Maimonides Community

BH. Elul

17, 5774 / Sept 12, 2014

Candle-Lighting: Community Newsletter of the Maimonides Hebrew Day School of the Capital District 6:52 404 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 7:51 Maimonides is accredited by the NYS Board of Regents & is a beneficiary of UJF-NENY

maimonidesschool@gmail.com

This newsletter is in dedicated in memory of

R’ Shmuel Tzvi Fox Yartzeit: 17th of Elul and in merit of good health for all his family

TWIN TOWER FLOWERS!

WELCOME RABBI A. KELLMAN

We took this nice photo of two girls outside amongst these tall brilliantly yellow towering flowers outside school, and then realized it is just in time to commemorate 9/11 this week 13 years after it happened in 2001. That day was a very dark day, with billowing smoke and so much sadness, but these twin towers of bright flowers are filled of hope and life.

Rabbi Yaakov Kellman has been in Albany since the 1970s but we’re happy to welcome Rabbi Avraham Kellman and family to Beth Israel in Schenectady, and we wish them much happiness and success at Beth Israel.

CONFUSING SATAN SHOFARS It is said that the only weekday we don’t blow Shofar in Elul is on Erev Rosh Hashanah “to confuse the Satan”. Our nursery students may be confusing and confounding the Satan even more with their hand-stitched Shofars!

SUNFLOWERS IN THE TALMUD Last week’s MC reported on a huge sunflower growing outside school, and how sunflowers face the sun during their period of growth. Rabbi Rubin connected this with Talmud at the end of chapter “Bameh Madlikin” studied now by the older boys on how “Adani” sunflowers change position as they follow the sun from east to west through the sky.

HOPE FLOWER Morah Rochel was a little upset at first that the rose bush planted in memory of Esty (Rubin) Cohen in front of school didn’t blossom this year. The branches were dry, rigid and brittle and there was almost no sign of life. Yet, this week a single beautiful pink rose blossomed! Never give up!

HOLIDAY LAWS AND CUSTOMS Rosh Hashanah has biblical Mitzvot like Shofar and customs like apple dipped in honey. This class has 2 pocket folders so kids know how to categorize each observance.

Both types are beautiful and important but its good to be able to tell the difference.

MAIMONIDES 404 Partridge Street Albany NY 12208

MAZAL TOV FRAGERS To new CBAJ programming director Aharon and Meira Frager on the birth of a daughter! Special Mazal Tov to the great-grandparents, longtime Albanians, Herb & Marilyn Cohen.

TALMUD IN RAP THIS SAT NITE Some of our older students prepared a lively rap on the beginning of “Bameh Madlikin” chapter 2 of tractate Shabbos which may be familiar to those who say (the Mishna form of) it every Friday Night in Nusach Ashkenaz. The boys hope to perform it for the first time this Sat Night at the Chai Elul Melava Malka.

KINDERGARTEN CIRCLE TIME Morah Chaya Bracha and Kindergarteners learning together at Circle Time.

KERIAH-METER

WEEKLY VOCAB IN FOURS Mrs. Crawford’s English students now have a weekly vocabulary assignment, part of which is a sheet of paper divided into 4: definition, synonym or antonym, an illustration and use in a sentence. It certainly gets you thinking about words, meanings and uses.

Morah Dini’s students try to read 10 lines of unfamiliar Hebrew text each night. It all adds up to heat up their Keriah-Meter, shooting upward a little more each day toward 500 lines! They’ve been reading all kinds of things, from Hebrew USING TROPE AS GRAMMAR stories to Rambam, parts of the Siddur they don’t usually say (yet) and Tehillim, of course. Rabbi Yossi showed his Chumash students a neat way how to break up the phrases within a verse by using 3 of the trope (the musical WHAT cantillation sounds above & below the letters).

RASHI L-R: Revii is a diamond shape, Zakeif-Kattan is EXPLAINS colon-shaped (two vertical dots), and Esnachta Morah Dini’s is like a mini horseshow underneath the word.

Chumash students learned about the many different styles and approaches in Rashi’s classic commentary. It might be an extra word in the verse or a double expression, sometimes it is about grammar, or a comparison to a similar verse. Of course, Rashi often helps us with translation of unusual words and the basic Pshat meaning.

Sometimes there’s an inspiring life lesson, too!

WHAT DID YOU JUST SEE? In Science Enrichment, Mrs. Ballard brought in a small box on random items and asked the students to take a good look at them. Then she gathered them all up and gave them a little quiz on how much they observed. Observation is a very important scientific skill. You may have thought you saw it, but did you really? Take a closer look, there’s a lot of detail and information that you might have missed!

STUFFING ROUND CHALLAH One day this week Morah Rivka brought in pantyhose and lots of white stuffing. The Nursery students had a blast getting the stuffing into the pantyhose and then rolling and twisting them together into giant round Challahs, the type that we eat on Rosh Hashanah, except that these were not edible.

SCORELESS BUT LOTS OF FUN One recess this week there was a large multiage soccer game, with lots of action but too tight (and too short?) for any scoring. We really want to commend the students for excellent sportsmanship during this game.

SPECIAL DAYS SCRAPBOOK Our 7th grade girls are making a scrapbook of holidays and other noteworthy days with Morah Raizel. Of course, every day ought to be special but some days really stand out. Morah Raizel said that she also made this type of project when she was around Bas-Mitzvah age and still looks back at it from time to time.

IS UR CARD LINKED TO MHDS? This takes so little effort and is so simple we hope more school families and community friends who take a few minutes to do this!

Simply go to any Price Chopper Guest Services desk and link your AdvantEdge Card to Maimonides in Albany. That’s it!

You do it once and forget about it. In the meantime every time you shop points accumulate for our school to get valuable electronic, sports or educational equipment. Thank you for taking the time (only once!) to do this!

SCHOOL GIFT IN MEMORY OF MRS. CARROLL’S LATE FATHER In addition to whatever thoughtful gestures parents would like to do on their own, the school would like to dedicate a nice set of books (perhaps a set of Dr. Seuss or the like) for students use in memory of her father, who was also a school teacher. If you would like to contribute, please leave an amount of your choice with Mrs. Sharona Backman in the school office. Thank you!

ORDERS AT PRICE CHOPPER The Kosher Dept at Colonie Price Chopper is already taking people’s meat (or other) orders for Rosh Hashanah. Stop into the store or ask for Kosher 456-2970.

THEY DON’T REMEMBER 9/11, BUT THEY CAN’T FORGET IT

ALL THE BUZZ ABOUT HONEY

Google the line above to find MHDS alumnus Rabbi Efraim Rubin’s article Our student body is too young to remember about honey on Chabad.org, the events of 9/11, as most of our students just in time for Rosh were born after Hashanah. Of course, Rabbi 2001. Yet the events Laber is our local honey expert on 9/11 reverberate and may even have some of his local delicious, in our lives, not organic, raw honey for sale. Rabbi Laber also only as recent has an extensive class with many informative history, but because slides about the life of bees, production of of how terror and honey and beekeeping, that combines science, the struggle against experience and Torah. it, shaped and continues to shape TWO CALENDARS COMING our world today.

Our students discussed their own impressions Check your mailbox for two calendars coming based on stories they heard, books they read, soon. The Chabad Jewish Art Calendar comes vivid pictures they’ve seen, visits to the exhibit in an expanded Jewish World newspaper at the NYS Museum or even down to Ground mailing for Rosh Hashanah. If you don’t get Zero at the World Trade Center Memorial. yours please contact Rabbi Rubin 423-4103 or email: calendar@capitalchabad.com. The Maimonides handy Candle-Lighting magnet is BAKE-SALE IS BACK ON WED Each Wednesday morning recess HS Girls will also on its way. If you don’t get yours, please call the school office: (518) 453-9363 or email: be selling a variety of baked goods to benefit maimonidesschool@gmail.com. their extra-curricular activities. Parents who wish to set a “tab” can do so by giving ahead of IN THE time any amount of money to the HS Girls or Mrs. Backman in the office, and parents can BEGINNING also set a weekly limit.

THERE WAS ART Morah Devorah Leah’s Chumash class did these We’re approaching Rosh small art pieces before Hashanah, but there’s also getting into the Creation Rosh Chodesh (start of a new & Gan Eden story in month) and Rosh HaMemshalah (head of the Parsha Breishis. The top government), Roshei-Teivot (abbreviations), and illustration is of two figs with a leaf, the bottom Rosh Dag (head of a fish). HS Girls explored illustration is the world, these types of Hebrew Rosh words with their captioned “Olam” handwritten in Hebrew. new Ivrit teacher Morah Rivi and chose a few to write sentences about.

ASIDE FOR “ACHAS-SHOALTI” Many people know the Achas Shoalti song from L’David (Psalm 27) said twice each day at the end of our prayers from the start of Elul until the end of Sukkot. In fact some know a few tunes, slow and fast, for that famous verse.

This week the boys davening group learned another song from the end of the same Psalm, using the verses beginning “Horainee” and “Lulay” as sung by the Toronto Pirchei Choir led by Yerachmiel Begun in the 1970’s. He later founded the Miami Boys Choir.

GRATITUDE ATTITUDE 5 Torah thoughts on Gratitude from Rabbi Mendel’s T.E.Q. class this week in 7th Grade

1

BIKURIM: This week’s Parsha “Ki Tavo” opens with the first-fruits that farmers dedicate to Hashem in gratitude (expressing it both verbally and in tangible and tasty action) for the blessings of the land.

2

OUR FIRST WORDS EVERY DAY: are “Modeh Ani” expressing thanks to G-d for the gift of life, the return of the soul and the renewal of a new day. Every Amidah prayer has the Modim-thanks as its closer.

And all the blessings we say, both before and after we eat express appreciation to G-d and keep us from taking it for granted.

3

CHARVONAH: Remember him?

Shoshanas Yaakov highly recommends we remember and appreciate him for the good, even though he plays a very short role in the Purim story, and he may possibly have been on Haman’s side to begin with.

4

MOSES & THE PLAGUES: Aharon had to strike the Nile because it would be ungrateful for Moshe to strike the place he was saved as an infant. Now, water has no feelings and it was Batya who saved him, but still one must not be ungrateful…

5

ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE: It goes way beyond just being thankful, because this type of mindset is also linked to our overall happiness and also helps strengthen and deepen our relationships.

“ROSH” IN HEBREW

CHANA AND PENINAH Why do the Shark go to Shul?

To daven Shakris!

Why did the cow go to Shul?

To daven Moosaf!

What did the salad say to the refrigerator?

Close the door, I’m not dressed!

A teacher was trying to teach one of his students math so he said, "If I give you a dollar and when you get home you ask your mother for a dollar, how many dollars will you have?” The student answered, “one dollar”. The teacher said, "You don't know your math.” The kid said, "and you don't know my mother.”

Kids, do you have a funny joke or clever riddle for this new weekly newsletter feature? Give it to 5/6 graders for an upcoming MC Newsletter.

4/5 Navi class is learning the story in Samuel about his mother Chana feeling pressured and teased by Peninah, which indirectly led to her famous prayer for a child (who later became the famous prophet Samuel). This is just in time for Rosh Hashanah, when this moving Haftorah is read.

These students (and teachers!) were “caught being good” & “it’s a Mitzvah to publicize those who do good deeds” so others can learn by example! (Rashba Rabbinic Responsa)  This week Mrs. Carroll found a stray kitten outside school. She tried to take care of it until the animal services came to get it. According to a 4th grader who saw this, “she did the opposite of Tzaar Baalei Chayim” (causing pain to animals).  When Chaya’s pencil ran out of lead, Esther W. was quick to share with her.  Chaya, Nechama & Goldie helped a teacher shlep down books from the attic.  2 boys won one of 2 davening-prizes, Eli G. offered first pick to the other winner.

Did you notice someone being especially good at school? Going out of their way? We’ll soon setup a “Caught Being Good” box at the office for both teachers and students.

at Maimonides and in the Community 9/12: KIDDUSH THIS SHABBOS

9/21: APPLE PICKING PLUS

After Musaf at Shomray Torah/Shteeble there will be a special Kiddush given by Mr. & Mrs. Sid and Debbie Stark in honor of their children Tzippy and Chanan Fixler visiting from Israel.

Shofar Demo, Honey Tour, Hayride and Apple Picking with Clifton Park Chabad at Riverview Orchards in Rexford. $3.50pp. Call 495-0772 for more information.

9/12: WOMENS SHABBOS SHIUR

9/21: MACCABEATS IN CONCERT

4:45pm by Shayna Kudan at her home 6 Peyster Street near Ridgefield Park.

6pm at the Performing Arts Center on the uptown UAlbany campus! The Maccabeats are widely recognized Jewish accapella group based in NY. Seats are limited, advance tickets are only $5 each.

9/13: CHAI ELUL FARBRENGEN This is likely to sell out, so act quickly! Call 9pm Melava Malka on Motzai Shabbos, 9pm at Shomray Torah. The 18th of Elul is the birthday of UAlbany Hillel (concert sponsor) for tickets at 4898573*24 or purchase online, get link at: http:// both the Baal Shem Tov and the Alter Rebbe as www.ualbanyhillel.org/maccabeats-tickets well as the yartzeit of the Maharal of Prague.

9/14: THE CARROT FESTIVAL

9/21: WHAT’S THE ARAB MINDSET

An annual tradition at Schenectady’s Agudat Achim Conservative synagogue for many years now, includes live music and live animals, crafts and vendors, as well as food and cakes prepared by Agudat Achim volunteers.

Barak Barfi will be speaking about this (which is on many people’s minds these days) at Joint Federation Society event, $25 advance, $30 at the door, held at Agudat Achim in Schenectady. Call 783-7800 for more info and reservations.

9/14: HOFFMAN’S LAST DAY

9/30: MHDS OPEN HOUSE

Hoffman’s Playland closes today after a long run it’s been a landmark on Route 9 since 1952.

9/14: CBAJ GOES APPLE PICKING $5 per child, 10am at Indian Ladder Farms.

9/15: WOMENS TORAH & TEA

An opportunity for parents to meet the new and continuing faculty and get a little taste of the goals for the year (aside for what you pick up from the kids, from homework, and here via the “MC”). Stay tuned for schedules and further details.

Rabbi Lehrfield’s Tea and Torah class 10:30am at CBAJ is back after a short hiatus.

Rabbi Avraham Arieh & Rachel Trugman, of Moshav Meor Modiin in Israel, directors of Ohr Chadash to present “Meaningful Prayer & Melody” at Shabbos House Torah Tuesday (usually presented 2 or 3 times each evening) 7:45pm slot open to community (if not at MHDS Open House) to attend as well. See full schedule: www.shabboshouse.org/learn/torah-tuesdays/

9/17: “JOGA” FOR WOMEN

10/1: THE TRUGMANS AT MHDS

Monday Nights 8pm with Mrs. Rubin at her home 122 South Main Ave, aside for the monthly Mondays of Womens Beit Medrash Night.

9/17: CBAJ TORAH & TEA IS BACK

Jewish-Yoga… Wed 1:30-2:30pm at Maimonides open to community women, $36 for 6 weeks.

Relax, stretch… Call 495-0779 for more info.

9/17: MOED KATTAN SIYUM Daf Yomi Talmud study group now completing tractate Moed Kattan on Aveilut bereavement, so they will be honoring the cemetery committee at their Siyum celebration: Wed, 6pm at CBAJ.

9/20: SAT (MID)NIGHT SELICHOT The Saturday Night before Rosh Hashanah… CBAJ offers a S’mores (9:15pm) and Selichot (10pm) while Shomray Torah’s Selichot is at 1am (Halachic midnight) as is traditional.

GET THIS “MC” NEWSLETTER

9/30: TRUGMANS AT TORAH-TUES IN YOUR EMAIL INBOX...

On Wednesday morning (approx 9am) between Rosh Hashanah and Yom-Kippur Rabbi and Mrs. Trugman will be at Maimonides for a special Aseres Yemei Teshuvah program with our students. Parents and community are welcome.

LOOKING AHEAD TO SUKKOT    

Lulav & Etrog sets available via Rabbi Simon 439-8280 or CBAJ 489-8519.

Stay tuned for listing of Simchat Beit HaShoeva evening celebrations in different Sukkahs..

Sunday 10/12 Kids Program led by Motti (back from Australia for a bit) 4-5pm, Location TBA. Chabad events in Clifton Park and Bethlehem on Monday, 10/13 Columbus Day, stay tuned…

Simply email maimonidesschool@gmail.com and write that you’d like to subscribe to get this newsletter in your email each week. We also sent out hard-copy via US Mail for those for whom email is not a good option.

DON’T HAVE A PLACE FOR THE HIGH HOLIDAYS? There are many wonderful local options! Call Rabbi Rubin 518-423-4103 or your Rabbi to find the option best or closest to you.

MAIMONIDES TISHREI HOLIDAY SCHEDULE 9/24-26: School closed for Rosh Hashanah and Erev Rosh Hashanah, from Wed thru the wknd.

9/30: Open House Night at School for Parents.

10/3: No School, Erev Yom Kippur 10/8: Half-Day English Only, Erev Sukkos 10/9-17: No School all of Sukkot.

10/20: School Resumes at 8am.

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!”