Community Magazine April 2013

This past February, Shaare Torah PTA held its first annual health fair at the girls’ school. The children were treated to a variety of health booths offering a wide range of activities such as taste tests, “make your own smoothies,” an oatmeal bar, customizing plates to depict the recommended daily amounts of each food group, creating individualized apple-people, and a frenzied race to compete in a healthy/not healthy game. The children were also delighted to take part in Israeli dance, yoga and a “guess your height” activity. As each child completed an exhibit, she received a stamp in her passport. They also received bags replete with healthy snacks – the theme of the day – such as Popchips, Kashi, Stretch Island Fruit Leather and Fox Ledge Waters. This exciting day was the culmination of a week-long program focusing on health, during which the children were encouraged to bring healthy snacks to school and learned about taking care of their bodies. The parents and teachers in attendance marveled at the creativity and professionalism that were on display, and look forward to the other exciting initiatives the PTA has in store. Shaare Torah expressed its gratitude to Beth Warren, MS, RD, CDN, Shaare Torah mom and nutritionist, who helped organize the day and ensured its resounding success. The yeshiva also thanked the generous sponsors, amazing parent volunteers, and Shaare Torah for facilitating such a vital program, which is sure to benefit the lives of the children well into adulthood. Mabrook to the Pre1a boys of Yeshivat Shaare Torah who celebrated an important milestone in their lives by receiving their very first siddur at a festive Siddur Party. The glow of accomplishment on each boy’s face matched his shimmering bowtie and cummerbund. Upon receiving their new siddurim, the boys rushed back to class, opened their prize possessions, and couldn’t wait to begin praying from their new siddurim for the very first time! Hazak Ubaruch! The annual siddur party is a highlight on the Shaare Torah preschool calendar. Over a hundred proud parents, grandparents, family members and friends watched as the children performed songs related to the theme of prayer. The audience was honored to receive greetings and words of blessing from the esteemed Rosh HaYeshiva, Rabbi Hillel Haber, shelita, and an inspirational message by Menahel of the boys’ elementary school division, Rabbi Amram Kuessous. Yeshivat Shaare Torah expresses its gratitude to Pre1A Rebbe Rabbi Chaim Dahan, and Rabbi Sharone and the Morot for teaching the young boys with such love, devotion and skill. The yeshiva hopes and prays that through their spectacular efforts, the precious prayers of these pure children shall reach the Heavenly Throne and bring much nahat to the Ribbono Shel Olam, to their parents and families, and to the entire Jewish nation. SHAARE TORAH SHAARE TORAH 48 COMMUNITY MAGAZINE