T h e J e w i s h H o m e n j u ly 1 1 , 2013
28
Around the
LOCAL NEWS
Community
Bnot Yaakov of Great Neck Mother-Daughter Luncheon Bnot Yaakov of Great Neck hosted a Mother-Daughter Luncheon that marked the close of the school year combining delicious buffet with an expressive student “Family Tree Gardens” display. Mothers and daughters joined together for lunch at tables adjacent to the display, a collection of student reflections on familial and cultural heritage through the medium of writing and photographs. Mothers enjoyed the writings and family pictures that relayed cultural ancestry and appreciation of families’ pasts. Some students wrote about their families’ escape from Iran in the 70’s while others relayed grandparents’ musings of their own lives in Iran as children. All students were required to interview a grandparent or other rela-
tive and then synthesize the information in organizing their essays. The Mother-Daughter Luncheon’s highlight was special guest Rabbanit Kashani who presented an art and crafts activity in which mothers assisted their daughters with the construction of paper
dolls and creation of wardrobe choices! Utilizing the picturesque backdrop of the Family Tree Gardens display, Rabbanit
Kashani explained the legacy of sniyut (modesty) and how it, too, belongs to the collective history of the Jewish people as a whole. She explained that sniyut is the jewel of every Jewish woman and girl’s collective family archive, having been passed down from Sarah Imenu through the generations and that it defines the dignity of a Bat Yisrael. Each girl was given her choice of shiny “doll hair” and an array of “fabrics” from which to create a varied line of apparel for her doll. All creations were both beautiful and sniyut with many sparkling sequins and googly-eyes to boot! Girls also received parting gifts of a Bnot Melachim music and song CD’s and adjoining coloring books.
The afternoon concluded with a song in which all Bot Yaakov talmidot donned crowns and performed “I Am a Proud Bat Melekh” for their mothers to enjoy. “It was a beautiful luncheon!” Mrs. Mehrnia, a Bnot Yaakov parent, remarked as she left with a group of mothers. “The girls’ projects were really nice and I had a great time with my two girls.” Everybody was smiling as the luncheon came to a close, girls with their gift bags and adorned dolls and proud mothers admiring their daughters’ projects.
Non-Stop Fun at Camp Machaneh Yisrael From the moment the buses arrive each morning at Camp Machaneh Yisrael’s campus – located at the spacious confines of Yeshiva of South Shore – until they board the buses each afternoon
at Inwood Park, the excitement in the air is palpable. And why shouldn’t it be? After all, each day starts with davening and learning with a devoted staff of professional rabbeim. The rabbeim utilize
Tisha B’Av Program at the White Shul to Feature Father of Mercaz HaRav Massacre Victim OneFamily (http://www.onefamilytogether.org/), Israel’s only national organization solely dedicated to the rehabilitation of victims of terror attacks and their families, will be hosting a special Tisha B’Av event featuring Naftali Moses, father of Mercaz Harav massacre victim Avraham David Moses Hy”d, at the White Shul (Congregation Kneseth Israel) in Far Rockaway. Following the gruesome homicidal spree by a lone Palestinian gunman at Yeshivat Mercaz HaRav in March 2008, Naftali Moses penned the inspirational memoir Mourning Under Glass, a description of his experiences dealing with the loss of his 16-year-old son and his struggles with the frustrations of memory and memorial. A resident of Efrat and a professor of Jewish medical ethics,
Naftali is regularly invited to speak to groups about living with loss caused by an act of terror. OneFamily has been a lifeline for the Moses family since the day of the attack and even provided the financial backing necessary to help Naftali publish his book. Since 2001, OneFamily has distributed over $35 million in direct financial assistance and services to victims of terror. In addition to financial assistance, OneFamily fosters an environment of mutual emotional and psychological support for victims of terror through support groups, retreats, camps and other innovative programs. For additional information about this event, please contact Michelle: michelle@onefamilyfund.org.
a variety of methods to ensure that the campers retain their skills from the school year and inspire them to grow in their love of learning. The camp, under its director and head counselor Rabbi Binyamin Jacobi, is always hopping with activities. A huge variety of sports and games, swimming, special events and fabulous trips fill the daily schedule. This past week was highlighted by the conclusion of the B.T.F.L. (B’nei Torah Football League) and the World Cup Soccer tournament. Six teams representing different countries proudly wore their team color in a great competition of skill and sportsmanship. In addition, the camp invited Rabbi Shaul Shimon Deutsch, director of the Living Torah Museum, to conduct a captivating presentation. So far, campers have enjoyed trips to Legoland, Mini-golf, batting cages, bowling, Fun Station, and Five Star Gymnastics. Next week, the first month’s grand finale will have three phenomenal trips. The junior division will head to Adventurer’s Amusement Park,
Intermediates are going to Keansburg Water and Amusement Park, and the Senior Division will enjoy an overnight trip to Clementon Park and Splash World, with a stop in Philadelphia! But, undoubtedly, the camp’s most exciting venture is the Dynanite program. It is CMY’s dynamite night program. Directed by Rabbi Eli Katz, a sixth grade rebbe at Yeshiva Darchei Torah, and Avrumi Jacobs, director of AJ Sports, 5th thru 8th grade boys embark twice weekly on spectacular night activities and trips. So far this summer, Dynanites has visited Bounce Trampoline Sports in Valley Cottage, Wheel Fun Bikes at Riis Park, the Aviator, and Pallisades Climb Adventure. Camp Machaneh Yisrael can be reached at (516) 374-3432, or by email at cmyoffice@gmail.com.