Maimonides Community

BH

Tammuz 2, 5772 / June 22, 2012

Community Newsletter of the Maimonides Hebrew Day School of the Capital District 404 Partridge Street Albany NY 12208 (518) 453-9363/3434 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 UJF-NENY

maimonidesschool@gmail.com

Candle-Lighting:

8:19 Shabbos Ends:

9:30

SCHOOL’S OUT, THE LAST “MC” YARTZEIT CORRECTION Tuesday was the last day of the year at MHDS, but we’re doing one more MC to cover the graduation (Monday), Moving-Up Day (Tues) and any other end-of-year wrap-ups. It was a great year, thanks for “reading along” with us via the “MC” weekly newsletter!

In the print edition of last week’s MC, Dr. Jerry O’Brien’s yartzeit was listed as 20th of Sivan, but it should be corrected to be the 19th of Sivan. Look for a Shloshim event in his memory, tentatively on Tues, July 10th, the 20th of Tammuz, at Shabbos House.

MAZAL TOV GRADUATES

THE STREET-SHOES EXHIBIT

This year’s graduation ceremonies were most memorable. We celebrated eight 8th grade graduates, each of whom spoke beautifully about their Maimonides experience (see excerpts on page 3) and one Bnos Chaya High School graduate, Miriam Kudan who received an honors Regents diploma as well as other awards and recognition for her academic excellence. We wish all of the graduates much continued success, and lots of Nachas to their families. They certainly made our school proud!

Pictured on left is Daniel embracing Rabbi Rubin after receiving his diploma & personalized gift.

This year’s “Sculpture in the Streets” project (through May 2013) features giant painted shoes at various downtown Albany locations.

DR. TULER’S TALK

MOVING UP (THE LAST) DAY

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Dr. Floyd Tuler taught mechanical engineering at Hebrew University in Jerusalem and at Worcester Polytechnic, and  established a full-cell research facility at Queens College in Kingston Canada. He now lives in Pittsfield MA, is Gabbai for Berkshires Chabad, and occasionally joins the weekday morning Shomray Torah Minyan. Dr. Tuler was the featured speaker at this year’s Maimonides graduation. His theme was how Torah and Science are indeed compatible, and he shared three examples from Jewish history (Talmud, Rambam and the Rebbe) on ways to respect both Torah and Science and integrate the two together. He praised our school for its integration Torah and Science and for its vision to further enhance and expand its science and technology offerings and facilities.

Nursery though 7th all presented songs or skits for the final day of school.  Nursery sang two songs, one in Hebrew and one in English.

1st graders sang a Hebrew song about feelings, and “Now that I can Read..” celebrating their love for reading and their newly acquired skills.

2nd and 3rd sang “The Man who thinks He Can!” and also a Hebrew song about the “Chodesh HaGadol” (the big vacation…)

3rd graders did a “Who am I?” based on the characters in the Chumash they learned.

4th graders did a skit on Rabbi Yochanon ben Zakkai’s 5 students “finding the best qualities in life” and the students added what they liked best about class.

5th graders with Rabbi Shmuly did a powerpoint accompaniment to Lipa’s song

MAIMONIDES 404 Partridge Street Albany NY 12208

This newsletter is dedicated in memory of

The Lubavitcher Rebbe

Rebbe Menachem Mendel ben R’ Levi Yitzchak & Chana

on occasion of the 18th Yartzeit this Shabbos Gimmel (3rd of) Tammuz

The Rebbe’s vision and teachings continue to inspire countless people around the world, including many right here in the Capital Region about Talmudic expressions, and they also did a skit about how to run the class if Mrs. Maher were ever to come late to class.  6/7 did another of their own original “rap” songs, with their special zest and gusto.

We apologize for any songs or presentations we may have neglected to mention (sorry we don’t have students TNT reporting for this last MC newsletter of the year). Grades 4 and up got recognition certificates for a subject or behavior in which they individually excelled. Following the ceremony, there was a delicious BBQ, with burgers, hotdogs (thanks to R’ Shmuel Kochman for managing the grill) and salads for all to enjoy. Families lingered and savored the memories of another wonderful year of learning, the beautiful weather and the start of summer vacation.

INGROWN TOENAIL, ANGIOPLASTY DOCTOR AND TRADED BALL-PLAYER GABE GROSS These were some of the inspiring, humorous stories shared by Rabbi Mendel Samuels of Simsbury CT at Chabad’s tribute to the Rebbe’s legacy, last night at Shabbos House, in preparation for the Rebbe’s 18th yartzeit this Shabbos. He was accompanied by his brother, Yehoshua (also a teacher at a new Yeshiva for kids with learning disabilities and other challenges) who is quite an amazing cantor!

He sang several heartfelt Chassidic melodies, hitting all the high notes flawlessly, crisp and sweet, and transitioned so smoothly between high and low parts of the melodies. He also ended with a magnificent cantorial piece by golden age Cantor Moshe Koussevitsky. He was really good, and was good enough to regale everyone (including some very surprised guests from Flatbush enroute to Montreal) with dramatic flourishes as Chazzan for an ordinary weeknight Maariv after the program.

Ted Levin was the master of ceremonies, and included several inspiring comments of his own. Rabbi Rubin spoke of the remarkable growth of global Chabad (as well as local centers) even (and especially) after the Rebbe’s passing, and the tremendous blessing & responsibility that comes along with that. The desserts were amazing, special thanks to Mrs. Chani Shechtman and all who helped prepare the elegant dessert buffet.

NOTE FOR PARENTS As we prepare to conclude this most successful school year, we also prepare for the upcoming year. Due to the challenging economy, and the school’s anticipated budget shortfall, the Maimonides Board of Trustees met to review the school’s current deficit and made a decision to: (a) raise tuition by 15%, across the board for those paying full, and those on a scholarship arrangement, (b) clarify that mandatory registration fees are separate and distinct from tuition arrangements (c) work on an increase of 15% in donor contributions, so no child will be turned away. Our tuition remains among the lowest of day schools around the country, but our school must remain viable and fiscally responsible. While we have a very cost efficient budget (far lower than Jewish/private schools across the country) the school must meet payroll every two weeks, pay utilities, supplies and insurance (besides all the extra-curriculars) and everything that goes into making such a wonderful education and atmosphere possible locally for our children. Please arrange your registration fees and tuition early this summer with Mr. Alex Hallenstein (who is overseeing the tuition process as last year).

THANK YOU!

PREPARING FOR MOVING-UP The two pictures above were taken as students practiced on stage before Moving-Up Day. Being that a family or two were out-of-town for the actual Moving-Up Day they came earlier on Monday to watch the children practice.

TEACHER APPRECIATION Thanks to Beth Gray, Rebekah Wildman and Karen Mirsky for organizing and preparing a delicious & thoughtful “Teacher Appreciation Lunch” in the teacher’s lounge during the last week of school. It was also nice for the faculty to sit around together, without meetings, plans or agendas, and just enjoy each other’s company over some very good food.

TASTE OF REBBE’S VISION A summer or two ago, Rabbi Mendel spoke at the Sinai Scholars Conference (then in CT) and his speech on “The Significance of the Rebbe’s 12 Torah Passages for Children” was just posted this week on TorahCafe.com. It’s a 1/2 hour long and shares some inspiration within this 12 passages. You can find it at TorahCafe by putting “12 Pesukim” or Mendel Rubin in the search bar.

ENGLISH AND HISTORY GAMES For the last day of classroom learning, Mrs. Mulder (English) and Ms. Zalak (history) played test-your-knowledge games with their classes. In science class that day they watched educational videos about the planets (after a long unit on astronomy) and volcanoes.

SUSHI, SALAMI, MEATCHOLENT … is on the menu for the Gimmel Tammuz Kiddush at Shomray Torah this Shabbos, with special guests Rabbi Moshe and Bracha Plotkin of SUNY New Paltz.

Excerpts from Miriam Kudan’s

HS GRADUATION SPEECH Tonight, we’re celebrating a graduation. At first glance, it seems like we are all here to honor the fact the we have finished a certain time in our life, be it the elementary and middle schools, or in my case, high school. But the Rebbe, in a letter he wrote to graduation students, emphasized that the graduation celebration ought to serve as a preparation and a beginning for a higher level of studying Torah and fulfilling mitzvos. Instead of looking at tonight as an ending, we should look at it as the foundation and stepping stone, for a lifetime of learning and applying our skills.

The Rebbe taught a similar lesson when it comes to birthdays. A birthday is a time to reflect on our past achievements, and to make resolutions to improve ourselves and the world in the coming year. So, this message has double meaning for me, as tonight is my 18th birthday, according to the Jewish calendar.

Typically, when I tell people that I am THE ONLY twelfth grader in my school, I get some good laughs. Either that, or they think I'm totally crazy. So what, I asked myself, could be the divine providence in graduating as the sole member of my class at Bnos Chaya? Here are 3 ideas that I came up with.

1) How many students can say that each one of their classes was designed specifically with them, and only them, in mind?

2) Also, how many High School students have had the privilege of being privately chauffeured to the NYS capitol building every week, to work closely with Assemblywoman Rhoda Jacobs?

3) And last but not least, who else can graduate at the top of the class just by attending school?

All kidding aside, I really don't mind being the only one in my graduating class, and I am so thankful to all those who have brought me to this important milestone. I'd like to thank our dedicated principal, Mrs. Leyee Rubin for all the time, energy, and love she puts into each of us...

CHANA LABER Maimonides provided me with a close-knit nurturing environment which enabled me to grow and learn. I would like to thank my dedicated teachers and faculty that have been instrumental in shaping me into the person who I am today.  Thank You Morah Devorah for your great beginnings on Hebrew vocabulary that helped me through elementary and middle school.  Mrs. Mahar -thanks for teaching us humor in our everyday English studies,  Morah Rachel you taught me Ivrit through Israeli songs and news reports, I will always remember your insightful words of wisdom  Rabbi Mendel - teaching us Gemarah with modern examples & sheets that really helped us understand it. Thanks for the APPS trips.  Mrs. Levin - thank you for teaching us various artistic techniques and for teaching me that you can find art in everything you do.  Rabbi Rubin for teaching us with excitement, enthusiasm and creativity through the “Torah Times,” our Jewish history powerpoint…  Ms. Zalak - I enjoyed our many History projects and fascinating current events.  Mr. Mulder - thanks for doing art, poetry, and creative writing in our English class.  Mrs. Sahay sharpened our minds through math and science with her many experiments.  Morah Clara thank you for teaching us the many characteristics of people in the Navi.  Rabbi Simon, we always learnt new Halachos.  Morah Raizy your Tehillim classes were always so thought provoking and interesting.  Rabbi Yossi & Morah Leyee for everything you do for the school.  Mrs. Rosenfeld thank you for encouraging us to succeed through the quarterly honor roll.

important as the quality of the school. Sometimes a problem can create an advantage. Since our school doesn't have many students, it allows for more quality. Our teachers can focus on each individual student more than a teacher with 20 or even 30 kids in their class can. We can go on more trips with a smaller class, they are easier to arrange with a smaller groups.

In chapter 7 of Parshas Va’eschanan, it says that Hashem did not choose us because of how big we are but because of the love He feels toward us.

The same is true in Maimonides, we are a small school but what matters the most is the respect we have for the faculty and fellow students.

In Maimonides 8th graders play with the 2nd graders at recess, high school chats with students in younger grades. If someone gets hurt everyone is there to help. This multi-age mixing is not usually found in larger schools. It adds a different and unique dimension of Ahavas Yisrael when we can be friendly with kids of different ages.

RIVA TAKSIR There are so many things I have learned and benefited at Maimonides. This school gave me the perfect base I need to live as a Jew. The Rambam was a rabbi, doctor and philosopher who wrote important Halacha books that we study to this day. Our school’s namesake, he symbolizes this mixture, our school’s motto: a beautiful Torah blend and Worldly experience.

The motto comes from the 2nd Mishna in the 2nd chapter of Pirkei Avos, where Rabban Gamiliel says: “Yafah Talmud Torah Im Derech Eretz.” The study of Torah is beautiful together with Derech Eretz – the ways of the world and our worldly experience…

Pirkei Avos: “Rabbi Yaakov said: One who is reviewing Torah while walking on a road and interrupts his studies to say ‘What a beautiful tree, or what a beautiful field’, is as if he is liable for his soul.” Why is this the case? Seems a little harsh, maybe? Aren’t we supposed to appreciate G-d’s nature? The Baal Shem Tov explains that the key word here is “U’mafsik” – “he interrupts” his studies. He didn’t see them as one thing. At Maimonides, we don’t see a conflict between learning Torah and General Studies – in fact, we connect them to each other in so many ways.

NACHUM WILDMAN A Sukkah can be a good analogy for our school. First of all, a Sukkah is supposed to create a special atmosphere. Maimonides is like that, too, not just a building with classrooms, it has a special feeling. Another connection, between our school and a Sukkah, is that a Sukkah has to be closed in, but not too closed in.

A Sukkah is the type of structure that is partially closed, but also partially open. Our school is also like that, it has set expectations, and rules but it is also flexible, and open to new things. The school does a lot of “out-of-the-box” things. A Sukkah is an out-of-the-box kind of house.

DANIEL SEDA I came to Maimonides in 4th grade.

I went to other schools before, and it was the people: students, teachers & school families who made this school so special for me, and my experience so enjoyable and memorable these 4 years. I think that people are nicer here. They are more polite, more refined, there’s more respect for teachers, and more respect for fellow students. They don’t use swear words to express their feelings. Of MOISHY KUDAN course, there’s fights and arguments, because kids I moved to Maimonides Hebrew CHANI RUBIN Day school 4 years ago from Public will be kids, but still it’s in much more decent My favorite and most memorable way than I was used to before I came here. Jewish school. In last week's Torah learning experiences were the teachings strongly encourage good behavior, reading the Jewish people could hands-on, creative projects and not enter Israel but had to wander 40 years in the good character, known as Middos Tovos. Many activities that we did throughout desert. For me, coming to Maimonides from Pirkei Avos Mishnas emphasize good character: the years. It says in Tehillim public school was like entering the Holy Land. It 2:3 cautions us to be wary of people who are friendly only for their own benefit, because they (35:10), we say it on Shabbos morning: Kol really changed my life because it is a Jewish won’t be there for you in your time of need. At Atzmosay Tomarnah… which means: All my limbs school. I met new Jewish friends. There’s no Maimonides, I felt that people care for each shall declare Hashem’s greatness. The Gemorah school on Jewish holidays, I very much enjoyed other, look out for each other, are sensitive to says: If all your limbs are involved in study, you celebrating & learning about Judaism, without each other and help each other when needed. In will remember it much better than if only your having to miss so much work. I also learned to 2:13 Rabbi Yochanon ben Zakkai asked his mind is studying. Projects allowed me to express read Hebrew and daven with Tefillin, plus students to go out and find the best qualities: my ideas and creativity and develop personal Chumash, Navi, Gemorah and many things.

Rabbi Eliezer said, a good eye. Look at things and talents. They gave us something to display, to people positively. Rabbi Yehoshua said, a good share, to be proud of and remember for life.

ELI LEVIN ...The message of the two portions friend. True, we have small classes here, but my of Shelach and Korach together – is friends have been good to me, and I have been CHAYA SIMON good to them. R’ Yosi says, a good neighbor. I In 5th grade, a a famous Rabbi that we need both spiritual AND was fortunate to live close enough to school that from a big school in NYC stopped physical to live as Jews and fulfill I’ve walked home quite a few times. R’ Elazar by our class. He said something I our soul’s purpose in this world. I think that still remember: “Maimonides has Maimonides is a very amazing blend of these two says, a good heart. Most of the Rabbis here spoke of things that build good, positive character, and Quality vs. Quantity.” This made me realize that sides. Not only does it have both, it combines relationships with other people. the amount of students a school has is not as them - they’re interwoven. There’s a Mishna in

at Maimonides and in the Community 6/23: GIMMEL TAMMUZ KIDDUSH The Gordons and friends are preparing a lavish Kiddush for the Rebbe’s 18th Yartzeit, complete with sushi, salami, salads and a fleishig cholent, at Shomray Torah after Musaf. The Plotkins of New Paltz will be the special guests for Shabbos, Rabbi Moshe Plotkin teaches computer science at SUNY New Paltz and he and his wife Bracha run the Chabad Student Center at New Paltz.

6/23: WOMENS SHABBOS SHIUR

program open to men and women, includes a luncheon, 11:15-4:30 at Agudas Achim, 254 Lucas in Kingston NY. Cost is $18pp, $25 at the door.

Go to ChabadUlsterCounty.org for more info.

7/18: DOMINO THE GREAT will be performing 7pm at the Clifton-Park/ Halfmoon Library on Moe Road, no charge.

8/1: GRAND SIYUM HASHAS

6/25: WOMENS BET MEDRASH

The 7 1/2 year cycle of daily Daf-Yomi Talmud study will be completed at a mega celebration held this year at the MetLife Stadium in Rutherford NJ. A live telecast will be shown at CBAJ’s Luchins Media Center for those in Albany wishing to participate in this momentous occasion locally.

Rescheduled from 6/12. 8pm at Maimonides. Call Leah Rubin 495-0772/9 for more information.

8/5: SHALOM FESTIVAL

4:45pm given by Ellen Kaplowitz at her home, 44 Oakwood Street, between New Scotland and Woodlawn Aves. To give/host call Chaya Tal.

Save the date for Saratoga Chabad’s annual festival in historic and beautiful Congress Park with art, Another amazing overnight summer season for girls crafts, entertainment, vendors.. ages 8-16, begins on June 27th, based at Sage 8/23: RABBI SIMON’S SIYUM College in Troy. Staff & campers come from all over! Registration is filling up, call Nechama Laber Rabbi Simon will be concluding the entire Talmud 727-9581 or visit www.JewishGirlsRetreat.net. at a special celebration, 6pm at the Normanside Country Club, in Delmar. No admission fee. Call 439-8280 for info and dedication opportunities.

7/2-8/10: CAMP GAN ISRAEL New staff, great activities, atmosphere & outings.

Jewish fun enriched with many craft workshops and STAY TUNED FOR 9-DAYS SIYUMIM activities. Gan Israel is based at Maimonides, with One Siyum of the “9 Days” will be presented by fun times for kids ages 3-12. Come for one week or Rabbi Rubin and Morah Rochel, stay tuned for for the whole season. Call CGI director Mrs. information.

Simon at 439-8280 for more info.

6/27-7/22: JGR SUMMER CAMP

7/4: JULY FOURTH FIREWORKS Price Chopper sponsors amazing fireworks at the Empire State Plaza every July 4th, after dark. In addition to the plaza itself (which has a July 4th festival starting at 3pm) there are numerous vantage points in the downtown area or across the river where you can watch the fireworks show.

7/8: G.E. FUN DAY AT THE PLAZA Interactive games & fun, booths & vendors, “2x2 Zoo” with lemurs, alligator and kangaroos, pony rides, a children’s author, shows, roaming railroad etc.. Many family days are on Sat, so for Shomer Shabbat families this Sunday event is a treat. Noon5pm at Empire State Plaza.

7/15: JEWISH WOMEN SYMPOSIUM Panel on “Jewish Women” with Dr. Chana Silverstein, author Malka Touger, Rabbis Ari Raskin & Berl Bell, moderated by Rabbi Yitzchak Shochat of England (all accomplished scholars and presenters), as well as local Kingston-area talent…

Best wishes to all for a happy, healthy and enjoyable summer!

YARTZEIT DATES IN THE JEWISH ART CALENDAR For only $18 (per date) memorialize the Yartzeit of a loved one, in a way that all the community will remember.

TORAH FOR THE ROAD This end-of-year bulletin board in the main room upstairs has bright yellow vehicles with student-written Torah messages to “take on the road” as we leave school for the year, and head on our way for a summer vacation. But we have to take Torah along with us wherever we go, and whatever we do!

FAREWELL RON, JACK & BOB These NYS Assemblyman represented our area, and were friendly and involved with our school and local Jewish organizations. They are all not running for office again this coming year. We thank them for their friendship, and special, sincere appreciation for our school, community and Jewish heritage, and we wish them the best in their future careers and endeavors.

KEEP READING OVER SUMMER Students of all ages should keep up their reading over the summer, in both Hebrew and English because it really helps kids improve their skills and it’s a lot of fun, too.

Contact Rabbi Yossi: 495-0772/9 or email: calendar@capitalchabad.com Must be submitted by July 25th.

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MAIMONIDES SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY (Nursery / Elementary / High School)

404 Partridge Street Albany NY 12208 (518) 453-9363/3434 maimonidesschool@gmail.com Founded in 1980, Maimonides is chartered by the NYS Board of Regents and is a JF-NENY Beneficiary “A Beautiful Blend: Torah & Worldly Experience!”

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR CGI Call Mrs. Clara Simon camp director (439-8280) for info, cost, forms etc. Gan Israel is based out of the Maimonides school building, with new, dedicated staff, lots of hands-on crafts, activities, sports, trips, enjoyable learning, and lots of memorable, meaningful fun! Call for details or with questions, there’s a lot new this year...