BH. Tevet
6, 5779 / Dec 14, 2018
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 4:04 Shabbos Ends: produced by Rabbi Mendel Rubin & students in the TNT (Torah ‘n Technology) Program 5:08 Maimonides is accredited by the NYS Board of Regents & is a beneficiary of UJF-NENY
MAZAL TOV SHEPHERDS Mazal Tov to Rabbi Mendy & MHDS alumna on the birth of a baby boy this past Tuesday, and to all the Laber uncles and aunts and grandparents Rabbi Avraham & Nechama Laber, and great-grandparents live locally, too!
maimonidesschool@gmail.com
MAIMONIDES 404 Partridge Street Albany NY 12208
MAZAL TOV CARAS FAMILY On the birth of a baby girl named Chana on Wednesday night, to parents R’ Michoel and Leah, and the baby’s siblings at Maimonides.
This MC Newsletter is sponsored in honor of the birth of
Chana Caras
Born on Hey-Teves and named in memory of the Rebbe’s mother by Michoel and Leah Caras
NURSERY WAGON SHAPES Nursery students used the Parsha Vayigash’s wagons that Yosef sent to bring down Yaakov and his family to Egypt to learn about shapes: circles and rectangles.
MAZAL TOV ROSENBLUMS To Seth, Amarit & family on Ayelet’s recent Bat-Mitzva. Much Nachas!
HEBREW WINTER CLOTHING Morah Devorah’s first graders made a colorful classroom bulletin board (see above) of winter clothing and their Hebrew words. The second graders are taking the same winter clothing exercise to the next level with more complex vocab (see their word list on left). Please dress warm!
CELEBRATING BOOKS Rabbi Rubin did a special “Hey (5th of) Teves” presentation on “Shaar Blatt” (title page art and words) on 18 different classic books from different time periods and places around the world, including some Torah journals that Rabbi Motti edited and published in Australia and England! All the kids got a treat: a whoopee pie. Why whoopie pies, what’s the connection? Like book covers, the cookies hold (together) the creamy richness within. But it goes beyond external physical covers. Indeed, the whole function of a book is to provide context, setting & format for ideas & feelings. You can’t hold the creamy inside by itself without those more tangible cookie holders. And while black & white text may not seem appealing to some; whoopie pies remind us that black & white can be lusciously rich!
FISH IN A TREE 4th graders are reading this with Mrs. Maher about a student who has troubling reading but no one realizes that at first until one teacher did.
THERE’S MORE TO LETTER VAV Atop see Nursery students coloring their letter Vav, the 6th letter of the Hebrew alphabet. #6 is why there is a 6-pointed Jewish star inside. But there’s more. Vav in Hebrew means a hook, and they learned that the Vav shape is really a Yud with a stick (or hook) that pulls the Yud down lower. The concrete way they learned this was by having the portion of the Vav below its Yud folded as an accordion which can be pulled down into a Vav shape.
RAFFLE-AUCTION UPDATE > See page 3 for pictures of this year’s Auction, the post-Chanukah dinner, and a listing of the prize winners, although all who participated are surely winners for supporting Maimonides!
IMAGE FILE FORMATS JPEG, PNG, TIFF, GIF, BMP, SVG… what do all these image file types mean and how do they differ from one another? In STEAM class this week 8th graders took a closer look at these file types and also made the tie-in to the many Roshei Teivot (abbreviations) common in Jewish texts.
HOVERING IN HEBREW
THE NORTHWEST PASSAGE
DAVENING SCAVENGER HUNTS
5th grade history is learning about European explorers who ventured on major expeditions to find a northwest passage towards the other side of the world. It didn’t work out as planned but they found good places along the way, including Hudson’s discovery of Albany!
After a whole week of Hallel singing during Chanukah, boys davening class this week did two scavenger hunts inside their Siddurim: one day they searched to find and count all the “Es” or “Et” words they come across, and another day they looked for names of people in the prayers. Moshe, David, Avraham were the obvious ones, but the question was do we count names that aren’t in davening as the names of people, like Baruch and Chaim…
BRAYSAH OF THE TEN THINGS
6th grade Gemorah is learning this Braysah A student brought in a remote and divided it up according to the helicopter (was it a Chanukah present?) and issues: real-estate, Shabbos laws, had it hovering about just over the floor. Did Israel vs. diaspora, safety issues, etc. anyone of the excited kids gathered round remember the Hebrew word for hover from SOLAR PANELS FOR SHED the Chumash? Mendel S. did: Merachefes, from Rabbi Shmuly & 5/6 graders put together a the very first words of the Torah! set of solar panels, an inverter and battery to place on the shed roof to learn about solar.
COLD FRONTS/WARM FRONTS This studying of weather factors and patterns was just in time for the sudden snowfall which no one really expected on Thursday.
WHAT CALMS YOU DOWN
Morah Rochel’s Navi class was learning about King Shaul who needed help MANY CHANUKAH ACTIVITIES calming his nerves, and they discussed various Our students and their families took part and things that are helpful to them in calming were helpful at many different Chanukah down. One student said that watching the celebrations and activities throughout the area snow falling is calming and soothing for him. & have many wonderful Chanukah memories. And guess what? Just then, out of the blue, it started to snow quite heavily, right outside TINKERERS their classroom window! Mrs. Mattice’s 1st graders have been PASSAGE TO FREEDOM tinkering with some The story of Mr. Chiune Sugihara, a parts and pieces, first Japanese diplomat who saved thousands of according to the instructions and then Jewish lives by signing visas enabling them to leave areas to be affected by the Holocaust— based on their own imagination. So many this is a story that our students usually hear possibilities using the from Rabbi Rubin (whose own father was same parts and pieces saved by a Sugihara visa). But this time 4th graders read this heroic story in their Reader! in different ways. Their creation is sitting in middle of their work table.
INDOOR GAMES & FUN We try to go out for recess as much as possible but indoor games are a good option when we can’t. Sometimes, they’re also a stimulating activity when students finish their work early. Pictured above students are playing checkers (top) mancala (middle) & Go Go Gelato (above).
CHARITABLE OR NOT 8th grade history is learning about the grand philanthropy of the gilded age’s millionaires, and the historical and psychological analysis whether that generosity was for the good of the people or the good of themselves—and another philosophical discussion on whether that even matters. This ties in to Jewish texts these 8th graders learned about Tzedakah, how altruism and sensitivity adds to it but selfish motives don’t undo it.
LORD OF THE FLIES 8th graders are now reading this book by William Golding about a group of British boys stranded on an uninhabited island. More than just a wild adventure story it is an insightful commentary into groups and societies.
MEASURING EARTHQUAKES 5/6 grade science learned 3 different ways that earth scientists (called seismologists) measure earthquakes: (1) The Richter Scale, (2) Mercalli Scale (3) the Moment Magnitude.
STRAWS AND JACKS In the Makerspace this week students built all kinds of things using only straws and jacks!
CREATIVE MENORAH IN THIRD Morah Dini’s 3rd graders each drew their own creative Menorahs and had a vote among themselves for their favorite one, and the human-Menorah got the most votes.
LEXINGTON AND CONCORD 6th grade history is learning with Mrs. Ramsay about the famed Paul Revere ride & start of the Revolutionary War. Historically, his ride was not exactly as commonly depicted but represents the spirit of those times. Each student will be researching one key battle of the Revolution which they will become “expert” on enough to teach their classmates!
RAFFLE-AUCTION WINNERS
THE NEW BIG SCREEN in the lunchroom featured photos of school from the start of the year, including this photo of Pizza Night (this Sat Night!) Prep by HS Girls. The POST-CHANUKAH MEAL Everyone enjoyed the hearty & delicious meal by Reb Shmuel Kochman and Co, with meatloaf, mashedpotatoes and gravy, a hits-the-spot chicken noodle soup & amazing peach-cobbler by DL Kochman.
COLORFUL VIBE The room with the prize package viewing was awash with colorful lights and stacks and stacks of prizes—all awaiting winners!
JAZZING UP THE EVENT! For the first time ever, MHDS alumnus Noah Levine brought his band (Samuel and Tucson) to play at school, with great music adding lots of vibe.
KIDS ARE THE REAL WINNERS and the true beneficiaries of all the Tzedakah funds donated to the Raffle-Auction, so it is fitting that they take turns picking all of the winners from A-Z, the Mystery (3 drawings this time!) and Split-the-Pot.
Of course, EVERYONE is a winner for investing in our children and our future and for supporting local Jewish education. The following is a listing of the winners who won prize packages at the Raffle-Auction event: A) Flip Laptop: Sandy & Dina Rosenblum B) DSLR Camera: Joel Brecher C) Shopping Spree: J. Vinisky D) Exquisite Earrings: Eliyahu Teitelman E) Shabbos Package: Yehoshua & CB Rubin F) Jewish Home: Larry Teitleman G) Silver Breeze: Maxine Morgenbesser H) Travel Ensemble: Deena Kuperman I) Look & Feel Great: Vicky O’Brien J) Maclaren Stroller: Laber Family K) All Set: Wildman Family L) Games Galore: Vicky O’Brien M) Lego Package: Clara Simon N) Wood Toys: Simon Family O) Kitchen Collection: Michael Tunny P) Sew Nice: Reznik Family Q) Trendy Handbag: Harvey & Joane Caras R) Active Family: Vicky O’Brien S) Echo Speaker: Chandler Family T) Super Clean: Vicky O’Brien U) Arts & Crafts: Johanna Steper V) Breakfast Package: Caras Family W) Print Plus: Bonnie Stein X) Bake and Serve: Beth Gray Y) Dress Up: Vicky O’Brien Z) Gizmos & Gadgets: Motti & Chana R. Mystery #1) Tennis Bracelet: Chaya Rubin Mystery #2) Magnatiles: Johanna Steper Mystery #3) $180 @Amazon: Esti Backman Special) $845 to Winner! Carol Simon
JUDAH VS. JOSEPH
GIRLS BAKE SALE BANKING
High School’s Chasynthesis class this week took a deeper look at the long rivalry between these two, going back to the current Parshiyot, to a key “two woods becoming one wood” mention in this week’s Haftorah, and its inner meaning in life relevance and personal growth: ideas vs. action, want-to vs. have-to, obedience vs. pleasure, feelings vs. commitment, selfless vs. self-fulfillment, meaning vs. impact etc. as explained in Chassidic texts.
8th grade girls bake-sale opened a bank Because this coming Tuesday is a fast-day. The account this week, but it isn’t a business boys are working to continually improve this. account so checks for tabs etc should say bakesale in memo but left black in the “TO” line. HYGENIE ISSUES DISCUSSED Bake Sale will be this coming Wednesday. 6th graders got into hygiene discussions on various things from tooth-brushing to what MONDAY MISHMAR REMINDER things should or shouldn’t go down the toilet. HS is running Mishmar this Monday after This may be silly to discuss in class but it dismissal 3:30-4:30pm for girls in grades 2+. actually is very important—because these little Please send $2pp attending to cover craft. things do make a very big difference and are good habits to start/strengthen when young.
DRINK SALE ON MONDAY...
at Maimonides and in the Community 12/14: SHALOM ZACHOR AT THE SHEPHERDS It’s not every weekend in Albany, you know! As is the tradition to stop over after the Shabbos meal for a Lchaim, a dvar Torah, a niggun… at the Shepherd’s home corner of Fairview/Partridge and Glenwood.
12/15: SHABBOS PARSHA VAYIGASH This week has both Judah’s confrontation and Joseph’s reconciliation with his brothers in Parsha Vayigash, and Jacob and his family move down to Egypt to settle in Goshen. Kiddush at Shomray Torah this week is sponsored by Dr. Rami and Chana Mizrachi. This week a meat Kiddush at CBAJ celebrates both the monthly Simcha Kiddush & Life & Legacy recognitions.
12/15: PIZZA NIGHT II AT MAIMONIDES & first one with a new giant screen in the lunchroom! HS girls preparing and selling eat-in/take-out pizza pies either with or without toppings, sushi rolls, garlic-knots, French-fries and more. This Sat Night starting at 7:00pm.
will be on the Tuesday of the half-days. Classes will each make hands-on, fun, engaging activity booths about one of the Parshas in Chumash Breishis.
Sat nights viewable at the CBAJ Media Center at 7:30pm.
12/16: BETH ISRAEL’S SOUP R BOWL FESTIVAL Come in out of the cold to Beth Israel in Schenectady! For $5 enjoy a bowl of soup (homestyle varieties) with bread, listen to music, schmooze with friends. 12pm. For more info contact Tobi Applebaum at 518-399-8476.
12/16: ISRAEL’S BATTLE FOR PUBLIC OPINION… ...and Anti-Semitism, featuring Nigerian-born American medical student Chuka Ikpeze. Sponsored by the Jewish Federation’s Baruch, Weizmann and Maimonides Societies this 6pm event at Beth Emeth is open to the entire community (with a NextDor age 22-40 mixer at 5pm) along with a (Chalav Yisrael) wine, cheese and dessert buffet reception. Cost is $18pp.
12/17: DRINK SALE ON MONDAY THIS WEEK Usually 8th grade boys drink sale will be on Tuesdays, but this week that falls on the fast day of the 10th of Tevet, so it will be on Monday instead. Hot Cocoa is 50 cents, lemonade is 25 cents and the boys make them both fresh that morning. They have been working to revamp their systems of operation.
12/17: GIRLS AFTER SCHOOL MISHMAR This Monday afternoon for the new month of Tevet! 3:30pm-4:30pm for girls in grades 2 and up, led by the HS Girls, $2 per child to cover craft costs.
12/18: FAST OF TENTH OF TEVET This coming Tuesday is a short daytime fast because nightfall comes early but it is an important one as it commemorates the start of the Babylonian siege around Jerusalem that eventually led to the destruction of the Temple. There is Torah Reading in both Shacharit and Mincha (which has Haftorah, too).
8th grade girls have some repeat classics and also some new treats each week. Most of their baked goods range between 25 cents and 50 cents.
12/21-25: JEWISH GIRLS WINTER RETREAT Contact Nechama Laber for more information on this annual overnight midwinter camp experience: 518-727-9581 / NechamaLaber@gmail.com
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan graciously welcomed our students back to City Hall for a Chanukah reception. As in past years she gave them each Chanukah Gelt (chocolate coins) but new for this year, they got to take a seat in the City Judge’s bench and preside (for a minute or two) over the city courtroom.
12/25: CHUMASH BREISHIS PARSHA CARNIVAL
12/15: RABBI REISMAN NAVI CLASS BROADCAST
12/19: BAKE SALE ON WEDNESDAY
CHANUKAH @ CITY HALL
12/27: RAMBAM YARTZEIT ACTIVITY DAY The Rambam (our school’s namesake) yartzeit is on the 20th of Tevet, this year on Friday (when we’re off from school for an extended New Years). So we’ll have a Rambam activity day on Thursday, the last of the half-days.
12/27: ON THE LOOKOUT FOR WHALES AT NYS-M Special program at NYS Museum 1pm-3:30pm in Metropolis Hall to learn about whales and the history of whaling with hands-on & interactive activities.
12/28: FABULOUS FIRE ENGINES AT NYS-MUSEUM No school this Friday (start of a very long New Years Weekend). NYS Museum has10am-11:30am activities centered around their historic fire engine exhibit.
12/31: NOON YEAR EVE PARTY AT COLONIE CENTER A daytime event for kids 10:30am to 12:00pm with a balloon drop & fun!
12/31: BETHLEHEM CHABAD FIRST NIGHT KOSHER 6:30pm Bethlehem First Night Fireworks, Kosher Food Festival with Babka, Hot Cider, Knishes and more begins 7pm at Bethlehem Chabad.
1/1/2019: FIRST DAY HIKES AT AREA PARKS 10am at Saratoga Spa State Park and at Peebles Island State Park in Cohoes. The First Day Hike in Grafton Lakes State Park starts at 1pm. Contact each place for further details.
1/2/2019: SCHOOL RESUMES AT 8AM after a week of Judaic half-days morning only, and an extended weekend for New Years. Get ready for lots of great learning!
Please note these UPCOMING SCHOOL DATES 12/24-27: Mon-Thurs: Half-Days Judaic Mornings only, dismissal 11:30am. Some of these half-days will feature hands-on or interactive educational activities. 12/28-1/1: No School Friday through Tuesday. Long New Years Weekend. 1/2/2018: School resumes 8am. Back to full-day learning!
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!”