Relationships Reign - חסים חמים בין מורי לתלמידים

Outstanding Observance of Torah & Mitzvot - שמירת התורה ומצוות בהקפדה

Yisrael (Eretz) & Yisrael (Medina) - ישראל הארץ וישראל המדינה

Midot & Mentchlichkeit ntegrated Intelligence - בעלי מדות טובות

Between Limudei Kodesh & General Studies - תורה ומדע

Discipline/ Disciple - למוד לקח במשמעת

Appreciation to America ברכת הודיה לארצות הברית
------------------------------------------------------------------
Let us work together both parents and teachers to achieve HALB’s Mission:

“Yeshivat Lev/HALB guides and supports our students to embrace a life of committed,

Halachic, modern Orthodoxy.”

What is this year’s theme?

"לב חכם ישכיל פיהו"

“The heart of the wise guides his mouth to speak well”!

משלי ט"ז:כ"ג

In this pasuk Shlomo Hamelech reminds us that one of the keys to success in life is through speaking andacting with midot tovot: The Metzudat David explains that one can teach one’s mouth to speak well and then carefully try to deeply understand one’s wise sayings. There is a constant “back-and-forth” between appropriate and wise speech and a wise heart. The heart examines the speech and the speech reflects the heart. All three of our midot this year are deeply connected with this interaction of heart and mouth.

Many commentaries ask: Why is there not a mitzva to exhibit midot tovot? The Netivot Shalom answers, because midot tovot is the prerequisite for performance of mitzvot— דרך ארץ קדמה לתורה . At HALB midot tovot are the prerequisites for everything else that we do and learn. The Meshech Chochma points out that, in truth, the main mitzva of chinuch Diorayta, Biblical obligation of education, is to teach midot tovot! In keeping with this key mitzva, we devote much time and energy to furthering the development of midot tovot throughout Yeshivat Lev. May all members of the Yeshivat Lev community be zoche to serve the Ribbono shel Olam by practicing exemplary midot towards others, at home, in school, and wherever we may be.

Which midot tovot will we be focusing upon?

This year, at Yeshivat Lev, we will focus especially upon three midot tovot, which are tied very closely to the three “Rs” of our Middle States mission:

הבאת שלום • : “Peace.” This especially includes: A. ותרנות , giving up on something for the sake of others and B. Including others (e.g., on a team during recess). Especially in regard to this מדה , we think about the “R” of being good “role models.”

לשון הטוב • as opposed to לשון הרע : Positive speech, as opposed to negative speech. Especially in regard to this mida, we think about the "R" of respect for others.

הכרת הטוב • : Appreciation. (This will be repeated and reviewed from last year.) Baruch Hashem, we all have so much to be thankful for and so many people to thank. Just as we remind ourselves of this each day, we want our children to grow in this area and to be thankful to parents, grandparents, teachers, friends and countless others. This reminds us to constantly consider the "R" of "responsibility" towards others.

We will focus upon each of these midot for a period of about three months during the school year.

Over the summer, administration and faculty have planned to implement our midot curriculum from preschool through 8th grade. Midot tovot is integrated into Limudei Kodesh, Ivrit and General Studies curricula. However, the real success of the program is dependent upon all members of the community—adult and child, faculty, administration, parents, and students—being involved. Therefore, we invite everyone to join us on this most important mission!

What can Parents do?

1. Model the behaviors that you are seeking in your child. There is nothing which is more important or which has a greater impact than the דוגמא אישית , the personal example that an adult provides for a child. Our children will imitate us whether we like it or not; let us be excellent role models! 2. Discuss good midot with your children on a level that is age appropriate. HALB will provide some materials to assist you in this process; however, we encourage you to go beyond what the Yeshiva provides and engage your child in regular discussions regarding midot tovot. In particular, especially with older children, critically analyze news items that may, or may not, exemplify midot tovot.

3. Practice…practice….practice…There is nothing more important than practicing midot tovot. As the ספר החינוך tells us (last year’s theme): " כי אחרי הפעולות נמשכים הלבבות ,” the heart is drawn after our actions. Therefore, we must practice proper deeds daily, regularly and constantly!

"לב חכם ישכיל פיהו"

“The heart of the wise guides his mouth to speak well”!

משלי ט"ז:כ"ג

הצלחה רבה  for a wonderful new year!

[ Back ]