THE ESSENTIAL ESTER CountdowntoDinnerindays2‐1

CountdowntoDinnerinhours from2:00P.M.today

51:45

SecondPartofDoubleheader:Tuesday,December4

1BChagHaSiddurat9:15

Startrynu ky i,u inchrgnthisTuesdayevening,December4.

Mo’tza’eiShabbos,Dec.8–FirstNightofChanukah 

Monday,December10–Thursday,December19AnnualTorahSchoolBookFair

Thursday,December13AfternoonChanukahCarnival.

Weneedlotsofadditionaladultsupervision.Pleaseletusknowifyouareavailable.

ParentTeacherConferences

Tuesday,Dec.18‐ForparentsofstudentswhoselastnamesbeginwithA‐K.Wed.,Dec.19‐ForparentsofstudentswhoselastnamesbeginwithL‐Z.

Ournewfailsafeonlinesign‐upformswillbeavailablenolaterthanMonday,December10.Iftheyarereadybefore,wewillemailyouintimeto

ensureyourreadinessforthestartinggun.

Erev Shabbos Parashas VaYishlach November 30, 2012 Licht Bentchen: 4:28 P.M. Volume XIX, Issue 12

Dear Parents, Our week’s highlight was the 1G/1G Chag HaSiddur on Tuesday. With shining eyes and huge smiles, our young ladies informed us, in prose, poem, song, and dance, about the significance of and their excitement about receiving their own Siddurim. Once again, the beautiful, unique, creative, and individualized covers for their new prayer books truly enhanced this special occasion. Many thanks to Morah Chani, Mrs. Gottlieb, Ms. Griffin, Mrs. Michelle Swartz, Miss Yehudis Mendlowitz, and Miss Alana Mailman for all they’ve done, especially for the sparkle in our young ladies’ eyes. Todah also to Rachel Ravin for picking up the cakes from Baltimore. It was such a Nachas to watch them the next morning as they Davened (for the first time) with such enthusiasm from these Siddurim. In fact, one young lady excitedly told me, as she entered our holy portals, “Today we got to Daven from our Siddurim for the first time.”

Finally….. Thank G-d, we have reached the point where we can declare a cessation of reminding, repeating, re-suggesting, re-nudging, re-awakening, re-advising, re-impressing, and subtly re-mentioning regarding attendance at our Dinner. This is due to the fact that we should already be totally prepared for this event, which is a mere 51 hours and 45 minutes away, as of 2:00 p.m. today. (However, you can now anticipate all of the above “re’s” reoccurring in preparation for the Chinese Auction.) We look forward to an enjoyable (i.e. good food, short speeches) and memorable Sunday evening with festivities starting at 5:45 p.m. Our intentions are to proceed (from the pre-dinner reception) to designated tables at 6:45 p.m. We’ll see ya’ll there!

Shortly to Occur Sunday, December 2 – 5th/6th Shiurim - 9:30-11:30. 5:45 – TSGW Dinner at Beth Sholom in Potomac. Monday, December 3 – Mrs. Werner’s Creative Writing Class for Boys.

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, Dec. 4, 5, and 6 – Full post 3:30 schedule.

Tuesday, December 4 – 1B Chag HaSiddur at 9:15. Please do not park on YGW side of building. Wednesday, December 5 – Nut House pizza. Todah to all of this week’s in-house helpers. Author David Adler visits us. Mo’tza’ei Shabbos, December 8 – First night of Chanukah. Monday, December 10 – Thursday, December 19 - Annual Torah School Book Fair - Purchase Chanukah gifts for family and friends, books for your child's classroom, and new titles for your home library! This year we will be running a ThinkFun fundraiser in conjunction with the book fair (see attached flyer). Add to your family's game collection while supporting the Torah School. Thursday, December 13 – Annual Chanukah Carnival in the P.M. As usual, we ask for parent volunteers to make the day run smoothly.

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 25 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 $8.00. (This includes

$”2" Torah School of Greater Washington

E.S.T.E.R. Erev Shabbos “Torah” Events Report

.25 per booth, game, or raffle and $1.75 for the moonbounce.) However, as has been the case the past decade, 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 32 tickets. (Todah to Jodi Mailman for designing these cards eight years go 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.

Rosh Chodesh Teves NOAM (Night Out at Max’s) Friday, Sunday, and Monday, Dec. 14, 16, and 17 – Chanukah Break. Tuesday, December 18 – Report Cards will be sent home via Kiddie express. 2:00 Dismissal. Day Care is available from 2:00-3:30 – with prior reservations. To avail yourself of this service, please complete the attached form. Evening Parent Teacher Conferences for A-K. Wednesday, December 19 – 2:00 Dismissal.

Day Care is available from 2:00-3:30, with prior reservation. To avail yourself of this service, please see, fill out, and send in the form at the end of this letter. Evening Parent Teacher Conferences for L-Z. Thursday, December 20 – 10:00 opening. A.M. Supervision begins at 8:30. Sunday, December 23 – Tenth of Teves – Fast Day – Please consult your Rav before allowing your pre-Bar/Bas Mitzvah child to fast.

The Torah School of Greater Washington is registered with Combined Federal Campaign of the National Capital Area (CFCNCA). Our CFC number is 42181. Please have the Torah School in mind with your CFCNCA donation.

Stella’s Army Wristbands Available in our office for $5 each.

May Stella (vra ,c ,cfuf vhrum) have a Refuah Shelaimah.

Today’s Attachments

Classroom Close-ups by Mrs. Esther Lindell. Ooroo LaTefillah. SOVEYA Newsletter. Federation Dial-A-Thon flyer. Parnasei HaYom. Project Derech Update. Book Fair info. Flyer about 6B Raffle to raise $ for their Graduation Trip.

Daily Mincha Minyan M-Th 2:45

in YGW’s Davening Room

This week’s two Halachos were: Giving Elders a Helping Hand. Giving (or Getting) a Seat for Parents, Grandparents, Teachers, and Elderly People.

Although we should be helping ALL others, it is a special Mitzvah of Kavod to assist all mentioned above in the above circumstances. We look forward to seeing our children's proper development in implementation of and appreciation for Hilchos Kavod.

Once again, we ask and encourage you to: Read the Derech update and discuss it with your sons and daughters. Implement these precepts at home.

Encourage your youngsters in K-2 to monitor their improvements by signing the Kadmah cards they've received.

Dinner Directions For the uninitiated, here’s how to get to Beth Sholom: 495 to 270 Montrose Rd West exit Left on Seven Locks Rd. Left into Beth Sholom parking lot. Address: 11825 Seven Locks Rd.

Chemdas News The books have arrived and will be given out on Monday, BE’H. Letters with details will come home next week.

Beruchim HaBa’im We welcome Moriah Barda (Kdg) and her parents, Nicole and Izzy, to the Torah School.

Hearing and Vision Screenings Hearing and Vision Screening for K, 1, 4, and all students new to Montgomery County, will soon be conducted by our very own Mrs. Elaine Feldman – when the equipment is available.

We wish a heartfelt Mazel Tov to Baruch Cortell, upon his completion of Seder Moed in Mishnayos. May he continue to be blessed with Simachos.

We extend condolences to Ruth Baars and family, upon the passing of her father. May the entire family be comforted among the mourners of Tziyon and Yerushalayim.

Raffles, Raffles Everywhere The 6G raffle was held on Monday and the winners were: 1st Prize – Streets Family 2nd Prize – Walls family 3rd Prize – Nizhnokov Family We are now into the 6B raffle, which will be drawn on Tuesday, December 18. Details are on an accompanying flyer. All proceeds are going towards the Sixth Grade graduation trips.

Chanukah Pictures for Grandparents

Pictures of our irresistibly adorable children for unbiased grandparents are being sent out in time for Chanukah due to the efforts of Sharona Katz, Becky Langer, Rechel Langer, Yael Azran, Debra Drang, Renee Seidemann, Yocheved Sussman, Yocheved Lichtenstein, and Miri Gottlieb. Of course, the actual pictures were taken by Cory Myers, and we really appreciate having his professional expertise for this project.

Some Goin’s On Ask any of your resident Sixth Graders what the following means:

rudhbx vagb rudhye iht As a result of Yitzchak Meir Biberfeld’s (and others’, too) urging, Rabbi Hoffman learned with his Fifth Grade Boys (via a conference call) last Thursday and Friday. Obviously, 5B has learned that there should be no break from Talmud Torah. 6G completed Parashas Yisro, learned scientific notation (in ”five” easy steps), identified the volcano “Ring of Fire,” completed their create-a-country projects, and were very pleased with their successful raffle. In Computers: Second graders used MS Word to type the sentence: “I am thankful for______.” They changed the font size and font color, bolded it, underlined it, and overall made their sentence beautiful. 6th Graders are using Excel to create spreadsheets, enter data, and create formulas to analyze student data. Do you know how to type H2O? The 4th and 5th graders learned about many toolbar buttons to change the font including subscript. All classes are heavily into Chanukah, whose ambience is becoming all-pervasive.

Kindergartners are making mats for Chanukiyos, practicing Berachos for the Chanukah lights, writing the letter “t”, blending sounds, completing their study of #’s 1-10, getting into place value, and thoroughly enjoying their 3G and 3B reading buddies. Mrs. Kasierer’s 2B/2G are working on the organization trait in writing and making “How To” posters. Q and A and comment in Rabbi Lichtenstein’s 2B/2B: Q – Lev Rubinstein asked, “Why does Hashem put the rainbow in the sky? He doesn’t need to see it to remember the Bris.” Q – Benny Bluming asked, “Why is the rainbow so pretty if it is a bad sign?” A – Akiva Biberfeld answered that it is for us to see and tells us that we should do Teshuva. I believe this answers Lev’s and Benny’s questions. It’s pretty to give us encouragement to do Teshuva. Comment – Shimon Hes: “Rebbe, learning Chumash isn’t fun, it’s not great, it’s AMAZING AND GESHMAK!” BE’H, our sons should always have this love for learning Hashem’s Torah. Mrs. Leigh’s 2G acted out the events of Noach and company leaving the Teivah and planting a vineyard. They also learned the Berachos for a rainbow, thunder, and lightning via a song and a magnet. Mrs. Lerner’s 2B played “Who Has the Number?”, a new math game, and are comparing colonial lives to ours. 3G started a poetry unit with haikus and rhyming couplets and are learning about force and motion for simple machines. 3B/3B tested the force of rubber band slingshots on toy cars in their exploration of force and movement. 4G/4G are creating bay organisms and researching their places in the food chain of the Chesapeake. 5B learned about the catastrophic changes in our nation as a result of JFK’s assassination on Nov. 22, 1963. Mrs. Evans’ 2G are into contractions (in grammar, not in the labor room), butterflies, inferencing, mental math, skip counting, apostrophes, elements of fantasy, and choosing a class pet.

Good Shabbos!! Sincerely,

Rabbi Yitzchak Charner

Headmaster

………………………………………………….

I, ______________________, would like to have

my child/children _______________________

_____________________________________

stay for Day Care (2:00-3:30) on:

Tuesday, December 18 from _______ to

_______.

Wednesday, December 19 from _______ to

_______ .

I understand that the fee is $9 per hour per child..

This Week’s Parnasei HaYom

Wednesday, November 28 ‐ The learning in the 6th Grade Girls' classwas dedicated in honor of Rachel Lipman's BasMitzvah, sponsored by her grandparents, Mr. &Mrs. Harry Felsen.

Friday, November 30 ‐ Today's learning in the 6th Grade Girls' andBoys' Classes is sponsored in honor of theupcoming Mazel Tov to our dear mother and tothank Rabbi Charner for all he has done for us,sponsored by the Bergman children._______________________________________________________If you are interested in becoming a “Parnas HaYom,”Sponsor of the Day, the cost is $36 per class or $180 for theentire school.Please contact Yossie Charner at ryrcharner@tsgw.orgor at 443-938-2683.

You can sponsor a day of learning in honor of a birthday,another special event, a Yahrzeit, a Refuah Shelaimah, or asHakaras Hatov (in appreciation) for someone.

Classroom Close-ups November 30, 2012 Mrs. Esther Lindell Volume IX, Issue 9

In reading, one of the most valuable comprehension strategies a student can learn is the ability to make text-to-self connections. Relating our reading to our lives helps us engage with texts on a more meaningful level and, thus, understand them better.

The benefit of making connections between new information and what we already know is

not limited to the reading curriculum. The more relevant any classroom subject feels to the students, the more engaging and memorable it will be for them. In this year’s 6th grade girls’ English/Social Studies class, I strive to make the students aware of the relevance of what they are learning to their lives.

One area in which this effort can be seen is vocabulary. Aside from the words in their

vocabulary workbooks, the students in my class are responsible for learning five other vocabulary words every two weeks. These lists of words, which are displayed on our Word Wall, are generated in class based on unfamiliar words we encounter during classroom discussion. So far, our Word Wall words have mostly related to classroom conduct (words such as accountable, procedure, and priority) or to our content area studies (words such as genre from reading, precipitation from geography, and bias from our study of the elections).

We study these words in a variety of ways, the most exciting being something we call Word

Wizard. The Word Wizard activity encourages students to pay attention to how our vocabulary words are used in natural, “real-life” contexts. Every time a student hears, sees, or correctly uses one of our Word Wall words outside of my classroom, she shares it with the class and earns a check on the Word Wizard chart. For every five checks a student earns, she receives two extra credit points on the vocabulary quiz on those words. If a student earns 20 checks, she becomes a Word Wizard. In addition to being a fun way to study their vocabulary words, this activity helps students develop an awareness of how their vocabulary curriculum is relevant to their lives.

Another subject area that I try to relate to students’ lives is reading. In the reading

curriculum, we focus not just on novels, but also on nonfiction texts. The reason for this focus is twofold: firstly, as students progress through middle and high school, more and more of the “school reading” they’ll do will be informational. As adults, almost all workplace reading is non-narrative in structure. Secondly, nonfiction reading often poses challenges that are not present in narrative text due to its unfamiliar topics and structures, technical vocabulary, and density of information.

In my class, the girls learn how to interpret nonfiction texts and glean information from

them. We discuss how to apply the comprehension strategies that are familiar from narrative reading – such as asking questions, making connections, and predicting – to the reading of informational texts. The girls then learn new strategies geared specifically towards understanding nonfiction texts. So far, they have learned to preview the text so they know what to expect, make a plan for how to go about completing the reading, read with a purpose in mind, reread important or confusing information, and stop after each paragraph or section to summarize what they have read. They have also learned to recognize signal words and other textual cues that indicate important information. As the girls become accustomed to nonfiction reading, they are better able to learn from the informational texts that are incorporated into our geography curriculum.

In addition to learning to read these texts, the girls are also learning how to take notes on them. Note taking is another important skill that the girls will need as they transition into the upper grades. In my class, the girls learn strategies and skills for taking notes on both reading and lectures. We discuss different methods of organizing notes, how to know what to write down (and not just copy every word from the textbook or whiteboard), how to take notes efficiently, and how to use the notes to study for tests. I also explain how developing a note taking method that works for you is an individualized process that can take years of experimentation and practice, which is why it’s important to start now. In my classroom, I emphasize the relevance of both the content and the skills that I teach. In doing so, my hope is that the students will feel that what they are learning is useful to them, and will leave my class not just with new knowledge, but also with new skills that they can use for the rest of their lives.

rExEl©Y§t¦il̈d

!

A Project of the

Torah School of Greater Washington

Tefillah of the week:Kedushah - Sanctification

During the Chazzan’s repetition of Shemoneh Esrei (A.K.A. Chazaras HaShatz), there is aTefillah added as a prelude to the third Berachah of Shemoneh Esrei (which was discussedlast week). This “preamble” to the blessing of Kedushas HaShem is known as Kedushah,sanctification, and is said responsively by the congregation. There are differences in the

texts of Kedushah which vary from weekdays to the various Tefillos on Shabbos and YomTov and from Nusach Ashkenaz to Nusach Sefarad to Nusach Eidos Mizrach. However, the

following three Pesukim are the “backbone” of Kedushah and are universally found in alltexts:

“Holy, Holy, Holy....” (Yeshayahu 6:3) "ufu ause ause ause”"Blessed is the glory....” (Yechezkel 3:12) "ufu sucf lurc"

“Hashem shall reign forever....” (Tehillim 146:10) "ufu okugk ws luknh"When reciting Kedushah, we must stand with our feet together (as the Malachim do) and

not speak. When saying the above-mentioned verses, we rise on our toes to symbolize thatwe combine our prayers with those of the angels who say these verses to praise G-d.

Wake up to prayer!

This public pronouncement of the holiness ofG-d’s Name is a fulfillment of the Mitzvah of “I should besanctified among Bnei Yisrael” (Vayikra 22:32). In fact,Kedushah is an expansion of the idea of Berachah #3 ofShemoneh Esrei that Hashem is unique and exalted aboveand separated from the limitations of material existence.The two main Pesukim (Kadosh and Baruch) are takenfrom verses in Tanach which describe how the Malachimpraise G-d. A Tzibbur’s recitation of these verses unitesus with the angels in this glorification of Hashem.

Please take notice that these two Pesukim arefound in two other places in the daily prayers. First, werecite them in the Berachos prior to Ke’ri’as Shema. We also include them in U’va LeTziyon at theend of Shacharis.

Targum Yonason (which we say in U’vaLeTziyon) explains the triple recitation of the wordKadosh in the following manner:

Hashem is holy in the highest heaven.Hashem is holy on earth.Hashem is holy forever.

The entire world is filled with His glory.In “Rav Schwab on Prayer” (pg. 275), Rav Schwab,ZT’L adds: “This splendor of His glory is what movespeople, sometimes to tears or to singing, when they see

the beauty of nature or are fascinated when they see thesun setting into the ocean or rising at the top of amountain. We cannot see the Shechinah, but wecan see and appreciate the splendor of His glory -

(continued on back)

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vk̈h ¦p §T©k UrUgVolume VI, Issue 8 November 30, 2012

rExEl©Y§t¦il̈d

!

A Project of the

Torah School of Greater Washington

Wake up to prayer!

which is the reflection of His Shechinah - in the beauty of nature that He has created.” In his analysis, Rab Schwab, goes on to contrast the verses of Kadosh and Baruch (pg. 276-278).

Essentially, he explains that Kadosh emphasizes the idea of total separation of HaKadosh Baruch Hufrom all His creations. Baruch teaches that, nevertheless, G-d is very close to His creatures. Thisdichotomy is actually very basic in our relationship with Hashem. Although He is so great andunfathomable, He is our personal G-d. We can talk, and He will listen. He loves us and responds toour entreaties. The words “with love,” referring to Hashem’s dealings with us, are found in numerousplaces and in various forms in Davening. In fact, our basic Berachos contain this concept of duality, aswe first speak to Hashem directly (i.e.You) and then switch to third person (e.g. Who creates). Thisgives us an unbelievable privilege and an awesome responsibility simultaneously.

May we all merit “rising” to the “occasion” and giving real meaning to our prayers.

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vk̈h ¦p §T©k UrUgVolume VI, Issue 8 (continued) November 30, 2012

Halacha #8 It is a Mitzvah to show Kavod to any elderly person by offering kind words and a helping hand.

ואפילו זקן עובד כוכבים מהדרים אותו בדברים ונותנים לו יד לסומכו. (יורה דעה רמד, ז)

This Mitzvah of honoring the elderly verbally and practically (i.e. through words, a smile, assistance) includes both Jew and non-Jew over 70 years of age. While children need to be taught this Halacha, parents may wish to impose certain restrictions for reasons of safety. We live in a society in which “youth” is valued. Everyone wants to look young, dress young, and act young. The implicit negative attitude towards older people runs directly counter to Torah values. Increased wisdom, understanding, and experience come with age. But, above all, the older a person is, the more he has witnessed Nifla’os HaBorei – miracles and signs of Hashem’s presence. This, alone, qualifies him for an added measure of respect. Rabbi Yochana ben Zakkai, the main author of the Talmud Yerushalmi (the Gemara composed in Israel) was quick to rise for aged people. He would say, “They have gone through many experiences and seen many of Hashem’s miracles in their lifetime.” Other sages, such as Abaye, used to help old people walk by giving them their arms. Rava and Rav Nachum used to send their servants to help elderly people.

**** Reb Reuven ,the younger son of Reb Moshe Feinstein, ZT’L, recalled that Chesed (kindness) was an integral part of his parents’ home. When he was a five-year old, Reuven would regularly help an old woman carry firewood up the stairs of her tenement apartment. No one had even told him; it was simply the natural thing to do because he had always seen his parents and older siblings performing such acts as a matter of course. For many years, an elderly widow was a steady guest at Reb Moshe’s Passover Seder. One year, she did not arrive, and Reb Moshe would not start the Seder until Reb Reuven and his wife went to the woman’s home to see what the problem was. When they returned with her, the Seder began.

Halacha #9 It is a mitzvah of Kavod to give a seat to our parents, grandparents, teachers, and any elderly person. () . Giving a seat to those listed above – parents, grandparents, teachers, and elderly people – is considered a Mitzvah of Kavod (honor), which is a Torah obligation. Children should be made aware of the many opportunities that present themselves where this Mitzvah can be fulfilled. (See examples below.) On the other hand, offering a seat to all other people who are appreciably older, comes under the category of Derech Eretz, a measure of common courtesy, which must be extended to others. One is certainly performing a Kiddush Hashem, a sanctification of Hashem’s name, when one honors someone older in this way.

**** At a meeting of Rabbis in which Reb Ezra Atiyah participated, his eye fell upon a certain young Rabbi who had arrived late and had no place to sit. Reb Ezra beckoned to him and whispered, “I don’t feel well. I am leaving. Here, take my seat.” When he left the auditorium, he turned to a companion and said, “Had I said to that young man that I wanted to give him a seat to honor him, he would surely have refused. That is why I added that I did not feel well. “But he would have been justified in refusing to take the seat you vacated for him,” the companion commented. “Why should you get up for a young man?” “Why not?” Reb Ezra retorted. “He may be younger than I, but he is a scholar nonetheless.”

The time has come for the 6th Grade

Boys’ Raffle!

Grand Prize: $100 Visa Gift Card

2nd Place: $40 Visa Gift Card

3rd Place: $25 Gift Card

1 ticket for $3

2 tickets for $5

5 tickets for $10

(The more you buy, the greater your chance of winning!)

 

 

ThinkFun games is coming to our Annual Torah School Chanukah Bookfair! The bookfair is

December 10 to December 19 Come and check out the great selection of books for gifts for family and friends, books for your child’s classroom, and new titles for your home library! This year we will have ThinkFun educational games in conjunction with the bookfair. Add to your family’s game collection while supporting the Torah School.

This is a ThinkFundraiser! Stay tuned for more details.

1

Rabbi Eli Glaser, CNWC, CWMC – Director, p 1-888-8-SOVEYA (876-8392), f 443-379-0665, www.soveya.com, info@soveya.com Volume 6, Issue 7 6209 Western Run Drive, Baltimore, MD 21209

SWITCHH Newsletter (Soveya Wellness Initiative To Create Healthy Habits)

.

Copyright © 2012 by Soveya, Inc.

Torah thought on health and wellness: This week’s Torah portion includes the famous reunion of Yaakov and Esav, brothers at polar opposites of the spiritual spectrum meeting for the first time in 20 years. Esav inquires about Yaakov’s large family, “ לך אלה מי - Who are these to you?” (Bereishis 33, 5). Yaakov responds, ויאמר The children whom - הילדם אשר חנן אלקים את עבדך" HaShem has graciously given your servant.” Why is this puzzling to Esav? It’s not unusual for one to develop a sizeable family after two decades. The Pirkei D’Rabbi Eliezer explains the dialog: Esav asked, “What are you doing with these? I thought we made a division – I would take this world (immediate gratification) and you would take the World to Come (eternal pleasure and meaningful goals)? If so, what are you doing with children? They are a function of this world.” Through Esav’s eyes, it’s all or nothing. Either one is immersed in feeding physical desires and living for the moment, or else completely isolated and distant from any worldly pleasures while focusing exclusively on the spiritual component of eternity. Yaakov answered that enjoying the fruits of this world while prioritizing them in the context of a greater purpose doesn’t have to be a contradiction at all. It all has to do with proper boundaries. Bearing children, raising families – and pretty much everything else in this world – require appropriate guidelines and measures in order to achieve true happiness and ultimate success.

LIMITING IS LIBERATING

Discipline and structure are vital for adults and children alike. It’s not limiting, it’s liberating. This concept was an anathema to Esav. He was ruled by his desires – a true תאוה בעל – unable and unwilling to reel in his wants, wanting only to run after his every thought. Controlled by cravings, he was a prisoner of his own pride and pleasures. Excess wasn’t extra, it was expected. When we make a siyum, part of the hadran declaration is, “We arise early and they arise early; we arise early for the words of Torah, while they arise early for idle words. We toil and they toil; we toil and receive reward, while they toil and do not receive reward. We run and they run; we run to the life of the World to Come, while they run to the well of destruction.” Arising early means having taken care of our body through proper rest. Toiling and running can only be maximized through a healthy body fueled by nutritious food. There’s no contradiction at all. In fact, one is required to achieve the other. 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

2

Easy & Healthy RECIPE CORNER

Baked Latkes Ingredients: 4 tsp. olive oil; 2 lbs. potatoes; 1 medium onion; 1 clove garlic; 1 T. fresh dill or 1 tsp. dried dill; 2

eggs; 1/2 tsp. baking powder; 3/4 tsp. salt; 1/4 tsp. pepper

Directions: Place oven racks on the lowest and middle positions. Preheat oven to 450*F. In food processor,

finely mince onion, garlic and dill, using S-blade. Then add potatoes, eggs, and 2 tsp. of oil. Add remaining

ingredients and mix briefly. Drop mixture by spoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet. Flatten latkes slightly and

spray them with non-stick spray. Bake uncovered for 10 minutes, or until bottoms are nicely browned and crispy. Flip latkes. Bake about 8 to 10 minutes longer, or until

brown.

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!

Potatoes: Not Such a Bad Rap

These tubular spuds have a mixed reputation. Let’s help clarify the value of potatoes and better

understand their health benefits. Both sweet and white potatoes are nutrient-dense, meaning you

receive many nutrients for the amount of calories they have. Sweet potatoes are definitely preferable

primarily because they have a lower glycemic index. However, in moderate amounts – and with limited fatty toppings (e.g. gobs of butter or sour cream) - white potatoes are an acceptable choice for starch

during a meal. Here’s the scoop:

With the exception of vitamin A, white potatoes have just about every nutrient. In addition, one baked

potato offers about 20 percent of the daily recommended amount of vitamin B6, which is good

news for your heart. They are also very high in potassium, beating other potassium-rich foods. They

are a good source of iron and copper, too. In fact, a potato a day is good for your heart, promoting normal

blood-pressure levels.

The fiber is half soluble, half insoluble, so it helps to

keep you regular and helps to lower cholesterol. And slowing down digestion helps to keep you full longer. Phytochemicals in potatoes include flavanoids and a recently identified compound called kukoamine that

appears to help lower blood pressure.

As it turns out, much of the bad rap belongs to the toppings and preparation methods we often use to turn potatoes from a healthful food to a fatty, salty

snack. The health-conscious will want to bake, not fry, and be conscious of the nutritional value of the oils,

toppings, and condiments that touch our spuds.

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Rabbi Eli & Mrs. Zakah Glaser

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