Happenings 5.23.14

HAFTR Happenings
Issue 2 Volume 31
Mazal Tov
Mazal tov to Ahuva and
Daniel Lilker on the birth
of a baby girl and to big
sister Orly.
If you would like to have your
simcha announced in the
Happenings Newsletter please
[email protected].
HAFTR Early
Childhood
and
Lower School
Tours
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
Bemidbar
Candle Lighting 7:48 PM
Dvar Torah
Parshat Bemidbar
By
Rabbi Stuart Olshan
In Perek Gimmel Pasuk Daled it says that Nadav and
Avihu died and then adds the words "Uvanim Lo
Hayu Lahem" implying, that if they would have had
children they wouldn't have died. The obvious
question is how that corresponds with all the various
reasons why they were punished such as drinking
wine before entering the Mishkan, and paskening
halacha before their Rebbe?
The Chasam Sofer answers that by having
children, the zechut of their children who haven't
done any aveirot who need their parents to raise
them, teach them Torah, and to give them guidance,
that would have kept them alive. Having children
would have prevented the other issues. A person
doesn't fully understand and lacks the sensitivity to
realize what a lack of kavod toward a parent truly is
until he has his own children. This would have helped
them realize the proper respect they need to have
for their Rebbe Moshe and most of all for Hashem
himself.
We can now appreciate what a zechut we have to
be able to have and raise children and how beneficial
it is for our own personal growth in Avodat Hashem.
May this lesson be a zechut for us to have happy and
healthy children.
meeting, please
contact Leslie Gang
[email protected]
Shabbat Shalom!
Sponsorships Available!
UPCOMING SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:
Early Childhood:
Birthday Gift $25
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 Rabbi Klapper
at [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].
Early Childhood Highlights
What a fabulous week it has been from start to finish. On Monday, it was off to
Cedarhurst Park with the Pre-K children. Our tiyul went splendidly. All of our hikers
enjoyed the trek to the park where the afternoon just sped by. We were even joined by
some grown-up friends. The day could not have been lovelier and the children really
proved what we already know - that they have bloomed and blossomed right in front of
our eyes.
On Wednesday, our little ballerinas had their recital. Morah Sharon Rothchild did an
amazing job teaching this very talented group of girls. Their jete's and pliet's were tres
bien! From start to finish, the show was a smashing success. It never ceases to amaze
me how much our children can accomplish.
During the week, each of our classes became scientific labs as the children were witness
to the metamorphosis of caterpillars which will soon turn into butterflies. The children
not only learned about the changes each caterpillar is going through but they got a
wonderful lesson on symmetry. In addition, the children absorbed a valuable lesson on
patience. After all, the changes do not occur overnight. What a fitting metaphor for
the end of the year as we watch the metamorphosis in all of our children!
Our May Book-of-the-Month, Ten Little Caterpillars by Bill Martin Jr. and Lois Ehlert,
fits in with our May unit. This beautifully illustrated book follows ten caterpillars, each
one a different species, on their journey towards becoming butterflies. The illustrations
and the simple rhyming text are perfect for emerging readers. Counting the caterpillars
and learning about their escapades make it a great book: each plant and animal pictured
throughout the book is labeled in detail, from winter squash to poplar leaves.
In addition, we have been as busy as ever continuing with our curriculum. All of the
children, from toddlers on up, have been learning all about Shavuot. Everyone read the
book Ten Good Rules by Susan Remick Topek. Its beauty is in its simplicity. Please
encourage your child to tell you about the 10 good rules that we all must live by. Our
three year olds made a special project that included correlating the aleph-bet to the
numbers they represent. It was a terrific learning experience. Our classrooms are
decorated with flowers and greens for the holiday. Of course, our learning would not be
complete if we did not top it off with a little cheesecake. Next week, our talented
bakers will make their own, butter, whipped cream, and cheesy delights because we know
that the words of the Torah are as sweet as milk and honey.
We capped off the week with a wonderful celebration. Today, Friday, we were privileged
to be part of Itai Preston's upsherin. All of our toddlers joined in on the celebration
and we thank the Preston family for honoring us in this way. Itai was the "King for a
Day" as we celebrated his first haircut. We were joined by Rabbi Kupchik who taught
the children why we wait until a child is three to cut his hair. Rabbi Kupchik had the
children in the palm of his hands as he and the wonderful Morah Leah started the
children on their way to a lifetime of Torah learning. We thank the Preston family for
including us in their simcha. May we share many more smachot together. When we say
we are a family at HAFR, we really mean it.
Shabbat Shalom.
Cyndy Goldberg
Early Childhood Director
Lower School Highlights
In Israel Lag B'Omer is celebrated singing and dancing around a "medura." At
HAFTR, students marked the occasion by going on trips and celebrating with
special activities. Everyone had a wonderful time!
Kindergarten students enjoyed an outdoor barbeque with the frills of "‫על האש‬." It
was a real treat for all the students to eat lunch together outdoors, in beautiful
weather. Thank you to the families and to the PTA for sponsoring the barbeque.
First grade artists visited the Impressionist galleries at the Metropolitan
Museum of Art. They admired familiar works of art by renowned artists such as
Van Gogh, Monet, and Picasso. Students were enthralled with Van Gogh's doublesided painting and felt sorry that he did not have enough money to purchase
enough parchment to paint his works separately. When observing one of Monet's
paintings, students remarked that the reason they knew the painting was painted
long ago, was because the "people in the painting were not using iPhones or iPads."
Students sketched their own works of art and then picnicked in Central Park. It
was nice to see parents who met us at our trip.
Second grade urban, suburban, and rural planners visited the "world's largest
scale model," The Panaroma of New York at the Queens Museum. They compared
the architecture of communities. Kayla Fleschner in class 2D commented that the
trip helped her understand "the different kinds of communities they learned
about in school. You can really see that New York is urban and not rural or
suburban." Using cardboard and other medians, students designed their own
buildings and then grouped their structures to form communities. A relaxing time
was had by both teachers and students as they ate their lunch and played in the
adjacent Flushing Meadows Park.
Third grade artists, curators, archivists, botanists, architects, and gardeners,
(we have many interests and talented students) visited the back galleries at the
Brooklyn Museum of Art. They inspected the museum artifacts and storage and
compared how third grade students label their artifacts for their
upcoming M'Dor L'Dor program. Students also had a tour of the museum portrait
galleries. Students lunched outdoors at the beautiful Brooklyn Botanical Gardens.
They also admired the Japanese Garden and experienced the different biomes
that they learned about in science in the conservatory. We appreciate the help
from parents who met us at the trip.
Fourth grade musicians participated in the "Orchestra Sings" at the Carnegie Hall
Link-up program. This trip was a culmination of their year long music curriculum
which included lessons from the Weill Music Institute at Carnegie Hall. Students
were prepared with songs that they sang along with the other 2,000 students
sitting in the audience. Students were not disappointed and marveled at the full
fledged orchestra from their plush velvet seats. The group walked to Central Park
where they ate lunch, played, and finally enjoyed some beautiful weather. Thank
you music teacher, Mrs. Janet Goldman, for preparing our students with a terrific
curriculum.
Classes 5C and 5D students visited the New York and Civil War exhibit at the
New York Historical Society and the General Grant National Memorial. Our
historians viewed documents and artifacts from the Civil War, the very time
period that they studied this year in their curriculum. They spoke with a ranger
at the memorial who gave a brief overview of Ulysses S. Grant. Students ate their
lunch on the great lawn outside the monument. Classes 5A and 5B will be visiting
next week.
The fifth grade boys' mishmar finale was a trip to Citi Field with the eighth
grade Middle School Students. Although not a Mets fan, fifth grade student,
Ezra Stern said that he and his classmates had a lot of fun watching the Mets
play the Dodgers. Ezra also commented that it was really nice to daven
maariv together at the stadium and that he and his classmates enjoyed dinner
from Carlos & Gabby's. Thank you to Rabbi Weiss, fifth grade rebbe, for a
fabulous mishmar season and to all our sponsors throughout the year.
Thank you to all those who attended this week's Parent Workshop. We look
forward to seeing you at workshops next year.
Mentsch in the Moment...
AJ Mandel in third grade volunteered to hold the garbage bag for his friends on
the way back from his field trip. Aaron made it convenient for his friends to
throw out their garbage by tying the bag to an unused seat belt where students
around him could reach it. When exiting the bus, Aaron, voluntarily took the
garbage bag with him. Kol HaKavod to Aaron for being so responsible and caring.
!‫שבת שלום‬
Upcoming...
Wed., May 28th-‫יום ירושלים‬-Assembly and activities, K-5
Space IL program visits with grades 3-5
Special treats will be distributed, compliments of the PTA
Thurs., May 29th-5A, 5B Trip to the New York Historical Society and
General Grant National Memorial
Fri., May 30th-Rosh Chodesh Sivan!
Sunday, June 1st-Grades 4 & 5 Join HAFTR in the Celebrate to Israel
Parade. See you there! See notices for information.
Middle School Highlights
It's a Whole New World....
This past Monday evening, a packed
audience of parents, students and friends
were transported on a magic carpet ride to
the mystical world of Prince Ali and Princess
Jasmine in our first Middle School musical
production of Aladdin. Thanks to the
meticulous direction of Mrs. Jenn Winkler,
assisted by High School student Chana
Chaikin and Mrs. Leslie Gang, all of the
students twinkled like the stars they were. The role of Aladdin was
mischievously played by Drew Korn, and the beautiful Jasmine was
portrayed by Lea Karasanti. Itzik Rauchwerger, as the evil Jafar, had
everyone laughing out loud with his contagious laugh and over the top
acting. Iago, the trusty parrot, was played by Racheli Gottesman, who
somehow managed to really sound like a parrot what acting!, The sultan was played by Elijah
Gurvitch who brought a regal disposition to the
throne. And if you couldn't tell who the voice was
behind the genie mask, it was Arieh Chaikin, as
the friendly, helpful, humorous Genie. The troupe
of beautiful dancers, Ariel Alboher, Veronica
Ambalo, Suzanne Behar, Tess Bistrisky, Yael
Davidov, Allegra Gottlieb, Chloe Gottlieb, Susanna
Horowitz, Ashley Kanarek, Sigal Karasanti, Jolie Mastey, Efrat Neumann,
Rachel Ohana, Makayla Schein performed Arabian Nights under the
direction of student choreographer Regina Generowicz. The amazing
skeletons, Regina Generowicz, Leora Gershkovich, and Efrat Neumann, had
the audience quaking..was it from fear or from laughter? The Tiger God
was Johnathan Boxer, The Guards were Kenny Rosenfeld, Tamar
Vanderdvelde and Zachary Kaufman, and the juggler ( how high can you
jump!) was Gabriel Gonosky. Although you may not have seen her, Emily
Zrihen was the Magic Carpet....now that is real magic!
Thank you also to all the high school students who helped with the
production. Remember - you got your start at HAFTR Middle School.
All of the proceeds from the ticket sales are being donated to Meredith
Farrell (HAFTR Alumni) who is awaiting a double lung transplant. Susanna
Horowitz and Makayla Schein spearheaded this effort as their Bat Mitzvah
Chesed Project. What a mitzvah,indeed!
Click here to view photos from the show.
It's (Not) Debatable.....
Our Debate team shines at the last inter-yeshiva debate held on
Wednesday at the Yeshiva of Flatbush Arguing the merits of a Capital
Punishment, our students were so convincing that the team of Sigal
Karasanti and Haley Klein walked away with a trophy. Sigal also received a
trophy for being an outstanding individual speaker. Thank you to faculty
advisor, Ms. Rebecca Zweibon, for coaching the team throughout the school
year and teaching them how to be persuasive (while respectful) arguers.
Take me out to the Ball Game!
As a terrific culminating event for Mishmar all of the students who regularly
attended the Thursday after-school extra-learning sessions were treated to
a dinner of Carlos and Gabby's and a night out at Citifield. Over 75 Middle
School boys and girls, accompanied by quite a few fifth graders, watched
as the Mets were flounced by the Dodgers. We love the idea that you can
be a Ben or Bat Torah and still enjoy the fun things in life.
Team AwardsOn Thursday evening, all of our team members...Torah Bowl, Debate,
Basketball and Hockey, enjoy a barbeque style dinner of hot-dogs and
burgers, as they received trophies for their participation in these
extracurricular activities. All of the students displayed the characteristics
of supportive team members which leads to our slogan "Everyone is a
Winner at HAFTR Middle School". Thank you to our athletic director, Mr.
Joey Hoenig for coordinating the event.
Slushies for Chevron
Seventh grader, Elliott Ottensoser, is coordinating an effort to raise funds
for a Slushie Machine for Chevron. Throughout next week, during lunch,
slushies will be sold to raise money to be donated to the Hebron Fund. The
goal is to raise $2000, the purchase price of a machine for the Chevron
community, While the slushies will be selling for either $1 for medium or $2
for large , donations of any denomination will be appreciated. (Checks
may be written to the Hebron Fund)
Mazal Tov to...
Jadyn Harari on her becoming a Bat Mitzvah.
Zachary Perl on his Bar Mitzvah
Molly Vashovsky on celebrating her Bat Mitzvah
Ben Horowitz on beginning to put on Tefillin.
Mazal tov to all of the families.
Save the Dates:
May 27th - eighth grade Mother-Daughter superette, 6:45, Beth Shalom
May 28-29- eighth grade trip to Washington
June 1st - Celebrate Israel Parade
June 2- Names Not Numbers screening, Holocaust Memorial Project in
conjunction with Lawrence Middle School.
June 17th - Middle School Graduation
Shabbat Shalom.
High School Highlights
Bechina Students Take Challenging Jerusalem Exam
Mrs. Semadar Friedman and Rabbi Steve Moskowitz have been preparing a
group of eleven seniors all year to take the comprehensive Jerusalem
Exam, sponsored by The Hebrew University and Makom. The Bechina
Yerushalmit curriculum consists of three courses, culminating in the 7 ½
hour exam. The exam, consisting of two parts, is an advanced test of
Hebrew and Jewish knowledge, designed specifically for the
Diaspora. Some colleges will give students college credit for attaining a
certain score on the exam. The students taking this challenging curriculum
are: Noffar Amenu, Zachary Baker, Jacob Brickman, Chaviva Freedman,
Miriam Friedman, Matthew Goldstein, Riana Harari, Jake Kaufman, Jenna
Kaufman, Samantha Lish, and Yael Waxman. Congratulations to our
students on their hard work and to Mrs. Friedman and Rabbi Moskowitz for
teaching them the challenging curriculum and preparing them for the
exam.
HAFTR High School Students Take All
in Painting Category in Holocaust Exhibit
Congratulations to HAFTR High School Art Institute students Natalia
Rothman, Dena Gershkovich, and Yonina Keschner, who were honored on
Sunday, May 18, at an awards ceremony at the Holocaust Memorial and
Tolerance Center of Nassau County. Natalia Rothman won the first place
award, Dena Gershkovich won the second place award, and Yonina
Keschner won an honorable mention award, all in the high school painting
category. HAFTR had the distinction of winning all of the awards in this
category and we are very proud of our creative artists.
Technology Students Participate in Young Engineers Conference
HAFTR High School hosted the annual Center for Initiatives in Education
Young Engineers Conference in the Lower School Gym on Wednesday, May
21. Students in Mrs. Rebecca Reinherz's ninth grade Scientific Technology
course and tenth grade Biomedical Engineering course displayed their
original research projects. The following students participated in the
event: Rachel Sacks, Gila Schein, Jeremy Rubinstein, Marc Gottlieb,
Menashe Oved, Josh Plaut, Jenny Moskowitz, Alison Kanefsky, Israel
Lallouz, Joelle Vilinsky, Joseph Kahn, William Silber, Emily Kornblum, and
Evie Blinder (9thgraders) and Lizzie Wallach, Alyssa Fuchs, Gabe Shore, Eva
Decter, Alex Schlesinger, Justin Lish, Brian Nathan, Jacob Hoffman, Jeremy
Herskowitz, Emma Alpert, Dana Shamama, Mikayla Fuchs, Deena Kopyto,
Josh Hirsch, Jack Winkler, Justin Glickman, Zack Kramer, Emily Wanderer,
Haley Ottensoser, Sammy Mandel, Andrew Bokor, Judah Weinerman, and
Emily Goldstein (10th graders).
College Counselors Attend "Exploring College Options" Meeting
Mrs. Joan Parmet, Director, and Mrs. Karen Wolf, Associate Director, joined
approximately 60 other public and private school counselors in attending
the "Exploring College Options" workshop at the Uniondale Marriott. Duke,
Georgetown, Harvard, Penn, and Stanford jointly participate in this
workshop to share information about academic programs, study abroad
programs, financial aid, graduate school acceptances, and admissions
information for the 2013/2014 college admissions cycle. These college
admission professionals gave an overview of each of their college offerings
followed by a question and answer period.
These colleges are among the most selective in the country with overall
admission rates for the Class of 2017 of 12% at Duke, 17% at Georgetown,
5.8% at Harvard, 12.2 % at Penn, and 5.7% at Stanford. All of these
schools also offer wonderful financial aid packages, without loans,
especially for families who earn under $100,000 as well as for many
families earning well above $100,000 due to their substantial
endowments. In addition, these schools admit a geographically and
economically diverse group of students as well as international students,
athletes, and students of color (42% of the class at Penn and 43% at
Harvard).
Some of the Long Island counselors expressed frustration with the low
admit rates in general and for Long Island students, in particular. All of the
admissions officers agreed that there are many wonderful students who are
not admitted, and the Georgetown representative said, "Decisions are not a
referendum on students' success, but more on the decision by colleges to
build a class based on institutional priorities," such as athletic teams,
musicians, legacy, and other factors. These institutional requirements
change yearly, and universities do not communicate these needs to
counselors or to students. The Duke counselor mentioned that there was
one year when all of the bassoonists were graduating, so they were in dire
need of bassoonists in the next admissions cycle. The Stanford officer's
take on competitive admissions was that being admitted is "not a reward
for hard work. We can't admit all of them."
This annual meeting was an opportunity to network with admissions
officers and college counselors from other high schools. The colleges
distributed admission statistics for their colleges, which are available in the
college guidance office. While the admissions process is very competitive,
our college guidance staff has a strong record of success and our
counselors work with each student to make appropriate college matches.
College Acceptances
Congratulations to the following seniors on their recent college
acceptances:
Olivia Rudensky to the Bandier Program for Music and Entertainment
Industries at Syracuse University
Gabriella Shimon to IDC Herzliya in Israel
Shabbat shalom!
Visit the HAFTR Tattler Online at www.haftrtattler.com
The new HAFTR Kippah's are here!
See Sharon Fried in the business office to purchase one today.
Lower School Sponsorship Opportunities: