Academic excellence esprit sportif

Celebrating our Achievements Célébrer nos réalisations Vision L’académie hébraïque s’efforce de former des diplômés visant à la fois l’excellence de l’éducation séculaire et judaïque, Shomer Torah et mitzvot, et de leur transmettre l’amour de l’état d’Israël.

Mission It has truly been a Nous nous engageons à fournir un environnement wonderful number of éducatif afin de permettre aux élèves d’atteindre leur plein months since the start of potentiel à la fois intellectuel et spirituel. school. You will see in the • Favoriser le leadership et l’engagement communautaire pages of this journal many of the individual and school • Inculquer l’amour et démontrer un attachement à successes from throughout l’état d’Israël Let’s Build on the Year’s Successes the year. The year started • Offrir des possibilités pour alimenter l’esprit, le corps et Nous avons amorcé l’année avec la devise suivante : « Avancer out with uncertainty and l’âme We began this year with the motto: “Moving forward with excitement around a number confidence and pride”. Thanks to the ongoing collaboration avec confiance et fierté ». Grâce à la collaboration continue et le of institutional changes; we and unparalleled support of all of our constituents – particularly soutien incomparable de notre communauté, en particulier des saw this as an opportunity Valeurs our parent body and faculty – our confidence is elevated parents et des professeurs, nous sommes de plus en plus confiants for the people we had in place to step up and take Hebrew • Valeurs de la Torah and we continue to beam with pride – at our students, at our et nous continuons à être fiers de nos élèves, de nos réalisations et accomplishments and at our unity as a community. de notre unité en tant que communauté. Academy to another level. Our goals at the beginning of the year • Curiosité intellectuelle et un amour de l’apprentissage were to improve school culture, empower people to share their leadership skills and contribute to Hebrew Academy’s success, • L’honnêteté et l’intégrité The reasons we are confident and proud are manifold. Nous puisons notre confiance et notre fierté de diverses and to demonstrate our accountability to all stakeholders. • Le respect One need only flip through the pages within this report for sources. Il faudrait simplement feuilleter les pages de ce rapport a comprehensive summary of the myriad successes we’ve pour avoir un aperçu complet des nombreuses réalisations que • Midot tovot Under the guidance of our administrative team of Executive celebrated over the past year. From local and national nous avons célébrées cette année. Nous avons uni nos forces Director Linda Lehrer, High School Principal Laura Segall and • Maasim tovim achievements in the domains of academics and athletics to en tant qu’élèves, parents, professeurs, membres du personnel, Acting Elementary School Principal Shauna Joyce, we can dynamic, creative programs that complement our curricula; bénévoles et bienfaiteurs afin d’obtenir des résultats remarquables, confidently say that we have attained these goals. Thank you to Vision from our enthusiastic participation in multiple Chessed activities qu’il s’agisse de réussites scolaires et sportives, sur le plan local et our administrative team, our faculty, our staff, our parents, our to our communal Mezuzah Dedication and Community-wide national, l’intégration de programmes dynamiques et créatifs pour Hebrew Academy endeavours to nurture graduates who volunteers and our students for being part of that success. Chinese Auction, we have pooled our collective strengths – as compléter notre curriculum, la participation dans plusieurs activités strive for excellence in Torah and secular education, who students, parents, faculty and staff members, volunteers and de Chessed, l’inauguration des mezuzot ainsi que l’encan chinois As we transition into the summer break, our administrative are Shomrei Torah and Mitzvot, and have a love for Medinat benefactors – and achieved remarkable results. communautaire. team and lay leadership are hard at work preparing for next Yisrael. year. Our goals are to build upon this year’s successes, while The pages within serve as a tangible reminder of what we have Les pages suivantes servent de rappel concret de ce que nous continuously striving for academic excellence as we work to Mission achieved, and what we can continue to achieve, as a team. It is avons accompli, et de ce que nous allons continuer à accomplir cultivate students who will serve as Jewish role models both in only by working together and supporting one another that we en tant qu’équipe. C’est uniquement en travaillant ensemble et and out of school. Hebrew Academy provides children of Torah-observant families with academic excellence in both Limudei have come so far and will continue to soar even higher. en s’aidant que nous avons parcouru tant de chemin et que nous I look forward to another successful year. Kodesh and secular studies. continuerons à aller de l’avant. We are committed to: The year has not been without challenges. As with every path Alvin Suissa to success, however, the bumps we’ve confronted along the Cette année n’a pas été sans défis. Comme tout chemin vers la President • Providing an educational environment to enable way have served to educate and inspire us to work even harder réussite, les obstacles que nous avons rencontrés nous ont servi de students to reach their full intellectual and religious and aim even higher in the pursuit of our collective goals. We leçon et nous ont motivés à travailler encore plus fort et à viser plus potential 2014-2015 Board of Directors look forward to moving ahead with our One School Educational haut vers nos objectifs collectifs. Nous avons hâte de poursuivre • Fostering leadership and community involvement Plan and continuing to cultivate a school culture that embodies notre « One School Educational Plan » et de continuer à promouvoir President and Board Members respect for all as we live by the values that make Hebrew Academy une culture scolaire qui incarne le respect de tous et qui favorise • Instilling a love of, and an attachment to, Medinat Yisrael Chairman of the Board Sharon Amar a flagship Modern Orthodox day school in North America. les valeurs qui font de l’Académie Hébraïque une école orthodoxe Alvin Suissa (’85) Peter Benisti • Providing opportunities to nurture the mind, body and soul moderne prisée en Amérique du Nord. Vice President Dale Boidman As we build on the successes and highlights of this past year, Vanessa Fallenbaum Sam Drazin (’92) Values may we continue to emulate the guiding principles of Torah and Tout en nous inspirant des réussites et des moments saillants Edie Friedman Ma’asim Tovim and draw inspiration from one another. de cette année, puissions-nous continuer à émuler les principes Treasurers Meir Israel • Torah values Eric Amar directeurs de la Torah et des Ma’asim Tovim et à nous inspirer les William Jegher (’96) • Intellectual curiosity and a love of learning uns et les autres. Nathan Hadid Chaya Lieberman • Honesty and integrity Secretary Russell Samuels Lori Diner Lawrence Witt • Respect Linda Lehrer Immediate Past President • Midot Tovot Executive Director / Directrice générale Elly Miller (’85) • Maasim Tovim HAppenings Summer 2015 HA-MTL.ORG • 3 Contents

2 Leadership

6 Achievements

10 Faculty and Staff

12 Shalom U’Litraot

13 Professional Development

14 Kindergarten

16 Academics

24 Student Life

33 Athletics

36 Graduates

38 Community

41 Volunteers

44 Media

46 Kollel Torah Mitzion and Sherut Leumi

48 Development

50 Financial Review

Summer / Été 2015

Editor / Rédactrice: Aviva Engel, Communications Director / Directrice des communications Contributors / Collaborateurs: Myriam Bensimon, Yaffa Blanshay, Richard Bond, Chantal Bouganim Roditi, Zehava Cohn, Zohar Dayan, Joanne Druker, Louise Finkleberg, Simon Forget, Sheri Grey, Elyse Haber, Suzie Horvath, Alanna Korman, Linda Lehrer, Yoni Lehrer, Dr. Morrie Levy, Chaviva Lifson, Marilyn Lucas, Beth Moskovic, Norma Newman, Warren Rohr, Rabbi Sorin Rosen, Jillian Rudnitsky, Miriam Schrager, Dr. Laura Segall, Rabbi Eddie Shostak, Jacqui Silbiger, Chris Taylor, Lauren Thurber Photography / Photographie: Aviva Engel, VIA Photo, Hebrew Academy Faculty Graphic Design / Conception graphique: Evan Lupovici

HAppenings is a publication of Hebrew Academy of Montreal and is distributed to current families, alumni, staff and friends of the school. We welcome feedback, photos and contributions. HAppenings est une publication de l’Académie Hébraïque de Montréal et est distribuée aux familles actuelles, aux anciens élèves, le personnel et les amis de l’école. Vos commentaires sont les bienvenus et la contribution.

Please send submissions to / Envoyer vos soumissions a: [email protected] or/ou HAppenings Editorial Department, Hebrew Academy, 5700 Avenue Kellert, Côte Saint-Luc, Québec, H4W 1T4

HAppenings Summer 2015 HA-MTL.ORG • 5 Achievements It’s been a wonderful year at Hebrew Academy, filled with reasons to celebrate!

Grade 6 students excel at QAMT Hebrew Academy students top Math Competition Mazel Tov to Grade 6 students Adam Perras and Jacob Silverman upon rankings in Chidon Hatanach winning First Prize in the Provincial QAMT (Quebec Association of Math Each year, students around the world voluntarily take on the challenge of studying Chumash and Navi for several months to Teachers) Math Competition in June! Kol Hakavod to Grade 6 students participate in the annual Chidon Hatanach – Bible Contest. Hebrew Academy students are no exception! In early March, they joined Daniel Sternthal, Ari Wise and Adam Levy for winning Second Prize, and 150 other Montreal-area students to write the Regional Chidon Hatanach competition. All students across Canada write the same to Dov Vas and Oren Marciano for coming in Third. Thank you to English Regional exam and the top scorers in each city advance to the National Contest, held on alternate years in Montreal and Toronto. Teachers Louise Finkelberg and Sheri Gray and to Math Enrichment Grade 2 student among Twenty-eight Hebrew Academy students from Grades 5 through 10 moved on to the National Contest in May! Teacher Lori Aronoff for coaching the students and taking them all the way to the top! Concours de Lecture In March, family and friends gathered at Congregation TBDJ to honour this year’s finalists in the Montreal Regional Chidon Hatanach. Mazal Tov to Hebrew Academy students Jacob Silverman who placed Second, and Adam Levy who ranked Third in the Grade 5-6 winners Division and to Gabriel Mamane who ranked First in the Grade 7-8 Division! Yasher Koach to Grade 2A student Aidan Knafo who was among four winners of the Concours On hand to encourage and honour the regional winners were 2014 national winners, Grade 10 students Eliana Rohr and Yehonatan Students win Prix du Mérite de Lecture in May, and to Hannah Alloul (Grade Haimovici, who performed exceptionally well in the International Chidon Hatanach in Israel on Yom Ha’atzmaut. Yehonatan placed 2A) who was among the finalists! Thank you to Fifth in the world and Eliana was among the Top 16 finalists who competed in the final round of the Chidon on live TV! Prior to the en Histoire French teachers Simone Cohen and Jeanine event, the two met with Prime Minister Netanyahu and other Israeli dignitaries. Cohen-Bibas and for preparing the students so The Ministry of Quebec awards an annual prize to students who obtain wonderfully for the event! the highest marks in the Grade 10 History and Citizenship provincial Mazel Tov to all of our winners and their families. A very special thank you and Yasher Koach to our coaches Warren Rohr (Elementary) matriculation exam. Kudos to this year’s awardees Asher Bendayan, Ariella and Ora Amar-Rubenstein (High School) for their phenomenal and tireless work in coaching our students. Eisenberg and Erica Hasen! The Chidon Hatanach is sponsored by the Bronfman Jewish Education Center, Toronto’s Board of Jewish Education, the Canadian Zionist Federation and the Jewish National Fund.

HAppenings Summer 2015 HA-MTL.ORG • 7 Alumni continue to make HA proud Hazlacha Rabba to alumni Jonathan Shaul (’12), Joshua Schwartz (’12) and Dan Cohen (’13) who were accepted into McGill University’s Med-P Program and to Tamar Veres (‘06) upon her acceptance into the Technion American Medical Students Program.

Kol Hakavod to David Lugassy (‘12), Shmulie Kuperstock (‘12) and HA wins Second Place in Jacob Israel (‘13) who are proudly serving in the IDF and to Jacob Kuperstok (‘14) who will join them in the coming year. We pray for city-wide Battle of the their continued safety and well-being. Juvenile Boys’ soccer Books team wins JISA Mazel Tov to our Battle of the Books participants Midget Boys basketball team Sarah Azoulay (Grade 8), Michal Blechman, Meir championship Hersson-Edery, Gita Margolese, Andrew Miller (all of turns up the Heat with GMAA Grade 9), and Jeremy Rimokh (Grade 10), who placed Hats off to our Juvenile Boys who dominated second in Hebrew Academy’s first-ever showing at every single game in the Jewish Interscholastic championship win the Montreal-wide Battle of the Books. Seven teams Sports Association Tournament and won the competed in the QAIS Battle, answering questions Mazel Tov to our Midget Boys basketball team upon winning this year’s championship game against Maïmonide by a from a 14-book reading list. In the four exciting rounds final GMAA Division Two Championships against Yavne by a score of 55 to score of 4 to 1. Kudos to Grade 11 student Noah of “regular” and “lightening” play, Hebrew Academy 40. Congratulations to Grade 9 student Noah Castiel for being awarded Matarasso, who was named the tournament MVP. finished only one question shy of the first place winners. MVP. Yasher Koach to coaches Natan Schecter (’91), Eric Lasry (’92) and Todah Rabbah to Coach Andrew Albanesi, who The students represented Hebrew Academy proudly Avi Toledano (’04) and to Director of Athletics Yoni Lehrer (’99) for their led his team to victory! with impressive team camaraderie and Derech Eretz. exceptional leadership! Each student received a book in recognition of their efforts. Yasher Koach to librarians Norma Newman and Bantam and Juvenile Zehava Cohn for introducing this wonderful program 2015 National Honour Society basketball teams to HA, and for helping to prepare the team! Inductees Dr. Laura Segall recognized for The National Honour Society recognizes high school students win silver at JISA her outstanding contributions as who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Kol Hakavod to our Bantam and Juvenile Boys Grade 10 Girls come out Leadership, Service and Character. Mazel Tov to the following Grades and their coaches Ami Drazin (’86), Dr. Jake Burak, Jewish day school educator on top at community-wide 9 and 10 students upon their induction into the 2015 NHS: Rebecca Dr. Morrie Levy (’83) and Daniel Shaul (’04) upon Azoulay, Myriam Benchaya, Rebecca Benchaya, Yonathan Castiel, Mazel Tov to High School Principal Dr. Laura Segall upon being awarded winning silver medals at this year’s Jewish Noa Cohen, Ariella Eisenberg, Sarah Elkaim, Eden Oliel, Naomi the Pearl Feintuch Award in December, in recognition of her outstanding Moot Bet Din Interscholastic Sports Association Basketball Ovadia, Avi Somech and Janna Sternthal! contributions as a professional Jewish day school educator. The annual The Moot Court of Jewish law is an annual event Tournament! award was established at BJEC by Hebrew Academy Board member Dale organized by BJEC where students prepare and argue Boidman and her husband Nat, in memory of Dale’s mother, Pearl Feintuch, a legal case using rabbinic sources to defend their a teacher whose primary focus was special education. A board evaluates position. Beginning in January, the Grade 10 Girls and nominees’ contributions in the domains of creativity, leadership, school life their teacher Rav Mechanech Rabbi Eddie Shostak and community. Mrs. Boidman presented Dr. Segall with the award as well as began to explore a fictional case involving a family the accompanying $500 prize. inheritance dispute by delving into Torah sources and submitting legal facta. Two groups were selected to In addition to spearheading Hebrew Academy’s annual Science Fair represent Hebrew Academy at McGill’s Faculty of Law in in 2009, Dr. Segall initiated a Sunday Science enrichment program for May, where they argued their cases before an esteemed students interested in exploring such topics as virology, cancer, science panel of judges. Mazel Tov to Eliana Rohr who won the of the senses and biotechnology. Her mentorship of Hebrew Academy title of Best Extemporaneous Speaker, and to Danielle science teams enabled students to win the Shalhevet Freier Physics Levi who won Second Best Pleader. Along with their Tournament’s Montreal Competition, and secure Fourth Place in the team-mates Janna Sternthal and Elisheva Eisenberg, the international competition in Israel in 2013. Under Dr. Segall’s leadership, girls also won Second Best Brief (out of 40)! Kol Hakavod Hebrew Academy science students ranked first place in the Jerusalem to Rav Mechanech Rabbi Eddie Shostak for preparing Science Competition in 2014. the students for this significant event.

HAppenings Summer 2015 HA-MTL.ORG • 9 faculty and staff We extend our deepest gratitude to all of the individuals who make our school such an exceptional place! It is truly a privilege to work with such wonderful people.

HAppenings Summer 2015 HA-MTL.ORG • 11 professional development Shalom U’L’hitraot One School, One educational plan We bid farewell to the following beloved teachers who are celebrating their retirement this year:

The emphasis on collaboration is a driving theme in much of the private sector of industry. From concurrent engineering to the creation of virtual collaborative networks, industry has long recognized that quality and productivity can be improved when silos are broken down and departments communicate and collaborate with one another. Thanks to the generosity of CJA’s Generations Fund and Mr. and Mrs. Samuel and Brenda Gewurz, Hebrew Academy has embraced this approach through a program of professional development called the One School Educational Plan.

Now in its second year, the One School program is a formal program of professional development designed to ensure a qualitative and quantitative edge inside the classroom and within our community of learners. The program is designed to develop a common language and methodology for the faculty as a whole, from Kindergarten to Secondary V through the professional collaboration of teachers and faculty members, breaking down the classroom silos and providing training and support for educators. For the first time at Hebrew Academy, teachers are working together across grade levels, departments and schools in collaboration with our support staff of special educators, guidance counselors and IT coordinators to enhance the learning experience of every student.

A leadership team of administrators, coordinators (Elementary School) and department heads (High School) spearhead Rabbi Baruch Abramovitz Joe Saragosti the professional development learning activities under the guidance of Leadership and Educational Consultant Jonathan Judaic Studies Teacher and French Teacher, 10 years Cannon, a specialist in 21st Century Education and technology innovation in the classroom. Each month, Mr. Cannon meets Department Head, 42 years with the leadership team to introduce the next step of the program, “adding tools to the educational toolbox of our teachers.” The team then spends the day training members of their department and supporting them throughout the month, mentoring teachers as they implement their learning. Thus far, the educational toolbox includes blended learning, differentiation, collaborative workspaces for students and faculty, peer mentoring as well as models of assessment, data-driven decision- Richard Bond making, identifying and addressing the various learning styles of students (visual, auditory or kinesthetic), methods for French, History and Geography Teacher scaffolding student work, project based learning (PBL), collaborative learning, and training of the faculty in Google apps as a and Department Head, 28 years platform for collaborative learning. Lastly, the team and faculty have created task forces for the improvement of school culture in the areas of communication, professionalism and accountability.

We are ever grateful to these wonderful educators, for their years of dedication to Hebrew Academy. As pillars of Under the One School Plan, teachers now regularly invite their colleagues to their classrooms to share their excitement our school community, they have shared their wisdom and expertise with our children and served as powerful role over new initiatives, consult with one another on particular areas of concern or train one another in new technologies. In models for the next generation. We are privileged to have worked alongside them as colleagues, to relate to them as June, for example, Elementary and High School teachers visited a Grade 3 classroom to observe Genius Hour in action where friends, and to connect with them as members of the Hebrew Academy family. students shared their passion through a platform of their choosing. The project allowed students to work to their strengths and potential. The visit created an opportunity to introduce other teachers to an approach that could be adapted to any grade We wish them Hazlacha Rabba in all their future pursuits. They will truly be missed. level. The excitement in the building was palpable.

The evidence of the improvement brought about by the One School Plan can be found within the pages of this report. For the first time in years, members of different departments, grade levels and subject areas have been working closely together “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” for the sole purpose of enhancing students’ experience in the classroom and improving student outcomes. Teachers are working harder than ever but enjoying the opportunity for professional growth. We are looking forward to an exciting year –Henry Adams of professional development in 2015-2016 as we restore Hebrew Academy to its rightful place as the flagship school of the Jewish day school system in Montreal. HAppenings Summer 2015 HA-MTL.ORG • 13 kindergarten All I really need to know I learned in Kindergarten – at Hebrew Academy

A-E-I-O-U and sometimes Y To mark their completion of a unit on Un petit aperçu de notre année vowels, Kindergarten A and B classes held “vowel parties” this past year, featuring various vowel- magique en maternelle themed activities. Together with their parents, the La maternelle est une étape significative dans la vie de vos enfants. children enjoyed baking, playing word games L’année est remplie d’événements ainsi que d’activités d’apprentissage. and doing arts and crafts. The kids even arrived in Lors de notre thème d’automne, nous avons maîtrisé les couleurs et abordé creative hats designed especially for the occasion! l’histoire d’Elmer l’éléphant qui nous a appris que l’individualité est une fierté. Notre thème hivernal nous a mené à la decouverte des ours polaires alors que le printemps nous a permis d’observer la métamorphose des papillons. Au biodome, nous avons observé les 4 différents écosystèmes. Classes share stories on Nous avons également pu observer certains animaux marins. N’oublions pas notre thème des inventions où nous avons découvert le Skype Braille et le sens du toucher. En effet, nous pouvons compenser pour une Excitement was in the air last fall as Kindergarten A and B lacune dans un sens en utilisant un autre. À travers notre “voyage” en Israel, students exchanged book reviews with Kindergarten students nous avons appris l’aviation et les frères Wright. from Georgia Elementary School in the U.S. The children Intergenerational bonding focussed on the theme of friendship and discussed the Prior to Purim, Kindergarten B students brightened the day for makings of a good friend versus a bully. residents of Maimonides Geriatric Centre, with a special visit. The children and seniors participated in a joint Purim-related arts and “Skype in the classroom is beneficial to students as well as crafts activity, then posed together in a special photo-booth! In educators, as it allows us to connect with and explore other the spring, a number of Maimonides residents returned to the Kindergarten classes,” said Morah Kathy Knafo. “It also enables school for a fun follow-up art activity. The initiatives were part of us to interact with and sensitize children to people from different “Helping Hands Across Generations” - a joint project between cultures and backgrounds,” added Morah Ilana Krief. Hebrew Academy Kindergarten and Maimonidies.

Children travel to Israel Kindergarten raises significant to celebrate Yom funds for Chai Lifeline Ha’atzmaut As a fundraiser for Chai Lifeline, Kindergarten A and B published KTM staff lead students in In celebration of Israel’s 67th birthday, Hebrew Academy’s first ever Chanukah Cookbook this past year! Kindergarten students received passports and The initiative raised $1200 for the non-profit organization, which meaningful Kabbalat Shabbat travelled to Israel on a very real-looking airplane helps children suffering from serious illness and their families. In the The Lieberman Family Beit Midrash was the hub of activity on Friday (complete with an El-Al in-flight safety video). winter, both classes united to present the Tzedakah to Chai Lifeline afternoons this year, as Kindergarten students participated in a weekly There, they visited the Kotel, performed drills at an Development Officer Riki Drazi, who thanked the students with Kabbalat Shabbat program with Kollel Torah MiTzion staff. In addition army base with a Chayal (aka KTM Bachur Shalom chocolate coins and class certificates. to singing Shabbat songs and listening to captivating stories, KTM staff Orkaby) and even did a beautiful art activity in put on humorous plays about Parashat Hashavua. The children were also the Artists’ Colony in Tzfat!! presented with weekly Midot Tovot awards.

HAppenings Summer 2015 HA-MTL.ORG • 15 academics Our comprehensive education enriches the whole child

Le voyage des élèves de la Les élèves épatent leurs invités au tout premier vernissage de deuxième année, à Eretz l’école primaire Canaan Les élèves du primaire de l’Académie Hébraïque ont dévoilé leurs talents de Van Gogh, Picasso, Chaki, Agam et Britto au tout Les élèves de la classe 2B ont commencé leurs études formelles du premier vernissage de l’école. Conçue par le département de français du primaire, l’exposition dans le Beit Midrash de la famille Chumash avec la Parasha Lech Lecha. Ils ont suivi les traces d’Avraham Lieberman a mis en vedette les œuvres d’art des élèves de la première année à la sixième année, des œuvres sur lesquelles les élèves Avinou et ont entrepris leur propre voyage de Charan jusqu’en Eretz et les enseignantes ont travaillé pendant des mois. Nous avons eu droit à des autoportraits et des natures mortes, du pop art, des Canaan. Les élèves avec leurs moutons et toutes leurs possessions ont masques, du découpage, des murales et de l’art en 3D. Les œuvres des élèves reflétaient le nombre d’heures passées à l’exploration traversé deux fleuves y compris Nahar Prat pour arriver en Eretz Canaan. de divers supports, incluant l’acrylique, le papier mâché, l’argile, les pastels et le bois, ainsi que diverses thématiques incluant les fêtes, Le voyage original qu’Hashem ordonna à Avraham de faire a duré 28 les saisons, la géométrie, les animaux et la théorie des couleurs. jours, mais nous l’avons fait en une journée! Les invités du vernissage, la famille et les amis de nos élèves ainsi que le personnel de l’Académie Hébraïque étaient véritablement impressionnés par la beauté de l’exposition et du calibre des œuvres des élèves. « C’est avec une énorme fierté que nous vous accueillons ce soir lors du vernissage des travaux de nos élèves réalisés dans le cours d’arts plastiques », ont dit les enseignantes de français au primaire dans un carnet distribué aux invités. « Au sein de ce cours, l’élève est amené à inventer, à interpréter et à apprécier des œuvres, tout en développant son esprit critique et son sens esthétique. Chaque situation d’apprentissage proposée aux élèves Author leads Grade 2 workshop en arts plastiques alphabétise visuellement l’élève, développe son potentiel créateur au regard du monde visuel et ses habiletés à symboliser, à exprimer et à communiquer par le biais de l’image. L’apprentissage des arts plastiques amène l’élève à vivre des on character development expériences multiples sur le plan affectif, cognitif, psychomoteur, social et esthétique. » Both Grade 2 classes welcomed author Lydia Lukidis for a workshop on creating compelling characters. The students explored various archetypes (hero, villain, comedian) and expanded their vocabulary in describing the traits of various character types. The children let their imaginations lead the way as they wrote about and designed their very Grade 5 students master the art of own story characters. debating The students in Grade 5B engaged in an energetic debate on the pros and cons of extending the school year. Debating is an excellent exercise in critical thinking and communication; students will apply the skills they mastered during the activity throughout their lifetimes. To the surprise of many, the arguments offered by the “Pro” side were highly convincing! Students Skype with author of popular graphic novel series Grade 3A students were excited to participate in a Skype lesson with Stephen McCranie, author and illustrator of the extremely popular Mal and Chad graphic novels series. In addition to sharing the steps he takes when creating his stories, McCranie also demonstrated how to Une grenouille nomée Gaby draw cartoons by beginning with simple shapes. The students had an Depuis quelques semaines, les élèves de première année ont travaillé sur le projet de opportunity to ask the author questions about writing and illustrating la grenouille. Dans ce contexte, des ressources littéraires ont été exploitées, des notions and really enjoyed watching him draw his characters. scientifiques ont été explorées et ils ont même adopté une grenouille nomée Gaby.

HAppenings Summer 2015 HA-MTL.ORG • 17 Le programme de sensibilisation «One of Us» favorise l’intégration des personnes handicapées Depuis plusieurs années, les élèves de la troisième année à l’Académie Hébraïque ont participé à un programme spécial qui vise à les sensibiliser aux personnes avec un handicap. Le programme, qui s’intitule « One of Us », fait partie du curriculum d’anglais, dans le cadre d’une unité sur les besoins particuliers. Le programme a été créé par Rachel Silverstein, coordonnatrice des services de soutien et de projets communautaires du centre de développement Yaldei. Le programme est divisé en trois parties et favorise la compréhension des élèves de ce que sont les handicaps physiques et intellectuels. Parmi les sujets abordés, nous retrouvons : « Abilities versus disabilities », « How to be a good friend », « Accommodating individuals with physical challenges », « Famous personalities with disabilities », et « How we think (a bit about the brain) ». Nature walk Robotics a core subject at Hebrew Academy Lors de la deuxième session, les élèves participent à de nombreux adds value to ateliers qui simulent ce que signifie vivre avec un handicap. L’un The Elementary School Robotics Initiative is where learning and play intermingle. d’entre eux s’intitule « Giving Tzedakah » (Donner de la charité), et class lesson This year, Grades 4 to 6 were treated to an enriched Science et Technologie module les élèves reçoivent la note suivante : « Vous êtes certainement une using LEGO Mindstorms robots. In a series of workshops, students learned simple After learning about Stav and the bonne personne qui donne de la charité, mais vous avez un handicap and complex programming concepts using LEGOs, motors and sensors. The changes in seasons and weather, et vos mains ne fonctionnent pas comme il faut. Ouvrir votre sac ou visual programming environment facilitated students’ exploration and solving of Grade 1A went on a special nature portefeuille pour sortir de l’argent s’avère plutôt un défi. » Les élèves challenges such as steering, obstacle detection, visual and audio signals, tagging walk to experience fall first-hand! doivent mettre une paire de gants (ce qui rend la tâche plus difficile) obstacles and following set paths. The children explored the grounds et essayer de mettre des pièces de monnaie dans une boite de outside Hebrew Academy and had Tzedakah. Ceci dans le but de leur faire vivre la difficulté que certaines a marvellous time finding leaves of Problem solving, flowcharting, logic, reasoning, mechanics and mechanical personnes vivent tous les jours. various fall colours. assembly – are just a few of the topics covered. Students also became increasingly proficient in the use of standard programming structures, as well as in debugging, « Les élèves d’aujourd’hui sont les leaders de la communauté juive de demain », a dit Silverstein. « En fournissant de l’information explaining and finding valid alternatives to their coding structures. aux enfants à propos de leurs pairs qui ont des handicaps, nous nous assurons qu’aucun élève ne sera exclu de la communauté et que nos enfants apprendront à voir la personne pour qui elle est, et non pas pour son handicap ».

Tapping into their inner geniuses Grade 3 and Grade 5 classes participated in an exciting new educational initiative this year called Genius Hour, a program that encourages students to research their passions in depth. Students shared beautiful, highly creative and interactive projects with their peers, faculty and staff in two stimulating exhibits. Everyone left a lot smarter than when they arrived!

Digital Citizenship skills taught at Hebrew Academy as early as Grade 1 Out-of-the-box teaching brings out students’ creativity As part of Hebrew Academy’s English and Technology curriculum, students in Grades 1 through 6 participate in Digital Citizenship Upon completing a Perek in Sefer Bereishit, Grade 4B students were encouraged to create games for their peers that summarized the classes throughout the year. The goal of these workshops is to teach students to use the Internet safely and efficiently; to recognizing story of Yosef in Parashat Vayeshev. The students truly outdid themselves and produced very creative games – from Monopoly and Snakes potential pitfalls and threats; and to become responsible and educated digital citizens. Topics covered include cyberbullying, and Ladders to “Do you want to be a Chumash Acer?” – that were both engaging and fun to play! showing respect online, copyright and evaluating search information.

HAppenings Summer 2015 HA-MTL.ORG • 19 Exploring architecture An in-depth look at the through art Grade 8 Boys explored various aspects of architecture in Mitzvah of Shmita their Visual Arts class this past year. Students picked a style As part of their Tefillah and Halacha class, Grade 9 Girls of door or window to emulate, and included brick, stone participated in a distance-learning program with Rabbi Joel or wood as their buildings’ façades. The objectives of the Cohn and Rabbi Allan Haber in Israel this past year, coordinated unit were to discover different styles of architecture, achieve by former Hebrew Academy Principal Rabbi Stanley Peerless. accurate proportions and develop a sense of texture in Each week, the students Skyped with one of the Rabbis on an natural materials through watercolour paint. issue related to the Shmita Year and Mitzvot HaTeluyot Ba’Aretz (Mitzvot relevant to the land of Israel).

Most Impactful Posters Students learn the values of 1st Place: Jordan Assouline, Nathaniel Gomolin 2nd Place: Arielle Lasry, Noa Elfassy healthy eating 3rd Place: Nathan Ziri, Nathanel Benchaya Registered Dietician Chantal Bouganim Roditi (‘02) returned to Hebrew Academy this year to give Grade 9 Best Essay - Hebrew students a series of hands-on lessons in nutrition as part of their Science class. The group explored portion sizes, how to st 1 Place: Eliana Rohr read nutrition facts, and nutrition myths, among other topics, Honorable Mention: Yehonatan Haimovici, Danielle Levi, and even visited a local supermarket to learn about food Shira Cohen placement and where to find the foods recommended by Canada’s Food Guide for Healthy Eating. Best Essay- French - Cycle I (Grades 7 and 8): 1st Place: Sarah Azoulay High School marks Honorable Mention: Sara Moyal, Sarah Zagury-Orly Anti-Bullying Month Best Essay- French - Cycle II According to the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, (Grades 9, 10 & 11): “At least 1 in 3 adolescent students in Canada have reported Of dream homes and flying st being bullied recently”, and “47% of Canadian parents report 1 Place: Rebecca Azoulay having a child victim of bullying.” These facts, together with Honorable Mention: Nathaniel Ouazana, Baroukh Benaim, machines the responsibility of all Quebec schools to educate students Nathan Cohen As part of a unit on Leonardo da Vinci in their Art class, Grade about Bill 56 ( “An act to prevent and stop bullying in schools”) 7 Boys built fabulous flying machines (other than airplanes) that and record and react to incidents of bullying, served as the Best Essay- English - Cycle I pushed the boundaries of creativity. Grade 8 Boys were instructed imperative for Hebrew Academy High School to designate 1st Place: David Somech to design their dream homes out of foamcore. Students rose to November as Anti-Bullying Month. 2nd Place: Arielle Rohr the challenge – adding windows, doors, staircases, skylights and 3rd Place: Emil Hersson-Edery even second stories with rooftop patios to their homes. All High School students explored Bill 56 in English, French Honorable Mention: Sara Ohayon, Ari Samuels, Yehuda Bessner and Hebrew through writing, art and multimedia projects and participated in an essay contest in which they reflected on the Best Essay - English - Cycle II definition and implications of bullying, and ways in which it st might be addressed and prevented. At the end of November, 1 Place: Yoni Mydlarski nd the best posters, skits and essays were shared at an assembly 2 Place: Yael Blechman Yeshiva University Model United Nations and prizes were awarded to first, second and third place winners 3rd Place: Gita Margolese Grade 11 students Menachem Friedman, Noah Margolese, Benjamin Rehany and Steven Wise proudly participated in the Yeshiva in all languages. Congratulations to the following winners: Honorable Mention: Shai Edery, Aryeh Punski, Ryan Schwartz University Model United Nations (YUNMUN) in February. Representing the United States, our delegates sat on the Security Council and on the counter-terrorism office, delivered position papers, debated current event concerns and woke at 3:00 a.m. for emergency meetings!

HAppenings Summer 2015 HA-MTL.ORG • 21 The Shalhevet Freier QAIS Public Speaking winners Montreal Regional Physics Congratulations to the following winners of the Quebec Association of Independent Schools Public Speaking Contest: Tournament Junior Division (Grades 7 and 8) The Annual Shalheveth Freier Physics Tournament hosted by st the Weizmann Institute is the greatest safe-cracking competition 1 Place: Sarah Azoulay 2nd Place: Liana Friedman known to high-schoolers. Participants must build a safe than can 3rd Place: Joelle Cons only be opened using physics principals. During the competition, each team attempts to “crack” the other teams’ safes in under 10 Senior Division (Grades 9 to 11) minutes. Projects are judged by physics professors from McGill 1st Place: Esther Amsellem and Université de Montréal based on the students’ understanding 2nd Place: Rebecca Azoulay of the principles involved, their presentation and the elegance 3rd Place: Shmuel Perton of their safe. The winning team moves on to the international competition at the Weizman Institute in Rehovot, Israel. Proudly Nos scientifiques en herbe impressionnent juges et visiteurs à representing Hebrew Academy this year were: la 6e édition de l’Expo-Sciences de l’Académie Hébraïque Team 1 Ariella Eisenberg, Netanel Benchaya, David Bensoussan, La 6e édition de l’Expo-Sciences du secondaire de l’Académie Hébraïque a eu lieu le lundi 15 décembre, dans le gymnase Moritz Asher Bendayan and Netanel Toledano, Hasen. Avec des présentations mettant en vedette des microbes et des nuages, ainsi qu’un vrai grillon et une montagne russe, nos élèves du 1er et 2e secondaire ainsi que du 3e et 4e secondaire ont su impressionner nos juges et visiteurs à travers leur coached by Nathan Friedman (‘04) créativité et leur savoir scientifique. Cela fut une soirée éducative de découvertes pour les familles et amis qui sont venus soutenir Team 2 nos scientifiques en herbe. Les visiteurs ont pris connaissance du système nerveux, de la meilleure manière d’apprendre un texte Eden Ovadia, Ryan Schwartz, Solomon Bendayan, par cœur, de la manière la plus rapide de faire de la glace et de la génétique des empreintes. Les domaines de l’ingénierie et Baroukh Benaim and Yonathan Castiel, de la biologie moléculaire étaient de mise dans la plupart des projets. Les élèves ont présenté leurs projets devant un comité de coached by Michael Wolman (‘13 and member of the 2013 juges composé de professeurs, médecins, dentistes et chercheurs, tous bénévoles. Félicitations à tous les participants pour leurs Montreal Regional Winning team). soumissions exceptionnelles et Mazel Tov aux gagnants de l’Expo-Sciences : Premier cycle (1er et 2e secondaire) High school students Les sorties multidisciplinaires français/science Premier prix: Maayan Levy et Arielle Rohr : « Germs Be Gone! » excel at the Concours Deuxième prix: Emil Hersson-Edery et Netanel Goldstein : consolident les apprentissages en classe des élèves « Improving Memory » d’art oratoire Les élèves du premier cycle du secondaire sont allés au mois de mai au Centre des sciences de Montréal pour profiter d’une journée de découverte et d’apprentissage. Avec l’exposition permanente, les élèves ont pu explorer de façon interactive divers principes savants Troisième prix (Égalité): Kyle Fallenbaum et Nathan Benizri : Mazel Tov to the following winners of the étudiés en classe, comme le fonctionnement des barrages hydroélectriques, la pression de l’air et l’énergie solaire. Une séance sur les « What blocks your Wi-Fi? » Concours d’Art Oratoire: et Michel Zrihan et David Bohbot : « Turning Milk into Plastic » processus cognitifs a permis aux jeunes d’identifier leurs forces pour résoudre des problèmes, avec l’agréable défi de construire un édifice Junior Division (Grades 7 and 8) stable sous l’effet d’un tremblement de terre. Pour finir la journée, les élèves ont visionné L’océan secret de Jean-Michel Cousteau en Deuxième cycle (3e et 4e secondaire) 1st Place: Kyle Fallenbaum IMAX, où les merveilles des profondeurs sous-marines ont été révélées grâce à une nouvelle technologie cinématographique. Premier prix: Eliana Rohr et Janna Sternthal : « A Fishy Situation » 2nd Place: Sarah Azoulay En juin, les élèves du deuxième cycle du secondaire sont allés à l’ Électrium et à la centrale hydroélectrique de Beauharnois. rd Deuxième prix: Samantha Attias et Galia Benchaya : « Catch the Glow! » 3 Place: Sarah Amar À l’Électrium, on découvre la présence de l’électricité dans la nature et aussi dans le corps humain : anguilles électriques, éclairs, th Troisième prix: Rebecca Azoulay et Danielle Levy : « Genetic Patterns » 4 Place: David Somech aurores boréales, influx nerveux. On se lance des défis et on mesure la vitesse de nos réflexes ! Tous les projets gagnants ont été soumis au Montreal Regional Science & Senior Division (Grades 9 to 11) On est initié aux lois de l’électricité et au mouvement des électrons puis, on découvre ce que sont la tension, le circuit électrique, Technology Fair (Expo-sciences régionale de Montréal) qui a eu lieu en mars. 1st Place: Nathan Cohen les champs magnétiques et plus encore. On nous renseigne sur la production de l’hydroélectricité au Québec et on nous donne un 2nd Place: Avi Somech aperçu des innovations technologiques qui changent le cours des choses. À l’Électrium, la science est à la portée de tous et la visite 3rd Place: David Bensoussan and Galia Benchaya se fait en français! Honourable Mention: Rebecca Israel, Noa Dahan and Nathanel Benchaya À la centrale hydroélectrique de Beauharnois, on nous explique comment se fabrique l’électricité grâce à la force motrice de l’eau, on nous fait l’historique du développement d’Hydro-Québec et on visite cette centrale au fil de l’eau.

Les élèves retournent dans le temps Real-life business lesson Les élèves du secondaire 1 ont participé dans une ‘Foire Médiévale’ Throughout the year, Grade 11 Business students learned about the various elements au mois de Juin, pour leur classe d’histoire. Ils/elles se sont amusés that go into running a business (i.e. how to be an entrepreneur, the meaning/importance avec la musique, les danses, le théatre, et même une émission de of advertising and marketing). As a final class project, students put their learning to the “Master-Chef Canada-style Médiévale” qu’ils ont préparé, tout dans test and chose products which they marketed and sold to fellow students and staff. Profits le thème des temps médiévaux. of their endeavours went toward the Grade 11 graduation trip.

HAppenings Summer 2015 HA-MTL.ORG • 23 Bat Mitzvah program student life In preparation for their group Bat Mitzvah party in May, our Bnot Mitzvah participated Creative initiatives complement students’ learning in a number of meaningful activities throughout the year in conjunction with Kollel Torah MiTzion.

The girls united for a musical Melave Malka, a challah-baking activity with their mothers, a simcha dancing lesson, and a Henna, among other fun initiatives. The program culminated with a special Grade 6 student ambassadors celebration at TBDJ Synagogue, where Kol Hakavod to our Grade 6 Student Ambassadors Aliza Cano, Noa the girls shared insightful Divrei Torah and Abicidan, Ari Wise and Jacob Silverman who represented Elementary put on a beautiful performance for their School this past year at various school-wide and community functions families and friends. and assemblies. The students were chosen based on compelling essay submissions in which they described their goals and plans to contribute to the committee and the student body.

Students come to school in Unique group empowers, pyjamas for Literacy Night celebrates girls Beloved tween author Hebrew Academy’s first ever Literacy Night took place in A number of girls in Grades 4 and 5 participated in Students welcome their October. Kindergarten, Grades 1 and 2 students returned to a unique after-school group this past year, where they visits Hebrew Academy school in pyjamas, excited to be at school at night! The children explored their “selves” and celebrated their values and Only four days into the first week of school, students grandparents participated in literacy activities in their classrooms with their accomplishments. The group discussed what makes in Grades 3 to 6 were treated to a visit from Sarah Elementary students were delighted to welcome their teachers and assistants – many of whom got into the spirit of the being a girl special and how each student can put her best Mlynowski, beloved tween author of the Whatever grandparents in September for Grandparents Day, a special night by donning bathrobes! Simultaneously, parents learned foot forward for all to see. The girls also experimented After and the Magic in Manhattan series, as well as morning of joint activities and refreshments. Grandparents strategies to develop good reading habits, from an in-house with self-portraits; a creative art activity that enabled numerous books for older readers. Sarah spoke about were equally thrilled to take part in the day, which included expert panel. Parents then joined their children to finish their art them to reflect on their strengths in a safe and accepting becoming an author, took questions from students and art activities and games in the classroom and Moritz Hasen activities, enjoy milk and cookies and watch a video that each environment, where everyone encouraged one another. autographed their books. Gymnasium. class created about reading.

HAppenings Summer 2015 HA-MTL.ORG • 25 A day to remember Students in Grades 4 to 6 observed Remembrance Day with a meaningful assembly. Following the singing of O Canada and the Performance underscores recitation of the prayer for the Welfare of the Sorties divertissantes et Canadian Government, Grade 6 students spoke school values Torah Lishma about the meaning of Remembrance Day, Grades 3 to 6 were treated to a special performance Grade 6 boys eagerly participated in a lunchtime Torah Learning activités stimulantes Canada’s allies and the significance of poppies group this past year. Participation was voluntary, and the group as symbols of remembrance. They also read of Game Changers in the fall, a play about tolerance and Les élèves du primaire ont profité de plusieurs sorties amusantes focussed on "Iyun Tefila; towards more meaningful prayer." essays on the theme of courage and delivered acceptance produced by Geordie Productions. Inspired by au courant de l’année. Ces sorties comprenaient le patinage à l’Aréna an insightful Powerpoint presentation on the proposed Quebec Charter of Values, the play was both Samuel Moscovitch, iSaute, le Mont Avila, Cap-Saint-Jacques, le Centre Kristallnacht, followed by the singing of Kel Malei humorous and interactive and had students engaged up until d’éducation physique et des sports (CEPSUM), le Biodôme, l’Insectarium, Rachamim. the very end. le Jardin botanique et le Centre des sciences de Montréal. Les élèves ont aussi eu le privilège d’accueillir des invités spéciaux comme Dynamix et High School students were privileged to meet Drum Café. 90-year-old World War II veteran Raymond Playfair, who joined the Canadian Army on his 18th birthday. Following his engaging address, students watched two very moving videos on Remembrance Day and Kristallnacht, created by their peers Shane Safran, David Rogozinsky, Eliana Rohr, Gabriella Cons, Emily Lawrence and Benjamin Friedman. The student presenters also highlighted the significance of Canada’s role as a peacekeeping nation. Prior to the singing of Hatikvah, Mr. Playfair was honoured with a plaque of thanks. Les élèves de la 4e année Students learn about chantent devant des centaines Science Enrichment healthy eating de personnes Program In honour of Nutrition Month in March, all Elementary Nos élèves de la 4e année ont brillé lors de la 32e édition de la Students in Grades 8 through 11 had the School classes learned about nutrition and were treated to Zimria, qui a eu lieu à la synagogue Shaar Hashomayim au mois de Books come alive during opportunity to participate in a unique Sunday healthy smoothies. Together with their assigned buddies, mars. Le concert a réuni plus de 500 élèves des écoles juives de Reading Week Science Enrichment Program this past year, which students also explored the various food groups and Montréal, qui ont chanté devant un public d’environ 1 500 personnes, In mid-June, Elementary students celebrated Reading Week; five fun introduced them to science concepts outside enjoyed yummy fruit skewers. incluant familles et amis. days filled with creative initiatives related to books and reading. Activities the High School curriculum. Topics covered included bookmark booths, author questions, mystery readers, a staff chat, included science in the movies, biotechnology cupcake celebration and Favourite Character Dress-up Day! and science of the brain.

HAppenings Summer 2015 HA-MTL.ORG • 27 Paying tribute to the martyrs and heroes of the Shoah Hebrew Academy commemorated Yom Hashoah in April with outstanding assemblies. The highly-emotional tributes honoured the victims and survivors and underscored Hashem's role in ensuring Am Yisrael's perpetuity. Elementary students participated in age-appropriate Holocaust Education sessions and lit memorial candles both in their classes and in the Lieberman Family Beit Midrash. High School students watched a powerful video and performance by Grade 10 Bnei Akiva Madrichim Shane Safran, Elisheva Eisenberg, Danielle Levi and Shira Cohen.

HA boys’ got talent Robotics Enrichment Initiative Our High School boys proved themselves as cultivates lifelong skills exceptionally-talented musicians, singers, dancers and entertainers at the HAcademy Interested High School students participated in the Hebrew Awards in Hebrew Academy’s Moritz Hasen Academy Robotics Enrichment Initiative this past year, an extra- Gymnasium. Guests of the annual Talent curricular robotics program centered on LEGO Mindstorms Show – which included Hebrew Academy EV3 and its visual programming environment. Participants staff, families and friends – were treated to a learned simple and complex programming concepts and first-class evening of fun, featuring everything worked with LEGO pieces and sensors to teach their robots from comedy and dance routines to musical High School kicks off year Girls’ sleepover and spa such skills as retracing patterns, differentiating between performances and jaw-dropping illusions. colours, communicating with audio and visual signals, and with BBQ and fundraiser night a huge success how to prospect a terrain and count/avoid obstacles along The weather couldn’t have been more perfect on August 27, An amazing evening was had by all students who the way. The students, meanwhile, became increasingly skilled when HA High School students enjoyed a barbecue catered participated in our High School Girls’ Sleepover and Spa in flowcharting their logic, using programming structures, by Mega Burger, then watched as staff members literally broke Night over Sukkot. Held at Hebrew Academy, the fundraiser managing variables and using logical operators, problem- the ice in support of ALS. The Student Council-run event was was organized by Grade 11 students Esther Amselem solving, debugging code, as well as in selecting and configuring filled with Ruach, with students and staff dancing to the rhythm and Erica Hasen to raise money for their graduating class. visual programming blocks to achieve pre-determined goals. of Music Director Amiel Bender’s upbeat music. Students About 60 girls participated in the fun-filled evening of fun, were also encouraged to write notes and draw pictures of pampering, bonding, karaoke, and a giant sleepover in the encouragement that were sent to members of Tzahal. gym! High School girls set the bar in first-class production A memorable Colour War 2015 Hebrew Academy High School girls danced the night away in their first-rate women’s only production, “Despite it All”. The performance It was a tight race to the finish as teams Ahava (Red, Blue and Gold) highlighted the perseverance and triumphs of the Jewish People and Yira (Green, Black and Silver) competed to win Colour War 2015, a throughout history in the face of obstacles and persecution. From exquisite costumes, an engaging script and professional two-day High School competition that broke out in the spring. Students choreography, the girls showcased their exceptional talents and remarkable skills to staff, family and friends in attendance. showcased their incredible talents in the areas of art, drama, sports, singing and writing, among others. Teachers even got in on the fun with their very own sketch comedy act. Kol Hakavod to team Yira for emerging on top!

HAppenings Summer 2015 HA-MTL.ORG • 29 High school boasts talented artists Grade 11 Washington Trip Grade 7 and 8 students exhibited their artwork from The Grade 11 class spent a wonderful week in Washington the past year at a beautiful vernissage in May. Family, in April, where they toured such famous sites as The School activities highlight our Gesher Chai Program friends, faculty and staff were wowed by masterpieces Smithsonian and the Washington National Monument, that incorporated mixed media and various artistic among others. The students also marked Yom Hashoah Hebrew Academy opened its doors once again to a special bond with Am Yisrael influences. From wire sculptures and Da Vinci-inspired with an assembly and visit to the United States Holocaust delegation of 11 students and their chaperones from Beer flying machines, to masks, logos and Tiffany-inspired Memorial Museum. and Eretz Yisrael Sheva, our sister city in Israel, as part of the international art, students demonstrated their myriad talents and The entire school marked Yom Hazikaron and celebrated Yom Gesher Chai Program, which connects Jewish youth in tremendous creativity. Ha’atzmaut together with our dedicated teachers, Bnot Sherut, the Diaspora with peer-matched students in Israel. The Kollel Torah Mitzion and Bnei Akiva. Israelis brought the meaning of Yom Hazikaron to life and shared "their" Israel with our students. Grades 1 to 6 began with a virtual trip to Israel, complete with authentic-looking passports that included their individual pictures. Students first stopped at an army base, where members A visit to the Vaad Ha’ir of Tzahal dressed in uniform taught them about the various As part of their studies on Megilat Ruth, the Grade 11 Girls units of the Israeli Army and the important role of the IDF and its visited the Vaad Ha’ir to learn more about the conversion chayalim. Each child received a dog tag, which they personalized process first-hand. “Learning about Ruth intrigued us,” with their Hebrew initials. Students also visited Har Herzl and the said student Rachel Feinberg. “We had many questions “Cheder Zikaron”, where they learned about the 67 soldiers who and we grew more and more curious about the process perished Al Kiddush Hashem in Operation Protective Edge, and of conversion.” The students learned how the process of lit candles in their memory. High School students attended an conversion works at the Vaad, and met a Jewish convert who incredible Tekes (ceremony) organized by Kollel Torah MiTzion helps others along their journeys. and Bnei Akiva staff that included songs and performances by a number of students. Mother of two sons killed Racheli Fraenkel Le salon de l’emploi fait captivates students Yom Ha’atzmaut was ushered in with beautiful decorations, in battle shares faith and balloons, flags, hats and special blue and white cupcakes. découvrir des myriades de optimism Over 300 students, faculty and members of the community Elementary students visited Machaneh Yehuda where they gathered in the Lieberman Family Beit Midrash in October to Miriam Peretz, mother of two sons killed in the IDF on “bought” Israeli food, decorated Israeli art, went to Hebrew possibilités aux élèves hear an address by Racheli Fraenkel, mother of Naftali Fraenkel separate occasions, addressed a captivated audience of Grade University where they were iPad scholars and sang and danced Le salon annuel de l’emploi pour les élèves du 4e et – one of three Israeli teens abducted and murdered in the West 11 students in the Sephardi Beit Midrash in October. In late at the Kotel. The Grade 3 classes also shared beautiful projects 5e secondaire s’est tenu en janvier. Un grand nombre Bank in June 2014. In an intimate, emotionally-gripping and 1998, her son Uriel was killed in Lebanon. A second son, Eliraz, on cities in Eretz Yisrael with children in the younger grades. High de professionnels dont un psychiatre, un critique inspirational talk, Mrs. Fraenkel addressed Grade 10 and 11 was killed in 2010 near the Gaza border. The loss of two children School students began the day with a musical and festive Tfillah gastronomique, un professeur d’université, un spécialiste students from Hebrew Academy, and Grade 11 students from thrust Mrs. Peretz into the national spotlight and she has made Chagigit, then many attended the community-wide Israel Day en relations publiques pour n’en nommer que quelques- Bialik, Herzliah and École Maimonide. She spoke about the her mission in life to strengthen the Jewish and Israeli spirit in Rally in downtown Montreal. uns, sont venus présenter leur parcours professionnel events surrounding the teens’ abduction, and highlighted the aux élèves. Ils ont tenté d’ouvrir aux élèves le monde de the nation of Israel. Mrs. Peretz meets with soldiers, youth and many positive outcomes that resulted from the terrible tragedy, carrières qui s’offre à eux. bereaved families and conveys messages of hope and faith in including Am Yisrael’s incredible Achdut, commitment to Tfilla the power of man to grow from crises. and faith in Hashem.

HAppenings Summer 2015 HA-MTL.ORG • 31 aTHLETics Win or lose, our students always exhibit Derech Eretz and sportsmanship

Les équipes de basketball de A dream fulfilled: la 6e année se rendent en Rabbi recounts journey from demi-finale Former IDF officer delivers Kol HaKavod aux équipes de basketball des filles et des garçons Ethiopia to Israel de la 6e année pour avoir atteint la demi-finale dans le tournoi de message of hope and Israeli Rabbi Sharon Shalom was nine years old in 1982 when basketball de la ligue Wolves Elementary School Basketball League inspiration he began the treacherous journey by foot from Ethiopia to Israel (WESBL) du YM-YWHA. Les filles ont eu une excellente saison et ont – a journey that took two-and-a-half months and “4000” victims. fini en deuxième position. Tous nos remerciements aux entraineurs Right before Rosh Hashana, Grade 11 students had the Upon arrival in Sudan, the Mossad escorted Rabbi Shalom’s Fred Malamud, Arik Amsellem et Bobby Comeau. honour of meeting former IDF officer Yehonatan Cohen, group to the Red Sea by truck, under the cover of darkness. who spoke about his pursuit of a lifelong dream – to serve There, naval commandos escorted them to Israel, where he in Tzahal and protect his country, despite overwhelming Elementary School boasts Students compete at YU’s kissed the ground. physical challenges. Yehonatan was born with cerebral palsy, Red Sarachek Basketball and was unrelenting in his pursuit to convince the IDF that new hockey team The Rabbi of the Or Meofir program for Ethiopian immigrants people with disabilities have the potential to be valuable A number of Grade 6 boys were the proud members of and a lecturer at Bar-Ilan recounted his riveting story to Grade 11 Tournament contributors to Tzahal. He succeeded, and went on to serve Hebrew Academy’s new hockey team this year, coached students this past fall. Beyond engaging them with a humorous Hebrew Academy participated in Yeshiva University’s Red in the IDF for six and a half years. Last summer, Yehonatan by parents David Diner, David Ifergan and Lorne Lieberman account of seeing running water and television for the first time, Sarachek Basketball Tournament from March 19 to 23. Our school married former Hebrew Academy student Yael Samuel, in (’89). The team played a number of games against local Rabbi Shalom emphasized the imperative of all Jews to ensure was one of 20 chosen to participate, among the many Jewish high Israel. Over 600 people – including Prime Minister Benjamin Jewish schools at the Bill Durnan Arena; players looked the continuity of the Jewish people. schools and yeshivot across North America. Netanyahu and IDF Chief of General Staff Benny Gantz – fabulous in their uniforms! attended their wedding. The HA Heat Juvenile Boys beat MTA of New York, lost to Maimonides from Boston in overtime in a thrilling game, and lost to Hillel of New Jersey and Jewish Academy from Atlanta. The other teams, fans, and organizers of the tournament were extremely Le fondateur de Migdal impressed by our level of play, as the youngest team competing against 11th and 12th graders from the U.S. Ohr motive les élèves du Kol Hakavod to Grade 11 student Moshe Sebbag, who was secondaire named as a tournament all-star, and was in the top five scorers in the entire tournament with an average of 17.8 points per game. Cet hiver, les élèves de la sixième année jusqu’au troisième secondaire ont eu le privilège d’accueillir le Rabbin Yitzchak Beyond their wonderful weekend in New York, “the players David Grossman, le Grand Rabbin de Migdal Haemek et learned that Jewish athletes can compete and play at a very high le fondateur et directeur de Migdal Ohr, un établissement level in sports without compromising their Jewish religious values,” d’enseignement qui vient en aide aux enfants de milieux said Juvenile Coach Dr. Morrie Levy (’83). “It was overwhelming to défavorisés. À la suite d’une présentation soulignant les Boys win Bronze at GMAA be a part of hundreds of Torah observant athletes wearing their initiatives de sensibilisation et les réalisations de Migdal Ohr, kippot on the court with pride! They truly internalized what Hebrew le Rabbin Grossman a encouragé les élèves à suivre la voie Tennis Tournament Academy and YU stand for: Torah U-Mada — combining both the des mitzvot et du chessed. Il leur a également appris une Kol Hakavod to our Grade 11 tennis team upon winning secular and religious worlds to become future Jewish leaders chanson et les a guidés dans la récitation des chapitres de the Bronze title at this year’s Greater Montreal Athletic of our community and around the world...I am happy that our Tehilim pour la guérison des blessés de l’attentat terroriste Association’s Tennis Tournament at Club Sportif. Yasher students can benefit from programs like these that illustrate to our en Israël qui avait eu lieu au cours de ce mois. Koach to Avraham Mann who made it to the semi-finals! players and students the value of sports in education.” HAppenings Summer 2015 HA-MTL.ORG • 33 HA marks 20 years as host of unifying basketball tournament Hebrew Academy’s Moritz Hasen Gymnasium was the hub of activity in February as fans of all ages gathered to cheer on basketball players competing in the Annual Oren Grunbaum Hebrew Academy Invitational Basketball Tournament. Founded in 1995, the tournament brings together top players ages 15 and 16 from Montreal and the United States to participate in four days of friendly Juvenile Girls HA Heat basketball team goes to Playoffs competition on the courts. In 1996, the tournament was renamed after Hebrew Academy alumnus Oren With a core nucleus of Grade 10 girls who have been playing together since Grade 6, and the addition of some Grade 11 students Grunbaum (’93), an outgoing free spirit with a fun- and one in Grade 9, this year's Juvenile Girls team showed improvement in every facet of the game. They even added the 3-point shot loving personality, who passed away that year in a tragic to their repertoire, which made the team even more dangerous. accident. This year's playbook focussed on passing, defence and teamwork – the cornerstones of winning basketball. The girls practiced on Thursday nights and early Sunday morning, and this contributed to their success. The team comprised a spirited bunch of players who “Oren is remembered by his teachers as a young man with great creativity and personal warmth,” said Hebrew Academy Executive always remained positive. They had a solid press, nicknamed Squish, and they fought harder when they fell behind in the score. To illustrate Director Linda Lehrer. “He had a distinctive love of basketball and played on the Hebrew Academy teams. We trust that this tournament their continued improvement as the season progressed, the Heat did not lost a league game since their return from Winter Break. will continually serve to perpetuate Oren’s memory.”

This year, the team was invited to a tournament in Boston. While the results were not great (they lost by a score of 0-3), the girls This year’s tournament united teams from Hebrew Academy, École Maïmonide, Bialik, New Jersey’s Kushner Academy and New learned a lot from the experience and maintained high spirits throughout their time in Boston. York’s North Shore Hebrew Academy. Players spent the weekend together at a lively shabbaton and out-of-town participants also No matter that they didn't win it all, this team played at a high level and were praised by the referees, opposing coaches and those took in a local basketball game between the McGill Redmen and Concordia Stingers. The tournament culminated on Sunday with a who know basketball from within our school. The girls should hold their heads high and be proud of their accomplishments. Next year, banquet and award ceremony, where Bialik was presented with the top trophy. with continued hard work and dedication, this team could go all the way to the finals. Congratulations to all the players on a winning Hebrew Academy Director of Athletics Yoni Lehrer (`99) underscored the important role of the tournament in teaching participants season. Go Heat Go! the values of teamwork and sportsmanship. “Our rabbis and teachers focus on developing the mind; in hosting this annual tournament, the Athletics Department hopes to complement students’ education by helping to cultivate their love for, and commitment to, physical education.”

Hebrew Academy Heat Head Coach Dr. Morrie Levy (‘83), who led his team together with Assistant Coach Daniel Shaul (‘04), agreed: “I’ve always believed that an excellent education occurs both in and out of the classroom. The Annual Oren Grunbaum Hebrew Academy Invitational Tournament demonstrates all the good things that sports can do to help develop our students into wonderful Torah living Jews with good values. It is one of our school’s true gems.”

L’Académie Hébraïque parmi les trois meilleures équipes de course GMAA L’équipe de course de l’Académie Hébraïque a terminé parmi les trois premières équipes dans la course Halo Road Race du Greater Montreal Athletic Association au Lac aux castors! Bravo à Mendel Jacobson qui a terminé en 4e position et à Avi Somech qui a terminé en 10e position dans la catégorie Juvenile. Félicitations à Meir Herson-Edery et Elisheva Eisenberg qui ont terminé respectivement en 6e et 11e position dans la catégorie Midget.

HAppenings Summer 2015 HA-MTL.ORG • 35 Dear Graduates,

Masechet Ta’anit brings down the words of Rabbi Chanina: “I have learned much wisdom from my teacher, more from my colleagues and the most from my students.” (7a) Here are some graduates of the lessons I have learned from you: Chessed and Midot Tovot are not Mazel Tov and Hazlacha Rabba to our graduates – merely words on a plaque in our halls, they are embodied in each and every our newest Hebrew Academy ambassadors! one of you. Any agency in the city in need of volunteers could always count Dear Graduates, high School Achievements on you; when a family in mourning needed young men to make minyan in the wintertime, you I want to wish you all congratulations. You are a very special Valedictorians were there without being asked twice; you will go out of your group of young people whom I have had a chance to connect English: Ariella Eisenberg way to preserve the Kavod of your classmates and are fiercely with throughout your Elementary School career. I have spent a French: Noa Dahan protective of one another. Hebrew: Nathanel Benchaya long time thinking about what I wanted to say and what I would Hard work and perseverance are the key to a work-life have wanted someone to say to me at my Elementary School Top Honours balance. The schedules and workload you carry would put us all graduation. First, I know you are probably a little nervous about Gold Medal: Natanel Toledano to shame. From schoolwork, to homework, Kollel learning and starting this next chapter of your education. High School is an Governor General Award: Asher Bendayan chevrutas, sports, clubs, competitions, volunteering, tutoring, exciting time with many new challenges and new experiences. … you still manage somehow to find time for your friends and I encourage you to take the opportunity to try new things, to Highest Achievement Certificates families. Math and Science: grow and to push yourselves – find out what you’re good at, I have learned about true passion and drive watching you what you’re passionate about, and know that at times you may Ariella Eisenberg and Asher Bendayan pursue challenges with single minded-focus that would elude not succeed. But use that to push yourself and to get better! It’s Torah and Navi: Ariella Eisenberg and Asher Bendayan even the best of us. English: Ariella Eisenberg and Noah Margolese not always the end result that matters, but the effort you put in I have learned about having the courage to be yourself, to French: Noa Dahan and Nathanel Benchaya along the way. It’s important to be courageous enough to try take pride in who you are and to celebrate our differences. new things knowing that at times you may fail, but also knowing Talmud: Noa Dahan and Asher Bendayan Among our graduates are musicians, artists, singers, writers, that with hard work and practice you can succeed. Elementary School Achievements Safa, Jewish History and ERC: Ariella Eisenberg and Nathanel Benchaya entertainers, lawyers, leaders, organizers, producers, Highest Overall Average: Ariella Eisenberg and Asher Bendayan choreographers, future doctors, rabbis, engineers, and I want to encourage you to continue to be good classmates Valedictorians scientists. You have the courage to be yourselves and embrace to each other. As a group, we have seen you take good care of Awards and Scholarships English: Jacob Silverman your talents with pride. each other, support one another and be kind to one another. It’s French: Arielle Sabbah Class of 1973 Trudy L. Saxe Creative Arts Award of Merit: My dear graduates, my hope for you as you leave the nest so important to be kind, as people may not always remember Hebrew: Debora Kaufman Benjamin Rehany is that you carry these values with you always. Remember the what you said, but they will always remember how you made Stanley C. Beiner Pursuit of Excellence Award: Rebecca Israel Prizes and Awards lessons you have learned at Hebrew Academy both in and them feel! So always go out of your way to be kind and to be Ilana Murad Award for Excellence in Safa: Esther Amselem

Molly Erdstein Memorial Prize - Award of Merit Eddie Schachter Scholarship Fund Award for Commitment to outside the classrooms. Follow your dreams and live up to respectful to your classmates, your teachers, your siblings and Aaron Friedman your full potential, don’t ever lose the passion and the drive Acts of Chessed and Midot Tovot: Natanel Toledano your parents! Riva Schwartz Memory Prize for Art you have shown us, don’t give up, never stop growing, never Esther & Moe Rudner Memorial Scholarship for Excellence in Adam Levy and Yaacov Amselem stop learning and most of all remember that you will always Take the time to appreciate the things others do for you. Mathematics: Asher Bendayan Simon Bouganim Memorial Award for Chesed hold a place in our hearts. It has been a privilege for me to be Show gratitude. Take the time to say ‘Thank You’. It goes a long Marcy Fewkes Award for Excellence in Science: Baroukh Benaim Yaacov Azoulay a part of your lives for these past five years. way and these are two small, yet powerful words. Riva Schwartz Award for Excellence in Creative Arts: Yael Blechman Yette Kallus Memorial Award for Writing Dr. Laura Segall Finally, please don’t forget about us once you pass through Rebecca Preisler-Banoon The McGill Prize for Science & Math: Ariella Eisenberg High School Principal the High School doors. We want to continue to be part of your Eddie Schachter Award for Midot Tovot Barbara Hayes z”l Memorial Scholarship for Personal school experience, your successes and even your challenges. Gabriel David Amar and Adam Perras Achievement: Matitya Loran Student Council presidents’ message Our doors are open so please visit. Rabbi Chaim and Lisa Steinmetz Award for Chesed Role Model: Rebecca Israel and Asher Bendayan Ronit Benizri Personal Achievement: Noa Dahan This year we had the honour to be presidents of High School Shauna Joyce Élèves de l'année en éducation physique Max & Clara Rothstein Award for Excellence in Biblical Studies: Student Council. Our last year at home was definitely a Acting Elementary School Principal Gabriel David Amar and Ronit Benizri Ariella Lasry year to remember. We hope that we created a permanent The Dr. Monroe Miller Creative Writing Award in memory of atmosphere of a new HA student spirit. It was a pleasure to Oren Grunbaum z”l: Nathan Cohen interact with our Student Council and invest our time into Stay Connected with the HA Family our school. We couldn’t ask for more. We would like to wish We’re always delighted to receive updates from former students. Please share your news with us and send us your contact Midot Tovot: Nathanel Benchaya information so that we can remain in touch. We will be marking our golden anniversary in 2017-2018 and would love to include The Mendel and Zlata Dowbenstein z”l Memorial Scholarship future Hebrew Academy students good luck and much your memories in a special tribute piece. Please send your contact information to [email protected]. for Girls: Rachel Feinberg success. Thank you all for making this year an incredible one! Don’t forget to like our Hebrew Academy Facebook page and follow us on Twitter @myHA_Updates. The Andre Veres z”l Kollel Torah MiTzion Scholarship for Post Ben Rehany and Nathan Cohen Secondary Yeshiva Studies: Moshe Sebbag HAppenings Summer 2015 HA-MTL.ORG • 37 Ladies Move to the Beat in support of ILP Over 100 ladies danced the night away in January in support of Hebrew Academy’s Individualized Learning Program. Titled “Move to the Beat”, the Zumba event, organized by Director of Academic community Support Services Beth Moskovic, raised over $3000 for the ILP Mazel Tov and Hazlacha Rabba to our graduates – Department. our newest Hebrew Academy ambassadors! Sharing the light of Chanukah Passionate presenters Grade 10 Girls visited the Jewish General Hospital to celebrate Girls raise $1500 for Tiny Miracle Fund Chanukah with geriatrics patients. Students Elisheva Eisenberg and inspire anonymous donor Janna Sternthal accompanied the singers and dancers on violin. The They say that Millenials have only one priority: themselves. Grade 10 students Janna When the students representing the Yaldei patients responded by clapping and singing along with the music – Sternthal, Eliana Rohr and Elisheva Eisenberg prove there are exceptions to every rule. Developmental Centre in March’s final YPI face off and everyone shed tears of joy. It was an enriching experience for Amidst schoolwork, volunteerism and extra-curricular activities, the girls helped some learned that another organization had emerged as both the students and hospital patients. of Montreal’s tiniest and most vulnerable babies by spearheading a new campaign in the “winner” (please see “Students win a major grant the High School called Purple for Preemies. In exchange for a $2 donation to the Jewish for Montreal’s Friendship Circle” on opposite page), General Hospital Auxiliary’s Tiny Miracle Fund, students were encouraged to accessorize Rachel Blanshay, Danielle Levy, Emily Lawrence and their school uniforms with purple items in honour of World Prematurity Day in November. Eliana Rohr were understandably discouraged. Their Le concours de saut à la Proceeds of the fundraiser went toward the purchase of vital, life-sustaining equipment disappointment quickly turned into elation, however, including incubators and ventilators for the JGH’s new state-of-the-art Neonatal Intensive Care when they learned that an anonymous donor who corde du primaire fut un Unit slated to open in January. had been present at the competition had been so moved by their presentation, he decided to donate énorme succès Grade 6 girls also actively participated in the fundraiser; in addition to a toonie collection $5000 to the organization on the students’ behalf. Kol Hakavod à tous les élèves du primaire pour leur participation in the Elementary School, they hosted a fundraising “Spa Day” for Grades 1 to 3 as part of Extremely grateful to the group for their dedication au concours annuel de saut à la corde. Les élèves ont ramassé plus their Bat Mitzvah Program. and advocacy, Yaldei staff presented each student de 5 000 $ pour la fondation Jasmin Roy qui lutte contre l’intimidation with a beautiful memory book as an expression of dans les écoles, la fondation des canadiens pour l’enfance, et le Tiny Hakarat Hatov. Miracle Fund de l’hôpital général juif. Students win a major grant for Montreal’s Friendship Circle The Friendship Circle, a local special needs organization committed to ensuring that “every human being, regardless of background or faith [gets] the gift of true friendship”, became $5000 richer this spring, thanks to five Hebrew Academy students who competed to win a grant on its behalf.

In March, four semi-finalist student groups representing MADA, the Friendship Circle, Make-A-Wish Foundation and Yaldei Developmental Centre presented their charities before their peers and a panel of student and parent judges. The nail-biting face-off signified the climax of students’ months-long participation in the Youth Philanthropy Initiative (YPI), a project of the Toskan Casale Foundation that encourages teens to research and advocate for a local charity for the chance to win it a $5,000 grant. The initiative is part of the Grade 10 Ethics and Religious Culture (ERC) curriculum. MADA nous tient à coeur Based on their research, students prepared a request for funding proposal on behalf of their charity along with a presentation to Au courant de l’année, l’organisme MADA fut le bénéficiaire de plusieurs initiatives de chessed de l’Académie Hébraïque. Avant introduce it to classmates. Other organizations the teens advocated for included the MADA Community Center, Jovia (Dr. Clown), Make-A- Rosh Hashanah, les deux classes de la 4e année se sont rendues à la Congrégation Beth Israel Beth Aaron pour éplucher des légumes Wish Foundation, Addiction Outreach Program, Chai Lifeline, Big Brothers and Big Sisters Montreal and Yaldei Developmental Centre. The pour les repas de fêtes. Pour souligner le 100e jour d’école, les élèves de la 2e année et leurs enseignantes, Leona Lands et Lauren winners were students Ness Cabessa, Mendel Jacobson, David Benizri, Alex Benlolo and Noah Oiknine, representing the Friendship Circle. Thurber ont ramassé 100 produits alimentaires non périssables au profit de l’organisme. À Pourim la 6e année a aidé à préparer la “We would like to thank Hebrew Academy for their ongoing support... we are deeply grateful for this generous gift that will enable salle pour la seoudah de Pourim de MADA à la synagogue Spanish and Portuguese. Finalement, en hiver, Noah Margolese, élève du us to start new programs immediately – which have been eagerly anticipated by the parents of children with special needs – and 5e secondaire a organisé une collecte de vêtements chauds pour les personnes dans le besoin. enhance the quality of our existing programs,” said Friendship Circle’s Rabbi Leibele Rodal.

HAppenings Summer 2015 HA-MTL.ORG • 39 volunteers We are grateful to our dedicated volunteers for your unconditional investment in our school. Book sale benefits Yaldei Pink and red added to school Thank you for contributing your time, your In May, Grade 3 held a very successful Used-Book uniforms for two great causes Sale in the J.L & Rachel Gewurze Library and raised over expertise, your creativity and your enthusiasm! During the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, students and staff raised $1,000 for Yaldei Developmental Centre! The project was $300 for the Canadiens Children’s Foundation by wearing red and part of a broader unit of special needs that the students Habs gear during game days. In the springtime, many proudly wore had explored as part of their English curriculum (please pink and raised $340 for the Cure Foundation see page 18). Devorah Abenhaim Johanna Djebali Arik Messallem Cynthia Abenhaim Adrianne and Shlomo Drazin Sharon Messallem Lyat Abicidan Ami Drazin Elly Miller Ariane Abikhzer Karen Edery Anita Miller Andrew Albanesi Rony Elkaim Karen Ohana Bohbot Melissa and Daniel Alloul Vanessa and Karl Fallenbaum Galit Ohayon Yael Alt Osnat Feldman Elizabeth Ohayon Sharon and Emmanuel Amar Sandra Fine Yael Ohayon Ralph Amar Nathan Friedman Schachar Orenstein Eric Amar Edie Friedman Carole Rimokh Nathalie Amzallag Hillel Gammal Deena Rogozinsky Philippe Anidjar Brenda and Samuel Gewurz Eddy Rogozinsky In memory of Gilad, Naftali and Eyal z”l Jerrold Aspler Marla Goodwin Zipper Warren Rohr Hebrew Academy High School boys have published Ktov Zot Jessica Assayag Dana Guttman Rachel Rosenblatt Zikaron B’Sefer, a compilation of 303 chidushim on Masechet Brachot Stephanie Assayag Nathan Hadid Valerie Rouimi-Gabay Helping kids with cancer and Masechet Megilla, which they learned in Rabbi Henoch Singer’s Zohar Azoulay Anne Haimovici Joy Sacher Gemara class throughout the year. The book is dedicated in memory Alex Benchaya Lisa Hamaoui Cindy and Russell Samuels Hebrew Academy has been very dedicated to assisting of Gilad Shaer, Eyal Yifrach and Naftali Fraenkel, the teens who were Anne Benchaya Fanny Hersson-Edery Natan Schecter Chai Lifeline, an organization that helps children with kidnapped and brutally murdered in Israel in 2014. All those wishing Carole Benchaya Roz Hutman Mira Segal cancer and their families. In addition to Kindergarten’s to learn one of the two Masechtot in the boys’ honour will receive the Chanukah Cookbook fundraiser, (please see page 14), book as a complement to their learning. The goal is for 1000 people Amiel Bender Dan Ifergan Eli Segal Grade 9 students Sarah Elkaim and Myriam Benchaya to learn a Masechet in the teens’ memory. Peter Benisti Meir Israel Daniel Shaul collected more than 300 books, Grade 3 held a toy drive, Audrey Benitah Kara and William Jegher Jonathan Shaul and Grade 6 girls sold ice cream for the organization. Leon Benmergui Earl Kimmel Vicky Shizgal Strong HA representation at the Alexandra Bensimon Ilana Knafo Ahuva Shostak Dale Boidman Jessica Kovitz-Lensch Rachel Sidloi March of the Living Sherri Bratin Nathalie Laredo Michael Stein Students raise impressive For decades, Hebrew Academy students have proudly participated Milan Bratin Pearl and Eric Lasry Lauren and Alvin Suissa in the March of the Living (MOL), an experiential learning program run Jacob Burack Jordana and Morrie Levy Natou Suissa total for Od Yosef Chai by the Bronfman Israel Experience Centre that culminates in a trip to Michele Cale Chaya and Lorne Lieberman Stephanie Tabak Kol Hakavod to Rabbi Baruch Abramovitz and our High Poland and Israel coinciding with Yom Hashoah, Yom Hazikaron and Eva Cohen Abe Ludvig Anat and Michel Toledano School students, who raised $2,498 for Od Yosef Chai’s Yom Ha’Atzmaut. Kol Hakavod to the following Grade 11 participants Laurence Cohen Jason Ludvig David Tordjman Matanot L’Evyonim Campaign. Od Yosef Chai is a non- of MOL 2015: Aurely Abitbol, Yael Meira Blechman, Rachel Cutler, Noa Muriel Cohen Frederick Malamud Diane Vas Elfassy, Erica Hasen, Rebecca Israel, Eden Ovadia, Jordan Assouline, profit organization that supports over 8,000 families in Stephanie Dadoun Risa and Alain Mamane Aaron Weisz Nathaniel Gomolin, Benjamin Liber, Noah Matarasso, Nathan Ziri, Israel - including widows, orphans, new immigrants, Beth and Ilan Dahan Nathalie and Harry Marciano Lawrence Witt terrorist victims, the sick and the elderly - particularly Solomon Bendayan, Samy Marciano, Dov Matthews and Ryan Schwartz. Yasher Koach to Hebrew Academy parents Meir Israel (MOL Lori and David Diner Susan and Alain Matarasso Mindy and Michael Zobin before chagim. Co-Chair), Lawrence Witt, Shlomo Drazin, Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz and Daniel Zolov Natou Suissa Ovadia who participated in the program as chaperones.

HAppenings Summer 2015 HA-MTL.ORG • 41 Incredible volunteer-run events and initiatives

Furry friends greet families at HAPA’s back-to-school carnival The courtyard behind Hebrew Academy was abuzz with excitement on August 25, the first day of school, as new and returning Hebrew Academy students and their families participated in the Hebrew Academy Parent Association (HAPA) Back- to-School Carnival. As if face painting, arts and crafts, sports led by J-hoops, a cotton-candy station and a Mega Burger food cart were not enough to keep youngsters occupied, HAPA also sponsored a petting zoo, complete with llamas, chickens, donkeys and other animals!

Rosh Hashanah Bake Les événements exclusivement Sale a tremendous masculins s’avèrent un vrai success succès Plus de 75 pères d’élèves de l’Académie Hébraïque, membres Just in time for the Yamim Noraim, HAPA held du personnel et anciens élèves se sont réunis au Club de Tennis its first ever Bake Sale erev Rosh Hashana. The sale de Côte Saint-Luc en septembre pour un événement spécial de featured beautiful floral arrangements, delicious réseautage. Cette soirée de détente a permis aux membres de baked goods and spectacular salads - contributed by la famille de l’Académie Hébraïque, aussi bien les jeunes que les Hebrew Academy parents, faculty and staff. moins jeunes, les nouveaux et les anciens, d’interagir les uns avec les autres sur un plan plus personnel, dans un environnement calme et intime. Hundreds join together for Shabbat À l’occasion de Rosh Chodesh Adar, les messieurs ont encore Nouvelles familles accueillies chaleureusement au petit une fois profité d’une fabuleuse soirée au Mishte, la première HAPA’s annual shabbaton in November at dégustation de vins de l’Académie Hébraïque. L’événement s’est déjeuner de la rentrée scolaire Congregation TBDJ was a beautiful gathering filled tenu à la congrégation TBDJ, où on y a servi de la nourriture Les familles des nouveaux élèves de l’Académie Hébraïque ont été accueillies chaleureusement au petit déjeuner d’accueil with singing, dancing and overwhelming Ruach. délicieuse et des vins fabuleux. Un sommelier professionnel a organisé par le comité Shalom de l’Académie Hébraïque. Ce comité a pour but d’aider les nouveaux parents et enfants à s’intégrer Over 300 Hebrew Academy family members enjoyed donné une fabuleuse présentation sur les vins. à leur nouvel environnement et à les informer des activités à venir. Au cours du petit déjeuner, les familles ont été formellement a wonderful evening with friends, relatives and accueillies et ont rencontré le personnel et le conseil d’administration. colleagues.

HAppenings Summer 2015 HA-MTL.ORG • 43 media Our initiatives are being noticed – by the community at large

Hebrew Academy featured in local media 24 times in the past year We are extremely proud to share that our initiatives and acts of Chessed were frequently recognized this past year by both print and digital media outlets throughout the city. These included The Gazette, The Canadian Jewish News, The Suburban, The Free Press, Bill613.com, The MADA Review and the Jewish General Hospital’s Auxiliary News. Our Professional Development, Mezuzah Dedication, Dr. Laura Segall’s award, Rachel Fraenkel’s visit, Grade 10 Youth Philanthropy Initiative, Chalutzim Israel program, Oren Grunbaum Basketball Tournament, Chidon Hatanach successes and a number of fundraising efforts were among some of the activities that garnered publicity.

Videos highlight school spirit In the spirit of One School, Hebrew Academy produced four videos that reflected our sense of Ruach and Achdut as a community. Students, parents, faculty and staff were welcomed back to school with a special video, and many were polled for “Rosh Hashana 5775: What do you wish for in the coming year?” We honoured veteran educators during Teacher Appreciation Week, and underscored the inspiration behind our Chinese Auction in a video prior to the event. Our Bnot Sherut complemented these releases with their spirited Chanukah, Purim, Yom Yerushalayim and End-Of-Year productions.

HAppenings Summer 2015 HA-MTL.ORG • 45 Leadership Program brings new meaning to Experiential Learning Accompanied by KTM Rabbi Roei Mualem and Bachur KTM and Sherut Leumi Akiva Davidson, a group of Grade 9 and 10 students experienced the trip of a lifetime in February. Gabriel Our Kollel Torah MiTzion Shlichim and Bensimon, Yosef Cohen, Eitan Drazin, Benji Friedman, Andrew Miller, Yoni Mydlarski, Shmuel Perton, Zachary Bnot Sherut bring Yahadut to life Rehany, Jordan Silver and Avi Somech participated in Chalutzim, Yeshivat HaKotel’s Leadership Program created with Montreal Kollel Torah MiTzion that includes a weeklong Hebrew Academy and trip to Israel. In partnership with Hebrew Academy and JNF, Chalutzim offers select students the opportunity to Kollel Torah MiTzion: strengthen and grow their love of Torah, Am Yisrael and Eretz A perfect partnership Yisrael via weekly extra-curricular learning and leadership experiences on a number of Shabbatot and Sundays throughout the year. Housed in Hebrew Academy’s Lieberman Family Beit Midrash, Participation in the program demands a serious time commitment: students must learn at Kollel Torah MiTzion two evenings weekly Kollel Torah MiTzion (KTM) is an educational centre that offers and participate in various leadership activities and exercises. special lectures, programs, classes and study partners for people The trip to Israel included a three-day stay at Yeshivat HaKotel where the students experienced Yeshiva life and toured Jerusalem of all ages and Jewish backgrounds. KTM’s core staff comprises and its surroundings. The group then moved on to Southern Israel, following in the footsteps of the Tanach. graduates of Hesder Yeshivot in Israel. These carefully selected young men and couples serve as mentors and role models for their students. Rosh Kollel Rav Amnon Herman and his wife Gitit, Bekiut Club Rav Avreich Roei Mualem and his wife Ruti, Bat Sherut Adi Kremer and Bachurim Yehoshua (Shuki) Sister, Yosef Katzav, Shalom recognizes Orkaby and Akiva Davidson were at the helm of KTM this past year, alongside KTM Executive Director Chaviva Lifson and Educational students Advisor Rabbi Eddie Shostak. for their commitment to Torah Bnot Sherut study Right before the end of For the past number of years, Hebrew De magnifiques school, KTM held a beautiful Academy has been fortunate to benefit from Siyum and Seudah Shlishit the creativity and enthusiasm of young women mosaïques in honour of 138 Elementary from Israel, who choose to devote an extra crées par les familles and High School students year of Sherut Leumi (National Service) to Creative programs En l’honneur de la fête de Tou Bi’Shvat, plus who participated in the KTM helping Jewish communities in the Diaspora. de 70 élèves du primaire et leurs parents ont Bekiut Club over the past This past year, we were privileged to welcome geared for all ages créé de magnifiques mosaïques dans le cadre year. Together with Kollel and Adi Holsblat, Avital Fortinsky and Adi Kremer KTM ran a number of creative and Le programme des fêtes permet à du programme d’étude du samedi soir. Le Hebrew Academy staff and to our Elementary and High School. Beyond informal education programs this past thème du programme de cinq semaines était the Bnot Sherut, the students decorating our halls and rooms with exquisite year, including High School tishes, movie toute la communauté de célébrer les « Shivat Haminim – Les sept espèces par studied various Torah and artwork, the women brought a taste of Israel nights, a Motzei Shabbat Family Learning lesquelles la terre d’Israël a été bénie ». Les Halachic texts and topics of ensemble to our school in everything they did – from Program for kids in Kindergarten to mosaïques seront accrochées à l’extérieur du Jewish thought, geared to Cette année, le Kollel Torah MiTzion a organisé plusieurs évènements starring in plays and filming videos, to leading Grade 6, a Bat Mitzvah program, a Spring Beth Midrash de la famille Lieberman. their levels of interest and communautaires, incluant la célébration de Simchat Beit Hashoeva, des fêtes de class activities and ushering in holidays Break learning program, an Avot U’Vanim capabilities. They developed Hannouca et de Pourim pour les élèves du secondaire, la seoudah de Pourim, with overwhelming Ruach. The Bnot Sherut learning and basketball evening, Parsha a love of Torah and an le seder de Tou BiShvat, une cérémonie en l’honneur de Yom Hazikaron, une contributed tremendously to our school plays for Kindergarten, and a lunchtime appreciation for Jewish study seoudah shlishit à l’occasion de Yom Yeroushalayim, un barbecue pour Lag and greatly enhanced students’ love and “Torah-Running” competition, to name a outside of school hours and Ba’omer et un programme d’étude de Shavuot qui a duré toute la nuit. appreciation for Eretz Yisrael. We will miss few. unrelated to tests and grades. Adi, Avital and Adi! HAppenings Summer 2015 HA-MTL.ORG • 47 Building on Raffle 2014 As in past years, Raffle 2014 was a wonderful Hebrew Academy fundraiser. Thank you to our canvassers, prize donors, and everyone who supported the December 9th evening and helped give the gift of Jewish Education to students in need. This year’s event featured a scrumptious buffet, exciting door prizes, a grand prize of $10,000, development engaging student emcess and talented student performers. We extend our deepest gratitude to Raffle Chair Par-Excellence Warren Rohr for his Our fundraising is a labour of love; a love for boundless energy, incredible efforts, humour and ongoing dedication our precious children, our outstanding school to HA. and our wonderful community We are thrilled that Warren will once again chair Raffle 2015, scheduled this year on Wednesday, December 2 – mark your calendars! Our goal is to make Raffle 2015 even more fun and exciting; we look forward to even more participation from our parent body. If every family sells four tickets, we will achieve this objective! If you would like to be involved with the raffle or have any suggestions, please email [email protected].

Encan chinois communautaire L’encan chinois communautaire au bénéfice des enfants nécessitant une aide pour les frais de Hundreds unite for scolarité fut un énorme succès grâce aux bénévoles, employés et donateurs dévoués. La soirée élégante school-wide du 9 juin qui a eu lieu à la congrégation TBDJ, comprenait des prix fabuleux, des rafraichissements Mezuzah Dedication délicieux et une vente aux enchères animée par Over 500 Hebrew Academy students from Eddy Rogo, avec encore plus de prix fabuleux. Un Kindergarten to Grade 11 united on December 2 gros merci à Vanessa Fallenbaum et Chaya Lieberman, les coprésidentes de with members of the Montreal Jewish community l’encan et aux membres du comité Lyat Abicidan, Laurence Cohen et Jordana to learn the laws of Mezuzah and celebrate the Levy pour une soirée mémorable. Mazal Tov à tous nos gagnants, et surtout à dedication of beautiful new Mezuzot designed by nos enfants, qui profiteront des bénéfices de la soirée. renowned Montreal artist Haim Sherrf. The unprecedented school-wide gathering in the Moritz Hasen Gymnasium marked the end of a months-long campaign that encouraged donors to purchase Mezuzot to beautify the school and support families in the areas of tuition, school supplies, uniforms and hot meals at lunchtime.

Following a private celebratory breakfast honouring all donors, students from various grades explained the Mezuzah’s significance Annual Campaign for Excellence and thanked donors for their generosity. Highlights of the event included a Grade 6 performance of “Acheinu” and the collective We are privileged to count on the generosity of our many friends and benefactors who help to ensure Hebrew Academy’s viability and singing of Hatikvah, after which donors proceeded to affix their Mezuzot in respective locations. enable us to provide many “extras” for students – including curriculum enhancements, Early Intervention, supplementary programs and Tuition Assistance, school supplies and uniforms for those in need. In the past few years, our Annual Campaign for Excellence has secured We extend our heartfelt thanks to fundraising co-chairs Chaya Lieberman and Vanessa Fallenbaum for spearheading this incredibly the opening of our wonderful new school playground, the welcoming of a new Sefer Torah and the beautification of our building with meaningful campaign. beautiful new Mezuzot.

Families are encouraged to join us in the pursuit of excellence at every level. Every gift makes a difference and underscores your confidence in our institution and our outstanding educational programming.

HAppenings Summer 2015 HA-MTL.ORG • 49 financial review

Hebrew Academy continues to operate from a position of financial strength Securing a bright future for our children

Hebrew Academy’s Board of Directors is responsible for furthering Hebrew Academy’s mission and ensuring its long-term financial stability. Despite the challenging economy, we have worked diligently on our five-year financial plan and continue to operate from a position of financial strength. For the fiscal year 2014 we exceeded our financial expectations and prudent financial Tuition Assistance Allocations planning enabled us to invest in many academic Our philosophy is to enable all students to benefit from our outstanding education; accordingly, no one is denied admission programs and academic growth. because of an inability to pay school fees. Our school allocates almost $1,000,000 annually in tuition assistance to families in need.

Our Development Department is actively working on establishing new endowments to secure a successful and bright future for our children and grandchildren. We look forward to the promise of a new academic year and the opportunity to progress in all domains and extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who contributes to Hebrew Academy’s exceptional standing. With your ongoing support, we will reach even greater heights.

2014 Financial Review and Expenses The following charts reflect results from the Financial Statements for the year ending June 2014. Financial Statements for 2015 will be available at the Annual General Meeting in October.

HAppenings Summer 2015 HA-MTL.ORG • 51 5700 Kellert, Côte Saint-Luc Quebec H4W 1T4