BH. Sivan
25, 5778 / June 8, 2018
ב“ה
Candle-Lighting: Community Newsletter of the Maimonides Hebrew Day School of the Capital District 8:14 404 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 9:25 Maimonides is accredited by the NYS Board of Regents & is a beneficiary of UJF-NENY
maimonidesschool@gmail.com
MAIMONIDES 404 Partridge Street Albany NY 12208
THE MAIMONIDES DINNER See page 3 inside this newsletter for photos & highlights from this year’s very memorable Maimonides Dinner honoring Rabbi Israel and Morah Rochel Rubin. As Rabbi Rubin interpreted the dinner logo of a ship’s helm: Unlike a smooth-edged (aside for some finger grooves) steering wheel which drives along on asphalt roads, a ship’s helm has large highly visible protruding spokes to hold onto with a tight grip because it rides on a much choppier surface. So, too, running a Jewish school in a small community takes many people holding on tight: faculty, parents, financial supporters, communal friends, alumni, and even the students. Gotta hold on tight for the ride! Your grip keeps this ship on course…
MAZAL TOV TEITELMANS Mazal Tov to Joyce and the Teitelman family on the graduation of a grandson Yehudah who was valedictorian of Yeshiva of North Jersey.
OTHERWISE... Also at the dinner (more about it on page 3) Mrs. Linda Chandler spoke about the school’s Legacy Society, how past legacy gifts have helped the school and how current legacy commitments will help ensure the school into the future. While not listed on a communal “letter of intent” for legacy gifts, “that’s OK!,”
This MC Newsletter is sponsored in honor of the Wedding Anniversary of
Racheli & Yaakov Morgenbesser on the 24th of Sivan and in memory of
John (Yakov b’ Yechiel) Amann (Maxine's Father) on the 25th of Sivan by the Morgenbesser & Kalish Families
YES, BLUEBERRIES, BUT NO...
One of the blueberry saplings we planted behind school a month ago already started to blossom and sprout blueberries! But we can’t eat them this season because blueberries are said Mrs. Chandler, “because you can list Ha’Etz and classified as a tree, and the Torah Maimonides on that list as OTHER.” Other is law of Orlah (one of few agricultural Torah appropriate for our school as we try to sensitize laws outside of Israel) prohibits eating the fruit our students to needs of the OTHER, be there of fruit trees within the first 3 years of for each OTHER and help one an-OTHER planting. Menachem S. who has been keeping and don’t leave the OTHER out. We look to a careful eye on these blueberries (and used the broaden their intellectual horizons with digital LabDisc probes we got from Israel to OTHER perspectives, compare and contrast measure their proper pH level) saw online the MOISHE’S ISRAEL REPORT one idea with the OTHER, and love when recommendation to keep new blueberry plants MHDS alumnus Moishe Kudan returned from they find connections with OTHER ideas and from bearing fruit in the first two years so they his birthright Israel trip just in time for Parsha life experiences. In OTHER words… can use their energy to set down roots instead Shelach (when we read about the negative of expending energy on bearing fruit. How report by ten of the spies). We look forward to MAZAL TOV ROSENBLUMS interesting that farming expertise may hearing all about his exciting trip, especially as Mazal Tov to Sandy and Dina on the recent shed light on this ancient Jewish law! we already got online Albany pictures like this marriage of Todd Rosenblum to Eta Kliger. More planting expertise on page 2 > one at the Kotel with the Levin brothers.
A LIFE EXAMINED… On occasion of Dr. Jonathan O’Brien’s 18th yartzeit this 22nd of Sivan (day of the dinner where he was mentioned and remembered) Rabbi Rubin pulled out copies of the book he wrote before his passing and shared excerpts with the High School girls (pictured above holding up a copy of “A Life Examined..”)
KINDERGARTEN TZITZIT This week’s Torah portion speaks of Tzitzit, so Kindergarteners worked on making their own 5th graders happen to be learning now about practice version out of yarn, as they learned BERKSHIRES SHABBATON Aravot (4th of the 4 Species in the Lulav & Our 7th grade girls spent last Shabbos in about the Mitzvah. Etrog set) but usually these aren’t commonly Pittsfield to celebrate the Bas-Mitzvah of their available until just before Sukkot. Thanks to classmate Riki V. They had a communal Mr. Heshy Ungerman (who planted them Friday night meal and celebration at a hotel, from his own stock) we have several Aravot Shabbos Day at Chabad there, and on Sunday bushes growing vigorously on the south side of took a very nice walk in Pleasant Valley our school, so Rabbi Motti took the students Wildlife Sanctuary in Lenox MA. right outside for a closer look. They saw that the stems were reddish and the leaves did not have jagged edges, 2 of the signs of the willow-species PUPPET SHOW FOR N-1 BY 2ND desired for the Mitzvah of Aravot. 2nd graders put on a puppet show (two stories: freshwater animals meeting saltwater ones & a watchdog meeting a giraffe) for Nursery thru first graders to watch. Mrs. Mattice built up an elaborate wavy honeycomb cardboard stage for WATER 2nd graders to each have a slot.
ARAVOT: EXHIBIT A
SCIENCE
Nursery’s water fun day was more Morah Leyee devised a creative hands-on final RABBI RUBIN’S SISTER than just fun and Rabbi Rubin’s oldest sister Mrs. Rochel Zaklos for their Halacha class. She displayed a whole games. They also visiting from Detroit for Maimonides dinner. bunch of random objects (hammer, brush, raw did a lot of handsrice, egg shells, pushka etc) and gave each The next day (before her flight back) Morah on science, making student a slip of paper with a specific scenario Rochel showed her all around school where aluminum foil and they had to demonstrate how they’d deal she enthusiastically met different classes. “boats” and seeing with that object on Shabbos. Then for their how many marbles laws of Brachos class, they had a new set of could still stay scenarios, but this time it was over food, so it afloat. Inside the was a tasty final, indeed. Their Chumash final classroom they experimented with sink or was all text & commentary, food for thought. float, and how their properties are different. The kids were very into it, other classes came WONDER IDENTITY ESSAY over to watch, too! Advanced Nursery STEM! Do you think differently about yourself based on how other people think of you? That’s a big END-OF-YEAR PICK-A-TREAT WAX MUSEUM THIS TUESDAY topic that 5th graders are writing As the year winds down, Morah Chani has a about in their essays for Mrs. M. after Take a stroll through history this coming special treat for he Kindergarten students each Tuesday at Mrs. Ramsay’s “Wax Museum” of reading the book “Wonder”. day. Each day they pick out a slip of paper to historical characters. It will be the same day as see what the next day’s treat will be. It could the year-end BBQ, during class-time. be extra-recess, making slime in class, shaving- ENGLISH FINALS COMPARISON In preparation for their English final, 7th cream fun… And one of the options was grade is comparing/contrasting characters and OY, NOT ENOUGH ROOM... frozen ices in the park (pictured above). plots & issues in the books they read this year. More pics and reports in next week’s MC!
HIGH SCHOOL SENSORY FINAL
HIGHLIGHTS AT MAIMONIDES DINNER HONORING RABBI ISRAEL & MORAH ROCHEL RUBIN (A) Rabbi Mendel introduced the passage on back of the journal (from the daily evening prayers before the Shema) how it is most appropriate for Rabbi Rubin and Morah Rochel. (B) Rivka Goldstein (formerly of Albany, then worked with Rabbi Rubin for many years on syndicated “Holiday Guide” family of newspapers) drove in from Cleveland. (C) Sid Stark was surprised with engraved truck recognizing 70 years of S(h)tark’s Auto being a Jewish Saratoga landmark, a beacon of Shabbat and prayer observance, honest and integrity etc. (D) Mushky Rubin’s moving and articulate speech was the highlight of the night, opening with R’ Yose Ben Kisma’ offer of jewels and closing (to a standing ovation) with Dr. Jonathan O’Brien’s description of Maimonides being a “jewel in my backyard”. (E) Rabbi Eliyahu Teitelman of New Hyde Park presented the Dr. Morton Berger Memorial Award to Rabbi & Mrs. Rubin. He shared personal memories of growing up in Albany and Dr. Berger, and tied it all together with Rabbi Rubin and Morah Rochel using beautiful connections to Pirkei Avot, including the miracle “rain never extinguished the (altar’s) fire”. (F) The award itself was actually a 92-page thick photo book filled with nearly 400 pictures of the Rubins, mostly after 2005 at Maimonides (when we went digital), but also including some photos dating back to the 1970’s. (G) Avi Losice not only came up himself but brought heartwarming, uplifting and beautiful greetings via video from his father Reb Moshe, whom we are all praying for a continued recovery. (H) All of Rabbi Rubin’s sisters came, from Montreal, Detroit and Brooklyn. (I) Hope Berger-Nathan with the Rockwoods, past recipients of the Dr. Morton Berger Memorial Award, this evening was the 30th dinner in his memory. (J) A blast from the past! Dr. Hershel Ellenbogen, a past president and parent of Maimonides stopped in to wish Mazal Tov! (K) After the dinner, participants looking through the big thick photo book, recognizing people and remembering events and milestones. (L) Morah Rochel, in her acceptance, spoke about the passion and love for teaching, and how important it is to try to reach every child in their own way and not dismiss them. Rivka G. spoke afterwards how at Maimonides “individual inclusion” is taken for granted, something many other schools would do well to emulate. Rabbi Rubin’s acceptance speech about the spokes of the helm is on the front page. PLUS: One of the nice surprises at the dinner was a video montage of well-wishers from a spectrum of people who knew and appreciated the Rubins over the years, from as far away as Israel and California, and as close as Albany. THANKS to all who participated in person, via video, through ads in journal, it was truly a beautiful tribute!
MHDS YEAR-END: BBQ 6/12, MOVE-UP 6/18, GRADUATION 6/20
at Maimonides and in the Community 6/9: SHABBOS SHELACH IN SHUL THIS WEEK...
6/13: HOLOCAUST SPEAKERS (& BBQ) AT S.C.
Torah portion is about spies/scouts, the classic Mitzvot of Challah and Tzitzit. It is also Shabbos Mevorchim Tammuz. Kiddush at Shomray Torah this week by Vicky O’Brien in memory of Dr. Jonathan O’Brien for his 18th yartzeit. Shabbat is also yartzeit of Rabbi Yosi ben Kisma (of the famous Pirkei Avot Chap 6 story) Rabbi Rubin is sure to mention that! At CBAJ there will be a meat-Kiddush farewell to Tzvi & Jeanette Goldstein who have been youth directors at CBAJ and are headed to Israel for the upcoming academic year.
Saratoga Chabad hosts animated Arnie Adler to share the story of his late parents surviving the Holocaust (suitable for nearly all ages). Prior to his engaging talk at 7pm there’s a 6pm BBQ ($10pp/$30 max per family). Please RSVP to Rabbi Abba & Raizel: 518-526-0773 or email: saratorah@gmail.com
6/9: WOMENS SHABBOS AFTERNOON SHIUR
6/16: GIMMEL TAMMUZ: REBBE’S YARTZEIT
4:45pm by Leyee Rubin at the home of Rochel Rubin, 122 South Main Ave
6/10: CBAJ REDEDICATION CELEBRATION 10am event at CBAJ to showcase recent shul renovations & growth. CBAJ.org
6/10: FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE WALK 1pm-3:30pm in beautiful wooded Tawasentha Park (188 Rt 146) in Altamont, not far off Route 20. Wear sneakers! BBQ after walk/ run, ArtsCrafts for kids & fire-truck demonstration. $10pp/$30 family. RSVP: capitalfriends.org/events/friendship-circle-walk-2018/
6/10: BEEKMAN STREET ART FAIR IN SARATOGA On Beekman Street between Grand and West Circular Street. 10am-5pm, free. Juried arts & crafts show, street performers, maker-spaces for kids etc.
6/14: JEWISH FEDERATION NENY ANNUAL MEETING 7pm at the Golub Center Fed Offices, 184 Washington Ave. 518-783-7800.
Big Kiddush Farbrengen at Shomray Torah. Stay tuned for a Gimmel-Tammuz communal event together with Yud-Bais Tammuz the following week.
6/17: DAD FEST IN WASHINGTON PARK A Fathers Day celebration by the City of Albany, with music, vendors, kids activities and a day in the park. 1-6pm, no admission charge.
6/17: WILDERNESS CRAFTS AT VAN DYKE PRESERVE 1-4pm at Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy’s Van Dyke Preserve in Delmar led by Dave Muska of Ondarta Adventures. No cost. Info? 518-436-6346.
6/18: MOVING-UP DAY AFTERNOON Moving-Up Day (for Nursery thru 7th) on Monday afternoon at 2pm. Parents and families are welcome and encouraged to attend. Last day of school.
6/19: SCHOOL CLEAN-UP & PACK-UP DAY Teachers are encouraged to come in on “day-after” to close up year.
6/20: EIGHTH GRADE & HS GRADUATION Wed evening, after 8th grade returns from graduation trip. MAZAL TOV!
6/10: CAPITAL REGION RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
7/9-8/17: CAMP GAN ISRAEL DATES
If medieval dress, horsemanship, swordfighting and magic is your thing, it is this Sunday at Indian Ladder Farms in Altamont. Cost is $5-$15pp. If you are going to Friendship Circle Walk in Tawasentha Park, this isn’t too far away.
Gan Israel Day Camp dates for Summer ‘18: July 9th thru Aug 17th. Dedicated staff, engaging program, meaningful memories. For more info call Morah Devorah Leah: 518-698-1836.
6/10: NEIMAH CHORUS + KATZ: “AFRICA TO ZION”
7/10: SHLOMO D’S TEFILLIN
7pm at Massry Center for the Arts at College of St Rose. $15pp, $10pp for students/seniors. The 35-member co-ed Neimah Chorus will be accompanied by Rabbi Noam Katz and his band with a theme of “From Africa to Zion”.
Our 7th graders are putting on Tefillin one by one as their 13th birthdays near. We look forward to a nice group of BarMitzvah boys next year!
6/10: COHOES ARTISTS SHOWCASE 10-5 at Cohoes Music Hall. free admission, featuring therapeutic Art4Vets.
8/20-27: JGR—THIS YEAR A ONE WEEK RETREAT
6/12: THE YEAR-END SCHOOL BBQ ON TUESDAY
What makes the Jewish Girls Retreat different this summer? One week instead of three, but what a week it will be! Call Nechama Laber to find out more. Located at a lakefront campsite, with divisions for Jewish girls of a range of ages. See www.JewishGirlsRetreat.net for info.
This year it will be a few days before the end of the school year, on Tuesday during the last full week of school. Cost per family is $25 or $5pp. PARENTS: Please note that BBQ begins at dismissal but students without parents at pickup will go to office to wait for BBQ, so there can be parental supervision.
6/13-14: TWO DAYS OF ROSH CHODESH TAMMUZ Wed & Thurs. 8am Minyan at school on Wednesday morning.
6/13: MENDEL C.P. PUTS ON TEFILLIN Mendel R. (of Clifton Park) first-time Tefillin at 8am Shachris at Shteeble.
8/26: JEWISH HERITAGE NIGHT AT VALLEYCATS More info/ticket & food purchases all online at: www.jewishfedny.org/ events/valleycatsjewishheritagenight2018/ Vaad Kosher meals!
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!”