Author Archives: Rabbi Dovid Felt

If the statistics are right, the Jews constitute but one percent of the human race. It suggests a nebulous dim puff of star dust lost in the blaze of the Milky Way. Properly the Jew ought hardly to be heard of, but he is heard of, has always been heard of. He is as prominentContinue reading “My Jewish identity”

  In this weeks Parsha we will read about Yaakov’s demise. As Yaakov’s children approached the Me’aras HaMachpelah (Cave of the Patriarchs) to bury their father, they were prevented from doing so by Esav. Esav asserting that he had not sold Yaakov all the benefits of the firstborn and since Yaakov had alreadsy buried LeahContinue reading “Ascend don’t descend”

In this weeks Parsha we find the Torah sharing an eternal truth about parenting. Rashi brings a Medrash that relates how Yaakov wanted to live in serenity. So Hashem sent him the affair of Yosef, remarking that “are the righteous not satisfied with what is prepared for them in the World – to – come,Continue reading “Taking a break from parenting”

Reflecting on the academic rigor during the school year, you will find different intensities associated with different times. For example, the beginning of the year the atmosphere is intense; students are focused and driven. This intense atmosphere is replicated during the week before quarter grades and semester finals. Then there are times when the environmentContinue reading “Student safety”

One of the best-kept secrets of parenting is making what you want your child to hold dear, meaningful to you. A basic premise of the socializing theory is that children learn the most from their parents. When a value or a ritual (such as watching football on thanksgiving) is important to parents their children will mostContinue reading “Make it meaningful”

This week we mailed out progress reports to all our students. One question that popped up was what is the point of a progress report when we have JupiterGrades and parents and students can see their grades at all times. In fact logging on to JupiterGrades a parent can get very detailed information about theirContinue reading “Progress reports”

This week I would like to share with you what I said at our open house. I believe it is important even for parents who have already entrusted their children to us to hear again what Valley Torah is all about. By reviewing the reasons, we remain focused on the goals we want from ourContinue reading “Get re-energized”

Breakfast at Valley Torah can be captivating. If one were to close their eyes and let their mind travel across the ocean one may end up in the Midrachov on the Bezalel pedestrian mall off Rehov Shmuel Hanagid where haggling and battering are the norm. (PS. it is a great place for authentic arts andContinue reading “Supporting your children”

This week the school hosted its annual parent teacher conferences. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the parents that took time out of their busy schedules and numerous responsibilities to join us at the school. For the parents who were not able to make it, you can still email your son’sContinue reading “Communication Part 3”