BH. Shvat
14, 5777 / Feb 10, 2017
Candle-Lighting: Community Newsletter of the Maimonides Hebrew Day School of the Capital District 5:03 404 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 6:05 Maimonides is accredited by the NYS Board of Regents & is a beneficiary of UJF-NENY
maimonidesschool@gmail.com
ב“ה
בשלח
This newsletter is sponsored by the Caras Family in honor of their son
Yossi’s Upshern celebration last week at Maimonides School
FUN IN THE SNOW—LAST TIME
TEACHER APPRECIATION DAY
We don’t (yet) have pictures from the new snowfall from this Thursday (a snow-day, no school) here are some pictures of fun in snow in front of school from an earlier snowfall that we didn’t have a chance to put in the newsletter yet. More snow = more outdoor fun!
7/8 graders had a mid-perek Siyum after finishing a few Talmud pieces about the 2-story house that collapsed or that developed a hole between the two floors and some other cases. They made their own pizza with Rabbi Shmuly in Nathan’s kitchen, and they all enjoyed but still had two pies leftover! Not enough for the whole school, so they decided to turn it into Teacher Appreciation Day and offered a slice to all the teachers!
MAZAL TOV MORAH MUSHKY! MHDS alumna Morah Mushky Rubin is engaged to Moishe Denburg of Coral Springs FL. Mazal Tov to Rabbi Mendel & Raizy and grandparents Rabbi Rubin and Morah Rochel on this Simcha. There was a Lchaim in Crown Heights on Sunday and hopefully another Lchaim here in Albany sometime soon, before their wedding just before Pesach!
MAZAL TOV AHARON MEIR On his Bar-Mitzvah celebration this Sunday afternoon in Troy. Wishing his parents R’ Leible & Elisheva Morrison much Nachas from their youngest Bar-Mitzvah boy!
SCIENCE CENTER PROJECT The national foundation will match all donations and pledges in by the end of February. We’re past the halfway mark, and that’s a huge deal, but we still have a ways to go to maximize the matching grant towards a new expanded science center at the school. Speak to Rabbi Rubin 423-4103 for info, how to get involved & sponsorship opportunities.
IF A CELL WERE A CITY? A CAR? Indeed, each cell can be considered its own little city… which cell-part could be considered the school, hospital, town hall, police, sewer dept? 7/8 graders are developing this concept in science analogy to understand the roles of each part of the cell. Some students are using a city model, others are using other analogies, for example: seeing the cell through the lens of a car (fuel, exhaust, steering etc). This project blends Science, English…
MAIMONIDES 404 Partridge Street Albany NY 12208
TU BISHVAT SPROUTS The Jewish New Year for Trees is this Shabbos, and Morah Devorah’s 1st graders have been planning ahead, so that their lima beans sprout just in time for Tu Bishvat—and they did! They’ve been watching the slow progress as the beans sat in moist bags on their wall. See page 2 >> for a picture of them planting these sprouts in containers of soil.
FEEL BETTER SOON! We wish speedy recovery to Mrs. Ramsay’s daughter, and to our students Adina W. and DL K. who were hurt because of the snow. And a Refuah Shlayma to Shlomo Yaakov ben Henna Chaya.
DISINTEGRATION OF THE SEED HS Girls learned with R’ Mendel Tu Bishvat lessons learned from the disintegration a seed in the supportive environment of good soil—as it pertains to spiritual and emotional growth, the Chassidic concept of “Bittul” and even how it relates to relationships like marriage.
MEASURING SLOPE INTERCEPT HS Girls are learning the mathematical formula to measure a slope.
PLANTING THE SPROUTS See page 1, their lima beans have sprouted and are now ready to plant into small containers of A TIMELY HEBREW SNOWMAN dirt where they can grow into strong plants. Did we put this picture of this first grade Just in time for Tu Bishvat! Hebrew snowman in the newsletter yet? So it is just in time for the year’s first big snowfall (even if it wasn’t sticky packing snow this time) to learn Hebrew words like Tza’if = scarf, Kaftorim = buttons, Peh = mouth, Kadur Sheleg = snowball, Choref = winter, and Af = nose.
BETTER TOGETHER ESSAYS
It’s time for the essays again! For some of our students this will be their first opportunity to participate (there’s potential for some very valuable prizes), our older students have already done this before. It’s due right after Purim, about a month from now, when it will be judged by a local panel of judges, and then the chosen essays sent off to the national contest. Now is a good time to get started with QUICK FRESH AIR WALK On Wednesday this week (before the storm) it your ideas and outlines… AVODAH IN BEIT HAMIKDASH was muddy out so the kids played two games That’s the subject of 5/6 Yahadus this month of dodgeball indoors (first with back-ins, the ENGLISH IN YIDDISH and they (and other classes in the Yahadus second without) and then Rabbi Mendel took HS Girls read a humorous talk of the Rebbe curriculum) have a big final test this coming them on a fresh-air walk around about the American Tuesday which is a qualifier for the national the school block just to get out a Jewish attempt to melt Chidon HaMitzvos in Brooklyn. Study and bit. Fresh air helps your day! into secular society and review as much as possible, these laws are culture as much as detailed and complex, questions can be tricky, STILL IN TIME FOR SHMOS... possible, using the lens but study as much as you can & try your best. We’ve passed some of the most colorful Torah of the Egyptian exile as a perspective. The best portions of Shmos but still have the Giving of TEACHERS MATH HELPERS part were the many English words written in the Torah and construction of the Mishkan In Mrs. Kirkley’s 3rd and the sin of the Golden Calf ahead… Order Yiddish lettering, peppering the message with grade some students humor and relevance. your Book of Shmos “TheTorahTimes” now have gotten quite good available to order on Amazon (Shmos for $18 at division while others or one joint convenient volume of Breishis are just starting it, so and Shmos for $24.99) printed and shipped to they're helping their friends get better at it. your door. See the Amazon link at: Sometimes you learn more by teaching others! www.TheTorahTimes.com
GET BETTER SOON CARDS 2nd & 3rd graders said Tehillim and made Get Well cards for kids who are sick and could use our prayers, wellwishes and encouragement.
GARBAGE VIDEO What happens to all of our garbage? How does recycling work? One day this week, in preparation PHASES OF THE MOON for Tu Bishvat, 5/6 students watched a Tu Bishvat is 15th of the month of Shvat documentary that begins where the garbage when the moon is fullest, its always fullest on can ends. Tu Bishvat is a good time to think the 15th of Hebrew month. This about little steps we can make for the 3 RE’s: blends the system of the Jewish REuse, REduce, REcycle—to make the most of calendar with science of astronomy. out of our natural resources.
TAMBOURINES AT SEA! These students are singing and banging away as they pass between these two giant sheets of water and fish, replicating the Splitting of the Sea!
YES, THIS CAR RUNS! These boys (and other students) in ScienceEnrichment class with Mrs. Kirkley designed cars like these to work using some force of energy, and they spent time checking out the available materials, building the car and tinkering with the design (the propellant, vehicle weight, and other factors) to make it work best.
AND BIRD-FEEDERS, TOO! The birds chirped and tweeted and sang along as we sang Song of the Sea, and we’re eternally grateful. The Maharal of Prague had a custom to go out with the children to feed the birds for Shabbos Shira, which is why these (and other) students made bird feeders for the birds to enjoy (especially with all the snow cover).
UNUSUAL USES OF TREES aside for wood and fruits, in honor of Tu Bishvat, based on classroom science & random facts kids know
INDIAN DIORAMAS PROJECT 4th graders have begun work on dioramas today depicting themes from the lives of the Eastern Woodland Native Americans (who lived in this region years ago) based on the information they’ve learned about them in Social Studies class with Mrs. Maher.
WOVEN BOOKMARKS Morah Rivi taught kids to make these cute little woven bookmarks using straws and yarn (you pull out the straws once you’re done) . In the above photo 2nd & 3rd graders are getting acquainted with it, in the top photo some 4th graders are showing their finished product. It’s a way to learn weaving, along with focus and patience along the way!
AZ YASHIR BY SPONGEBOB Morah Raizy made this Spongebob singing AzYashir (under the Sea!) years ago when our school was still at Ohav Shalom! Rabbi Rubin stored it away in the school basement and brought it up to show the kids for Parshas Beshalach this week. A lesson we can learn from a sponge? To absorb and soak in all the good things we learn! From Spongebob we can learn to be energetic and optimistic!
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BARK: Tree bark is a protective layer. 4th graders learned how Native Americans used it to cover their homes or to make canoes. Some bark can even be eaten—like the bark of the cinnamon tree!
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MORE THAN FRUITS: Many kids say they like hearts of palm, and those aren’t the fruit but part of the branch itself. And here in the Northeast farmers of sugar maples harvest sap to make maple syrup.
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GIVE AND TAKE: Carbon Dioxide isn’t great for us but trees absorb it and give off oxygen (which we very much need) instead. Having more trees around helps make the air we breathe cleaner and fresher, and it helps the environment as a whole.
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PAPER: It may be hard to believe that flimsy thin paper comes from trees, but it does. Actually nowadays, there’s a greater effort to make more of our paper from recycled paper and wood products so less trees would be cut down for paper (which we use a lot of!)
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HABITAT: So many species, directly or indirectly, depend on trees (and forests) for their habitat. Birds live in trees, as do a many insects, and many animals rely on their shade and leaves and fruit.
FREE TIME FOR READING Once Ms. Arika Ford’s students finish taking a test they get to make themselves comfy in their classroom’s book-nook area and pick a book to read for their own enjoyment. Reading is its own reward!
at Maimonides and in the Community 2/20-11: BESHALACH, TU BISHVAT AND SHABBOS SHIRAH (SONG) Tu Bishvat Kiddush at Shomray Torah. It’s customary to eat fruits, especially those of the “7 Kinds” for which Israel is especially blessed.
2/10-11: KINGSTON SHABBATON Our HS Girls are enjoying a getaway Shabbaton in Kingston NY this Shabbos. Thanks Hechts!
2/11: TU BISHVAT SHABBOS SHIRAH (SONG) MELAVA MALKA
2/15: AIPAC: ISRAEL & MIDEAST
2/24: READ TO SUCCEED
7pm at Beth Emeth. Local synagogues join to hear Jonathan Kessler, AIPAC director of Strategic Initiatives speak on current issues facing Israel and the Middle East. RSVP/more info, contact Jordana Samot: 646-360-1532/atjsamot@aipac.org
Bring in a log of your child reading 6+ hours for him/her to get a free ticket to Great Escape. Must be in the office by this date. More ?’s: Speak to Morah Dini.
2/16-20: FEB BREAK UPDATE As on the original school calendar, there will be no school Thursday 2/16 thru Monday Feb 20th. School resumes Tuesday, the 21st at 8am.
2/19: GEM & MINERAL SHOW
Annual event with vendors, craftsmen & experts R’ Yehoshua Sussman will play violin and on the 4th floor of the NYS Museum. Admission is share insight into melodies, over some $5 (cash only) per adult, kids 12 & under are free. light food & refreshments at an informal There’s also a kid-friendly Gem, Fossil & Mineral Melava Malka, 7:30pm Sat Night at show downstairs in the museum between 12-3pm. Maimonides in honor of Tu Bishvat and Motzai Shabbos Shira. Do you get the 2/12: WORLD PERCUSSION Twitter-bird connection? 2pm in the NYS Museum’s Clark Auditorium, Randy Armstrong plays 25 (!) percussion 2/12: MEGA KIDS CHALLAH BAKE instruments from all over the world. Several orgs are making this exciting hands-on Kids Mega Challah Bake experience for kids ages 5-13. 2/20: NATIONAL FREE PARK DAY Sunday, February 12th, 2:30-4:30 at the Albany 100th year of the Park Service, all national parks JCC. Children should be accompanied by an adult. have free admission this Presidents Day, including No Charge. Please RSVP by Tuesday, February 7. Martin Van Buren’s Lindenwald home in nearby RSVP: www.CapitalKidsChallahBake.com Kinderhook and FDR’s Home and Library Chanie@CapitalChabad.com 439-3310. Museum further south down in Hyde Park.
2/12: LAST DAY OF ICE-CASTLE On the shores of Lake Flower and the end of the www.SaranacLakeWinterCarnival.com check online for schedule and more details.
2/26: MEET THE CHASSAN Mushky’s Chassan, Moshe Denburg of FL will be in Albany for a communal meet and greet at Shabbos House, Sunday 2-4pm. All welcome!
3/3: UALBANY’S SHABBAT 360 Rescheduled date for #ualbanyShabbat360 cosponsored by Hillel, Shabbos House, Lchaim, Aish and other campus orgs, it’s the largest unified Shabbat dinner of the year, this year to be held in the CNSE Nanotech Zen Building. This event is open to students from nearby campuses as well.
3/5: J-FED ON TERROR FUNDING A Joint Society Federation event open to the community features Avi Jorisch, President of Red Cell IG, an expert on terrorism and illicit finance. $30pp, $20pp (ages 22-40), $40pp after Friday 3/5. 7pm at Agudat Achim in Schenectady. Register online at www.JewishFedNY.org.
3/24-25: REGIONAL SHABBATON Chabad on Campus Regional Shabbaton to be hosted at Shabbos House.
2/20: ALBANY DEVILS HOME GAME
1pm at the Times Union Center. Call or check 2/12: TIMES-UNION HOME EXPO Last day of a 3-day Home Expo in the Times-Union online for tickets and pricing. Rumor has it Center, with vendors and displays on everything that the Devils hockey from solar panels to the newest bathtubs, even team may be moving displays of door handles and locks. This year they south-west to also have a varied display of local artwork run by Binghamton (after many the Albany Center Galleries. Check online for years in Albany) so this times and price info. may be one of the last opportunities here. 2/12: JNF TU BISHVAT PROGRAM 9:30-11:30am at the Albany Marriott on Wolf Rd. Tu Bishvat Seder, Israeli trivia games, & screening of the new film: “Mekonen” an African–Israeli journey. More info & RSVP: JNF.org/albanyTBS
2/12: CLIFFORD AT NYS MUSEUM 12pm-4pm, Clifford’s (the big red dog) birthday celebration at the NYS Museum’s Bird Hall.
2/23: BOYS & GIRLS MISHMAR 3pm-3:45pm at school. For grades 3+. Boys program run by 7/8 grade boys, girls program run by the HS Girls. $2 suggested to cover costs.
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!”