Newsletter - Yeshiva Derech Hatorah

YESHIVA DERECH HATORAH
FAMILY ALBUM
VOLUME 9
NUMBER 14
JANUARY 9, 2015
CANDLE LIGHTING 4:27 PM
18 TEVES 5775
Dvar Torah — Shemot
Thursday-Sunday,
1/15-1/25
Mid-Winter Vacation
NO SCHOOL
****
Wednesday, 2/25
Science Expo 2015
(Grades 5-8)
****
Mark your calendar!
G. O. Melava Malka
“Mystery & Illusion”
Motzei Shabbat
Parshat Tetzaveh
2/28
Look for upcoming
details
M
oshe witnessed an Egyptian beating a fellow Jew. Before Moshe took action to stop this Egyptian from possibly killing the Jew, the pasuk relates, Moshe looked around and saw that there
“was no man”. The Midrash Rabbah (Shmos 1:29), quoting R. Yehudah, explains this to mean
that there was no one else present possessing zeal to rise up and kill the Egyptian. The Mahrzu points
out that, according to this explanation, other Jews were indeed present and witnessing the assault, yet
they were not willing to take the necessary action.
Why does the Torah take pains to describe the passivity of the bystanders, and that Moshe noticed it?
What difference does it make that the onlookers did nothing? The simplest explanation would be that
Moshe only stepped forward to kill the Egyptian because there was no one else willing to do so. Indeed,
the Mahrzu quotes the Mishna in Pirkei Avot (2:5), “In a place where there are no men, try to be a
man” applies here in the sense that Moshe acted (“tried to be a man”) only because no one else was “a
man”. However, this explanation is vulnerable to a serious question: Wouldn’t Moshe have rushed to
fulfill this great mitzvah of saving a fellow Jew even if other people were available? The Gemara
teaches us that one should always try to be the first one to do a mitzvah (Bava Kama 38b). Surely
Moshe, who possessed a highly developed middah of z’rizus –zeal, would not have hesitated to grab this
opportunity to perform the incredible mitzvah of saving a Jewish life; how is it conceivable that Moshe
would have passed it up?
We must conclude that Moshe really would have seized the chance to do this mitzvah even if there were
others who were ready and able to kill the Egyptian. The lack of response by other Jews did not determine whether Moshe would react, but rather how he would react. Moshe would not have acted with the
same intensity had he known that other people were available. The Midrash is explaining that Moshe
surveyed the scene and saw no one else ready to act. This knowledge did not make him hesitant, feeling
alone and unsure. Instead, seeing this state of affairs filled him with courage and strength. He focused
on the fact that he was the only one willing to save his Jewish brother. This knowledge only caused
Moshe to increase his zealous fervor.
How often do we find ourselves in situations that call for action, that require us to stand up and do the
right thing, and we look around to see if anyone else is thinking the same way? If others don’t seem
motivated to act, it sometimes makes us afraid to play the “righteous” or “religious” person, and we
back off. Even if we have the backbone to step forward and take the initiative, it’s with reluctance and
hesitation. “After all”, we think to ourselves, “no one else is doing it...”, so we feel embarrassed and
insecure. From Moshe’s example we learn that not only shouldn’t we hesitate to do what’s right, despite the ambivalence or apathy of the spectators, but to the contrary –we should increase our zeal and
energy level, magnify our courage and our fortitude. Precisely because they are uncaring and unmotivated, we should be galvanized to act with greater decisiveness and more strength, because “there is no
one else but me to do the will of Hashem!”May we merit to be Hashem’s messengers as we carry out
His will with zeal, with confidence and with simcha.
From the Desk of Mr. Yehuda Goldstein, General Studies Principal
Shortly, students and parents will be receiving a survey to determine the level of interest for after-school extra-curricular programming.
At present, we are planning on introducing the following after-school clubs after mid-winter vacation: Aerodynamics & Aircraft Design; Mastering the Art of Illusion; Tricks of Photography, Keyboard & Guitar Training; as well as Chess and Drama
Clubs.
(continued)
From the Desk of Mr. Yehuda Goldstein (cont’d.)
These activities will be made available to students at all grade levels, but will be implemented based on interest and sustainable numbers. More information will follow.
Enjoy your vacation!
From Rabbi Rosenblatt, Jr. H. S. Social Studies
As the year progresses, all classes in the Jr. High have made great strides in their studies.
In 6th Grade Social Studies, we have learned
history. We have covered the civilizations of
Babylonia, Assyria, and Phoenicia. In addition,
ing Jewish timeline. We have learned about the
We have reviewed the lives of many of the Jewtinues, I look forward to studying other imporByzantium. In addition, many important eras
and the Renaissance will be studied.
about civilizations and how they affect world
ancient Mesopotamia such as Sumer, Akad,
we have spent much time studying the coincidAges of the Shoftim and the Ages of the Kings.
ish people’s greatest leaders. As the year contant civilizations such as Greece, Rome and
such as the Hellenistic Age, the Middle Ages,
In 7th Grade, we learned about our country’s origins from colonization through revolution. We have discussed not only the
early history of America, but the beliefs that are at the core of our country: liberty; democracy; and self rule. We are now
beginning our civics curriculum which explains how our country’s government works. In order to fully appreciate all that
America is, we must understand its Constitution.
In 8th Grade, we are learning about American History after the revolution. We started with the Civil War and are about to
begin learning about World War I, or the “Great War”. We look forward to covering major topics by year’s end, including
the Depression, World War II, Korean War, the Civil Rights Movement, and Vietnam. Of course, we will spend a lot of time
reviewing the history of the Holocaust as well.
“Talmid HaShavuah”- Vayechi
Grade 1 — Ami Mizrahi, Avraham Steinmetz
Grade 2 — Abie Steiner, Daniel Wicentowsky
Grade 3 — Moshe Ben-Hamou, Yakov Bentsur, Moshe
Katash, Binyamin Silber
Grade 4 — Noach Birnbaum, Liran Malkoukian
Grade 5 — Zelig Kaplan, Emanuel Saitskiy
Grade 6 — Moshe Adonolem, Zev Levy
Grade 7 — Eitan Birnbaum, Daniel Twizer
Grade 8 — Yosef Ginsberg, Binyamin Zylberberg
“Student of the Month” - December
Grade 1 —
Grade 2 —
Grade 3 —
Grade 4 —
Grade 5 —
Grade 6 —
Grade 7 —
Grade 8 —
Shimon Abitbol
Ziv Vayner
Jeremy Greenberg
Aviad Pando
Sruli Langer
Moshe Adonolem
Oren Harar
Elimelech Stevens
“Student of the Week”- 12/29-1/2
Grade 1 — Natanel Kohen
Grade 2 — Abie Steiner
Grade 3 — Aaron Manakhimov
Grade 4 — Yehuda Gelfand
Grade 5 — Hillel Goldstein
Grade 6 — Jacob Ginsberg (Math), Menachem Shtaynberger (ELA), Ezra Masri (SS)
Grade 7 — Moshe Yusupov (ELA), Noam Abrahams
(Math), Adir Kahn (SS)
Grade 8 — Daniel Ben-Hamou (ELA), Joe Slater
(Math), Natanel Salman (SS)
YDH G.O. News for Students!
Your Class Representatives are busily at work planning events and sponsoring
projects on behalf of their schoolmates.
The Student Council has designed a beautiful hooded sweatshirt, proudly
bearing the YDH logo on the back and a new student-designed logo at the
breast pocket in the front. We thank Mrs. Susan Stevens, mother of Elimelech
in Grade 8, for her professional help with the graphic design. Your name and
other options will be available on the soon-to-be-distributed order form.
Mark your calendars for Motzei Shabbat, Parshat Tetzaveh, February 28th.
The G.O. will present a Melava Malka Extravaganza.
This year’
s theme is “
Mystery & Illusion”
. Mentalism, Escape Artistry, Illusion,
Hypnotism, and Levitation will B”
EH be part of the venue when renowned illusionist and Shomer Torah, Sam Jacobs, presents his unusual skills. Delicious
food, music, and major raffle prizes will again complement the evening, as always. Look for complete details to follow in the coming weeks!
ETEL GOLDSTEIN CHESED FUND
If you would like to acknowledge a simcha/honor,
or convey your condolences to someone,
the YDH Etel Goldstein Chesed Fund can do it for you.
Please send in the information and a $5.00 donation to the
YDHWO, c/o Shelley Babich Librarian).
Mountain ranges, lakes, national landmarks, and so many other geographical details became the day’s challenge for
10 Geography Bee Finalists from grades 4— 8. This year’s annual National Geographic Society Bee was held at
YDH on Tuesday, January 6.
Mazel Tov to the following students for achieving class finalist status in the
preliminary class geography contests.
Grade 4 - Noach Birnbaum and Abie Rose
Grade 5 - Menashe Abitbol and Zelig Kaplan
Grade 6 - Jacob Ginsberg and Gavriel Silberman
Grade 7 - Joshua Blumkin and Natanel Wolff
Grade 8 - Jacob Schlamowitz and Elimelech Stevens…
After a fierce battle between the top three finalists, these are the results: Gavriel Silverman –Grade 6 (3rd place),
Josh Blumkin - Grade 7 (2nd place), and Natanel Wolff - Grade 7, is our School Champion. Natanel will be taking the National Geographic “Qualifying Test”in the near future. If he qualifies - (only the top 100 scores in the
entire State of New York will qualify) - he will be off to Albany for the Regional Competition.
Mazel Tov and Good Luck!!!
This week we begin
. The
calls
-“
”The Book of
Redemption. Even though Klal Yisroel was physically redeemed towards the beginning of
the
, the redemption was incomplete because they weren't spiritually redeemed until they
came to
, got the
and built the
for the
to dwell. The purpose of a Jew is
not just to be physically free, but to also be free to serve Hashem to the best of his ability.
The
calls
- the Second Book. The
explains,
describes the creation of the world. However, the purpose of the world is that there
should be a nation with a special connection to Hashem. That didn't happen until after
which led into the giving of the Torah.
In
it says “
“. “ explains the extra “ “that Hashem
made the creation of the world conditional to Klal Yisroel accepting the Torah. Meaning
until the Torah, was given the creation of the world was incomplete. That’s why
is
called
, it’s a continuation of the actual creation of the world. The message for us is,
we are ambassadors chosen by Hashem to spread his honor throughout the world. We therefore, have to act as princes do, whether in the way we dress, speak or interact with others.
Most importantly, Torah needs to be the main focus of our lives, to fulfill the purpose of
creation.
Gut Shabbos!
!
!
!
!
Congratulations to the basketball team for their valiant effort throughout the year. The odds
were clearly stacked against us. A very special thanks to our very own Coach Mitch Hill.
in your last game.
We were surprised on Monday with an early taste of Shabbos with some piping hot overnight potato kugel. A special thanks to the “cook.”
VACATION
8:00 9:30 -10:45
Gemorah Review
11:15 – Gemorah Final
1:25 1:45
9-Biology Final
10-English Final
11-US History Final
12-Jewish History Final
10th Grade
In class
Zionism Final
CLASSES RESUME
26
25
12
19
STUDY
DAY
STUDY
DAY
Grade
In class
9th
MONDAY
Jewish Philosophy Final
5
18
11
4
SUNDAY
8:00 –
9:30 -10;45
L.K. LEARNING
11th & 12th
In class
Sociology Final
9th & 10th grade
In class
Spanish final
27
20
VACATION
1:25 1:45
9-Global I Final
10-Geometry Final
11-English Final
12-English Final
11:15 – Halacha Final
13
6
28
21
VACATION
10- Earth Science Final
11-Chemistry Final
8:00 9:30 -10:45
L.K. LEARNING
11:15 – Ivrit Final
1:25 –
1:45
9-Algebra Final
Study Day after
Limudei Kodesh
Sessions
14
7
29
22
15
8
YESHIVA DERECH HATORAH HIGH SCHOOL
FINAL EXAMS SCHEDULE FOR JANUARY 2015
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
1
VACATION
ENJOY!!!
VACATION
8:00 9:30 -10:45
L.K. LEARNING
11:15 Navi Final
1:25 –
1:45
9-English Final
10-Global II Final
11-Alg. II/Trig Final
12-Economics Final
THURSDAY
30
23
16
9
2
VACATION
VACATION
9:30
Chumash Final
8:00 -
FRIDAY
31
24
17
10
3
SHABBAT
Continue to send in your box tops for education. Put them in an envelope with your grade listed on it and have it sent to the Library!
You can find box tops on Kleenex tissues and cereal in addition to many
other products.
Thank you for supporting our school and thank you Morah Shelly for
your help in coordinating this project.
Lillian Eliezer and Malka Husarsky
YDHWO Presidents
YESHIVA DERECH HATORAH WOMEN’S ORGANIZATION
Thank you for your interest in the YDHWO. The Executive Board members are happy to welcome
new volunteers and we are interested in hearing your input. Please complete the following information.
Name:
___________________________________________________________________________
What grades are your children in?
_____________________________________________________
Are you interested in becoming a class mother?
__________________________________________
Email address:
____________________________________________________________________
Telephone Number:
________________________________________________________________
When are you available to volunteer?
__________________________________________________
Which projects are you interested in? (Circle all that apply.) Please note that some have daytime
commitments while others have evening commitments.
Chanukah Boutique
Mishloach Manot
Mother’
s Day Flowers
Plant Sale
Grade – Specific events
BINGO
End-of-the-year Event
Father’
s Day gifts
Supperette
Would you be interested in sponsoring any program? ____________________________________
Do you have any goods or services you would be willing to donate?
______________________________________________________________________________
Do you have any suggestions for other programs?
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
________________________
We are always interested in hearing your suggestions and we look forward to greeting you personally at our next event.
YESHIVA DERECH HATORAH WOMEN’S ORGANIZATION
Dear Parents:
To facilitate the ordering of Chessed Dollars, we would appreciate your using this order form. It should be
sent with your son or mailed back to Mrs. Sima Sabo (1st floor office), or you may email her at
ssabo@ydh.org. We will have your order for next-day pick-up. Special orders (over) may take up to a
week.
Listed below are the gift certificates which are always available. Please indicate the amounts you are ordering next to each one. Payments by check (made payable to YDHWO) must be enclosed. If you are
paying by cash, you must pay at time of receipt.
Thank you.
DERECH HATORAH WOMEN’
S ORGANIZATION
CHESSED
$ _______
SHOPRITE
_______
WALDBAUMS
_______
PATHMARK
_______
HOME DEPOT
_______
OLD NAVY
_______
BARNES & NOBLE
_______
TOYS R US
_______
MACYS
_______
FOOD BASICS
_______
STOP & SHOP
_______
METRO CARDS
_______
($19.05 OR $38.10)
STAMPS
_______
(SHEET OF 20 FOR $9.20)
SPECIAL ORDER:
___________________
_______
___________________
_______
___________________
_______
_______
TOTAL
NAME _________________________________CLASS___ TEL. # ___________DATE _________
Special Order
YESHIVA SHOP GIFT CERTIFICATES
5
Banana Republic
Baskin Robbins
Bloomingdale’s
J C Penney
Kay Bee Toys
K-Mart
Loehmann’s
Marshall’s
Payless Shoes
Saks Fifth Avenue
Sterns
Syms
T J Maxx
10
20
25