shelamah to Mr. Max Strauss, one of the earliest supporters and parents of the Hebrew Academy. Yeshiva High School boys visit local senior citizen centers on a weekly basis. Thus, the talmidim are given the opportunity to imbibe the wisdom of our beloved senior citizens and are imbued with an appreciation for the world around them. The Hebrew Academy Boys Choir has received well deserved accolades for its contributions to the community. The boys performed at Menorah Park Home for Senior Living, the Bikur Cholim s Gila Club, and at Legacy Village in Lyndhurst, Ohio. Junior High School talmidim visiting Rabbi Isidore Pickholtz k z Rabbi Emeritus of Sinai Synagogue, prior to his passing. The Hebrew Academy Fall picnic heralds the beginning of a year of exciting learning experiences for the entire family. Parents man the barbecue grills and pottery craft stations. Students ride ponies, jump on trampolines, and run in a race for tzedakkah; this year s donations went to the Israel Relief Fund. The camaraderie begins here and continues throughout the year. This year the picnic also welcomed the thirty plus new families who joined the Academy in September. 4

Rebbeim, moros, teachers, and families share many highlights of our children s lives. Each step along the road is significant and unique, cause for celebration and a reason for gratitude. Preschoolers learn to share and care, Yeshiva Ketana talmidim meet Rav Chaim Stein, Rosh Hayeshiva, Telshe Yeshiva and accumulate knowledge of mitzvos, yomim tovim, and berachos. Each new day brings new triumphs as our youngest students master the basics of berachos and Shabbos. Hearts overflow with pride and joy as parents watch first graders clutch their new siddurim and chumashim. The smiles on the faces of these preliminary learners are reflected and magnified in the gleam of their parents eyes. The joy continues. Children grow and soon fathers are learning with their sons, transmitting our heritage in a vibrant environment, electrified with the fire of Torah. These young talmidim will then share their knowledge and enliven other communities in Ohio. Most of our Yavne graduates are spending the year in seminaries in Eretz Yisroel. They are appreciating the opportunity to hone their previous knowledge and continue the chesed that was emphasized in high school. First grader receiving her chumash Fathers/Sons Learning Hosting a Shabbaton in Youngstown, Ohio The letters of the Aleph Bais come alive A melaveh malka organized by alumni Devorah (Burnstein) Feldman and Anna (Rosen) Mashitz for Yavne graduates in Israel Kindergartners learn berachos 5

How wonderful to have the opportunity to watch our children grow and blossom. We are reaping gains from the diligent work of our administrators, Rebbeim, moros, and teachers. Each division shines as true examples of excellence in education and character development. Our Early Childhood Division ignites the spark of Yiddishkeit in our children. Children are taught basic dexterity and essential social skills; they are introduced to the beauty of our heritage by a slew of hands-on activities and take home crafts. They learn to cut and color, cut and paste, care and share they learn the lessons of Shabbos, all the chagim, and berachos all taught in a loving and nurturing environment. The theme of the Yeshiva Ketana Division this year is the thirteen principles of emunah, faith. All classes have been listening to divrei Torah and inspirational stories. Talmidim in many classes have adopted Torah Umesorah s initiative to say a perek Tehillim at approximately the same time each day for fellow Jews. The atmosphere of kol Yisroel areivim, each Jew is responsible for the other, permeates the hallways. As part of the fourth grade s Shalom v Rayus program, talmidim kept journals of their efforts to negotiate peaceful resolutions of everyday problems. Sixth graders initiated an Achdus Emporium program that rewarded those boys who performed chessed and exhibited lashon tov, complimentary talk among all. The talmidim are diligent in their learning, and excelling in middos too! An ingenious and exhilarating program has engulfed the Girls Elementary Division. Called Kol Atzmosai Tomarna, this program combines the development of our neshama with our need to be grateful and nurture the energies of our body. The teachers are middos developers who hone in on developing proper character traits. The music teacher appears as Dr. Middos introducing new songs and helping classes perform skits each month. Lessons already covered include Happy Hearts, to be content with what one has and not be jealous of others and Aspiring New Heights, to have girls record acts of chessed 6

which they see their classmates performing. Girls also learn the importance of a good night s sleep, proper eating habits, and infection prevention. These habits, ingrained at an early age, will ensure bnos Yisrael with healthy habits and healthy neshamos. The talmidim in Yeshiva High School are shteiging, taking advantage of top-quality, dedicated Rebbeim. This year a new program was introduced voluntary Friday night learning programs held at the Academy s Yavne building in Beachwood and at Kollel Torah L.I.F.E. in Cleveland Heights. This program is followed by an Oneg Shabbos at both locations. Kollel Torah L.I.F.E. also hosted the talmidim for a gala melaveh malka replete with hislahavus, enthusiasm, and hasmodah, thorough learning. Talmidim have shared their talents with communities near Cleveland, spending one Shabbos in Pittsburgh, one in Canton and one in Youngstown, davening in the local shul, eating, and singing together. A highlight of each week is the visits talmidim pay to local nursing homes. The General Studies program continues to compliment Judaic studies, stressing computer expertise, writing proficiency, laboratory skills, and advanced math courses. The young women in our Beatrice J. Stone Yavne High School work assiduously each day, balancing Judaic studies and secular studies, spending several hours each week helping various community families, partaking in school wide tzeddakah projects, and organizing programs for the student body. A cadre of girls arranged the yearly Shabbaton which included divrei Torah, singing, and lesson-teaching skits. Two recent melaveh malkahs were organized solely by the student body. A major production will be performed in March. The talmidos are always busy, quick to help, and eager to succeed as bnos Yisroel. 7

The Academy s Samuel J. and Rosalind Krasney Library has always been a gem and oasis of quiet in the midst of busy, classroom activity. Students enjoy weekly visits, librarian Mrs. Jacquelyn Stern s dynamic renditions of age-appropriate and interesting reading material, and the opportunity to borrow books for the week. Recently this gem has been polished and given an updated look, thanks to the efforts of PTA Presidium Mrs. Adi Feen and Mrs. Chantal Modes. Now much brighter and with child-oriented furniture, the library will continue to motivate students to read about the many wonders of our world. GIVE THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING! Create an everlasting legacy with a gift or a bequest to the Hebrew Academy of Cleveland Endowment Fund. The Academy Endowment Fund insures Jewish continuity by providing a Jewish education to all children regardless of their financial capabilities. A contribution or provisions for a bequest represents a gift that keeps on giving. Additional dedications and opportunities are available. New York s Gruss Foundation leaders, Mr. Joel Beritz (second from left) and Mr. Jayson Cury (second from right) visit the Academy and meet with Rabbi Eli Dessler, Rabbi Simcha Dessler and Rabbi Yitzchok Kasnett. for further information, contact: (216) 321-5838 ext.160 8

Mrs. Helen Stone and Mrs. Mae Borden visiting the school Mr. Albert B. Ratner and Academy students at Forest City Enterprises Mrs. Jan Braverman s Cleveland Enrichment Class is exploring the multifaceted history of our city. Students read materials about events and historic sites and then often have the opportunity to visit the city in action. Trips have included excursions to the West Side Market, an authentic log cabin, and the Western Reserve Historical Society which was proud to present copies of a newspaper ad announcing the opening of Hebrew Academy s first building in 1946. Students interviewed Rabbi N.W. Dessler about his immigration to the United States and then were delighted by a visit featuring Mrs. Helen Stone, and Mrs. Mae B o r d e n who shared their thoughts on developments in the city of Cleveland. A visit to Mr. Henry L. Meyer III, CEO of Key Corp Bank in his office on the fifty-sixth floor of Key Tower gave students a new perspective on the city as did visits with Mr. Albert B. Ratner, Co-chairman and Mr. Charles Ratner, President and CEO, Forest City Enterprises. A visit to Heritage Park showed students how Cleveland s earliest settlers conducted their daily lives. Other enrichment programs include swimming, pottery, origami, and ice skating. Mr. Henry L. Meyer III with Academy students The Academy continues to trailblaze innovative approaches to the challenges of our times. Mrs. Gill Wolovitz, a HAC parent and social worker, has launched a program that pairs elementary students with young adults in the community. The big sisters spend a few hours each week meeting with their little sisters in relaxing and nonacademic pursuits. They may go out for ice cream, play games in a local library, shop, or bake cookies together. Our students are provided with positive role models who are given the opportunity to share their talents, enthusiasm and energy; the program is a self-esteem builder for the big and little sisters alike. Recently, at a Chanukah event, sisters crafted pottery together. Students are proud to be in this beneficial program that has become a real school success. 9

In keeping with its goal to offer excellence in education, the Academy constantly provides opportunities for teacher development. Teachers at the Beatrice Stone Yavne campus are participating in a three-part seminar. Miss Penina Kramer, accomplished Judaic and General Studies teacher at Bais Yaakov D Rav Meir in Brooklyn, introduced a program promoting student participation that she developed after completing coursework at Harvard University. Rebbetzin Rena Tarshish, renowned speaker and teacher at Bnos Chava Seminary in Israel spoke on reaching the soul of the student and internalizing Torah lessons. In February, Mrs. Rochel Lubin, internationally known educator will conduct a seminar for teachers. Teachers in the Elementary Division attended a series of workshops by Mrs. Amy Speidel, Parent/Teacher Coach with Peace Filled Teaching and Parenting, Inc., a program that analyzes teacher/student relationships and determines how best to reach each individual child. Mrs. Rita Shtull, a Cleveland educator, taught the basics of Bloom s Taxonomy, which advances higher level thinking skills; and Miss Pam Keiper, Coordinator, Science Resource Center of the Western Reserve Society spoke about available resources at the Museum. Thanks are extended to the Jewish Education Center of Cleveland for their assistance with these classes. Teachers continue constantly learning new strategies to make the classroom a highly effective learning environment. ALUMNI NACHAS ENGAGEMENTS AND MARRIAGES The entire school celebrated with the Rashidi family who left Iran seven years ago and recently received their citizenship. Sixth grader, Chaya Soroh Rashidi s first day as an American citizen turned into a class celebration. Parents contributed an American cake, and the class reflected on the privilege we have of living in a benevolent, democratic society. Mr. Rashidi receives his citizenship CHAIM DESSLER TO ESTHER SOLL MAZEL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. ELI DESSLER AND RABBI AND MRS. N.W. DESSLER NECHAMA BRUDNY TO SRULY HERZKA MAZEL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. ELIYOHU BRUDNY AND RABBI AND MRS. N.W. DESSLER MOSHE BENZION FISHMAN TO BATSHEVA KARLINSKY MAZEL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. ZALMAN FISHMAN AND RABBI AND MRS. CALMAN FISHMAN SHLOIMY REIFMAN TO RIVKY LIFF MAZEL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. ZEV REIFMAN AND RABBI AND MRS. CALMAN FISHMAN AVIGAYIL SCHUR TO EFRAIM SANDERS MAZEL TOV TO DR. AND MRS. ZELIG SCHUR AND MRS. SHOSHANA SCHUR SIMONA FREUND TO ARI ROTH MAZEL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. REUVEN FREUND YOSEF HILLEL BEIN TO MIRIAM FRIEDMAN MAZEL TOV TO MRS. ESTHER BEIN DENA MANN TO ELIYOHU JACOBOWITZ MAZEL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. ELOZAR MANN AND MRS. ESTHER MANN SHAWN FINK TO LIZ LEESON MAZEL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. PHIL FINK DONIEL BENSOUSSAN TO DEVORA GOLDWASSER MAZEL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. AVRAHAM BENSOUSSAN AND MR. AND MRS. ASHER RABINSKY Classmates celebrate citizenship with Chaya Soroh Rashidi ZEV MEISELS TO RIVKY GEWIRTZMAN MAZEL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. MENACHEM MEISELS AND RABBI YOSEF MEISELS 10

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID HEBREW ACADEMY OF CLEVELAND 1860 South Taylor Road Cleveland, Ohio 44118 A PEOPLE SURVIVES AS LONG AS IT TRANSMITS ITS HERITAGE FROM ONE GENERATION TO THE NEXT DR. AND MRS. BINYOMIN WALDBAUM (BOY) RABBI AND MRS. CHANINA HEFTER (BOY) MAZEL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. MALKIEL HEFTER MRS. L. HEFTER AND MRS. O. POLLACK RABBI AND MRS. MENACHEM SPIRA (BOY) MAZEL TOV TOMR. AND MRS. HARRY M. BROWN AND MR. BERNARD BROWN RABBI AND MRS. BINYOMIN HELLMAN (GIRL) MAZEL TOV TOMR. AND MRS. JOEL HELLMAN MR. AND MRS. JOSH KLARFELD (BOY) MAZEL TOV TO DR. AND MRS. JONATHAN KLARFELD RABBI AND MRS. AHRON DOVID LEBOVICS (GIRL) MAZEL TOV TO RABBI JOSEPH FABIAN RABBI AND MRS. BORUCH GOLDMAN (BOY) MAZEL TOV TO RABBI AND MRS. SRULY KAZEN AND MRS. MIRIAM KAZEN RABBI AND MRS. MOSHE KOVAL (GIRL) MAZEL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. MURRAY KOVAL AND MRS. ESTHER KOVAL DR. AND MRS. HOWARD GOLDMAN AND ARI RABBI AND MRS. CHAIM ZWICK AND AKIVA MR. AND DR. DOV DOMB AND SHOLOM SIMCHA MRS. BARBARA ADLER AND ZACHARIA RABBI AND MRS. ARIEL KLEIN AND YISROEL MEIR MR. AND MRS. HERSHEL WEISER AND DONIEL DR. AND MRS. GARY GREENSPAN AND DANIEL RABBI AND MRS. SIMCHA DESSLER AND SHALOM THE BARSKY AND MANN FAMILIES AND SRULY RABBI AND MRS. SHLOM BER CHAIKIN AND ELCHONON RABBI AND MRS. MENDY SASONKIN AND MOSHE MR. AND MRS. JEFF MULLER AND AARON MR. AND MRS. ZEV SOLOMON AND EPHRAIM This newsletter is sponsored by: RABBI AND MRS. PINKY KALUSZYNER (GIRL) MAZEL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. JORDAN SCHOTTENSTEIN DR. AND MRS. BORUCH ZUCKER (GIRL) RABBI AND MRS. ELCHONON FREUND (BOY) MAZEL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. RONNY FREUND MR. AND MRS. YOSSI SALAMON (BOY) MAZEL TOV TO DR. AND MRS. SAM SALAMON AND MRS. HELEN GELB MR. AND MRS. YORAM FREUND (GIRL) MAZEL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. AVNER FREUND MR. AND MRS. SHNEUR LEVINE (GIRL) MAZEL TOV TO MR. AND MRS. DAVID ANTINE BAR MITZVAHS MR. AND MRS. YOSSI ISRAELI AND YESHAYAHU RABBI AND MRS. SIMCHA MANN AND YEHUDA ZEV RABBI AND MRS. NAFTOLI PLOTNIK AND AVROHOM TZVI Hebrew Academy of Cleveland Dean: RABBI N.W. DESSLER IRVING I. STONE, k z Board Chairman (1976-2000) DR. LOUIS J. MALCMACHER, President IVAN A. SOCLOF, Immediate Past President MELVIN WAXMAN, Board Vice Chairman Educational Director: RABBI SIMCHA DESSLER Financial Director: RABBI ELI DESSLER Editor: MRS. SELMA HELLMAN HEBREW ACADEMY NEWS SHEVAT 5767 / FEBRUARY 2007 Design by KF Graphics 216.421.8520