Columbus Torah Academy is a proud beneficiary agency of JewishColumbus.

This institution is an Equal Opportunity Provider.

by Rabbi Yitzchak Barer, Upper School Judaic Studies

In this week’s parsha it says  צדק צדק תרדוף “Justice, Justice you shall pursue”. We also see this word תרדוף, to pursue and chase after, when the Torah teaches us about שלום, peace. So which is it that we are supposed to run after? Justice or peace? And why are these things to RUN after? Why can’t the Torah simply say “be people of justice” and “be peaceful people”?

Take a minute and think about what does drive you to run - both literally and figuratively. We run for what we actively want. Running is the opposite of a passive act, it’s something we do when we have the opportunity to get to something we value and appreciate tremendously. 

So yes, the Torah tells us to run after both justice and peace. The first step (no pun intended) for us is to take an honest look at ourselves and ask, "Are the activities and ideas that inspire me to run so important? Am I the kind of person who runs after peace and justice? What can I do in my life to make peace and justice values that become a more important part of my life?"

May we all be inspired to be the kind of people who run after peace and justice!

Have a great Shaboss!

Weekend Birthdays: 9/7 Rabbi Avrohom Drandoff, Shifra Fried, 9/8 Rena Steinberg, Dena Weiner

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

Upcoming Dates to Remember

September 9: GHSP Meet the Teacher

September 10: 12th Grade Field Trip

September 10: TWI parent webinar: Parenting Anxious Kids, 8 pm (flyer)

September 11: Lower School Meet the Teacher, 7-8:30 pm

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 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

*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

Lower School Meet the Teacher - This Wednesday: Students have begun the school year! Let's strengthen the partnership between home and school for student success! Lower School Meet the Teacher Night is Wednesday, September 11 at 7 pm. We can't wait to see you!

Any questions to info@torahacademy.org

School Pictures: Mark your calendars for 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. 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.

PTO DIRECTORY TO BE PUBLISHED: PTO Directories will be published by September 11. To get a Directory, you need to have a PTO Family or Lifetime Membership. The Directory is the GREATEST! It contains faculty lists and emails, class lists, family contact information, Shabbat candle times, babysitter lists and so much more. The best resource to plan a birthday party or bar/bat mitzvah. Go to www.torahacademy.org/pto to join PTO.

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

K-6 After School Programs: Check out all the offerings and sign up at www.torahacademy.org/afterschool

Programs must have a minimum number of participants. The programs above for the coming week are TENTATIVE pending enough students. Still need more sign ups for Chess on Thursday and Run Club has space available. 3D Printing has been cancelled.

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!!

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.