BH
Sivan 11, 5772 / June 1, 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:
8:09 Shabbos Ends:
9:20
EZEKIEL IN NAVI & IN BREAD Morah Dini’s HS Navi class learned the verses in Yechezkel when Hashem told him to eat a bread of wheat, barley, millet, spelt, beans and lentils. She brought in flourless “Ezekiel Bread” during the test with jelly for everyone to have a taste of what they learned!
MEASURING A PRISM
SEE INSIDE FOR “JERUSALEM DAY CELEBRATION” PICTURES See page 3 for some photos of activities, booths, and busy happenings at last night’s JERNY’s huge communal event & celebration of Jerusalem and Israel at Beth Emeth.
In Math class 6/7 learned how to find both the surface area and volume of all types of prisms, including triangular.
54TH REGIMENT “GLORY”
In connection with Memorial Day, and 6/7 current studies of the Civil War, and 8th grade’s study of Civil Rights 6/7/8 graders watched selections from “Glory” a film based on the letters of Colonel MAZAL TOV KELLMANS Robert Shaw, who was the MHDS alumnus Ayal & Ester Kellman had a white officer who led a colored baby girl just before Shavuos, and named her (black) unit, the 54th Regiment Shani Yehudit over the holiday weekend in from MA. In addition to the Jerusalem. Mazal Tov to Rabbi Yaakov and breakthroughs in race relations and civil rights, Lisa Kellman on becoming grandparents! there are many values and lessons to be learned from this amazing story. In one story, Shaw MAZAL TOV VIDRINS Dovid Vidrin, originally from MA, studied in was torn between his commander’s insistence that a southern city be burned to the ground, our MHDS high school some years ago. He and his wife Chana had a baby girl. Mazal Tov! and the threat to the colored men of his 54th regiment if it wasn't done. In another part of the story, the soldiers are upset at the inequity MAZAL TOV HARELS of pay between black and white soldiers, Shaw Just as we went to print, Levi and Batsheva shows respect for his black soldiers, and sticks Harel had a baby boy this morning! with them. The classes watched selections of the film as part of it (some war scenes) were HOLOCAUST DISCUSSION deemed perhaps too violent for school viewing. Based on materials from the United States Holocaust Museum in DC, Mrs. Levin led a follow-up discussion (coming off their visit MAIMONIDES during their DC trip) in the 8th grade class404 Partridge Street room, with Ms. Zalak and Rabbi Mendel. Albany NY 12208
THE MILK + MEAT MEALS The Pre-Shavuos “MC” said that “some have a custom” to eat a meat-meal in addition to dairy -meals on Shavuot. The truth is that most early original texts, including classic sources like the Rama, Darkei-Teshuvah etc, insist on eating a meat- meal in addition to whatever dairy-meal we have. While this may not be followed today by all families/communities, we wanted to be sure we put the correct info out there.
This newsletter is dedicated in honor of the birth of
Shani Yehudit
daughter of Ayal & Ester Kellman by her grandparents Rabbi Yaakov & Lisa Kellman MORE STUDENTS WORKS PUBLISHED Last week we reported that Esti B’s writing was now published in “The Skribbler” bi-annual newspaper (and ezine) but now we found out that Chaya A’s (5th grade) short story and Chana Rivka (7th)’s poem were also published in the May edition of “The Skribbler”. Thanks to Mrs. Deloria Ballard-Hubble’s weekly creative writing workshop! It was especially nice that each student received a detailed letter about their individual writing piece. These students were also invited to the 6th annual Authors & Illustrators celebration at Albany Girls Academy.
GRADE 4 CHUMASH At the start of the year, Grade 4 began Parshat Toldot which begins with the birth of Isaac, and they hope to conclude the year with Yosef’s Brothers in Egypt at the end of Miketz. It’s been a great Chumash journey. Over the year, they learned to understand Rashi’s commentary!
APPS “ONE-DOLLAR” TRIP A long time in coming, but the APPS group finally went on their “Tzedakah-APPS” outing. They walked to Madison Ave Price Chopper, each student had to get their “best-value” for one-dollar. Some of the better ideas included: Riva’s bottle of bubbles (so many bubbles in a bottle), Chana’s ice-pack for school (can be used repeatedly for sports injuries), Chaya’s big green reusable bag, Moshe’s silly-putty (many forms & uses), Nachum’s Hot-Wheels car (metal & durable), Chaim’s rubber-bands (so many uses, so many in the bag)… Rabbi Mendel also bought them chips (3 flavors) which they all enjoyed with drinks (thanks to Eli’s dollar) in a shaded wagon-shelter in the Price Chopper parking lot.
NIGHTTIME SKYLINES Mrs. Carroll’s students are learning about the night sky, so each student designed their own skyline (some used Jerusalem, NYC or Albany as their model). In the picture above one student used hole-punches for the stars…
THE HEBREW BREAKFAST
MAIMONIDES DINNER ‘12 This year’s dinner will be held on Tuesday, June 5th, 6pm at the Shabbos House. Please park in adjoining University lots. Dinner honorees are:
Rabbi Dr. Norman Lamm Dr. Morton Berger Memorial Award
It’s an annual year-end tradition in Morah Devorah’s 1st grade classroom. They each bring in items for an all-Hebrew breakfast, (all table-talk and table-items in Hebrew) from Tutim = berries, Gevinah = cheese, Dignei-Boker = dry-cereals, Chalav = milk, and many other yummy and nutritious food.
The distinguished and renown Rabbi Dr. Lamm is former President and Chancellor of Yeshiva University, author, philosopher and scholar, a colleague and mentor of our beloved Dr. Morton Berger of blessed memory.
Sage Colleges Community Service Award In appreciation of the dedicated Sage students who enriched and assisted Maimonides as sports coaches, artists, and aides.
Lewis & Beth Gray - “Eitz-Chayim” Award Dedicated school parents, communal pillars, and honorable “Mentschen!”
NURSERY AT WORK ON SENSES “All About Me” will be the end-of-year presentation theme for Nursery. They’re pictured here, hard at work, filling out a sheet about the five senses. They also learned the teaching from Pirkei-Avot “greet everyone with a cheerful face” and how we express feelings using facial expression, and how to tell other people’s feelings by what their faces “tell us”.
JOURNEY THROUGH THE BODY On Friday, April 27th, several classes went to see “Journey through the Body” at Colonie Center, but we didn’t get the photos until now, so we’re featuring them this week. The kids enjoyed their visit, and learned a lot from the hands-on, multi-sensory exhibits.
Special Presentations to: Dr. Leonard Morgenbesser Proclamation Tribute Remembering Rivka Losice “Aishes Chayil” Tribute Ads sent by via email by Sunday, June 3rd, to: maimonidesschool@gmail.com will be included in the Journal supplement. For seating, dinner info etc call Raizy: 438-4227. This important school fundraiser is a communal event, an annual memorable milestone. Please take part!
Eli helps out in the “Old City Café”, is the Police-Officer online for food, too?
6/7 graders help Rabbi Abba peel & juice whole cases of fresh oranges.
“All the Way from Wesley” played outside. The guitarist on left and the drummer are Ari & Lev Krupman, originally from Albany. When they lived in Albany (and our school was housed at Beth Emeth) their mother used to be a beloved English teacher at Maimonides.
Rabbi Rubin and the 6/7 graders share “passports” to help guests learn about the “Biblical Zoo” (and where these animals are found in the Torah), at “Rivka’s Well” a refreshing oasis at the entrance to the Camel Rides. “A Walk in the Park” these two women are taking in the fragrant aromas of Jerusalem and Biblical herbs and plants.
Chaya prays (joyously!) at the “Western Wall”.
Rabbi Rubin and Joe Adler (the “Book Maven”) have a chat about books in the Machane Yehudah “Shuk” Mall (with jewelry, Judaic and other vendors).
“The Jewish World” was the newspaper-stand in the Jerusalem “Central Bus-Station”.
By going around the organization tables, you could pick up Carrots from Agudat-Achim, Cookies from Shabbos House, Water-Bottle from the JCC, Challah & Zaatar from Clifton Park Chabad, Twizzlers from Mifgash, Ice-Cream from Union Chabad, Salsa & Chips from Honest Weight, pens from a bunch of tables, and much more…
DR. TULLER TO BE GRAD SPKR
MEMORIAL DAY YIZKOR
Dr. Floyd Tuller, active at Berkshires Chabad, and an expert in materials science and engineering will be the keynote speaker for the 8th grade & HS ceremonies on June 18th.
This year, the 2nd day of Shavuot (when we say the Yizkor memorial prayer) fell on the US’ Memorial Day, so CBAJ made a special ceremony for American soldiers.
MANY MISHNAHS THE BUTTERFLY TREE After reading Sandra Markle’s (author of 200 children’s books) book by this name, illustrated by Leslie Wu (illustrated several books that won awards), Ms. Livingston’s 4th graders painted similar scenes on their own, put together this bulletin board, along with write-ups about the author & illustrator.
4th graders looked back at what they learned this year in Mishna class with Rabbi Shmuly, and it’s been quite a variety: Eilu Metziyos (lost objects) and HaMafkid (care of other people’s stuff) in Bava Metziah; Sukkah, Megillah and Pesachim (each in time for those holidays); and now Brachos (for daily blessings). They worked on colorful, lively, graphics-filled Powerpoint presentations for nearly every Mishna they learned, which helped them visually understand and better remember it.
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! Stay tuned for updates, there’s a lot new this year...
at Maimonides and in the Community 6/2: WOMENS SHABBOS SHIUR 4:45pm given by Rochel Rubin at her home, 122 South Main Ave. To give/host contact Chaya Tal.
Raffle, Kosher BBQ for purchase. Family/5K Walk 11-12, registration 10am, entertainment (gaming, bounce-houses, face-paint etc) 12-2pm. Rain/shine!
6/3: C.P. WOMENS LUNCHEON
6/10: BETH EMETH GARAGE SALE
4th annual Clifton Park Jewish Womens Circle: “Gift of Joy - Wrapping it Up!” starts 1pm at Shen. Adult Community Center (6 Clifton Common Court) with Judy Clements’ happiness workshop, buffet luncheon & silent auction. Coming off King David’s yartzeit on Shavuot last week, Leah Kidwell Fernandes (a local harpist - upstateharpist.com) will be playing beautiful music at the event. Cost is $15pp advance/$18 at door. Info? 495-0772/9.
6/3: MAZAL TOV MALKA W.
Sunday 9am-2pm, Bag-Sale 2-3pm. Free-Day (you never know what’s left..) 1-2pm on Tuesday 6/12.
6/11: DANCE & SONG AFTERNOON 2-3:30pm at MHDS. Dance teacher Eve Cameron & students will present for Mothers & Daughters (all women welcome). Fathers & Sons Niggunim sing-off at the same time (all men & boys welcome).
6/11: WOMENS BET MIDRASH
Mazal Tov to Malka & family on her Bas-Mitzvah!
8pm at Maimonides. This month focuses on ShirHaShirim - Song of Songs. Call 495-0772/9.
6/3: ISRAEL DAY PARADE IN NYC
6/13: YALDA CLUB FINALE
On Fifth Ave between 57th and 74th, 11am-4pm. For details & web-streaming see: salutetoisrael.com
The Wednesday after-school girls club will be doing a skit and presentations on “women pioneers” for women and girls at 4pm. Call Nechama 727-9581.
6/5: MHDS ANNUAL DINNER 6pm at Shabbos House. Program will begin earlier than years past (which began with a salad buffet). Please park in adjoining University parking lots.
6/18-19: GRADUATION & MOVE-UP
6/10: O’BRIEN BREAKFASTUDY
6/27-7/22: JGR SUMMER CAMP
8th Grade and HS Graduation ceremonies will be 7pm on Mon evening, June 18th. Dr. Floyd Tuller, an expert in materials science & engineering will be 6/6: L&L ON JEWISH GENETICS the keynote speaker. Moving-Up Day (the last day Capital District Board of Rabbis is hosting a “lunch of school) ceremonies will be on Tuesday June 19th and learn” at the Federation’s Golub Center on the (half-day AM only). topic of Jewish genetic diseases & testing. Program has two parts: 9:45am text-study, and 11am-1pm 6/21: REBBE INSPIRATION presentation and lunch (underwritten by Levine’s In commemoration of the Rebbe’s yartzeit on 3rd Memorial Chapel). For info/ RSVP: 489-4706 x14. of Tammuz (this year on Shabbos), brothers Rabbi Mendel Samuels of Farmington Valley CT 6/6: HIDING AT THE BOOKHOUSE (humorous, engaging & insightful speaker) and Author Diane Wyshogrod will sign copies of her Cantor Yehoshua Samuels (lyric tenor) of Howard book “Hiding Places” 7-9pm at the Book-House in Beach NY, will jointly share inspiration from the Stuyvesant Plaza. She traces self-discovery in teachings and vision of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. researching her mother’s teenage experiences Suggestion donation is $10pp, Sponsors: $100. hiding in a cellar in Poland during the Holocaust. Dessert buffet. Thursday evening, 7:30pm at the Shabbos House, 320 Fuller Rd (please park in adjacent University lots) hosted by Capital Chabad 6/8-9: BOYS SARATOGA SHABBOS A live telecast will be held at CBAJ for those and area Chabad Centers. For info call: 866-7658. Shabbaton for boys. Call 526-0773 for info. wishing to participate in this momentous occasion. Following 8am Shachris at Shteeble/ShomrayTorah will be a short Breakfastudy “Just what the Doctor Ordered!” in memory of Dr. Jonathan O’Brien (yartzeit is 2 days later on Sivan 22, 6/12).
6/10: F.C. WALK AT CENTRAL PK “Walk for Friendship” will be at Central Park, in Schen. See www.walkFC.org for info, support walkers or a team, and/or register. Free admission. First 300 registered via website get free t-shirt. iPad
Another amazing overnight summer season for girls ages 8-16, begins on June 27th, based at Sage College in Troy. Staff & campers come from all over! Registration is filling up, call Nechama Laber 727-9581 or visit www. JewishGirlsRetreat.net.
7/1: GRAND SIYUM HASHAS 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.
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!”
7/23: RABBI SIMON’S SIYUM Rabbi Simon will be concluding the entire Talmud at a special celebration, 6pm at the Normanside Country Club, in Delmar. No admission. Call 4398280 for info and dedication opportunities.
ADDITIONAL MHDS DATES June 6 - K-2 goes to Colonie Crossings & Picnic, 3-7 to Erie Canal &Herkimer Diamond Mine June 12 - K-3 sings @ the Massry with Mrs. Gross June 12 - Last Day of regular HS Classes June 13-20 - NYS Regents administered for HS