We knew that we couldn’t consider beginning the school year without addressing the horrific events of this past summer. Even before we were informed about an organized rally, we felt it was imperative to hold an assembly where at least a few of the complex military, social and moral issues that confronted Medinat Yisrael in Lebanon could be presented. In the time allotted for a program, we hoped to have some of the major issues of the war defined and also to hear from a young volunteer who made a very difficult, but ultimately life changing choice.

Please visit ramaz.tv and click on Media Selections, “Israel at War – Lebanon 2006” where you can listen closely to Dr. Avi Bell’s remarks. As a professor of law and a Tzahal soldier, he wears several hats. His erudite manner, clearly laced with emotion, brought the magnitude of this conflict and its long range ramifications much closer to us.

Avivit Mahazri, who spent last year with us as a B’nei Akiva shelichah, our other speaker, suggested that within ourselves we seek for the unique abilities that we each possess to make a difference in another person’s life. Be sure to click on the photo of Rami Yadid, Director of Music Technology, and his daughter Shana, to hear their rendition of the beautiful song “Arim Roshi” by the  Israeli singer Shai Gabso. Please note that when you click on their photo you will also view a photo montage that captures the pain and beauty of our Tzahal soldiers. The photo montage was prepared by Yeshiva University, and we greatly appreciate the use of it.

Tradition was somewhat altered this past Friday when the weekly D’var Torah was given by a student, instead of one of our administrators, Greg Waldstreicher, president of the GO. Greg wanted the students to hear an important call to action, the action of a cohesive community. It was quite evident that our students were very moved by Greg’s inspirational message, and they responded to his appeal wholeheartedly.

We look forward to our fund- raising and fun-raising chagigah on Sukkot where we’ll be ruach dancing for “Alyn,” Israel’s only pediatric and adolescent rehabilitation hospital. Listen to Greg on your iPod or by clicking on “Friday D’var Torah Series.”

G’mar Chatimah Tovah