The story of how our world came to have numerous nations populating different lands is told in Genesis 11, the story of the Tower of Babel:Now the whole world had one language and a common speech [and lived in the same land]. People said to each other…...
There’s No Place Like Home
Before we go off for Winter Vacation, I wanted to wish the entire Akiva community a restful break and a happy Chanukah. We are wrapping up this secular year with energy and inspiration courtesy of the Akiva Players amazing production of the original musical, Cyber...
Chanukah Musings
During the Chanukah season it is traditional to reflect upon the relationship between Jewish and Greek civilization. The story of Chanukah celebrates the literal and figurative victory of Judaism over Greek cultural and military forces in the battle between Jews and...
Cast Me Not Off
Cast me not off when I am old; forsake me not when my usefulness fails. Psalm 71:9 Mr. Stein would not sell you a book unless he thought you worthy of reading it. His books were located on the ancient shelves of his store—behind the counter and out of reach of...
Happily Ever After
Chidushim B’Chinuch—Insights into Education Eighth of an Ongoing Series When I moved to Massachusetts many years ago, one of my first stops was the Granary Burial Ground, located in downtown Boston. Tourists and residents alike make pilgrimages to this cemetery to pay...Akiva Calendar
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Rabbi Grossman’s Blog Corner
Rabbi Grossman's Corner
The Dignity of Difference – Message from the Head of School
Chidon HaTanach
I have been waiting for this week since the first time I was introduced to the Akiva community. During the meet-and-greet when I first spoke at Akiva, I shared the following story:Growing up in Toronto, I did not have the privilege of going to a school...
The Jewish History of Snow
Is there any greater gift a headmaster can give to his students than a Snow Day? Like all beloved presents, it combines anticipation, surprise, and fun. Moreover, unlike other gifts, it carries no expectation of reciprocity, so it can be enjoyed without...
The Siddur
The Torah is the most venerated book in Judaism, revered as the Word of God. The Bible is Jewish Holy Scripture, a collection of sacred books filled with the ancient history of our people, the admonitions of our prophets, and the wisdom of our ancestors. ...
Art Fair – Message from the Head of School
The Torah’s prohibition of creating artistic images, promulgated in last week’s parsha, was taken most seriously by Jews throughout our history. “You shall not make for yourself an image…” was considered by prominent rabbinic figures in different eras and...
Art Speaks! Message from the Head of School
« Par ma foi ! il y a plus de quarante ans que je dis de la prose sans que j'en susse rien !»"My faith! For more than forty years I have been speaking prose without knowing it!"Molière, Le Bourgeois gentilhommeLike Monsieur Jourdain in Molière’s play, most...
Hebrew Language Week
When the Israelites left Egypt after 430 years of exile, they brought with them their old and their young, their flocks and their herds, great wealth, and unleavened bread. So we learned in last week’s Torah reading. According to our rabbis, there was...
Message from the Head of School
As we return from winter break, I find that the most popular topic of conversation is the weather. While we know that winter comes every year—and at the same time—somehow we find ourselves unreasonably surprised that the cold and snow have returned...
Grade 6 Day
Tomorrow is Grade 6 Day, an Akiva tradition where the Grade 6 students become the teachers and administrators of the school for one day. Like so many Akiva traditions, Grade 6 Day speaks directly to the mission of the Akiva school, encouraging student...
The show must go on…
With Chanukkah’s departure, we have the opportunity to take a more nuanced look at the intersection between Jewish and Greek culture. While Chanukkah offers a binary view of Hellenism as antithetical to Biblical and Rabbinic values, the reality is more...