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Impact TodayA REPORT TO THE COMMUNITYYour support of Jewish day school education today shapes our leaders of tomorrow. WINTER 2021INSIDEThe Final Commandment Completing A Sefer Torah for Torah AcademyMaking a Masterpiece Connecting Artistic Beauty With The Beauty of TorahA Visit To The Principal’s Office Meet General Studies Principal, Mr. Sam Tarlin It’s All About Character Labels Don’t Matter When It Comes To Our Children’s Needs

2Andre and Mordechai Danesh, surrounded by their family, write the final letter of the new Danesh Family Torah for Torah Academy. The Final CommandmentCompleting a Sefer Torah for Torah AcademyOn a crisp October day in Brookline, the final commandment of the Torah was fulfilled by hundreds of enthusiastic supporters and community members. For many, this was a mitzvah of a lifetime. The commandment to write a sefer torah is a significant undertaking. To celebrate the milestone of 40 years of excellence in education, Torah Academy, with the help of generous donors, embarked on just such an endeavor. After a year of anticipation and special educational programming, the day finally arrived. At the first event of the day, supporters, educators and community leaders gathered for a Torah Dedication celebration. Moments before ink and quill met parchment for the last time, internationally renowned scribe and educator, Rabbi Heshy Pinchus revealed to the crowd why this particular Torah was a unique merit for all who participated. Rabbi Pinchus explained the meaning behind the commandment: “V’ata kisvu lachem es hashira hazos – and now, write this song for yourselves...” But, don’t just write it! “v’lam’da es B’nei Yisrael – teach it to the Jewish children...” Don’t just teach it! “sima b’pihem – place it into their mouths,” Teach according to their level of understanding. And now, write this song for yourselves, and teach it to the Children of Israel, place it in their mouth” (Deuteronomy 31:19)Rosalyn & Richard SlifkaThe Milgram FamilyBeverly Bavly and Shirley Saundersםכל ובתכ͏ התעו תאזה הרישה תא ינב תא הדמלו םהיפב המיש לארשי

Andre Danesh and daughter, Sonya WilderMayer Krochmal“Everyone here and many others participated in writing this Torah for Torah Academy which will be used to teach the children. We know that at TA, each child is taught according to his or her own unique ability. So, you’ve fulfilled the mitzvah of not only writing a Torah, but also of teaching it to the children according to their needs!” With that, the final letter was written, and the Danesh Family Sefer Torah for Torah Academy was born. The Bostoner Rebbe remarked that the Danesh family was a fitting sponsor for this Torah “because [Andre and Mordechai Danesh] look to the glory and future of the Jewish people, and are proud to be Jews!”Executive Director, Rabbi Binyomin Mermelstein offered his heartfelt thanks to donors for “ensuring that over 260 TA students will have the education and inspiration needed to shine as the future leaders of the Jewish people.”Festivities continued in the afternoon with a community parade welcoming the Torah to its new home, and concluded with a celebratory dinner for TA parents. The day was a milestone that will be cherished for a lifetime.3Students, teachers and parents joyfully welcome the Torah.The Final CommandmentHarvey BekerSharon Shapiro

Making a Masterpiece Connecting Artistic Beauty With The Beauty of TorahInspired by the community’s new Torah, artists Tova Speter and Emily Bhargava are working with Torah Academy students to design and create a collaborative “stained glass” artwork that celebrates what Torah means to them. During the year the Torah was created, students created the artwork. It will soon be installed at the entrance of the girls’ campus to greet students with color and offer a daily connection to the community’s new Torah.We hope the art will inspire all who see it to consider what Torah means to them. The dedication of the completed artwork is scheduled for the coming month.1 The outer shape of the Torah is intentionally designed to reflect that the Torah is a framework of our experience in which all is contained. The crowns on the top connect to the crown of Hashem as well as the reference in the Talmud that when the Jews unconditionally agreed to accept the Torah, they received two crowns corresponding to their response of “Na’aseh V’Nishmah”2The central feature is a tree representing the Torah with the words “Eitz Chayim Hee” in Hebrew making up the roots. It is an olive tree to represent peace and connection to the land of Israel.3 A treasure chest placed in the center to represent the Torah as a precious treasure.Created with input from 5th-8th grade students, we are excited to share their design with you. Through a series of brainstorming sessions, the girls decided to include the following themes:1234564Middle school girls create their “stained glass” artwork.Emily Bhargava instructs the students.Continued on page 4

A Visit To The Principal’s Office Meet General Studies Principal, Mr. Sam TarlinDuring any other year, the whirring sound of power tools echoing from the TA basement usually means routine repairs. This year, it means a whole lot more. The power tools are operated by TA’s middle school boys, under the close supervision of Handyman Skills class teacher, Mr. Ben Bressel. The class is an elective, one of several formulated by TA’s new General Studies Principal, Mr. Sam Tarlin, as an innovative and holistic solution to student discipline issues.“I’m not a disciplinarian by nature,” Mr. Tarlin explains. “Most discipline issues have a cause. You’re looking at an outcome. If we want to see a change, we need to address the reasons behind why a student is acting out.” Mr. Tarlin brings extensive teaching experience and almost a decade in school leadership. Three months into the school year, students, teachers and parents are already benefiting from his experience. Among Mr. Tarlin’s many responsibilities as General Studies Principal is the perennial issue of student discipline. It’s in this area that Mr. Tarlin’s thoughtful, intuitive and innovative approach has made great strides. By adding richness to TA’s educational offerings, Mr. Tarlin seeks to boost student engagement thereby preventing misbehavior in class. He has introduced varied lesson plans, new middle school electives, and school-wide programs such as a Math Carnival. Mr. Tarlin also spends much time in the classrooms, supporting teachers and building rapport with students. Occasionally, when a student is sent to the principal’s office, Mr. Tarlin doesn’t “let him off easy.” Removed from a math class? No problem! Math class continues one-on-one with Mr. Tarlin. This positive approach to discipline lays the groundwork for long-term change. “When disciplinary action addresses the root cause, you build a student’s sense of responsibility and self-confidence,” says Mrs. Chana Wallach, Director of Student Support at TA’s Boys Division. “When we build up our students, it changes the environment of the school; making it stronger and safer.” TA is buzzing with excitement over Mr. Tarlin’s fun innovations. Students are buzzing for another reason: Mr. Tarlin’s upcoming Geography Bee! Good luck to all our Talmidim and remember, winning a Geography Bee starts with a good latitude!5Rabbi Ochs (L)and Mr. Tarlin (R) welcome a student to school.4The first, middle, and last letters of the Aleph Bet are hidden in the image with Alef in bottom right seaweed, Taf in bottom left and Mem on chest representing all the letters that make up the Torah and Emet (truth) as a foundation element of Torah.5The connection between Torah and water and the concept of “ain mayim ela Torah” is included along with fish swimming in the water representing a “school” of fish and the reference in the Talmud to Jews without Torah being like fish without water. 6Torah as light is also featured with the sun in the background representing Torah as a source of light with seven flames representing the seven days of the week.

(617) 731-3196 • info@torahacademy.us • www.torahacademy.us Non-Profit Org.U.S. PostageBP Print GroupPAID11 Williston RoadBrookline, MA 02445Address service requested It’s All About Character Labels Don’t Matter When It Comes To Our Children’s Needs Meet the Hedvat family: Ashky, a commercial lender, Tara, a developmental psychologist, and their four daughters; Chana, Ava, Bella and Sophia. The Hedvat family is an active member of the Jewish community in Newton and identify as “Modern Orthodox”. Last year, Ashky and Tara made the decision to enroll their eldest daughter Chana in the 4th grade at TA. This year, they enrolled their three other children. While many parents select a school based on their family’s denominational affiliation, the Hedvats choose TA based primarily on the educational values they hold most dear. “We believe strongly in the value of a single-gender education and of a school community devoted to a true Torah lifestyle.” Additionally, Chana’s parents were searching for a peer group that would treasure their daughter’s polished character. “We wanted Chana to be among girls who are compassionate and thoughtful role models.” Creating a school culture of refined character is a goal that TA educators work toward every day. One example of how this is achieved is through the innovative “iCARE” program. Now in its 3rd year, iCare (an acronym for Integrity, Community, Appreciation, Respect, Effort) keeps values at the forefront of students’ minds. Utilizing prominent signage, fun activities, and positive reinforcement, iCare shows students how to translate platitudes into action. The result is a learning environment where collaboration is prized over competition. The Hedvats also cite programming led by the school social worker and “shmirat halashon”, which emphasizes using words to empower rather than hurt, as examples of the TA community living the values they learn.The Hedvats’ determination to find a school that imbues children with a love of Torah led them to Torah Academy, a place they now call home.