Maimonides Community

BH. Sivan

18, 5775 / June 5, 2015

Candle-Lighting: Community Newsletter of the Maimonides Hebrew Day School of the Capital District 8:11 404 Partridge Street Albany NY 12208 (518) 453-9363/3434 www.maimonidesschool.org Shabbos Ends: produced by Rabbi Mendel & students in the TNT (Torah ‘n Technology) Program 9:23 Maimonides is accredited by the NYS Board of Regents & is a beneficiary of UJF-NENY

maimonidesschool@gmail.com

This MC Newsletter is dedicated in memory of the brothers

Dr. Jonathan O’Brien Yartzeit this Tuesday - Sivan 22 and MAIMONIDES ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP TRIBUTE DINNER 2015 This school’s dinner was held this Monday at Shabbos House with over 175 people at the Shabbos House. The short but meaningful and memorable program had two parts: Recognizing the Better Together Program, and honoring Dr. Bill and Adrienne Rockwood.

BETTER TOGETHER This was the theme of the dinner, Master of Ceremonies Hon. Ronald Goldman spoke of it, as did Rabbi Rubin in his Welcome Dvar Torah. Pictured above L-R: Rabbi Yossi (coordinator of our Better Together program), Rabbi Rubin, Chaim Kudan (gave a great speech about Better Together, and was the National First Place Better Together Essay award recipient), Natasha Khaitov (Building Manager for Parkview Apartments), Helaina Ainspan (our liaison at Ohav Shalom Apts), and Nechama Krimmer (our Middle School essay winner). There was also a short video/photo presentation produced by Carasmatic Design about the Better Together Program.

Excerpts of all the student essays, and Chaim’s complete essay were printed in the journal along with some photos of our students visits and interactions with seniors.

Extra Yearbook/Journals are available in the school office.

Dr. Jerry O’Brien Yartzeit this Shabbos - Sivan 19

HONORING DR. BILL & ADRIENNE ROCKWOOD Mr. Mark Koblenz, ExecDirector of DOS Senior Community and a longtime active Jewish Albanian, presented the Dr. Morton Berger Memorial Award to his in-laws, Dr. Bill and Adrienne Rockwood. It was a rock mounted on a cut of wood, with an inscription using fitting rock and wood parallels to their lifelong communal and family dedication and growth. Dr. & Mrs. Rockwood warmly spoke

MAIMONIDES 404 Partridge Street Albany NY 12208

of how Dr. Morty Berger got them started on a life-long path of helping people with addictions, founding organizations to do so. The Journal has an oral history interview our HS girls enjoyed with the Rockwoods. >>

A BIT MORE ABOUT DINNER

SHORETZ CONDOLENCES

Doors opened at 6pm, with the first course already on the tables. The Better Together portion of the program began at 6:30pm with the main course served at 7pm. After the Rockwoods were introduced and presented with the award, and their moving words, Hon. Ronald Goldman and Hope Berger Nathan closed the event at 7:45pm with a big dessert buffet outside on the front porch.

Rochelle Shoretz of NJ passed away this week from cancer at age 46. She was an attorney (who clerked for Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg) and mother of two boys, but best known for founding an organization (at age 28) called Sharsheret in 2001 which raises awareness and provides support for Jewish women with breast cancer and their families.

SPECIAL DINNER THANKS 





 

 

  



 

Sharona Backman at the Maimonides Office for all the back end organizing work keeping track of ads and attendees.

Carl Bloomberg and Meg for the beautiful flowering plants at each table, each wrapped in colored foil.

All who helped with food prep and room setup: the HS Girls, Chanie Simon, Chaya Bracha Rubin, Aviva Rossman, Joyce Teitleman, Rochel Rubin, Chaya Rubin, Shayna Kudan, Leyee Rubin, DL Mathless, and anyone we may have missed!

Rivi Bahir for the Marzipan and ChocoTehinah Fudge desserts.

Evan Lauber (Photos by Evan) for Photo & Video of the event (if you took a photo at the backdrop email mhdsnews@gmail.com for your hi-res picture).

Michoel Caras of Carasmatic Design for the Better Together Video-Photo Montage Thanks to Dan and Sam Jacobowitz and David Weinberg for the courtesy shuttle to and from the Dutch Parking Lot. Raizy Rubin for catering and Mendel Rubin for the journal, and a lot of the planning.

Hon. Ronald Goldman for coming up once again to ably emcee the annual dinner.

Rabbi Yossi for the Better Together program, and the essay contest and the list of Better Together events for the journal.

Rabbi Mathless for coordinating Better Together events at Parkview Apartments and arranging for seniors to come to and enjoy the dinner event.

Many of the Better Together Photos were taken by Eli Kochman.

Many thanks to all the guests who attended the dinner, in tribute to the Rockwoods (including some who traveled quite the distance), the Better Together program or the school. Your participation and support is very significant and deeply appreciated.

THANKS FOR THE FEEDBACK There’s been so much positive feedback from the dinner, people really appreciated the atmosphere and warmth, the food and the program. Both aspects of the evening: The Better Together and the Rockwoods were especially meaningful and memorable.

SCIENTIFIC FORTUNETELLERS The truth is that fortune-telling isn’t very scientific, but these fun paperfolds let you choose a material, and once you open that according to some formula of folds you get info about its source, and after that, more info about how it is used. So these paper fortune-tellers are quite scientific after all!

RABBI SOLVEITCHIK YARTZEIT This past week on the 14th of Sivan was the yartzeit of Rabbi J.B. Solveitchik (leading visionary of Modern Orthodoxy) and Rabbi Rubin did a class with the HS Boys about his books and teachings as well as a historical perspective of his family lineage and the Brisker style of Talmud study.

MY OWN ALEF-BAIS CHART Kindergarteners with Morah Aviva made their own Alef-Bais charts. Each box has its own letter, along with a graphic or two (sticker or pasted or hand-drawn) of an object that begins with that Hebrew letter.

KIDS BOOKSHELF REPAIR We do many new quality bookshelves at school thanks to the public school that closed in West Sand Lake, but that doesn't mean RABBI KELMAN VISITS we shouldn’t fix Rabbi Avraham Kelman, new Rabbi at Beth the old ones we Israel in Schenectady has a lot of hands-on have. Rabbi Jewish knowledge and expertise. He is a Shmuly’s 3/4 shochet, sofer & mohel! He spoke to our HS grade had a little boys about his interests and training in this time at the end of their class and used glue & fields and showed them some things about the nails to put this 2-shelf bookcase back crowns on top of Torah’s letters. together. The kids took turns helping out.

SAME WORDS, TWO MEANINGS

BENTSCHING WINNERS

Last week’s MC reported that Morah Devorah’s early readers and our HS students were both learning the same “Yesh vs. Ayin” contrasting words that week, but there’s an important difference. In the literal sense it means “there is” vs. “there is not” whereas in the deeper sense as HS was studying, it refers to the “something” of Creation vs. the “nothing” that preceded it.

These students won these prizes at the latest Bentsching Auction. Thanks to all students who bentsch enthusiastically every lunch! And thanks to Morah DL for fostering a blend of SUPPORT MAIMONIDES! structure & enthusiasm at lunchtime.

Anytime: www.tinyurl.com/MaimonidesPayPal

THE BIG CHIDON(S) IN NYC

HS GIRLS YEAR END TRIP

Last weekend four of our 4th grade girls attended the international Chidon HaMitzvos in Brooklyn. They had an amazing Shabbaton, with exciting trips and activities, and lots of incredible spirit.

While none of our students brought home the top 3 bronze, silver or gold medals for their grade (this time!), they all passed their final tests and participated in the Game Show on a big stage with a large audience! They all came home with medals! This week it’s the boys weekend, we have a group of boys attending who are very much looking forward to it!

Huge thanks to Morah Dini for teaching this curriculum all year and chaperoning last weekend, and to her husband R’ Itche for going down this weekend with the boys.

Rabbi Yossi and Leyee took the HS girls on an extended weekend trip to Maine. Somehow all their year-end trips were to the Atlantic coast!

Water was all around. They went kayaking and toured inside USS Albacore submarine. They took many pictures at the very scenic Marginal Way which is a jagged rocky hilly shore of the ocean, and enjoyed a nice Shabbos at the local Chabad House in Portland. A big highlight VAYIGASH… NOW VAYECHI! was meeting up with and spending time with 5th graders are very proud because they their former teacher at Maimonides Amanda finished Parshas Vayigash in a very short time, Toll and her young son Isaac! and now are eager to learn as much as Vayechi as possible before the school year ends.

TRIP TO COHOES FALLS Rabbi Yossi & Rabbi Mathless took 5th & 6th on a Siyum trip to Cohoes Falls, appropriate because 6th grade is learning Az-Yashir and the splitting of the sea, and 5th grade just began Birchos Yaakov and Pachaz KaMayim said to Ruvain. On the way they watched a video about the falls, while there they enjoyed icecream, chips and salsa and other treats.

NAMES IN ART 5/6 graders are doing a 2-part art project using their own names, for something they can use and enjoy at home.

A BIG SHEET OF MISMATCH

Mrs. Maher’s students had to pick out one item of 5 that didn’t belong in the set on each line, and explain why it didn’t fit. Some sets are more complicated, it makes you think!

3 mice were arguing whether holes were part of the cheese or not. The mouse who said holes were part of the cheese went to ask owl’s advice. When he came back he found the cheese gone. The other mice explained, “We decided to agree with you. We split the cheese & left you the holes!”

Did you hear about these new reversible jackets?

I'm excited to see how they turn out.

Jill broke her finger today, but on the other hand, she was completely fine.

Prayer for the Navy? Psalm 150: Navel v’Chinor!

PUZZLED! These Nursery students have a few pieces left to finish this puzzle.

They are working together so nicely and sweetly. In the first shot you couldn’t see their faces because they were so intent looking down at the puzzle but they looked up at the second shot - this one.

TALES OF 4TH GRADE NOTHING Mrs. Dubarry’s class finished reading this book

by Judy Blume. They really enjoyed the humor, wacky escapades and the expressions.

CAMP GAN ISRAEL FORMS Morah Devorah Leah Mathless is this year’s Camp Gan Israel director, with help from Morah Dini.

Israeli staff is coming for the summer! And we’re looking add some new exciting programming. Contact Devorah Leah with questions or for forms: 518-698-1836.

Registration forms available!

Please submit ASAP. Thanks!

at Maimonides and in the Community 6/6: WOMENS SHABBOS SHIUR

6/18: MOVING UP DAY

6/7: PEDDLERS @ BETH TEPHILAH

Last day of school, 9:30am Moving-Up ceremonies for all grades. AM Dismissal is at end of the program with refreshments. MHDS is already planning for & looking forward to next year!

benefit Relay for Life. 1-price wristbands Thursday Womens Shiur will be given by Mrs. Rochel Rubin & Sunday. For more information call: 376-8680. at her home 122 South Main Ave, at 4:45pm.

6/10: PARSONS LAWN FESTIVAL

Free Admission. Bounce house, pony rides, games.

History comes alive again, 1:30 at Beth Tephilah in 60 Academy Rd. Call 426-2899 for any costs, info.

Troy! Back to days of Jewish peddlers who worked 6/13: KIDDUSH LUNCHEON WITH hard to earn a living in Troy & Cohoes, were a common interface between Jews & non-Jews. This 2 SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKERS: MLB event also remembers Harry Pearlberg, a peddler SPORTS AGENT & JEWISH BLUES! killed in Cohoes for no other reason than being a 2 guests will be in town, share their stories and Jew. Event includes light luncheon. $5pp, free for inspiration at a Kiddush Luncheon at the school members, open to all, ages 12+. RSVP: 894-3491. on Shabbos afternoon. All welcome! Marc Kligman is a MLB sports agent/attorney representing players 6/7: MILLENIAL ENTREPRENEUR like Carlos Ruiz (Phillies), Rob Scahill (Pirates) & Shimon Levy, works for Secret Sauce Capital and is Justin Bour (Marlins)… and is an Orthodox Jew! a senior strategic advisor to Metro Detroit’s Jewish He is also a marathoner, Tae Kwan Do blackbelt, Federation and has an impressive resume of Israeli and more. Also visiting this same weekend is Lazer Naval service and business development. He will Lloyd, a talented & heartfelt Jewish blues musician, speak here at Agudat Achim in Schenectady. Call with Carlebach and Chassidic influences. He’s Federation 783-7800 for RSVP, cost and info. playing at Terra on Sat Night, but also singing and sharing at the Shabbos Day Kiddush Luncheon.

6/9(11): FIELD DAY & COOKOUT No charge, but if you’d like to help sponsor the To celebrate the end of a great school year, grades cost, contact Dini Gordon: chavlaz@hotmail.com K-HS will be going to Thatcher Park for a day of hiking, picnicking & games. Transportation will be 6/13: LAZER LLOYD AT TERRA

by Folmsbees yellow bus & private cars, leaving 10pm Motzai Shabbos. Lazer is a Skidmore alum, school at 9am, returning 3:30pm. $5 cost per child. lives in Israel, tours US playing Jewish blues music.

Arrive at school at 8am for davening. All students $15 by Friday, $18 at door includes one drink. must wear walking shoes, protective clothing to prevent tick bites, insect repellent, sunscreen, and 6/14: JWC C.P. GALA w/CRISPE sunhats. After school we will have a family cookout CP Chabad JWC caps off year of internationallyat school, all are welcome. Parent volunteers help themed events with 7th annual gala 5pm at Hyatt with all aspects of the day. Please call Susannah Place featuring Sara Esther Crispe on: “Israel - the at 813-0633 to volunteer. The rain date for this Womens Land” with Silent Auction, Music, Buffet trip is on Thursday June 11th. The end-of-year etc. Call Leah: 495-0779 for RSVP, cost & info. cookout BBQ will be on Tuesday 6/9 regardless.

6/9: END OF YEAR COOKOUT BBQ

6/14: JACK LAUBER MEMORIAL

6/18: 8TH GRADE GRADUATION 8th grade graduates & families, teachers, friends &community are welcome back on Thurs evening, the last day of school, for graduation ceremonies.

6pm at school. Refreshments served.

6/20-21: REBBE’S YARTZEIT The Lubavitcher Rebbe’s Gimel-Tammuz yartzeit falls on Shabbos Korach this year, there will be a farbrengen Kiddush at Shomray Torah. On Sunday, at the Daf-Yomi study Rabbi Rubin will share an insight of the Rebbe to that day’s study of Talmud tractate Nedarim on the “no-fault exemption” along with a breakfast. Look for a Day of Study a little later on (probably start of July) with a variety of presenters. More details soon.

6/21: BALLOON & CRAFT FEST at the Saratoga Fairgrounds in Ballston Spa. Cost is $15pp, $5 for kids (balloon rides cost extra) but if you come early enough (and that means really early, like 5:30am!) you can get watch the grand balloon launch! Plus there are craft vendors and activities for kids. Info: balloonandcraft.com

6/21: “DAD FEST” AT THE RIVER a first time Albany event for Father’s Day!1-5pm at Jennings Landing @Hudson River. Free admission.

6/21: CBAJ MEMBER MTG & BBQ 5pm Membership Meeting, 5:30pm BBQ.

1st annual Jack Lauber Memorial Lecture by noted Following the Field Day (even if it’s rained out & speaker Dr. Stephen Berk 7pm at Beth Israel in pushed to Thurs 6/11, BBQ will be on Tuesday) Schen, 7pm. $10 donation pp. Info? 377-3700. begins 3:45pm at the school. Suggested cost is $5pp or $25 max per family. All welcome!

6/25-7/19: JGR DATES

Said to be the nation’s largest Flag Day parade, now in its 48th year! 1-3 pm along Fourth Street in Rabbi Marvin Tokayer, author of “Pepper, Silk and Troy between Main and Federal.

Ivory” lived many years abroad in the Far East to speak for a Federation Womens Philanthropy 6/17: HUCK FINNS PLAYLAND Lunch & Learn at Terra. Call Linda Pollack 7837800 x234 for more info. (google: “Marvin Tokayer Old Hoffmans Playland is moving to Erie Blvd Rebbe Chabad” for stories he had with the Rebbe). where 787 & 90 meet to become the new Huck Finns Playland. They hope to be open by this date!

7/6-8/14: CAMP GAN ISRAEL DATES

6/14: TROY’S FLAG DAY PARADE

6/10: TOKAYER AT FED’S W.P.

6/9-14: HALFMOON CARNIVAL Midway rides and fun activities by Gillette Shows at Halfmoon Town Hall, 6-10pm Tues thru wknd, Sunday 1-8pm. Free admission. 20% of ticket sales

6/17-18: ROSH CHODESH TAMMUZ Wed 8am Minyan at Shomray Torah, Thurs 8am at MHDS. Please be timely, Moving-Up Day follows.

This year’s JGR overnight camp will be at a scenic boarding school in Hoosick, near the Vermont border. Info? nechama@JewishGirlsRetreat.net

Day Camp located at Maimonides. Call Morah Devorah Leah for info: 698-1836. Many activities and trips planned. Israeli & local staff!

7/7: J.S.F. DAY OF STUDY AT S.H. The Jewish Summer Fellowship (in Kingston NY) will come up to Shabbos House for a day of lectures & learning, that is open to the community.

A local Siyum may be part of the program, too.

Stay tuned for times, details and more info.

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!”