In This Issue - the Hillel Torah North Suburban Day School

November 14, 4102
Parshat Chayei Sarah
Candle Lighting: 4:10 pm
Upcoming Events
A Message from the Principal
November
Dear Parents,
On Monday, in commemoration of the 76th anniversary of Kristallnacht, we were
privileged to host Mrs. Ruth Roos, a Holocaust survivor who shared her first-hand account the events
of Kristallnacht, Nov 9-10, 1938 and beyond. Middle
School students hung on her every word and asked her
many questions after her
presentation.
On Monday as well, we saluted our veteran's in honor
of Veteran's Day and, in classes, students learned about
the important contributions of veterans to our country.
16- Sunday
 2nd Grade Kabbalat Chumash
10:00-11:00 am
17 - Monday
 HT: Turkey Sub
18 - Tuesday
 HT/SV: Pizza
19- Wednesday
 HT: Baked Potato
 PN-8th Gr. Parent Teacher
Conferences (Night 1)
5:30 - 9:00 pm
On Tuesday, teachers gathered for an exciting and
engaging Staff Development Day to further their own
learning. Staff participated in workshops and Professional
Learning Communities (PLCs) led by their colleagues on a
wide range of areas from supporting students socially to
math curriculum planning and educational technology
integration. We are so fortunate to have such a talented,
experienced and dedicated staff of teachers who are
constantly learning and growing!
20 - Thursday
 HT: Hot Dog
SV: Chicken Nuggets
23 - Sunday
On Thursday morning, 2nd grade parents joined their
children at school for “Open Classroom” where they got a
glimpse of the amazing things going on in their children's
classes on a daily basis. Click here for 2A’s slideshow and
click here for 2B’s slideshow. We look forward to seeing
our 2nd grade families at the 2nd Grade Kabbalat
Chumash this Sunday at HT from 10:00-11:00 am! Click
here for the link to view it live via livestream.
6:00 pm Dinner catered
by Shallots
7:00 pm Hilarious Comedy!
Save the date! Current Preschool and Kindergarten
families are invited to attend Sunday Funday,
December 7th from 10:00-11:30 am at the Preschool
campus! Please join us and bring a new family with you so
that we can welcome them to the HT Community! See
attached flyer for more information.
Don’t have a seat yet?
Sign up now!
We look forward to
seeing you!
There are only a few seats left for our #HTlarious comedy
night featuring renown comic Avi Liberman on Sunday,
November 23rd. I look forward to seeing you there!
Shabbat Shalom!
‫כא חשון תשע״ה‬
‫פרשת חיי שרה‬
:‫הדלקת נרות‬
Rabbi Menachem Linzer
In This Issue
Faculty
Spotlight:
Meet Miss Rena
Bayever
Peace Corp.
Member
Visits 6th
Grade
2nd Grade
Prepares for
Kabbalat
Chumash
Fine Arts Forum:
Origami
in Action!
Fine Arts Forum: Origami in Action!
Peace Corp. Member Visits 6th Grade
Mr. Michael Glassman, Fine Arts Instructor
Mrs. Samantha Toljanic, Middle School LA Teacher
Mrs. Anita London, Middle School LA Teacher
In third grade, we explored
action origami, and what better
way to do that than with a Paper
Airplane Contest! Action origami
takes the sculptural art form to
another level, adding an element
of movement while retaining the
origami rules of only folding.
Paper airplanes have a long and
storied history, from the test
flights of Leonardo DaVinci and
the Wright Brothers to space age
applications with no limits! In
class, we folded three plane
models together, incorporating diagrams for the first time.
Students were also encouraged to explore the origami books in
class and try some models themselves. Then we took flight with
three awesome plane contests that tested our folding accuracy,
coordination and tossing technique! Up, up and away!
Library News
Mrs. Robbin Katzin, Librarian
Our Kindergarten and first grade classes were treated to an
exciting puppet show on Wednesday, presented by librarians
from the Skokie Public Library. The show was received
enthusiastically by our students; we are happy to have the
support and resources of the Skokie Public Library available for
our students and teachers.
We also would like to welcome the newest members of our
Birthday Book Club: Amy Schneiderman, Sophie Fretzin, and
Ryan Angus. Your child can join the Birthday Book Club, too!
For a donation of just $18.00 per book, a bookplate honoring
your child will be placed
in a book, and they will
be the first one to check
it out. See the Birthday
Book Club form at the
end of these Highlights
for more information.
A special thank-you the
Bell family for making a
donation to the library!
After 6th graders finished reading the
novel FISH about a family living in a
third-world country, many students
had questions about the living
conditions, and how and why someone would decide to travel so far
away to volunteer there. We were
paid a visit from a very special guest,
Michelle Beckemeier, who shared her
own experiences as a Peace Corps
worker, serving as a math teacher in
Mali back in the 1980’s. She showed
us a wonderful slide-show
presentation featuring the home where she lived and the school
where she taught. Mrs. Beckemeier also explained that she had
to teach in French because that is the language spoken in Mali.
She brought samples of cloth, jewelry, and art from her time in
Mali. The students asked great questions about the food and
what she did for fun without electricity (they played a lot of
cards)! It was an eye-opening experience hearing about her
adventures in a far away country where living is very different
from living in the USA. The next day, everyone wrote thank-you
notes to Mrs. Beckemeier for sharing her experiences with us.
Faculty Spotlight: Meet Miss Rena Bayever!
New First Grade Assistant General Studies Teacher
From: Chicago
College? Harper College
What is your favorite
lunch food? Sushi, anytime!
Favorite Children’s Book: I
love Press Here, an
interactive kids’ book
What do you enjoy doing
most in your spare time?
I love to read!
What are you most
looking forward to while
working at HT? Watching
the students develop
throughout the year.
6A Navi Interactive Interpretation
Rabbi Yoni Gold, Middle School Judaic Studies Teacher
The stories of Chana and Shmuel truly come to life when the
students take an active role in the Navi classroom. In 6A Navi, we
opened the floor to students’ presentations as a method of
reviewing the first few perakim of Sefer Shmuel. The perakim were
divided into
sections, and the
students were
given the freedom
to choose any way
of presenting the
information. Some
students created
Powerpoint
presentations, while
many performed
skits about the
story. Some
included props and
some even included
songs! Everyone
had a fun
opportunity to add
their unique twist
to the review.
2nd Grade Prepares for Kabbalat Chumash
Mrs. Adi Dimri, Second Grade Judaic Studies Teacher
This coming Sunday,
November 16th, our 2nd
graders will be participating in
their Kabbalat Chumash
presentation and receive their
first Chumash. In preparation,
we have already studied the
first perek of Sefer Bereshit.
We learned about the
creation of the world and all the beautiful things Hashem put in
our planet. We also spoke about the father and mother of our
nation- Avraham Avinu and Sarah Imeinu and how Hashem
promised them and their descendants the land of Israel. We
learned about the wonderful midah of Hachnasat Orchimwelcoming people into their home.
The children are so excited about this upcoming milestone and we
invite all of you to join us
this Sunday at 10:00 am at
the school. You may also
watch the presentation from
the comfort of your home by
accessing the live-stream link
here. Stay tuned for pictures
from the event!
Early Childhood Enrollment
~ for new incoming students ~
We would like to provide our Hillel Torah families with priority
enrollment to our Early Childhood Program. Applications for our
Pre-nursery, Nursery, and Kindergarten programs are now available
and due Friday, January 23, 2015. Applications received after that
date will be accepted on a space available basis. For your convenience, you may apply online under the Admissions section of our
website, www.hilleltorah.org or click here to print the application.
Please note this applies only to new incoming students. If your
child is already enrolled in the preschool, you do not need to reenroll at this time. If you have any further questions or would like
to schedule a tour, please contact Margot Parnass at 847-674-6533
ext. 209 or margot.parnass@hilleltorah.org.
Parnes Hayom
‫פרנס היום‬
The Month of Learning
for November / Cheshvan
is sponsored by
Parsha Perspective
Parshat Chayei Sarah ‫פרשת חיי שרה‬
As told by:
Mrs. Ariela Haymberg’s First Grade Class
In this week’s parsha ‫חיי שרה‬, we learned that Sarah – ‫שרה‬
died when she was 127 years old. Avraham paid a lot of money to
buy a special place – “Mearat Hamachpela” – ‫מערת המכפלה‬
in which to bury Sarah. Avraham asked Eliezer to go back to
Haran – ‫ חרן‬in order to find a wife for Yitzchak. Eliezer prayed to
Hashem to give him a sign so that he would know which girl
would be the right one. When Eliezer realized that Rivka did not
only offer him water, but also his camels, he knew that this was a
sign from Hashem and that Rivka would be the perfect wife for
Yitzchak. Rivka invited Eliezer to meet her family and she agreed
to come to Eretz K’naan – ‫ ארץ כנען‬to be Yitzchak’s wife. When
Avraham was 175 years old, he died and Yitzchak and Yishmael
buried him in the Mearat-Hamachpela” – ‫מערת המכפלה‬.
From this Parsha, we are learning that in our life, '‫ ה‬always gives
or sends us signs to help and show us that He is always with us.
‘‫!תודה ה‬
Lynn and Alfred Altschul
in loving memory of Alfred’s father
Herman Altschul z”l
whose Yahrzeit is the 11th of Cheshvan
May all our students' learning merit an aliyah for his neshama
The Day of Learning
on Friday, November 14th / 21st of Chehsvan
is sponsored by the
Rosenburg Family
in loving memory of their father and grandfather
Kenneth Rosenburg z”l
on the occasion of his 10th Yahrtzeit
this Sunday, 23rd of Cheshvan
May all our students’ learning merit an aliyah for his neshama
Thanks to all who shopped at our Preschool Bookfair! Our online
fair is still open until November 18th. Click here to visit the
Scholastic website to support your children's love of reading and
help benefit our school at the same time! Thanks so much!
4th Graders Dress-Up!
Mrs. Sarah Bajtner, Fourth Grade General Studies Teacher
Good and Welfare
Mazal tov to Natalie (‘88) and Erik Moscovitch on the Bar
Mitzvah of their son, Sammy.
Mazal tov to Beth and Allen Schwartz on the Bat Mitzvah of
their daughter, Gilana.
HT Basketball Scoreboard
8th girls lost to Lincoln 6-25
Fourth graders recently read biographies and gave oral presentations
about them while dressed up as their special person. Can you guess who
these people are? Message your answer to the Facebook HT Page!
FYI: Community Notes
ATT announces its 3rd Annual Yedios Klaliyos Program, a system-wide competition for ATT students, Level 1: 5th/6th grades and Level 2:
7th/8th grades. Separate boys and girls programs. Join the fun and be surprised by how much you’ll learn. Study guides with all program
information are available at the ATT and in ATT schools. First test for all participants is Sunday, November 23rd. Everyone earns a prize.
For more information, call the ATT: 773-973-2828, email yedios@att.org or visit www.att.org.
JUF is proud that Chicago is one of ten pilot communities launching the next chapter of PJ Library: PJ Our Way. The program is open to all
Jewish children in metropolitan Chicago ages of 9 to 11. Kids will be able to use the PJ Our Way website to choose the books they want to
receive each month, write reviews, upload video trailers, and share information with other kids from around the country. For more
information and to sign up visit the website or email program manager Jessica Fisher at JessicaFisher@juf.org.
Calling all Bat Mitzvah girls for YU Torah Mitzion Kollel's Anne Okner a”h Bat Mitzvah Scholars Program. For girls entering Bat Mitzvah
age or recent B'not Mitzvah, this 8-week in-depth learning program enables participants to address the issues in Hashkafa & Halacha that
relate to their age. Interactive learning sessions with engaging activities led by Shelichot of YU Torah Mitzion Kollel, Mrs. Moriah Berman &
Mrs. Naomi Liss. Begins Nov. 18, limited spots available. To register: 773-973-6557/batmitzvah@chicagotorah.org.
YU Torah MItzion Kollel Presents Irving Weiss A"H Youth Learning Division programming. For 2nd-4th grade boys and girls
Parsha and Pizza every Wednesday 5:45 - 6:45pm, at Congregation Or Torah (3800 Dempster, Skokie). For 5th-7th grade boys, Mishna to
the Max every Wednesday, 7:45pm-8:45pm at Cong. KINS, 2800 W. North Shore. For more information please contact the Kollel office
at 773-973-6557 or info@chicagotorah.org
The ATT invites you to its 28th Annual Rabbi Isaac Mayefsky Memorial Lecture featuring world -renowned speaker Rabbi Ephraim Eliyahu Shapiro: “Essentials of Effective Parenting.” Motzei Shabbos, December 6, 2014 at 8:00 pm, 2828 W. Pratt Blvd, Chicago, IL. Free admission. Sponsored by Mrs. Florence Mayefsky and the Mayefsky family.
Save the date for the ATT’s 85th Annual Gala, Raising Expectations, as we pay tribute to life-time honorary president, board member, and
good friend of the ATT, Mr. Paul Rosenberg z”l with the Barney Goldberg Leadership Award, and YB’L Rabbi Meir and Elizabeth Fischer
Shapiro celebrating their 50th year enriching Jewish education in Chicago with the Evan Goldberg Maling Pillar of Jewish Education Award.
Please join the ATT at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare, Rosemont, IL, on Sunday, December 14, 2014. Evening begins at 5:00 pm with
a Showcase Reception.
This Chanukah, join Jewish United Fund’s Chanukah Coat Club! Give a Chanukah card to someone special while helping ensure a local
child in need receives a warm new coat and accessories this winter. Perfect as a teacher’s gift, Bar/Bat Mitzvah project or classroom
Tzedakah activity. Visit www.juf.org/Chanukah for more details!
Calling all actors & actresses! Sign up for audition's for JCC's Winter Production: King Artie and the Knights of the Rad Table - Gwen’s
spending her day reading a book and Artie’s riding around on a skateboard. Just typical American teenagers… until Merlin wakes up from a
1500 year snooze to whisk them away to the days of chivalry! Auditions: Nov 17, 18 | Callbacks: Nov 19. Reserve your audition time &
get all of the details at www.gojcc.org/theater.
JCC Chavayah Overnight Camp for Girls! Register before November 30 for best prices. 3½ weeks and 600 acres of lake and outdoor
activities plus arts, sports, swimming and ruach-filled Shabbos programs in our Torah-rich environment guided by Mrs. Bracha Polstein. New
Teen Program for 8th-9th grade. CIT program for 10th-11th grade. Fee assistance available. Call Wendy Singer at 773-516-5883 or visit www.gojcc.org/chavayah. Information night on November 17th at 7:00 pm at the BHJCC.
GET BACK ON TRACK! Reesa Gorenstein of On Track Tutoring (an Ida Crown graduate) has graduate degrees in Special Education and
School Psychology. On Track Tutoring offers one-on-one tutoring in all core subjects, study & organizational skills, one-on-one counseling
and group skills classes (i.e. Social skills) and individual behavior plans. Conveniently located in Skokie. For more info call 847.561.7019 or
email Reesa.Tutor@gmail.com.
To advertise in FYI, please email htoffice@hilleltorah.org or call the school office at 847-674-6533
Hillel Torah North Suburban Day School’s
Alana Beth Stein Early Childhood Program
Invites current and prospective Pre-School and Kindergarten families to
SUNDAY FUNDAY
December 7, 2014
10:00-11:30 am
Hillel Torah Pre-School Building: 8825 East Prairie, Skokie
Playful Pre-School Parachute ● Chanukah Keif - Fun & Games
Creative Craft Corner ● Spectacular Sing-Along
For more informa on or to schedule a tour of Hillel Torah, please contact
Margot Parnass, Director of Admissions at 847‐674‐6533 x 209 or margot.parnass@hilleltorah.org.
Affiliated with the Associated Talmud Torahs. A partner in serving our community, supported by the JUF/Jewish Federa on.
Hillel Torah Birthday Book Club!
Celebrate your child’s upcoming birthday by donating a book to the Hillel Torah library in
his or her honor! Your contribution will benefit present and future students by enabling
the school to purchase superior literature and resource materials for all grades.
A unique bookplate will be inserted in your book with your child’s name and birthday.
Your child will have the privilege of being the first one to check out the book from the
library. Additionally, his/her name will be placed on the Birthday Club Banner outside of
the Hillel Torah library. A minimum charge of $18 will cover the cost of one book.
To be a member of the Birthday Book Club, select from the following:
___ Judaic Studies Book(s) ___ General Studies Book(s) ___ Either Category
Child’s Name_____________________________Grade___Birthdate__/___/___
_____________________________________Grade___Birthdate__/___/___
_____________________________________Grade___Birthdate__/___/___
Enclosed is my check for: ___$18
___$36
made payable to Hillel Torah Library Fund.
Give/Get credit is given at 70% per donation.
___$54
$________
*************************************************************
Library Fund Cards!
Library Fund donation cards are available for a $5 donation.
A card will be sent stating that a contribution has been made to the
Hillel Torah Library in honor of a special occasion.
(Note: A book purchase requires a minimum donation of $18.)
Give/Get credit is given at 70% per donation.
For information regarding library donations, please contact:
Rachel Blumenthal 847-674-4950
Please mail your check to:
Tracy Schultz 2707 W. Jarlath, Chicago IL 60645
For questions regarding library resources, please contact
Hillel Torah Library 847-674-6533 or robbin.katzin@hilleltorah.org
Robbin Katzin- Librarian
Parenting by Example • The Impact of Our Words
Creating Simcha in the Home • Teaching Our Children How to Prioritize
Motzoei Shabbos, December 6, 2014 - 8:00 pm
Associated Talmud Torahs of Chicago
2828 West Pratt Blvd., Chicago, IL 60645
ADMISSION: FREE
Sponsored by Mrs. Florence Mayefsky and The Mayefsky Family
Sponsors of Jewish Education
The Associated Talmud Torahs of Chicago is a partner in serving our community, supported by the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation