April 17, 2008, 12 Nisan 5768

Erev Pesach, Acharei Mot,

Candlelighting 7:54 p.m.

CTA E-Dateline

HEADMASTER’S MESSAGE

  Here’s a typical question: What is the high point of the seder? I’ve asked this question many times and have discovered that the answer depends on the age of the respondent. Youngsters almost always point to the search for the afikoman. Adults tend to focus on the recitation of the Mah Nishtanah, when the youngest child stands up to ask the famous Four Questions. I find these two seemingly very different answers fascinating because they both express what to my mind is a central theme of the seder and of Judaism itself—namely, the vital importance of asking questions and of the need to search for the truth. Contrary to the popular notion of accepting everything on faith, the Jewish belief system is built upon constantly asking questions and making learning a lifelong pursuit. This year, as we sit with our families around the seder table, let’s remember to celebrate the wonderful Jewish traditions of inquisitiveness, curiosity and truth-seeking. Shabbat Shalom and Chag Samaech!

 

“Earnest” Delights CTA Audiences

   

The classic, dry-witted Oscar Wilde comedy “The Importance of Being Earnest” aired Monday night, prompting much laughter throughout an enchantingly amusing performance and earning an enthused standing ovation from the crowd gathered in the shul. The exceptional production charmed more CTA theater fans on Tuesday evening. Selected, performed, and produced by the students themselves, the high school play (a biennial tradition) shows off the diverse talents of 9^th-12^th graders. Casting for “Earnest” was spot on; the directing—by Tehilla Wenger and Laurie Alexander—was superb; and acting was phenomenal. Freshman Rami Ungar (head of publicity/ticket sales) put it best, claiming: “I was blown away; if I could, I’d see it 20 or 30 more times.”  

       

Rami further attested: “All of the actors showed great talent and amazing theatrical skills; I expect they will soon be approached by Hollywood agents. I feel sorry for all those who could not attend because they would have laughed themselves silly.”  All that remains to be said is BRAVO!  Photos: Tehila Wenger, Shimra Barnett, Josh Tolle, Jacob Zimmerman, Kyla Ciranni & Mimi Wilhelm; Channa Schramm; Yoni Calabrese & Jeremy Schwarz. THANKS Kyla Ciranni for Photoshop help!

 

 

 

 

 

CAMP WILLSON A FUN SPRING OUTING

 

 

Led by intrepid chaperones Dr. Andrea Balas, Rabbi Yosef Hauser, Rabbi Avram Elbaz and Ms. Stephanie Cahill, CTA 4^th and 5^th graders traveled last week to the YMCA’s Camp Willson in Bellefontaine , Ohio , for their popular annual 3-day excursion with students from CJDS.

 

While at Camp Willson , the students engaged in many educational activities, were inspired by enthusiastic and knowledgeable camp staff and savored the beautiful rustic setting. The subjects students dabbled in included: the pioneering era—complete with a tour of a historically accurate replica cabin; outdoor survival—which required them to build makeshift shelters from materials found naturally in the woods; geology; botany; lake water/lake organisms’ study; and astronomy. Everyone had the opportunity to ride horses, learn some square dancing moves, tell stories and watch funny staff skits around a blazing bonfire. A timely Judaic Studies activity required students to use leaves and sticks to construct pictures about different parts of the Passover Seder.

 

Students from both day schools enjoyed eating and socializing together. Once more, Rabbi Elbaz served as the master chef. Rabbi Avrohom Drandoff, of the Kollel, helped in the kitchen and taught some of the classes. Karan Tanenbaum made all food arrangements for the chefs. CTA parent Tod Friedman and Federation Schilach Avi Kagan (also a CTA parent) joined the campers for one night each. This joint day school/Camp Wilson excursion—CTA students were accompanied by students from CJDS—was funded by a grant from the Columbus Jewish Federation.  Photos, courtesy Tod Friedman.