BH. Adar
II 8, 5776 / March 18, 2016
Candle-Lighting: Community Newsletter of the Maimonides Hebrew Day School of the Capital District 6:48 404 Partridge Street Albany NY 12208 (518) 453-9363/3434 www.maimonidesschool.org 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
7:49
MAZAL TOV LABERS
This newsletter is sponsored in honor of the birth of a grandson in Israel
Mazal Tov to Rabbi Avraham and Nechama Laber and the whole Laber family on the engagement of MHDS alumnus Chaya Laber to Mendy Shepherd of Detroit.
Yahel Chanoch
MAZAL TOV STARKS
by his grandparents Morah Devorah and Sid Stark
Mazal Tov to Morah Devorah and Sid Stark on the birth of a grandson Yahel to MHDS alumna Tzippy and Chanan Fixler in Israel. The name Chanoch is for Sid’s father Henry, a long-time and steadfast dependable pillar of the Saratoga Minyan and Jewish community.
DINNER HONOREES! Save the date for the annual Maimonides dinner, Wed, June 1st, after Memorial Day Weekend. This year we look forward to honoring Mrs. Phyllis Silverman with the Dr. Morton Berger award, and 3 parents whose children studied at Maimonides from start to finish (long-term dedication!): Avremi & Sharona Backman, Ruvain and Shayna Kudan, and Nachman & Clara Simon. Stay tuned for additional details, dinner invite, tribute journal info and more.
MAZAL TOV MORGENBESSERS MHDS alumna Sara (Morgenbesser) and Ben Kalish had a baby boy. Mazal Tov to Bubbe Maxine and the whole Morgenbesser family.
BETTER TOGETHER ESSAYS IN The Better Together essays are in. Thanks to our students for some very wonderful work! Our local judges in Albany and Schenectady are reviewing each one, and will choose the winning essays from our school, and then it’s on to the national judging. So far the local judges say the essays are marvelous and it’s hard to choose between them!
MYSTERY BEAR @MAINSTAGES Students in the PJ Library program at MHDS and other local schools went to Ohav Shalom on Tuesday to watch a live “Mainstages” performance of the Purim Mystery Bear story they read in PJ Library time with Amy Drucker. It was fun to see the story they already knew (from the book) enacted live on stage. Thanks to PJ Library for this no-cost theatrical experience for our students. Special thanks to parents (along with our teachers) who chaperoned and transported our students: Amanda Gurock, Tzivie Hecht, Devora Leah Kaufmann and Rabbi Laber.
THANK YOU ROCKWOODS Dr. Bill and Adrienne Rockwood were the Dr. Purim is around the corner! In addition to all Morton Berger honorees at last year’s school dinner. This week they sent in a generous Megillah classroom learning and Purim contribution which will help purchase a new projects in the younger grades, this week also saw a number of grades making their very own laptop for weekly “MC” newsletter editing after the old breathed its last after six years. delicious home-style Hamantachen. Nursery (pictured top) loved the rolling and cutting out THE WHOLE dough circles best, 2nd graders made their dough red, while 6/7 baked to share with MEGILLAH seniors in “Better Together”. 3rd graders 3rd grade is reading, experimented with chocolate chips and peanut learning & illustrating butter fillings, and 6/7 grade did the recipe in Megillah margins, see Hebrew in Morah Rivi and enjoyed Hebrew the long scroll going conversation throughout the process. down side of the desk.
HAMANTASCHEN GALORE!
MAIMONIDES 404 Partridge Street Albany NY 12208
RABBI YOSSI ON B.T. WEBINAR
AN AMSTERDAM CONNECTION
Rabbi Yossi was a featured presenter on a “Better Together” this week webinar for Jewish schools across the country describing how we are implementing the program at Maimonides, this year and last.
How do mugs connect with Ray Tomlinson and the @ of email? Rabbi Yossi went to Amsterdam NY to pick up the Better Together mugs. While there he stopped at a local historical society where he learned local Jewish history, and also about Ray Tomlinson, an Amsterdam native who studied at RPI and TIME NOW FOR B.T. RECIPES! later became famous for the little @ in email. Now that the essays are in, it’s time to try to He passed away last week. Find out more get some recipes for the “Better-Together” about @ at the Spir@l Prunch noontime on cookbook. Speak to your grandparents or an older neighbor, ask them for a favorite family Purim. Amsterdam NY also reminds them of recipe, and a little story or description that can Anne Frank of Amsterdam Holland whose diary they are reading now in English class. go along with it.
ROSENBAUM CHEESE SAMPLER Speaking of food, there are now several deliciously different Rosenbaum cheeses you can taste and enjoy! There are 3 or 4 flavors of Quark cheese (thick cheese spreads), a slightly drier and less salty feta cheese, and a Cheddam Cow cheese which is a healthier and cheesier replacement for American cheese. They have both goat cheddar and goat cheddar with herbs. Find out more or order yours at: www.RosenbaumCheese.com
ANIMAL AND PLANT CELLS Mrs. Dubarry’s 4/5 graders are learning about the similarities and differences between plant (above right) & animal (above left) cells. They had a chance to look at some slides under a microscope to see it for themselves (students won’t say where the sample of animal cell came from). Homework is to create a cell model out of household items (nosh, stuff, parts & pieces) & label it all accordingly.
SHAKER NECKLACE GRAGGERS Kindergarteners displaying necklace graggers that you shake to make noise. No hands!
SHEMA IN POWERPOINT These 3rd graders are working on their Mishna powerpoint projects, they are now learning about the morning and evening Shma, and the time frames for each. They use graphics and animation to accompany the Hebrew and English text on each slide.
THE MIDNIGHT CONNECTION Midnight is one of the times listed in the Mishna as a deadline for the nighttime Shma. 3rd graders (they really enjoy sharing connections in the newsletter) were excited to share that midnight was one of their spelling words this week, too!
THE DANISH GUEST BETTER-TOGETHER MUGS 6/7 graders packed Mishloach Manot for seniors inside a “Better Together” mug. The High School boys brought a bunch to Bnei Brith apartments. Believe it or not, there’s a connection to Ray Tomlinson and the little Alef we’re celebrating this Purim at school. See top of next column to find out why…
This guest at Minyan was from Canada not Denmark. So why call him the Danish guest? Because he brought a big tray of fresh danishes and delicious pastries for the people at Minyan and the HS boys who study there afterward. Other interesting guests this week at Minyan were Rabbis from across the state who serve as chaplains. They were in town for a Dept of Corrections conference in Albany.
DOING WORK ON THE BOARD Ms. Ford’s first grade students enjoy doing math problems on the board. Nice teamwork!
INVISIBLE WOMEN Mrs. Ramsay’s 8th grade history class is now studying the Great Depression in the 1930’s before WWII. Some considered women back then to be invisible in the work force, even though they are a growing percentage.
PI DAY ON 3/14/16 Several grades watched a documentary on Pi Day about the mathematical formula and how it developed to how it’s known today.
OD YOSEF CHAI TZEDAKAH Grades 2-5 classroom Tzedakah raised over $40+ to send to Israel’s poor for Purim, students can still bring in monies (every little bit adds up) next week.
TROY & THE TROJAN HORSE
CLAY VS. SAND VS. LOAM SOILS Mrs. Maher’s 3rd graders are learning about rocks and soils. They did an experiment to see which type of soil drains the most water, and which type retains the most water. Each of the Styrofoam cups holding the soil types were pierced with the same number of tiny holes on bottom and placed inside a clear plastic cup underneath. Then they poured the same amount of water into each type of soil.
6/7 history is now learning about ancient Greece. They learned about the city of Troy (not to be confused with Troyes of France where Rashi lived) and how the Trojan horse PUSH-UP GRAGGERS was a trick used to win the war. It feels close to Not only are these Graggers/Ra’ashanim filled home with students in our school from Troy with noisy noisemakers, but they also have a NY, just across the Hudson River. push-up and pull-down feature (they are treatpops) that give it extra Graggering features.
PURIM PLATES Kindergarteners read a book “The Special Gift” which inspired them to make a gift of their own in time for Purim. They can’t wait to present it! Soon enough…
THINK LIKE AN ORCHESTRA Psalm 150, last chapter in Tehillim is said daily in the Pesukei D’Zimra part of the prayers. It speaks of praising G-d using various different instruments: wind, string, percussion. It’s a good lesson about people, too. Each of us are like a different instrument, producing sounds. We may sound very different from one another, as a drum is different from a violin. But it’s the harmonizing of all the different sounds which makes music so beautiful. The same is true of a family or a classroom or any group, we all benefit from each person shining & expressing themselves in their own way; skill, style & specialty.
MEGILLAH STAGES Kindergarteners each made their own puppet stage for This picture (top) was taken this past Sunday the Purim story. This one is at the Laber Lchaim for Chaya’s engagement, a titled “Mishteh” = feast for mix of MHDS alumni and graduating seniors. the180-day party at the start When they took this photo, they half-jokingly of the story, & the smaller called it “A Newsletter Picture”! While on this parties Esther made to topic here’s another recent photo of students expose Haman to the king. and alumni (above bottom) at the Simon Each student’s stage was for Sheva Brachos. May we share many Simchas! a different part of the Purim story.
ALUMNI/STUDENTS @LCHAIM
MANIAC MAGEE
Mrs. Dubarry’s 4/5 grade students are reading this 8th graders read a Hebrew story about two Newberry award book by Jerry mothers who boasted of their sons Spinelli, who wrote many talents and abilities, while the third books for young people. He mother didn’t. But when the three has a new (2015) book for son all came by, an old man observed that only younger readers titled “Mama the third woman’s behaved as a son should. Seeton’s Whistle” with a great message.
THREE WOMEN, ONLY ONE SON
NO ROOM FOR HIGH-5... High-5 would have been about “memory” for Parsha Zachor. 8th grade learned importance of memory (full concordance page of Tanach references), in computers (2 types of memory) and why learning history can be considered a Mitzvah. Perhaps for future “MC” newsletter.
TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD 8th graders finished the book by Harper Lee (who passed away during the time they read it). They discussed it together from different angles and wrote essays on various forms of past & current stereotyping and discrimination, and now they watched the film.
“OU” & “OW” VOWEL SOUNDS
This can get tricky. Ms. Ford’s 2nd graders had NURSERY PURIM MASKS to paste the correct vowels inside each word, as “Maseichot” = masks, Nursery students are PURIM CARDS STILL AVAILABLE excitedly wearing the ones they decorated. Call school office on Mon/Tues: 453-9363 part of a spelling unit.
at Maimonides and in the Community 3/16-30: CANSTRUCTION, YEAR 6 This is the 6th year of Canstruction at the NYS Museum 4th Floor, see what talented teams have built out of cans this year, and vote with your own can. All cans are donated to the Food Pantry.
3/18: FIRST OF LONG FRIDAYS We changed the clocks early Sunday morning the 13th, so today is our first full-day Friday schedule.
3/19: SHABBOS ZACHOR This Shabbos it is especially important to hear the Torah reading Maftir of Zachor, read every year on the Shabbos before Purim. If you can’t make it to Shul, its recommended to hear the similar Torah reading on Purim morning read at the Minyan.
year, it begins later at night (the fast lasts longer). Evening Megillah Reading at Shomray Torah after Mincha/Maariv evening service. CBAJ Megillah 7:30pm followed by a Bounce Party with giant indoor inflatables. “Purim>Play” Megillah, Arcade & Masquerade at Shabbos House for students. “Purimtini” for grad students and young professionals, open-bar, hors d’ouvres, Megillah, etc. with Bethlehem Chabad and University Heights Chabad, cosponsored by Jewish Federations NextDor: 7:45pm at the Holroyd Mansion, 182 Washington Ave.
3/24: PURIM DAY CELEBRATIONS
This Mitzvot of Purim are primarily fulfilled during Purim day: Mishloach Manot, Matanot L’Evyonim, and Mishteh—the Purim feast. Plus we hear the 3/19: PEOPLE OF THE JOKE Megillah once again during the daytime: That’s Rabbi Lehrfield’s Lunch & Learn topic at The Spir@l Purim Prunch @ M@imonides! CBAJ for Shabbos Zachor before Purim Celebrating the little @ with strudel and other spiral foods. The annual Purim Prunch is a 3/19: SHABBOS KIDDUSHIM midday Purim event and an ideal time to see Kiddush at Shomray Torah/Shteeble by the other kids costumes and exchange Mishloach Sussmans for Jori’s 40th birthday. Manot with families who may go to different CBAJ’s Kiddush by Chaim Shaffer and Simma Shuls or Purim celebrations. Megillah, too! Kinderlerher for 65th birthdays, Lehrfields for “Purim in Japan” with Saratoga Chabad & their son Shaya’s 2nd birthday, and by the Clifton Park Chabad at the Hyatt Place in Malta, Siltons in honor of their grandchildren. Exit 12. Japanese Dinner Buffet & Sushi Bar, Martial Arts Demo, Chopstick Competition, 3/20: FIRST OF MAPLE WEEKENDS Origami crafts… etc. $10pp, $5 kids (ages 4-12) Interested in maple sugaring? Feel like getting out Info: 495-0772/9 and seeing a working farm? Check out the listing of “Purim at the Circus” 5pm at the Normanside in farms and events at: www.upperhudsonmaple.com Delmar with Bethlehem Chabad will feature circus acts, face-painting, arts and crafts. Adults $10pp in advance, $15 at the door. $5 per child. 3/20: PRE-PURIM CARNIVAL SPIRIT RSVP at bethlehemchabad.com / 866-7658 Here are Purim carnivals on the Sunday prior: Megillah and visiting seniors, 1:30pm at the Beth Emeth Youth Group Carnival, 10:30am at Evergreen Commons (near East Greenbush 100 Academy Road in Albany. No charge. Library) with Rabbi Avraham Laber. Star Wars Purim theme 10am-1pm at the Early evening Megillah and Purim dinner for Schenectady JCC, with bounces and activities. students at Shabbos House. Joint with all Schenectady synagogues. 377-8803. Festive Purim Seudah at Beth Israel hosted by Rabbi and Rabinessa Kelman, 6:30pm. Call 3773/21: MONDAY AFTERSCHOOL 3700 to reserve. 3:30-4:30pm special afterschool program for boys and girls in grades 4 and up. Girls: $3 for supplies. 3/24-25: SCHOOL SCHEDULE Face-mask making with Rivka Davis. 3/24: No school on Thursday, Purim Day 3/25: 9:30am start on Shushan Purim Friday, with 3/22: THE FAST OF ESTHER As every year, adults fast on the day before Purim. early dismissal at 11:30am. Come in your Purim costume for the Shushan Purim costume parade! This year the fast is longer because of Daylight Savings Time switching before Purim arrives.
3/23: PURIM NITE CELEBRATIONS
PURIM MITZVAH MEN! MEGILLAH-TO-GO…
Purim is Wednesday night into Thursday this year. Because clocks sprung forward before Purim this
Motti and friends will be back to help share the Purim spirit. If you know of people who can’t or
won’t get to synagogue but would like to hear the Megillah read, please contact Motti so they can make their Purim schedule: Mottel770@gmail.com or call: 518-368-7886.
3/27: DELI-CIOUS DELI COOKING 3-6pm, meat meal and workshop led by Rabinessa Liora Kelman at Beth Israel in Schenectady. $32 for non-members, $28 for members. 377-3700.
4/7: JEWISH SPOKEN WORD Federation’s Womens Philanthropy presents Andrew Lustig who will share poems about Jewish and Israeli identity, 7pm at SUNY Polytechnic, 257 Fuller Road. RSVP by 4/5, $30 after. 783-7800.
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.
Are you interested? DATE T.B.D. CROWN HEIGHTS BUS TRIP An attorney from Hudson NY (with support of the Jewish Federation) is trying to arrange a full-day bus trip with touring and shopping in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. Shopping would include Kosher food stores and Judaica shops. Tour would include a scribe, handmade Shmurah Matzah bakery, Rebbe’s synagogue and library, a delicious lunch and more. Bus would make stops in both Albany NY and Hudson NY. Cost including bus, lunch and tour would be $70pp. For more info contact Rabbi Rubin 423-4103 / rralbany@gmail.com or see Eventbrite.com/CrownHeights
6/2: MAIMONIDES DINNER Save the date for the Maimonides awards dinner on Wednesday, June 1st, honoring Phyllis Silverman with the Dr. Morton Berger award and paying tribute to 3 sets of parents with long-term dedication to Maimonides, educating all their children here from start to finish: Avremi and Sharona Backman, Ruvain and Shayna Kudan and Nachman and Clara Simon. Stay tuned for dinner invite, tribute journal info and additional details.
7/11-8/19: CAMP GAN ISRAEL 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!”