Parshat Vayetzei - Rabbi Bennett
Parshat Vayeitzei is one of my favorite parshiyot. We start with Yaakov fleeing Eisav, encountering HKB”H at Beit El, or Har Habayit, the twelve stones turning into one, giving ma’aser (thanks to our middle school shabbaton sponsors), meeting Rachel at the well, the birth of eleven shvatim, something with speckles, spots, and dots, and fleeing Lavan.
Focusing on the birth of the shvatim, this week’s parsha marks a turning point in Avodat Hashem. Until now, there has been a rule of two; father and an individual son serve Hashem. Avraham with Yitzchak, to the exclusion of Yishmael, and Yitzchak with Yaakov, to the exclusion of Eisav. With Yaakov and his children, we see a paradigm shift: multiple avenues in Avodat Hashem. Each shevet has its own unique role and contribution, as reflected in their names and Yaakov’s brachos in Parshat Vayechi, and as we learn, play out throughout history.
Interestingly, Yaakov himself did not name his first eleven sons; their mothers or aunts did. This begins with Reuven, whose name seems to reflect Leah’s gratitude. Hashem, in His kindness to Leah, allows her to give birth before Rachel and gain favor in Yaakov’s eyes. Each of Leah’s first four children reflects her journey of hakarat hatov, culminating in Yehuda, from the shoresh “to thank.” This same theme extends to the names given to the maidservants’ children, showing a constant recognition of Hashem’s kindness.
When Rachel names Yosef, the Torah offers a deeper insight into her gratitude:
Elokim has removed my shame אָסַף אֱ-לֹהִים אֶת־חֶרְפָּתִי
At first glance, Rachel seems to be thankful for having a child after years of barrenness. But Rashi, quoting Chazal, highlights something surprising:
“So long as a woman has no child she has no-one to blame for her faults; when, however, she has a child, she puts it on him. “Who broke this vessel?” “Your son!” “Who ate those figs?” “Your son!”
This midrash seems puzzling. Could this be what Rachel waited so long for? Not simply to build klal Yisrael or experience motherhood, but just to have someone to blame?
To understand this, consider the extraordinary value of the mundane. Human intellect can achieve incredible feats—like Turing’s logic or Einstein’s theories—but at its core is the ability to differentiate between small details, perhaps the first cognitive feat we do as infants. The birchas hashachar praises Hashem for this foundational ability:
…אֲשֶׁר נָתַן לַשֶּׂכְוִי בִינָה לְהַבְחִין בֵּין יוֹם וּבֵין לָיְלָה
…who gives the heart understanding to distinguish between day and night.
It’s the little things—recognizing distinctions, celebrating nuances, and acknowledging daily blessings—that shape our lives. Rachel’s gratitude for even the smallest changes underscores the profound importance of noticing and appreciating the everyday.
For parents and educators, this lesson is invaluable. We often focus on big milestones—grades, achievements, or large gestures. But what truly builds our children and students are the small, consistent actions: the kind word, the note in the lunchbox, the moment of focused attention. It’s these daily interactions that convey love, build confidence, and foster growth.
Like Rachel, let’s find gratitude in the little moments, recognizing their power to transform the lives of those we nurture.
Shabbat Shalom
Parshat Chayei Sarah - Dr. Rapoport
As a child, we see our relationship with Hashem in simplistic terms. “Please, God, let me do well on this test (even though I admittedly didn’t study).” We hold onto this hope until we take the test and realize how much we didn’t actually know. At some point. we realize that no amount of davening will replace paying attention and studying as a way to achieve success in school. I tried that growing up. It didn’t work.
Parshat Chayei Sarah presents that lesson through Avraham’s eyes. In this parsha, Avraham Aveinu is promised by Hashem that he and his descendants will someday be given Eretz Canaan as an everlasting possession and his offspring will be as numerous as the stars in the sky and the grains of sand on the shore.
Those promises will not be fulfilled, however, without Avraham persisting through multiple tests and challenges. Avraham has to engage in a contentious bargaining process to obtain a burial plot for Sarah. Back and forth the negotiation goes, Avraham literally has to stand his ground to be able to purchase this small piece of land, but it will come at considerable cost.
So, too, will it take patience, persistence, dogged determination, and a hefty financial commitment to obtain a wife, Rivka, for Yitzchak. Avraham’s servant presents Rivka’s family with a bounty of gifts, after which they enjoy a celebratory dinner together. Then, of course, the family changes their mind to extract an even greater sum. Avraham must win Rivka’s release so that Hashem’s promise of future generations can be fulfilled.
Hashem, the Ribbono Shel Olam, has a plan for each of us and will fulfill that promise to us, but He will not simply hand it to us. We must be actively engaged in bringing the plan to fruition. That which matters most in life requires commitment, persistence, dedicated effort, and the courage to take advantage of opportunities that come our way.
Those themes rang true for us at OCA this past week as we achieved and then surpassed our goal in our Special Moments Annual Campaign. We believe deeply in our mission as a school: to raise the next generation of knowledgeable, committed Torah-observant Jews who shine brightly, walk proudly, and contribute greatly to the world. That doesn’t happen without the support and hard work of a community with shared values.
Our success in this campaign was due to the incredible generosity, determination, and hard work (and a little spirited competition!) of OCA’s professional and lay leadership, staff, and amazing parent body. We thank everyone who participated in the campaign, whether through giving generously, committing their time, soliciting donations, or simply spreading the word as an ambassador of OCA about our special school community. Each of you helped to bring about our success, our special moment. Toda rabba!
Shabbat shalom!
Parshat Lech Lecha - Chaim Shoop
In Parshat Lech Lecha, we learn about the transformative power of stepping outside our comfort zones to pursue a mission of true meaning. When Hashem commands Avraham to “lech lecha”—to leave behind his homeland and all he knows—He invites Avraham on a journey brimming with purpose and potential. Each step forward, though laden with uncertainty, shapes Avraham’s character and deepens his connection to his divine mission. Through his unwavering emunah and courage, Avraham forges a legacy that transcends his own life, shaping the lives of countless generations to come.
At OCA we inspire our students each day to “lech lecha” – go forth – in their learning, in their collaboration with one another, in their ability to take risks and try new things, explore new ideas, and so much more. Our focus on creating Special Moments each day shapes the way we design the learning experience. Whether it’s the milestone of receiving their first siddur, chumash, mishnah, or gemara; the spiritual connection of davening; or collaborative problem-solving in the classroom, these moments leave a lasting impact.
Our students thrive in an environment where hands-on learning, interactive discussions, and teamwork are part of the everyday. The Special Moments we foster when learning, davening, reflecting, and engaging in acts of chesed, also help create a deep connection with Torah and mitzvot.As we gear up for next week’s annual campaign, on November 12 and 13, we ask that you “go forth”, and support us in providing a nurturing, Torah-driven environment where each day brings new opportunities for our students to create meaningful connections and memories.
Our goal is to raise $700,000, which will help bridge the gap between tuition and the true cost of an OCA education. Thank you to generous community donors, all donations will be matched 4x.Together, we can build a legacy that is inspired by Avraham’s journey—a legacy of courage and growth that will positively impact the next generation. Let’s take that step forward, together, to ensure OCA remains a place where every moment has the potential to shape tomorrow’s leaders.
Shabbat Shalom
Erev Yom Kippur - Dr. Rapoport
“If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?”
The words of Hillel have never resonated more deeply in our hearts than they do today, as our world fundamentally changed one year ago. We have been painfully reminded of the age-old lessons that we must remain true to ourselves, advocate for and take care of ourselves, and focus on the Torah that unites us, rather than allow our differences to divide us.
At OCA, we are united by our Mission as a school, driven like never before, to educate our students to be caring, confident, knowledgeable, believing, and practicing young observant Jewish children and adolescents who are connected at their core to Hashem, to Torah, to one another, and to Eretz Yisrael.
Although, from their earliest beginnings, children are inherently egocentric as a means to ensure their survival, soon they instinctively look to others to understand themselves in the world, noticing and absorbing the emotions and behaviors around them. When one baby cries, another one picks up shortly thereafter. The anxiety of an adult is mirrored by the child. Throughout their childhood and teens years, children learn from us both directly and indirectly to become other-directed, to intentionally put themselves in the metaphoric shoes of another, in order to learn how to be caring and contributing members of klal Yisrael and society as a whole. This is the work and the joy of teaching.
At a time in which we need these lessons more than ever, we began this year with words of inspiration and acts of chesed, some of which you will read about in this issue of Ohr Chadashot. As we ushered in 5785, commemorated October 7th, and now prepare for Yom Kippur, Sukkot, and Simchat Torah, we drew strength as a community from the parents of our shinshin Eyal Mevorach Twito z”l, Shiri and Moti, who visited OCA to walk in their son’s footsteps, share his story, and speak with all of us who knew him. We heard divrei chizuk from Rav Rimon, Mrs. Jaclyn Sova, Rabbi Shmuel Kimche, and Mr. Didi Rand. And we look forward to welcoming Beatie Deutsch and released hostage, Raz Ben Ami, in November.
With Yom Kippur upon us, we learn from Sefer Yonah not to run away from our purpose; we are obligated to follow Hashem’s imperative and stand up for what is right. Over the past year, we have witnessed countless acts of gevura and chesed, both here and in Israel, which we highlight for our students and provide them opportunities to engage in as well. Through teaching the power of chesed, emunah, tefilla, and tzedaka, we inculcate in our students the core value that we all play a role in helping Am Yisrael heal and rebuild.
When the seas are storming around us, and we feel engulfed by forces seemingly beyond our control, we must try to turn away from feelings of despair and remember that we still have a choice that rests in our hands. There is work to be done. The work will not only be carried out by us, but by following our example, our children will learn to be the advocates, leaders, and change makers the world so desperately needs now and in the years ahead.
May 5785 be a year of healing and rebuilding. May we witness the speedy and safe release of our hostages, the safe return of our soldiers, and peace to all of Am Yisrael.
Gmar chatima tova and Shabbat Shalom.
Parshat Ki Tavo 9/20/24 - David Reidy
The Gemara in Megilla (6B), relates the following:
“Rabbi Yitzchok says: [One who says] I have labored and not found success, do not believe; [one who says] I have not labored but I have found success, do not believe; [one who says] I have labored and I have found success, believe.”
There are myriad ways R’ Yitzchok’s statement can be applied to Ohr Chadash Academy’s staff, teachers, students, parents, and community. It is, however, particularly relevant to a momentous project OCA has embarked on over the past two and a half years. In 2021, OCA’s Board tasked Dr. Deborah Rapoport and her administrative team with obtaining accreditation for Ohr Chadash Academy from the Association of Maryland Independent Schools (AIMS).
The AIMS accreditation process involved an extensive (nearly 300 page) self-study and culminated in a three-day visit to the school by a national team of experienced educators. The self-study challenged literally every member of OCA’s staff to review their work, the school’s curriculum, programming, policies, procedures, culture, mission, and values. The effort expended by our teachers and staff cannot be overstated. Board members volunteered extra time to help compile the board section of the self-study and parents sacrificed valuable time to meet with the accreditation team during their visit in March.
The culmination of this community wide effort is the summary accessible here. It provides accolades for the growth Ohr Chadash Academy has labored to produce over the past thirteen years and areas to focus on in the next stage of the school’s life cycle.
To each administrator who labored through the self-study and showed the best of our school to the visiting team: thank you. It is because of your efforts, vision, and leadership that the OCA Community has found and will with GD’s help will continue to find success.
To each and every teacher who labored through the self-study and shared your inspiration and gifts with the visiting team: thank you. It is because of your efforts that our school and our precious children will find success for decades to come.
To my fellow Board Members: our Hakarat HaTov (thanks) is owed to Mrs. Lanie Carter who selflessly completed the lion’s share of the Board’s portion of the self-study. Thanks to each of you as well for your leadership that allows OCA to remain true to its Mission and Torah Values.
To my fellow Executive Committee Members: thank you for your constant support for the school, for meeting with and inspiring the accreditation team, and for guiding OCA’s Board and Leadership through our turbulent world.
To our Head of School, Dr. Deborah Rapoport: thank you for conducting the symphony that is OCA’s stakeholders through the lengthy and arduous AIMS application process. Your leadership in developing the quality and strength of our staff, teachers, and the education OCA provides has made our accreditation possible.
To my fellow members of the Ohr Chadash Academy Community: thank you for your steadfast support and advocacy for our school. Our strong sense of community was evident to the AIMS committee.
Speaking of our Community:
In Parshat Shoftim, the Jewish People are reminded by Moshe Rabbenu that the Tribe of Levi does not receive a portion in the Land of Israel as “GD is their portion” (Devarim 18:2). Maimonides explains the Levite’s job was to educate and serve GD on behalf of the other Tribes to sustain them spiritually, therefore it was the other Tribe’s obligation to provide for the Levites’ physical needs through tithes, offerings, and gifts.
Similarly, in this week’s Parsha, we are reminded that before we eat from the fruits of our labors, we must first feed those who sustain us (the Levites) and those who cannot sustain themselves (specifically orphans and widows). We are even commanded to state a long and detailed oath before GD before taking part in our own consecrated produce testifying to the truth that we fulfilled our spiritual obligations with our fruits before enjoying them ourselves (Devarim 26:12:15).
Modern Poskim, among them the C’Tav Sofer and Rabbi Moshe Feinstein (C’Tav Sofer & Dibros Moshe both on Parshas Shoftim 18:2), extrapolate from the obligation of feeding the Children of Levi, the Torah educators of their day, an obligation support Jewish schools in our time.
All of you reading this are in some way supporters of Ohr Chadash Academy. Without each of you, we could not labor and we could not find success, nor would our work be sustainable. May we together go from Strength to Strength.
Thank you, שבת שלום, וכתיבה וחתימה טובה!
Parshat Re'eh 8/30/24 - Dr. Rapoport
Ohr Chadash Academy (OCA) is a Torah-driven Orthodox Jewish day school for boys and girls in early childhood through 8th grade, where the divine spark and unique worth of each individual are celebrated. We emphasize the inherent kedusha of both Judaic and general studies and promote a personal relationship with Medinat Yisrael, Eretz Yisrael, and Am Yisrael.
Within a warm, nurturing environment, we instill the values of chesed and middot in our students and foster intellectual curiosity and critical thinking skills through experiential learning and collaborative problem-solving. At OCA, we inspire students to be independent and inclusive, caring and confident, educated and engaged members of the community and society as a whole.
Every August, when our faculty and staff return to school, we begin by anchoring our work in our school’s mission. It is this statement that shapes how we teach and engage with one another, define our goals and expectations, and make educational decisions.
Our mission echoes the message Moshe delivers in this week’s parsha, Parshat Re’eh. Just before Bnai Yisrael crosses the Jordan River and enters Eretz Israel, Moshe informs the people that they will receive abundant blessings if they always remember to adhere to Hashem’s commandments. Moshe cautions Bnai Yisrael that although they are to inhabit the land, they must not be enticed by the ways of those around them. Their path, our path, is to remain true to the Torah.
Balancing between living in the world, while maintaining the integrity of our emunah and commitment to Torah observance, is arguably the hardest path to walk. But, for us it is a rich experience, filled with opportunities to participate fully in Hashem’s world and be a light unto the nations.
To prepare our children to live lives of commitment to Torah and personal and professional achievement, we set high expectations in terms of their middot, spiritual growth, academic accomplishment, and genuine care for others within the community of the classroom, the OCA community, and the broader communities beyond our walls. Helping our students grow to meet those expectations are our outstanding teachers, administrators, and support staff who provide supportive and consistent encouragement, setting our students on the path to being their best selves.
This year, our professional development efforts will be dedicated to elevating our classroom environments. Building upon the existing Responsive Classroom model in the Elementary School, our teaching staff from ECC-MS will be focused on creating classroom communities in which mutual respect, collaboration, and personal ownership over one’s learning are taken to the next level.
Teachers will be designing systems, routines, and strategies to support the development of healthy self-regulatory and prosocial community-building skills to foster environments of caring and collaboration. In addition, our team will be organizing the physical learning spaces of our school in myriad ways that stimulate student learning and engagement. In so doing, our goal is to continue to excel at immersing our students in a culture of learning that not only builds cohesive and mutually supportive classroom communities, but also motivates student ownership and achievement. We are excited about the possibilities for innovation in learning that lie ahead.
May Hashem shower us with brachot in the new school year, as we continue His holy work of educating His children to be proud of themselves, take care of one another, be sure of their identity, and always follow in the ways of Torah.
Shabbat Shalom!