BH. Tevet
29, 5777 / Jan 27, 2017
ב“ה
Candle-Lighting: Community Newsletter of the Maimonides Hebrew Day School of the Capital District 4:44 404 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 5:48 Maimonides is accredited by the NYS Board of Regents & is a beneficiary of UJF-NENY
maimonidesschool@gmail.com
This newsletter is dedicated in memory of
Marlene Aronson Yartzeit Teves 27 MAZAL TOV STEMPELS Formerly of Albany and Maimonides on the marriage of Nechama to Darren May.
FIRST GRADE SIDDUR PARTY An exciting annual tradition and rite of passage at Maimonides! Mazal Tov to our first graders (and their parents and teachers) for mastering these prayer segments with warmth and liveliness, may they continue to grow in their skills and appreciation of prayer in the years to come! More pictures on page 2. >>
MAZAL TOV MORRISONS On (their youngest) Aharon’s Meir’s BarMitzvah is coming up, his celebration will be at Troy’s Beth Tephilah on February 12th.
FROM & TO THE HEART
This week’s Pitgam with Morah Raizy was the phrase: “Words from the heart, enter the heart” 7/8 grade girls all wrote short poems or illustrations of this important life teaching. Here are some examples of what they wrote about: how one word can have such MEETING DAF YOMI EXPRESS Rabbi Shmuly’s 6th graders took turns reading tremendous impact if it is truly meaningful; some of the Gemorah they learned before the the same thing can be said different ways and start of the Daf-Yomi lesson this past Sunday. the way you say it can make all the difference; BETTER TOGETHER people can pick up right away if you really This week HS students visited Daughters of mean it or not; speaking from the heart can MAZAL TOV CARAS FAMILY Sara with a collection of large-size illustrated create or deepen lasting friendships. books about Passover and Israel and On the upcoming upshernish of their son other Jewish topics. They shared the Yossi, this coming Thursday, during lunchtime MANY INSPIRED BY LT. LANS books with the residents and helped at Maimonides. Much Nachas! Lt. Commander Laurie Lans was a big hit at them look through them and pass the recent Spa for the Body & MAIMONIDES ALUMNI BABIES them around. Here’s a meaningful Soul held at Shabbos House. story: One man sat through the whole Rochel (Chanowitz) and Ben Federman had There’s been great feedback presentation quietly, bent over, seemed to be a baby boy in Florida. Mazal Tov! on her inspiring, humorous, sleeping. When the book reached him, he held Hershel and Chaya (Kozak) Goldstein had a engaging and thoughtit different ways, looked at it for a while, baby girl in Monsey NY. Mazal Tov! provoking talk. flipped through pages, and then stood up, put the book in his walker and seemed to leave, MAIMONIDES but instead walked over to a lady and very 404 Partridge Street sweetly handed her the book! And here’s a funny story: Rabbi Yossi showed a book called Albany NY 12208 “Yiddish in America”. One man called out: “Hey, did my mother write that!?” One lady said that she worked in the Albany State Library for 27 years. It was a great visit that both the residents and our students enjoyed.
REFUAH SHLAYMA Keep Shlomo Yaakov ben Henna Chaya in your prayers for a speedy & complete recovery.
MONOLOGUES IN CHOIR
SENSITIVITY TO THE MOTHER
Morah Chaya Bracha assigned short readings to girls in grades 5-8 to memorize, make their own, and share with the group as a dramatic reading. She critiqued their performance and gave them tips to work on and improve.
4th grade Navi is learning about the birth of CREATIVE Shimshon (Samson) to parents who had been PARSHA childless. But the angel who announces his This week we read birth and the special instructions for his life in the Parsha only appears to the mother and not the father. about the plagues, They learned that this was a message and HS girls made of extra sensitivity to a mother who creative, artistic felt blamed for her childlessness, and designs depicting a way to boost her esteem in the eyes of her some of the husband Manoach. plagues. Pictured here is the one on hail.
ANIMAL BEHAVIORS 7/8 grade is learning about animal behavior in science class, and on Friday they watched a video about dogtraining. Interestingly, even though this was specifically about dogs and animal behavior, there were some useful applicable lessons for people there, too. Your emotional state and tone and approach can greatly affect the response of those around you.
ALOGONGUIN AND IROQUIS 4th grade with Mrs Maher are now learning in Social Studies about the Iroquois and Algonquin native American tribes that were once common in this region and for whom many local things are named. If they do well there’s a possibility of a field trip ahead (they are very eager for that, of course).
ENZYMES FOOD FOR THOUGHT In Science class, HS girls are learning about how enzymes break down food in the digestive tract so that our bodies can absorb it, and this is the same theme (in terms of digesting and absorbing and internalizing our learning) in the Tanya chapter 5 they are having a test on.
THE PROGRESSIVE ERA Mrs. Ramsay’s 7/8 grade is finishing up a Social Studies Unit on the Progressive Era (late 1800’s thru early 1900’s) including the fight for women’s voting rights, to stop child labor, settlement houses, the Muckrackers, and the failed Prohibition laws. They’re writing DBQ essays, doing extra-credit assignments, and having a final test of this historical period.
RUGELACH AT BAKE SALE Most weeks the 8th grade girls bake-sale (Wed at morning recess) offers choco-chip cookies, Zebra (crinkle) cookies, iced cupcakes and ricecrispy-treats. But some weeks they have specialty items like popcorn, blondies, muddybuddys—and this week they sold Rugelach!
CIVIL WAR IN ISRAEL Don’t worry this isn’t current events, but the 7/8 grade Navi class is so into the dramatic and emotionally charged story of Avshalom’s revolt that it feels like its happening! Learning about any revolt would be dramatic but this especially so, because it a charismatic son against his own beloved father, and there’s a lot of treason and loyalty and betrayal.
FIRST GRADE EXTRA READING Morah Rochel has been taking out the first graders one at a time to practice and improve their reading skills.
PLAGUES IN
PSALM SIX Kindergarteners are learning Tehillim (Pslams) Kapitel (chapter) Vav (Six) as part of their reading practice, and in keeping with the tradition of reciting the Psalm of the year you are entering, so Psalm 6 for these 5 year olds.
MEGILLAH PSYCHOLOGY Ego plays a big role in the Purim story, from Achashvairosh the King, to Haman’s rollercoaster ride with it. Esther played into that by inviting Haman to the private feasts, and then pulling out the rug from under him. HS girls found many psychological insights while learning these pieces in Megillah class.
SIX GENERATIONS 7/8 boys have been learning all kinds of names of Rabbis in the Gemorah, and they started wondering which Rabbis knew which, who was a student of whom and things like that. So Rabbi Rubin learned with them this week about the six classic generations of Amorai’im, the Rabbis of the Talmud, starting with Rav and Shmuel down to Ravina and Rav Ashi, and the central academies of Sura, Pumpedias and Nehardea—all in Babylonia, modern-day Iraq, plus the Rabbis in Israel.
HEIDI EXPLAINS THE TALMUD 7/8 boys just finished Abbaye & Rava’s Agam argument on Bava Metziah 36b. Abbaye’s answer to Rami Bar Chama’s question is better understood from the perspective of “Heidi” (by Johanna Spyri, first published in Switzerland in 1881) about the lush pastures at the top of the Swiss Alps that allow for the creamiest richest goats milk.
MORE SIDDUR PARTY PICS Continued from page 1. Thanks to the parents who sent in pictures here are some more photos of the Siddur Party celebration this week at school. You can see them davening away with enthusiasm and focus, their decorated hats spell the portion of the davening that they led the group in singing (top) the Alef-Bais cookies they set up to spell the words of the highlighted prayers (middle) and them all standing proudly with their new Siddurim (above).
SOME DAVENING RULES:
YUMMY KOKOSH CAKE This is a rolled chocolate-filled Kokosh cake that Morah Rochel baked with her students. It’s Hungarian Jewish specialty. They baked it for a special birthday on Thurs. It looks one way from the outside, but very different once its sliced and you see it from a another profile/perspective.
The Boys Davening Class with Rabbi Mendel wants to reiterate some important rules. Students can’t daven earlier at home (with rare exceptions). This disrupts the classroom atmosphere and doesn’t allow for the student to participate the lively singing. Students are expected to join in the singing as much as possible. Those who come late are given some time to catch up, and older boys may need to stop singing and get more davening in as we approach the Shema, but ideally we should be singing (the parts that we sing) as a group as much as possible. Eat a good breakfast before you come to school. It helps with an energetic davening and it also gives you the strength you need to learn all day. Get enough sleep! Some of our boys are too tired to give davening their best shot, and tiredness can also make them more irritable. A good night’s sleep is a very good thing. It’s important to try and sing as a cohesive group. Everyone’s involvement makes it more special. But let’s keep it together and not try to make it too crazy or silly or wild. Let’s remember that we’re davening!
WEATHER KEEPS CHANGING
THE LIMA BEAN PROJECT Tu Bishvat is just two weeks away from this Shabbos, time to get these lima beans ready to sprout! They’re pictured here hanging in moist beds of cotton in their classroom. Wait & see..
THAT’S A CHEERIOS SNAKE
But please, always be prepared for outdoor activities. Kids should bring hats, gloves, scarves, etc— because we do like to spend recess outdoors as much as possible. Parents, thanks for making sure your children are prepared to go outside every day, with all outdoor gear.
Nursery students made cheerios snakes as they learned about Moshe and Aharon telling King Pharaoh that the Jews need to go free! It’s quite a job to string all those cheerios and a fine motor skills exercise. It wiggles and bends and rattles IS THAT WATER CLEAR OR RED just like a snake! Even better—you can eat it! Nursery students had this hands-on activity as they learned about the first plague of Blood to hit Egypt when Pharaoh didn’t want to let the SCIENCE CENTER 360…. Campaign ongoing! Speak to Rabbi Rubin for Jews go free, but the water in Goshen stayed clear even during the plague. more info: 423-4103 RRalbany@gmail.com
THE SHKAYDIA SONG Kindergarteners made a multi-textured page about the famous Tu Bishvat song using their own hands as the tree, with layers of green for grass, a bright warm sun, beautiful!
JEWISH FEDERATION SuperSunday is this Sunday! Answer the call to support local and overseas Jewish needs. Plus, forms are available now for overnight camp scholarships, apply before Feb 24th.
DID YOU KNOW THIS ABOUT THE PLAGUES from Chumash studies and the Parsha this week
1
SEVENTH DAY OF DARKNESS: Unlike the other plagues Darkness lasted six days instead of 7, and the 7th day of darkness took place during the Crossing at the Sea when the Egyptians were blinded.
2
FROGS: They seem to be the most benign of the plagues, more nuisance & annoyance than anything else. But of all the plagues, we learn selfless dedication with sacrifice from the frogs. The Talmud says that Chananya, Mishael and Azarya jumped into the fiery furnace inspired by the frogs dedications in ovens and unlikely places.
3
LICE WAS A FIRST: The 3rd plague, lice, was the first one that couldn’t be replicated by Pharaoh’s team, because of their very tiny size. Something to think about nowadays (and locally) with all the research and development in nanotechnology.
4
RESPECT & APPRECIATION: Moshe couldn’t smite the Nile, for he was saved through it—Aharon had to do that plague instead. This teaches us Hakoras HaTov, the importance of appreciation and respect for that which has given to us, even something inanimate like the Nile River, how much more so with people!
5
CROCODILES: When it comes to crocodiles, most would think of “Arov” the 4th plague. But Abarbanel, in his biblical commentary, has an unusual interpretation of “Tzfadeah” (frogs) to mean crocodiles, and makes a short cryptic reference to the Jewish children exiled with monks to the Island of the Crocodiles, which became the basis of the fictional book: “Exiles of Crocodile Island”.
at Maimonides and in the Community 1/28: ROSH CHODESH SHVAT This Shabbos is Rosh Chodesh Shvat, with Hallel, different Maftir, special Musaf and Yaaleh V’Yavo in all other Amidahs and in the Bentsching.
1/28: NCSY AND HISORIRI YU Students Hisori program are visiting CBAJ this weekend & there’s an NCSY Chapter Shabbaton. Dr. Daniel Grosberg is giving the Torah365 talk.
1/28: THIS WEEK’S KIDDUSH Shomray Torah: Dr. Yehoshua Moshe &Chaya-
Bracha Rubin will be sponsoring kiddush this week as a Seudas Hodaah in thanks to Hashem for His kindness in being saved from danger. CBAJ: Kiddush sponsored by Nanette and Artie Brenner for her father’s yartzeit.
1/28: PIZZA NITE III At “Nathan’s Kitchen” at Maimonides, run by HS Girls, benefits their extra-curricular. They’ve been very efficient, a great team, making delicious pizzas.
1/28: SHIUR AT PIZZA NIGHT Leading up to Yud & Tu Bishvat, Rabbi Rubin will give a 7:45pm class upstairs during Pizza Night titled: “Dancing with Hadassim?” (myrtle twigs) a closer look at the celebrated Tanna Rabbi Yehudah Bar Ila’i (including almond nosh) based on both Talmudic and Chassidic text sources.
1/28: NCSY 8-12 SNOWTUBING NCSY is taking teens in grades 8-12 snowtubing right after Shabbos, 6:05pm from CBAJ. $14pp.
1/29: HS GIRLS IN ADIRONDACKS Thanks Rabbi Yaakov Kellman for arranging this exciting one-day skiing trip and outdoor adventure for our HS Girls up in the snowy Adirondacks.
1/29: J-FED’S SUPER SUNDAY Federation’s Super Sunday fundraiser supports both local and overseas beneficiary organizations, from Maimonides to Sderot, from PJ Library to summer camp scholarships. Parents: If you couldn’t sign up for a shift to call, please register for one of the follow-up calling nights. It benefits the greater community including our school, and helps with overseas Jewish needs as well.
2/2: CARAS UPSHERNISH Lunchtime at Maimonides. Mazal Tov Yossi!
2/12: MEGA KIDS CHALLAH BAKE Exciting hands-on Mega Challah Bake experience for kids ages 5-13. Sunday, 2:30-4:30 at the Albany
JCC. Children should be accompanied by an adult. There’s no Charge, but please RSVP by Tuesday, February 7th at www.CapitalKidsChallahBake.com or 439-3310 or Chanie@CapitalChabad.com. This community-wide event is co-sponsored by the Jewish Federation and PJ Library, CBAJ, Hebrew Academy and Maimonides and area Capital Chabad Centers. Sign up, don’t miss it!
UALBANY KOSHER DINING UAlbany Kosher Dining at Indian Quad under Vaad HaKashruth and open to community: See online: ualbanydining.com/dining-choices/kosherkitchen.html
2/12: TIMES-UNION HOME EXPO 3-day Home Expo with vendors and displays ends this Sunday. Look up for costs or more details.
2/13: TU BISHVAT SCHOOL BREAKFAST Tu Bishvat falls on Shabbos this year, but we will still have the annual Tu Bishvat breakfast on the Monday following.
2/16-20: FEBRUARY BREAK WKND 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. Enjoy the break!
2/24: FED CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS Federation (overnight) Camp Scholarships are due by this date, forms available from Federation or from the school office.
3/3: SHABBAT360 The date has been back and forth due to a venue issue. Hopefully it will be on March 3rd. Second year of a unity Shabbos of all Jewish groups on the UAlbany campus, other area college students very welcome. Stay tuned for confirmation and details.
3/24-25: REGIONAL CAMPUS SHABBATON Chabad on Campus Regional Shabbaton to be hosted at Shabbos House. See more soon at: www.shabboshouse.org
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!”