Columbus Torah Academy is a proud beneficiary agency of JewishColumbus.

This institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider.

by Shira Neuman, Upper School Judaic Studies Teacher

Nachmanides (23:36) explains that the 7 weeks between the first day of Pesach and Shavuot are like the 7 days between the first day of Sukkot and Shemini Atzeret. In other words, we are in the middle of 7 weeks of chol haMoed between the two holidays. Consequently, Shavuot earns its moniker "Atzeret," signifying the conclusion or culmination of this interconnected holiday sequence.

Now you’d expect this time period to be happy, but it is not. It's both intriguing and poignant to note that this timeframe, marked by Rabbi Akiva's students' passing and the tragic assaults on German Jewish communities during the 1096 Crusades along the Rhine River, typically evokes mourning practices such as abstaining from certain types of music, refraining from haircuts, and postponing weddings. Paradoxically, amidst these somber reflections, we commemorate joyous occasions like Yom Ha'atzmaut and Yom Yerushalayim.

As a people deeply rooted in history, we navigate through layers of emotions, embracing moments of happiness amidst sorrow and acknowledging periods of sadness even amidst celebration. It is like a chol haMoed, we are mourning the deaths of Rabbi Akiva’s students, the communities destroyed during the Crusades, the precious lives lost on and since October 7th, but this week we also celebrated Israel’s Independence Day, commemorating an undeniable Bracha from Hashem in the State of Israel. this dichotomy is exemplary of the fact that Judaism, and life, does not operate in the extremes. Rather, we are tasked with balancing multiple - and sometimes contradictory - emotions and perspectives at once.

Shabbat Shalom

Weekend Birthdays: 5/18 Yitzchak Kirschbaum

Most up to date calendar and changes on website at www.torahacademy.org/calendar

Upcoming Dates to Remember

May 19: Girls on the Run 5K

May 19-21: Columbus Baseball Invitational (flyers)

May 22: Giving Day Call Center (flyer)

May 22-23: CTA Giving Day

May 27: Memorial Day, No School

May 28: Annual Board Meeting & Elections, 7:30 pm (flyer)

May 30-June 5: High School Final Exams

May 31: Grade K-8 Field Day

June 4: High School Graduation, 7 pm

June 5: Kindergarten Celebration, 3 pm

June 5: Freshman Speech, 7 pm

June 6: Upper School Awards Ceremony, 10:30 am

June 6: Last Day of School, 12 noon Early Dismissal

August 22: First Day of School

*All events at CTA unless noted

Details at www.torahacademy.org/calendar

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Supply Kits and Lists for 2024-2025: Supply lists are available at www.torahacademy.org/schoolsupplies so you can shop for your own supplies. Pre-Ordered kits are available for rising grades 1-6 (current K-5) from Office City Express. Kits will be delivered directly to your child's classroom. Deadline to order is June 9. See flyer below. Click on link here for pre-ordered kits.

Spring Fundraiser:

May 22-23

36 hours

Every donation tripled



• Make your team and Share your testimonial here
• Order your t-shirt size here
• Save the Date for Call Center (flyer below)
• Get ready to show your CTA pride!

www.charidy.com/cta

Volunteers Needed:

May 19 - Spring Fundraiser T-Shirt Distribution Email Shari

May 19-21 - Columbus Baseball Invitational Volunteer here

May 22 - Now More Than Ever Call Center Email Shari or Aaryn Rubin

Click on links or contact Shari at sherszage@torahacademy.org

Spring Sports! Baseball and Softball underway. Check out the sports calendar to show your school spirit and cheer on our teams at www.torahacademy.org/sportscalendar

Flyers and more are below and important links are above near the calendar. Many of the flyers can be clicked on for registration. Please keep up on the many ways that we want to engage you in your children's school. We appreciate you!!

STAY CONNECTED

All social media links can be found at www.torahacademy.org/socialmedia

COMMUNITY NEWS & HAPPENINGS

CTA includes flyers submitted by local Jewish organizations and reserves the right to edit or not include as it deems appropriate. Inclusion of any materials does not constitute partnership.

A trip to Israel creates a connection for life.

Jewish Columbus is helping young Columbus residents travel to Israel!

Who is eligible:

 Columbus residents between the ages of 14-27

 Must have celebrated their Bar/Bat/B Mitzvah in Columbus

 One parent or guardian must reside within the boundaries of JewishColumbus’ community Annual Campaign

Rolling applications for approved program that you have already been accepted to. Must apply 2 months before program start.

For additional grant guidelines and information to apply, go to https://jewishcolumbus.org/israel-experience-grant-application/