8/9/2019 Bnei Akiva Schools Student Life

1/20

student life2014 - 2015 5775

8/9/2019 Bnei Akiva Schools Student Life

2/20YESHIVATORCHAIM/ULPANATOROTSTUDENTLIFE2014-20152

COMMUNITY

SERVICE

As part of their graduation requirement outlined

by the Ontario Ministry of Education, students

at Bnei Akiva Schools must complete 40 hours of

documented community service. Te vast majority

of our students, however, complete well more

than the ministrys requirements with a variety of

organizations within the Jewish community and

beyond.

RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER

ORGANIZATIONS

Te Bnei Akiva Schools maintain a close

relationship with the Bnei Akiva / Mizrachi

movement. Many of our students lead weekly Bnei

Akiva youth groups and Bnei Akiva Shabbatonimand attend or staff Bnei Akiva camps. Our students

have also been directly involved in community

Yom Haatzmaut / Yom Hazikaron programs. Te

school also maintains close relationships with

organizations advocating inclusion of individuals

with all abilities. At Or Chaim, Yachad members

are invited to play basketball after school some

days, as well as being invited to several mishmars

a year; and Yachad joins the girls at their Simchat

Beit Hashoeva and once a week for an after school

dance program.

STUDENTLIFEATORCHAIMANDULPANATOROT

Baycrest Bnei Akiva

CHAI Lifeline

CIJA

CJPAC

DANI

Free the Children

Friendship Circle Hatzolah

Kensington

Retirement Place

Live Wise

Foundation

National Councilof Jewish Women

oronto

NCSY

Od Yosef Chai

One Family Fund

Shalva

Sharsheret

omchei Shabbos UJA

VAhavata

Walk with Israel

Yachad

Yeshiva University

Zareinu

COMMUNITYPARTNERSHIPS

Bnei Akiva Schools has partnered with the following community organizations:

A students experience at Yeshivat Or Chaim and Ulpanat Orot extends well beyond the classroom. Te

wide array of co-curricular activities, teams and programs encourage students to get involved in school life.

Students are part of an environment that stresses contributing to the Jewish people while at the same time

channeling their passions and honing their leadership skills. Bnei Akiva Schools emphasize a commitment

to Medinat Yisrael. We expect our students to demonstrate Ahavat Yisrael, Derech Eretz and social

responsibility towards the Jewish Community, Canada, and the world at large.

8/9/2019 Bnei Akiva Schools Student Life

3/20YESHIVATORCHAIM/ ULPANATOROTSTUDENTLIFE2014-2015

As an organization, Bnei Akiva inspires and

empowers young Jews with a sense of commitment

to the Jewish people, the Land of Israel and the

orah.

CO-CURRICULAR

ACTIVITIES

CHIDON HATANACH

A longstanding annual tradition, Or Chaim and

Ulpana students compete in the final round of the

International Chidon Hatanach Competition held

in Israel on Yom Haatzmaut. Tis past year, the

international winner was an Or Chaim student.10 students from both schools participated in the

regional finals with 5 advancing to the national

finals. An Ulpanat Orot student will represent

Canada in the international competition this

coming year.

TEAM SHALVA JERUSALEM MARATHON

Tis year will be the inaugural year of the Bnei

Akiva Schools team participating in the Jerusalem

marathon on behalf of Shalva. Joining a select

cadre of other Yeshiva day schools in North

America, the Bnei Akiva Schools team will be

coached separately by faculty in each school. Each

participant raises a minimum of $3000 towards the

cost of this trip. In addition to participating in this

marathon, our students will have a chance to visit

Shalvas facilities and join together with other high

school students for a Shalva-sponsored shabbaton

following the marathon.

MODEL UN

Each year, our students participate in two different

Model UN programs. Under the guidance of

faculty members, students research the politics of

the country they have been selected to represent,in order to play the roles of real United Nations

delegates at the conference. Participating in

the Model UN programs adds to participants

knowledge of world affairs and their public

speaking skills. Qualifying Grade 11 and 12

students participate in Yeshiva Universitys Model

UN Conference with hundreds of other yeshiva

high school students across North America. Allstudents are invited to participate in the Jewish

Canadian Youth Model UN held in Montreal.

ART EXHIBITION

At the culmination of the school year, Bnei Akiva

Schools hosts an Art Exhibition evening. Te

work displayed is a representative survey of all the

artwork done throughout the year from all grades

at both schools. Te high quality artwork comprises

pieces in painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking,

and multi-media. Invitations go out to all Bnei

Akiva Schools families, as well as to those in the

wider community. Visitors typically come away

with great enthusiasm and inspired by the quality

of art done by our students.

MY TIME IN THE MODEL UNITED NATIONS

PROGRAM HELPED INSTILL AND CULTIVATE

CRUCIAL CRITICAL THINKING AND PUBLIC

SPEAKING SKILLS, WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY

PROMOTING AN AIR OF COLLEGIALITY AND

FRIENDSHIP AMONGST THE MEMBERS OF T

CLUB. I CAN SAY WITH UTMOST CERTAINTY TH

THE SKILLS THAT I WAS TAUGHT IN MODEL U

HAVE PROVED ESSENTIAL IN BOTH MY POST

SECONDARY AND PROFESSIONAL EDUCATIO

- Shimshi Dukesz (10)

8/9/2019 Bnei Akiva Schools Student Life

4/20YESHIVATORCHAIM/ULPANATOROTSTUDENTLIFE2014-20154

PUBLIC SPEAKING CONTEST

Bnei Akiva Schools runs an Annual Public

Speaking Contest available to all students. Judges

vary from year to year, usually made up of a

panel of teachers, administrators and community

members. In 2010, a peoples choice component

was instituted to the competition, whereby the

audience members themselves act as judges and text

the number of their favourite finalist. Te public

speaking competition is a wonderful opportunity

for students to learn to successfully communicate

orally, to hone their public speaking skills and to

give students an opportunity to share their beliefs

in an encouraging atmosphere.

LITERARY NIGHT

As part of their summer reading curriculum,

Grade 9 and 11 students participate in a book club

evening. Parents are encouraged to read the books

and participate in the program as well. Students

craft the discussion questions and, for grade

11, a faculty member moderates the discussion;

for grade 9, a grade 12 student moderates the

discussion. Tis evening is a wonderful opportunity

for students to share their thoughts, perfect their

public speaking skills and engage their classmates,

parents and teachers in a sophisticated literary

discussion.

SCHOOL E-NEWSLETTER

Under the supervision of Mr. Lazar, a weekly

e-newsletter is published, highlighting the events

of the week in both schools. Student committees

in both schools are involved in the input andediting of the articles as well as a contributing

photographer.

8/9/2019 Bnei Akiva Schools Student Life

5/20YESHIVATORCHAIM/ ULPANATOROTSTUDENTLIFE2014-2015

STUDENTLIFEATULPANATOROT

LEADERSHIP

STUDENT COUNCIL

Student council consists of a group of four students

from grades 10-12. Te girls on student council

are elected by their peers and spend a year focused

on initiating and leading all school wide programs

including trips, shabbaton and colour war.

BBQ/BONFIRES

Every year the student council organizes sister pairs

between grade 9 and grade 12 students and grade 10and grade 11 students. Tose pairs are then grouped

into families. Troughout the year there are a series

of programs geared toward facilitating relationship

building within sister pairs and families. At the

beginning of each year, the grade 9 students and

grade 12 students have a bbq together at a students

home where they enjoy good food, good company,

divrei orah and fun ice breaker activities. Similarly,in every September there is a school bonfire where

families join together for some friendly competition

and inspirational singing.

LUNCH PROGRAM

Te grade 12 fundraising committee sells lunches

every year as a way to raise funds for their grad

trip. All students and faculty have the opportunity

to order lunches from various oronto vendors

including ov-Li, Ba-Li Laffa, Golden Chopsticks

and more.

W.O.W. (WOMEN OF THE WORLD)

Grade 11 and 12 students participate in W.O.W.,

a program inaugurated in 2010 with the goal

of exposing our grade 11 and 12 students tooutstanding women who have made a difference

in their fields. By inviting guests to Ulpana, we

introduce our students to influential women

whom they otherwise would not have met. Tese

seminars allow students the chance to discuss

opportunities for women in an intimate setting

with question and answer sessions focused on

what is the near future for our students. Speakershave included: Senator Linda Frum, Phyllis Yaffe

(Chairman of Cineplex Galaxy) and Hon. Kellie

Leitch MP, Minister of Labour and Minister for

Status of Women.

YOUTH PHILANTHROPIC INITIATIVE

Te Youth Philanthropy Initiative is a one-of-a-kind

experience that engages young people in social change

and empowers them to participate in the growth of

compassionate communities. Ulpanat Orot chose

to participate in the oskan Foundations Youth

Philanthropic Initiative (YPI) as a way to engage

youth in understanding local community needs and

the values of community service and philanthropy.

Te culminating activity of the program is a ten-

SERVING AS STUDENT COUNCIL

PRESIDENT AT ULPANA WAS AN INCREDIBLE

EXPERIENCE THAT PROVIDED ME WITH

TREMENDOUS OPPORTUNITIES FOR

LEADERSHIP AND PERSONAL GROWTH.

I FELT PRIVILEGED TO BE ABLE TO

COORDINATE AND PARTICIPATE IN

SCHOOL WIDE PROGRAMS, AND DERIVED

GREAT SATISFACTION FROM SEEING A

GREAT SCHOOL SPIRIT COME TOGETHER

RESULTING FROM THOSE EFFORTS.

- Racheli Samuel (11)

8/9/2019 Bnei Akiva Schools Student Life

6/20YESHIVATORCHAIM/ULPANATOROTSTUDENTLIFE2014-20156

minute student presentation on their chosen charity.

Four Grade 10 finalist groups present to judges

consisting of previous years winners and faculty

members. Te winning registered charitableorganization is awarded a cheque for $5,000.00,

provided by Te oskan Foundation.

ATHLETICS

BASKETBALL

Te basketball team is open to all qualifying Ulpana

students. Te Ulpana Knights basketball team

recently joined the SSAF (Small Schools Athletic

Federation) where they play games against other

private schools with similar enrollment sizes. Te

season typically lasts from October-December. Each

February, the team travels to various basketball

tournaments including the annual Hyman P. Galbut

Girls Basketball Shabbaton in Miami.

CROSS COUNTRY

Te Cross Country team is open to all students

who qualify. Practices are held in the fall and

spring. Te team competes in the Hanukkah

Hustle in Hamilton, a fundraiser for a seniors

fitness centre in the Hamilton community and run

every Friday.

VOLLEYBALL

Ulpanas volleyball team consists of a group of

athletic young women dedicated to the sport. Te

team tryouts are held in the fall and they play a

number of games against anenbaum CHA as

well as other SSAF teams.

TENNIS

Tis year is the inaugural year of the Ulpanat Orot

tennis program. Students will have the opportunity

to compete in a one day tournament with students

from the Small Schools Association in February

held at Mayfair ennis Club.

COMMUNITY

SERVICE

CHESSED COMMITTEE

Te Chessed Committee is organized by grade 12

STAFF:MS. MIRIAM BESSIN

Athletics Directormbessin@bneiakivaschools.org

8/9/2019 Bnei Akiva Schools Student Life

7/20YESHIVATORCHAIM/ ULPANATOROTSTUDENTLIFE2014-2015

students and creates opportunities for students to

get involved in various activities with partnered

community organizations. Additionally, the

committee organizes various chessed inspired trips

throughout the year as well as an annual Mother-

Daughter Evening for students and their mothers,

grandmothers and sisters, the proceeds of which are

donated to tzedakah.

YACHAD:

Every uesday, Yachad runs a dance class in Ulpana.

Many Ulpana students dance together with

Yachad members for fitness and fun. Additionally,

Ulpana students look forward to the several Yachad

shabbatons throughout the year, with some serving

on Yachads leadership board.

ARTS

CHOIR

Ulpana is well known for its outstanding choir.

Students have the opportunity to be involved withour school choir which performs several times

throughout the year at various events including our

school shabbaton and annual Mother-Daughter

evening. Te choir is run by several Grade 12

choir heads who select the songs and coordinate

the arrangements. Students also record a CD in

a professional recording studio which is sold as a

fundraiser for charity.

RABBANIT PURIM

Rabbanit Purim is one of the longstanding Ulpana

traditions. In the spirit of Purim, Grade 11 students

write, direct and choreograph a play. Tey are

responsible for ticket sales and for organizing a raffle

which takes place during the intermission. At the

end of the play, the Rabbanit Purim is announced.

She is the student elected by her peers to lead the

IN GRADE 12 I WAS FORTUNATE TO BE ONE

OF THE CO-DIRECTORS OF THE ULPANA

CHOIR. LOOKING BACK, I NOW REALIZE THAT

GAINED VITAL SKILLS NOT ONLY IN

HARMONY COMPOSITION, BUT IN

LEADERSHIP AND TEAM WORK AS WELL, THA

HAVE ALLOWED ME TO CONTRIBUTE AS A

MEMBER OF THE PEER LEADING TEAM FOR

SCIENCE MAJORS AT YORK UNIVERSITY.

- Michal Sheinis (11)

8/9/2019 Bnei Akiva Schools Student Life

8/20YESHIVATORCHAIM/ULPANATOROTSTUDENTLIFE2014-20158

school the week preceding Purim. Proceeds from

ticket and raffle sales are donated to tzedakah.

DRAMA CLUB

Te Ulpanat Orots first ever musical production is

a much anticipated event, taking place in April. All

interested actresses, singers, dancers, stagehands,

artists, and musicians will meet after school to

hone in on their theatrical talents and produce anoteworthy production.

ADDITIONAL

LEARNING

MECHANCHOT

Each grade is assigned a teacher as their Grade

Advisor. Tat teacher is responsible for the

physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-

being of each student in her grade. Mechanchot

run programming, organize grade shabbatonim

and trips, meet with each student several times

throughout the year and are available to students

often throughout each day.

MATMIDOT

A new initiative at Ulpana, the matmidot program

gives interested students the background and tools tobecome leaders in the community both in the areas

of halacha and hashkafa. Students participating

in matmidot meet 3 times a week, twice during

lunch and once after school. Te halacha is learned

from the mekorot, trying to see the development of

halacha through the generations from the gemara

FROM THE EARLY PLANNING STAGES TO

THE NIGHT OF THE PLAY, TAKING PART IN THE

GRADE 11 RABBANIT PURIM

PRODUCTION WAS AN UNFORGETTABLE

EXPERIENCE. EACH OF US IN OUR OWN

WAY LEARNED A GREAT DEAL ABOUT TEAM-

WORK, LEADERSHIP AND MEETING TIGHTDEADLINES. THE EXPERIENCE ALSO GAVE

US THE OPPORTUNITY TO HONE OUR CRE-

ATIVE SKILLS - WHETHER IN WRITING, ACTING,

SINGING, DANCING, TECHNOLOGY,

COSTUMES, FUNDRAISING, SET DESIGN...

OR ALL OF THE ABOVE!

- Stephanie Bergman (12)

8/9/2019 Bnei Akiva Schools Student Life

9/20YESHIVATORCHAIM/ ULPANATOROTSTUDENTLIFE2014-2015

rishonim to modern day application. Tis years

topic is centered on hilchot shabbat. Te hashkafa

component looks at a variety of topics throughout

the year and is led by various members of the staff.

LUNCH AND LEARN

Lunch and Learns occur once a month in honour

of Rosh Chodesh. It is an opportunity for students

to learn about the new month with various faculty

members across both disciplines who have given

shiurim on a wide range of topics. Although Lunch

and Learns are optional they are well attended and

much enjoyed.

PARENT LEARNING INSTITUTEOnce a month, mothers are invited to Ulpanat Orot

to learn orah from their daughters teachers on

topics that their daughters are learning about. Tis

provides parents with greater insight into the Ulpana

learning environment as well as allowing them the

opportunity to further their orah knowledge.

MOTHER DAUGHTER LEARNING AND

FATHER DAUGHTER LEARNING

Each year parents are invited to come learn,

bchavruta, with their daughters. Tese events take

place after school with delicious dinner, a great

guest speaker, and great fun for both parents and

their daughters.

YIMEI IYUN

Troughout the year, speakers from the Ulpana

faculty and from the community come to Ulpana to

focus on various halachic and hashkafic topics. Yimei

Iyun allow students the opportunity of orah learning

lishma and provides them with the opportunity to

explore orah subjects not covered in class.

EMUNAH AND MACHSHAVA CLUB

Once a week, students are invited to come learn

about Emunah, belief in G-d, belief in orah, thechosen status of the Jewish people, and related topics

that they ask about in class but now have a forum for

in a more intimate and less pressured setting.

SHOOT CLUB (QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS)

Once a week, students can opt to sit with a Rabbi

and ask him any questions they would like. Much

growth and learning takes place over coffee and

questions while students simultaneously develop

relationships with a Rav and become more

comfortable with asking shailot.

8/9/2019 Bnei Akiva Schools Student Life

10/20YESHIVATORCHAIM/ULPANATOROTSTUDENTLIFE2014-20150

BEIT MIDRASH LEARNING

Te YU Kollel provides the Ulpana students with

Beit Midrash learning skills on a 1-on-1 basis and

in groups. Students are sent on a scavenger hunt

to discover first hand what a Rishon is, what a

halachic source is, how to read an unseen Hebrew

text. Tis opportunity is made available to students

both on a need basis and as a mandatory class

trip as students begin papers and need to develop

independent research skills.

DAVENING INSIGHTS WITH THE YU

KOLLEL

Interested students meet weekly with a member of

the YU orah Mizion Kollel to explore tefillah in

depth, gaining appreciation for the words, themes

and messages of tefillot. Students walk away with a

deeper connection and understanding of tefilah.

CLUBS AND

COMMITTEESAt Ulpanat Orot, students have the opportunity to

participate in clubs and / or committees including

chess, photography, book, environmental, and

even cholent clubs. Clubs vary year-to-year based

on interest and student leadership. Students are

encouraged to speak to club heads if they are

interested in initiating a new club or committee at the

Bnei Akiva Schools. Clubs must have a staff liason

supervising the activities in order to be an official

school club. Recent clubs have included:

INTERGENERATIONAL BOOK CLUB

Mrs. Fixler and a group of students meet monthly

with a group of senior citizens to discuss a new and

different book. Tis club is an exciting opportunity

for students to read different books than what

theyre reading in class, as well as an opportunityto further develop sensitivity to others within our

community.

ARTS AND THEATRE CLUB

Te club offers opportunities for Ulpana students

to explore various, multifaceted artistic experiences

in oronto, including theatre, opera, art galleries

and symphonies.

BNEI AKIVA SCHOOLS OFFERED A VARIET

OF COCURRICULAR ACTIVITIES THAT

ENHANCED MY ACADEMIC AND SOCIAL

EXPERIENCES IN SCHOOL. I LOOK BACK O

THESE PROGRAMS WITH VERY FOND MEM

RIES, AND RECOGNIZE THAT THROUGH MY

INVOLVEMENT, I GAINED LEADERSHIP SKIL

LEARNED TEAMWORK AND FORMED FRIEN

SHIPS THAT CONTINUE TO GUIDE ME TODA

- Nediva Koschitzky (11)

STAFF:

MRS. YAEL GELERNTER

Assistant Principal

ygelernter@bneiakivaschools.org

416-638-5434 ext 34

Mrs. Gelernter oversees the co-curricular programme

at Ulpanat Orot. She works with student council,

ensuring the smooth-running of programs, nurturing

school spirit and developing programs that encourage

religious and spiritual growth. Additionally, many

other teachers are involved directly with specific

programs, clubs and events.

8/9/2019 Bnei Akiva Schools Student Life

11/20YESHIVATORCHAIM/ ULPANATOROTSTUDENTLIFE2014-2015

TEHILLIM GROUP

A group of students meet every day at the

conclusion of efillah to recite a Perek of ehillim

together, inspiring reflective thought on the words

and ideas behind the passages of this ancient book.

By the end of each school year, they plan to finish

all five of the books of ehillim and participate in

multiple Siyums.

CHESS CLUB

Mr. Graham, a ranked chess player, challenges our

students to match his strategies in the game of

chess. Tis club meets weekly and any student can

join at any time during the year.

CURRENT EVENTS

A group of motivated students interested in politics

and current events established the Ulpanat Orot

Current Events Committee, which has expanded to

include a popular Facebook page and eye-catching

bulletin board. Te board is updated weekly,

headlining current events.

INTRAMURALS

Once a week there are pickup games in the school

gym during lunch. Each week the intramural coaches

change the sport. It is a great way to foster healthy

competition amongst peers while also promoting

physical well being during the school day.

ALUMNI MENTORING

An initiative started by an alumni teacher, Mrs.

Fixler (99), students create partnerships with alumni

who have similar professional interests. Alumni guide

and mentor our current students, continuing their

relationship with the Ulpanat Orot community. Our

current students appreciate hearing from someone

who has had similar experiences and appreciate the

wisdom the alumni share with them.

CHINUCH COMMITTEEBnei Akiva Schools takes a student-driven approach

to co-curriculars. o encourage positive religious

growth during fillah, as well as an understanding

and appreciation for the centrality of zniut,

student-led committees have been formed.

Motivated students use a relatable approach to

inspire and motivate their classmates. Other

successful Ulpana student initiatives have includedActs of Kindness Daily, as well as Stop Lashon

Harah!

8/9/2019 Bnei Akiva Schools Student Life

12/20

8/9/2019 Bnei Akiva Schools Student Life

13/20

soccer, torah trivia, an art activity, a science activity,

musical performance and chess. Grade 11 students

are offered an invaluable leadership experience,

organizing and scoring the activities. Students

appreciate having the opportunity to bond with the

school as a whole and see their teachers involved in

fun activities beyond the classroom.

INTRAMURALS

Intramurals take place several days a week during

lunch. Tey are an opportunity for students in

different grades to play together on the same team.

On occasion, a staff member may be on a team

as well. A grade 12 student is elected into the

convener position, organizing the teams, gamesand playoffs for the Intramurals teams. Intramurals

provide a fun way to unwind during the day and

students look forward to seeing who will compete in

and ultimately win the playoffs.

ACTIVITY DAY

Student Council generally runs two Activity Days

a year. In addition to Sports Day, Or Chaim hostsa winter activity day. Students choose to ski or

participate in an indoor activity such as Skyzone.

An opportunity to interact outside of the classroom

and within different grades, the Winter Activity

Day provides for school bonding and highlighting a

different aspect than is seen in the classroom.

ORIENTATION PROGRAMS

Before the school year begins, the grade 9 orientation

introduces the students to who they need to know,

how their schedules work and what the essential

tools required for high school are. Following the

academic orientation, the grade 12s welcome the

grade 9s with a welcome bbq. Te students meet

and get to know one another and are arranged into

big brother / little brother pairings. Grade 12s

share their advice and ideas with the grade 9s and the

family feel of Or Chaim is palpable for grade 9s

even before their first class!

At the beginning of the current school year, our

grade 9s traveled to Moshava Ennismore for a

shabbaton to start the year. Tey had shiurim

in small groups with several rabbis, as well as a

schmooze session with the student leaders who

attended the shabbaton. Tey enjoyed meals

together, singing and davening together and getting

a feel for what the school-wide shabbaton will look

like in a few months. It was a great opportunity for

all students no matter what elementary school

they came from to get to know one another and

become a united group of Or Chaim students.

ATHLETICS

BASKETBALL

Te school has two basketball teams: Junior Varsity

for grade 9 and 10 students and Varsity for grade11 and 12 students. Te teams compete in the

DCAA. Te varsity team has the opportunity

to play in various tournaments, including Yeshiva

Universitys Sarachek ournament in New York.

ryouts for the basketball teams are held at the

beginning of the school year and the season

typically lasts from September to March.

STAFF:MR. GORD SKAROTT

Athletics Director

gskarott@bneiakivaschools.org

YESHIVATORCHAIM/ULPANATOROTSTUDENTLIFE2014-2015

8/9/2019 Bnei Akiva Schools Student Life

14/20YESHIVATORCHAIM/ULPANATOROTSTUDENTLIFE2014-20154

CROSS COUNTRY

Te Cross Country Running team, open to all

students, also competes in the DCAA. ryouts

and practices start at the beginning of the year and

the season typically lasts until the winter.

INTRAMURAL BASKETBALL

In addition to formal teams, Student Council runs

a year-long intramural basketball program during

the lunch hour. It has been a YOC tradition for

years with all student invited to participate and

some staff members occasionally joining in as well.

SOCCER

Te Soccer team is open to all students who qualify.

While the soccer season is typically in the spring

and summer, tryouts and practices usually begin

in January. Te soccer team also competes in the

DCAA.

COMMUNITY

SERVICE

CHESSED COMMITTEE:

Te Chessed Committee has become one of the

most popular committees in the school, as usually

more than 1/3 of the grade is interested in being part

of the committee. Ultimately, around 5 or 6 students

are selected to plan chessed events and fundraisersand encourage activism and volunteerism amongst

the student population. It spearheads projects

throughout the year, a selection of which are detailed

below. In addition, many of the students on the

Chessed Committee choose to volunteer their time

to these organizations beyond the school setting.

CHARITY CHOLENT CONTEST

A yearly highlight, our own homemade Chopped,

the Charity Cholent Contest raises funds for Od

Yosef Chai. Students learn how Od Yosef Chai helps

PLAYING ON THE BASKETBALL, SOCCER,

AND CROSS-COUNTRY TEAMS GAVE ME THE

OPPORTUNITY TO REPRESENT OUR COMMUNITY

TO ALL TYPES OF SCHOOLS, AND SHOW

THEM HOW WE CAN BE A TOP TEAM, WHILE

REMAINING MENSCHLIKE. OVERALL, IT HELPED

ME GROW IN A WAY THAT IS NOT POSSIBLE INTHE CLASSROOM, AND I WAS ABLE TO FORGE

RELATIONSHIPS AND HAVE AN ENJOYABLE TIME.

- Akiva Maresky (10)

8/9/2019 Bnei Akiva Schools Student Life

15/20YESHIVATORCHAIM/ ULPANATOROTSTUDENTLIFE2014-2015

needy families in Israel. Tey create teams, generally

two per grade, and compete to make the tastiest

cholent. A panel of esteemed judges, led by Rabbi

Spitz and Mrs. Ripsman, taste the cholents and rank

them based on taste, texture and visual appeal. Tewinning team takes home the Cholent rophy and

has bragging rights for the year.

NURSING HOME VISITS:

Under the guiding principle of developing active

chessed among our students, Or Chaim facilitates at

least one nursing home visit a year. In preparation,

students in leadership positions plan a program to

present at the Home and gain important pointers as

to how to communicate with the residents they meet.

Often, different groups will meet residents at different

cognitive stages and hear wisdom and life stories

gained by the residents. Once there, students sing,

play musical instruments, schmooze with the residents

and assist in the regular programming of the Home.

PESACH FOOD DRIVEYearly, our grade 10 students assist with Passover

Packaging at the National Council for Jewish

Women. Tey learn about those in our community

in need and hear about more opportunities to help.

It is important as a team-building experience as well,

as they work together to package the food.

MATZAH BRICKS

Our Chessed Committee raises funds for the food

drive as well, selling Matza Bricks. Each year, our

committee manages to improve upon the previous

years amount, exceeding their goals. Bulletin boardsare designated for the Matza Bricks and students

try to maximize the board space. Te students are

always proud of their accomplishment, particularly

when they see multiple boards were needed!

ZAREINU

Te Zareinu Learnathon has become a popular

program in its short existence in our school. Students

STAFF:MR. GERALD LAZAR

Director of Student Life

glazar@bneiakivaschools.org

416-630-6772 ext 37

Mr. Lazar oversees the co-curricular programme

at Yeshivat Or Chaim. Working with studentcouncil directly, he ensures the smooth-running

of programs, the creation of clubs and initiatives

and the grade 12 committees. He coordinates

the organization of programs run by the schools

religious leadership. Additionally, many other

teachers are involved directly with specific

programs, clubs and events.

8/9/2019 Bnei Akiva Schools Student Life

16/20YESHIVATORCHAIM/ULPANATOROTSTUDENTLIFE2014-20156

set up their own personal fundraising sites in benefit

of Zareinu and then spend time in the Beit Midrash

focused on relevant learning. Last year, they met

two Zareinu staff members who spoke about how

important the funds raised through this program

are. Generally, the learning is guided by members of

the Yeshiva University orah Mizion Beit Midrash,

allowing students from all grades to experience a

different style of learning lishma.

YACHAD

Many of our students participate in Yachad

programming, an organization dedicated to

integrating individuals with special needs into the

community. Our students attend shabbatonim andprograms. Some of them have also been asked to

sit on the Yachad Board. Yachad members have

attended occasional mishmars, enjoying the Jam

and orah session in particular.

FREE THE CHILDREN

Free the Children is an organization focused on

creating and funding sustainable solutions forAfrican youth in need. Trough their Me to We

Day event, they hope to inspire activism and

involvement from teenagers. At YOC, students

have run assemblies to spread awareness on the

needs in Africa, as well as facilitate fundraising

initiatives. Involvement in this organization

has encouraged students to join our Chessed

Committee and do what they can to make adifference in the world.

ARTS

CHOIR

Now in its eighth consecutive year, Yeshivat Or

Chaims choir has performed at Closing Night

of Holocaust Education Week, the schoolsshabbaton, the community Yom HaShoah

commemoration, as well as Mizrachis Yom

Hazikaron / Yom Haatzmaut ekes. Te choir

is trained by a professional Chazan and creates

leadership opportunities for students in various

grades. Students have appreciated the opportunity

to perform at community events. All students with

vocal talents are encouraged to join the choir.

A CAPPELLA GROUP

After this past years success, the choir has expanded

to include an a capella group, which will begin

by focusing on Kabbalat Shabbat tunes. Students

may join the a capella group, whether they are also

in the choir or not. Te group trains with a YOC

alum who spent a few years in an a cappella group

while in university. Choir members were excited to

be able to begin their own initiative and expand an

already-popular group.

BAND

A staple for more than a decade, the Yeshivat Or

Chaim band offers an opportunity for students

with musical talents to perform for the school

and, often, other groups as well. Teir specialityis infusing current rock songs into classic Jewish

tunes. Te band performs yearly at the scholwide

Shabbaton and has also performed at the Simchat

Beit Hashoeva, Netivots Yom Haatzmaut program

and our Shushan Purim program. Students select the

songs to perform and rehearse throughout the year.

8/9/2019 Bnei Akiva Schools Student Life

17/20YESHIVATORCHAIM/ ULPANATOROTSTUDENTLIFE2014-2015

ADDITIONAL

LEARNING

MISHMAR

Most Tursdays from 5:30-7:00 PM, students

participate in a school wide mishmar program.

Mishmar is an opportunity for students to spend

extra time learning about a wide array of topics

including upcoming Jewish holidays, current eventsand ethics. On occasion, guest speakers from the

community are often invited to address the students

as well as well as visiting scholars from Israel and

abroad. As well, members of our Judaic studies

faculty will run informal classes related to orah,

Jewish music and relevant current Jewish issues.

YOC SHABBATON

Te Or Chaim Shabbaton is a yearly opportunity

for the school to spend a Shabbat together.

Te grade 12s generally go up early, organizing

programming for the rest of the school, including

Friday night learning groups. Shabbat includes

davening, divrei torah, singing and shmoozing.

Programming in the afternoon has included a

shiur with a member of the Yeshiva University

Beit Midrash, a nature walk and a Shmooze withmembers of the English department. Te Shabbat

is a spiritual, community-building experience,

allowing our students to interact with each other

and some of their teachers in an out-of-classroom,

Shabbat atmosphere. Following Havdalah, the boys

participate in several activities off-site, including

hockey, volleyball or bowling. Tey then return to

dancing led by the Or Chaim band and conclude

WHEN I JOINED THE MATMIDIM PROGRAM

IT REALLY MADE A SPIRITUAL IMPACT ON M

LIFE. THE PROGRAM GIVES ME THE EXCELLE

OPPORTUNITY TO GROW IN MY GEMARA

LEARNING, AS WELL AS THE CHANCE TO

LEARN TORAH LISHMA. WITH A PIZZA LUNC

AND LEARN EVERY WEEK, I FEEL THAT I HAV

DEVELOPED A STRONGER RELATIONSHIP

WITH THE AMAZING REBBEIM THAT DEVOT

THEMSELVES TO OUR SHIURIM. THE

MATMIDIM PROGRAM HAS TRULY HELPED M

TO GROW SPIRITUALLY AND ITS BENEFITS A

COUNTLESS.

Eli Weltman, Grade 10

8/9/2019 Bnei Akiva Schools Student Life

18/20YESHIVATORCHAIM/ULPANATOROTSTUDENTLIFE2014-20158

the evening with a bonfire and kumsitz. An annual

highlight for students and staff alike - an experience

not to be missed!

MATMIDIM

Te Matmidim program aims at giving our

talmidim a greater breadth and depth of gemara

understanding Our Matmidim program meets

for 4 additional times of learning each week. Te

learning consists of guided chavruta learning

focused on independent learning, chaburah or

small groups led by one of our Rabbeim focused

on the conceptual analysis of the gemara. A weekly

lunch and learn with a different rebbe each week

allows for the strengthening of their relationshipswhile covering a wide range of contemporary topics

in Jewish thought.

REBBE SHABBATONIM

Troughout the year, various Judaic Studies staff

open their homes and host shabbatonim for groups

of students. Generally, each student will be invited

to two home shabbatonim with their Gemara

Rebbe during the year. Tese shabbatons have

become an important part of the experience of the

Yeshiva. Te students enjoy singing together and

informally schmoozing about orah and Judaism.

PARENT-STUDENT LEARNING

PROGRAMS

Father-son Sunday morning learning and Mother-

son mishmar are two popular programs that have

been running for a few years. Learning is generally in

chavruta, with a summary at the end by a presenter.

Presenters have included members of our staff, as

well as community members. Students whose parent

cannot attend learn with one of our teachers. Tese

programs are great ways for our students to showcase

their learning skills for their parents and take on a

different social quality before / after the learning.

YIMEI IYUN

Prior to several Jewish holidays, including Rosh

Hashana, Yom Kippur and Pesach, the students

spend some time learning about those dates lishma,

outside of normal curricular topics. Tey learn and

8/9/2019 Bnei Akiva Schools Student Life

19/20YESHIVATORCHAIM/ ULPANATOROTSTUDENTLIFE2014-2015

discuss Halacha and hashkafa. Tese Yimei Iyun

also provide an opportunity for different styles of

learning not always possible in a normal classroom

setting.

LEARNING WITH THE YU BEIT

MIDRASH

Our students have the opportunity to learn with

members of the Yeshiva University orah Mitzion

Beit Midrash Zichron Dov, permanently housed in

Or Chaims Beit Midrash. In addition to individual

opportunities to learn, students at Or Chaim

participate in Divreh orah and Donuts Friday

breakfasts, Bikiut optional lunch program, or lunch

n learn programs.

OPTIONAL BIKIUT

Once a week Rabbi orczyner guides students

through Mesechet Megillah following Yeshiva

Universitys established Bikiut program. An amud is

covered each week.

CLUBS

At Yeshivat Or Chaim, students have the

opportunity to participate in clubs and / or

committees. Clubs vary year-to-year based on

interest and student leadership. Students are

encouraged to speak to members of student

council or student activity coordinators if they are

interested in initiating a new club or committee.

Clubs must have a staff liason supervising the

activities in order to be an official school club.

Some recent clubs have included:

CHESS CLUB

Mr. Graham, a ranked chess player, challenges our

students to match his strategics in the game of

chess. Tis club meets weekly and any student can

join at any time during the year.

INVESTMENT CLUB

Overseen by Mr. Solomon, this club teaches

students valuable business skills through interactive

means. Te club went to a D Seminar last

year, and competed in a simulated stock market

exchange program.

ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE

A grass-roots, student-based movement, staff havebeen thrilled to see students take up this cause

within the school. Te students in this committee

work on brainstorming initiatives related to how

the school can improve its environment. Tey have

been working hard to encourage recycling so that

papers and cardboards do not end up in garbages.

BUSINESS CLUB

A new initiative this year, students hear from

various guest speakers who have been successful

in business. Students gain from the wisdom and

experience from speakers. Tey appreciate the

opportunity to ask questions and gain valuable

post-secondary and work tips.

8/9/2019 Bnei Akiva Schools Student Life

20/20