Community Newsletter of the Maimonides Hebrew Day School of the Capital District 404 Partridge Street Albany NY 12208 (518) 453-9363/3434 www.maimonidesschool.org produced by Rabbi Mendel & students in the TNT (Torah ‘n Technology) Program

Maimonides is accredited by the NYS Board of Regents & is a beneficiary of UJF-NENY maimonidesschool@gmail.com

BH. THURS Cheshvan 28, 5775 / Nov 21,

PRAYING FOR JERUSALEM This week’s recent terrible terror attack on a

Har Nof synagogue in Jerusalem during prayer (and before that a terror attack on the light-rail) is on all of our minds and hearts. The verse “pray for the welfare of Jerusalem” could not be more appropriate now.

MR. D’S “DO NOW!” 3/4 graders pictured here with Mr. D, doing what they do at the start of every afternoon: “Do Now!” math & ELA exercise to jumpstart

their day, even before getting into anything specific. Do Now! Is also a great life message: Don’t always wait

until you have all the info or the whole project! You can get started with something small, even one sentence or one math problem, but you should get going right away without delay! Mitzvot are like that, too, Just Do It! as the Nike slogan goes.

OUT WITH OLD, IN WITH NEW Mrs. Levin’s art students keep on making new projects, so they took down these “Van Gogh” and “Texture Library” to take home, making room for their new “Informal Balance” project which will now be on display upstairs.

IS TERRA FINALLY OPENING? Seem so! Moshe K. is our communal news student correspondent at the MC Newsletter, and most eager for this local Kosher restaurant to finally open. He reports that the opening date is just around the corner! For more info visit: www.terraalbany.com, call: 463-5600, or see them on Facebook. In fact, there will be a $100 gift-certificate at Terra in our soon-to-be published school’s Raffle-Auction.

UP TO THE CHALLENGE 2nd graders are taking on harder work & standing up to get it done, even if it takes some erasing and trying again!

Candle-Lighting: 4:10 Shabbos Ends: 5:13

MAIMONIDES 404 Partridge Street Albany NY 12208

This newsletter is dedicated in memory

of those killed in the Har Nof

Synagogue, Jerusalem:

Rabbi Mosheh Twersky

Rabbi Kalman Levin

Rabbi Aryeh Kopinsky

Rabbi Avraham Shmuel Goldberg

and the heroic Druze Police Officer

Zidan Saif. Hashem Yinkom Damam.

A ROOM CHANGE It’s a few months into the year, time for a setup change in Mrs. Carroll’s classroom. It’s a fresh feel, new and different, changes the class atmosphere & learning dynamic.

AND A PEEK INTO 5/6 ROOM 5th graders are at working individually on their assignments in the picture foreground, while 6th graders study as a group at the table in the back with Mrs. Maher - balancing the multi-age learning environment while each grade meets their needs.

PIZZA AND SUSHI SIYUM All of Rabbi Shmuly’s Mishna and Gemorah classes enjoyed a pizza and sushi Siyum this week for completing a unit of study (some learned Sukkah, others Rosh Hashanah) and for each student producing their own set of Powerpoint slides to make the learning all more visual, understandable and memorable. DVARIM, VA’ETCHANAN... Rabbi Simon’s Chumash class is making good time, they are almost done with 2nd Parsha.

LIGHTING VS. PLACEMENT Last week we reported on 7th grade learning this issue in Gemorah class with Rabbi Shmuly. This week the HS boys learned the same piece with Rabbi Rubin. Not only did they learn it in the Gemorah, but they also learned the Shulchan Aruch on it in OC 674, how this plays out in using one candle to light another. Then, they learned a piece from R’ Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev’s “Kedushas Levi” about a life-applicable lesson about the ups and downs of spiritual inspiration, and how Mitzvot can still be done even if we’re down.

SOLAR PATH THRU SEASONS Mrs. Sahay’s HS science class studied about the changes in the sun’s path that determine the seasons. They learned about the summer solstice and winter solstice, and the equinox. Did you know that the sun is actually closer to us during the wintertime, but our tilt of the axis away from the sun is what makes it wintertime. Interesting tidbit: the sun is never at 90 degrees directly above us in NY State.

COOKIE-JAR OF EMOTIONS TNT student photographers came back with this photo of 2nd graders baking cookies in “Nathan’s Kitchen”. We didn't find out the story of the cookies in time for publication, but their faces are a mix of a spectrum of emotions, each face tells a different story! T.E.I.: GUMPTION! This week 7th grade TEI (Torah Emotional Intelligence) class focused on gumption: bold initiative, positive gutsy Chutzpah, not waiting for others to get it done.. they thought of biblical examples, like Esther, Yehudit and Nachshon, and Rivkah who was a rose among thorns in her childhood, offered Eliezer to give his camels water, and took matters into

her own hands when she thought Yaakov should get the blessings.

BOOKS FROM COLONIAL TIMES Well, not exactly. They were made this week in Mrs. Maher’s class. But these string-bound books try to depict life back then in Colonial America, which they continue to fill as they learn more about it in Social Studies class.

LEARNING BACKGAMMON There was some free time at the end of the day on Wednesday, so Mr. D. allowed his students some free-play time in the classroom. He taught the students pictured above how to play Backgammon. Aside for luck, there’s actually quite a bit of math in playing backgammon, some of which the students can understand now and some of it as they grow older and sharpen their math skills.

THE ANNUAL LENTIL SOUP Every year for Parshat Toldot (with the famous Lentil Soup Jacob made and sold), Morah Devorah’s class peels, cuts, chops & prepared a delicious lentil soup for the whole school. They did all the prep work and cooking on Wednesday and will be serving it on Thursday.

INFORMAL BALANCE ART Informal balance is interesting, because it doesn’t follow the laws of symmetry, but it

isn’t totally out of wack either. It has a balance of its own. Mrs. Levin’s 3/4 grade students painted random points with connecting lines that didn’t line-up

with each other and then used the in-between spaces to color in segments. So there’s some form and pattern, but not an exact one. NURSERY’S SOCK PUPPETS

In this week’s Torah portion of Toldos, twins are born, the first one, Eisav, was reddish complexion and hairy. They made hand puppets of socks decorated with googly eyes, yarn for

hair, and accessories like bow & arrow for Eisav (he was a hunter) and a pair of Tzitzit (although before Mattan Torah) for Yaakov.

“MC” NEWSLETTER VIA MAIL For those receiving this newsletter via U.S.

Mail, this year we have begun to mail 3 MC newsletters together, so you should get the newsletters every 3 weeks. This saves a lot of postage. Some mail recipients have been telling us that it some-

times arrives torn, so we will try looking into a good envelope option but we do want to keep the mailing costs down. Of course, we do send the newsletter each week via email! Sign up for that via: maimonidesschool@gmail.com

BACK FROM KFAR SABA Morah Rivi came back from a week-long visit to Kfar Saba in Israel to surprise her father for his birthday. She showed her students Kfar Saba on a map of Israel - it’s near Ra’anana and Herliya and quite close to the West Bank’s Qalqilya. She brought yummy Israeli chocolates for students and teachers. The 5/6 grade really enjoyed the Etzbaot chocolate “fingers”. By the way, Kfar Saba is home to SanDisk in Israel, and Teva Pharmaceuticals. ANDY WARHOL IN 5/6 GRADE The 5/6 graders are doing an art project based on Andy Warhol, a very famous artist with a distinctive style. They’re drawing self portraits, with special attention to the bones under their faces. Then they take a clear, pliant sheet of plastic and using a permanent marker trace their face onto the plastic. Then they painted the faces with abstract wild crazy colors. There will be a display at the Bach Library in about a month of some of their artwork.

A NICE BIRTHDAY PRESENT Usually kids like to get presents for their

birthdays, but Nachman Aryeh brought in a present for the first-grade class in honor of his birthday. That was really nice! It’s a box of PlayStix that his classmates really enjoy playing with during free time or indoor recess. All kinds of creative options!

LEARNING THE STATES Mrs. Carroll’s 2nd graders each made a poster about a different state, from Tennessee to Nebraska, Arizona to Florida. They each did their own research on interesting things about that state and then put it together on a poster.

WHAT WOULD YOUR COIN SAY HS students did this coin project with Morah

Chaya Bracha, modeled after the custom coin minted by Avraham & Sara (Medrash). Each student designed their own coin with quotes & graphics that represent them.

Why did the man throw butter out the window? He wanted to see a butterfly!

Why did the man throw a clock out the window? He wanted to see time fly!

What has 4 wheels and flies? A garbage truck.

What do you call a fake noodle? A impasta!

What happens if you eat shoepolish & yeast? (Don’t actually try this!!) You will rise & shine!

K-GARTEN LINES UP TO SHARE THEIR LEARNING (L) Mrs. Hoffman introduced Kindergarteners to non-fiction reading. After reading “Animal Babies” they each drew a picture of one of the animals, and shared one FACT they learned about that animal. (R) This week Kindergarten learned with Morah Chaya Bracha the Hebrew letter “Ches”. On the board above their heads is an 8-car train (because Ches is the 8th letter) of Chet letters, each carrying a different Ches word, such as: Challot, Chanukiot, Chatulim (cats), Chalonot (windows). They also painted with the color Chum (brown) and did other such related projects that bring the letter to life.

11/21: NO SCHOOL THIS FRIDAY Enjoy the extended weekend, & another extended weekend the following week for Thanksgiving. 11/21: KINUS WEEKEND As some will be away at the Chabad Conference this weekend in Brooklyn, and being the one of the earliest Shabbosim of the year, anyone who can come out to the Minyanim is most appreciated. 11/22: SHTEEBLE KIDS PROGRAM 10am-11:15am for kids through 1st grade led by a rotation of older girls. Thanks to those parents who are supporting their efforts. 11/22: CBAJ PARENT CHILD STUDY 6pm at CBAJ, K-8th. Bring your own study texts or materials will be provided. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Pizza, Torah & Prizes. 11/23: ROSH CHODESH KISLEV Sat Night into Sunday is Rosh Chodesh. Add Yaale v’Yavo, Hallel and Musaf, & Torah Reading. 11/23: KELMAN OPEN HOUSE Rabbi & Rabinessa Kelman of Cong Beth Israel invite the community to their open house at their home: 2047 Central Parkway, 12-2pm. 11/23: KINUS BANQUET ONLINE Program begins 6pm, available on Jewish.TV or Chabad.org for live streaming. Mr. Yuli Edelstein, speaker of the Knesset and a former refusenik is this year’s guest speaker and Rabbi Nissan Dovid Dubov of England is the keynote speaker. 11/24: WOMENS BEIT MEDRASH This month’s biblical woman is Leah, presented by Morah Leyee. 8pm at Maimonides, open to women in the community. Come and study! 11/26: HALF-DAY SCHOOL We’re changing from the original plan and having half-day Hebrew only on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Dismissal at 11:45am. 11/28: ICE-SKATING OPENING DAY Empire State Plaza Ice Skating opens for season. Free skating. Skate rentals $3 kids, $4 adults. Free skate rentals on Fridays courtesy of Hannaford. 12/2: THE ART OF DRAWING - SJCC “Concerning the Art of Drawing” an exhibit by Charles Steckler is on display at the Farber/Miness Gallery at the Schenectady JCC, through Jan 30.

12/13: KISLEV 19 MELAVA MALKA Annual local tradition by Capital Chabad (earlier with R’ Zalman Levine), Chassidic stories, melodies and Melava Malka/farbrengen atmosphere. Also will be a Rambam Siyum. 12/13: ORCHESTRA OF EXILES Schenectady JCC screening a film about Bronislaw Huberman who saved European Jewish musicians from Holocaust by bringing them to then-Palestine, creating forerunner of Israel Philharmonic Orchestra. 7:30pm. Individual events in Jewish Film Festival series $9pp for non-JCC-members. COMMUNAL CHANUKAH EVENTS Hope to post listing soon. Looking forward to a fun, luminous and exciting Chanukah holiday! 12/23: MHDS RAFFLE-AUCTION & ANNUAL CHANUKAH DINNER Now in its 12th year! Printed version to be mailed to homes before Thanksgiving, online version as well. The prize viewings & drawings, 5-7pm at Maimonides, will be on the 8th night of Chanukah, together with a delicious themed Chinese dinner prepared by the Kochmans at “Nathan’s Kitchen”. Stay tuned for more updates!! Some new prize packages this year… 12/24: CHANUKAH SONGS & SKITS Half a day, Hebrew only. Chanukah performances that morning followed by dismissal and pickup. Last morning of school before winter vacation. 12/25-28: JGR WINTER RETREAT This year back at Dunhams Bay on Lake George. For more info call Nechama Laber: 727-9581. 12/25-28: WINTER VACATION 12/24-25: Half-Day Hebrew, Performances 12/26-30: Winter Vacation, No School 12/31/2014-1/1/2015: Half-Day Hebrew 1/2/2015: First full day back… GE-KIDS-IN-FREE MiSci SUNDAYS GE offers a special Kids-In-Free (one child 12 and

under free per each paying adult admission) on Sundays in November & December this year at MiSci in Schenectady. 2/8: SPA FOR BODY & SOUL The 10th annual: Mega-Challah Bake this year! Stay tuned for 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!”

at Maimonides and in the Community

MORE SNEAK-PREVIEW OF THE RAFFLE-AUCTION Going to the Printer by this weekend, see full Raffle-Auction spread by Thanksgiving or just afterward.

Some of the prize-packages tentatively include: A 6-month membership to CNSE-CMOST,

$40 plus 4 passes at “Flight” the trampoline park, 2 passes at Maple Ski Ridge, and gift-certificate at FunPlex, too!

The iPad Mini comes along with 1-year subscription to the JEM app, as well as a digital subscription to Ami Magazine.

There’s a full set of the original Hebrew Steinzaltz Talmud, small-size hardcover, thanks to Koren Publishing.

The Build-Up package contains Lego sets, Lego Friends sets, Clics and Knex…

Magnatiles, all the rage now, 100 pc set! More $5 tickets than most past years…

CAN WE UP OUR GOAL? Last year’s Raffle-Auction raised $12,000. This year we’re going to shoot for the stars to raise $18,000! It’s an ambitious goal that will take an effort on all our parts to buy & sell more tickets, spread the word, and involve more people. Our school needs the extra boost and support!

BROWING BOOKS AT THE ESTY LIBRARY This picture wasn’t posed, our students really do like to read! And thanks to those who’ve contributed, the Esty Library (now together with the Media Center/Computer Lab) continues to gradually grow.