Community Happenings

The Jewish Home | DECEMBER 1, 2022 Around the Community

Mesivta Ateres Yaakov’s Annual Dor L’Dor Breakfast

Mesivta Ateres Yaakov held its annual Yonatan Andrusier Dor L’Dor Breakfast last Thursday, during which fathers and grandfathers joined their sons for an enjoyable morning of ruchniyus and gashmiyus at the Mesivta.

The morning began with a warm, leibidik Rosh Chodesh Shacharis followed by a lavish, catered breakfast in the Mesivta’s expansive gymnasium. To begin the program, the Rosh HaYeshiva, Rabbi Mordechai Yaffe, addressed the 400+ fathers and sons in attendance, welcoming them and expressing his own personal feelings of hakoras hatov. Senior Eliezer Aziz, representing the Mesivta student body, followed and delivered a heartfelt message about his and his classmates’ growth in learning and the strong connection he and his peers have with their rabbeim. He concluded by thanking his rabbeim for their warmth, care and guidance throughout his years at the Mesivta.

The event also featured the Mesivta’s annual Fall Essay Contest, with excerpts being read from the four first place essays. Awards and prize money were distributed by Rabbi Sam Rudansky, General Studies Principal, and Rabbi Yossi Bennett, Menahel.

The highlight of the breakfast was a visit from Rabbi Moshe Plutchok, Rav of Kehillas Ahavas Yisroel, who shared amazing stories and insights on the sugya of Hakaras HaTov. The program concluded with a raffle organized by the Student Government including a gaming system, a restaurant package, MAY merch and some very happy winners.

Around the Community Khal Beis Tefillah of Inwood Visits Adopt-a-Kollel Partner Kollel

Rav Pinchos Weinberger, rav of Khal Beis Tefillah of Inwood, visited his kehillah’s partner kollel in Eretz Yisroel last week. Rav Weinberger went with a group of kehillah members. They were greeted by the Rosh Kollel of Kollel Derech Chaim of Yerushalayim, Rav Boruch Levi Faivelson. Rav Faivelson spoke with each kehillah member personally and gave divrei chizuk to the entire group. Rav Weinberger and the members then met with the kollel yungeleit and derived great nachas from seeing the kollel in action and enjoyed a firsthand look at the dividends their partnership is paying in the spiritual bank account.

Bais Tefila of Inwood members participated in the Mir Yarchei Kallah this past week

Long Beach Jewish Youth Deliver Cookies to Local Police

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, children from the BACH Jewish Center decorated and delivered more than 100 cookies to their local police department in appreciation of the officers who keep them and their families safe. In a year when antisemitism has been on the rise, the Long Beach police department has worked closely with the local Jewish community to ensure their safety.

Rabbi Benny Berlin of the BACH Jewish Center in Long Beach led the children in the spirited activity, emphasizing and teaching them the importance of expressing gratitude to those who have done so much for the community.

“Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on everything we have to be grateful for, and as a community there is no one more deserving of our gratitude than our local police officers in Long Beach,” said Rabbi Benny Berlin. “In light of the recent threats made against Jewish communities both here in New York and across the country, the LBPD has ramped up their efforts to keep us safe, providing us with additional patrols and security over the recent High Holiday season. We are immensely thankful for everything they have done to help keep us safe, and it is important not only to show them our gratitude but to teach our children to show their thanks.”

The children decorated 100 cookies and wrote heartfelt messages of gratitude on the outside of the cookie boxes. “Thank you for all that you do!” wrote one six-year-old girl, along with a picture of a rainbow and flowers. “Thank you for keeping me and my family safe,” wrote a nine-year-old next to a drawing of a smiling turkey.

Following the activity, the rabbi hand-delivered the cookies to Long Beach Police Commissioner Ronald Walsh.

Rabbi Benny Berlin with Commissioner Ronald Walsh

Around the Community Father-Son Learning at Yeshiva Ateres Eitz Chaim

Yeshiva Ateres Eitz Chaim, in conjunction with Congregation Eitz Chaim, hosted a beautiful Father-Son Learning Program on Thursday, Rosh Chodesh Kislev. Musical artist Aryeh Kunstler led an uplifting Hallel with delightful melodies. Following a lavish breakfast and words of Torah and chizuk from Rabbi Boruch Oppen, fathers together with their sons learned b’chavrusa in preparation for the shiur klali. The shiur klali was given by the Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Gedaliah Oppen, on the topic of “Thanksgiving vs. Giving Thanks.” Rabbi Oppen discussed the difference between having one day a year to be thankful and a Yehudi, who expresses his thanks by recognizing Hashem and the gifts he is given every moment of the day. The sounds of Torah learning filled the HAFTR lunchroom at the fifth grade boys’ Melave Malka. Under the direction of Rabbi Weiss, fifth grade rebbe, the fifth grade talmidim and their chavrutot delved into the halachot of havdalah. The boys and their guests enjoyed catered food, dancing and kumziting with entertainer Benny Amar. A personalized mini-shtender was gifted to each student as encouragement for their continued learning. The entire fifth grade joined earlier in the week to celebrate with two of their classmates, Derek Green and Solly Labell as they participated in the completion of the world-wide Mishna Yomi. We are proud of our students’ accomplishments and their love for learning Torah.

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In continuing Rav Binyamin Kamenetzky’s Bachurei Chemed program, YOSS highlights various middos and hanhagos tovos for the boys to focus on during each two-week cycle. For example, cleaning up after themselves, making sure everyone is saying thank you to the PTA mothers who help serve lunch, and making sure everyone is included during recess. This program was designed to recognize boys with outstanding middos by being rewarded with BC bucks that they can use to purchase awesome prizes at the Bachurei Chemed prize store.

The boys love it and are constantly working on and reinforcing their good middos – and we are very proud of them all! The Five Towns Hockey League is at the midpoint of the season, and what an incredible season it is. The league, which is sponsored by FM Home Loans, has over 30 teams competing in ages Pre-1A to 8th grade. In the younger ages, the participants learn skills and a understanding how to play the game of hockey. The older divisions have seen great action as the talent level is off the charts.

The league, which is in its 25th year, really teaches kids how to play and compete in fun but competitive hockey games. This carries over to camp and to high school teams and gives them a real game feeling and competitive action. Of course, middos and sportsmanship are also a trademark of the 5 Towns Hockey League, with each participant being held to high standards of fun and safe play. An added bonus was the legendary 5 Towns Hockey Nike Hats that were given to all participants sponsored by FM Home Loans.

The league has opened registration for the winter/spring season, which is expected to close out soon. www.5townssports.com

A Special Tribute

We often hear about tributes to special teachers, both morot and rebbeim. There are B”H so many outstanding people who serve the Jewish youth of our communities. The students of Ezra Academy put together an unbelievable week of tribute to one of their most beloved morot. While she has been unable to teach classes since the beginning of the school year, the impact she has had on the students over the last several years has left an indelible impression.

The morah gave birth to a beautiful baby boy who has met with some medical challenges. While the family rallies behind this newborn baby (keeping the morah out of school), the students decided to step up and rally behind Tinok ben Sarah as well.

The planning began and spiraled as everyone wanted to show support for their morah and work for the zechut of this baby’s refuah. The chesed committee as well as so many additional students arranged a spectacular series of events. The girls’ division of the school (with the help of the women’s faculty) organized a challah bake. In addition, the girls said all of sefer Tehilim one morning and participated in a moving kumsitz.

The culmination of the project came with a bracha party organized by the head of Operation Ezra, Shirel Davoudi, who was excited to do something in honor of her morah and to help bring the refuah to Tinok ben Sarah. There were over 50 men and women in attendance, a lecture was given by Rabbi Yitzchak Aminov (Ezra Class of 2014), and brachot were led by a series individual all hoping to see a quick recovery for Tinok ben Sarah.

Yasher koach to all those who helped make the special week of zechiyos happen. At this time, we are asking everyone to continue davening for Tinok ben Sarah.

Around the Community Shulamith 8th Grade Chesed Outings

Last week, a group of Shulamith eighth graders headed to the S.H.O.P., the JCC’s food pantry, to help prepare Thanksgiving food packages for families throughout the Five Towns area. Another group visited the JCC to join the Chaverim group of Holocaust survivors in a pre-Thanksgiving celebration. Special thanks to Mrs. Kunstler, mother of eighth grader Chaya Elka, for chaperoning. Team JoeRudy (led by Captain Joseph Rudansky) won this year’s 3rd Annual 5TJSL Turkeybowl on Thursday. David Levinger scored the game-winning touchdown and Avi Faivish was named Tourney MVP (on his birthday!)

Tzitzit Project at HANC

There is an excitement in the air in HANC Middle School about the amazing mitzvah of wearing tzitzit. HANC eighth grader Avishai Newman founded and launched The Tzitzit Project at the Uniondale campus. The aim of the project is to create a positive feeling about doing the day-to-day mitzvah of wearing a four-cornered garment with tzitzit. Avishai has created a website and merch for all middle schoolers to take pride in their mitzvah observance. He plans to move this project to a global scale!

We are so proud of our young entrepreneur, who has channeled his creative

All Mishnah Junior Program for 1,500 Middle School Students

Last week, about 1,500 students from 12 middle schools, including from the Five Towns and Teaneck, embarked on a Torah learning journey as part of the Orthodox Union’s Torah Initiative’s All Mishnah Junior (AMJ) program.

Participating students commit to learning two Mishnayot a day to complete all 24 chapters of Masechta Shabbat and Megillah in only a few months. The goal of this program is to involve young students in Torah learning with a fun factor: swag (branded hoodies) and raffle prizes ranging from gift cards to AirPods and Oculuses.

AMJ is a student-led program. Some of the 6th-8th graders are ambassadors, responsible for encouraging their friends and classmates to join them in this venture. Student ambassadors feel pride and accomplishment from their valued input and influence on the growth of their entire school to learn Torah.

Students find various ways to complete their daily learning, whether through a lesson from a peer or rabbi, group learning with their friend or listening to the OU’s All Mishnah App. Participants are provided with complimentary Artscroll Mesorah Mishnayos.

Over the past few weeks, the ambassadors geared up at launch events to brainstorm and prepare for another exciting mishnah cycle.

“We’ve been inspired by the consistent initiative of these junior high students to incorporate daily elective Torah learning into their already packed school day,” noted Executive Director of OU Torah Initiatives Rabbi Moshe Brandsdorfer. “Interest is only increasing, as participants are committed and remain in the program, and an increasing number of schools and students are signing up.”

“It was truly amazing to see the passion and commitment on the ambassadors’ faces,” said Rabbi Meir Avracen, AMJ’s day school coordinator. “Their eagerness and devotion are bound to make this year’s program a resounding success.”

For more information or to join the All Mishnah Junior program, please visit allmishnahjr.com or email AvracenM@ou.org.

Around the Community SKA Jewish History Department: Mrs. Rena Quint Speaks to Holocaust Class

Last year, SKA’s Jewish History Department implemented an innovative, redesigned modern Jewish history curriculum. As part of the Holocaust education component, the students of Rabbi David Friedman’s class recently had a very special opportunity to hear a powerful firsthand account from survivor Mrs. Rena Quint. Mrs. Judy Melzer, a noted Five Towns educator, who made aliyah and is now a friend and neighbor of Mrs. Quint’s, arranged this interview and shared the Zoom call from Israel, moderating questions and highlighting points of reflection for the students.

The SKA students listened as Mrs. Quint, who was born in Poland in 1935, told her story of survival as a child alone during the war thanks to six women who mothered her, until they too perished. A well-known speaker, Mrs. Quint has told her story to thousands of men, women, and children around the world, including most recently to President Biden. She has taught at Adelphi University, Hebrew University, and in the NYC public school system and is also a guide and lecturer at Yad Vashem. Mrs. Quint also wrote a book about her life (with Barbara Sofer) called A Daughter of Many Mothers: Her Horrific Childhood and Wonderful Life. The girls were so moved by Mrs. Quint’s words, and many wrote notes expressing their gratitude to her for the interview. SKA senior Elisheva Spirgel wrote, “Thank you for taking the time out of your day to speak with us. The way you advocated for awareness by sharing your story motivates me to combat all [Holocaust] deniers…Connecting over Zoom is difficult but hearing your experiences pushes me to make sure everyone knows the horrors and tragedies of the time.”

Thanks go to Jewish History department chair Mrs. Bach for organizing this incredible session.

HAFTR HS Open House

By: Eva Czegledi

It was a beautiful fall morning; there was a crisp breeze and energy in the air. Walking up to the HAFTR High School campus, signs, balloons, and smiling faces let everyone know that HAFTR was opening its doors for its annual Open House. On Sunday, November 13, eighth graders from yeshiva middle schools throughout the metropolitan area arrived at the high school, excited about what they might experience.

HAFTR is renowned for its academic excellence, religious life, school spirit, competitive scholastic and athletic teams and, most of all, the ruach and achdut amongst the entire HAFTR family. The Open House demonstrated to every prospective family the many wonderful opportunities that the yeshiva provides to every student for academic, religious and social growth.

The engaging, interactive program began with administrator and student presenters. Dr. Josh Wyner, Associate Principal, welcomed the participants with words of Torah and insights about the school’s focus on positivity and the actualization of every student’s potential. He introduced Ms. Naomi Lippman, Principal, who spoke about the level of excellence and academic achievements of our students, as well as the yeshiva’s warm and inclusive school culture. Rabbi Yitz Riselsheimer, Dean of Limudei Kodesh, then described the meaningful Torah learning and the strong kesher that students have with their rebbeim and morot. Molly Klein, current senior, shared with students her outstanding experience at HAFTR. Attendees then enjoyed a video, created and edited by sophomore Zachary Newmark, that gave everyone a glimpse into a day at HAFTR High School.

Following the introductory program, the students and their parents were guided by faculty and current high school students on a tour of the school. Along the tour, students and parents participated in mini-lessons and activities, during which they learned more about the yeshiva’s rigorous academics in Limudei Kodesh and General Studies, outstanding Israel and College Guidance, and robust religious programming and student life. They were shown the highlights of the facility, including HAFTR’s Technology and Innovation Center, which includes a state-of-the-art STEM lab, a high-tech science lab, a newly renovated computer center, a well-equipped maker space and a sophisticated audio-visual studio.

The Open House concluded with a collation in the gym where the families, faculty, and students were able to enjoy brunch while mingling with HAFTR students, faculty and principals. Prospective students and their parents took the opportunity to ask questions about specific aspects of the HAFTR program that are of interest to them. This event was a wonderful opportunity for the future freshman class to explore the experience that HAFTR High School offers. We hope to see everyone next year as they walk through the doors as the Class of 2027!

By Avigail Nassir

It would be an understatement to say that SKAbaton 2022 was a blast! The school-wide Shabbaton of Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls took place on Friday, November 18, with an unforgettable Shabbat followed by GVG (grade vs. grade) on motzei Shabbat and concluded on Sunday, November 20. SKA’s seniors, juniors, sophomores, faculty and staff were a perfect combination for an amazing time to be had by all!

Excitement buzzed through the halls as everyone arrived and was welcomed at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel located in New Jersey. Everyone joined for lunch in the ballroom followed by Mincha and one last GVG practice. It was time to begin preparation for Shabbat. Pictures taken and candles lit, we welcomed Shabbat with a beautiful Kabbalat Shabbat. The Friday night seudah was accompanied by gorgeous zemirot and an inspiring dvar Torah from 11th grader Shira Yehoshua. Afterwards, each grade had a Shabbat Oneg with tons of delicious nosh and kugel; it was a perfect time for each grade to individually bond with one another, as the Oneg was filled with laughter and loads of fun. Later that evening, Rabbi Rice gave an optional uplifting shiur, ending off the night with much to reflect upon. After an amazing start to Shabbat, everyone headed to get a good night’s sleep in order to have energy for what was to come the next day.

Over the course of Friday night and Shabbat afternoon, the grades were given the privilege of hearing from our guest speaker, Mrs. Chana Grove, who gave us so much to learn from her life story filled with difficult experiences and the choices she made. There was also a Round Robin where students could hear from teachers and view skits by the seniors. All these talks and performances related to the theme of the SKAbbaton – Choices – and incorporated all different ways to gain from and further understand the choices we make.

Shabbat morning began with beautiful tefillot and the opportunity to attend an optional explanatory minyan as well. After another delicious lunch and beautiful zemirot, we heard an outstanding dvar Torah from 10th grader Liat Branspiegel. Following lunch, students were able to attend an Ask the Rabbi panel, learn b’chavruta with various teachers and madrichot, or enjoy Shabbat by simply relaxing. Everyone rejoined one last time to enjoy the last moments of Shabbat with Seudah Shlishit and a special dvar Torah from 12th grader Adina Karasick, as well as hearing impactful words from Rabbi Diamond. To conclude Shabbat on a high note, we had musical havdalah, filled with singing and dancing

On motzei Shabbat, pink, blue and yellow filled the room as GVG (grade vs. grade) began. Students cheered, sang and danced! Ms. Fogel was the best MC that one could ask for. The night continued with each grade presenting their dances, songs, and videos. With the help of all the outstanding heads, all were so well done. There were also a few really exciting surprises! The Class of 2022 made a video and sent it all the way from Israel. We also had a special madricha dance presentation to the SKA song that they had created. And Mrs. Leibtag had an amazing time presenting a dance both she and everyone loves. Mazel tov to the seniors for winning GVG! Everyone had the time of their lives, and the night continued on with much dancing, singing and beautiful uplifting kumzits. Surely exhausted by the fun of the weekend, the students had a great night’s sleep and then headed back home the next morning.

The SKAbbaton was just the right balance of spirituality and fun! Of course, none of this would be possible without Mrs. Kaminetsky, Mrs. Drebin, Rabbi Zakutinsky, Mrs. Storch, Mrs. Englander, our wonderful GLAs, faculty members and madrichot and our outstanding Student Council members.

We are already looking forward to and marking our calendars for SKAbaton 2023 iy”H in Yerushalayim!

BYAM Celebrates Rosh Chodesh Kislev

YCQ’s Grade 6 girls learned and celebrated together with faculty and family at a wonderful Bat Mitzvah Workshop held Wednesday night, November 17. Thank you, Morah Leemor Abraham for leading the event, and thank you to all the attendees that made this evening lively and meaningful.

YCQ’s Grade 7 boys had a marvelous Bar Mitzvah Workshop Tuesday night, November 22. Rabbi Landsman, principal of Yeshiva of Central Queens (YCQ), reported, “When a child becomes a bar mitzvah, we make him a ceremony. This ceremony, even if made on a small scale, demonstrates to the child the significance of their new status in the Jewish nation. They are now privileged to be fully obligated in mitzvot and are entitled to reap the benefits of the Torah.” Rabbi Ephraim Bernstein created an inspirational and exciting evening, with dinner and dancing, for the bar mitzvah students and their families.

YCQ bar and bat mitzvah workshops are exceptional. “We pride ourselves on establishing guidelines to ensure that the ceremony is appropriate and inclusive of all the child’s friends,” Rabbi Landsman stated. “The bar and bat mitzvah events highlight the significance of celebrating the transmission of our heritage to the next generation. We cannot be prouder of our parents and students for their outstanding commitment to living a life of Torah and mitzvot.”

Morah Leemor Abraham designed a meaningful and spirited event, with dinner and dancing, for the bat mitzvah students and their families. The Young Israel of Jamaica Estates continued its tradition of making Thanksgiving special for those less fortunate. At this past Sunday’s Family Mitzvah Morning, 60 Thanksgiving centerpiece packages were made for the Queens Commonpoint Thanksgiving deliveries. Special thanks to Ruthie and Charles Merrill for sponsoring to show gratitude to the YIJE community.

Stay tuned for details about the next Family Mitzvah Morning on December 4, when we will be making Chanukah gifts for the Margaret Teitz Rehabilitation Center.

BYAM’s Rosh Chodesh Kislev assembly was truly memorable. In conjunction with our G.O. theme of “Simcha,” Morah Rachel Messner, G.O. Coordinator, spoke about how true simcha comes from acknowledging Hashem’s gifts that He gives us every day. She then presented the girls with the directions to a “Thank You Hashem” dreidel game. Each class sat in a circle and took turns spinning a dreidel. If it landed on Nun, they had to say thank you Hashem for Never..., Gimmel was thanking Hashem for his Generosity, Hey was for something in my Home, and Shin was thanking Hashem for Shabbos ..

The girls responded so thoughtfully with some answers being, “Thank you Hashem for NEVER making another mabul,” “Thank you Hashem for Shabbos because I can spend more time with my family” and “Thank you Hashem for my bedroom.” The teachers recorded the answers and shared them with the whole school. It was truly an inspiring and funfilled activity that brought true simcha to the whole room!

To end off on a sweet note, the girls were treated to yummy chocolate gelt on the way back to their classrooms.

In honor of Rosh Chodesh Kislev, Gesher students had an amazing time decorating their own doughnuts Chessed is a huge part of the Central ethos. Year after year, students make it a habit to get involved in their communities, lend a hand, and become a force for good. The excitement Central students feel for service work is heartfelt and genuine.

The 2022-23 school year brings a new model for Central-sponsored Chessed opportunities. In prior years, entire grade classes were sent out to choose between three to four locations. This year, the school is offering two Chessed opportunities a month, and students sign up for the outings on their own initiative.

“The goal is for students to explore meaningful opportunities to serve their community,” said Mrs. Yael Axelrod, one of Central’s Directors of Programming. “It’s also about learning about how people have taken their ideas and developed them into organizations and initiatives that make a difference in their communities. A lot of these organizations are volunteer-based, as well.”

For the month of November, freshmen and sophomores had the opportunity to volunteer with an organization that was started in just this way: Bobbie’s Place, a Brooklyn-based organization that provides families in need with a full-fledged shopping experience – with brand-new clothing that comes at no cost. The organization began in the founder’s basement and expanded to multiple storefronts, a warehouse with a processing facility, and a fundraising system that purchases new clothing directly from manufacturers.

Central students visited Bobbie’s Place on November 21 to tag and unbox clothing, hang merchandise, and perform other tasks.

“Going to Bobbie’s Place to help hang and sort clothes was such an uplifting experience,” said sophomore Reema Gampel. “I love how it’s designed in such a way that the kids who go there are able to pick out clothes, just like in a store.”

While freshmen and sophomores worked at Bobbie’s Place, juniors and seniors were given an opportunity to volunteer with the Hebrew Free Burial Association, which performs free Jewish burials for any Jew who dies without the funds for funeral expenses. Central students braved the chilly temperatures to participate in a cemetery cleanup at the Mount Richmond Cemetery in Staten Island.

“It was a very unique experience, being able to help clean up around the cemetery,” said junior Adina Lax. “It felt good knowing I was doing the right thing.”

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Chanukah

YOSS Haschalas Gemara

Every month, Morah Weider works on different middot or acts of chessed with her fifth grade students at HALB. Chodesh Kislev started with Thanksgiving and ends with Chanukah, a time when we are focused on being thankful for all the miracles Hashem did for us. Following that theme, students created their own gratitude chain and were presented with a gratitude challenge for the entire month. It was Twin Day at Gan Chamesh last week. Children learned the concept of “same and different” in connection with Parshas Toldos’ discussion of twins, Yaakov and Eisav.

This past week, the fifth grade at Yeshiva of South Shore celebrated the momentous occasion of Haschalas Gemara. The morning began with all the grandfathers, fathers and sons davening together with the Mechina division. It was extra special due to the beautiful Rosh Chodesh davening.

During the beautifully catered sitdown breakfast and learning seder thereafter, our Rosh Yeshiva, Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky, Menahel of the Elementary Division, Rabbi Avaraham Robinson, and Rabbi Shay Schachter, Rosh Beis Midrash of Young Israel of Woodmere, imparted divrei bracha v’chizuk. Fifth graders Yehuda Morgenstern, Moshe Schuman and Dovie Baron also addressed their fellow classmates and parents; the inspiration was palpable.

One of the highlights of the morning was the grade’s amazing performance of “Lulei Sorascha” composed by Abie Rotenberg. Headed and directed by Rabbi Shlomo Drebin on keyboard, with guitar accompaniment by Rabbi Natan Wolf, the results of many hours practiced by the 5th grade could be heard as the moving words and music reverberated through the hearts of everyone present.

Following breakfast, all the boys went with their fathers to the Beis Medrash to chazer what they’ve been learning in shiur. The learning and divrei Torah was a beautiful Kiddush Hashem, as fathers and grandfathers immersed themselves in the sugyos their children are learning.

The chagigah concluded with each talmid being presented with a personalized shtender and one lucky winner per class of a beautiful set of Shas.

There is no doubt that this year’s Haschalas Gemara Chagiga will be indelibly etched in the memories and hearts of each boy, as well as the adults. Our bracha to our tinokos shel beis rabban is that they continue to build their love and connection to Hakadosh Baruch Hu through their ameilus baTorah, ad meah v’esrim.

Mazal tov to Farha Solomon on her fourth birthday! Lev Chana preschool students got a visit from Chief Holy Moly in preparation for Thanksgiving last week

Six Middle School students from HALB made a siyum on all Mishnayot Zeraim with the Mishna Yomi cycle. To celebrate, the entire Middle School boys had a gala lunch complete with dancing

At HAFTR, Science is Hands On

HAFTR’s third grade scientists and chemists learned about the five taste areas of the tongue and did a taste test with citric acid and dextrose mixed with water. They created their own flavored beverage. Students determined the amount of citric acid and dextrose they wanted to add to water as their ingredients to make their drink either sour or sweet. They designed a label for their bottles and named their individual drinks. Some even added a kosher symbol to their label.

Students loved learning about chemical engineering and creating their own drinks.

New Director of Technology Keeps Mercaz Academy Plugged In

As Mercaz Academy’s full-time Director of Technology, Mrs. Lynda Last devotes all of her attention to making sure that every teacher is well-equipped to use the best technological solutions in their classrooms, and that every student is prepared to benefit. She works with each teacher to integrate technology into every classroom and offers support to staff and students alike.

The Mercaz learning community is blessed with plenty of the latest educational technology (“ed tech”) to make learning better, faster, and smarter, like a Chromebook and/or an iPad for each student and the very latest in interactive touchboards in most classrooms. Mrs. Last orders, studies, and helps teachers use at least a dozen apps designed to make learning more robust and fun, from Torah apps like Lomdei to generalized learning apps like BrainPOP.

Although Mrs. Last is now devoted to education technology full-time, she is still in classrooms every day, teaching computer programming to students from kindergarten through sixth grade.

“I begin with algorithms, teaching the techniques and thinking necessary to break down a complex task into the individual tiny steps that are necessary to program correctly. We will also be addressing debugging, which are the steps to find a problem and fix it,” Mrs. Last explains. “Later in the year, we will use programmable robot toys beginning with Nursery Bet and going all the way through Grade Six, which is actually more of an engineering project. We also have a green screen, making some very exciting video productions possible for the older students. Of course, we also have a 3-D printer that the older grades will be using as well.”

Mrs. Last’s latest project is to register Mercaz Academy for an “Hour of Code” event for our students in the first week of December, and, as always, she is excited to lead students to the technological competence and comfort that she felt at their ages.

“Technology is a tool that can move the world,” she says, “and it’s one that

Mrs. Lynda Last, Mercaz Academy Director of Technology (right), with Mrs. Katherine Papaccioli, a fifth grade teacher

Bachurim from Yeshiva Kol Torah visited Harav Elya Ber Wachtfogel, shlit”a. They were able to hear from the Rosh HaYeshiva about the importance of Limud HaTorah in our generation. Boys in fourth grade at YOSS used turkey feathers to review multiplication properties and division rules they learned Learning about Sivivonim in Shulamith ECC

To show appreciation, HALB administration brought in a cake to specifically thank the security and maintenance teams for all their hard work every single day

Chesed Center CLOTHING DRIVE

The Chesed Donation Center picks up all your unwanted clothing & housewares items and distributes them to local Gemachs within the community. WE ACCEPT:

CLOTHING | SHOES | TOYS | HOUSEWARES | ELECTRONICS | ODDS & ENDS

THE CHESED CENTER PROVIDES TOYS AND CLOTHING TO OVER 6,000 FAMILIES.

THAT EXTRA CLUTTER SITTING AROUND YOUR HOUSE CAN MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE.

PLEASE PARTICIPATE

IN OUR DONATION DRIVE!

MTA Community Shiurim

On Thanksgiving morning, MTA talmidim woke up for a day off from yeshiva. However, it was certainly not a day off from serious learning. MTA rebbeim gave shiurim on Thanksgiving morning in many of the communities in which talmidim reside. From West Hempstead to Monsey, Brooklyn to Bergenfield, and several more, MTA talmidim and parents were able to enjoy a morning of Torah and tefillah together to start off their day off on the right foot.

By: Esti Scharf

One of the most meaningful annual traditions at SHS is the Week of Gratitude, celebrated throughout the week leading into the Thanksgiving break. A reminder that expression of gratitude is a fundamental value of Yiddishkeit and social-emotional development, our Week of Gratitude is integrated into the SHS curriculum, weighted with equal importance to classroom lessons.

The programming began on Monday, when we thanked our amazing maintenance and wonderful security team. On Tuesday, students decorated the teachers’ room with thank you notes, yummy food, coffees, notes, and signs to show our appreciation. The focus of the week was Wednesday, our full day of gratitude. The day began with regular classes, followed by each grade going outside and spray-painting the wall in our parking lot full of thank you Hashem logos, thankful words, and beautiful designs. After spray-painting, the whole school enjoyed a Thanksgiving feast with tons of really great food while listening to some inspiring words from our principal Mrs. Munk and our wonderful rabbi, Rabbi Blumstein, said some words of Torah followed by the song “Thank You Hashem.”

After the feast, everyone was split into different classrooms, with different teachers doing activities focusing on hakaras hatov. The highlight of the afternoon was our gratitude cafe, where we relaxed and laughed together while enjoying delicious baked goods and hearing expressions of thanks from students and faculty. The whole school then met back together to daven Mincha and hear beautiful speeches by a few students, writing letters to their sister, friend, mother, or teacher, expressing their gratitude towards them. I can say proudly not only during the week of gratitude, but all the time, that I am so thankful for Shulamith High School.

Strong Voter Turnout in the Five Towns Has Massive Impact at Local, State and National Levels

Once again, voter turnout in the Five Towns community has broken records. Our elected officials continue to see that we care and we vote. As a result, our government takes greater interest in our community because we continue to strengthen our voice through voting.

The Five Towns community’s turnout was a key factor in flipping the Congressional seat in New York District 4, where Anthony D’Esposito won in a very tight race. As Congressman-Elect D’Esposito said, without our community’s vote he would not be Congressman-Elect.

The energized Jewish vote in New York also contributed to flipping three other Congressional seats in very close contests (in Districts 3, 17 and 19). The Congressmen-Elects of these districts have likewise credited the Jewish community’s strong voter turnout.

Our community’s turnout has not just played a major role in the election results at our local and state levels. Flipping these four Congressional seats in New York ultimately turned out to be the difference in changing the balance of power in Congress at the national level!

Samuel Francis, Trustee on the Board of the Peninsula Public Library, remarked, “The Five Towns has been increasing our turnout over the past few elections and we are seeing how impactful our community’s vote can be. Let’s all keep doing our part to help make a difference!”

Paris Popack, Trustee on the Board of the Village of Lawrence, expressed, “As a community activist and elected official, I saw firsthand Anthony D’Esposito work with our constituents on issues they care about as Councilman. I believe that’s why he won our community’s support. This election drives home the reality that EVERY vote counts!”

Asher Mansdorf, Trustee on the Board of the Lawrence School District, commented, “You need to be in it to win it. The phrase applies not only to the lottery. As a community, we must own the responsibility of caring for ourselves by selecting representatives at every level of government that are honest and care deeply about democracy and the important role that the observant community plays in it.”

Thank you to the Klalvote leadership, shul captains, and many other members of our community who helped get out the vote. And thanks to everyone in the Five Towns who voted and participated in Klalvote. May all our efforts to help the Klal be a Zechus for our community and for all of Klal Yisrael.

Did you know? No host nation had ever lost the opening game of a FIFA World Cup in the tournament’s 92 year history – until this year.

Around the Community Reb Dovid The Life and Legacy of Reb Dovid Feinstein

By Yisroel Besser ArtScroll/Mesorah Publications

Reb Dovid is a brand new biography depicting the life and legacy of Rav Dovid Feinstein zt”l. Born to one of the greatest poskei hador of his time, Rav Moshe Feinstein, zt”l, Rav Dovid himself was a phenomenal masmid and illui. Yet Rav Dovid carried his incomparable yichus and many accomplishments lightly, with a sweetness and humility that only emphasized his Torah greatness.

He was a quiet man, content to sit and learn day and night in the MTJ beis medrash that was his second home for eight decades. And yet, with the achrayus for the klal that also defined him, he taught and influenced thousands, beloved by talmidim and virtual strangers alike for his compassion, deep understanding of human nature, and his gentle smile.

He was, as one of America’s leading roshei yeshivah said of him, a man who was “kulo Torah” – whose essence was Torah. “Kulo Torah” included care and consideration for others – the ability to understand the needs of the talmidim who were so drawn to him, of petitioners who came to him pleading for tefillos and brachos, of shoppers who stopped him in grocery store aisles with halachic questions, and of his people, his neighbors and friends on his beloved Lower East Side.

Reb Dovid is a book about the many aspects of Torah greatness that a person can achieve – a book that helps us achieve greatness as well.

The following are two anecdotes from this new book, a volume packed with stories of uplift and inspiration. • • • • •

One Purim morning, Reb Dovid wntered the local bakery to buy challos for the Purim seudah. The proprietor came around the counter to speak to the rosh yeshivah privately. In a quiet voice, he told Reb Dovid that he had just received the news that his father had passed away, and he was unsure how to proceed. He knew that he had to leave the store immediately, but he was hesitant to close the business on such a busy day.

Reb Dovid told him to sign ownership of the store over to a brother-in-law whom he trusted and to ask that brotherin-law to come in and run the store for the day. The proprietor did that, but the brother-in-law needed a few hours until he could make it to the Lower East Side.

No problem, said the rosh yeshivah. “You can go. It’s taken care of until he comes,” Reb Dovid said, ushering the owner out as he, himself, stepped behind the counter to serve the customers. • • • • •

During the period of the rosh yeshivah’s illness, he often had to give blood for various tests. A new nurse joined the rotation, and Reb Dovid understood that he was nervous about taking blood. The rosh yeshivah would sit calmly as the nurse tried to find a vein, joking and lightening the mood even when it took several attempts.

One day, this nurse came in and he managed to find a vein on the very first try. “On the first try!” the rosh yeshivah exclaimed happily, and he started applauding for the nurse, who was beaming with pride. Later in the day, the nurse sought out a Jewish doctor and asked to speak with him privately.

“I want to make a donation to that rabbi’s school. Can you tell me how to go about it? He made me feel so good.”

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