Maimonides Community

BH. Teves

18, 5775 / Jan 9, 2015

Candle-Lighting: Community Newsletter of the Maimonides Hebrew Day School of the Capital District 4:22 404 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 5:27 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 Teves 18th birthday of

Esther Miriam

By Yosef & Esther Miriam Vinitsky OUR JERUSALEM CARDS The Jerusalem cards designed by our students on the Tenth of Tevet (this year on New Years Day) are now all up on the school entrance bulletin board, along with the headline in Hebrew: “Jerusalem: Always and Forever!”

Morah Devorah Leah’s students help cut out the gold lettering and post it up on the board.

PICTURE BOOKS Students loved browsing these big coffee table Jerusalem picture books that Rabbi Rubin brought in from the Nowitz Collection and others in the Esty Library.

ALL-TOGETHER DOLL-HOUSE

DID U SEE J.W. CALENDAR ART?

These 5 Nursery girls were quietly playing doll house together, sharing sweetly and peacefully!

They turned to face the camera when the TNT photographer snapped a second shot, and more than one girl said excitedly: “We’re going to be in the newsletter!”

Our students artwork graces the cover and many inside pages of “The Jewish World” newspaper’s 2015 calendar. Thanks to Mrs. Levin’s art class for teaching our kids and helping them produce such wonderful works of art! Pictured here is a new form of art they recently did. Students blew paint onto paper using a straw, let the random image dry and then drew around or within the image to make something interesting of it. Quite random, but fun!

FRENCH TERRORIST TRAGEDY The world is in mourning and indignation for the 12 murders by Islamic terrorists at Charles Hebdo (a French satirical newspaper). As we go to print with this newsletter, the terrorists grabbed hostages in two places including a Kosher market and the crisis continues. Our prayers and thoughts are with them!

MAIMONIDES HILLEL ON THE ROOF Just in time for the rare Jerusalem snowstorm several grades learned the story of “Hillel on the Roof”. 3/4 grade boys designed the House of Study pictured here, with lots of fluffy snow on the roof top, the 3/4 girls made the nice furniture inside, and grade 2 did Hebrew worksheets on the classic story of Hillel’s determination to study despite challenges.

404 Partridge Street Albany NY 12208

HOW MANY TENS AND ONES? Mrs. Carroll’s first graders did this worksheet on the board (using computer projection) making sure they can line up their tens and ones columns.

THE SHABBOS CROSSWALK

This week’s “Times Union” discussed the modified crosswalk which allows Shabbosobservant Jews to cross without activating the THE ITALIAN RENASSIANCE signal. It explains that the signal usually HS Boys are now learning about paintings and operates on-demand, aside for Shabbos when architecture from this famous historical era, it switches to a continuous mode. Thanks to including Leonardo DaVinci and his famous the community members who advocated for it, Mona Lisa painting, and other period works. to the city for being understanding and accommodating, and adjusting it so that it MY OWN HISTORICAL FICTION works both for Sabbath-observers who 7th graders finished reading “Esperanza frequent that cross-walk as well as to be as Rising” which is historical fiction based on a sensitive as possible to nearby neighbors. true story that happened to the author’s grandmother. Mrs. Crawford had her students TEI: EMOTIONAL SPACE each find out a story from their family’s past TEI (Torah Emotional Intelligence) topic this and write a fictional short story based on that. week was Emotional Space. Rabbi Mendel brought in cartoons, 3 sets of circles and lifeexamples to illustrate the point, and students shared their own examples as well. Plus there were related Torah teachings, which is what makes this weekly class called TEI.

MR. D’S YIDDISH CALENDAR

MOSHE IN THE BASKET Nursery students with Morah Rivka painted paper baskets with little baby Moshes inside, as they learned this week’s Torah portion.

Mrs. D. bought her husband a Yiddish calendar as a holiday gift. He brought it in to share with his 3/4 grade class. Each day has a different Yiddish expression, transliterated and translated into English. The students made thank-you cards, because they are also benefitting from the gift. Guess what? She will be coming in to visit the class next week!

“BETTER ONE ACTION THAN...

1,000 sighs!” was the Pitgam quote 7th grade learned this week. Originally from Rebbe Shalom Ber of Lubavitch, it’s quoted in HaYomYom for 8th Adar I.

THE PAPERBAG BURNING BUSH Morah Chaya Bracha put a little tiny bush inside a paper bag along with a flashlight, then shut the Kindergarten lights to see the “burning bush” burn without being consumed.

TEST ON ASTRONOMY UNIT HS Boys are taking a big test on the astronomy unit they learned in Earth Science with Dr. Sahay. Everything from phases of the moon to what stars are made of, planets to asteroids.

A DIFFERENT CHEESE THIS SAT Larry Rosenbaum’s new cheese company has some unique cheese Terra is trying out, a new cheese veggie-lasagna will be on sale this Sat night at Maimonides Pizza Night, courtesy of Terra and Saratoga Cheese. Plus, pizza of course as usual, and even 2 slots of 5-minute Rambam study on the occasion of his yartzeit, the 20th of Tevet. This Sat Night at MHDS.

What type of ship never sinks?

Friendship!

Here’s a humorous Yiddish lesson: A Shlemiel (always clumsy) is a waiter in a fancy restaurant who spills the soup on the Shlimazel’s (always has bad luck) pants. The Nudnik (annoying nudge) asks: “What kind of soup was it?” (as if that matters..)

CHANUKAH MESSAGES Chanukah may be behind us, but its lasting messages still linger on and remain relevant!

Aside for the latkes and doughnuts, and Chanukah parties, Morah Devorah Leah’s 2nd graders discussed Chanukah messages and lessons together, and then each student wrote their own, which she posted outside their classroom along with their pictures on dreidels & shields they made.

COLD WEATHER CLOTHING Morah Devorah’s 1st graders learned words for cold weather clothing (perfect timing!) including: Tzah’if = scarf, Magafayim = boots, Mechamimei Aznayim = earmuffs, Kova = hat, and of course Svehder = sweater. They wrote the Hebrew words themselves!

What do lawyers wear to court? Lawsuits!

A pig and a chicken walk down the street. They see a sign over a diner: “Bacon and Eggs.” The chicken is livid. Do you see what they do to my eggs! They scramble them, they fry them… The pig says to the chicken: They are asking you for a donation but from me it is a commitment!

YAHADUT RAMBAM STUDIES Our new Yahadut curriculum is based on the works of Maimonides, with a big picture view of all the Mitzvot of the Torah! Timely now as we approach the Rambam’s Yartzeit.

DEDICATION, DEDICATION SCHOOL CHOICE SCARVES Maimonides got a big box of yellow scarves from “National School Choice Week”. It also happens to be an unusually cold week, too!

We’re giving the scarves out at today’s special assembly in honor of the Rambam’s Yartzeit (which is this Sat Night and Sunday, Teves 20) because the Rambam was a big proponent of taking good care of your health, and wearing a scarf in freezing cold weather is one way to do that. Also, the Rambam encouraged positive choices, and good learning at Maimonides is a great choice that students (not only their parents) make every day and in every class.

HS girls are learning about the dedication of the Mishkan in Chumash class, Parshas Naso, ALLITERATION STORIES and at the same time they are learning in Navi Mrs. Maher’s students wrote little stories class Melachim I:8 about the dedication of the about Ragged Rex or Careless Carolyn, that Beit HaMikdash. have repeated use of first initial letters.

THE END OF HAMLET Well, literally, too. HS Boys and Girls both finished reading Shakespeare’s Hamlet, and are now doing Cause & Effect essays, and other literary projects.

A VERY SAD UN BIRTHDAY In Social Studies, Mrs. Ramsay discussed the situation in North Korea, in connection with the dictator Kim Jong Un’s birthday. It’s so sad to see an entire country trapped and suffering even in this modern age.

WHAT’S UR MITZVAH LIGHT?

Kindergarten learned Ner (candle) for Nun, and the verse “Ner Mitzvah v’Torah Ohr” that a Mitzvah is a candle and the Torah is light. The TWO H.S. SHABBATONS students wrote the verse above, and are  HS Boys are headed to Clifton Park this thinking about a favorite Mitzvah that they’d Shabbos for Rabbi Yossi’s Birthday Minyan! like to do to bring light to the world.  HS Girls will be in Brooklyn next weekend for an interschool convention. They have a BUBBLES IN FREEZING COLD regimen of preparation for that weekend.

Mrs. Ballard-Hubble took 3/4 grade outside today for a quick science-enrichment experiment. They tried blowing bubbles outside to see if the bubbles would freeze. When they came back BENTCHING PRIZES AWARDED inside they discussed why they got the From a Cranium game to playing balls and a results that they did, and how/why sled, these 4 students won fabulous prizes for was it different than what they initially good daily lunchtime bentsching (grace after expected before actually trying it. meals). Thanks to Morah Rochel for arranging the prizes. If you’d like to sponsor the next set ELIEZER-BEN-YEHUDAH MRS. CARROLL’S LUNCHEON of prizes for lively and respectful bentsching, Morah Rivi is doing a unit with 7th grade thru 1st and 2nd graders enjoyed a luncheon with speak to Morah Rochel or Morah DL. HS about the father of Modern Hebrew. They Mrs. Carroll, she made Rice-Krispy treats as a bonus for doing so well with their Math Facts!

THE KING & THE COMMONER learned a song about him, that’s very poetic and full of paraphrase (he was a master in HS students with Rabbi Mendel learned the INTERSTATE COMMUNICATION juxtaposition and contrast of two very similar borrowing and adapting words from the Tanach and Talmud to modern application).

The Voloviks couldn’t get to school 2 days this parables in Tanya, chapters 46 vs. 33. If you They will also be watching a documentary on week because of the weather, so Rabbi Rubin’s are interested, ask any of the HS Girls or Boys, him, and doing other projects about him and Talmud class called him in over the phone for they know this well & it resonates with them, his work in creating modern Hebrew language. interstate learning, Albany to Pittsfield! and they have more parables to relate this difference to contemporary (Jewish) life today.

RAMBAM VS. RAAVAD ON LOVE RABBI DOVID EDELMAN, OBM

SOUP OF THE WEEK OPEN SLOT HS Girls Mishlei class learned the Rambam vs. Rabbi Dovid Edelman ran the LYA school in Thanks to parents who already signed up for soup-of-the-week. Brr.. It’s very cold out, nothing like hot soup to enjoy when back in from recess! Mrs. Wildman still has a few slots for parents to sign on. Please contact her.

the Raavad at the end of Hilchot Teshuvah, on the application of the Mishlei 5:19 verse about “being crazy in love” in regard to Hashem and Torah. The Rambam waxes quite poetic on this, but the Raavad has a lot of trouble with it.

Springfield MA for 64 years, active until his passing, just after his 90th birthday. He was active in Jewish education since 1944, but settled in Springfield in 1950, and has been at it ever since! Condolences to his family.

at Maimonides and in the Community 1/10: NEW CHUMASH THIS WEEK

1/25: J-FED’S SUPERSUNDAY

Last week was Chazak, this week we begin the story School parents and friends are encouraged to sign of Moshe’s birth, the Jews enslaves in Egypt… up for a shift at Federation’s Super-Sunday which raises money for communal agencies (including Maimonides) and overseas Jewish needs. There are 1/10: RABBI REISMAN SHIUR Sat Nights 7:30pm at CBAJ Luchins Media Center also follow-up phone-a-thon dates, but we want to get representation for SuperSunday itself. with Rabbi Y. Reisman, televised from Brooklyn.

Rabbi Frand’s class is viewed 9pm on Thursdays.

1/26: WOMENS BEIT MEDRASH

1/10: PIZZA NITE II + LASAGNA! Pizza Night 7pm at Maimonides this Sat Night. In addition to pizza this week, there’s Veggie-Cheese Lasagna from Terra Restaurant available for sale at Pizza Night that uses new unique cheeses from Larry Rosenbaum’s cheese company, as a courtesy to Maimonides. Since it’s the Teves 20 yartzeit of the Rambam, we’ll be showing the Rambam animated film and doing two 5-minute Rambam learnings at 7:30pm and at 8:30pm.

8pm at Maimonides, this month learning about Sara our Matriarch. Women in the community are encouraged to come to study & discuss Torah texts together.

1/31: MELAVA MALKA: M. SINAI SHLOSHIM, SHIRA & YUD-SHVAT

Melava Malka to be held at Maimonides, all are welcome. This commemorates Shloshim of Reb Moshe Sinai, and is in honor of Shabbos Shira and Yud-Shvat. Inspiring stories will be studied and 1/11: FC’S SUNDAY CIRCLE shared from Rebbe Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn For Friendship Circle families and volunteers, 1pm (Yartzeit 10th of Shvat) on the wonderful virtues of at Maimonides. Plus a salad bar treat for volunteers the Chassidic working-man of yesteryear (also in at 12:30pm. Volunteers earn community service tribute to Moshe Sinai). hours, aside for the Mitzvah & unique experience.

For more info about the Friendship Circle, call 2/1/15: ALBANY WOMENS CIRCLE Chaya: 973-970-8702.

As it’s the Sunday before Tu Bishvat, they’ll be painting flowerpots, and there will be related 1/11: WIN BATTLE 4 ISRAEL inspiration as well! Stay tuned for details.

Linda Scherzer, former Middle East correspondent for CNN, will be the Federation’s Joint Society 2/4: TU BISHVAT BREAKFAST speaker at Temple Israel, with dinner & desserts Long-standing and eagerly-anticipated annual beginning at 7:15pm. Cost $25pp or $10 for those tradition at Maimonides!

22-40, prices rise if not pre-reserved 783-7800 or via www.JewishFedNY.org by Jan 9th.

2/4: WIDOW & WIDOWER GROUP

1/11: “FOOTNOTE” AT SCHEN-JCC 3:30pm at Schenectady JCC. An Oscar-nominated insightful comedy, a deep film about father & son rivalry, that centers around Talmud & recognition, made in Israel. Discussion led by Professor Mark Muraven. $9pp, $5 Member, $3 Student.

1/18: HIRSCHPRUNG YARTZEIT Rabbi Hirschprung was Chief Rabbi of Montreal known for his phenomenal Talmudic memory, a student of R’ Meir Shapiro (Daf Yomi founder). A Yartzeit Breakfast and study at Shomray Torah.

1/21: ROSH CHODESH SHVAT 8am Morning Minyan at Maimonides. 2 weeks to Tu Bishvat, 6 weeks to Purim…

1/23-24: CBAJ SEFARDIC SHABBAT Register ahead at CBAJ.org, by reservation only: $20/Adult; $12/Child; $65/Family.

Jewish Family Services is hosting a support group for widows and widowers, 6-8pm at 877 Madison Ave. Call JFS for more info.

2/8: MEGA CHALLAH BAKE AT TENTH SPA FOR BODY & SOUL

IDEA FOR THE PURIM PRUNCH?

The 10th annual communal womens event: Special for this year, a Mega-Challah Bake! Guest speaker is Challah Baking expert Ruchie Pinson who has led numerous mega Challah Bakes around the country. For more info call Clara Simon 439-8280 or Leah Rubin 495-0779.

TEHILLIM FOR THE HOSTAGES

2/22: WRAPUNZEL HAIR WRAP A hair-wrapping workshop event sponsored by the Albany Bnos Israel Mikvah, with support from the Jewish Federation. Simple & exquisite wrap ties.

6:30pm at CBAJ. $10pp suggested donation.

RSVP: albanymikvah@gmail.com / 618-7423.

Every year Maimonides has a Purim theme for a Purim Brunch “Prunch” at school. We’re looking for a fun, relevant, creative theme for this year!

At the time of this printing, the following are known to be held hostage by terrorists in a Kosher market in Paris.

Please have them (and all those who are in danger) in your prayers. May we share good news!

Shmuel Yitzchak ben Sarah Mordechai ben Maya Endrei bat Susan Zari ben Susan

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!”