Maimonides Community by Maimonides School Albany

BH. Nissan

7, 5776 / April 15, 2016

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 7:20 Shabbos Ends:

produced by Rabbi Mendel Rubin & students in the TNT (Torah ‘n Technology) Program Maimonides is accredited by the NYS Board of Regents & is a beneficiary of UJF-NENY

maimonidesschool@gmail.com

8:23

PESACH LEARNING & PROJECTS With a week left to Passover, our classes are all abuzz with Passover learning and projects, from Nursery thru High School. Kindergartners on left (<) painted their classroom doorways (and lintel!) red like the Jews did on the night before the Exodus. Below are CHAMETZ STILL AT SCHOOL the “Urchatz” Seder But even with all the Pesach preparations there is still plenty of Chametz at school including hand towels that this birthday party for Yomi in the Nursery. HS boys also enjoyed delicious leftovers from the Rebbe’s birthday reception in the NYS Capitol and from an Israel film event at Shabbos House. Don’t forget the annual Erev Pesach Firstborn Siyum & Chametz Burn at Maimonides—Friday, April 22nd. And aside for all the cleaning and getting rid of Chametz, Nursery students painted using Hebrew stencils and don’t forget to sell your Chametz, too! Speak their own hands. Many of to Rabbi Rubin or your Rabbi to arrange it. our classes made their own Haggadahs, with their own illustration & commentary that they learned in class to share at their Seders. 3rd grader Mendel H. is pictured here with his Haggadah in progress. Below see most of our

2nd graders with their Haggadahs open to various pages. And our first graders holding their laminated Seder placemats made with Morah Devorah with the 15 steps of the Seder:

‫מצורע‬ ‫שבת הגדול‬

This newsletter is dedicated in honor of the 150th Yartzeit of the

Tzemach Tzedek this upcoming 13th of Nissan

POETREE Many of our classes are now working on poetry, students are eager to enter their work to Scholastic’s national classroom poetry contest. The topic is USA, what you love or value most about our country. Ms. Ford’s first and second graders made a “Poetree” that is a tree with many poem branches, leaves and fruits…

MAIMONIDES 404 Partridge Street Albany NY 12208

THE (PESACH) DOMINO EFFECT (Top) Last Friday 3rd graders in Mrs. BallardHubble’s Science Enrichment class made a multi-track working domino effect controlled by tapping a single domino. It takes patience! (Above) Seeing that Rabbi Yossi showed them a video from Israel’s Technion that uses dominoes and similar effects to creatively retell the Passover story in a vivid visual format.

MAZAL TOV ROSENBLUMS

HOW TO ADD FUN TO PESACH CLEANING

Chananya and Sara Rosenblum (both MHDS alumni) of Passaic NJ had a baby boy and named him Gavriel Yisroel Noach at his Bris this week. Mazal Tov!

A YESHIVA PITSTOP Rabbi Lowenthal of the Yeshiva Gedolah of Montreal visited our morning Minyan with thirteen of his students, they stayed on to study Talmud all morning at Shomray Torah.

INSIDE SQUID This week the HS boys dissected a squid with Mrs. Berke in the Science Lab, as part of their biology unit on mollusks, a broad spectrum of creatures which compromise nearly a quarter of all marine life. Obviously, mollusks in general and squid in particular are not Kosher for us to eat, but they are a big part of G-d’s creation - important to learn about!

PASSOVER FOOD PACKAGES

Stash hidden prizes! Like the story of the man who hid gold coins among the rubble and garbage that buried the Kotel… parents can hide coins or treats and let kids enjoy them when they find it! This isn’t a good idea for every room or cleaning job, but can add fun and surprise if done here & there.

A Family Reward: If everyone pitches in for a good amount of time, get everyone into the car for a short but exciting rewarding outing. It’s good to get some fresh air and getaway after being stuck inside cleaning for a while. Or maybe a special supper or dessert or late night snack for a treat.

Change up the rooms! Sometimes a big incentive for kids can be that once the room is clean, you can change the furniture orientation or move things around a bit. Even a small change or addition can change the mood or atmosphere, especially in a newly cleaned and organized space.

Take time to focus on some things you find. You can’t take time out to look at every piece of crumpled school artwork or homework you find, but occasionally pointing out forgotten memories or talent found among the things pulled out from drawers or under beds can keep things interesting.

Making it a game can be fun: You can have a scavenger hunt list or a bingo game: find a piece of lego, a food wrapper, a piece of Chametz, a lost article of clothing, a paper of Shaimos, organize a drawer, fill a bag with garbage.. Whatever.

Our HS boys delivered Kosher Food Pantry Passover packages to seniors on Thursday. One Mitzvah leads to another, several of the seniors put on Tefillin, too!

FINISHING SHMUEL ALEPH The Book of Samuel is divided into two parts, Samuel I and II. Grades 6/7 just finished the first book this week with Morah Rochel. It BIG SIYUM AT THE CROSSINGS talks about the dramatic events and loss in 2nd graders finished Parshat Noach (their 2nd battle leading up to the death of King Saul. Torah portion), 3rd graders finished Vayera— together they went on a big Siyum trip to the DEMOCRATS VS. REPUBLICANS Crossings Park in Colonie where they enjoyed an indoor BBQ meal and lots of fun outdoors. Rabbi Mendel’s Gemorah class learned Thankfully, the weather brightened up just in Abbaye’s List on Sukkah 7b, about 9 Rabbis in different Sukkah arguments who all think that time for their trip. They played a Sukkah should be more on the permanent sports, enjoyed the playground and the mazes, watched the cows, side. Tosefos points out that while on the same list, these Rabbis disagree with one ran about and had a marvelous time! another on the particulars. Rabbi Mendel used the analogy of TOLERANCE WRITING Republicans and Democrats to show Mrs. Crawford’s 6/7 grade students have been that politicians can belong to a reading about the Holocaust and are writing certain party and share a general trend even if short pieces on tolerance, referring back to the they disagree with individual issues. works they read, as well as articles that they researched which can be compared.

How did you like the Negev (Israel’s south)? I liked it A LOT!! (Eilat is Israel’s southernmost city). This joke was made by Morah Devorah Leah’s students in their Chumash class.

TIMED TESTS ON TIMES TABLES 3rd graders are excited with the pun about their timed tests on the multiplication tables…

150 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

Rabbi Mendel told his davening class that this upcoming 13th of Nissan will be the 150th anniversary of the Tzemach Tzedek’s passing. The kids calculated and realized that he passed away in 1866, just after HS GIRLS @ THE TRUMP RALLY the Civil War. The Hecht kids from Mrs. Ramsay took her HS Girls to the Trump PRE-PASSOVER SCHEDULE Kingston said that their Shul, Cong. Rally at the Times Union Center, not in Parents, please note this coming week’s PreAgudat Achim (now on Lucas Avenue) is also support but as a civics lesson, to observe up Pesach Schedule: Full days on Monday and celebrating their 150th year! close and in person both the candidate and his Tuesday (HS boys have a Tuesday trip to NY), (various types of) supporters and get a sense of half days (11:30am dismissal) on Wed & the rhetoric, issues and mood. Our girls came CONTRIBUTE TO MAIMONIDES Thurs. No School for Middle School (grades 6- back with very insightful observations. online: www.tinyurl.com/MaimonidesPayPal 8) on the Wed & Thurs half-days.

KITZUR SHULCHAN ARUCH Speaking of increasing individual learning text skills, Morah DL has been learning Kitzur Shulchan Aruch on the laws of Pesach with grades 6/7, both to learn about the holiday observances and also to boost their Halacha text skills. This is something they can try to continue on their own over the long Pesach holiday vacation.

BETTER TOGETHER ESSAY AWARDS Mrs. Phyllis Silverman is this year’s Dr. Morton Berger honoree. She addressed our middle and high school students who wrote essays as part of the “Better 2 Write” contest. She reflected on her years as a school teacher, how much her own family’s upbringing BETTER TOGETHER ESSAYS means to her, & how she much Our four local “Better Together” essay judges she values what were very complimentary of the student essays about their thoughts, stories and interactions our school gives with seniors. We hope to include excerpts of to our students and to the these wonderful piece in future newsletters and/or the annual yearbook-journal published community. Each student for the (June 1st) dinner. Many who wrote an thanks to participating students, to teachers & parents who assisted essay, pictured with editing and encouragement, above, received a and to our panel of 4 judges: Joanna Steper, certificate and small check, and the school SueAnn Grosberg, Ellen Kaplowitz and our winners (based on our 4 local judges review) former English teacher Barbara Rossi. were announced, their essays will be submitted to the national Better-Together contest. We MIDDLE SCHOOL are very proud of all of their work! Hershy V. Courage in the Dark Times Rivka L. A Remembrance Shira L. A Special Teapot * Mussie R. The Links of Challah Dough Chaya R. The Pistil Esther W. Grandfather’s Pesach Traditions * Ita G. Just a Day w/ Family, Russian Style JJ H. My Links of Friendships with Seniors Nechama K. From Mischievous to Amazing Sara R. Orange Zest * Shaina L. The Weekly Visit Moshe R. Always Together ** Raizel L. The Everlasting Memory Chaya H. It's Not Always What You Think Goldie K. Persevere, Even If You Can't Hear

HIGH SCHOOL Sholom K. Shanghai Survivors Moshe R. Room 319 Eli K. The Spark * Esti B. Mommom: A True Story Chani R. A Tale of Two Pictures ** Chaya S. Life’s a Gift, Not for Granted * Honorable Mention ** Better Together Scholarship Award

FINGERPRINTS IN SCI-ENRICH 6/7 graders worked with fingerprinting in science-enrichment class today. They tried their own hands-on (literally!) examples and learned the science behind how it works.

NURSERY MOCK SEDER Nursery students made their own mock Seder today to prepare our students for their Seders at home, and also to take photos for their own Haggadahs. They are so eager to do these Mitzvot with their families at home on Pesach night. Pictured here is the washing for the Matzo & breaking it in half!

ABOUT SHMURAH MATZAH Google a new article by Chef Dan Barber in the NY Times: “Why is this Matzo different from all other Matzos?” you can also search for shabboshouse’s article The Rebbe’s Big Project for more on Shmurah Matzah. As every year, Rabbi Rubin (423-4103) has it available for sale, and also Chametz Sale forms.

CHUMASH WORKSHOP 5th grade Chumash is now beginning the last Torah portion in Breishis/Genesis, Parsha Vayechi. Rabbi Mathless challenged them to try to learn it on their own! They’re set up in study groups, learning b’chavrusa, asking Rabbi Mathless only when they get stuck. It’s a wonderful exercise and helps them up their efforts, and learn how to learn on their own.

ISRAELI ESHKOL VISITORS Federation brought 3 visitors from Eshkol region to our school today, they showed us where they live in the region close to Gaza, and what they grow there and how the live, and cope with rockets. More in next “MC”...

at Maimonides and in the Community 4/16: SHABBOS HAGADOL It’s customary for Rabbis to give special pre-Pesach lectures on the Shabbos before Pesach, this year one full week before the holiday begins: • Rabbi Rubin will be speaking on “One Letter— Integrated Circuit” differentiating from Hilchot Shabbos’ 2-Letters. This is often found in the Seder—at Shomray Torah before Torah Reading. • “Making Seder of the Seder” will be Rabbi Lehrfied’s talk 10:45am at CBAJ on Shabbos.

4/17: JCC PILLARS AWARDS The Albany JCC’s pillars awards breakfast will be held at CBAJ at 9:30am, honoring Malka & Eitan Evan, Richard & Kathy Kotlow and (past MHDS Morton Berger awardee) Harry & Anne Rosenfeld.

4/17: EARTH DAY IN THE PARK

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An (Erev) Earth Day Expo 11am-4pm at the Lake House in Albany’s Washington Park. There will also be a 12 mile “green building tour” city bike parade starting at 9:30am.

4/19: PRIMARY DAY IN NEW YORK Most years primaries don’t matter much, especially in New York State. But not this year, both the Democratic and Presidential primaries are in play and New York matters indeed, especially when it comes down to the delegate count.

4/19: NISSAN FARBRENGEN Tuesday night 8pm farbrengen after Maariv at Shomray Torah celebrating the Rebbe’s 11 Nissan birthday and the 13th of Nissan yartzeit of the Tzemach Tzedek, this year 150 years since 1866.

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CBAJ first Seder at the Shul. RSVP by April 3. Visit cbaj.org for member/nonmember pricing. Bethlehem Chabad hosts first Seder at the Normanside. Adults $30, Children $10. RSVP by April 17. To join Bethlehem Chabad familystyle Seder on 2nd Night call Rabbi Nachman Simon 4398280 or Rabbi Z. Simon 866-7658. Shabbos House, both nights, primarily for students but community is also welcome. See signup at shabboshouse.org/Passover2016 Saratoga Chabad, communal Seders both nights, Call 526-0773 for info. Beth Tephilah in Troy is hosting both Seders, run at the shortest time span to fulfill Halachic requirements, approx 90 minutes. No one will be turned away for lack of funds. RSVP: 8943491. There will also be another Chabad RPI Seder on 15th Street, call for info: 894-3491. Beth Israel Schenectady hosts the first Seder. Call 377-3700 for member/non-member pricing. The Labers are hosting guests for Seders at their home, call 833-0704 for more info. Union College Chabad, first seder 7:30pm, second seder 8pm. 479-9592

4/25-28: CHOL HAMOED PESACH Pesach begins and ends on Shabbos this year, which leaves a few solid midweek days to enjoy outings and activities with kids. Any ideas?

4/25-28: SHAKER ANIMAL BABIES

4/26: SARATOGA ACTIVITIES Saratoga Chabad is hosting an evening for the kids, 5-7pm on Tuesday Chol HaMoed Pesach, including carnival activities, crafts, a magic show and a Pesach dinner. Cost is: $36 per family or $10pp. More info? 526-0773.

4/27: STREITS MATZAH FILM 7:30pm at Agudat Achim in Schenectady. $7.50 for adults, $5 for children. Info? 393-9211. For more on the film see: matzofilm.com

5/15: YITTA HALBERSTAM The author of the popular “Small Miracles” series (extraordinary coincidences from ordinary life) will speak at the Hyatt Place in Malta for the Jewish Womens Circle of Clifton Park’s 8th annual yearend gala and silent auction. Info/RSVP: 495-0779.

5/22: TENTATIVE DATE FOR BETTER TOGETHER GATHERING This date is still tentative but look for a day in May for a special “Better Together” gathering at the school with presentations by our students and food and enjoyment for all.

Until May 1st, the Shaker Museum just over the border in MA has a special program with newborn 4/20-21: Half-days English only, pickup 11:30am animal babies. Adult admission is steep: $20pp but 6/1: MAIMONIDES DINNER Save the date for the Maimonides awards dinner No School for Middle and High School kids under 12 are free. Teens priced in between. on Wednesday, June 1st, honoring Phyllis 4/22-29: No School. Pesach ends 4/30. Silverman with the Dr. Morton Berger award and 4/25: GARDEN BROS. CIRCUS 4/22: EREV PESACH AT MHDS 4:30pm and 7:30pm shows at Fonda Fairgrounds. paying tribute to 3 sets of parents with long-term dedication to Maimonides, educating all their An annual tradition: community comes out for the children here from start to finish: Avremi and firstborn Siyum (by Rabbi Simon on tractate 4/25-28: KINUS TORAH NIGHTS Sharona Backman, Ruvain and Shayna Kudan and Gittin) and burning of Chametz at Maimonides on Maimonides alumni will be back in town for the Nachman and Clara Simon. Stay tuned for dinner the morning before Passover. There will also be a holiday, and we’re asking them to share short invite, tribute journal info and additional details. Rambam Cake for Maimonides’ birthday, and a Divrei Torah at Mincha and Maariv on the Chol glimpse at an 1800 volume Haggadah collection! HaMoed Days of Pesach at Shomray Torah.

4/20-29: SCHOOL SCHEDULE

7/11-8/19: CAMP GAN ISRAEL

4/22-23: COMMUNAL SEDERS The first Seder is on Friday Night this year, the second Seder is on Saturday Night. • Communal Seder by Chabad to be held Friday night at Federation’s Golub Center, $18 suggested donation. Contact Rabbi Rubin 4234103 if interested.

4/26: PESACH KIDS RALLY Motti is back with an energizing kids rally on the last day of Chol HaMoed, 11am-12pm. Stay tuned for location info. As usual, will include games and prizes and holiday learning and hands-on Mitzvot.

Registration is opening soon, a great staff is now lined up, and there are exciting plans in the works for this summer. Call Camp Director Devorah Leah Mathless 698-1836 for more info. The Gan Israel day camp is based at Maimonides, but you don’t have to go to Maimonides to attend and have a really fun, enjoyable and meaningful 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!”