Rabbi B- The Blog of Rabbi Boiangiu

Link to Download all the Files for Midterm

2012-01-12T12:41:00.000-08:00

Here is the link to download all the files for the Midterm:

http://www.box.com/s/mtg6vqbo8cyxp517xjv1

Link to download audio files for test

2011-12-19T14:27:00.001-08:00

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B-iGIlaDDG2_N2E3NGE5MWEtZWI3MC00MWI2LWI0NTctNWE4ODU4MTczYjQ1

Link To Download Worksheets

2011-09-28T08:55:00.000-07:00

Click On The Link Below to Download all the Worksheets Pages 2-10:

Click HERE!!

Review Information for Test on Perek Alef on Wed, October 5th

2011-09-28T08:52:00.000-07:00

ReviewFor Test on ספרבמדבר פרק א'

Test is Wednesday, October 5^th 2011

Requirements for the Test: (YOU MUST REVIEW THE פסוקים INSIDE THE CHUMASH!!)

1. Review the content פרק א' of ספרבמדבר:

a. פסוקים א' –ד'

i. Students need to know how totranslate and explain these פסוקים in their own words

b. פסוקים ה' –ט"ז

i. List of the names of the נשיאיםand their שבטים.

c. פסוקים כ' –מ"ו

i. Count of how many people werein each שבט

ii. Total count of all בנ"י

d. פסוקיםמ"ז – נ"ד

i. The לויים weren’t counted

ii. The special tasks of the לויים

iii. Where they lived

2. Vocabulary From the פסוקים:

a. List of vocab words from פסוקים א' – ד'

b. List of vocab words from רש"י’s(see below)

c. List of all of theactivities/jobs that the לויים were in charge of

3. רש"י:

a. פסוק א'ד"ה 'במדבר סיני'

i. רש"י’s Question / רש"י’s Answer

ii. How does he prove his answer

iii. List of Vocabulary words from רש"י

b. פסוק מ"טד"ה 'אך את מטה לוי'

i. רש"י’sQuestion

ii. רש"י’s FirstAnswer / Second answer

iii. List of Vocabulary words fromרש"י

4. Class Notes and Worksheets (pages 2-10)

a. Introduction to ספר במדבר

b. All the details aboutcounting בנ"י

Students will be given a copy ofthe פסוקים and the required רש"י’s (both in Hebrew) on the test to use during the test on Tuesday.

Copies of all of the worksheets canbe found on my blog at rabbijb.blogspot.com or on the 360 Online Parent Portal.

We will review in Class on Tuesday,Oct. 4^th Any questions students still have

Homework Sheet Page 6

2011-09-19T06:43:00.000-07:00

For those who did not turn in your homework on Friday and need a new copy of the sheet, it can be found here:

Student Page 6

Keeping Count

2011-09-16T08:06:00.000-07:00

We have now finished about half of ספר במדבר פרק א. We Have:

Read, translated and explained פסוקים א-ד.
We have read translated and explained the first רשי as well. Please ask your child what Rashi's question and answer was, and how it relates to the image above!

We then finished all of the details of the process of how it was possible for Moshe, Aharon and the tweleve נשיאים to count all of Bnei Yisroel by themsleves.

We reviewed the laws of counting according to Jewish law, namely, that it is forbidden to count directly, and it is only permitted to count people indirectly.

Ask your child why it is forbidden to count people directly, and what lesson WE can all learn from this!

Homework for Tuesday, September 20th:
Please look inside at פסוקים ה-מו. Make a list of all of the twelve tribes on the sheet that I will give out in class, and write the final tally, of how many people were in each of the twelve tribes. Additionally, please write how many people TOTAL were counted.

The Handout may be downloaded here.

For those who need assistance, please feel free to use a Chumash with English at home, or use the translation found online from Chabad.org

http://www.chabad.org/library/bible_cdo/aid/9929

Welcome to the 7th Grade Chumash Class 2011-2012

2011-09-16T07:46:00.000-07:00

Dear 7th Grade Parents and Students,

Welcome to the 7th Grade Chumash Blog for Rabbi Boiangiu's Class. Below you will find the Class Rules, Procedures and Expectations.

Additionally, I will be updating the Blog regularly to give both Parents and Students an ability to have a summary of the day to day activities and progress of our classroom.

Contact Info:
Rabbi Jesse Boiangiu
email: rabbib@torahacademy.org
cell: 614-725-9165
(Please reach me on my Cell if you need to call. Please DO NOT Leave messages on my school voicemail)
I am in CTA everyday, from 7:30AM and leave at the end of the day at 4:00PM. If you would like to schedule an appointment to meet anytime, please feel free to contact me!

Classroom Basics:

We will meet every day in Room 211 during 7th Period. (Girlshave Art on Mondays, and Boys have Art on Thursdays.)
Class begins each day at 1:34PM and ends at 2:17 PM (or12:24-12:53 on short Fridays).
Students may refer to me as Rabbi Boiangiu or Rabbi B.

Classroom Goals:

We will be learning ספר במדבר, starting with פרקא'.
This year during Chumash we will focus on:

Reading פסוקים accurately and knowing their content
Properly identifying the שורש and translations of select words
Build up a knowledge base of the most common words in the תורה
Learning how to identify a word’s meaning based upon itscontext
Reading רש"י accurately and knowing its content
Identify the questions and answers of selected רש"י’s.
Discuss the מצות and מדות found in theChumash, by identifying the deeper meanings and life lessons which can be learnedfrom each unit.
Discussing the basic outline and themes found in the weeklyפרשת השבוע .

Classroom Rules:

Violation of the classroom rules will result in consequencesthat will be determined by the teacher based upon the specific violation andcircumstances. Students who disrupt the class will be given a warning, and willbe given a detention for a second offense.

There is a Zero Tolerance policyfor inappropriate speech or behavior in class. Chutzpah, embarrassing anothermember of the class or any other types of inappropriate behavior willautomatically result in being asked to leave the classroom and detention. Thisis your warning.

If you work as hard as you can, you will not only succeed,

but, you will enjoy the learning experience as well!

Every day, you are required to bring to:

A full Size (8 ½ x 11) Composition Notebook
A Soft Covered 3-Ring Binder For Handouts
Your Chumash
2 Pens Or Pencils (There is NO Pencil Sharpener in theclass)
Homework assignment pad

Homework, Quizesand Tests:

Students will be required to review the material from the previous day’sclass at the beginning of every class. This will sometimes be in the form of aquiz while at other times students will be called upon to review theinformation orally. Therefore,students must review their class work nightly. (See below for detailed description how this is done)
There will be at least twofull period tests (or projects) per quarter and weekly quizzes.
Binders and notebooks willbe periodically checked and graded. Therefore, you are responsible forkeeping your notebook and binder organized and up to date.
Class participation is anessential and mandatory part of your grade. Class participation is based uponthe students’ attitude and effort, not always on the correct answer.
Students must be followingalong with the class at all times and be prepared at any moment to continuereading where a student leaves off.
Three unexcused late’sto class will deduct one full point off of your quarterly average.
If you are absent, you arerequired to hand in all homework the very next day, and it is yourresponsibility to get notes any assignments that you missed while you wereout.

ApproximateGrading Breakdown Per Quarter:

Tests/Projects 30%

VocabularyQuizzes 15%

K’riyah/ReadingQuizzes 15%

ParshatHaShavuah Assignments 10%

ClassParticipation/Notebooks/Binder 20%

Homework 10%

Nightly Review of Classwork Checklist:

Practice reading each פסוק we learned inclass properly
Practice translating each פסוק as we did in class
Practice reading each רש"י properly, from the רש"י script
Practice translating each רש"י as we did in class
Review the content from your notes that were completed inclass
Review and memorize all vocabulary words that were taught
Finish any homework assignments that are due

7th Grade Chumash Test

2010-12-14T14:38:00.001-08:00

we will be having a test on Perek Chet (8), on Monday December 20th. It will cover worksheets pages 1-12.

7th Grade Chumash- Monday, Nov. 22nd

2010-11-22T10:14:00.000-08:00

Students Must Review Tonight What We Covered in Class:
Pesukim: Perek 8 Pesukim 1-4
Rashis: Rashi 'Behaalotecha #1' (pasuk 2)
Worksheets: Pages: 3-4
Homework: Due Tuesday, Nov. 23rd: Please complete Worksheet Page 5.

7th Grade Chumash Resources!!

2010-11-22T08:08:00.000-08:00

Dear Parents,

It was a real pleasure to meet with almost all of you last week at parent teachers conferences. After getting feedback from students and parents in the class, I would like to provide both students and parents with tools to review materials from class on a more regular basis, and allow parents to have a better sense of what is being taught in class, and what skills are being developed.

I have prepared the following explanation of how students need to review and be prepared for class:

How To Review Your Class Work On Daily Basis
1. Every day students are required to review all of the material that we learned during class at home. This should take about 15-30 minutes, everyday.

2. How to Review:
a. Every day IN CLASS you will write down in your Homework log:
• What פסוקים were learned in class today
• What רש"י’s or other commentaries were learned in class today
• What worksheets from our binder we filled out
• What is for homework, and when it is due.
b. Every day AT HOME, you will:
• Practice reading each פסוק properly
• Practice translating each פסוק as we did in class
• Practice reading each רש"י properly, from the רש"י script
• Practice translating each רש"י as we did in class
• Review the content from the worksheets that were completed in class
• Finish any homework assignments that are due
• Have your parents sign the Homework Log
c. Homework logs and signatures will be checked daily, and will be counted as part

of your grade!

Help Resources Available Online for Review:

I have setup a website that you can download tools to help review classwork from. To access the website please visit: http://tiny.cc/7thGradeChumash. There you will be able to:

Download copies of all the worksheets and handouts that are given out in class
Download copies of the Homework Log
Find a link to access the Entire Chumash, with Rashi's commentary, In ENGLISH for free
I have also uploaded an audio file of myself reading the Pesukim and Rashi's properly, so students can hear it and practice the correct pronunciation at home.

Please feel free to contact me at any time at RabbiB@torahacademy.org or on my cell at (614) 725-9165, please use my cell as opposed to leaving messages for me at school.

Rabbi Boiangiu

Judaic Studies Kitzur Quiz

2010-11-15T11:17:00.001-08:00

quiz Thursday Siman 12, Seifim 1-15.

Assignment for 11th Grade Judaic Studies

2010-11-05T10:03:00.000-07:00

The Deeper Connection Between שבת and Creation

Please answer the following questions in essay format. Your assignment should be typed, 1.5 spaced, 12 font Arial, one side of a page with 1 inch margins.

Papers are due Monday, November 15th, either in Hard Copy or emailed by the beginning of class to rabbib@torahacademy.org

1. What does it mean that G-d rested from creating the world? In your answer please make sure to bring a proof from a source from the Tanach that shows that this rest was not a physical rest.
2. How can we emulate G-d’s actions in this way?
3. How does our refraining from Melacha bring us to the idea that G-d created the world?
4. What order exists in the days of creation going from the first to the last. What would we have expected to happen on the 7th day?
5. According to the Medrash, what was created on the 7th day?
6. Why is שבת considered a day of ‘eternity’?

Article By R' Aryeh Kaplan

2010-11-04T12:05:00.000-07:00

Click below to access the article by Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan on the Connection between resting and remembering creation.

Click Here

11th Grade Judaic Studies

2010-11-03T11:27:00.001-07:00

there will be a quiz on Friday on all the terminology and concepts since our quiz on punishments. Good luck!

Food for thought

2010-11-02T19:13:00.001-07:00

"We should be careful with our words, the way we spend money"

Here are All the Files Complete for the Gemara Test on Thurdsday!

2010-11-02T17:29:00.000-07:00

Here are the files. Click on the link, the test will cover Sugya#2-Sugya #5. Each file is named accordingly:

Here is the link to the folder with the following files: HERE

Sugya #2.wma
Sugya #3.wma
Sugya #4.wma
Sugya #5.wma

Good luck!!

Kitzur Quiz Reminder

2010-11-02T13:55:00.000-07:00

Don't forget about our quiz tomorrow Siman Chet Seifim Alef - Vav

39 Melachot Project

2010-11-02T09:03:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to the directions for the 39 Melachot Project:

Click Here To download the file.

Don't forget, the project is being graded on Content and Creativity, so get your wheat grinding wheels churning, and make it exciting!!

And don't forget, that the Handout component and your presentation are due: Friday, November 5th!!

11th Grade Judaic Studies:

2010-11-02T09:01:00.001-07:00

Here is the Calendar for the weekly quiz in Kitzur Shulchan Aruch:

סעיפים	סימן	Set of Laws	Date Due
א – ד, ו – י"א	ו	קצת דיני ברכות ודיני ברוך הוא וברוך שמו	Wed. Oct. 20^th
א – ח	ז	הלכות ברכות השחר	Wed. Oct. 27^th
א – ו	ח	דברים האסורים משהאיר היום	Wed. Nov. 3^rd
א – ט"ו	י"ב	הכנת הגוף לתפילה	Wed. Nov. 10^th
א – ה	י"ג	דין קדושת בית הכנסת ובית המדרש	Thurs. Nov. 18^th
א – ח	י"ד	דין פסוקי דזמרה	Wed. Nov. 24^th

7th Grade Chumash

2010-11-02T08:56:00.001-07:00

7th Grade Chumash Class:

We are about to finish our very first Perek of the year, Sefer Bamidbar Perek Alef (1)!

This past week, we have been working on why the Tribe of Levi gets singled out at the conclusion of Perek 1. Moshe was commanded to count all of the Jewish people, and Levi are singled out to be counted separately. Why?? For this we headed to Rash"i.

Students were given the vocabulary words and challenged to work with their Chavruta, their learning partners, to try to understand and identify two different reasons that Rashi gives to answer this question!

Use the following pictures as a hint to Rashi's two Answers!

Boys & Girls Gemara Classes

2010-11-02T08:37:00.001-07:00

Hi everyone,

I have created a new folder to download all of our Audio files. Click on the following

http://www.box.net/shared/n5kqubfugn

This link will bring you to a website called www.box.net. There, you can download the following Audio Files:

Mishna Case #1.wma
Mishna Case #2.wma
Mishna Case #3.wma
Sugya #2.wma

A little Taste of our Family Trip To Israel this Past Summer!!

2010-11-02T08:23:00.001-07:00

Welcome Back Everyone!

2010-11-02T08:15:00.000-07:00

The Year Has gotten off to a GREAT Start!! Here you will find info about all of My Classes for Columbus Torah Academy, plus some other extras!

1) Boys Talmud I
2) Girls Talmud I
3) 7th Grade Chumash
4) 11th Grade Judaic Studies: Hilchot Shabbat

Link to Pesach Worksheets

2010-04-28T10:14:00.000-07:00

Click Here To Download

Happy Purim to Everyone!!

2010-02-27T20:12:00.001-08:00

7th Grade Chumash Parsha Assignment

2009-10-11T20:20:00.000-07:00

We will begin our Weekly Parsha Assignment starting on Monday, October 12th. Every week the students will have an assignment based upon that upcoming weeks Parashat Hashavuah. The Assignment will be a written assignment which will require them to look inside the Pesukim and in some commentary from Rashi, and answer questions. The Assignment will be distributed at the beginning of every week and will be due that Friday to be graded.

You can find an English translation of the Pesukim AND of all of Rashi's commentaries at the following website: http://www.chabad.org/library/bible_cdo/aid/63255/jewish/The-Bible-with-Rashi.htm

Here is a copy of this week's assignment, due Friday, October 16th.

ספר בראשית פרק א'

1. What did ה' create on the first day?
2. What did ה' create on the second day?
3. What did ה' create on the third day?
4. What did ה' create on the Fourth day?
5. What did ה' create on the Fifth day?
6. What did ה' create on the Sixth day?
7. What did ה' do on the Seventh day?
8. According to רש"י, found in פסוק א', what should the תורה have started with?
9. According to רש"י, found in פסוק א', why did the תורה start with the story of creation?
10. According to רש"י, found in פסוק ד', what did ה' do with the light that he created at the beginning? Why?
11. According to רש"י, found in פסוק ט"ז, what did ה' do to the moon? Why?

ספר בראשית פרק ב'
1. According to רש"י, found in פסוק ז', why does the word וייצר have two “Yuds?”
2. According to רש"י, found in פסוק ז', what makes a person a נפש חיה?

ספר בראשית פרק ג'
1. What did ה' tell Adam and Chava they were not allowed to do?
2. What did Chava tell the snake they were not allowed to do?
3. What was Chava’s punishment? What was Adam’s?

-Rabbi B.

11th Grade Judaic Studies: Hilchot Shabbat

2009-09-21T12:32:00.000-07:00

Dear Parents,

Last week we concluded (and took a test) on the introduction to our course which discussed the concept of Shabbat and the purpose of such a day. We looked at the uniquness of Shabbat from different angles and showed its importance within the realm of Judaism.

This week, we begin our learning about what is prohibited on Shabbat and what is not?
-Can I strike a match?
-Lift a couch up 5 flights of steps?
-How about cross a large street with nothing but a paperclip in my pocket?

Are any of these more severe than the other? Stay tuned as we uncover the true definition of "Melacha."

-Rabbi B.

Welcome To Our 7th Grade Chumash Class!!

2009-09-21T12:23:00.000-07:00

Dear Parents,

The Year has gotten off to a great start so far in our 7th Grade Chumash Class. We will be studying Chumash Bamidbar, the 4th of the 5 Chumashim, and will be beginning in the first Perek (chapter) and then skipping around a little.

So far, we have completed an introduction to Sefer Bamidbar which has included:
1. Background information about the Sefer
2. The Main Theme of Sefer Bamidbar
3. The different names of the Sefer
4. When Does The Sefer Begin

Additionally, we have completed Pesukim 1-4 of Perek Alef, and learned the translation and shoresh (root) of all of the difficult words. These Pesukim deal with Hashem's commandment to count the Jewish people.

On Monday and Tuesday September 21st-22nd, we will be discussing a Medrash which brings an analogy about a King and his two wives to answer the question: Why does the Torah need to provide so much detail about exactly where and when Hashem commands Moshe to count the Jewish People.

Homework For Wed. Sept. 23rd:
Explain the "Nimshal" of the Story:
1. Who do each of the characters represent
2. Explain the Lesson that the Mashal is teaching us.

Wishing everyone a Shana Tova!
-Rabbi B.

Parshat Tetzaveh

2009-02-26T12:48:00.001-08:00

Parashat Terumah

2009-02-26T07:34:00.001-08:00

7th Grade Chumash Update

2009-02-16T11:55:00.000-08:00

We have been working on Perek 9 in Sefer Bamidbar. We read how the Torah describes that Bney Yisroel in the second year since Yetziat Mitzrayim kept Pesach.

The Torah then tells about how there were a group of people who approached Moshe because they were 'Tamei' which indicates a level of Spiritual Impurity, therefore disqualifying them from partaking in the Pesach offering.

We discussed the concepts of Tumah and Tahara, and we leave off discussing whether the class thought that these people were good/bad/ordinary people for their question.

Summary of Mishpatim

2009-02-16T11:44:00.000-08:00

7th Grade Chumash Parshat Mishpatim

2009-02-16T11:41:00.000-08:00

פרשת משפטים

פסוקים א-ו'
1. כמה שנים יעבוד עבד עברי ובאיזה שנה הוא יוצא לחירות?
2. מה הוא הדין אם היתה לעבד העברי אשה ישראלית?
3. מה יעשה האדון אם העבד לא ירצה לצאת לחירות?
4. עד כמה שנים יעבוד העבד אם לא ירצה לצאת לחירות?
פסוקים י"ב-י"ז
1. מהו העונש (punishment) של הרוצח?
2. מהו הדין אם הוא הרג חבירו בשוגג (he killed unintentionally)?
3. מה עונשו של איש המכה את אביו או את אמו?
4. "וגונב איש" באיזה מקרה חייב מיתה האיש הזה?
פסוקים כ"ח-ל'
1. מה הדין אם שור נגח איש והאיש מת?
2. מהו הדין של בעל השור הזה?
3. מהו הדין אם השור נגחכבר שלוש פעמים ועכשו נגח איש והאיש מת?
4. עכשו מהו הדין של בעל השור?

Parashat Yitro

2009-02-10T18:23:00.000-08:00

פרשת יתרו
פרק י"ח
1. למה בא יתרו למדבר?
2. למה משה קרא לשני בניו:
a. גרשום ____________________
b. אליעזר
3. למה משה יצא לפגוש (to meet) את יתרו?
4. כמה זמן עמד העם על משה לשפוט אותם (to judge them) ?
5. מדוע זה לא מצא חן בעיני יתרו?
6. מה יעץ (advised) יתרו למשה לעשות? איך זה יקל על משה?
7. מה עדין יביאו אל משה?
8. מהו המידות טובות של השופטים?
רש"י פרק י"ח פסוק י"ב
1. "ויבא אהרון"
a. מה קשה לרש"י? מה עונה רש"י?
b. למה משה עשה את זה?
רש"י פרק י"ט פסוק ב'
1. "ויחן שם ישראל נגד ההר"
a. מהו הבעיה עם הפסוק לפי רש"י?
b. איך היו בנ"י לפני ה' בהר סיני? מאיזה מלה לומדים את זה?
c. What caused בנ"י to be able to attain such a level?

8th Grade Gmara Class

2009-01-08T09:36:00.000-08:00

We have been speaking about the Development of Halacha Today. We have begun learning One New Practical Halacha every day in Class. Additionally, we have started speaking about how the Torah She'B'Al Peh Transferred down from generation to generation, which led the way to the composition of the Halacha Seforim we have today.

We spent time in the Library looking inside the Books of the Rif, Rosh and Rambam.

7th Grade Chumash Class

2009-01-07T18:46:00.000-08:00

Welcome Back Everybody once again! We have had a very exciting week back this week! We began the week with a special treat: After the 7th graders had spent so much time working and constructing their Mishkan for the Mitzvah Fair way back when, they were able to see with their own eyes what the ACTUAL construction of the Mishkan Looked like!

Artscroll recently came out with a new program called "The Mishkan" which has 3-D Models of how the Mishkan was created as well as the opportunity to do a 3-D walkthrough of the Mishkan itself! For a preview of the program, you can go to www.artscroll.com.

Questions For Vayechi

2009-01-07T18:43:00.002-08:00

Review of Vayechi

2009-01-07T18:43:00.001-08:00

• After 17 years in Mitzrayim, Yaakov sensed his days drawing to a close and summoned Yosef. Yosef was summoned in an emergency by his son Efrayim and rushed over with Menashe straight from the palace. This is possibly the only time that Yaakov saw his grandchildren in their Egyptian royal clothes.
• Yaakov sat up when Yosef came in out of respect for royalty (even though Yosef was his son). Yaakov asked Yosef to swear that he will not allow him to be buried in Mitzrayim (but rather in the Me’aras haMachpela cave. There were three reasons for this: Yaakov did not wand to become an Avodah Zara like the other mummies in the pyramids, Yaakov did not want his body to be infested with lice during the Makka of Kinnim. Yaakov wanted to avoid tunnel traffic. At the time of Techiyas Hameisim all dead people will roll in tunnels to Eretz Yisroel.)
• Yaakov then bowed toward the head of his bed. This was a way of thanking Yosef because he was the only one capable of the favor that he needed. This was the fulfillment of Yosef’s dream and we learn from here that even someone “lower” than us can sometimes be more important in certain ways.
• Yosef stood his two sons, Ephraim and Menashe before Yaakov. The rule is that the first born always gets a portion equal to twice the portion of the other sons. Yaakov elevated Ephraim and Menashe to the status of his own sons, thus giving Yosef a double portion of shvatim and taking away the status of Bechor from Reuven.
• Since Yaakov was very old, Yosef led his sons close to their grandfather. Yaakov kissed and hugged them. He told Yosef that he had not thought that he would ever see his son Yosef again, let alone Yosef's children. Yaakov began to give them a bracha, but put his strong hand on Ephraim, the younger son. Yosef interrupted him and tied to switch Yaakov’s hands hinting that Menashe was the elder son. Yaakov explained that he intended to bless Ephraim with his strong hand because Yehoshua will descend from him, and Yehoshua will be both the conqueror of Eretz Yisrael and the teacher of Torah to the Jewish People.
• Yaakov summoned the rest of his sons in order to bless them as well. Usually we think of a Bracha as “good wishes” but Yaakov's brachos reflected the unique character and ability of each tribe, directing each one in its unique mission in serving Hashem. Sometimes Yaakov’s bracha sounded more like a criticism, but that was also a bracha because he was showing them how they could become even bigger tzadikim.
• Yaakov was niftar at the age of 147. A tremendous procession, a Levaya, accompanied his funeral up from Mitzrayim to his resting place in Me’aras Hamachpeila in Chevron. At the funeral there was a big fight between Eisav and the Bnai Yisrael. There was only one spot left and Eisav (getting old) seemed to have forgotten selling the spot to Yaakov. During the argument Chushim Ben Dan, who was hard of hearing, asked what was holding up the funeral. When he was told that Eisav was causing trouble, he drew his sword and removed Eisav’s head, which rolled into the cave. We see from here that Eisav’s head was actually good - he just didn’t use it very often.
• After Yaakov was niftar, the brothers were concerned that Yosef would take revenge on them. Yosef reassured them, even promising to support them and their families. He never did actually tell them that they were forgiven and the grandchildren of the shvatim have suffered because of it.
• Yosef lived out the rest of his years in Mitzrayim, and even saw Efraim's great-grandchildren. Before he was niftar, Yosef told to his brothers that Hashem would redeem them from Egypt. He made them swear to bring his bones out of Mitzrayim with them at that time. Yosef passed away at the age of 110 and was mummified.

2008-11-25T14:49:00.000-08:00

Toldot

2008-11-25T14:46:00.000-08:00

· After being married for 20 years Yitzchak (now 60 years old) and Rivka (now 23 years old), davened to Hashem for a child. They each davened separately, and soon Yitzchak's Tefilos were answered and Rivka was expecting a child. During the nine months before the birth some very strange things began happening: There was an unusual amount of jumping and running inside of Rivka and she did not know what was going on. Also, every time she would walk by a shul or a holy place the baby would begin jumping trying to go in, but then when she would walk by a place of Avodah Zara he would do the same thing.

· Rivka decide to go and ask Hashem what was going on and she went to the Navi Shem ben Noach and Hashem revealed to Rivka (through the navi) that there were actually two children inside of her and that the jumping and fighting that she was feeling was really just a sample of the long and tough disagreement that will exist between the two great nations that will descend from these twins: the Romans and Bnai Yisrael. They were fighting over who would get a portion of the two worlds: Olam Hazeh, and Olam Habah

· Esav was born, and then Yaakov, holding onto Esav's heel. The name Esav comes from the word “Asui” fully created - because he had as much hair as a grown man. Yaakov comes from the word “Eikev” heel - because he was holding on to Esav’s heel, trying to prevent him from being born first.

· For the first thirteen years of their lives Yaakov and Eisav were not very different. People were not sure which was a tzadik and which was a rasha. After Bar Mitzva they began to change. Esav began spending most of his time hunting (for both animals and people!), while Yaakov sat in the tents of Torah becoming a tzadik.

· On the day of their grandfather Avraham's funeral, Yaakov was cooking lentils, (which is the minhag for an “אבל”). Esav rushed in, ravenous from a hard day of hunting and killing. He bellowed to Yaakov “Please pour some of that really red stuff into my mouth”. Yaakov realized that this was a good time to prove that Eisav was not interested in anything holy and did not deserve to represent hashem in this world. He told Eisav I will only give you cholent if you give me your בכורה Eisav asked “what is this Bechorah all about anyway?”. Yaakov replied “ It means that you can bring korbanos to Hashem in the Beis Hamikdosh, BUT you need to deserve this privelege. If you go to the Beis Hamikdosh while you are drunk or Tamei - you will die.” Predictably, Eisav was not interested in working hard for anything holy and he said “I am going to die; why do I need the Bechorah”. Right then and there he sold his rights to Yaakov.Eisav ingested the lentil soup (without a Bracha), drank a little bit (but didn’t bench), got up (without a kipa), and left (without even kissing the mezuza). Eisav proved that he did not care about or deserve the Bechora.

· Once again there was a famine in Canaan. Yitzchak prepared to escape to Mitzrayim just as his parents had done. Hashem appeared to Yitzchak and told him that since he was prepared and sanctified as a sacrifice, he was holy and must remain in the “Holy Land” for his entire life.

· Yitzchak moved to Gerar in the land of the Plishtim, where, to protect Rivka, he has to say she is his sister. The plishtim became jealous of Yitzchak when he earned massive amounts of money, and Avimelech the king asked him to leave, for his own safety.

· Yitzchak re-dug three wells that were dug by his Avraham. He called them by the same names that Avraham had called them.

· Avimelech saw that Yitzchak was blessed by Hashem and he made a treaty with him and his children and his children’s children. On that day the servants of Yitzchak found a well and Yitzchak named it באר שבע after the שבועה that he and Avimelech had made.

· When Yitzchak turned 123 he realized that he was within five years of the age his mother had been when she was nifteres. He summoned Esav to give him his Brachos, but told him to first find him some food for the Pesach seder that night.

· Rivka, who knew from the Navi that the brachos must go to Yaakov, arranged for Yaakov to impersonate Esav and receive the brachos.

· When Esav returned he got very upset and in his frustration revealed to his father that Yaakov had actually bought the Bechora. Yitzchak realized that the Bechora has been correctly given to Yaakov and confirmed the brachos he had given Yaakov.He gave a different much smaller bracha to Eisav.

· Esav said he would kill Yaakov as soon as Yitzchak was niftar, so Rivka sent Yaakov to her brother Lavan. Yitchak told him to find a suitable wife while he was there.

For 7th Grade Chumash

2008-11-17T17:05:00.002-08:00

Due: Thurs, Nov. 20th.:

We learned and translated Pesukim 2 & 3 in Perek 8, the beginning of Parashat Behaalotcha.

Please write out the difference between what Pasuk 2 teaches us and what Pasuk 3 teaches us.

Questions for Chayey Sara

2008-11-17T17:05:00.001-08:00

review of chayey sarah

2008-11-17T17:02:00.000-08:00

· Sarah Imeinu passed away at the age 127, after hearing that Avraham was going to shecht Yitzchak. All of her years were equally good.
· Avraham returned to where he and Sara had been living. After mourning and eulogizing her, Avraham wanted to bury her in Me’aras HaMachpela – “The Double Cave”. (When Avraham was serving the Malachim who came to visit him, one of the calves ran away, he chased after it and found it in near Mearas Hamachpela. When he arrived he could actually see Adam and Chava there and immediately decided that that was where he would bury Sara).
· Avraham asked the people of the city to introduce him to the owner of the property, Efron. As it “happened”, Efron had just become the leader of the city. Efron made a very loud announcement that he would give Avraham the field at no charge. When Avraham insisted on paying, Efron realized that he could get rich and charged a ridiculous amount of money. Avraham paid Efron the full amount and from then on no one could ever claim that Me’aras Hamachpeila does not belong to the family of Avraham.
· Yitzchak was already 40 years old and had almost been killed. Avraham realized that it was time to make sure that Yitzchak had children while he was still alive. He sent his faithful servant Eliezer to find a suitable wife for his son. Before he left he made him swear to choose a wife only from among Avraham's family. This was particularly important because Eliezer wanted Yitzchak to marry his own daughter.
· Eliezer traveled with many camels loaded with silks and precious jewels. He also had a document stating that all of Avraham’s fortune would be given as a gift to Avraham. Eliezer arrived at the well in Aram Naharaim and davened for Hashem to give him a sign: If he would ask a girl for water and she would offer water to both him and his camels he would know that she belonged in the house of Avraham, which was full of Chesed. A miracle happened and Rivka appeared at the well to draw water. When she came close to the well the waters rose up to so that Rivka would not have to bend down to far. Eliezer realized that there was something special about Rivka and he asked her for water. Not only did she give him water, but she drew water for all 10 of his thirsty camels (about 140 gallons!). Eliezer knew that she was the right wife for Yitzchak and a suitable Mother for the Jewish People.
· Eliezer was so sure that he had found the right person that he gave her jewelry and gifts (two bracelets and a “nose-ring”) right away without even asking if she was from Avraham’s family.
· Eliezer asked, “Who is your father, and does your family have room for us to stay?” Rivka answered the questions in the order that they were asked: “I am a daughter of Besuel who is the son of Milkah who was born to Nachor (Avraham’s brother), and yes we have lots of hay and a place for you to sleep”. Eliezer bowed in thanks to Hashem.
· They arrived at Besuel’s house and Eliezer introduced himself and told the story of how he found Rivka. He did switch around one detail and said that he asked Rivka to identify herself before he gave her the Jewelry. Otherwise, her family would not have believed the story
· Besuel’s and his rude son Lavan agreed to allow Rivka to marry. Eliezer gave Rivka an engagement present of silver, gold and clothes. He also threw a party with fruits from Eretz Yisrael.
· The next day Rivka’s mother and brother tried to get Rivka to stay a little bit longer. They asked Rivka what she wanted to do and she said, “I will go”. Rivka’s family gave her a bracha that she would become a great nation. Even today this Bracha is given to every Kallah by her family.
· On the way home Eliezer and Rivka bumped into Yitzchak as he was davening mincha in Be’er Lachai Ro’i . They were not ready to meet each other yet so Rivka toppled herself off the camel.
· Yitzchak brought Rivka to his mother Sarah's tent and married her. This was a comfort for the loss of Sara.
· Avraham also got married to Ketura who was really Hagar. They had six children. Avraham gave them gifts, and sent them to the East.
· Avraham was niftar at the age of 175 and is buried next to Sarah in the Me’aras HaMachpela.

Review of Vayera

2008-11-07T03:51:00.001-08:00

· Three days after performing a bris mila on himself, Avraham was sitting outside of his tent hoping for guests. He was visited by Hashem who came to visit him because he was sick and also to tell him about Sodom. While he was speaking with Hashem three malachim appeared in human form (One looked like a desert nomad, the other like a grain merchant and the third like a sailor). Avraham stopped talking to Hashem and rushed to be מכניס אורחים by bringing them into his tent. All this even though it was the third day is the most painful time after the operation.
· One of the Malachim said that Sara would have a child within the next year and Sara laughed. Hashem told Avraham that it was wrong of Sara to laugh - Hashem can do anything.
· Hashem revealed to Avraham that He was going to destroy Sodom and Avraham pleaded for Sodom to be spared. Even though Avraham was trying to teach the whole world about Hashem and the people of Sodom were his worst enemies, he still stuck up for them.
· Hashem "agreed" that if there are fifty Tzadikim in Sodom He will not destroy it, but not even ten could be found. Avraham tried to "bargain" with Hashem but he only succeeded in sparing Lot and his family.
· Avraham went to Lot with two Malachim and they were invited to Lot's house. This was illegal, and soon there was an angry mob at the door. Nobody stuck up for the guests and Lot. The Malachim struck everyone with blindness and confusion and escaped with Lot, his wife and two daughters just before sulfur and fire began to rain down on Sodom and the neighboring cities. Lot's son in laws could have come too, but they just laughed. The malachim warned everyone not to look back, but Lot's wife looked back and was turned into a pillar of salt. Even today the Sodom area is very salty, and the Yam Hamelach is the saltiest sea in the world. Some people say that they know where the pillar of salt is, and there is a special Bracha to say when you see it.
· Lot did not want to live with Avraham so he escaped to a tiny cave near Sodom. Lot's daughters were afraid that now that everything was destroyed they would not have anyone to marry. They decided to get their father drunk and marry him. The older daughter, had a son Moav, and the younger one had a son, Ammon.
· Avraham moved to Gerar where Avimelech kidnapped Sara, thinking that she was Avraham's sister. Everyone in his palace was afflicted with a strange illness. Hashem came to Avimelech in a dream, and told him that Sarah was married to Avraham. Avimelech released Sara and begged Avraham for forgiveness. Avraham forgave Avimelech and davened for him to be healed. Avimelech gave Avraham many gifts.
· As promised, a son, Yitzchak, was born to Sara and Avraham. On the eighth day after the birth, Avraham gave him a bris as Hashem had commanded him. Avraham made a big feast the day Yitzchak turned three.
· In the meantime Yishmael was doing all sorts of violent and despicable Aveiros. Whenever Sara complained he said, "It was just a game". Sara told Avraham to send away Hagar and her son Yishmael because she saw that he was a bad influence for Yitzchak. Avraham was upset about this, but Hashem told him to listen to whatever Sara tells him to do.
· In the desert, Yishmael nearly died of thirst and fever, but was rescued by a Malach. Hashem promised that he would be the father of a mighty nation.
· Avimelech entered into a partnership with Avraham when he saw that Hashem was always with him.
· In the tenth and final test Hashem instructed Avraham to take Yitzchak, who was 37, and to bring him as a Korban. Avraham did this, even though it meant that he would have no Jewish nation. At the last second, Hashem sent a malach to stop Avraham. Because of Avraham's unquestioning obedience, Hashem promised him that even if the Jewish People do Aveiros, they would never be completely destroyed by their enemies.

Questions For Vayera

2008-11-07T03:49:00.000-08:00

Review of Lech Lecha

2008-11-05T09:55:00.001-08:00

Summary of פרשת לך לך

· At the end of last week’s Parsha we learnt that even after the Mabul (when we would have thought that people learnt their lesson), people continued to rebel against Hashem. By the time Avram Avinu was born in the year 1948, ten generations had passed since the Noach. The people were bowing to the sun and the stars and all sorts of idols and icons. By observing the world and examining the worthlessness of the idols, Avram came to believe in and recognize Hashem. In this Zechus, Hashem appeared to him.
· Hashem told Avram to leave his land, his birthplace and his father's house and travel to the land that Hashem will show him. Hashem promised to make him a great nation and gave him a special bracha: “I will bless those who bless you, and if someone curses you I will curse them”.
· If someone is very happy and has a lot of food and a good life, and he wants to give someone blessing He will bless him to be at least as happy and healthy as he is. That is why HaShem made sure to bless people before they blessed Avraham, so that they would give a really good blessing. On the other hand, when a poor man curses he will hope that the person he hates will be even poorer than him. That is why HaShem did not make people cursed until after they cursed Avraham!!
· Avram and his wife Sarai and their servants, left Charan. They were joined by their followers along with his nephew (her cousin) Lot. When they reach the land of Canaan, G-d appeared to Avram and told him that this is the land that He will give to his descendants.
· Before long, there was a famine and Avram was forced to relocate to Mitzrayim to find food. This was one of the ten tests that Hashem gave to Avram.
· Avram was scared. The Egyptian’s were very careful not to marry someone who was already married but they didn’t mind killing people. Realizing that the Egyptian’s would try to kill him and kidnap Sarai, Avram asked Sarai to say that she was his sister. This was partly true because their Sarai’s father was Avram’s brother. Sure enough, Sarai was taken to Pharaoh, but Hashem afflicted Paraoh and his people with severe and unusual illness. Sarai was released unharmed. Avram returned to Eretz Yisrael (Canaan) with much wealth given to him by the Egyptians.
· Avram’ nephew Lot knew that Hashem would one day give Eretz Yisroel to the family of Avram. Since he was the only family Avram had he assumed that the land would be his and he acted like he owned it already. Avram was very careful not to let his sheep graze in private property but Lot thought he owned the place and let his sheep graze wherever they desired. During an argument over grazing rights between their shepherds, Avram decided to part ways with his nephew Lot. Avram said, “It is a Chilul Hashem for me to remain with you, but I will always be nearby in case you need help”.
· Lot chose to live in the rich but corrupt city of Sodom in the fertile plain of the Jordan. A war broke out between the kings of the region and Sodom was defeated. Lot was taken captive. Together with a handful of his students (some say that it was just אליעזר), Avram rescued Lot, miraculously overpowering vastly superior forces with dirt that became arrows when thrown. Avram refused to accept any of the spoils of the battle, not even a string or a shoelace.
· Hashem revealed to Avram that his descendants would be exiled to a strange land where they will be oppressed for 400 years, after which they will leave with great wealth and return to Eretz Yisrael, their inheritance.
· Sarai was an עקרה and gave Hagar, her Egyptian שפחה, to Avram in the hope that she will provide them with a child. Hagar became arrogant when she discovered that she was expecting a child. Sarai dealt harshly with her, and Hagar ran away. On the instruction of a מלאך, Hagar returned to Avram, and gave birth to Yishmael.
· The parsha concludes with Hashem commanding Avram to give a Bris to himself and to his descendants throughout the generations. Hashem changed Avram's name to Avraham, and Sarai's name to Sarah. Hashem promised Avraham a son, Yitzchak, despite Avraham being ninety-nine years old and Sarah ninety. On that day, Avraham circumcised himself, Yishmael and his whole household.

2008-11-04T18:31:00.000-08:00

7th & 8th Grade RE-Test Info

2008-10-27T09:32:00.001-07:00

For all of those in 7th or 8th who recieved less than a 70 on their Chumash Or Gmara tests, a Re-test will be available on THURSDAY, Oct. 30th During Lunch. Please see Rabbi B for more info!!

8th Grade Gmara

2008-10-27T09:26:00.000-07:00

We reviewed today about how to calculate "Shaot Zmaniot."
-You begin by calculating the number of minutes from Netz Hachama (Sunrise) to Shkiah (Sunset). This will give you the total number of minutes of "Daylight" for that day.
-Then, to find how long ONE hour is divide that number of minutes by 12. Simple as that.

Some days have more light than dark, the length of an hour could be MORE than 60.
Some days have more darkness than light, the length of an hour could be LESS than 60.

For HW, studens are to find the length of ONE HOUR and calculate the start and end times of all 12 hours of the day for the following cases:

Netz Hachama: 7:02 AM 5:37 AM
Shkiah: 6:49 PM 7:12 PP

Reading Requirements For 7th Grade Chumash

2008-10-27T07:12:00.000-07:00

Dear Class, as mentioned, we will be continuing in Sefer Bamidbar, with Parashat Behaalotcha, beginning with Chapter 8. (We will be skipping 3-7).

The Following is our schedule for the week of Pesukim which we will cover in Class. Please READ the pesukim, (and Rashi's if indicated) BEFORE class, as students will be called upon to read at the beginning of class.

Wed. Oct 29th: Perek 8, Pesukim 1-4
Thurs. Oct 30th: Perek 8, Pesukim 5-8
Fri. Oct. 31st: We will be having our Quiz on Parashat Noach
Mon/Tues Nov. 3rd-4th: Perek 8, Pesukim 9-14

7th Grade Bereishit Review

2008-10-26T21:31:00.000-07:00

On Monday and Tuesday, the boys (mon) and girls (tues) will be reviewing Parshat Bereishit. This will be a slight change in schedule, because we will normally be doing Parsha on Fridays.

In addition, they will be recieving material to study for the quiz on Noach, which will take place on Friday.

How To Get the Chumash with Rashi In English Online

2008-10-24T07:31:00.000-07:00

1. Go to http://www.mnemotrix.com/texis/vtx/chverse

2. This will allow you to Search through the Five Books of the Torah (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy).

3. Choose The Chapter and Verse you are looking for. (For example, Genesis, Chapter 1, Verse 1.)

4. The Page with the English translation of the Verses will appear.

5. At the top, you will find a link on the words "Chapter 01."

6. To get the English translation for the Rashi's on this chapter click on the link!!

GOOD LUCK!!!

Parasha Questions For Parashat Bereishit

2008-10-23T19:15:00.000-07:00

Please answer the following questions and return the completed worksheet by Monday, Oct. 27h. (Even the girls who have gym during our class must return it to me by Monday.)

Please NOTE: Answers to these questions can be found in either the Pesukim themselves, or the רש"י on those pesukim.

Questions
1. Why does the Torah start with the account of Creation? (1:1)
2. What happened to the light that was created on the first day? (1:4)
3. In whose likeness was man fashioned? (1:26)
4. What kind of food did Adam eat? (1:30)
5. Why is "the sixth day" written with the definite article? (1:31)
6. At the end of the sixth day what was the world still lacking? (2:2)
7. How is man superior to the animals? (2:7)
8. Why did Hevel choose to be a shepherd? (4:2)
9. What did Tuval-Cain invent? (4:22)
10. What was the sign that Shem was born with great propensity for righteousness? (5:32)

7th Grade Chumash Class

2008-10-23T19:05:00.000-07:00

Welcome Back!!! I hope you had a wonderful, meaningful and relaxing Yom Tov!! I just wanted to let you know about a few exciting new things that will be going on in our 7th Grade Chumash Class!!

1. We will begin working on our project for the Mitzvah Fair, which will be taking place on November 12th. Our class will be putting on a presentation of how Bnei Yisroel traveled in the Desert.

2. In order to continue working on our reading skills students will be responsible for reading the Pesukim and Rashi’s that we will be doing in class, BEFORE you come to class. Students will called upon randomly at the beginning of class to demonstrate their ability to read.

3. With the completion of the reading of the Torah on Simchat Torah this past week, we begin reading the Torah again from Bereishit. To enhance our understanding of what goes on in the weekly Parsha, students will be given a quiz every Friday on that week’s Parsha.

4. As always, in an effort to allow every student to continue to learn and excel in class, I would like to remind you about the school’s zero tolerance policy for disruptive behavior. If a student disrupts the class in any way, they, and any other students involved, will be sent to Mr. Hinder’s office and will receive a minimum of detention.

5. Finally, the blog for this class can be found online at:
http://Rabbijb.blogspot.com
-Here you will be able to find an updated list of required readings,
HW assignments, as well as questions for that week’s Quiz on the Parsha.

HS NCSY Teen Weekend Comming To Columbus After Sukkos!!

2008-10-06T18:41:00.000-07:00

Week Of October 6th- Aseret Yimey Teshuva and Countdown to Yom Kippur

2008-10-06T18:07:00.001-07:00

With the last few days of Aseret Yimey Teshuva Remaining, we have been trying to use every moment we have left to prepare ourselves for the awesome day of Yom Kippur which has been rapidly approaching.

7th Grade Chumash Class:
On Monday and Tuesday, the students (boys on Mon. and girls on Tues.) will be taking part in an exercise encouraging the students to think about their Midot. The students were asked to dray a caricature of themselves while emphasizing in the picture two of the traits that they are most proud of.

For example, I drew a picture of myself with a LONG arm on one side and a HUGE hand on the other. With the long arm, I try to help carry and raise my three little children in the ways of Torah, and with my big hand I try to help my wife out as much as I can.

Some students emphasized a large mouth to sing with, a large head to learn Torah with, while others drew themselves with large teeth to prevent Lashon Hara from exiting their mouths!

We spoke about this time period being an opportunity for themselves to work even harder on these Midot where they succeed as well as help change Midot that still need improvement.

8th Grade Gmara Class:
Have you ever studied hours and hours or even days for a test? How about studying for a test for 40 days!! Well, that is how we feel as Yom Kippur roles around, and we wrap up the time of Elul followed by Aseret Yimey Teshuva.

How does one do Teshuvah? How can a person change?

Perhaps the most powerful and climactic moment of the entire Yom Kippur, and probably of the entire year, is the concluding prayer of Yom Kippur called Neila. The concluding section of Neila includes the entire congregation saying the phrase "Hashem hu HaElokim" 7 times. It seems almost strange and yet, this is the message that we are supposed to walk away with!?

We spoke about the origin of the saying from the Book of Kings, where Eliyahu Hanavi has a sacrifice showdown with the false prophets of the idol called Baal. At the conclusion, a fire comes down from heaven consuming Eliyahu's sacrifice, while the false prophets alters lay bare. Immediately they fall to their faces and call out "Hashem Hu HaElokim!"

The students were challenged to to think about what would should happend the next day? The logical conclusion should have been a tremendous MASS Teshuvah movement of all the people who were worshiping idols!!

However, what happened was exactly the opposite. The same people who witnessed the incredible miracle of the fire from heaven, had continued back on their old ways with no change.

Miracles and incredible moments do NOT cause change. Rather, they are OPPORTUNITIES to begin change. Change takes time and effort.

Therefore, at the end of Yom Kippur, in the final climactic moments, we call out to Hashem "Hashem Hu HaElokim." But this time it comes together with 25 Hour marathon of a Yom Kippur, where we re-commit ourselves to Hashem. But we tell Hashem, we are not going to let it just slide away unchanged, rather we will not only "talk the talk, but walk the walk."

There is a special Mitzvah to build the Sukka the night after Yom Kippur, showing Hashem our commitment to doing his will.

The students were then given a challenge to write down one thing, they wanted to work on, and how they planned on accomplishing this goal. Then, come the conclusion of Neila, where the gates of Heaven are closing for this Yom Kippur, and we call out Hashem Hu HaElokim, not only to say it, but to show Hashem, this is how I am going to do something about it!!