Columbus Torah Academy is a proud beneficiary agency of JewishColumbus.

This institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider.

by Sarah Weinstein, 4th Grade Judaic Studies Teacher

Tonight as we sit down to enjoy our festive meal and bless each other with a sweet new year, it is hard not to think about the hostages and the tragedies we have been through since last October. It is easy to feel a sense of fear or trepidation, knowing that on Rosh Hashana, the day of judgment, Hashem is deciding the fate of the Jewish people for the upcoming year. 

Looking at the blessings we say over our special simanim/symbolic foods tonight, I am reminded of how involved Hashem is in our lives and how he is, please G-d, ushering us into a year of salvation. 

When eating the leek , כַּרְתֵּי, we say

“: יְהִי רָצוֹן מִלְּפָנֶיךָ ה' אֱלוֹקֵינוּ וֵאלוֹקֵי אֲבוֹתֵינוּ שֶׁיִּכָּרְתוּ אוֹיְבֵינוּ וְשׂוֹנְאֵינוּ וְכֹל מְבַקְשֵׁי רָעָתֵנוּ.”

“May it be your will, Hashem, our God and the God of your forefathers, that our enemies be destroyed.”

Over the last two weeks we have witnessed these words come to life. With Hashem’s help, Israel has eliminated multiple terrorists and conquered enemies in ways the world has never seen before. As we sit enjoying our apples and honey, Israeli troops are conquering our enemies and making military progress that can only be described as miraculous. 

While the pain of October 7th is still fresh in our hearts, let us channel our energy to pray for Hashem to be with us. To hear our cries and bring us salvation just as he did in Egypt. Knowing so clearly what is at stake, let us pray with more intention than ever before, that Hashem will destroy our enemies and bring us into a year of shalom/peace and simcha/joy! 

Gmar chatima tova!

Weekend Birthdays:

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

Upcoming Dates to Remember

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

October 3-4: Rosh Hashanah

October 7: Community October 7 Remembrance, 7 pm (flyer)

October 9: The Wellness Institute Parent Webinar: Emotion Regulation Skills, 8 pm (flyer)

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

October 11: Uniform Logo Deadline

October 13: SAT

October 13: Community Family Applepicking (new date)

October 14: Tzedakah Box Turn In

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

October 16-18: No School, Erev Sukkot

October 21: High School Sukkot Trip to Hershey Park

October 21: Jr. High Sukkot Scavenger Hunt Trip

October 22: Lower School Sukkot Trip to The Wilds

October 23: End of Upper School Q1

October 23: Hoshana Raba, Early Dismissal, 12 noon

October 24-25: No School, Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah

October 28: CTA and Gan Parshat Noach Family Fun, 1-2:30 pm

October 29: Learning Center Information Night, 7 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

Family Apple Picking: NEW DATE October 13 CTA is proud to be a partner with JewishColumbus, CJDS, Agudas Achim, Ahavas Sholom, Beth Jacob, Beth Shalom, Beth Tikvah, PJ Library, Temple Israel, Tifereth Israel, Torat Emet, and EVERYONE for apple picking this Sunday at Lynd's Fruit Farm from 1-4 pm. Wear your CTA pride and come with big CTA smiles. Wagon Rides, apple picking (at your own expense) and campfires with s'mores (FREE while supplies last). RSVP here

School Pictures: School picture proofs will be sent home in a few weeks, when ready. You do not need to pre-order pictures. Retakes are on November 6. www.ripchostudio.com

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!!

On October 7th at 7 PM, our community will join for a special memorial gathering for Israel at the JCC on College Avenue. Together we’ll experience a night of reflection, prayer, and music as we stand united in our support. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect and honor those we’ve lost, those still in captivity and the incredible resilience of the Israeli people. Childcare is limited, so be sure to register!

The program will include: 

• Reflections from family members of victims
• A candle-lighting ceremony
• Uplifting musical performances

Childcare is available for those who need it, but spots are limited, so please register in advance.

👉 Register here: https://jewishcolumbus.co/oct7

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.