Maimonides Community

BH. THURS Sivan

3, 5779 / June 6, 2019

‫ב“ה‬

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 8:13 Shabbat Ends: produced by Rabbi Mendel Rubin & students in the TNT (Torah ‘n Technology) Program 9:24 Maimonides is accredited by the NYS Board of Regents & is a beneficiary of UJF-NENY

MC ONE DAY EARLY THIS WEEK This MC Newsletter is one day early this week because Maimonides has no school on Friday, Erev Shabbos leading straight into Shavuot.

We wish all our readers and the entire community a very happy Shavuot holiday!

maimonidesschool@gmail.com

MAIMONIDES 404 Partridge Street Albany NY 12208

MAIMONIDES DINNER PICS See page 2 & 3 for photos and details from the Maimonides Dinner this past Tuesday night, June 4th at Shabbos House. >>>

PASTA MAKING IN THE TEMPLE

PREPARATION FOR MT SINAI

This week Rabbi Avraham Kelman took his class into “Nathan’s Kitchen” at school and used a biblical recipe as old as the Torah, based on Mishna and Talmud, that turned out to be making something very similar to pasta: rolled out thin dough, cut into small pieces, boiled quickly in hot water! They made this in the Mishkan and Beit HaMikdash…

This MC Newsletter is dedicated in loving memory of

Rosalyn Morgenbesser Shoshana bat Moshe z"l, - 5th Yartzeit, 29th of Iyar, by Maxine Morgenbesser and Grandma Roz's Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren

5-6 grade girls went on a Thatcher Park hike with their activity teacher Mrs. Chaya Rubin. Getting their feet wet in the creek was a big highlight.

This outing was good timing before Shavuot with the big focus on Mount Sinai!

SHAVUOT CENTERPIECES The Medrash tells us that Mt. Sinai bloomed FROGLETS & SALAMANDERS with flowers before the Giving of the Torah.

Froglets are emerging in Mrs. Mattice’s class as the tadpoles (also known as pollywogs) in their classroom aquarium are starting to grow back feet, some even started growing their front feet, too! The Salamanders were guests in their classroom, visiting for just two days. Thanks Mrs. Mattice for making their amphibian unit come alive!

Nathan Rosenstein, obm, would weave flowers ELM PARK AND SLURPEES into the Torah covers at Shomray Torah for End of year is a time for lots of outings! First Shavuot. Kindergarten made these paper floral graders with Morah Devorah enjoyed a trip to arrangements as centerpieces for Shavuot.

Elm Park followed by ice-cold Slurpees!

CROWNS & HAR-SINAI REGENTS, REGENTS, REGENTS...

Nursery colored their own dual “Naaseh vNishma” crowns, and made their own miniature Har Sinai mountains with blue “stone” Luchot on top. They learned a lot about this YomTov and are eager to celebrate it!

Upcoming NYS Regents review and testing is the big focus of our 8th grade and HS students this time of year, (depending on grade level, they are taking Regents tests) in a wide variety of subjects: Algebra and Algebra II, Geometry, Biology, English and Global History. We wish them much success!

DINNER TABLE PICTURES

SSSSH… ABOUT THE AMIDAH..

Like the silent Amidah, these 3rd graders preferred we keep quiet about their upcoming “Shmona Esray Party” where they celebrate and present (aloud!) all they learned about the daily weekday Amidah this year. More about it when the party happens after Shavuot.

RECYCLED MOUNT SINAI Looking back at the many of the projects Nursery did this year, it is striking to see how much of it was made using recycled everyday materials. This itself is an amazing educational lesson instilled at an early age in our children. In this case, their Mount Sinai’s are made of used egg cartons stiffened with student-made papiermache made of old newspaper. In a sense, Torah also is about making the old new again, never seeing it as old & done with. Ever relevant & refreshing!

THIRD GRADE GEOMETRY HS is learning geometry, but 3rd grade has been learning it too! They just finished a work book on measuring area and perimeter…

SHAVUOT CLAY MINATURES King David & his harp, Moshe in the basket, cheesecake, flowered Sinai—all by 2nd graders.

SEISMIC SHAKE In STEAM 3rd graders built toothpick gumdrop structures and tested them on a seismic device to test for earthquake strength

DINNER THANK YOU’S In an effort to keep the dinner event shorter and sweeter, we announced that the dinner Thank You’s would be announced in the MC Newsletter instead. First and foremost to Raizy Rubin for organizing, coordinating, catering & hosting the event, from concept and awards down to the dessert. R’ Mendel and Raizy Rubin also prepared the Tribute Journal/Yearbook.

Thanks to Vaad Printing of Brooklyn for a super fast turnaround time. 30+ Years of many thanks to Hon. Ronald Goldman and Hope Berger-Nathan for this bittersweet transition year after 30 very memorable & meaningful years of the annual prestigious Dr. Morton Berger Memorial Award. Their continued, consistent, invested dedication and personal involvement for all these many years—even from afar—is deeply appreciated.

Thanks to Mr. Avi Losice for his beautiful fitting tribute (and life-story) to his late father, the beloved and respected “Reb Moshe Losice” and his dear mother Rivka, a”h, along with Mr. Howard Berger, who shared memories and an ‫ אם‬inspiration along with a special 1967 “Six Day War” Albany photo from exactly 52 years ago. This was a special opportunity for the Albany community to remember and pay tribute to Reb Moshe soon after his passing. Special thanks to Josh & Amanda Gurock for being this year’s honorees, the first of The Maimonides Award, and to the Gurock Kids for keeping a surprise (usually kids shouldn’t keep secrets from their parents) and for being eager and able award presenters. The Gurocks are a true communal bridge and worthy award recipients. Special thanks to all who appeared on the videos, especially Rabbi Jonathan Gross of Baltimore and Dani & Liza Eisenstock of Israel (both formerly of Omaha) who were a special surprise. Mrs. Chaya Rubin filmed the Chidon video, edited by R’ Michoel Caras. Rabbi Mendel Rubin interviewed and filmed the Losice Memories Gurock tribute videos, both edited

by Chani Rubin. The beautiful peony flowers as the centerpieces were courtesy of Carl Bloomberg. Mrs. Sharona Backman kept all the dinner paperwork from ads to RSVPs organized in the school office. 8th grade and HS girls set up all the tables, and helped prepare for the dinner. As did Susannah Levin, Rivi Bahir, Shayna Kudan, Joyce Teitelman and DL Mathless. Thanks to Rabbi Michael Caras and alumnus Eli Kochman for the event photography. Many thanks to all who gave ads (there are quite a few meaningful ads there!) and to all who came out in person to attend the dinner and support this year’s honorees. Thank you!!!

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REMEMBERING REB MOSHE LOSICE The opening portion of the dinner was a memory and tribute to the recent passing of this beloved and respected leader and mentor of our community.

Rabbi Rubin shared a carpet customer story & Siddur teaching from R’ Moshe that seemed autobiographical about himself. Howard Berger did a wonderful play on the ‫ אם‬opening word of this past weeks Parsha and shared “IM” moments and memories of his parents and the Losices. Avi Losice shared his parents story in Albany, his own memories and his father’s involvement in communal institutions especially Shomray Torah, Maimonides, and Modern Carpet which was also a platform for his vision and values—and the pay-it-forward legacy takeaway for all of us. The 8-minute video tribute (soon available online “Remembering Moshe Losice”) featured a selection of memories & impressions by a spectrum of local community.

YAHADUS CHIDON MORAH DINI TRIBUTE The video showcased students and what they’ve learned and gained from Yahadus Curriculum. Morah Rochel introduced the program & described Morah Dini’s persistence and enthusiasm for it. Upon receiving the “Kol HaTorah Kulah” open-Torah award, Morah Dini raved about the value of our students having such breadth of Torah knowledge and how beautiful it is for our 8th graders to have worked towards such an accomplishment!

THE MAIMONIDES AWARD PRESENTED TO JOSHUA AND AMANDA GUROCK—BY THEIR CHILDREN This year’s dinner theme was “Bridges” (a theme richly expressed by the emcee Ronald Goldman, Rabbi Rubin & also Josh Gurock in his acceptance speech) and being that the Gurocks bridge so many aspects of life and community, it was fitting to have a symbolic bridge as the award. In addition to the introductory video with short tributes by friends of the Gurocks from Omaha and Albany, the surprise of the evening was that their own children presented the award to them, with each sharing ways how their parents act as connecting bridges and how they model bridges and blends for them. Very fitting, as Josh’s acceptance speech was all about transmitting values to our children, the impact and effect and vision for our children, and even the lessons and inspiration learned from our children.

Don Stracher opened with the Hamotzee

In tribute to 30+ years of personal investment and dedication to the dinner & Berger Award, Ronnie & Hope presented with metal print.

Hope Berger-Nathan closed with warm uplifting words of memories & friendship!

NOT ENOUGH ROOM IN THIS WEEK’S MC...

at Maimonides and in the Community 6/5: BOYS AT FUNERAL MINYAN

Thanks to the many pictures of the school dinner and a shorter school week, we don’t have enough room for all the student reporting—hopefully more next week!

6/10: TANACH SIYUM AT CBAJ

Some of our Bar-Mitzvah boys went today to make a Minyan at a local funeral—can’t always leave class but important lesson in communal responsibility.

Communal Tanach collective Siyum celebration after CBAJ services approx. 11:30am of the 2nd day of Shavuot. Those who took study chapters should finish by this date. Maimonides and Hebrew Academy students will be doing a joint song6/6: J’FED: OPIOD CRISIS TALK reading about a Torah scroll finding a place where A panel discussion of experts on this important it belongs. Kids can read (and practice) the lyrics issue is being hosted by the Jewish Federation’s Joint Societies, 7pm at UAlbany’s School Of Public here: https://lyrics.fandom.com/wiki/ Abie_Rotenberg:The_Place_Where_I_Belong and Health, 1 University Place, Rensselaer, just across the river. $20 by RSVP, $25 at door. Info? 518-783- you can listen to the song here: https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0PwSI4aJcI Those 7800 or online at: www.JewishFedNY.org who are praying at CBAJ stay on after services, those students at Shomray Torah can walk over to 6/7: NO SCHOOL—HAPPY EREV CBAJ with Morah Dini leaving Shteeble at 11am.

No school on Friday for Erev Shabbat-Shavuot, the 3-day holiday weekend. School resumes 9:30am on 6/11: SCHOOL RESUMES ON TUES Tuesday, davening classes will be 9:30am.

School resumes 9:30am starts with davening class.

6/8: SHABBOS BAMIDBAR This year Erev Shavuot is on Shabbos, and we read Parshat Bamidbar, recalling the Midrash “Why was the Torah given specifically in a desert wilderness?”

6/8: WOMENS SHIUR THIS WEEK This week’s womens Shabbos shiur will be given by Susannah Levin is giving the shiur at the home of Lori Calka, 359-C Hackett Blvd. 4:45pm. Great way to get into the Shavuot spirit: Ladies First!

6/8-10: SHAVUOT HOLIDAY Shabbat Parshat Bamidbar goes straight into Shavuot on Sat Night, Sunday and Monday for a “3 Day YomTov”. No school on Friday 6/8 and late 9:30am start on Tuesday 6/11.

the morning (followed by dismissal at the end of program—usually by 11am). 8th grade graduation ceremonies will be in the evening of the same day at 6:30pm. High School students have a Regents testing schedule of their own thru Friday 6/21.

6/23: FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE WALK 11am-1pm at Tawasentha Park on Route 146 in Guilderland. Cost is $15pp or $36 per family.

There will be a breakfast buffet, obstacle course and a color-run for those interested—non-toxic washable packets can be purchased at check-in.

6/26: 100+ YEAR OLD GOMEL TORAH RESTORED & DEDICATED

Naftali (Tony) German came to the US from Gomel Russia in 1989 and carried with him a Torah from the synagogue where his father served as Gabbai, written 100 years earlier! This Torah has 6/16: JEWS & COMICS PANEL been lovingly restored and will be dedicated for use 7pm at Temple Sinai in Saratoga featuring panelists in Colonie community. All welcome to join this reRob Kovach of Federation (avid comic book dedication celebration & amazing Torah life-story collector & enthusiast), Rabbi Simcha Weinstein that preceded & survived all of the 20th century— (“Up, Up & Oy Vey” author) & Matt Neugroschel 5:30pm at the Crossings Park. To RSVP for the (UAlbany artist, writer, instructor). $5pp. Info etc: event or for more info, please contact: 518-584-8730x2. Saratoga Jewish Cultural Festival. ChaiCenterColoni@gmail.com

6/16: ALBANY’S DAD FEST

6/30: BATTLE OF THE BBQS 2.0

1-6pm in Washington Park. Classic car show, kids a Teams now assembling for the 2nd Battle of the ctivities, vendors, music etc. Now in its 5th year!

BBQ’s to benefit the Shalom Food Pantry, to be held 2-5pm at Bethlehem Chabad.

6/16: OPENING VALLEYCATS GAME

Tri-City Valleycats open up the season 6pm at “The REBBE’S YARTZEIT PROGRAM Joe” stadium against the Staten Island Yankees.

Stay tuned for a special local communal program Fireworks at the end of the game. being planned around (but not on) the Rebbe’s 3rd of Tammuz Yartzeit in early July. Details to be 6/8: SHAVUOT NIGHT LEARNING announced soon.

6/17: SCHOOL YEAR-END TRIP Shomray Torah starts late on Shavuot night, after Grades 2-8 will be going on a year-end trip to Fort the YomTov meal, in addition to the traditional 7/8-8/15: CAMP GAN ISRAEL DATES William Henry (including a boat ride) and other recital of “Tikkun” Rabbi Rubin at Shomray Torah activities in/around Lake George. Cost per student Now is a good time to find out more about what will explore a new source of technology in the is $7 with the other half subsided by the school.

Gan Izzy has in store, and to register for day-camp Mishna, as well as other intriguing in-between this summer, kids ages 3-10. One tidbit: This year’s “twilight” Mishna concepts. CBAJ with an earlier preschool division counselor is Simcha Cadaner, a 6/18: SCHOOL YEAR-END BBQ evening start has 3 Shavuot lectures by Rabbi Jewish Montessori teacher in Brooklyn. More info On the last full day of school just after dismissal, a Feldman on topics of 21st Century Judaism. family BBQ at school starting at 3:30pm. $25 cost contact Morah DL Mathless: 518-698-1836 per family or $5 per person.

6/8-10: NCSY PROGRAMMING Late night learning on Sat Night for 5-12 graders, all-night learning & 5am Shacharit for 8-12 graders, 6/18: “REFUSENIK” FILM In the Saratoga Jewish Cultural Festival, Saratoga Chabad will be includes coffee, ice-cream and more. Sunday showing this 2007 film about the Refuseniks in afternoon 5pm Pond-Chill at Buckingham Pond communist Russia. 7pm at 130 Circular Street. and Monday afternoon cookie-dough bake 4pm.

Russian desserts served. More info? 518-526-0773.

6/9-10: DAIRY KIDDUSHIM AT S.T.

6/19: MOVE UP IN THE AM AND Rabbi Caras is arranging (sponsors still welcome) big delicious dairy Kiddushim both days of Shavuot 8TH GRADUATION IN THE PM at Shomray Torah/Shteeble. All welcome!

Moving-Up Day ceremonies (& end of school) in

PLEASE FIND AND RETURN ANY “ESTY LIBRARY” BOOKS!

Students, if you have any Esty Library books at home please bring them back to school next week after Shavuot before the year-end. We want to restock the library for the new year (book sponsorships are welcome!) but we need to be sure of what we have! Thanks… we love our readers! Keep on reading all summer-long!

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!”