Happenings 9.19.14

HAFTR Happenings
Issue 2 Volume 1
Mazal Tov
Mazal Tov
Mazal tov to Lauren and
Russell Weinrib (both alums)
on the birth of a baby girl
and to big sister Juliet.
Mazal Tov to
Rachelle Rohde & Family
on the engagement of her
son Kevin
(ES 2004/HS 2008)
to Courtney Lovett
(HS 2008)
Recap of Summer Mazal
Tovs:
Mazal Tov Jenn Stein on
twin girls and Mazal Tov
to big bothers Nate and
Xander.
Mazal Tov to Morah Dara
Karhu on the birth of a
baby girlMazal Tov to big
sibs Shay and Layla
Nitzavim-Vayeilech
Candle Lighting 6:39 PM
Dvar Torah
Parshat Nitzavim/Vayelech
This Shabbat we read the double parsha of Nitzavim and
Vayelech. It is no coincidence that we read these perakim
right before Rosh Hashana.
There is a beautiful and enigmatic passage that appears:
‫כי תשמע בקול ה אלקיך לשמר מצותיו וחקתיו הכתובה בספר התורה‬
.‫כי המצוה הזה כי תשוב אל ה' אלוקיך בכל לבבך ובכל נפשך‬
‫ הזאת‬.‫אשר אנוכי מצוך היום לא נפלאת הוא ממך ולא רחקה היא‬
When you listen to the voice of Hashem, your G-d, to
observe His commandments and His decrees, that are
written in the Book of the Torah, when you shall return to
Hashem, your G-d, with all of your heart and all of your
soul. For this commandment which I command you
today - it is not hidden from you and it is not distant,
etc. etc.
‫ כי קרוב אלך הדבר מאוד בפיך ובלבבך‬siht ,dloheB ......‫לעשתו‬
thing is very close to you, in your mouth and in your heart,
to observe it (Devarim 11- 14).
It is interesting to note the Mitzvah referred to as "this
commandment" is not defined as to exactly which mitzvah
is being discussed. In this way, perhaps, everyone can
attach their own personal meaning to the concept. The
Rambam says that the phrase refers to the entire Torah,
as mentioned in the pasuk that precedes it while the
Sforno says that the mitzvah is that of Repentance,
Mazal Tov to Nechama
and Boaz Spitz on boy
boy and Mazal Tov to big
sibs Illyana and Ariel.
Mazal Tov to Talia and
Moshe Kohn on birth of
baby girl and Mazal Tov
to big sibs Benny and
Cobey.
Mazal Tov to Caryn and
Avi Golombeck on baby
boy and Mazal Tov to big
sister Lilly.
Mazal Tov to Susan and
Jason Farbman on baby
girl girl and Mazal Tov
to big brother Yehuda.
Mazal Tov to Tami and
Michael Davidman on baby
boy and Mazal Tov to big
brother Mark.
Mazal Tov to Joseph and
Rimma Golovanov on baby
girl and Mazal Tov to big
sister Olivia.
If you would like to have your
simcha announced in the
Happenings Newsletter please
[email protected].
HAFTR Early
Childhood
and
Lower School
Tours
Teshuva, also as mentioned in the previous
sentence. By pairing Torah, which at its essence
demands that we pursue tsedek, justice, together with
teshuva, our ability to correct misdoings, we can
understand this passage as a mandate to believe that we
have the innate ability to fight the status quo when it is
unjust and create changes in ourselves and the world
around us.
By informing us that "this mitzvah" is very close to us,
indeed, within our mouths and hearts, we are encouraged
to believe that there can be change; that hope and
progress are within our powers. We may sometimes feel
defeated and think that what can one person do to make a
difference in the world around us, we are actually
encouraged by this passage, with the understanding that
the capacity to effect change resides within us. When we
see evil we dare not be silent. We cannot afford to be
bystanders.
I would like to further postulate that as no specific mitzvah
is assigned to this passage, certainly we cannot judge
someone else and ascribe for them what is or is not a
more important commandment to uphold. We are neither
judge nor jury. Let's leave that to G-d. However, we can
understand that for ourselves, ALL of the mitzvot are of
equal importance and it is not enough to do lip service but
our hearts must truly be in it. Conversely, it is not enough
to be a "cardiac Jew" and have G-d in your hearts, but you
must actually demonstrate your respect and observance
of the Torah's commandments. And while this may seem
daunting, Hashem gives us the chizuk, that it is not a
difficult task. Keeping Torah and Mitzvot is not beyond
our grasp- ‫לא רחוקה היא‬- but it starts with the observation
of one mitzvah, and then another mitzvah and then 613
Mitzvot. . ‫מצוה גוררת מצוה‬
As we stand (Nitzavim) just days before Rosh Hashana,
we must resolve to take action (Vayelech). Changing the
world starts with changing ourselves. Doing Teshuva
sincerely, requires the desire to change and actually doing
something about it. It's starts with one small "resolution",
not something large or grandiose beyond our abilities. As
I tell the students, pick one thing to work on this year - I
will call my mother more often, I will give ten percent more
If you have any
friends who would
like to learn more
about HAFTR and
may be interested
in joining us for a
tour or parlor
meeting, please
contact Leslie Gang
[email protected]
tzedakah, I will not talk during davening, whatever this
mitzvah means to you. One mitzvah at a time. Every
journey starts with that first step.
Let's hope that all of our steps lead us to a year filled
with Peace, Prosperity, Health and nachos from the
children.
Shana Tova U'metuka.
Dr. Rochelle Brand
Principal
HAFTR Middle School
Sponsorships Available!
UPCOMING SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:
Early Childhood:
Birthday Gift $25
Shofar Factory $180
Book-of-the-Month - $18
Shabbat Onegs $18
Lower School:
Healthy Snack, Grades K-5 - $18 for one day
Mishamar, Grade 5 Boys - $36 per week
Book of the Month, Grades K-5 - $18 per class
Middle School:
Mishmar Sponsorship: please contact Dr. Brand
[email protected]
Va"ani Tefilliti- Siddur Sponsorship ranging from $250
and up. Please contact Rabbi Kupchik
at [email protected]
Tree Leaf for Etz Hachayim. Please contact Candice
[email protected]
If you are interested in sponsoring the above
activities or learning about additional
opportunities, please [email protected].
A Early Childhood Highlights
Our first two full weeks of school have been wonderful. The halls are alive with the
sounds of tekiyah, shevarim, and teruah. Not only that, but the classrooms are adorned
with the beautiful shofars and honey dishes that the children have made. We are so
proud of all of our yeladim who are learning about the chagim. You will be amazed at
what they know so far.
This week, we learned why the challah is round, why the Torah is dressed in white, and
why we eat sweet treats on Rosh Hashanah, like apples dipped in honey. We tried that
one out many times this week! We learned how to say L'shana Tova to all of our friends
and family. We know it is important to greet everyone with respect and to wish them all
a sweet new year. We even learned about tashlich. On yom tov, we will walk to the water
and throw away our "mistakes". It's a wonderful feeling to be able to start fresh.
Of course, one of the most important things we discussed is how we must listen so
carefully when the baal tokeyah gets ready to blow the shofar, and we even know how
many blasts of the shofar we will hear. We know the names of the three
sounds: tekiyah, shevarim, and teruah. We know those are wake-up sounds to remind us
to get ready to be the best person we can be. Our thanks to Rabbi for joining us at our
oneg and blowing the shofar for us.
Our children are also learning that during the month of Elul, the shofar is blown every
morning to wake us up to do mitzvot. We also know that the ten days between Rosh
Hashanah and Yom Kippur are called the Aseret Y'mei Teshuva. Each child is trying very
hard to do the right thing. Sometimes that involves saying the hardest word - sorry. But
we also know that we all make mistakes (even grown-ups) and that Hashem loves and
forgives us all.
And speaking of shofars, the Shofar Factory came to our school this week and we
learned so much. Did you know that it does not hurt the animal when its horns are
taken? Did you know that a shofar can only come from a kosher animal? We sure
do. Our children were very involved in the whole process of making a shofar and they saw
many different kinds - some small, some big, some curly, some straight. We saw how the
bone is removed, how the inside of the horn is cleaned, and how both ends have to be
open; otherwise no sound will be heard. Did you know that the shofar curves up to
Hashem? We do!
And while we are on the subject of "tooting our own horns", let me share some nice
emails I have received:
"My husband and I are so thrilled with the Toddler Morot. They are loving, patient,
and kind (with all three of us!). My daughter is still adjusting to her new surroundings
BUT she is so happy and excited when she tells us about her day and that makes us so
happy."
"Dear Morot: As you know, many teachers call parents giving them a 'mitzvah
call'. Well this is my 'mitzvah call' to you. Whatever you are doing in the classroom,
keep up the amazing work. My daughter comes home so happy, singing, and telling me she
had fun. She is even eating! It's a delight to see her so happy and in such a short
time. I have seen progress and growth already."
We hope that you enjoy the shofarot, the honey dishes, and the placemats. Each project
was made with love. On behalf of all the wonderful Morot, I wish you all aShana Tova
Umtuka.
Shabbat Shalom
Cyndy Goldberg
Early Childhood Director
Lower School Highlights
Rosh HaShanah preparations are well on their way in all our classes. The sounds
of tekiah,teruah, sh'varim and tekiah gedolah reverberate every morning as Rabbi
Kupchick blows theshofar for students. Adir and Nadav Rauchwerger, our
junior ‫בעלי תוקע‬, demonstrated their talents blowing the shofar for the students in
the lunchroom. Students are re-familiarizing themselves with the symbols,
customs and mitzvot that pertain to the Yom Tov, and learning new ones as well.
Next week, students will visit our Rosh Hashana display, highlighting customs
from around the world. Did you know that in France a banana is used as one of
the‫סימני דמלתא‬, because it is a play on words for "Bonne Annee," which means "good
year, in French? We wish everyone a ‫כתיבה וחתימה טובה‬. May the
beautiful tefillot and many good deeds of our children serve as ‫ זכויות‬for Am
Yisrael.
Dragon fruits, rambutans, a white coconut, and mamey are just some of the exotic
fruits that kindergarten students got to see and touch on their trip to Gourmet
Glatt and Seasons. Children browsed the aisles looking for foods that symbolize
the New Year including, roundchallot, honey cookies, and different kinds of apples
and honey. Students made their way to the fish department to see the head of a
fish. Families will be pleasantly surprised when they check the mail and receive a
special Rosh HaShanah card! Thank you to the staff at both stores, and
neighborhood mailman Kenny, for making our Rosh Hashanah exploration a
memorable and tangible experience.
Can a shofar from an antelope be used on Rosh HaShanah? Why can't
a shofar from a bull be used to blow shofar even if it is from a kosher animal?
These are some of the questions children in grades 1, 2 and 4 were able to answer
after visiting with the Tzivos Hashem Shofar Workshop. Students also observed
how the shofar is crafted. They helped sand, carve and saw a horn to transform it
into a kosher shofar that can be used to fulfill themitzvah of‫ תקיעת שופר‬. The
fourth graders were privileged to make their own shofarot and the blasts were
heard throughout the school.
At HAFTR we are constantly learning and thinking about Eretz Yisrael. It is no
secret that we strive to make Israel as near and dear to our hearts and minds as
possible. Israel is the very core of our school's mission statement. It is part of
our ongoing daily conversation and integrated curriculum. Faculty members
continuously seek ways to bring Israel to life in the classroom. For example, when
second grade students learn about rural, urban and suburban communities, they
apply these categories to places in Israel. When third grade students learn about
China, they compare the climate and culture to that in Israel. Students keep
their
brothers
and
sisters
abroad
in
mind
when
deciding
on
a tzeddakah organization to support. Even at a PTA sponsored Back to School
event for families, Israel takes center stage.
As we update you regularly on all our terrific activities, we hope to highlight
programs having to do with Israel in a monthly section in our newsletter called
"Eye" on Israel. Last week we reported to you about the "Adapt
a Chayal" initiative. Every class received a name of a chayal to daven for and to
learn in their zechut. As we learn more about the personal life of each soldier, we
will share that information with students.
This week we began in the lunchroom our countdown to Shmittah. As we usher
in Rosh HaShanah next week, we look forward to learning about and supporting
our farmers who keep our Land holy. A giant sign made by the Bnot
Sherut reminds us daily how many days are left before Shmittah begins.
"‫"היתוכרבו הנש לחת‬. May this year bring only blessing to Am Yisrael, and Eretz
Yisrael.
Everyone at HAFTR is smart. That's right! Every student has a unique way in
which they are smart. To help identify their dominant "smarts," third, fourth, and
fifth grade students discussed ways in which they learn best. They then took a
multiple intelligence survey based on Howard Gardner's theory of multiple
intelligence. Students received a computer generated printout of their results
and talked about how the results will help them choose appropriate M.I. Time
activities. M.I. Time will begin after Sukkot. To access the survey log
onto: http://www.bgfl.org/bgfl/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ks3/ict/multipl
e_int/index.htm
Mentsch in the Moment...
Aden Book in second grade davens with a lot of‫כונה‬.
Duringtefillah, you can always hear his voice singing and
saying the words. Often, Aden volunteers to be
the ‫חזן‬. Aden has some tips to share about how
to daven wholeheartedly, especially on Rosh HaShanah.
This is what he has to say: "Always think of '‫ ה‬as the most
powerful king in the whole wide world. You can ask Him for
whatever you want." Kol HaKavod Aden!
!‫שבת שלום כתיבה וחתימה טובה‬
Upcoming...
Kaparot tzeddakah campaign grades K-5.
Kindergarten visit to the Thrift Shop.
Middle School Highlights
Leadership and team building skills are often thought of as ideas that are
discussed in classrooms and read about in text books. Our sixth graders,
however, had the opportunity to develop these skills while having fun on
their trip to BOCES Project Adventure on Monday! While engaging in
outdoor interactive activities such as rope walking and climbing, students
discovered in a hand-on manner how much they can achieve when they
learn to trust and believe in themselves and their teammates.
Our eighth grade students, meanwhile, spent some time at HAFTR High
School on Thursday where they were involved in a very special Lunch Yom
Iyun together with HAFTR High School Seniors. What a beautiful sight it
was watching our students from different grades join together over words
of Torah! Speaking of Torah...we also wish our Middle School Torah Bowl
Team much success on this new season!
Our Eight graders were also introduced to the Names not Numbers
program, with the Opening Program on Friday. As the year progresses
those students who are involved in this project will learn about the history
of the Holocaust, and then will begin their own independent research.
Under the guidance of faculty advisor, Ms. Ariana Wolfson, they will then
begin preparations for interviewing a Holocaust survivor.
Have you walked into Mrs. Prezelmayer's classroom recently? Her room
now boasts a classroom library, where students can check out books that
span genres and topics. Students are already eagerly lining up to take
books home, and are excited by the wide variety of reading they can now
do and document on their reading logs!
So much hands-on learning is taking place as well. In Mr. Seiff's science
class, students are using the ubiquitous M&M packets to truly understand
the scientific process. After forming a hypothesis as to the number of
M&Ms, and number of M&Ms of each color in a pack, students then began
analyzing the data by counting the M&Ms. Students left the class with a
firm understanding of how testing hypotheses works, and with a yummy
treat in their pockets! Data collection was also underway in Mrs. Lamm's
science class, where students analyzed sunflower seeds. Students learned
about seed storage, how seeds grow, and some even tasted the seeds!
These seeds will be stored until next year when they will be planted.
Thank you to all the parents who came to Back to School Night. It was a
wonderful opportunity for parents to see firsthand what their students learn
while they are in class, and put a face to the name of the teacher that their
child talks about at home.
Thank you to the Stieglitz families for sponsoring this week's Sunday
breakfast.
Mazal tov to Rachelle Rohde on the engagement of her son, Kevin!
Mazal tov to Ravit Prezelmayer on her daughter, Leetal's Bat
Mitzvah!
Mazal tov to Jonah Hoenig on his Bar Mitzvah!
High School Highlights
HAFTR High School's Summer Scientists
by Mr. Stan Blumenstein
We are very proud of our five students
who devoted this past summer to the
highest level of science research as
participants in the Garcia Center for
Polymers at Engineered Interfaces,
housed at Stony Brook
University. Funded by the National
Science Foundation, this nationally
recognized program provides the
opportunity for students to perform
research on the forefront of polymer science and technology. The
dedication, knowledge and enthusiasm that each student displayed during
my visit to their labs this summer was overwhelming. Here is a summary
of the research our students performed:
 Russell
Charnoff: "Synthesis and Characterization of Graphene
Nanoparticle Infused Polyethylene Nanocomposite Material for
Enhanced Mechanical and Conductivity Properties"
 Ruth Kopyto: "Optimizing Conditions to Proliferate
Hematopoietic Stem Cells without Differentiation"
 Josh Lederer: "The Modelization and Characterization of Hydrogel
Cross-linking Using Microbial Transglutaminase as a Cross-linking
Agent"
 Justin Lish: "Graphene Oxide and Reduced Graphene Oxide
Derivatives to Optimize Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cell Efficiency"
 Eric
Wietschner: "Developing a Novel Nanoparticle-infused Cream to
Inhibit the Feeding Mechanism and Disease Transmission of Aedes
Aegypti Mosquitoes"
We are also proud of Julia Schwartz, who participated in NYU's "Girls'
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Summer Program
(GSTEM)," which is designed togive high school juniors the chance to work
on real-world projects alongside scientists and researchers. Julia
investigated "Peptidomimetic Inhibitors of Vinculin." Super kudos
toalumna Samantha Lish, who spent her second summer at Rockefeller
Institute, performing cutting-edge research.
HAFTR High School encourages students of all grades to get involved in the
exciting world of science research, and we provide many opportunities for
their involvement, starting with homegrown Science Institute projects and
progressing to participation in advanced research labs during the
summer. Many of our students go on to win recognition in the many local
and national competitions. Students interested in getting started with a
project should contact Mr. Stan Blumenstein, director of our Science and
Engineering Institute.
Tenth Grade Boys Inspired by Rabbi Grunblatt
by Josef Kahn and Marc Gottlieb
Rabbi Chait's tenth grade masmidim class was
privileged to take a trip to hear words of inspiration
from Rabbi Akiva Grunblatt, Rosh Hayeshiva at
Chofetz Chaim yeshiva in Queens. Rabbi Grunblatt
spoke about the significance of having a good
attitude and not just focusing on the actual action of
a person. In the case with Amon and Moav, even
though Moav did a "bad" thing, Amon was punished
more severely because he had worse intentions. The
same is applicable with performing mitzvot. The focus
should not only be on the performance of
themitzvah, but also on the proper attitude and
outlook about the mitzvah. Rabbi Grunblatt also mentioned that we should
realize the importance of every little step and not underestimate the value
of "baby steps" when it relates to serving Hashem. Every small step is
huge in the eyes of Hashem, and we have to focus on constantly moving
forward even if it doesn't go as fast as we would like. We are not being
judged on how quickly we get there as long as we are aiming to get there,
and Hashem will assist us in ultimately reaching our goal. In our sincere
efforts to become better and grow, mayHashem grant us all a Shanah Tova
U'metukah!!!
Social Studies Faculty and Students Reflect on September 11
On the anniversary of 9/11, social studies teachers at HAFTR High School
conducted in-class tributes and discussions about the terrorist attacks on
our country 13 years ago. Students in Mrs. Parmet's AP Political Science
class discussed their emotions regarding September 11. Some of the
students related what happened 13 years ago to President Obama's speech
about terrorism that was aired on September 10. There was also an
attempt to understand rational fears versus fears that may not be as
rational. Even though these juniors were only two or three years old at the
time, they still have strong feelings as to the deep ramifications of the
tragedies that occurred that day.
Students in Mrs. Walfish's AP American History class watched youtube clips
of footage from the 9/11 attacks. They examined how 9/11 impacted the
music industry, playing songs that were focused on American pride
following the attacks. Students were able to comment and interact with the
videos by using their cell phones to enter comments or questions
attodaysmeet.com. This creative use of technology allowed Mrs. Walfish to
focus on the issues that the students raised instantaneously. Here are
some examples of her students' comments:
"It's unfathomable to me that there was ever an America that didn't know
terrorism the way we do today."
"Planes are essentially bombs with all the fuel and shrapnel. It's
unfortunate that airport security was improved only after such a tragedy."
It is amazing how in times of such stress and terror that the people of
America, especially New Yorkers, grew stronger and more patriotic."
"Sometimes it takes great tragedy to show great strength. This tragedy
brought us together as one, strong nation."
HAFTR Student Fulfills a Dream at U.S.
Open
HAFTR High School senior Eric Wietschner was
featured in a recent Jewish Star article entitled
"Elevating Sport to a Kiddush Hashem." Eric
was accepted for the position of ballperson at
this year's U.S. Open in Fresh Meadows. Eric decided to try out for the
position because he "saw the U.S. Open ball boy position as a chance to be
active, meet interesting people, and earn some spending money." Eric
took time out of his busy Garcia summer science research program at
Stony Brook University to participate in the tryouts. Eric is one of 15
Orthodox ballpersons, and he felt strongly about wearing a kippah during
his working hours at the Tennis Center. Eric said, "I had the confidence to
wear the yarmulke thanks to my family, school and community for instilling
a strong sense of Jewish identity. I was heartened by the fact that wearing
the yarmulke was well received. I never felt any animosity by the players,
umpires, and fellow ball boys." Eric also indicated that the administrators
were very accommodating and respectful of Shabbat, so it was a wonderful
and interesting experience for him.
Shana Tova!
On behalf of the administration of HAFTR High School, we extend
warmest wishes to our colleagues, our students, and the entire
HAFTR family for a year of health, happiness, peace and prosperity.
Kitiva v'Chatima Tova,
Ms. Naomi Lippman and Rabbi Gedaliah Oppen
The new HAFTR Kippah's are here!
See Sharon Fried in the business office to purchase one today.
Lower School Sponsorship Opportunities: