Mcnews5775vayera1aw by Maimonides School Albany

BH. Cheshvan

14, 5775 / Nov 7, 2014

Candle-Lighting: Community Newsletter of the Maimonides Hebrew Day School of the Capital District 4:23 404 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 5:24 Maimonides is accredited by the NYS Board of Regents & is a beneficiary of UJF-NENY

maimonidesschool@gmail.com

This newsletter is sponsored in memory of

Nathan & Ann Sharp by their nephew Mr. & Mrs. Bill Sharp

ESTY MEMORIAL LECTURE

every time the siren sounded. The Hamas underground terror tunnels are also a big fear for communities living so close to Gaza. By the The Jewish Federation war’s end, only 2 of 70 families decided to of Northeastern NY leave, which is a testament to the dedication hosted a delegation from Israel’s Eshkol and tenacity of the people there. Dubi’s father Region in the Capital Region community. In was a fiery Belzer Chassid (“but a Misnaged” as addition to a communal welcome at the he says) and though Dubi lives his life very Schenectady JCC, they split up to visit area differently, he inherited his father’s passion synagogues and schools over the few days they and deep-seated faith. Dubi was especially were in town. Dubi visited eager to tell us that because of the inexplicable Maimonides this past fact of so little damage despite so many rockets Friday. He lives in Kibbutz falling (many rockets fell in fields or between Chulit (which means sand houses) his secular Shomer HaTzair Kibbutz dune), which is so close to decided to dedicate one of the empty houses to Gaza that they can actually be a synagogue for use on holidays and special hear it with their own ears! occasions, and even dedicated a Torah scroll! Since rocket fire from across He said that as one who personally values the border became so tradition, seeing our students and school was common, they became refreshing, heartwarming and inspiring. accustomed and especially attuned so that they could tell by the sound what type of rocket it MAIMONIDES was or approximately which direction it was 404 Partridge Street headed. The Kibbutz grows lemons, oranges, Albany NY 12208 potatoes & nuts among other crops, which were adversely affected by the 50 days of war this summer. He vividly described the feeling of fear, constantly being vigilant, and rushing for the nearest shelter

DUBI, THE ESHKOL VISITOR FROM KIBBUTZ CHULIT

This Sat Night 8pm at Maimonides. See the box on page 4 for more on Shmuel Greenbaum’s story, transforming the tragedy of his wife’s death in a terror attack into a campaign of kindness.

MAMA ROCHEL YARTZEIT On the 11th Cheshvan this week we had a special program at Lunch, with a big special lunch buffet (thanks to Rabbi & Rebbetzin Bomzer) and a display (partly pictured above) and a short program to remember Rochel Imenu (our matriarch) on her yartzeit. Some classes played or sang the sad and moving “Mama Rochel” song.

EVERYDAY LIFE POETRY People sometimes think 4TH’S TOLDOS PARSHA SIYUM poetry isn’t relevant Morah Dini’s 4th grade Chumash class made to their lives outside a Siyum on Parsha of English class but Toldos. Rabbi Rubin HS did this came in to test them, interesting exercise to and was impressed by demonstrate how how well they knew connected we are to not only the Chumash poetry without even and Rashi but also realizing it. Each many Midrashim as student shared a well! They celebrated Jewish English song, by making their own played it first as sushi in Nathan’s music, then read it Kitchen and the 3rd aloud with lyrics only graders joined them. and no tune, which Everyone helped out helped them realize and worked together. how many songs are In addition, because really a form of Parsha Toldos speaks poetry. And then they about the lentil soup analyzed each song to that Yaakov sold to see how many poetic Eisav, they cooked up components can be a delicious lentil soup found in each song. for other classes to

LEAF COLLECTING & RUBBING

PRE-MINCHA BOYS CLUB

Now that the clocks changed and sunset Nursery went out earlier this week (before it comes just about an hour after school got wet and colder) to play in the leaves and dismissal, some of the older boys have been then collect some leaves for a leaf rubbing project indoors. Please note that the weather is staying after school for the Mincha/Maariv Minyan at Shomray Torah. They enjoyed indeed changing and children should be minestrone soup and pasta from Shabbos prepared with appropriate outerwear. House’s Torah Tuesday; cole-slaw, potato salad, rye bread and lox from Rabbi Bomzer; PLAYGROUND CLEANUP 11/16 and also a butternut squash soup and a veggie There’s some poison ivy growing in soup with noodles, on the other days. One day the side playground at school, so Mrs. they viewed a part of a Shanghai documentary Carroll is leading an effort to cleanfrom the library, other days they did stuff on up that area on Sunday Nov 16th at the computers or study hall. They might begin 1pm. Adults and teens are welcome work on a project, details soon. to come help out, so it can be a safe space for the younger kids to play. 5/6 JOURNAL ENTRIES For the future we have to look into Mrs. Maher’s 5/6 graders have improving or replacing the beloved and wellbeen filling up their journal with used playground equipment… someday! some very interesting topics and lists, quite thought-provoking, A STANDING OVATION! and lots of fun, too! Here are a Morah Rivi’s 5th graders learned about literal few examples of their daily journal topics: and figurative use of the Hebrew word for  Name ten different types of sticky things. standing… here are some examples: Omed Min  Suppose you were invisible for a day. What Hatzad = stands off to a side, unhelpful; Omed would you do? L’Yimino = standing at your right, helpful;  5 things parents should & shouldn’t do. Omed BaMivachan = successful at the test or  What are 5 ways wind & water are alike? challenge; Omed mayChelyo, getting up from an  List 10 types of transportation. illness, Omed al Raglov = standing up for  5 ideas of what to do with extra buttons. yourself, strong on your own two feet; etc.  5 things you’d do to change the world.

enjoy.

THE WORLD’S UPS & DOWNS In Earth Science with Mrs. Sahay the older boys are now learning how to use field maps to know the topography of a given area. Hills and valleys, cliffs & slopes, and altitude levels all play crucial roles in the use of land, the flow of water and many other things.

NOT A STRING NOR SHOELACE After Avraham helped rescue Sodom from the Great War between the 4 Kings and 5 Kings, he refused to take “even a string or a shoestrap.” But he did insist that the men who fought along with him should get their fair share of the booty to compensate them for their trouble & effort. The Talmud sees this string & strap expression as future references to the strings of Tzitzis and the straps of Tefillin. 3rd graders thought this is a good message for Maimonides Middos! You don’t always have to seek reward for helping someone out and doing the right thing. But it is important to be thoughtful of others and look out for them to make sure they get what they deserve. And a Maimonides Moves message, too: Be sure to keep your shoelaces tied so you don’t trip when walking, playing or running about!

5 WAYS TO BE A BETTER HOST

AND ON THE SIXTH DAY... 2nd graders with Morah Jory created a series of big paper murals about the Sixth Day of Creations, this one pictured is of the “Chayot” wild animals. Some were traced and colored it, others by student imagination. Look closely at each animal to find it’s Hebrew name, like: Kof = monkey, Dov = bear, Karnaf = rhino, Soos = horse, Tuki = parrot, Peel = elephant… and more!

PREPARE FOR YOUR GUESTS: A lot of students wrote about cleaning up for guests, making beds or cooking food. You can also put away things that you are worried if they might break with extra people in the house. Some students give up their beds and their room for guests.

DO FOR YOUR GUESTS: Let guests choose food or toys or type of game first, keep them company or give them private space, depending on what they need. Be understanding if guests have special needs. Add small special touches to their room, so they feel most comfortable and welcome.

DON’T DO FOR YOUR GUESTS: Don’t be noisy around resting adults or sleeping babies, don’t show off toys you don’t want to share, don’t be annoying or in the way, don’t throw a tantrum or be upset about them using your stuff, and of course be very good about sharing.

FAMILY & GUESTS: It’s nice to go out of your way to do special things for the guests, but sometimes the nicest thing is to treat them as your family, to serve and do for them the same as you would for the family. It’s also important that the host family enjoy the visit and that it not be too hard on them.

FINAL TOUCHES OF THE VISIT: We learn from Avraham that escorting guests and how we do so is very important. Saying “Thank you for coming!” means a lot. If they are traveling far, it’s nice to prepare a little nosh package for the road.

THE WELCOMING TENT OF AVRAHAM & SARAH Kindergarteners first drew “inside the tent” then folded their papers so the “tents” could stand up with open flaps! Morah Chaya Bracha helped them compare and contrast the kindness and hospitality of Avraham and Sarah with the selfishness and hostility of Sodom. They learned a lot about being kind, welcoming, and nice to other people.

TWO BENT ROSES I relish the fact that you mustard* the strength to ketchup to me. * btw: Our students learned that Avraham served his guests tongue and mustard!

Which animal should you not play games with? A cheetah! A Rabbi gave a 17 minute speech every Shabbos. A congregant asked, “Why 17 minutes?” The Rabbi explained, “It takes 17 minutes for me to walk from my home to shul and that’s when I prepare.” One Shabbos morning the Rabbi began his speech, “Today, instead of coming from my home as usual, I walked to Shul from a distant neighborhood…” There were two muffins sitting in the oven. One muffin said, "Boy, it's hot in here!!!!" The other muffin yelled: "AHHHH, A TALKING MUFFIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

One day outside, Kindergarteners noticed two roses on the bush, bent on the stem. That gave Morah Chaya Bracha an idea: Rose in Hebrew is Vered, & they are learning now the letter Vav! The bent roses on the stem were shaped just like the Hebrew letter Vav!

AFTER THE GIVER 7th grade finished their “The Giver” projects and are now learning about poetry. Some of the terms they are using include: alliteration, haiku, simile, metaphor, slant rhyme, refrain, stanza, hyperbole, limerick, and free verse.

“MC” NEWSLETTER VIA MAIL For those receiving this newsletter via U.S. Mail, this year we have begun to mail 3 MC newsletters together, so you should get the newsletters every 3 weeks. This saves a lot of postage. Some have been telling us that it arrives torn, so we will try looking into a good envelope option but we do want to keep the mailing costs down. Of course, we do send the newsletter each week via email! You can sign up for that via: maimonidesschool@gmail.com

Chana Malka was walking up the steps with a big pile of books, and then they all fell down. Riki saw the books fall, and came over to help her pick them all up and carry them upstairs! The Boys at Davening class who eagerly rush over to help the two new students find their place in the Siddur for each part that we sing aloud.

THE JOGGING CLUB Our HS Girls want to stay fit. Some have started a daily jogging club for a round or two around the block, sometimes three times!

STAMP TAX, TEA PARTY, ETC... 5/6 are studying the Revolutionary War now, but just finished a history unit on the time period, causes and factors leading up to it.

at Maimonides and in the Community 11/7: FIRST EARLY FRIDAY 2:15pm

11/14: CBAJ NEW MEMBER DINNER 12/24: CHANUKAH SONGS & SKITS

Now that the clocks changed and Shabbat comes in Call CBAJ office at 489-5819 for info on this super early, Friday school dismissal is at 2:15pm. communal Shabbat dinner at the synagogue.

11/8: PIZZA NIGHT AT MHDS

11/16: PLAYGROUND CLEANUP

First Pizza nite of the season begins 7pm. Medium Mrs. Carroll is leading an effort to rake up and Pies $9 each, w/toppings $10, sushi rolls $7. Preclean out our playground on Sunday, 1pm. Adults order to: bnoschayaprograms@gmail.com especially or teens only (due to a bit of poison ivy) thanks! helpful this week as there’s an 8pm lecture upstairs at school. Proceeds benefit HS’ extra-curricular. 11/16: JCC FUN DAY & RAFFLE 12-4pm at Albany JCC. Free admission. Bounce11/8: SADNESS TO KINDNESS houses, face-painting, fitness & movies, magnetSee box for more on this year’s Esty Memorial photos, pickle-ball & kickball etc… Raffle tickets $1 Lecture by Mr. Shmuel Greenbaum. 8pm at the each, win up to $1,000. info call: 438-6651 x114. school. His book will be for sale for $12. Light refreshments served. Pizza night downstairs. Kids 11/16: JEWELS OF THE SEA supervision/program downstairs as well. another exhibit on display at the Discovery Hall 426 Second Street in Troy, 12-4pm, $5pp for 11/8: NEW AUTO SHOW AT E.S.P. adults, $2 for teens, and kids under 12 are free. Free admission! 10am-5pm at Empire State Plaza. More than 800 species, including a newly acquired See 150 of latest car models, 30 car companies, 75 pound Chinese clam. All curated by a very plus exhibitor booths and vendors. $5 Parking. Its’ knowledgeable and passionate collector. a decent and different cold rainy day outing.

11/11: PARENT-TEACHER CONF. No School on Veterans Day to allow for ParentTeacher Conferences to discuss individual student progress. Schedule of appointments was sent home. Please make sure you have it! If you don’t please be sure to get it from the school office on Monday. Please be timely so schedule can run smoothly!

11/11: VETERANS DAY PARADE The parade kicks off at 11am from the corner of Partridge Street & Central Ave, heading east on Central towards downtown.

11/11: INSTITUTE HISTORY & ART Free admission for Veterans Day, 10-5pm. This museum on Washington Ave is also free on Thursday evenings from 5-8pm.

11/11: WHAT IS HAPPINESS? in-depth seminar with Rabbi Y. Shemtov of Bucks County PA, $12 pre-register, $18 at door, 7pm hosted by Bethlehem Chabad at the Normanside in Delmar, with Kosher soup and salad bar.

Half a day, Hebrew only. Chanukah performances that morning followed by dismissal and pickup. Last morning of school before winter vacation.

12/25-28: JGR WINTER RETREAT This year back at Dunhams Bay on Lake George. For more info call Nechama Laber: 727-9581.

12/25-28: WINTER VACATION 12/24-25: Half-Day Hebrew, Performances 12/26-30: Winter Vacation, No School 12/31/2014-1/1/2015: Half-Day Hebrew 1/2/2015: First full day back…

ESTY MEMORIAL LECTURE The annual Esty (Rubin) Cohen Memorial Lecture will be this Sat Night Nov 8th, 8pm at Maimonides. Light refreshments served.

11/21: NO SCHOOL THIS FRIDAY Enjoy the extended weekend (& another extended weekend the following week for Thanksgiving).

12/13: KISLEV 19 MELAVA MALKA Annual local tradition by Capital Chabad (going back earlier with R’ Zalman Levine), Chassidic stories, melodies and Melava Malka/farbrengen atmosphere. Also Siyum HaRambam for the 3 chapters of Maimonides’ Mishna Torah each day.

12/13: ORCHESTRA OF EXILES Schenectady JCC is screening a film about Bronislaw Huberman who saved European Jewish musicians from the Holocaust by bringing them to then-Palestine, creating the forerunner of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. 7:30pm. Individual events in this Jewish Film Festival series are $9pp for non-JCC-members.

12/23: MHDS RAFFLE-AUCTION & ANNUAL CHANUKAH DINNER

Now in its 12th year! Printed version to be mailed to homes before Thanksgiving, online version as 11/13: THE HIDDEN CHILD well. The prize viewings & drawings, 5-7pm at Kristallnacht observance, “The Hidden Child” film Maimonides, will be on the 8th night of 7pm at UAlbany Page Hall, 135 Western Ave. For Chanukah, together with a delicious themed more info call Federation 783-7800. dinner prepared by the Kochmans at “Nathan’s Kitchen”. Stay tuned for more updates!! Some new prize packages this year… 11/14: YES, THERE’S SCHOOL! There IS school this Friday, no school next Friday!

Mr. Shmuel (Steven) Greenbaum will tell his personal story of transforming personal sadness & loss into positive acts and a campaign of kindness, after his pregnant wife was killed in the August 2001 Sbarros pizza shop terrorist bombing on the corner of King George and Rechov Yaffo in Jerusalem. Mr. Greenbaum runs “Partners in Kindness” and wrote a book “Daily Dose of Kindness” as a response to the tragedy. His book will be for sale for $12.

AND PIZZA NIGHT… Mr. Greenbaum will speak 8pm upstairs at Maimonides. There will be a pizza night downstairs that same evening (with both takeout and eat-in options) starting at 7pm, with a supervised children’s program from 8-9pm during the talk. Pre-orders will be help HS students be ready for your pizza pies: bnoschayaprograms@gmail.com This week we’re trying a new system for more efficient ordering…

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!”