Columbus Torah Academy

In Ms. Fried’s 7th Grade Social Studies, students engaged in a lively debate exploring the question, “Was democracy in Ancient Greece a success?” Students used what they’ve learned in class to form thoughtful claims and build strong arguments. They worked collaboratively to craft evidence-based reasoning and construct effective rebuttals. It was wonderful to see their critical thinking skills and teamwork in action!

Ask them about their stance—whether they think democracy in Ancient Greece succeeded or faced too many challenges. We're so proud of their hard work!

Another published glimpse into a CTA education: https://youtu.be/ULWJO9q74CI?feature=shared

Fun at the farm today with Gan Ephraim Preschool at Milk and Honey Farm. On our way to Parshat Noach!! Gorgeous day!

HERE WE ARE!!! High School trip to Hershey Park! The amusements, the sukkahs in the park, the fellow Jews enjoying the day, rides galore, and SO. MUCH. YUMMY. CHOCOLATE!!

Sweetness overload as the Upper School heads into the sukkah to build halachically accurate candy sukkot. (See that sukkah in a sukkah) The competition was fierce and the engineering strategies were top notch. Judges (teachers) fairly dug in to taste that they really were that well made! (See? We are learning and playing! Lots of smiles!)

Another fun field trip - to Top Golf!! Celebrating this joyful holiday with optimism and hope!

Have you ever inquired about being a sponsor for any of these great holiday learning celebrations and experiences? Naming rights and an investment in our children’s Jewish future. Contact Rabbi Drandoff today (by email, he’s not on social media)!

Yesterday’s Sukkah Stations opened up lots of lively discussion as the students learned, experienced, and celebrated Sukkot together. Teachers each took a topic and activity and students went by grade to participate in sessions on ushpizin, lulav, Etrog, sukkah, and more.

What’s a Sukkot Chol HaMoed without a trip? Jr. High headed to the Escape Room and then an Easton Scavenger Hunt!!

Students in Morah Dina's fourth grade Hebrew class used their sukkah decorations to create a teachable moment. As they just learned the terms for few (מעט) and many (הרבה) their decorations reflect those terms on either side of the fruit decorations. One side of a strawberry has (few) מעט seeds, the other side הרבה! One side of the honey jar shows מעט bees, the other side (many) הרבה! Chag Sameach!!!

Warm community connections was the goal last night at PTO planned pre-Sukkot decorating party. Thanks to CTA and Gan Ephraim PTO leaders for planning a fun program and to 8th graders for helping with set up, serving, craft tables, and even clean up! Big kids, little kids, moms, dads, teachers, siblings, grandparents, and more enjoyed a great night. We are ready for Sukkot!

Upper school program day in advance of Yom Kippur included an inspirational shiur with Rabbi Gabay of Congregation Ahavas Sholom, team building activities, and building and decorating the sukkah. Thank you Mrs Neuman and teachers for the careful planning. Earlier in the week high school students also heard an inspiring reflection from Levi & Nechama Greenspan during their visit to Beth Jacob Congregation. G’mar Hatima Tova.

While fall sports are nearing the end of the playing season, this week’s games were a chance to highlight the seniors are their efforts, skill building, and leadership on the field and on the court. We are grateful for caring coaches, dedicated parents, and cheering fans. CTA is proud to support and invest in student athletics. Athletics are an essential part of The CTA Way as they bring important life skills for physical and mental health, teamwork, strategy, accountability, and a great social outlet. Thanks AD Coach Bailey, Coach Blumberg, Coach Ryan, and Coaches Liad and Saul.

The Hebrew Department has paired with StandWithUs for a series of talks and activities with Upper School students during this school year as we educate our students on current events and ways to accurately advocate and support Israel,

A couple of weeks ago, in anticipation for the emotion of October 7, Stand with Us Senior Midwest High School Regional manager, Hailey Stern, presented our high school with a session on Antisemitism vs. Legitimate Criticism of Israel. The session emphasized that distinguishing between antisemitism and legitimate criticism of Israel can be clear-cut at times, but it often requires a nuanced understanding and skills. The program presented students with tools to effectively challenge antisemitism and navigate discussions about Israel. During the program recent examples were presented, and students had the opportunity to “practice” with those examples.

12th grader, Ayala Hazan, is a Stand with Us student intern for the 2024-2025 school year. We are looking forward to additional Stand With Us workshops about Zionism, Israel, and dealing with antisemitism which will be presented to Upper School during this year.

All 10th and 11th grade students took the Digital PSAT/NMSQT during the school day today.

The test is a practice for the SAT which is one of several tools that colleges and universities can use to determine a student’s readiness for college work.

Get ready for Sukkot at this fun community event being planned by the PTO groups at CTA and Gan Ephraim. Art, friends, dinner, and fun! Early bird dinner reservations at www.torahacademy.org/sukkahparty

10/7 - the pain won’t go away. May our prayers be heard.

Today’s program for students and teachers in grades 6-12 reminded us that we can band together in unity and count on each other. May God protect the brave soldiers and our brothers and sisters in Israel.

Thank you Rabbi Weiner, Mrs. Neuman, seniors, Ayala H. and Misha K. And teachers for your words of strength.

Challah braiding and baking is the BEST!

The CTA Dateline for October is PUBLISHED! Check out all the buzz of preparations for Rosh Hashanah and the coming holidays. From challah baking, apple picking, brachot learning, shofar blowing, and more, CTA students are ready for Rosh Hashanah and the start of a healthy, happy, peaceful, and prosperous new year. Wishing all the best to you and your family. Click on link to read. https://conta.cc/4dywOsG

Thank you Central Ohio Beekeepers Association for visiting our school
to provide our students with a timely and educational lesson on the processes of bee pollination and honey production, just in time for the holiday of Rosh Hashana, marking the beginning of the new year on the Jewish calendar, on which we traditionally dip our challah and apples in honey as we ask that the new year be a sweet one. This was a great opportunity for a cross-curricular experience, combining science and Torah in one memorable lesson for our students! coba.beeyard

M’dor l’dor- from generation to generations - pictured are students whose parents and/or grandparents are graduates of CTA 8th and 12th grade classes. So much history, legacy, and hope. This is the future of the Jewish people.

Third grade gets comfortable with their classwork. Here they are celebrating the completion of personal narratives in writing workshop by having a picnic and reading aloud summer stories.