BH. Sivan
29, 5774 / June 27, 2014
Candle-Lighting: Community Newsletter of the Maimonides Hebrew Day School of the Capital District 8:19 404 Partridge Street Albany NY 12208 (518) 453-9363/3434 www.maimonidesschool.org Shabbos Ends: produced by Rabbi Mendel & students in the TNT (Torah ‘n Technology) Program 9:30 Maimonides is accredited by the NYS Board of Regents & is a beneficiary of UJF-NENY
maimonidesschool@gmail.com
This newsletter is sponsored in honor of the marriage of
Simmy Rubin & Chaya Tilson by his family and SNR team
Mazal Tov! MAZAL TOV BOMZERS On their son MHDS alumnus Akiva’s marriage last night to Batsheva Feldman of Baltimore. Interestingly, the Kallah is related to Mrs. Ella Saul obm who lived in Albany.
MOVING-UP DAY (TOP) Nursery students sang “The Wheels on the Bus” and a song about food blessings and appreciation adapted from the popular “Yesh Tikvah” tune by Benny Friedman. They each received “diplomas”, whether to move up to Nursery 4 or to move on to Kindergarten. (ABOVE) Kindergarteners, now becoming first -graders, wore these white graduation hats that had their names in Hebrew and English, atop the hats were pictures of the students throughout the year. They sang Hebrew, Yiddish (Ofen Pripichik) and English songs. They concluded with a song with letters raised above their heads spelling:
MAZAL TOV SIMMY RUBIN
THE HOSHANOT BUSH Mr. Heshy Ungerman planted a few willow bushes (of the species used in the Lulav) on the side of the Maimonides School. The bush pictured really flourished! We look forward to harvesting it before this Sukkot for use in the Mitzvah and to benefit the school for many years to come… Thanks Mr. Ungerman!
MAZAL TOV HERTZBERGS This past Sunday, MHDS alumnus Daniel Hertzberg married Chasya Cowen, both of Pittsburgh. The Hertzbergs used to live in Clifton Park and attended Maimonides, there were quite a few Capitol Region residents and Maimonides alumni at the wedding.
SPECTRUM ADVANCE TICKETS
$7pp Tickets at door for “Rebbe Spectrum” this coming Thursday, July 3rd. For advanced tickets and reduced family rate, email: rabbimathless@gmail.com or call 522-1872. Doors open at 6:30pm, the approx one hour ROSH CHODESH TAMMUZ program begins at 7pm. The Spectrum Theater This Shabbos and Sunday. Remember to add is at 290 Delaware Ave with ample parking all the extras in the prayers & Bentsching, too. behind the building.
MAIMONIDES more Moving-Up Day details & pictures inside this “MC” on page 2.
on his marriage this Sunday to Chaya Tilson of NJ. A communal Sheva Brachos will be at the Shabbos House on Wednesday, 6pm. If you wish to attend please RSVP 438-4227 or via email: AlbanySimchaRSVP@gmail.com. Remember to please park in the Dutch Quad Student Gold Lot. Thanks.
404 Partridge Street Albany NY 12208
FIRST GRADERS (who will be Second Graders this Fall!)
OVER TWO WEEKS NOW… 2nd & 3rd graders received specific awards from Mrs. Carroll for various skills & talents, including: written expression, math skills, great spelling, science exploration, reading comprehension, homework consistency, helpfulness etc.
The search continues for the three missing Yeshiva students who were kidnapped by terrorists in Israel. Our hopes and prayers are with them and their families.
END OF YEAR PARACHUTE FUN 4/5 voted on their own year-end awards. Mrs. Maher set up a number of categories, and the students voted (by secret ballot) whom they thought was most deserving of that award. Every student was recognized - by their peers. Students in Departmental Grades each received a certificate recognizing one or more qualities or contributions from one or more of their teachers. Thanks to 6th graders for preparing delicious cheese and cracker platters for the refreshments following the program. They even spelled out the letters M.H.D.S. using cheese! It’s inspiring to see their eager helpfulness, even on the very last morning of school! It’s also nice to see the students’ interest in the weekly MC Newsletter.
PARENT RECOGNITION
BITTERSWEET FAREWELLS
At Moving-Up Day 5 Parents were recognized for their volunteer efforts at the school. Morah Devorah Stark presented cards with a token of appreciation to: Devorah Leah Kaufman for her dedication and flexibility with the students and teachers in the SMART Program; Susannah Levin for her detailed planning and organization of the yearend school trip to Thatcher Park; John Dunn for taking care of the school’s Recycling Program and being available to help move things or set-up; Rebekah Wildman for organizing “soup-of-the-week” which is enjoyed by students and faculty alike; and Sharona Backman for running the school office, being a great support for the teachers and helping keep things going smoothly.
Also at Moving-Up Day we bid farewell to the Andrusier family, who recently announced that they will be moving to Florida this summer, where Rabbi Shimon will serve as Rabbi in a synagogue and teacher in a school. The Andrusiers have been in Albany for a dozen years, all the children grew up in our school and have been a big part of our school, and for quite a few of these years Rabbi Shimon taught at Maimonides (and for some years the Albany Mesivta Boys HS as well), and Liba began and directed the local chapter of the Friendship Circle. We wish them much happiness and success, and hope they continue to keep in touch with Albany.
READ, READ, READ Parents are encouraged to make sure their children make time for daily reading this summer vacation, both Hebrew and English. There are numerous benefits, beyond fluency!
Kindergarteners had a blast getting a rush of air and fun with a huge colorful parachute on the last day of school. It takes (a) teamwork (b) holding on tight (c) active vigorous movement (d) catch a little wind (spirit…)
COLORFUL TAMBOURINES Morah Leyee’s Chumash class was eager to do at least a little of “Az-Yashir” (Song at the Sea) before the year’s end. They didn’t have a chance to get to all of it (there are so many very long Rashi commentaries on these verses) but at least they got started on it, and then in the spirit of Miriam’s Song, the girls painted their own tambourines.
STUDENTS IN CAMPS ALL OVER Many of our older students spend a month or two at Jewish overnight camps. In past years many of them have done very well, socially and academically, and have come back with numerous awards! We hope they have a great summer, and hope they come back with some good reports and accolades this year as well…
BEST WISHES FOR SUMMER Wherever you are - may it be happy, healthy, productive, enjoyable & relaxing!
Graduation trip to Boston, As is a tradition for many years, Morah Clara thanks to GPS emceed this year’s 8th grade and High School mislabeling graduation ceremonies, which were held on streets and Tuesday, June losing signal in 17th at the Boston’s many school. Rabbi tunnels, the Rubin began windy street circles and the fact that the USS with a Dvar Constitution is closed on Mondays. Yet they Torah and had a wonderful time regardless, because they Welcome, and were flexible and had a positive attitude. closed the program with the Moshe tied in positive attitude to the mistake f the Spies in Parshas Shlach, and spoke of how recital of Psalms in the merit of the three a positive attitude can be helpful in many areas kidnapped Israeli Yeshiva students. Amiel E. of life, and how it is ingrained at Maimonides. was the first to speak of the 8th grade graduates, BNOS CHAYA HS GRADUATION and said perhaps We only have two graduating seniors this year, the most but they both poignant line of began at our all: “Maimonides school in may be a small Nursery, and school, but it is have been big where it outstanding counts!” Amiel students all expressed his appreciation to all that the through the school and teachers helped him grow over the years, of whom years. Chaim K. shared a recent Talmud we are very segment they proud. They learned with both began at MHDS since Nursery School. Rabbi Rubin Chaya L. spoke about the protective and (about Bais nurturing bubble that the Jewish people lived Shammai & the in the Desert, surrounded by the Clouds of 18 decrees in Glory, eating Manna. Yet the goal was to reach Gemorah Israel and live extraordinary lives in an tractate Shabbos) ordinary and mundane world. Same she feels in creative, lively of her Maimonides education which protected rhyming rapping and nurtured her until she was ready to go out form! In addition to the 8th grade into the world and yet remain true to our Maimonides diploma each boy also received an values and community. Both girls received a Eshkol set of Rambam, our school’s namesake, in handy format with easy-to-read typeface. Azriel L. spoke about Korach from the upcoming Torah portion, and how the shape of the three Hebrew letters of the name Korach signify Kabbalistically the disconnect between thought and action, and how at Maimonides thought and action, ideas HS diploma, a NYS Regents Diploma, the and practical application were always twinned Triple C Award from the Attorney General’s and interconnected. Last of the 8th grade boys Office, and a leather-bound “Sefer HaMitzvos” to speak was Moshe R. who shared some of the of the Rambam, our school’s namesake, humorous mishaps of their recent 8th grade embossed with their names. Mushky R.
8TH GRADE GRADUATION
brought in a bunch of kitchen utensils and explained how each one reflects her education at Maimonides. The beautiful blends (whisk) of learning, getting beneath the surface (peeler), opening new locked-away potential (can-opener), well-rounded from every angle (spatula), prioritizing what’s most valuable and worth retaining (colander), importance of serving others (serving spoon), dipping deep into our inner reservoirs to share with others (ladel) and a few other utensil messages, too.
The featured guest speaker was Mrs. Amanda Toll (pictured above with some of our HS girls) who taught Yoga to the girls as well as women in the community, and spent quality times with them in discussion, exercise and relaxation. She spoke highly of our girls and recognized the challenges of maintaining a tiny High School in a small out-of-town Jewish community but also extolled the virtues and benefits of doing so, both for the students themselves as well as for the community, especially those valuable aspects which may not be realized or emphasized in a larger Jewish school and communal setting.
SUMMER STUDY KOLLEL Would you be interested in joining for an hour of evening study (prior to Mincha prayers) once or twice a week during the summer months? Or would you be interested in sponsoring this local study effort? If yes, or interested in finding out more, please contact Rabbi Rubin 423-4103 or email: rralbany@gmail.com
47TH STREET PIZZA Now available at Colonie Price Chopper in the Kosher freezer section. Find out more about their products at www.47thStreetPizza.com
HOW’S YOUR MAIMONIDES PUSHKA FEELING? Is it feeling empty and neglected? Maybe stuffed from being too full? Call the School 453-9363 or email: maimonideschool@gmail.com if you’d like to have a Maimonides school charity box for your home or office, or if its full and you need a pickup. Yes, larger checks are more helpful, but daily giving develops a tangible Mitzvah habit.
at Maimonides and in the Community 6/28: PARSHAS CHUKAS This year, being a leap-year, Chukat is read alone without its sister Parsha Balak. Here are a few things to look for in Chukas: the Red Heifer, Miriam’s passing and about her Well, and the healing Copper Snake high up on the pole.
6/28: WOMENS SHABBOS SHIUR 4:45pm given by Dini Gordon at her home 29 Glenwood, first-floor.
6/28-29: ROSH CHODESH TAMMUZ Two day Rosh Chodesh, Shabbos and Sunday.
6/29: DOUBLE R.C. MINYAN Sunday morning at Shomray Torah will be an 8am Minyan as usual, plus a 9am Minyan of Burlington VT travelers on their way to NY. It will be Rosh Chodesh, with added Hallel, Torah Reading and Musaf. As usual, Daf Yomi Talmud study follows 8am Shachris.
6/30-7/1: REBBE’S 20TH YARTZEIT In addition to the “Rebbe Spectrum” event on 7/3, and the Book Review at Barnes & Nobles on 7/9, there will be a short Farbrengen following Maariv on Monday night at the Shteeble.
7/12: ANOTHER DAF-YOMI SIYUM 7/2: COMMUNAL SHEVA BRACHOS The current tractates in the Daf-Yomi study cycle Wednesday evening at Shabbos House (please park at Dutch Quad Gold Student Lot) celebrating the (by then recent) marriage of Simmy Rubin & Chaya Tilson. To RSVP, please email AlbanySimchaRSVP@gmail.com or call 438-4227.
7/3: THE REBBE’S SPECTRUM This year marks 20 years since the Rebbe’s passing, on the 3rd of Tammuz, this year on July 1st. Look for communal event Thursday evening 7/3 at the Spectrum Theater on Delaware Ave. Doors open 6:30pm, program begins at 7pm. $7 tickets at door, for advance tickets & family rates call 522-1872 or email rabbimathless@gmail.com
7/7-8/8: CAMP GAN ISRAEL DATES The Gan Israel Day Camp (held at Maimonides) will run from July 7th to August 8th this year. For more information or to register please contact Mrs. Rivka Kochman: campganizzyalbany@gmail.com
7/9: TELUSHKIN’S “REBBE” BOOK REVIEW AT BARNES AND NOBLES 7:30pm at Colonie Center Barnes and Nobles, discussion led by Rabbi Israel Rubin. Books will be available for sale.
tend to be smaller (and more filled with Aggadah), so the Siyum completion celebrations (this time on tractate Taanis) are more frequent. The new tractate will be Megillah - all about Purim!
7/13: G.E. KIDS DAY AT E.S.P.
UNTIL 7/27: “PLAY ME, I’M YOURS” STREET PIANOS DOWNTOWN “Play Me, I’m Yours” is this year’s interactive (and musical!) sculpture in the streets exhibit. Check the website http://streetpianos.com/albanyny2014/ for the map of decorated playable pianos which will be downtown until July 27, 2014.
Again on Sunday, Noon-5pm at the Empire State 7/30: NINE DAYS DELMAR SIYUM Plaza with bounce-rides, crafts, animals, stilt6pm at Delmar Chabad 109 Elsmere, with a BBQ walkers, unicyclists, music & more. Free admission. following the Talmud Siyum with Rabbi Simon, an annual tradition! Call 489-1530 for more info.
7/13: KLEZMER & KOSHER FEST
3pm at the Shmaltz Brewery, 6 Fairchild Square in Clifton Park. For Adults. Enjoy variety of traditional kosher favorites including pickles, kugels, chicken soup, rugelach, knishes, salads, and more, plus a tour of its brewing facility that opened last summer. RSVP with Clifton Park Chabad, 4950772. Part of the Saratoga Jewish Cultural Festival.
DAY CAMP THIS SUMMER For information, forms, etc about Gan Israel this summer (held at Maimonides) starting on July 7th running through August 8th, please contact Rivka Kochman campganizzyalbany@gmail.com
7/24: DR LAZ AT SAA-JCC LUNCH David Lazerson, PhD, Educator, Musician, Peace activist, author of “Skullcaps & Switchblades: Survival Stories of an Orthodox Jew in the Inner City” will speak at the Albany JCC’s Lunch and Learn. Contact JCC for cost & other info.
STREET PIANOS - JULY ’14 streetpianos.com/albanyny2014/ to see the list of decorated pianos at downtown Albany locations. Here only through the end of July.
MAIMONIDES SCHOOL & 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!”