Bnot Torah Institute http://bnottorah.com Mon, 06 Feb 2012 07:52:55 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.5 Warm & Tasty Supper at our Chonechet’s House! http://bnottorah.com/blog/2012/02/05/warm-tasty-supper-at-our-chonechets-house/ http://bnottorah.com/blog/2012/02/05/warm-tasty-supper-at-our-chonechets-house/#comments Sun, 05 Feb 2012 09:59:24 +0000 Rabbi Michael Green http://bnottorah.com/?p=3467 This past Bayit Cham, at the home of our Chonechet, Ricki Leybovich, proved to be a combination of the wacky and the serious, the calm and the crazy, the light and the deep! You see, in our group, we can plan events, but things don't always go as planned. It all started calm and normal enough. We were greeted with the wonderful aroma of hearty tomato soup (with rice of course) and fresh, home baked bread. As we all settled down and enjoyed our "family" meal, there was light chatter, some laughter and comfortable shmooze (with consistent refilling of the bread basket). After we were all warmed up from the soup and pleasantly satiated, Ricki brought out a beautifully sculptured bundt cake-- Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cake (whole wheat of course!!) YUM!!! After we had worked our way through our cake and tea/coffee, we said goodbye to those who had to leave for Chumash project tutoring. So sad to see you go! Those who stayed decided that instead of playing our planned game... Click “Read More” to read the full description and see all the slideshow pictures!!]]> This past Bayit Cham, at the home of our Chonechet, Ricki Leybovich, proved to be a combination of the wacky and the serious, the calm and the crazy, the light and the deep! You see, in our group, we can plan events, but things don’t always go as planned. It all started calm and normal enough. We were greeted with the wonderful aroma of hearty tomato soup (with rice of course) and fresh, home baked bread. As we all settled down and enjoyed our “family” meal, there was light chatter, some laughter and comfortable shmooze (with consistent refilling of the bread basket). After we were all warmed up from the soup and pleasantly satiated, Ricki brought out a beautifully sculptured bundt cake– Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cake (whole wheat of course!!) YUM!!! After we had worked our way through our cake and tea/coffee, we said goodbye to those who had to leave for Chumash project tutoring. So sad to see you go! Those who stayed decided that instead of playing our planned game, walking on each other’s backs would be a much more productive way to spend our time. For those of you who don’t know, walking on someone else’s back can be very therapeutic. But as we all learned, it’s important to walk SIDEWAYS. It also helps to have someone there holding your hands for support so you don’t topple off onto the person, which would result in it being very NON therapeutic. After everyone was satisfied with our back therapy session, we all settled down to play a very serious game called “Priorities.” This game evoked much deep discussion as we all opened up to each other about what is most important to us in life and why. I think we all both gained and learned a lot. Can’t wait to spend more time with our “family” at the next Bayit Cham! Good luck with the Chumash Project everyone!

]]> http://bnottorah.com/blog/2012/02/05/warm-tasty-supper-at-our-chonechets-house/feed/ 0 Chumash Paper Themed Bayit Cham! http://bnottorah.com/blog/2012/02/02/chumash-paper-themed-bayit-cham/ http://bnottorah.com/blog/2012/02/02/chumash-paper-themed-bayit-cham/#comments Thu, 02 Feb 2012 14:26:26 +0000 Rabbi Michael Green http://bnottorah.com/?p=3461 We rushed to our Chonechet’s house, and tried to change quickly into fun and chilled Bayit Cham mode. We tried and tried, but our minds were still flooded with thoughts of that Chumash paper we had due. We stepped into her cozy apartment, and almost immediately our minds went to sleep and our senses took control. Yummm… the mouth watering aromas of soup, delicious food and all the hallmarks of an awesome night with our Chonechet. Appropriately, the night’s theme was to de-stress, relax, and pamper yourself. Wow, that was exactly what we needed! We sank down into the couches and each made ourselves a delicious Panini dinner, using an assortment of freshly cut vegetables and fillings. Tuna melt paninis were a big favorite, consisting of cheese, tuna fish, tomatoes, corn, peppers, carrots, onions etc. This was combined with a scrumptious French onion soup, complete with croutons and the trademark melted cheese. We finished off by baking some delicious hot peach muffins, and cooling off from the soup with drinks of refreshing lemon water. Click “Read More” to read the full description and see all the slideshow pictures!!]]> We rushed to our Chonechet’s house, and tried to change quickly into fun and chilled Bayit Cham mode. We tried and tried, but our minds were still flooded with thoughts of that Chumash paper we had due. We stepped into her cozy apartment, and almost immediately our minds went to sleep and our senses took control. Yummm… the mouth watering aromas of soup, delicious food and all the hallmarks of an awesome night with our Chonechet. Appropriately, the night’s theme was to de-stress, relax, and pamper yourself. Wow, that was exactly what we needed! We sank down into the couches and each made ourselves a delicious Panini dinner, using an assortment of freshly cut vegetables and fillings. Tuna melt paninis were a big favorite, consisting of cheese, tuna fish, tomatoes, corn, peppers, carrots, onions etc. This was combined with a scrumptious French onion soup, complete with croutons and the trademark melted cheese. We finished off by baking some delicious hot peach muffins, and cooling off from the soup with drinks of refreshing lemon water.

The evening stayed true to its theme, as we decorated adorable stress-balls (make sure to check out the pictures), which we took home with us for times of need. It was bound to work better than the finger on the page trick, which didn’t seem to get me too far! For the more adventurous of us, we got to experience an all-natural homemade facial, complete with cucumber eye masks which left our skin feeling smooth rejuvenated.We even had manicures and other relaxing treatments! All in all, it was great to feel pampered, and just what we needed. Thanks so much for another incredible Bayit Cham- we can’t wait ‘till next time!!!!!!!!!!!

]]> http://bnottorah.com/blog/2012/02/02/chumash-paper-themed-bayit-cham/feed/ 0 Meet the Teves S.T.A.H.R. Award Winners! http://bnottorah.com/blog/2012/01/30/meet-the-teves-s-t-a-h-r-award-winners/ http://bnottorah.com/blog/2012/01/30/meet-the-teves-s-t-a-h-r-award-winners/#comments Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:36:02 +0000 Rabbi Michael Green http://bnottorah.com/?p=2216 While we are formally no longer in the month of Teves anymore, and have just completed celebrating Rosh Chodesh Shevat, everyone is still very much abuzz and happy for all of the Teves S.T.A.H.R. Award winners! There were over 20 girls hailing from Los Angeles to Baltimore, to New York to Seattle, and even some girls who are repeat S.T.A.H.R. Award Winners. The entire school was gathered for a mid-morning celebration complete with Rabbi Sharfman's famous hot chocolate as well as cinnamon and chocolate rugelach! Next, Rabbi Sharfman presented certificates to every S.T.A.H.R. Award winner! In fact, there were even 2 girls who scored 100% in every aspect of the Sharfman's Torah Academic Honor Roll—or more simply put the S.T.A.H.R. Program! You see, at Sharfman's, each and every year, we are constantly striving to create more cutting edge innovation to further inspire and empower our girls with new ways to maximize their potential as Jewish women! As first announced last year, we have launched the new and exciting program known as: Sharfman's Torah Academic Honor Roll—or more simply put the S.T.A.H.R. Program! This program Click “Read More” to read the full description and see all the slideshow pictures!!]]> While we are formally no longer in the month of Teves anymore, and have just completed celebrating Rosh Chodesh Shevat, everyone is still very much abuzz and happy for all of the Teves S.T.A.H.R. Award winners! There were over 20 girls hailing from Los Angeles to Baltimore, to New York to Seattle, and even some girls who are repeat S.T.A.H.R. Award Winners. The entire school was gathered for a mid-morning celebration complete with Rabbi Sharfman’s famous hot chocolate as well as cinnamon and chocolate rugelach! Next, Rabbi Sharfman presented certificates to every S.T.A.H.R. Award winner! In fact, there were even 2 girls who scored 100% in every aspect of the Sharfman’s Torah Academic Honor Roll—or more simply put the S.T.A.H.R. Program!

You see, at Sharfman’s, each and every year, we are constantly striving to create more cutting edge innovation to further inspire and empower our girls with new ways to maximize their potential as Jewish women! As first announced last year, we have launched the new and exciting program known as: Sharfman’s Torah Academic Honor Roll—or more simply put the S.T.A.H.R. Program! This program illustrates how much we believe that each and every girl is truly a blossoming shining S.T.A.H.R! Not only does each and every qualifying student receive a Certificate awarding their accomplishments, but they receive a monthly prize. The first month, the S.T.A.H.R. Award Winners were treated to  Sushi!!

For the month of Kislev, a month in which we enjoying the glistening Chanukah lights, each girl was treated to a regular manicure or french manicure at a local beauty parlor in Ramat Eshkol! Plus, all of the S.T.A.H.R. Award Winners for the month of Teves will be treated to go on such an amazing trip (just ask the girls how thrilled everyone is!!)

]]> http://bnottorah.com/blog/2012/01/30/meet-the-teves-s-t-a-h-r-award-winners/feed/ 1 Parshat B’shalach – The test of Manna http://bnottorah.com/blog/2012/01/29/parshat-bshalach-the-test-of-manna/ http://bnottorah.com/blog/2012/01/29/parshat-bshalach-the-test-of-manna/#comments Sun, 29 Jan 2012 16:20:49 +0000 Rabbi Michael Green http://bnottorah.com/?p=3429 Rabbi Label Sharfman, Dean

In this Breakfast Chizuk, Rabbi Sharfman discusses why the Miracle of the Manna was a ‘test’ for Klall Yisrael and how it relates to us today!

Listen & be inspired!

Comments are welcome – please share your thoughts with us!

]]> http://bnottorah.com/blog/2012/01/29/parshat-bshalach-the-test-of-manna/feed/ 0 Inspiration & Growth Through our Chumash Paper http://bnottorah.com/blog/2012/01/26/inspiration-growth-through-the-chumash-paper/ http://bnottorah.com/blog/2012/01/26/inspiration-growth-through-the-chumash-paper/#comments Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:10:54 +0000 Rabbi Michael Green http://bnottorah.com/?p=1149 Every year around this time, we are all in full swing working towards the final steps of the Chumash Paper. And so, our Beit Midrash is full of vibrant life and really one of a kind! There are so many of us who are researching our own personal topic. By now we have spent countless hours pouring over various sources and texts ranging from a Ramban to a Rav Dessler. In fact, many of us have stayed late into the night or researched on Motzei Shabbat various Seforim that we have available in the comfortable confines of our Bnot Torah Beit Midrash. Plus, we have had many weeks to work on it and tons of help from the many knowledgeable Chonechet's and Beit Midrash Tutors who are ready to assist you to help you understand the depth of of our heritage. These amazing... Click “Read More” to read the full description and see all of the slideshow pictures!]]> Every year around this time, we are all in full swing working towards the final steps of the Chumash Paper. And so, our Beit Midrash is full of vibrant life and really one of a kind! There are so many of us who are researching our own personal topic. By now we have spent countless hours pouring over various sources and texts ranging from a Ramban to a Rav Dessler. In fact, many of us have stayed late into the night or researched on Motzei Shabbat various Seforim that we have available in the comfortable confines of our Bnot Torah Beit Midrash. Plus, we have had many weeks to work on it and tons of help from the many knowledgeable Chonechet’s and Beit Midrash Tutors who are ready to assist you to help you understand the depth of of our heritage. These amazing women are part of Sharfman’s and help us complete the most hardest of sources, or to decipher a particular Kli Yakar, and so on and so forth.

Honestly, when we started the Chumash Report, l was afraid of getting just a little bit overwhelmed.

Instead, the opposite has happened!

Why?

Because even when we are learning and in the Beit Midrash, Sharfman’s makes sure that learning and growing is always a FUN experience.

It’s so awesome to hear our voices in unity speaking the beautiful words of Torah. It’s the most amazing feeling to finally put all of our research into our very own Chumash Report Sefer. It is certainly something that I will forever treasure as a memento of my accomplishment and academic growth throughout my year at Sharfman’s. To me, the Chumash Report is not just the about research, it’s about the exploration of our heritage at the deepest textual level…and I’ll get to keep these memories for the rest of my life.

]]> http://bnottorah.com/blog/2012/01/26/inspiration-growth-through-the-chumash-paper/feed/ 0 Ben Adam L’Chaveiro Week http://bnottorah.com/blog/2012/01/23/ben-adam-lchaveiro-week/ http://bnottorah.com/blog/2012/01/23/ben-adam-lchaveiro-week/#comments Sun, 22 Jan 2012 23:02:19 +0000 Rabbi Michael Green http://bnottorah.com/?p=1101 If I had to make the difficult choice of choosing which week has been the most exciting week in school until now, I would probably vote for Bein Adam L'Chaveiro Week somewhere in My Personal Top 5! For 7 days we celebrated Bein Adam L'Chaveiro Week in unique Sharfman's style. It started when the school assigned each girl in the school a "Nutty Buddy." In order to show the girls how much there is to gain from an unexpected friendship, Sharfman's matched up girls who really didn't know each other well. Each "Nutty Buddy" was to shower her "Buddy" with small daily presents during the course of the week. The results far exceeded the expectations :-) Girls spent a lot of time finding out about their Buddies so they could find cute inexpesnive gifts which suited the recipient. In the process, they discovered how distinctive each individual girl is. Gifts ranged from a jump rope for a Buddy who is into physical fitness... Click “Read More” to read the full description and see all of the slideshow pictures! ]]> If I had to make the difficult choice of choosing which week has been the most exciting week in school until now, I would probably vote for Bein Adam L’Chaveiro Week somewhere in My Personal Top 5! For 7 days we celebrated Bein Adam L’Chaveiro Week in unique Sharfman’s style. It started when the school assigned each girl in the school a “Nutty Buddy.” In order to show the girls how much there is to gain from an unexpected friendship, Sharfman’s matched up girls who may not know each other soo well. Each “Nutty Buddy” was to shower her “Buddy” with small cute and daily presents during the course of the week.

The results far exceeded the expectations :-)

Girls spent a lot of time finding out about their Buddies so they could find cute inexpesnive gifts which suited the recipient. In the process, they discovered how distinctive each individual girl is. Gifts ranged from a jump rope for a Buddy who is into physical fitness, to a set of colored pens to an artist, to personalized drawings, plaques, magnets, key chains and, of course, lots of nosh. Finally, the time came for the “Nutty Buddies” to reveal themselves to their “Buddies!” The Bnot Torah Beit Midrash went wild as our Mechanechet, Mrs. Fuld served as the Master of Ceremonies as we all found out who it was that had made the effort to find out about them and give them such suitable gifts.

Each Buddy now had the chance to give her Nutty Buddy a gift of thanks and appreciation for her efforts. All in all, from the smiles on the girls faces you can tell that not only were new friendships started, but the school was successful in giving us new meaning to the idea of Bein Adam L’Chaveiro.

]]> http://bnottorah.com/blog/2012/01/23/ben-adam-lchaveiro-week/feed/ 0 Inspirational Kinar Hotel Shabbaton! http://bnottorah.com/blog/2012/01/19/inspirational-kinar-hotel-shabbaton/ http://bnottorah.com/blog/2012/01/19/inspirational-kinar-hotel-shabbaton/#comments Thu, 19 Jan 2012 07:00:44 +0000 Rabbi Michael Green http://bnottorah.com/?p=2287 Wow!! What a Shabbaton! We left early in the morning and toured various locations in the Kinneret. Plus, we even got to go bowling and bowl against the various faculty members who joined us for this unforgettable Shabbaton held in the gorgeous Kinar Hotel overlooking the luscious banks of the famous Kinneret. Joining us for the magical weekend were 10 Faculty members, including Rabbi Sharfman, Mrs. Sharfman, our Mechanchot, Mrs. Haymann and Mrs. Fuld, as well as a surprise array of teachers!! When we entered our rooms, we saw that the extra "Sharfman's Warmth" was even placed into our rooms, as we found an assorted array of Shabbos treats that were placed in our hotel rooms ahead of time, just for us!! Plus, throughout Shabbos there were inspiring Shabbos meals, a Friday Night Tish, led by Mrs. Chana Silver, that seemed to last into the early hours of Shabbos morning :) What's more, the Kinar Hotel Shabbaton also featured unique discussion groups for us to continue our quest to further our knowledge as highly educated young Jewish women. On Motzie Shabbat we enjoyed a lovely... Click “Read More” to read the full description and see all of the slideshow pictures!]]> Wow!! What a Shabbaton! We left early in the morning and toured various locations in the Kinneret. Plus, we even got to go bowling and bowl against the various faculty members who joined us for this unforgettable Shabbaton held in the gorgeous Kinar Hotel overlooking the luscious banks of the famous Kinneret. Joining us for the magical weekend were 10 Faculty members, including Rabbi Sharfman, Mrs. Sharfman, our Mechanchot, Mrs. Haymann and Mrs. Fuld, as well as a surprise array of teachers!! When we entered our rooms, we saw that the extra “Sharfman’s Warmth” was even placed into our rooms, as we found an assorted array of Shabbos treats that were placed in our hotel rooms ahead of time, just for us!!

Plus, throughout Shabbos there were inspiring Shabbos meals, a Friday Night Tish, led by Mrs. Chana Silver, that seemed to last into the early hours of Shabbos morning :) What’s more, the Kinar Hotel Shabbaton also featured unique discussion groups for us to continue our quest to further our knowledge as highly educated young Jewish women. On Motzie Shabbat we enjoyed a lovely pizza Melavah Malka and a candle lit Kumzitz in which Rabbi Sharfman sang and played his guitar! Unfortunately, the pictures just don’t do this Shabbaton justice…we loved it :)

]]> http://bnottorah.com/blog/2012/01/19/inspirational-kinar-hotel-shabbaton/feed/ 0 Mrs. Zweig’s Famous Challah Baking Workshop http://bnottorah.com/blog/2012/01/15/mrs-zweigs-famous-challah-baking-workshop/ http://bnottorah.com/blog/2012/01/15/mrs-zweigs-famous-challah-baking-workshop/#comments Sun, 15 Jan 2012 05:24:48 +0000 Rabbi Michael Green http://bnottorah.com/?p=1074 Yummm...freshly baked homemade delicious Challah! For this Rakezet Wednesday Night Activity, we all had a blast making our own Challah. Mrs. Zweig brought and showed us everything we will ever need to know about baking Challah in our own home. From how to make your challah fluffy, to the best way to knead the dough, she didn't miss a beat! She taught us 7 different ways to shape our Challah and even demonstrated each one of these various techniques. In fact, each girl got her own piece of dough and got to practice all the beautiful different ways to make their own unique Challah. All the girls really got to demonstrate their creativity, and we all did a great job!! Indeed, Mrs. Zweig told us that she was very impressed with what we all came up with. After the activity, we all went back to our apartments and baked the Challah so that we could enjoy the fruits of our labor. Best of all, we had our freshly baked Challah... Click “Read More” to read the full description and see all of the slideshow pictures!]]> Yummm…freshly baked homemade delicious Challah! For this Rakezet Wednesday Night Activity, we all had a blast making our own Challah. Mrs. Zweig brought and showed us everything we will ever need to know about baking Challah in our own home. From how to make your challah fluffy, to the best way to knead the dough, she didn’t miss a beat!

She taught us 7 different ways to shape our Challah and even demonstrated each one of these various techniques.

In fact, each girl got her own piece of dough and got to practice all the beautiful different ways to make their own unique Challah. All the girls really got to demonstrate their creativity, and we all did a great job!! Indeed, Mrs. Zweig told us that she was very impressed with what we all came up with. After the activity, we all went back to our apartments and baked the Challah so that we could enjoy the fruits of our labor. Best of all, we had our freshly baked Challah just in time for Shabbos, where each girl could show off her wonderful creation!!

]]> http://bnottorah.com/blog/2012/01/15/mrs-zweigs-famous-challah-baking-workshop/feed/ 1 Parshat Shemos – Making a Name for Yourself! http://bnottorah.com/blog/2012/01/11/parshat-shemos-making-a-name-for-yourself/ http://bnottorah.com/blog/2012/01/11/parshat-shemos-making-a-name-for-yourself/#comments Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:01:29 +0000 Rabbi Michael Green http://bnottorah.com/?p=3410 Rabbi Label Sharfman, Dean

As we begin Sefer Shemos, Rabbi Sharfman shares with us a D’var Torah from his father, z”l, allowing us to better appreciate our individual potential. He reminds us that we all have the potential for greatness, regardless of our background.

Listen & be inspired!

Comments are welcome – please share your thoughts with us!

]]> http://bnottorah.com/blog/2012/01/11/parshat-shemos-making-a-name-for-yourself/feed/ 0 Surprise Birthday Party at our Chonechet’s House! http://bnottorah.com/blog/2012/01/10/a-special-birthday-bayit-cham-2/ http://bnottorah.com/blog/2012/01/10/a-special-birthday-bayit-cham-2/#comments Tue, 10 Jan 2012 07:00:31 +0000 Rabbi Michael Green http://bnottorah.com/?p=2254 At Bayit Cham Events, all of the girls really felt right at home in the local homes of our Chonchot who live literally minutes away from school! Best of all, we had surprise birthday parties for Daniella Yasinov of St. Louis and Sora Ruchel Jaffe of Queens, New York!! Happy birthday wishes to them both and may they only continue to have a year of happiness and hatzlacha! What’s more, we started our Bayit Cham Supper with fresh and warm whole wheat bread from the oven. Then we had cream of butternut squash soup and a wonderful salad bar where everyone chose from any type of vegetable. Plus, girls could choose tuna, corn, croutons, grilled sweet potato, and balsamic thousand island and Italian dressing! After that we had fresh and tasty lasagna that our Chonechet brought right out of the oven! We also heard great Divrei Torah from our fellow students! A good time was had by all as we all had a great time simply hanging out and getting to bond until finally the evening came to a close. Click “Read More” to read the full description and see all of the slideshow pictures! ]]> At Bayit Cham Events, all of the girls really felt right at home in the local homes of our Chonchot who live literally minutes away from school! Best of all, we had surprise birthday parties for Daniella Yasinov of St. Louis and Sora Ruchel Jaffe of Queens, New York!! Happy birthday wishes to them both and may they only continue to have a year of happiness and hatzlacha!

What’s more, we started our Bayit Cham Supper with fresh and warm whole wheat bread from the oven. Then we had cream of butternut squash soup and a wonderful salad bar where everyone chose from any type of vegetable. Plus, girls could choose tuna, corn, croutons, grilled sweet potato, and balsamic thousand island and Italian dressing! After that we had fresh and tasty lasagna that our Chonechet brought right out of the oven!

We also heard great Divrei Torah from our fellow students! A good time was had by all as we all had a great time simply hanging out and getting to bond until finally the evening came to a close.

]]> http://bnottorah.com/blog/2012/01/10/a-special-birthday-bayit-cham-2/feed/ 0