Maimonides Community

BH. Shvat

23, 5775 / Feb 12, 2015

Candle-Lighting: Community Newsletter of the Maimonides Hebrew Day School of the Capital District 5:06 404 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 6:08 Maimonides is accredited by the NYS Board of Regents & is a beneficiary of UJF-NENY

CATCHING UP ON OLD NEWS We just can’t fit everything into the MC each week! Below are two great projects from Mrs. Carroll’s classes from last week, putting them in first thing on front page, so we don’t forget!

Q-TIP SKELETONS Mrs. Carroll’s first graders are learning about their bodies and health, so they made their basic skeletal structures using Q-tips.

LIFE-CYCLE OF FROGS Mrs. Carroll’s second graders learned 4 stages in the life-cycle of frogs: from eggs and tadpoles to froglets and adults.

EXTENDED WEEKEND OFF Half-Day this Thursday 2/12, No School on Friday 2/13 and No School on Monday 2/16 Presidents Day. School resumes 8am on Tues. But it can’t be too long a break from Torah study! Try to do a little learning each morning and evening (the Mitzvah is to study at least a little bit of Torah each day and night) from a book or online, Hebrew reading practice is always good, too!

maimonidesschool@gmail.com

FABRIC SWATCHES The HS Boys with Rabbi Rubin are learning Gemorah about the Halachic status of wool and linen, and other types of natural fiber cloths like cotton. This affects many Halachic issues including Shatnez (the prohibition of wearing a wool & linen garmet) and Tzitzis (the Mitzvah of fringe tassels at the corners of a Tallis or four-corned garment). Mrs. Roland, a Math teacher at Maimonides, brought in swatches of different types of fabrics for a hands-on feel.

Rabbi Rubin also connected this learning to the Darsha Tzemer uPishtim of Eishet Chayil in honor of the Shvat 22 Yartzeit of Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneersohn.

This newsletter is sponsored in memory of

Ella Saul

Ella bas Meir Elchanan yartzeit Shvat 24 by her family

WORDS FROM THE BEGINNING Morah DL’s 2nd graders have been learning Chumash, word by word, verse by verse, recently celebrating their 100th verse! These words on their wall are key words from the earliest chapters of Breishis Genesis; they are also the beginnings of their lifelong Chumash studies. May these rich words always find relevance in their lives!

MAIMONIDES 404 Partridge Street Albany NY 12208

VIOLIN IN NURSERY Nursery is now learning the Hebrew letter Kaf, which is the first letter in Kinor, Hebrew for violin.

Morah Rivka played violin for her Nursery students, who were so excited and got up to dance! Encore, encore! Her son Eli came by during their lunch to play some more, because they liked it so much. Kinor is mentioned in many places, including “The Last Hallelukah” chapter 150 of Psalms which is in the daily prayers, and also in Naomi Shemer’s “Jerusalem of Gold”.

MONDAY SNOWDAY ACTIVITIES, TIDBITS & LESSONS This past Monday was yet another snow day! It’s been one a week this month… Our students came to school on Tuesday and shared with us some interesting things they did and learned on Monday: 

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N. met a man who flew an F16 Eagle fighter jet for the Israeli Air Force. The man described the plane to him in lots of detail, including the external paint colors and how the wings and tips looked.

S. learned an important lesson. She and her younger brother were shoveling snow and a car drove up close a few times, and after a few times the guy rolled down his window and said to her brother: “Come inside my car and I’ll give you a candy.” Thankfully, he knew this wasn’t safe, so he ran inside to tell his mother, who called the police.

Y. and T. went with their father to his work place at a software company. They enjoyed a huge conference room all to themselves with big comfortable chairs and huge TV screens.

The H. family boiled and baked bagels, making the dough from scratch and then topping the fresh hot bagels with smears… it’s very different when you make it yourself!

M. family took sleds to a park but somehow their sleds just sank into the snow and wouldn’t slide down the hill. They first thought of heading to a store to buy new or different sleds, but another family in the park shared their fine-working sleds with them.

The generous kindness of the family whom they never met before made the sledding trip all the more memorable.

R. is headed to Brooklyn this extended weekend so she went to Target to pick up some things she needed for the trip. She never saw Target so empty!

The L. family mixed up milk and vanilla, added clean untouched snow, and put sprinkles on top. It was delicious, but melted quickly, so they had to enjoy it right away.

R. family painted canvases in their basement.

Some put painters tape on the canvas before starting in specific shapes or letters and peeled it off when the paint dried.

The K. family had a long-running Monopoly game from one snowday to the next! This Monday, the yellow properties turned up to be a big winner, collecting lots of rent!

Another K. family went out to eat at Terra, and enjoyed a fish dish, loved the eggplant parmesan, and of course some pizza. People seem like to the fish and chips and the white pizza with olive oil, ricotta cheese & garlic.

One family went to Dunkin Donuts for a hot drink and started talking with someone there who turned out to be one of the people our students visit as part of “Better Together!”

food ration card and was so hungry that she ate 2 pounds of raisins that she got access to and got so sick! He spoke a lot about the deep roots of antiSemitism in Poland and how they first tried to return to Breslau after the war, but there were thieves & crooks and it was especially very dangerous for Jews. He told the boys how he once bravely kept bandits from his own door. He told about the Kelcz pogrom in which Jews were A “BETTER TOGETHER” ORAL killed by Poles even after WWII was over! He HISTORY WITH MR. GREEN shared about life in DP camp in Germany Mr. Green is 93 years old KAH! and runs his before coming over to America, and he also own tailor shop (corner of Quail & New shared about their journey on the ship over.

Scotland) part-time, takes care of himself at He told many more stories & interesting home, and is grateful for the many blessings in details, and we thank him for taking the time his life. But as our boys heard on Wednesday and energy even in the middle of winter when during a 90-minute filmed Oral History part he doesn’t like to go out as much. of our “Better Together” project, his life wasn’t so easy at all. He shared background of PRESIDENTIAL his father’s and uncles’ life growing up as PLATES orphans (his grandparents both died from Mrs. Carroll’s students disease in their 30’s) living in a Polish took paper plates and orphanage & his father’s apprenticeship to a decorated them to furniture factory owner, and how his parents appear as George Moshe and Fraida met. His father, who was a Washington with white very strong man but his hands suffered from fluffy hair at the sides, the strong polish in furniture-making, just in time for encouraged Mr. Green (then young Volf) Presidents Day this “learn a Fahch” and become a tailor, so he was Monday (last day of apprenticed at age 14. Tailors would never this extended weekend become rich, but they could earn a living. He off, no school). Today, talked about the poverty in Poland and how on half-day Thursday Jews could not own farmland and were very they learned and did limited in professions, both his uncles were in projects on Presidents the Polish army, one killed on the front in 1939, the other was first a Russian POW, later George Washington and Abraham Lincoln whose adjacent birthdays are the reason we a Russian tank commander highly decorated when he emigrated to Israel after first trying to celebrate Presidents Day at this time of year. live in Poland. (Interestingly, in the Six-Day War, the IDF used this uncle as an expert on Russian armaments). When WWII broke out, Mr. Green fled to Russia with some friends.

His family back home was killed by the Nazis, he heard about his brothers in the Ghetto through a cousin that survived in hiding. In Russia he was on the run, afraid of being drafted to the front, finding food wasn’t easy.

During the siege of Stalingrad he was drafted for a labor camp in the Ural Mts where they A MATTAN-TORAH PAINTING were malnourished, and his feet swelled up Last week’s Parshat Yitro was about the Giving from hunger. He managed to escape and of the Torah. Morah Aviva’s Kindergarteners thanks to an old woman in Nizny-Tagil (a painted this richly colored vivid abstract of the remote city that swelled due to the influx of refugees) found dangerous work in a iron-ore mountain and the excitement at the time of factory (that was as large as the distance from the Giving of the Torah at Sinai. It’s hanging St Peters to Albany Med) that suited him and up now in the hallway between Kindergarten allowed him access to food. His wife, whom he and the lunchroom. didn’t know yet at that time, once missed her

PRESIDENTS AND THE JEWS

MAZALTOV MORAH STEPHANIE

SEA TURTLE FACTS ON BACKS In addition to learning about frogs (see page 1) 2nd graders also learned about seaturtles, which have some of the longest life-spans of living creatures. Each student wrote down one fact on a turtleback and they posted them on a blue sea background behind the door in their classroom.

Morah Stephanie Lieber, formerly at our Maimonides Nursery (now teaching in Great Neck NY) is getting married to Ben Zaientz this Sunday in the Five Towns with lots of Albany representation at the wedding. Ben and Stephanie have been a major part of the Shabbos House (both are alumni) and general Albany Jewish community, we miss them much and extend a hearty Mazal Tov to them and their families and many friends!

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GEORGE WASHINGTON: The first President’s letter to the Jewish congregation in Newport RI is truly a classic: ...May the children of the stock of Abraham who dwell in this land continue to merit and enjoy the good will of the other inhabitants—while every one shall sit in safety under his own vine and fig tree and there shall be none to make him afraid. May the father of all mercies scatter light, and not darkness, upon our paths… Look online for the full text of the letter and its interesting background and continued relevance.

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MARTIN VAN BUREN 8th President, who came from Kinderhood very close to Albany, directed the US Consulate in Alexandria Egypt to try to protect the Jews of Damascus who were falsely accused of a blood libel. This was for Jews who didn’t live here and were not American citizens!

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ABRAHAM LINCOLN: In 1862 he signed an Act that allowed non-Christian clergy to serve as chaplains, which allowed for the first Rabbis in the US military. He also reversed General Grant’s infamous “Order 11” which expelled all Jews from Tennessee during Grant’s military conquest of that area.

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RUTHERFORD HAYS: 19th Presidents, form 1877-1881 assured a Jewish woman her federal job in the Department of the Interior despite her Shabbos observance.

He also sent an ambassador/consul to Romania with the specific task of dealing with anti-Semitism there.

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WOODROW WILSON: Despite strong opposition, the 28th President did not back down from his nomination of the first Jewish Supreme Court Justice, Louis Brandeis who was eventually confirmed by the US Senate.

SID COHEN OBM Condolences to the Cohen family. Sid passed away this week, he was a native of Pittsfield, served in the Navy in Korea and partnered with his brother-in-law Harold Kessler at the old Kessler Pharmacy on New Scotland Ave in Albany. Later he served as the Executive Director of Temple Israel. May his memory be a blessing.

TEI: SENSITIVITY, FLAUNTING This week’s 7th grade TEI class focused on flaunting something (even when it is unintentional) in front of someone who may be jealous or sensitive about that thing. They also talked about a Yiddish/Hebrew word called Farginen/L’Fargeyn which is a very noble characteristic. All this was much food for thought about character and sensitivity.

FIVE HISTORICAL TIDIBITS

WHY I LIKE A SEEDLING

2/3 graders with Morah DL wrote these poems in Hebrew, either on a “little seedling” Mrs. Roland had her 6/7 grade students look or on a “tree” that grew from a small seedling. up many different forms of energy that is used They did a very nice job with both the words for heating. They went online in the computer and the handwriting, you can see their work lab and looked into things like wood heat (logs hanging outside their classroom on the and pellets), oil and gas (of course), coal and lunchroom wall. peat, and newer alternative methods like geothermal piping deep underneath the ground.

TYPES OF HEATING FUEL

THE MEGA CHALLAH BAKE

It was amazing to have well over 100 women come out to bake Challah together despite the Rabbi Rubin’s HS class learned about “Neft” snowy weather conditions outside this past which the Gemorah discusses as a possible fuel Sunday. So much detail went into the event, for Shabbos candles. Rabbi Tarfon (who was from the Spa treatments, to the stalks of wheat wealthy) insisted on using only olive oil but as centerpieces, the individual bowls and Rabbi Yochanon ben Nuri stood up on his already portioned ingredients at each setting feet (in protest) and listed countries with their (thanks to HS girls and Shabbos House most plentiful and cheapest fuels, what should students for much of the prep work) and the they use!? He listed the people of Carpathia custom souvenir aprons. The guest presenter who have no fuel but Neft. Later the Gemorah Mrs. Pinson shared many life lessons and says that White Neft is dangerous to use for mystical background to each of the ingredients lighting both on weekdays and certainly not and stages of the process, and everyone took on Shabbos because it flares up and is not home 2 pounds of delicious Challah to bake at predictable. A while later in Mrs. Ramsay’s home. Thanks to Chaya S. of our HS for history class they happened to watch a video taking wonderful photos which are available which mentioned Naphta as a volatile online, and to everyone on the committee and dangerous crude oil that’s very flammable! volunteers for making it happen!

“NEFT” FUEL IN GEMORAH

What starts with E, ends with an E, and only has one letter? An envelope!

You know that that famous painting of George Washington crossing the Delaware River? Why is he standing up in the boat? Ah, because every time he sat down someone gave him an oar to row…

What did the Math Book say to the Social Studies book? Leave me alone, I have enough problems!

Why was 6 afraid of 7? Because 7 ate (8) 9!

Did you know how the Welsh count to 4? Eeenie, Meenie, Mynee, Moe! (and that’s not a joke).

at Maimonides and in the Community 2/12: LOCAL CAMP STONE VISIT The Levin children attend Camp Stone (Young Israel/Bnei Akiva) in the summers, and they invited the camp director Rabbi Yehudah Rothner to present a class “Symbolism at Revelation at Sinai” at CBAJ Thurs evening 7:30pm and also to discuss the camp. Parents and kids welcome. Call Mrs. Levin 813-0633 with any questions.

enjoy some fresh-made pizza, sushi rolls and other specialties. bnoschayaprograms@gmail.com

2/22: WRAPUNZEL HAIR WRAP A hair-wrapping workshop event sponsored by the Albany Bnos Israel Mikvah, with support from the Jewish Federation. Simple & exquisite wrap ties.

6:30pm at CBAJ. $10pp suggested donation.

RSVP: albanymikvah@gmail.com / 618-7423.

2/12: CBAJ MISHLOACH MANOT

Today is the deadline to signup for participation in 3/4: SEUSSIAN SOOS FOR PURIM the CBAJ communal Mishloach Manot. See HS boys are helping develop a Seussian Seuss CBAJ.org or call the synagogue for more details.

(Soos) Purim theme for this year’s Purim Prunch at Maimonides. They are starting to work with “The King’s Stilts”, it has a king, a villain, a hero..

2/12-16: NO SCHOOL AT MHDS No school on Friday 2/13 and Monday Presidents Day 2/16. School resumes 8am on Tuesday 2/17. 3/4: PURIM NIGHT! Purim Night is “March Forth!” this year so its an easy date to remember. Look for many local events 2/14: FIRST OF FOUR and celebrations including: This week we read Parshat Shekalim, in addition  Big Bounce Night at CBAJ to Mishpatim, first of the four special readings!  Purim Carnival on UAlbany Campus  “Purim Under Sea” at Bethlehem Chabad 2/14: MINYAN HELP WELCOME  Italian (Dairy) Purim at Saratoga Chabad Quite a few families are away this weekend, and  No-Frills Megillah Reading at Shomray Torah the weather outside will be extremely cold, so any Minyan help, especially for Mincha can be very helpful. Just be sure to dress in layers & button up! 3/4: PURIM DAY The Mitzvah of Mishloach Manot and the Purim Meal is supposed to be done on Purim Day, and 2/14: RABBI REISMAN SHIUR yes, there are more communal celebrations!

Sat Nights 7:30pm at CBAJ Luchins Media Center  Annual Maimonides Purim Prunch late Purim with Rabbi Y. Reisman, televised from Brooklyn. morning this year with a possible “Seussian Rabbi Frand’s class is viewed 9pm on Thursdays.

Soos” theme! Stay tuned…  “Purim a Paris” with Clifton Park Chabad 4:30 2/15-16: UP IN GLENS FALLS at the West Crescent Fire Hall.

World Awareness Children’s Museum hosts a  Kingston NY is also hosting a Purim in Paris. weaving program on Sunday & a Music/vibration It’s a popular theme this year in solidarity with program on Monday. If up in that area, you might the Jews of Paris who suffered this year. also want to visit The Hyde Museum which is  “I Remember When” Purim at Troy’s Beth home to classic art by famous masters, and The Tephilah, stay tuned for info.

Chapman House historical museum which is a  Plus morning Minyan, Torah and Megillah step back in time. Look up the museums for hours, Reading at Shomray Torah, CBAJ etc. admission and other info.

2/16: ALBANY INSTITUTE FREE

3/8: FED SCHOLARSHIPS DUE

The Jewish Federation offers scholarships for Free admission on Presidents Day, additional $5 to overnight summer camps and other enrichment join the Lego Challenge see albanyinstitute.org for experiences. Forms are available at the school more info. office or from the Federation. Applications must be in by this date.

2/19-20: ROSH CHODESH ADAR

And 2 weeks to Purim! Get your costume ready.

Minyan at Maimonides on Thursday…

2/21: LAST WINTER PIZZA NITE As Shabbos ends later, final one for the season.

Come support the HS Girls extra-curricular and

3/8: SCOUTS PINEWOOD DERBY You do not have to be a scout to join, this event is open to boys and girls ages K-8, 1-4pm at Temple Israel Social Hall. Signup by 3/1: contact Contact Jesse Weinstock gashach@gmail.com 222-4070 or Adam Selsley attrcjcos@gmail.com 368-8713.

$7 HELPS MHDS PURCHASE FRUIT TREES IN ISRAEL Our school is participating with “Zo Artzeinu” IsraelTrees.org to support religious farmers this Shmitta year and contribute towards the preparations and planting of fruit trees.

We are asking each school family (community friends are welcome to participate as well) to send $7 (Shmitta year is the 7th year) to school which will be used to purchase a fruit tree! Each tree is $45, we hope to plant at least 2 or 3 trees, perhaps more!

The organization in Israel will give us educational materials relating to agricultural Halacha in the Land of Israel. Please send $7 and indicate which tree you prefer, we will purchase the trees based on the total votes:  Olive Tree  Grape Vine  Pomegranate  Fig Tree  Date Palm  Citrus Tree P.S. Of course, families who wish to buy a tree for $45 can do so (preferably via Maimonides) but we hope all can participate with the $7 minimum so we purchase several trees as a school community.

Stay tuned for updates on our trees!

A snowflake is one of G-d’s most fragile creations, but look what they can do when they stick together! ( - unattributed)

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!”