BH. Adar
10, 5780 / March 6, 2020
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 5:34 Shabbat Ends: produced by Rabbi Mendel Rubin & students in the TNT (Torah ‘n Technology) Program 6:35 Maimonides is accredited by the NYS Board of Regents & is a beneficiary of UJF-NENY
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE Our school has increased some easy basic precautions following the guidelines of the CDC and health experts. See the box on page 2. An email with additional info and resources has been sent to all school families & we will update and plan for as necessary. We wish everyone a happy, healthy Purim! especially families (in Westchester, NYC, Israel and Italy etc) affected by the virus or the quarantine. A speedy recovery to those not well.
maimonidesschool@gmail.com
MAIMONIDES 404 Partridge Street Albany NY 12208
CONDOLENCES MS. RAMSAY On the passing of her grandmother this week. May her memory be a blessing to her family.
This MC Newsletter is dedicated in memory of
Pearl Clevenson Yarzteit today: 10th of Adar GRAGGER/RAASHAN PUPPETS Morah Devorah’s 1st and 2nd graders made these very pretty (and noisy!) Purim puppets that double as graggers (or in Hebrew called Ra’ashanim) to use at the Megillah reading.
BITCOIN TALMUD
Our very own local Michoel Indoor & outdoor surveillance cameras and Caras, known online as the VISITING DR. A. JEGER @MHDS lighting are among the safety and security improvements being installed at school this “Bitcoin Rabbi” Rabbi Rubin met him at Shteeble and asked week. Thanks to Rabbi Yossi for working on prepared a clever that he speak to grants and funding and to Simmy Rubin for humor piece for our students. Dr. coordinating with the contractors & vendors. Purim all about Avraham Jeger the Bitcoin speaks 5 languages cryptocurrency TALMUD BEHIND THIS SIGN fluently, his & blockchain but in Talmudic format, parents survived Rabbi Mendel’s Talmud class learned a very complete with a pseudo-Rashi commentary the Holocaust short Talmud piece (Bava Kama 59b) that (his mother just discusses a very big question and even a glossary. Note that this first page of Bitcoin Talmud is page 21, a number with passed away), he was young in Romania, lived whether owner/host significance in Bitcoin-speak. in Israel, and now New York. He worked as a permission equals or does psychologist and professor and is now an not equal assumption of administrator at Touro College of Pharmacy. responsibility and how that He spoke about his career and Jewish life and short piece of Talmud filters how to synthesize the two (a theme students through Halachists like the know well at Maimonides!) and how his Rambam and Tur down to visiting Romanian relatives don’t understand R’ Yosef Karo vs. the Rema, and how American Jews balance both. He said his even the signs (and legalese) at Mussar studies led him to study psychology. paid parking lots in modern times. He was very impressed that our HS Girls learn Gemorah. He spoke about positivity even THE LAST PIZZA NIGHT (see page 4) through challenge & adversity (his wife has ...for this year! This Sat Night the clocks spring ADAR - TIME TO INCREASE JOY ALS) and how we can be a Kiddush Hashem forward but before they do (and Shabbat starts in the workplace and other secular settings. to end later) come enjoy some pizza! 7:45pm... As this big bright bold bulletin board at school reminds us! Happy Purim and Adar to all!
SECURITY ENHANCEMENTS
PASTA TASTE CONTEST
SOME BASIC PRECAUCTIONS
Morah Dini had the 7th grade boys and girls each prepare a pasta dish and had 3 people taste both. Last time the boys won with their salad, but this time the girls won with their pasta. The post-contest analysis is important, too: The thought is that it might have because the girls sautéed their tomatoes first, and also all 3 testers were adults who’d better appreciate that type of taste.
As coronavirus hits closer to home in NY State affecting nearby Jewish communities in Westchester and Yeshiva University, it is appropriate to take some basic simple limited additional measures as recommended by the CDC and health experts. There is no cause for concern (at this time) in our area, and the risks are very low for most, but it is well worth taking some basic easy precautions.
WHICH ASHREI VERSE Here’s another adult vs. child difference from this week at Maimonides: The reason we say the Ashrei psalm 3x a day in our prayers (and even the reason we say all the Hallelukah psalms that follow) is because of one special verse recognizing that Hashem provides every living thing with what it needs. But that verse is best appreciated by adults who work for a living and need to provide for their families. Kids might find other Ashrei verses more relevant, perhaps the opening verse: “Happy to be in Hashem’s House” think of it as to be happy in school (which is like Hashem’s house).
NURSERY PURIM FACES Right above you can see the tippy-top merlons and crenels (the protrusions and gaps on top of castles) of the Shushan Palace made by our Nursery students. And just atop that are their own happy faces topped with crowns. All the way above is a series of triangle Hamantasch shapes with faces of Nursery students as the yummy filling inside, along with what their personal favorite edible Hamantasch filling is.
ELEPHANT TOOTHPASTE
NEIGHBORHOOD COLORWALK
Ms. Tang & 4th grade science made this cool (actually it was warm at first!) concoction that exploded & oozed like toothpaste. It is made by mixing hydrogen peroxide and dishwashing liquid, plus food coloring etc. It makes a foamy mess but is so much fun and scientific!
Color plays a big role in this week’s Parsha THE SILENT Tetzaveh and the weather was really nice out this week, so 5th graders went on brisk fun “E” RULE neighborhood walk to look for interesting Mrs. Mattice’s first architectural colors and elements (doors, graders are shutters, siding colors & learning how the accents) in the few blocks letter “e” at the around school. It was neat to end of a word is realize and recognize things on the walk they silent itself, but it wouldn’t have noticed without paying special makes the first attention to it, and certainly not while passing vowel of the word in a car. They found this neat vantage point to “say its own name” (short vowel into long see our school from a nearby hill, they are vowel sound) turning “pin” into “pine”. And pictured pointing at school. they used a real pin in the manipulative pictured to hide the tree and “e” in the first CHINESE EXCLUSION picture before revealing it in the second. HS history class students wrote a short essay response using two source documents on the DIFFICULT PROOFS American discussion and opinions about Difficult is not just an adjective, it is the actual Chinese immigrants in the late 1800’s. title of this part of Geometry class in HS math.
Handwashing! It’s amazing that even in today’s modern high-tech world, good ‘ol handwashing (and good hygiene in general) is still the single most-recommended safeguard. It is a good habit to try to increase our handwashing (both in times per day as well as more vigorous 20-second soap rinse each time) which can only help protect us from this and colds and flu and other illnesses. Less Face-Touching: It’s almost impossible to stop touching our face. But we can try to do a little less of that. It can help. Cover Coughs & Sneezes: But not with your hands! Best would be using a tissue, if not, then use the inside of your elbow. Don’t cough and sneeze openly as it easily spreads germs. If we sneeze in our hands and touch things afterwards, it’s a similar problem. (No) Handshakes: Some communities are restricting handshakes, as much of the transmission involves hands. You can wave, smile or give an elbow bump instead! The Chief Rabbi of Israel says not to tap and kiss Mezuzot for now. Some Sanitizing: Every classroom now has a container of sanitizing wipes. Please use occasionally to wipe down surfaces that a lot of people touch. For now we’re fine, but parents buying sanitizing wipes or tissues, please also send in some for use at school. Sick? Please, Please Stay Home. This is good practice in general but especially now. Rabbis now say that this holds true even for Parsha Zachor this Shabbos or Purim’s Megillah reading. No need to quarantine unless health experts advise to do so, but staying home while contagious is always good practice and helps more people stay well.
THE YEHU KING DILEMMA Yehu (or Jehu) was the king who got rid of the House of Ahab (a wicked king of Israel). Sometimes harsh measures need to be taken but the method, motive and how it impacts you and others all needs to be considered. HS Girls Navi class explored the complexity of how to view Yehu among the kings of Israel.
FROM TWO DIMENSIONS TO THREE DIMENSIONS Students in Morah Rivi’s art classes each drew two sides of a cube, later collected together to create this 3D-looking collage of cubes. Some were Purim-themed, others were just plain art. Each piece was nice, but seeing them all lined up together…. Students were wowed!
HATS ON FOR WORK These Kindergarteners are working in their workbooks but happy to wear their red Purim hats topped with Megillah characters.
DON’T FORGET 4TH MITZVAH BAKING HAMANTASCHEN 5th graders are enjoying making their own.
The first 3 Mitzvot of Purim (Megillah, Mishloach Manot and the Mishteh - the festive Purim meal) are widely celebrated but people sometimes forget the 4th Mitzvah: Matanot L’Evyonim - charity for the poor. But it is just as important! This Mitzvah can be done online, through Rabbi Rubin or your Rabbi, or in person if you can.
A TRIP TO ELLIS ISLAND? BACKDROP TO THEIR STORIES Mrs. Mattice hung a new pink palace (timely for Purim!) backdrop with a set of characters for the 2nd graders who will be writing their own stories using this image as their backdrop.
NURSERY’S PURIM BAGS
Now that NYS has the plastic bag in place, these Nursery Purim bags are just in time! HS Algebra II is now looking for patterns (not They each colored in their own. in Nursery school anymore) in formulas to plug in numbers & build sequences. NURSERY
SEQUENCES IN SERIES
PURIM/MEGILA PERSPECTIVES
PURIM BOOKS
HS with Rabbi Mendel discussed various Students perspectives on these (and other) Purim and pasted and put Megillah questions: together each “until one doesn’t know the difference page of their between Mordechai & Haman.” Why would own “Purim moral confusion be a desired Purim ideal? Books” which “Mordechai wouldn’t kneel nor bow” Is this they help their verse/approach explained or celebrated? teachers stitch Midrash sees “the king couldn’t sleep” as a together and reference to G-d. How do sleep/woke apply? bind to take Why is “Purim named for the lottery” which home and use was part of the problem, and an incidental on Purim! trivial one at that! Mishna says “you don’t fulfill obligation if DID WE MENTION PIZZA NITE? you read the Megillah backwards.” Why It’s the last one! This Sat Night 7:45pm… would anyone read it that way?
3rd graders are learning about immigration to the United States, including their own family histories. There’s some talk about a possible trip to Ellis Island later in the year. They’re not sure if it will actually happen but they were excited to talk about the possibility!
NO MORE HAND SANITIZER? They are flying off the shelves at stores due to people taking extra precaution because of the virus. So, HS chemistry with Ms. Brown made their own hand-sanitizer in science lab today.
SCHOOL PURIM NOTES a few notes: We do have a regular day of school on Monday, Taanis Esther. There’s no school on Purim Tuesday but see page 4 for our annual Purim Prunch at school starting at 11am (with a Megillah reading prior) and get your reusable bags! Maimonides is one of the co-sponsors at the CBAJ Purim carnival event later on Purim Day. Many of our school families are also attending a variety of the listed Purim events and dinners on page 4. Come dressed in your Purim costume on Wednesday Shushan Purim. School begins 9:30am on Wednesday with davening class followed by the annual Shushan Purim costume parade.
at Maimonides and in the Community 3/7: SHABBOS ZACHOR
3/10: PURIM DAY
The Shabbos before Purim has a special Torah 6:15am Purim Shacharit and Megillah at CBAJ reading (the 2nd of 4 seasonal bonus readings but 8am Purim Shacharit at Shteeble, 8:35 Megillah. the most important of all of them) about Amalek Annual Purim Prunch at Maimonides (megillah, that’s a Mitzvah to hear. For those who can’t make a nibble to eat and Mishloach Manot exchange). it on Shabbos, there’s a similar reading on Purim (just after) 10am Megillah, 11am Prunch. “Ben morning at Shacharit. Of course, those who are not Bag Bag” theme this year as Purim falls just days feeling well should stay home and get better soon! after NYS’ big bag turnaround! Get Your Bag! Shomray Torah Daytime Purim Seudah 5pm Megillah, 5:30pm Meal, be in touch with R’ 3/7: RAV J.B. SOLVEITCHIK OBM Michoel Caras for details and to pitch in, RSVP The long-time Rosh Yeshiva of YU and prominent using this form: tinyurl.com/shteeblepurim5780 leader of American Modern Orthodoxy will be the CBAJ Megillah 5pm, with Carnival, Bounce final subject of Rabbi Roy Feldman’s “Thought Party and Festive Meal at 6pm. Carnival is coLeaders” series this Shabbat at CBAJ. sponsored by several orgs, including MHDS. Purim the Shtetl by Chabad S. Rennsalear 3/7: LAST PIZZA NITE OF THE YEAR County, 4:30pm Megillah, 5pm dinner. 5 This last Pizza Night is on the Sat Night when we Mannix Road in East Greenbush. 518-727-9581 “spring forward” and change the clocks starting the Purim in the Jungle 5:30pm at Bethlehem season of longer Shabbos afternoons. So this will Chabad. $15pp, $5 kids. Drumming, reptiles. be the last Pizza Night of the year! Shabbos ends at Purim in the Palace 5pm at historical Pruyn 6:35pm so Pizza Night will begin at 7:45pm. House with Colonie Chai. $18pp. 518-368-7886. Super-Hero Purim 5:30pm at the West Crescent 3/7: RABBI REISMAN SAT NITE Fire House, 1440 Crescent Rd, Clifton Park. Rabbi Reisman’s Navi Shiur is screened live from $10pp, Kids $5. (After 3/15 $15 per adult). More Brooklyn now at 8pm on Sat Nights at CBAJ. info? Clifton Park Chabad 518-495-0772/9.
3/8: W.A.C.M. & HYDE FREE DAY World Awareness Children’s Museum and The Hyde Collection Museum, both in Glens Falls, both offer free admission on the 2nd Sunday of the month and are open 12-5pm. The Hyde also has an Art Lab 1-3pm. If going up that way you might want to also visit the Chapman House Historical Museum ($5pp, kids under 12 are free).
3/11: SHUSHAN PURIM
TWO PURIM NAMES Kindergarten celebrated the birthdays of Hadassah Esther and Boruch Mordechai who both have birthdays very close to Purim and are named for the Purim heroine and hero!
3/22: ONE GIANT TRY IT At the Arts Center of the Capital Region in Troy. 12-3pm, all types of arts and activities, all are free.
3/25-27: BOYS CHIDON WEEKEND We also have a nice group of boys who have earned their way (with lots of studying and review) to attend the annual Boys Chidon HaMitzvot. They will be away for this extended weekend.
3/26: J-FED HOSTS JANE EISNER Jane Eisner teaches journalism at Columbia was the editor of the “Forward” for a decade and prior to that worked at the Philadelphia Inquirer for 25 years. She’ll speak on “Jewish Media in the Global Jewish Community” for a womens philanthropy event for the Jewish Federation. $18pp at Temple Israel, 6pm dinner, 7pm speaker.
Late start at 9:30am on the day after Purim. First class will be davening, kids should not daven at home, followed by the annual school-wide Shushan TALMUD SIYUM COMING UP Purim Costume Parade. Please come in costume so IN HONOR OF 2 YARTZEITS that children from different communities or shuls Rabbi Rubin and 9th grade Talmud are just can see & enjoy each other’s Purim costumes.
a few pages away from finishing the entire Talmud tractate of Megillah, hopefully soon 3/8: CIRCUS SHOW IN SARATOGA This is a big day of calling to support the Jewish in the month of Adar. They will dedicate 2pm at the newly dedicated renovated Universal Federation’s funding for local and Israel needs, this Talmud completion around the yartzeits Preservation Hall (25 Washington Street, Saratoga) including the Maimonides School which receives of two beloved pillars of the Albany $10pp. “The Marvelous Marquise Family Circus” funding from the Federation. Parents are community who generously supported our featuring performances by students of the Philly encouraged to sign up for one of three calling shifts school, Salo Steper (Adar 20) and Moshe Circadium School of Contemporary Circus. on this day and we all can contribute some amount Losice (Adar 25). Stay tuned for details to this important communal fund. (date/location etc) of this special tribute 3/9: PURIM NIGHT Talmud completion in their memory. 7:15pm Maariv. 7:30pm Megillah Reading, 3/15: POST-PURIM CARNIVAL
3/15: J-FED SUPERSUNDAY
8:20pm Break-Fast at Shomray Torah.
7:15 Maariv, Megillah and Light Break-fast at
CBAJ. A quiet no-gragger adults-only Megillah follows in the Carr Chapel. Purim at Bull Moose Club 150 State Street 4th floor, 7:15 PM for grads & young professionals. More info? Rabbi Mathless: 518-522-1872. Roaring 20’s Purim 7:30 at Bethlehem Chabad Purim on the Farm at Saratoga Chabad, 7:15pm. More info? Rabbi Abba & Raizel: 518-526-0773 Purim Carnival at UAlbany for college students.
2-4pm at the Schenectady JCC on Balltown Rd. Activity tables are 25 cents each. Bring nonperishable food item to donate and/or recyclable bottles for bottle return. Call JCC for more info.
3/18-20: GIRLS CHIDON WEEKEND Our school has a sizeable delegation of girls who earned their way to the Girls Chidon HaMitzvot and will be away for this extended weekend. Parents, be sure to look for info and updates about this weekend right after Purim.
SUPPORT LOCAL KOSHER Stop in to shop at the Colonie Kosher Price Chopper or call 518-456-2970 x8 to make a special order or find out about prepared meals. --------------------Kosher Dining on UAlbany’s Indian Quad (under Vaad supervision) is open for the semester and the community is welcome for lunch or dinner. Communal participation is helpful for the continuation of this important service.
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!”