BH. Shvat
Community Newsletter of the Maimonides Hebrew Day School of the Capital District 404 Partridge Street Albany NY 12208 (518) 4539363 www.maimonidesschool.org
produced by Rabbi Mendel & students in the TNT (Torah ‘n Technology) Program
Maimonides is accredited by the NYS Board of Regents & is a beneficiary of UJFNENY maimonidesschool@gmail.com
9, 5771 / January 14, 2011
Candle-Lighting:
4:27 Shabbos Ends:
5:32
This newsletter is sponsored with prayers for a complete and speedy recovery for Avram HaLevi ben Henna Malka by Hope Berger-Nathan and Family To Sponsor this newsletter, please call the school office 453-9363 or email maimonidesschool@gmail.com
THE ARIZONA TRAGEDY TALMUD AT PORT OF ALBANY Rabbi Yossi’s Talmud class learned about items found at a riverbank “Raksah d’Nahara” where boats, people and deliveries are coming and going all the time. While the use of rivers and ports changed over time, Rabbi Yossi learned with them a variety of Talmudic and Midrashic texts about sea ports and with Mr. Backman took them to the Port of Albany which loads and unloads large cargo vessels from all over the world. The ship behind them is the “Princess K” headed for Africa with a huge load of red grain. Did you know Albany is one of the largest grain ports in the country!
2 JEWISH SONGWRITERS PASS AWAY BEFORE SHABBOS SHIRA This Shabbos is “Shabbos Shira” (Song) for the “Az Yashir” sung at the sea in this week’s Torah portion. Two contemporary Jewish singer/composers passed away this week. DEBBIE FRIEDMAN (age 59) born in Utica NY, was a folk musician and composer whose many Hebrew and English songs are widely popular in Reform and Conservative (and some in Orthodox, too) communities, uplifting prayer services and get togethers in congregations and camps across America. Our Maimonides children’s choir sang her “Not by Might” with Mrs. Lynn Gross this past Chanukah. Her 20 albums sold a half million copies. Her music was even heard in places like the Barney Show & Carnegie Hall. MOSHE YESS (age 65) His husky, hearty voice is wellknown to our children from “The Marvelous Middos Machine” and may be familiar to adults from the meaningful, honest
Along with citizens all across America, our students participated in a national moment of silence mourning the innocent and relevant English songs of “Megama” a victims who were killed at the “Jewish Blues” touring band with Shalom supermarket including 9 year old Levine in the 1980’s after becoming a Baal Christina Green (born on Teshuvah in the 1970’s. Former NYC radio 9/11/2001), and in prayer for host Art Raymond Congresswoman Giffords and other wounded. said that Yess’ “My Zeidy” was the VALIANT VERA PROPP most requested Jewish song in his A local teacher, author & activist passed away 18 years of this week. Truly a valiant woman, Vera (with broadcasting. her husband Dr. Richard Propp always at her Almost 30 years side) did not allow the physical handicaps of ago, the Megama her later years get in the way of her nimble, Duo performed at sharp mind, strong desire and personal dignity. the Albany JCC, This past spring she was a local author at hosted by Chabad. MHDS’ “People of (see flyer on left). the Book” opening Although out of event of the Bach the active music Library on New scene for some time now, he often sang and Scotland Ave. played at HASC concerts, and in many Chananya O’Brien informal settings, and is considered to be a read selections from mentor & inspiration to Jewish singers today. her book “When the
M A I M O N I D ES 404 Partridge Street Albany NY 12208
Soldiers were Gone” since it was already difficult for her to read aloud. Born in Beuthen, Germany in 1935 she immigrated with her family to this country in 1938. Her family was saved from the Holocaust by an American act of kindness, and she dedicated her life to repaying that kindness to others. Educated in St. Louis, Vera received a scholarship to Radcliffe College and a master's degree in reading at the College of St. Rose. For 25 years, she taught remedial reading in Albany, mostly at Philip Livingston Middle School. After retiring from teaching, she authored two childrens books: “When the Soldiers Were Gone” and “Candles in the Closet”, and in 1985, produced “All Babies are Created Equal” an educational pamphlet on children (even babies) and reading, which was widely distributed to new mothers at hospitals. She was a founding and continuously active member of B'nai Sholom, and the ROAR (Reach Out and Read) literacy program. She
THANKS FOR COLORED PAPER
Using K’Nex pieces the Science Enrichment students keep improving their race cars, testing and tweaking, and hope to race them today. They are powered by different types of “engines”. Some TU BISHVAT FRUIT REPS Each class is researching a different one of the of the cars feature a pullback mechanism, others have a rubberband tension… it’s a lot of “7 Kinds” (plus Carob) to present at the fun and there’s a lot of learning in it, too! annual Tu Bishvat Breakfast on Thursday.
THE PHANTOM TOLLBOOTH During snack time, Mrs. Maher is now reading a new book to the 4th graders, called “The Phantom Tollbooth.” It’s about a boy who doesn’t know what to do with himself, but one day finds a tollbooth in his room, and once he enters it goes to places and sees things that don’t even exist! Noah heard this book read a few times, and is eager to hear it again!
FIRST TO MEMORIZE Azriel L. was the first to memorize Birchas Yaakov (Parshas VaYechi) by heart and qualify for Rabbi Andrusier’s cash prize. Some of his fellow classmates are still working on it. was also an ardent advocate for healthcare together with her husband (who was honored at the school dinner celebrating 800 years since Moses Maimonides). Her life and work is a testimony to the strength of willpower and character that can overcome personal challenges and physical limitations.
MORE AT PORT OF ALBANY There’s more than ships, storage facilities and waterfront to see at the Port of Albany (see page 1). Mendel’s standing near a historic marker on the actual property where in May 1910 aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss began the first longdistance airplane flight between two cities, 137 miles from Albany to New York. A security officer met with them in a conference room, took them on a facilities tour, and they also saw huge vats of sweet molasses, a sugar by product with many different uses.
K’NEX RACERS
Senior Services of Albany received a large amount of colored paper that did not work for them, so they posted its availability on a non profit website. Maimonides picked up 15 reams, that’s a moneysaver. Thanks!
BOYS SARATOGA SHABBATON Boys in grades 37 had a great Shabbaton in Saratoga last Shabbos. They took 2 walks out in the snow, once on Friday Night to visit 3 springs (only one had flowing water) and after Shabbos lunch they walked down Circular Street to Congress Park where they went Body Tubing down the flowing hills of fresh snow. The sign said “No Sledding” and it was Shabbos, so bodytubing worked out fine. It was actually a lot of fun, the kids were very good about listening to Rabbi Mathless throughout. They sang a lot during Shabbos meals (“One Day” was a big favorite, even though it wasn’t on the song sheets) and enjoyed delicious food Rabbi Abba prepared, including a crunchy Bissli vegetable salad with oranges and a chicken soup that most kids went back for thirds! One of the things they learned about was “Akirah & Hanacha” in the laws of carrying outdoors on Shabbos, they studied MaayanChai on the Parsha in pairs before Shacharis. After Havdalah they went bowling, and came back to Albany in time for the end of PizzaNite. They also did a scavenger hunt for items related to Parshas Bo. Thanks to Rabbi Abba for the great food, atmosphere, arrangements and hosting, to Rabbi Mendy & Morah D.L. for chaperoning & spirit, to Mrs. Levin for the Sat Night pickup.
MAKING MOON PIZZA Rabbi Shmuly’s 3rd grade Mishna students went down to “Nathan’s Kitchen” to bake up some delicious moon (shaped) pizza in honor of finishing a chapter of Mishna Rosh Hashanah about the new moon each month.
MORE FRUIT CUTOUTS From newspapers, ads, magazine etc, please send them in this week to Morah Devorah for a Tu Bishvat project. Thanks!
FISH VIDEOS AFTER TEST Following a test on a science unit about fish, 5/6 grade watched science films with vivid, beautiful underwater views of fish in their natural habitat. Having learned the material first helped them better appreciate it.
STAINED GLASS IN ART CLASS Okay, they didn’t use real glass, but the colored tissue paper gave them an idea of the real thing, and it did look very pretty.
CROSSING THE SEAS Kindergarteners decorated and hung “water” sheets, a pillar of fire, to demonstrate the crossing of the sea in this week’s Torah portion. Their decorations reflected some of the Midrash they learned about it.
NAVI PROJECTS IN THIRD GRADE ABOUT YEHOSHUAH’S SPIES AT RACHAV’S HOUSE
(Not all students pictured) LR: Nechama’s Lego diorama has 2 spies leaving Rachav’s house at the Yericho City Wall; Sara’s 2 drawings depict them leaving, and Rachav’s faithful response; Shaina A. made an edible rooftop where Rachav and the 2 spies were speaking; Shaina L. made a big “stone” house with a red string at the window & flax on the rooftop; Amiel did Lego with the spies on left & Yericho people & their King on the other side.
END OF BOOK IN SIGHT
SemiAnnual Speaker Series
Mrs. Maher’s 4th graders have been reading “Island of the Blue Dolphins” for a while now, doing storyboards, worksheets, activity projects (even an “openmind”) at each set of chapters. They’re near the end now, and after their final test, they’ll see the video of the story.
HARMONY IN RELATIONSHIPS
SCIENCE FAIR IN MARCH Mrs. Ballard is already working with several students to prepare projects for the Science OUT IN THE SNOW Fair. If you would like to participate, please see The day after the storm was beautiful out, cold Mrs. Ballard as soon as possible. but sunny, with little wind. Kids had a great time digging in the snow making paths, forts, sledding and running, and even a few good natured snowball throws (not from too close, no aiming for the face, all soft snow). As long as it isn’t too cold out, kids are encouraged to get outside during recess for fresh air and outdoor play. So dress warmly!
Established in memory of Esther (Rubin) Cohen
FEDERATION CAMPERSHIPS
In honor of his 8th Yartzeit
AN ARTICLE OF HOPE The inspiring story of Ilan Ramon Israel’s first astronaut and the moving story of the Holocaust Torah he took into space A new film to be screened at Maimonides, Sat 2/5 at 7:30pm As per our agreement with the producers, we can not charge admission but can ask sponsors to help defray the cost of the screening to share this meaningful story with the community.
March 4th is the deadline for applications for scholarships for outoftown summer camps, enrichment programs etc. Get the forms and more info online at: www.jewishfedny.org.
CONTINUED PRAYERS For Rabbi Bomzer’s father: Chaim Zev ben Ettel Chaya, for Dina bas Yehudis, for Avram HaLevi ben Henna Malka and all in need of a speedy recovery.
A THANK YOU NOTE
...The MHDS HS girls were amazing, they were polite, helpful and so mature… they were all a pleasure and please thank them for doing a mitzvah, and doing it so well!
from a ThankYou note by Amy Rosenstrauch after the HS girls volunteered at a recent art evening for residents at The Massry Residence
presents RABBI SHEA HECHT
on Motzai Shabbos Yisro, Shvat 17 January 22nd, 7:30pm at Maimonides Rabbi Shea Hecht, Chairman of NY’s NCFJE (National Committee for the Furtherance of Jewish Education) is a passionate, bold, and dynamic Rabbi with years of personal experience in counseling couples and individuals in crisis. Rabbi Hecht is engaging, humorous, “he tells it like it is” in his uniquely energizing, thoughtprovoking style. Rabbi Hecht’s resume ranges from yeshiva dean to radio host, cultbusting to mentoring. A Light Melava Malka Dinner will be served.
HS Girls will supervise a children’s program 7:309pm at a cost of $3 per child.
NOMINATING AUTHORS
at Maimonides and in the Community 1/15: GARDEN OF EMUNAH CLASS Military Intelligence. She’s speaking on “Presenting 34pm at Devorah Berla 550B New Scotland Ave.
1/15: SATELLITE TORAH CLASS Rabbi Reisman 7:30pm Sat Nights, Rabbi Frand 9pm on Thursdays, both shown at CBAJ.
Israel’s Case to US and Intl Media” at Ohav Shalom. This is a joint Federation society event, open to the community, $22pp. 7:15pm light dinner (catered by Raizy) program begins 8pm.
1/2831: LAST JANUARY WEEKEND
1/15: YUDSHVAT FAMILY EVENT
Extended weekend off at the end of January. No school on Friday 1/28, school resumes 9am on Monday 1/31. Davening classes at 9am. 1/30: ANSWER THE CALL Federation’s SuperSunday Phoneathon raises funds for the annual campaign benefitting a spectrum of local agencies (including Maimonides) and Israel. In addition to contributing, each year a 1/15: F.C. MOM’S NIGHT OUT nice group of Maimonides parents volunteers to 7:30pm at the Kasper home, 104 Darroch Rd in make calls (or for followup call nights). Delmar. Dr. Gina Cosgrove is an expert on the educational and social needs of individuals on the Autism spectrum and will discuss the “Acronym 2/5: “ARTICLE OF HOPE” FILM Soup” ADHD, OPWDD, FBA, IEP etc.. While Maimonides will be showing a new film about enjoying soups and challahs. RSVP (617) 9091038 Israeli astronaut Ilan Ramon o.b.m. and the or email: Katie@catherine_fratianni@hotmail.com. Holocaust Torah he brought into space. As per our agreement with the producers, there will be no 1/17: M.L.K. OPEN HOUSE DAY admission charge, but sponsors are welcome to Many schools are off for MLK Day so it’s a good defray the cost of the screening. 7:30pm at school. opportunity for parents and students to spend a day at Maimonides. Open House is for 2/5: PIZZANITE Kindergarten and 1st grade, students in upper Stay tuned for pizzanite info for February 5th, grades are welcome by arrangement. details to be announced in a coming newsletter, as the regular pizzanite may be modified (or may stay 1/20: TU BISHVAT BREAKFAST the same) to accommodate the “Article of Hope” Annual tradition at Maimonides! Platters of nuts film shown at school that same evening. & dried fruits, taste of Carob, fruit cereals, fresh fruit, with Tu Bishvat lessons & presentations. 2/5: J.G.U. EVENT FOR GIRLS Also the same evening at Maimonides.. a Sat Night 1/21: SONENBERG SHLOSHIM girls event by JGU/BMC. Call Nechama 8330704 Following 8am services at Shomray Torah on for details. Friday will be a Shloshim Kiddush marking 30 days since the passing of Mr. Ari Sonenberg, Sam’s 2/13: SPA FOR BODY & SOUL father. As the Shiva was in Queens (during NY’s Annual wellattended womens event. 14pm at the infamous snowstorm) this can be an opportunity to Comfort Suites in Clifton Park, just off 87 Exit 9. offer condolences to Sam, and have him share The event committee is now forming. Featured some memories of his late father. speaker and singer will be ChanaLeah Nunez, originally from Panama, now in New York. Cost is 1/22: RABBI HECHT ON SAT NITE $18 prepaid, $25 at the door. To RSVP, for “Harmony in Relationships” is a new series additional info or to get involved contact Leah 495 established in memory of Esty (Rubin) Cohen. 0779 or Clara 4398280. Featured speaker is Rabbi Shea Hecht. 7:30pm at Maimonides. A light Melava Malka meal will be SPECIAL MINYANS AT SCHOOL served. HS Girls will supervise a children’s program (instead of the daily 8am Shomray Torah Minyan) downstairs for $3 per child, from 7:309pm. 2/4: Rosh Chodesh Adar I Minyan 3/6: Rosh Chodesh Adar II and Daniel S’s Bar 1/24: PRESENTING ISRAEL’S CASE Mitzvah Brunch Celebration Miri Eisen is media advisor for former PM Olmert, 3/24: Eli L’s first Aliyah, before his BarMitzvah a former Colonel in the IDF and Asst. Director for weekend celebration in VT
Each year, in addition to the Dr. Morton Berger Memorial Award, the Maimonides Dinner highlights and honors a spectrum of individuals based on a theme. Past years was Educators for Rashi 900, Explorers for Hudson 400 and more themes. This year, to celebrate “People of the Book” we’re looking to highlight and honor a spectrum of local Jewish authors. If you have someone to nominate, please contact the school office 4539363 / maimonidesschool@gmail.com.
The 10th of Shvat is the yartzeit of R’ Yosef Yitzchak, 6th Rebbe of Chabad, and the day that R’ Menachem Mendel became the 7th Rebbe. Some families (open to the community) will gather at school at 7pm for an informal MelavaMalka, rally for kids and light farbrengen.
MAIMONIDES SCHOOL (Nursery / Elementary / High School) & COMMUNITY 404 Partridge Street Albany NY 12208 (518) 453-9363 maimonidesschool@gmail.com Founded in 1980, Maimonides is chartered by the NYS Board of Regents and is a UJF-NENY Beneficiary
MANY WAYS TO ADD UP
1st graders colored mittens in sets that add up to the same number. 2+6=8, and 5+3 also =8. In math (and other areas of life, too) there is often more than one way to reach the desired result.
MIRIAM TAMBOURINES
Nursery students filled paperplate tambourines and decorated them in connection with Miriam’s tambourines in this week’s Parshah.
CHONI ON THE BULLETIN BOARD Students decorated a bulletin board upstairs with information about Choni HaMe’agel, the circle drawer who successfully prayed for rain, and witnessed the longterm effect of treeplanting…