Maimonides Community

BH. RC

Sivan 5774 / May 30, 2014

Candle-Lighting: Community Newsletter of the Maimonides Hebrew Day School of the Capital District 8:06 404 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 9:17 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 Shaina Andrusier’s Bas-Mitzvah and the recent Birth & Bris of Nissan Isaac

by Rabbi Shimon & Liba Andrusier and family The “EITZ-CHAIM” AWARD was presented to (Bernie OBM) and Reeva Nowitz, by Mrs. Judy Linden, a longtime family friend.

Reeva spoke of her late husband’s love for Judaism, knowledge This year’s annual Scholarship Tribute was on The EXEMPLARY EDUCATOR AWARD and books, and how “Yom Yerushalayim” (the day Jerusalem was was presented by our Science Enrichment concerned he was that reunited in 1967). This Jerusalem theme was Teacher Mrs. the books find a good reflected in many aspects of the program, from Deloria Ballardhome and continue to the Israeli-themed foods (Shnitzel, bourekas, Hubble to Dr. be learned from & cherished. She thanked mega-salad buffet; plus the Sushi Chef in the Madhavi Sahay, Maimonides for being able to fulfill that Library-Media Center), children’s Jerusalem using a beautiful promise to him, she really feels his books have skyline in pastels behind the podium, to the chemistry metaphor a wonderful home at our school. Mrs. Nowitz Jerusalem verses and quotes captioning the of ingredients received a photo-book filled with pictures of school pictures in the Tribute Journal/ (humility, patience our students reading books, accented with Yearbook (see sample pages above), to the and dedication; heart-warming and inspiring quotes about poem written by Rabbi Rubin & the HS Girls expertise and passion books and reading. The DR. MORTON titled “Jerusalem of Bold” for the subject; relevance and connection, to reflecting Naomi Shemer’s make it come alive) that make for an “Jerusalem of Gold”. exemplary educator, especially in the fields of math & science. Dr. Sahay was presented with MAIMONIDES AS A MARATHON The a photo-book filled with experiments and Honorable Ronald Goldman, projects she has done with our students over who emceed the evening, the years. Dr. Sahay spoke “sincerely & briefly” spoke of the 26th dinner as representing G-d’s of what the school meant to her, and how Name as well as the miles in a Marathon. For much she in turn learned from her students.

BERGER MEMORIAL AWARD (cont. >) like a Marathon, running a Jewish day-school is a test of endurance and persistence, running MAIMONIDES alone yet among others, requiring long-term 404 Partridge Street vision and dedication. PSALM 122 was Albany NY 12208 printed on the back of the Journals, recited with much feeling by R’ Moshe Losice. In addition to David’s love for Jerusalem pervading this Psalm, the verse “Our feet stood within your gates” was said in the merit of a full recovery to 2-year old Menachem Mendel ben Menucha Rochel.

MAIMONIDES AS A MINI-JERUSALEM

was presented to Rabbi & Mrs. Moshe & Karen Mirsky by Mrs. Sue Ann Grosberg, a member of the Board at Maimonides, and a long-time student of Rabbi Mirsky. She spoke very warmly about each of the Mirsky’s: Rabbi, Karen and Shmuel Dovid. In accepting the award, Rabbi Mirsky shared 3 things:

Appreciation of Maimonides via a Dvar Torah, Appreciation of Congregation Beth Israel in Schenectady (“cut from the same cloth as Maimonides” with dedicated people unwavering in their commitment despite the great challenges and difficulties) where he served as Rabbi for a decade, and a memory of Dr. Morton Berger for whom the award was named. In last week’s Parsha, Rashi quotes the Talmud: “Whoever teaches their friend’s child Torah, it is as if they gave birth to him.” Why this parenting metaphor? Because education ought to be more than just teaching facts or skills. It is all encompassing, it develops the child’s character and interactions, his socialskills on the playground and passion for one’s heritage. Rabbi Mirsky recalled when he and Karen visited Maimonides with Don Stracher, and upon seeing the school (Morah Devorah and Morah Clara’s classes that day back in Ohav Shalom) they accepted Beth Israel’s offer. And indeed, their son grew up here to Bar-Mitzvah, learning and blossoming in all areas of life. And the memory of Dr. Berger?

This goes back to Rabbi Mirsky’s days in YU when there was some discussion about getting a joint degree of rabbinical ordination along with a degree in psychology. At that time Dr. Berger was the dean of YU’s Ferkauf School of Psychology and while he deeply valued and respected Torah study, he was particularly insistent that the pursuit of a degree in psychology be held to a high standard of excellence, and requires one’s full attention and devotion. This passing encounter left a deep impression on Rabbi Mirsky for life, that one should not do things casually or by-theway but with full investment. AFTER THE PROGRAM which took about an hour, there was an elegant dessert buffet downstairs, for which people lingered for quite a while, a sign that people truly appreciated and savored the evening, most did not rush to leave, staying on to mingle, socialize and enjoy.

MAZAL TOV ANDRUSIERS

PROFESSIONAL PICTURE DAY

The Bris of their son Nissen Isaac was this Wednesday at Maimonides (just a few hours before the school dinner actually), it is very special to be able to celebrate Simchas!

After several years hiatus, Monday, June 2, just before Shavuot, will be professional Picture Day at School by Michoel Caras. Parents are under no obligation to order, but all children should dress and prepare for it since there will MORGENBESSER CONDOLENCE be school and class pictures as well. There are several options for ordering, including digital Our condolences to Maxine Morgenbesser and the Morgenbesser family on the passing of and/or print packages. See note went home. her mother-in-law, and their grandmother, PATRIOTIC SPELLING WORDS Mrs. Rosalyn Shoshana Morgenbesser. The funeral is today in New York.

Mrs. Maher’s 4/5 grade students finished their Spelling Book for the year, so now she made up new lists to work on, this time Patriotic APPS TRIP TO MADISON AVE names & terms like Betsy Ross & Uncle Sam, Here’s a tribute to Maimonides kids: The recent APPS trip was a neighborhood walk to indivisible, liberty, and patriotic. This ties into Memorial Day, and to their points of interest on Madison Ave. And they Social Studies unit on the loved it! Pictures & details in next week’s MC Revolutionary War, plus a (we had 3 student photographers!) but here’s a book they are now reading taste of where we went in two hours: An old titled, “Drums at Saratoga” site on Morris Street that our school almost historical fiction about an purchased and now part of College of St Rose, orphan boy named Nathaniel stood on stage and guesstimated the seats at during the Battle of Saratoga. the Picotte Recital Hall of the Massry Center for the Arts, discussed the recently refurbished WHAT WE DID FOR 1977 mural on CVS and the history of stores depicted there, checked out the new delicious (with many of it certified Kosher!) organic nuts at Tierra Farms on Madison, picture outside Dirty Harry’s Laundry, snacks at Price PARADES: We had students and school Chopper enjoyed on the lawn of Steamer 10 families attending both the Albany and Theater, plus a photo around the historical Saratoga Memorial Day Parades, and a few marker of the first passenger railroad in the of our boys marched as Scouts with Troop country, and pointed out where Mt Pleasant 33 in the Parade. There were drums and Bakery of Schenectady used to have a Kosher flags, and groups marching. storefront right here in Albany! Plus we gave PICNICS & BBQ’S: Many students out “Love Thy Neighbor-hood” papers to over reported enjoying BBQ’s at home or going 60 people, and had a map booklet with on family outings to parks for a picnic or historical tidbits… Did you know James BBQ, or just enjoying ices from the iceMadison was the first US President to wear cream truck while sitting at the lake. The full-length pants? And there was more, like the weather was gorgeous, a nice unofficial start to the summer season. One family hiked old public library at 1000 Madison, Ridgefield the path behind N. Bethlehem Park which Park, more in next MC!

MEMORIAL DAY

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got smaller because of the new adjacent housing development under construction.

TWO THINGS TO CONSIDER 

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While it is a great joy to celebrate a Simcha at school, and for our children to attend the ceremony, it isn’t so considerate/thoughtful for some parents (aside for family, of course) to have their children join them away from their class for the meal that follows or prepare for them from that meal at school.

For the school to be able to host such events during school-hours, we ask ALL parents to adhere to whatever arrangements are made by the school or individual classes as a whole and not to make kids feel left out.

While we did allow for private purchases (in addition to the group snack purchased) at Price Chopper during this APPS outing, we may have to rethink that for future times.

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TRIPS: A few families went to Monsey, our HS girls enjoyed 4-day in Rhode Island, One family went to Crown Heights where they met up with their uncle from South Africa, and also did shopping and ate pizza.

Another family had a great time up at a cabin in Adirondack’s Trout Lake.

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SOMETHING NEW: Two families went to Thatcher Park to check out the new ZipLines for our end of year trip. Another family visited a man’s house where he carefully let them try to shoot at targets and ride on his tractor, only with his help and supervision, of course.

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HANDS-ON FUN: People went to a Pottery Place, did go-carting at Fun-Plex, or went to the Great Escape in Lake George.

EXCITED FOR YEAR-END TRIP Some parents and teachers are preparing and planning for the year-end trip, this year as a field-day in Thatcher Park, for all ages, as a joint school outing. Program includes morning hikes and a “Wacky Olympics” with silly fun games in the afternoon. Please send in your permission slips (please read, it has detailed instructions) to the office with $5 per child by this Monday before Shavuot. Thanks!

“CLICS” TORAH & TEFILLIN

Look what these Nursery boys came up with!

On left the boys made a Torah scroll out of Rabbi Mendel tied in Clics blocks and did a pretend Torah reading… this online joke to on right, Mendel made himself a Tefillin box what 8/9 have been for his head and has two straps of Clics learning in Tanya coming down each side. Very clever! class about dealing with frustration.

Many of today’s reallife issues reflect this joke: (1) Weak (or loss of) connections, be they with children or friends, or spouses, or sense of community.

(2) Buffering as in not seeing the full picture or fruits & results of our labors. (3) Not having enough resources (livelihood & earnings, time, health or strength) to do what we want in life.

DYKEN POND TRIP We learned about frustration “measured” as 2nd graders went with Mrs. the distance to goals & expectations.

Carroll to Dyken Pond, and

MORE THAN A CUTE JOKE

RESILIENCE IN CHARACTER

are pictured here taking samples to get a closer look at all kinds of pond life that comes up in one bucket of water. It was a great outdoors experience & a fun hands-on feel of scientific exploration.

In connection with reading “War Horse” 6th grade learned about being resilient, and how important of a character quality this is to get through the stresses and challenges of life. It can help a person get through an illness, deal with loss, become stronger because of a challenge. It’s about not giving THE MIDDOS FAIR TODAY up when things are tough and Late this Friday morning, after this newsletter seem almost insurmountable. goes to print, will be the Middos Fair at Maimonides with students displaying their creative projects about specific character traits assigned to the class to present. Pictures & report in an upcoming “MC” Newsletter.

MRS. MAHER’S MAGIC CARPETS 4/5 each made a “magic carpet” each coloring

NURSERY LEARNS HOPSCOTCH in the “carpet squares” according to a different It’s a game of numbers, coordination, balance, and a little calculation, too. Nursery went on a nice day to chalk out a Hopscotch board and they took turns learning how to play the game.

set of color percentages. Being that the colors were not lumped together in a corner, it gave a sense on how to gauge and understand percentages that are mixed in together.

HS’ RHODE ISLAND TRIP The High School Girls, chaperoned by Rabbi Yossi and Leyee, enjoyed a memorable year-end trip to Rhode Island over Memorial Day Weekend. Why Rhode Island? They felt our small school would feel right at home in the smallest state! They toured the Vanderbilt mansions in Newport: The Marble House (called a “summer cottage” could you believe it?) & The Breakers, brought the school’s Lag B’Omer banner (pictured above) to the historic Touro Synagogue - the people there were impressed! and spent lots of time at the ocean. They walked along cragged rocks, and high up along the “Cliff-Walk”, took hundreds of photos, took a ferry to Block Island where they rented bikes and rode along the coast. Here’s a photo of the 200+ windy steps down one cliff to the “Hidden Beach” that Sid Stark told them about. It was super foggy when they went down, so it was hard to see ahead but once below it was really pretty. Here’s a testament to our girls: Despite all the scenic outings, fancy mansions, great photo-ops & adventures, their favorite highlight was the wonderful Shabbos weekend they spent at Chabad of West Bay with the warm, welcoming and lively Rabbi Yossi & Shoshi Laufer & family in the city of Warwick. They came back glowing about it.

We are proud of what they value in life & what they consider most meaningful!

at Maimonides and in the Community 5/30: ROSH CHODESH SIVAN

6/10: SCHOOL TRIP DATE

There was a nice Minyan today at Maimonides.

Today is the day “when all Jews gathered at Sinai, as one person with one heart.” Shavuot is soon!

In addition to Siyum outings, graduation trips and other exciting fun, teachers & parents are planning an multi-age end-of-the-year full-day field-day outing with special activities on Tuesday, June 10th. Please read and sign the permission slip and send in with the $5. Rain-date would be the Thursday, the 12th.

5/31: WOMENS SHABBOS SHIUR 4:45pm this Shabbos afternoon given by Chaya Bracha Rubin at her new home, 419 Partridge Street (blue house across Maimonides).

6/2: PROFESSIONAL PICS DAY Monday morning, June 2nd, by Michoel Caras at Maimonides. All children should prepare for photos, although parents are under no obligation to order. Print and digital packages are available.

Individual, class & all-school photos will be taken.

Be sure to check note going home.

6/3-6: SHAVUOT EXTENDED WEEKEND MHDS SCHEDULE 6/3: Half-Day AM English only, Erev Shavuot.

6/4-5: No School, Shavuot Holiday.

6/6: No School (one day between Shavuot and the Shabbos Weekend).

6/4: DAIRY ICE-CREAM KIDDUSH After Musaf enjoy ice-cream at the Shomray Torah Kiddush, for kids especially, but also for kids at heart of all ages! It is a special tradition to bring allage children (even babies) to Shul to hear the “10 Commandments” read on Shavuos, because the children are our best guarantors of a Jewish future.

6/8: SOUL OF SHABBAT CONCERT Featuring singer/song-writer Chaya Bracha Rubin plus silent-auction and luncheon by Clifton Park Jewish Womens Circle, 5pm at the Shen Adult Community Center at 6 Clifton Common Court.

Call 495-0779 for cost & more information.

6/19: MOVING UP DAY - LAST DAY Moving-Up Day will be on Thursday and school ends (with dismissal) when that program does, usually around 11am that morning.

6/11: JOANNE CARAS @ SARATOGA MHDS END OF YEAR DATES Mrs. Caras, the author of the “Holocaust Survivor Cookbook” and the new “Miracles & Meals” will speak at Saratoga Chabad at 7:30pm. $5 suggested donation, plus autographed cookbooks ($36) will be available for sale. To pre-order or with any questions contact Raizel Rubin 526-0773.

6/12: DAF YOMI SIYUM on tractate Rosh Hashanah, and start of Taanis, a tractate about praying for rain, fast-days and filled with Aggadah stories, inspiration & life-messages.

6/15: JEWISH TROY IN 1910

Beth Tephila in Troy is hosting another throwback historical experience, this time back to Jewish Troy in 1910 (when the current Troy Shul River Street building was built). A theatre in the round will be 6/3: LATE NIGHT TORAH STUDY presented of an interview with a Jewish lady of the  CBAJ All Night Learning begins 10:45 with Rabbi Lehrfield on “Life after Life”, 11:30 by Dr. 1910s. See collections of coins, stamps, campaign buttons, tokens, coasters & postcards as well as Rachel Anisfeld on “Closer Look at Mourners ritual items. Ages 12 & up only. $5pp includes Kaddish” and midnight Chinese dinner. luncheon. For more info: Elisheva (518) 894-3491.  Shomray Torah will recite the traditional “Tikkun Leil Shavuos” as well as presentations

by Dr. Yehoshua Rubin & Rabbi Yisroel Rubin, with the learning atmosphere enhanced by visiting rabbinical students.

G-d. Call 866-7658 to RSVP or for info. Presented

by Bethlehem Chabad with Capital Chabad.

6/15: FATHER’S DAY BASEBALL

6/13: Last Day of HS Classes, Regents Prep 6/17: 8th Grade and HS Graduation Night 6/18: After-School BBQ 6/19: Last Day of School, Moving Up Day 6/23: Maimonides Staff Day

7/2: COMMUNAL SHEVA BRACHOS Wed evening, celebrating the (by then recent) marriage of Simmy Rubin and Chaya Tilson at Shabbos House.

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 Spectrum Theater on Delaware Ave. Stay tuned! As 3 new and different biographies of the Lubavitcher Rebbe are now being released (by Rabbis Joseph Telushkin, Adin Steinzaltz and Cham Miller) also look for an book event at Barnes & Nobles, hopefully in June. Contact Rabbi Rubin 423-4103 for more details, to be announced soon.

7/7-8/8: CAMP GAN ISRAEL DATES

5pm game against Connecticut at the Valley Cats in Joe Bruno Stadium at HVCC. Tickets are reasonable and the stadium is designed so that wherever you sit you feel close to the action.

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

6/17: MAIMONIDES GRADUATION

7/12: ANOTHER DAF-YOMI SIYUM

Join us as we take pride in graduating our 8th grade & 12th grade students. 7pm at Maimonides. The featured speaker is Mrs. Amanda Toll, a thoughtful woman who taught our HS students yoga & relaxation and spent meaningful times with them.

The current tractates in the Daf-Yomi study cycle 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!

6/18: END-OF-YEAR BBQ AT MHDS After-school afternoon BBQ for school families and anyone in the community who’d like to join.

Check back for exact times and costs.

6/18: DAVID NESSENOFF SPEAKS

6/8: WAR HISTORY WEEKEND

7pm at the Normanside, 150 Salisbury Road in Delmar, $12 advance, $18 after June 15th. David, a 9:30am-4pm at the Mabee Farm Historic Site. $5 blogger, filmmaker, songwriter and whistle-blower adults, $3 children. Step back in time to the American Revolution, with demos of cannons, beer is best known for exposing Helen Thomas, and he speaks on media bias, cyber-hatred and the hand of -brewing, hearth cooking and blacksmithing.

THANK YOU! To all participants, ad-sponsors & all who helped out with the Maimonides Dinner. Thanks for making it such a special evening. This is an important annual fundraiser and a long-standing communal tradition, now in its 26th year. There were quite a few new faces in our school for the warm and meaningful event, who marveled at the school and were thankful for the opportunity to see it first-hand for the first time!

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!”