BH Teves
10, 5774 / December 13, 2013
Community Newsletter of the Maimonides Hebrew Day School of the Capital District Candle-Lighting: 404 Partridge Street Albany NY 12208 (518) 453-9363/3434 www.maimonidesschool.org 4:04 Shabbos Ends: produced by Rabbi Mendel & students in the TNT (Torah ‘n Technology) Program 5:08 Maimonides is accredited by the NYS Board of Regents & is a beneficiary of UJF-NENY
maimonidesschool@gmail.com
ASSEMBLYWOMAN FAHY’S VISIT APPS: WHAT WARMS YOU? Assembly District 109 Representative Patricia Fahy visited our school on Thursday. Her predecessor Jack McEneny was a frequent visitor and long-time friend of Maimonides, so it was good to touch base with our new representative. Pat first toured the building and the classes, and then met with members of our school board, faculty & administration, parents and extended community. This visit was arranged by the OU Advocacy “Schools In Session” program to raise Legislative awareness of the needs and concerns of statewide private/ parochial schools such as Maimonides. See page 4 > for photos & tidbits.
New APPS project was announced this week: “What Warms You?” (just in time for the start of cold this winter). Thanks to Rivka L. (5th grade) for coming up with this idea. “Warm” is a rich word that means many things (physical warmth, emotional warmth etc) and different ways to be warm.. big spectrum of ideas to choose from. Due date & outing idea TBA.
SOUP OF THE WEEK CONTINUES As the days get colder, a warm, delicious and nutritious Soup of the Week is even more appreciated. Thanks to the parents who volunteer each week! To sign up for your week, please contact Mrs. R. Wildman.
THREE MINUTES ON HAPPINESS The HS Girls’ video originally prepared & screened at the Inter-HS convention in Brooklyn is now available on YouTube via this link: www.tinyurl.com/AlbanyOnHappiness
Louis Morgenbesser Eliezer ben Tzvi Hirsch Yartzeit: Teves 12 by his daughter-in-law Maxine Morgenbesser & Family HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW YOUR NYS COUNTIES? Mrs. Maher’s students have each been assigned a NY State County to research & (virtually) explore and then prepare a “foldable” on it to share their findings with the class. One great way to get a quick view of each county is to look at the tourist guide magazines for each one. Mrs. Maher brought them in for student use.
SOUTH AFRICAN CHIEF RABBI AT THE MANDELA MEMORIAL At the memorial for Nelson Mandela this week attended by world leaders, the Chief Rabbi of South Africa, Rabbi Warren Goldstein, made the timely comparison to the current Torah portions, of the biblical Joseph thrown into a pit by his brothers, later enduring many years of servitude, jail and suffering, of his later remarkable rise to power and most of all, his forgiveness and reconciliation with the same brothers who had earlier harmed & hated him.
This Newsletter is sponsored in loving memory of
THE EIGHTH LIGHT...
RE: KEEPING WARM... Our younger grades are learning about the Hebrew words for winter clothing. Teachers remind parents to be sure your children are prepared with winter clothing, and that they are sent to school with the appropriate outerwear each day, so children can play outside in the crisp fresh winter air during recess. This includes, hats, gloves, scarves and boots, and snow-pants for the younger grades.
MAIMONIDES 404 Partridge Street Albany NY 12208
Some “MC” readers pointed out that we forgot to include Mr. Daniel Wolk in last week’s caption (he’s in the photos) of the Menorah Lighting on the 8th night of Chanukah, just before the Raffle-Auction drawings.
HS GIRLS AT VICTORIAN WALK As the eighth day came to a close, our HS girls kept the Chanukah spirit going, by sharing Matzah Ball Soup, spirit and warmth (despite the cold temps!) at the annual Victorian Walk in Saratoga. One of the girls rode the “MenorahCycle” up and down Broadway generating many waves and lots of interest.
PREPARATIONS FOR THE “CHAZAK-BREISHIS CARNIVAL” AT SCHOOL THIS FRIDAY Look for pictures of the carnival in an upcoming “MC” newsletter. Each class was assigned a different Parsha to make a booth or activity. Pictured above are students in various grades, (L) Kindergarten, 5th grade (M), 8-9th (R) preparing their Parsha-related booths & activities.
MOVE, IT’S NO CHILD’S PLAY
THE LANGUAGE OF HISTORY
THIS ANGLE OF “THE PEARL”
Staying physically active is super important for our health, even it means to play “Duck, Duck, Goose!” or “Belts!” now and then. Several grades had 15 minutes free at the end of a period, so their teacher had them join for a fun and lively round of these little kid games, to get them moving and exercising. Some of the boys did a push-up for each of the letters that spell “Maimonides”.
The English and Social Studies teachers have teamed up to give their students a joint essay cross-curricular on the background & causes of the American Revolution, with an emphasis both on the historical research & detail, as well as writing style and technique.
HS girls finished reading “The Pearl” by John Steinbeck, and have each been assigned to write a journal perspective of one of the book’s characters: Kino, Juana, and Coyotito.
THE GREEK CONNECTION It’s always interesting when there are intercurricular connections in the classroom(s). It integrates the learning, shows its relevance and helps with creating a healthy and wholesome balance and perspective. Rabbi Shmuly taught the 6th grade about the time when King Ptolmey ordered the Torah to be translated into Greek. They learned about the 72 sages who each worked independently on this project, and the slight but intentional changes they made to maintain the integrity of the text, even in translation. It’s interesting that nowadays, translation of Torah texts is considered a wonderful thing (because it opens books of Torah to many Jews for whom language might be a barrier to learning) but back then, it was considered a tragedy (of the 8th of Teves) because it opened Torah to manipulation & misinterpretation by others. Rabbi Shmuly showed them some Greek letters, and how many of the letters are similar and yet some quite different from the English (Roman) alphabet. And at the same time, this same class is learning now about ancient Greece in General Studies. This week, each student researched a Greek philosopher (Diogenes, Aristotle, Plato, Socrates etc) and presented some famous facts or teachings of that philosopher to the rest of the class.
HEROINES: DEBORAH & YAEL Morah Clara’s Navi class learned the story of Deborah and Barak defending the Jews against General Sisrah, and how the final, decisive blow was by a woman named Yael. They learned Devorah’s Song & also made various projects on different parts of the story.
BLESS WHO?
ORGANIZED, IN HEBREW Morah Devorah’s Hebrew classroom has their act together, both in learning Hebrew words and language as well as learning organizational skills (such an important educational & life habit!) Niyar = paper, Misparayim = scissors, Markerim Razim = thin markers, Devek = glue (or in this case glue-sticks), Milim = words (cards), Mechorer = hole-punchers…
Several classes reported learning about blessings this week, and in each case there was some confusion as to who should get which blessing. In this week’s Parsha we learn about Yaakov’s changing of the hands on Menashe KINDERGARTEN TIME-CAPSULE and Efraim, and 4/5 graders learned how Mrs. Hoffman Yaakov dressed in Eisav’s clothing to get his collected samples of father’s blessing. And 3rd grade is learning the her students work Mishna about blessings on fruits & vegetables. and put them away in Did you know there is a “Blessing Road” in “sealed time capsule” to only be opened at the this area? It runs between Krumkill Road and end of the year. This will help them realize Route 85 in Slingerlands. And “Maher Road” how much they accomplished. isn’t far away from Blessing!
MOSHE DIDN’T HIT THE NILE
HI THERE, MR. TIGER!
The plague of Blood happened after Aharon Mrs. Carroll’s hit the Nile River. Aharon did it, not Moshe. first graders read This teaches us an important lesson. Moshe’s a story about a life was saved in the Nile River so it would be visit to the Zoo, ungrateful for him to strike it. A and they later person must always be grateful and drew their own illustrations and captioned it appreciative, even to a river, and with a sentence of their own that used some of how much more so to a person! the vocabulary words they learned.
HEY, WE REMEMBER THIS! 4th grade is doing a carnival booth on Toldos, so they sat down and reviewed the Chumash (they learned it at the start of the year) to find a good idea for an activity. Rabbi Mathless was so proud of how well they knew their Chumash, they read and translated like pros, even several months later!
ISN’T THIS HI-5 TOO NEGATIVE? When Rabbi Mendel asked TNT classes to write up “types of things people say that hurt us most” each class had the same reaction: “Shouldn’t we focus it in a positive way? Isn’t this too negative?” Love the attitude, its quite impressive! But there are positive lessons & character improvements that can be made once we have a better understanding of what hurts or bothers other people, even if the same thing might not bother us (see High-5).
PARSHA POSTERS This week we conclude all of Chumash Breishis, the first of five, and the one with the most stories. Calev E. (assisted by his classmates) made the series of Parsha posters pictured above (aside for Miketz). Some of his detail is amazing, for example see the Lamed of Lecha has a yellow line (road going through it) and the Long-Chaf is made of a palm-tree near blue water. Third graders also made little illustration symbols for each of the Parshiot in Chumash Breishis. See poster on right.
5 OF THE MOST HURTFUL TYPES OF THINGS PEOPLE SAY Based on responses from 4-10 Grade
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TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD As a preparation for this classic read, Mrs. Gray’s 8th graders each student prepared a presentation for the rest of the class on topics like segregation, the civil right struggle, 1930’s America, the Great WHAT IS A “CHAIKU”? Depression, and about Alabama A Chanukah Haiku, of course! These Hebrew where the story takes place. Haikus were written by Morah Devorah Leah’s 2nd & 3rd grade students, typed up, colorfully REPLICATING THE SHAPES illustrated and posted at the main entrance. Nursery kids were given cards and blocks, and asked to replicate (the best they could) the RANGE, MEDIAN & MODE shape on the card using 2nd and 3rd their blocks. Some shapes graders are were quite complex and it learning about requires a number of how to look at different skills and and group sets patience to get it right! of numbers, and how it can be looked at in different ways.
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PIZZA NITE… AND SNOW?
We should be going ahead at 7:30pm, but call REALITY VS. FANTASY to check on Sat Night to be sure: 495-0772/9. Mrs. Carroll’s first graders had a discussion about the difference between non-fiction and fiction and how to figure that out. CARDBOARD
FUN DAY Do you have a few cardboard boxes at home that you were going to throw out? If its clean & dry, save them (and future boxes) for a special fun day at school at the end of December. Break-down the box so it is flat, and save them at home. There’s a cardboard activity day planned at school for one of the December half-days, it will be used in an educational craft project and then picked up from school for recycling.
BINGO! WITH MRS. MAHER
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Mrs. Maher played Bingo with her students as prep for both a Social Studies test and a Science test this week. Get your facts lined up!
THIS CARNIVAL WAS CHAZAK! We couldn’t get the photos in time, look for pictures in an upcoming “MC” newsletter. The energy level and creativity was amazing, the kids did a great job… Chazak!!
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It’s very common for people to judge others unkindly based on physical appearance, size or clothing, and that’s something that kids often say hurtful things about, too. A lot of times its just a casual comment, or something said without much thought, but it can be quite hurtful to the person, especially if they are a little sensitive about that. It’s even worse when a group of kids gangs up against one and says these things. Tanya 32 says we should really be much more inward-focused and not so pre-occupied with shallow, superficial and external things. It bothers me a lot when people make their own assumptions, or ignorant broad stereotypes and don’t even give you a chance to prove yourself or explain yourself. It’s even harder when the issue or thing is not in your control, its something you can’t do much about, even if you care about it a lot. Like how much money you have or something about your family. Other people speaking about my family bothers me a lot. It’s really hard and hurtful when people poke fun at how you read, how you play ball, or how little you know about (how to do) something. I don’t like when other kids treat you in a condescending (looking down at you) way - even if they are better at math or sports or something. It would be better if people were more supportive & encouraging (instead of discouraging) when critical and pointing out a shortcoming or weakness. I don’t like it when you go out of your way to try to help someone and they are not appreciative and they are even critical of you. It’s also hard to be accused of or blamed for things when its not really your fault. And even when it is your fault, there are usually more constructive ways to deal with it. Sometimes saying nothing can be even worse than saying something negative. It bothers me most when some people ignore me, or don’t even look my way. Betraying a secret or speaking negatively about them to someone else is another way to hurt someone without saying anything to them directly, and it usually get back anyways somehow.
at Maimonides and in the Community 12/13: TENTH OF TEVET FAST DAY It’s quite unusual to fast on a Friday, with the fast ending at Kiddush! Mincha is longer than usual (with Torah Reading and Haftorah) and it is the earliest Friday, too… Erev Shabbos Mincha at Shomray Torah and CBAJ is at 3:45pm.
2 SPECIAL HALF-DAYS AT MHDS
Wed 12/25: Morah Devorah’s 1st Graders will 12/14: SHABBOS CHAZAK! have “Siddur This week we read Parshas Vayechi and conclude Party” the entire Sefer Breishis with the declaration of celebration that “Chazak, Chazak, vNischazek!” We’re getting some morning, and snow Shabbos afternoon and evening, so Minyan many classes help is especially needed. Did you know that it will participate snowed a lot in Jerusalem? in a “Hillel Day” with 12/13-14: A CAPPELA AT CBAJ hands-on CBAJ is hosting Y-Studs accapella group from YU learning & for Shabbos. Friday Night dinner & concert is $15 activities based adults, $10 kids, $50 family. A Cappella davening on Hillel’s on Shabbos Day. Register online by December 8th. teachings. Tues 12/31: Cardboard Fun The first Pizza Nite was a major success, thanks to Day! Bring all for ordering and coming out. Snowstorm or not, flattened (clean) the second Pizza nite is Sat Night Dec 14th, cardboard boxes 7:30pm. Eat in and Take-Out options available. of all sizes for a Order ahead to BnosChayaPrograms@gmail.com fun activity day. In case of heavy snow, call 495-0772/9 on Sat night Details to follow. to be sure we’re open! We probably will be… IYH!
She complimented their classroom colors, and they shared what they were learning with Morah Nechama about Jewish bedtime rituals including reviewing the day that past, evaluating what could be improved for the next day, and also forgiving those who troubled us that day.
12/14: HS PIZZA NITE II
On a comprehensive tour of the school, seen here exiting the new LibraryMedia Center with Jeff Leb of OU Advocacy and Mr. Solomon of the Maimonides Board of Trustees.
She spoke about her experience of being a first generation Irish-American and knows first-hand the importance of a good education to get ahead. She shared that she often biked past Maimonides and admired our expansion and progress, her own kids played in Woodlawn Park. She spoke about the increased cost and pressure on teacher and schools with the new Common Core curriculum.
1/26: JFED’S This month’s topic is the “Tenth of Tevet” (start of SUPERSiege around Jerusalem) and the related Teves SUNDAY remembrances of the translation of the Torah to 12/16: WOMENS BET MIDRASH
Greek (8th of Tevet) and Ezra’s passing (on the 9th). The study discussion will be led by Raizy Rubin, Monday night, 8pm at Maimonides.
12/18: CBAJ ADULT ED CLASS 10:30pm Tea & Torah weekly group, and at 7:45pm by Rabbi Lehrfield on: “Tattoos, Piercings and Jewish Cemeteries” at CBAJ.
12/25-29: JGR WINTER RETREAT Find out more www.JewishGirlsRetreat.net or call Nechama Laber 833-0704.
12/23-1/1/2014: MHDS DECEMBER & NEW YEARS SCHEDULE Mon 12/23 thru Wed 12/25: Half-Day Hebrew Only 8-11:30am. HS Girls are offering to host (for small charge TBD) an after-school (until 1:30pm) activity day. Stay tuned for details, be in touch if interested. Thurs 12/26 thru Mon 12/30: No School Tues 12/31 & Wed 1/1: Half-Day Hebrew Only
This annual phone-a-thon raises funds for Part of the discussion was that 13% of the state’s school children attend parochial schools, yet Federation’s these schools only receive 1% of education funding, and of special services that are crucial for allocations to our students to succeed. (BTW, our High School girls prepared the nice breakfast). local orgs & beneficiaries (including Maimonides) as well as overseas Jewish needs. Maimonides parents are asked to please volunteer for one-shift as this supports our school! Leyee Rubin if you would like to be involved). 5/28: Annual MHDS Scholarship Tribute Dinner
SAVE THE DATES... 1/11: Chabad 40th Year Melava Malka @ SH (they’re looking for people to share 30 second to 1 minute video clips of what Chabad locally means to them, or a specific memory of an event, teaching, experience etc). 2/9: Annual Womens Spa for Body & Soul (Committee now underway, contact Clara Simon, DL or
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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!”