Columbus Torah Academy is a proud beneficiary agency of JewishColumbus.

This institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider.

by Rabbi Yisroel Weiner, Judaic Studies Principal

So much of our child raising efforts are spent on an attempt to incorporate a deep and sincere sense of gratitude in our children. Constantly, parents and teachers alike be heard reminding their young to “say thank you” or better yet, to act in ways which demonstrate thanks. And at moments of particular clarity, we all recognize within ourselves the need to be more cognizant of all the good in our lives and the importance of expressing our gratitude to its providers, both human and Divine.

However, as this week’s parsha, Parshat Ki Teitzei, makes clear, this is an especially heightened focal point for us as Jews. The parsha prohibits marrying an Ammonite or a Moabite for all generations. The reason given is that when Bnei Yisrael were on their way to the Promised Land these two nations refused to provide them with bread and water.

Throughout history, many peoples have wronged us in unspeakable ways, and while some may have been forbidden to us for a time, none were forbidden forever as were the Ammonites and Moabites. Why? The Ramban (23:5) explains that these two nations were uniquely expected to act kindly to us, for generations earlier our ancestor Avraham had saved Lot (the father of both these nations) from captivity, and as such these two nations should have been particularly grateful to us and should have aided us. Since they instead spurned Avraham’s kindness and exhibited a lack of gratitude, they showed themselves eternally unworthy of joining the Jewish ranks - for a Jew’s life revolves around gratitude.

The first word we say each day upon awakening is “Thanks (Modeh)”, and the word Yehudim, the very name of our People itself, comes from the word hoda’ah, which means to thank. Indeed, such is the centrality of this trait of gratitude to our national makeup, that the reason the Torah gives for eventually allowing Egyptians to join the Jewish fold, unlike their Ammonite and Moabite counterparts, is because we were hosted in their land. Yes, they treated us harshly for two centuries, but they also hosted us in their land and provided us with food when famine had hit the region. And so despite the taskmaster’s whip, we are still instructed to show our gratitude.

Shabbat Shalom

Weekend Birthdays: 9/15 Batya Zuckerman, Moshe Hollander

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

Upcoming Dates to Remember

September 15: Health & Safety Day, 11-1 pm, JCC (CTA Partner) (flyer)

September 15: Sweet as Honey Apple Festival, 12-2pm, WHV (CTA Partner) (flyer)

September 16: Lower School Choir begins, 4-4:45 pm

September 17: School Pictures

September 20-21: MafTeach Fellowship Shabbat (flyer)

September 22: Flu Clinic, 11-1 pm

September 24: Senior & Freshman Speech Photos, 4 pm

September 29: Community Wide Apple Picking, 1-4 pm, Lynd's Fruit Farm (flyer)

September 30: Kindergarten & 12th Grade Field Trip

October 2: Erev Rosh Hashanah, Early Dismissal, 12 noon

October 3-4: Rosh Hashanah

October 11: Erev Yom Kippur, Early Dismissal, 12 noon

October 11: Uniform Logo Deadline

October 14: CTA and Gan PTO presents Family Sukkah Art & Dinner, 5:30 pm

*All events at CTA unless noted

Details at www.torahacademy.org/calendar

Most Up to Date Sports Schedules and Practices at www.torahacademy.org/sportscalendar

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

School Pictures: Mark your calendars for THIS Tuesday, September 17 for SCHOOL PICTURES. Every student and staff member will have their picture taken. We are using a new company this year. Order forms were sent home in K-6 Friday folders last week. You can also order photo packages at www.ripchostudio.com using the online password: 1001162572 The password expires on September 19. Make your orders today.

Volunteer Opportunities: Parent help is always needed to make our school community a stronger environment. Keep track and sign up to help when you are able. Go to www.torahacademy.org/volunteer

Includes links to current volunteer opportunities, PTO membership, and Give & Get

Uniform Deadline: Friday, October 11 is the next deadline for Uniform Logos. Please bring items to Front Desk at school before 2 pm on the deadline. Make sure items are in labeled zippered plastic bags. Cost is $7 per item. Details and payment link can be found at www.torahacademy.org/uniforms

Free & Reduced Hot Lunch: Deadline to complete forms is coming up. Click here for eligibility information, forms, and more information.

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!!

MAKE AN IMPACT: Check out the flyer for two events this Sunday, September 15 as an opportunity for community wide programs. CTA and Gan Ephraim will have a booth at both. 11-1 at JCC Health and Safety Day and then 12:30-2:30 at Wexner Heritage Village.

How can you help?

1. Show up at the event and have a good time - CTA can fill a room and an event!
2. Wear CTA shirts to the event to show your school pride
3. Be friendly at the event - Word of Mouth marketing is the most effective way to let people know how much we love our school
4. Volunteer to help at the booth. Click here to volunteer (High School students can earn community service)
5. Tell your friends!

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.