Monday, February 16 President`s Day– 1/2 Day of School

Volume 9,
Issue 20
24 Shevat, 5775
February 13 , 2015
2015-16 Registration is OPEN!!
Please see page 7 for details!
MOTZEI SHABBOS MISHMAR
Continues
Parshas
Mishpatim—
Shekalim
Candle
Lighting:
5:54
For boys grades 1-6
At the Yeshiva
4000 Alton Road
Miami Beach
7:45-8:30 PM
SCHEDULE REMINDER!
Monday, February 16
President’s Day– 1/2 Day of School
Your dedication here!
Call the office at
(305) 867-3322
PAGE 2
THE Y.E.S. PRESS
D’VAR TORAH
& INSPIRATION
By: Rabbi Yonah Victor,
6 th Grade Rebbe
In the beginning of this
week’s Parasha, Parashas Mishpatim, the
Torah tells us that HaKadosh Baruch Hu
told Moshe Rabbeinu, “V’eileh hamishpatim asher tasim lifneihem” – “These are the
statutes which you are to place before [the
B’nei Yisrael].” Considering that a statute
is not a tangible item, it seems difficult to
understand the meaning of “Which you are
to place before them.” How does one
“place” a statute “before” another?
Rashi explains that the Ribono Shel Olam
was teaching Moshe how to educate the
B’nei Yisrael. “Don’t think,” Rashi elaborates, “that you can simply teach them the
Perek or the the Halacha two or three times
and that is sufficient – Rather, you are to
teach and explain the Mitzvah and its reason until they are fluent in their mouths.”
Rav Moshe Feinstein points out that Rashi
implicitly imparts the message that a person
may well have learned much Torah, and yet
still be considered an ignoramus. When a
person learns without working to master his
learning, he does not develop the connection to Torah and relationship with Hashem
which are a primary objectives in Torah
study.
On the other hand, when a person devotes
himself to plumb the depths of Torah to his
fullest capacity, the Torah becomes more
than simply information and knowledge
that he has gained. Rather, it becomes true
wisdom, part and parcel of his being, which
transforms him into a more spiritual entity.
Based on the foregoing, we can understand
another point in this comment by Rashi.
Having addressed the seeming difficulty in
the wording of the Pasuk, Rashi suddenly
injects a new term into the discussion.
Why does Rashi suddenly mention the reason for the Mitzvos?
One who learns on a superficial level simply to be aware of the duties which devolve
upon him has no understanding and appreciation of his responsibilities. For such a
person, Mitzvah observance necessarily becomes a burden which, at best, is begrudgingly carried at the perceived expense of
personal freedom and enjoyment.
For the person who has undertaken to learn
Torah at a deeper level, however, Mitzvah
observance is the sublime source of all joy
and meaning in life. The more one appreciates and understands the meaning and value
of the Mitzvos, the more he stands to gain
from them and be overtaken by their beauty.
May we all be zoche to experience the
sweet taste of Torah study at the deepest
level of which we are capable, and thereby
to grow and become true Ovdei Hashem,
setting personal examples for our students
and progeny.
Ah Gutten Shabbos!
Having earned a Slurpee with a special Y.E.S. straw
through his hard work during Mid-Winter Vacation, Tzvi
Wakszul’s only concern was to share his prize with other boys.
THE Y.E.S. PRESS
PAGE 3
Fifth Grade Berachos Odessy Continues
In studying the Berachos of ‫ המכין מצעדי גבר‬and ‫אוזר ישראל בגבורה‬, the
girls walked to the beach for a variety of activities designed to
impress upon them the importance of their feet, as well as the value of
each and every step they take in life, both literally and
figuratively. The class discussed the incredible number of steps they
take each day, and contemplated the degree to which it
is incumbent upon every individual to be grateful for
the gift of mobility. So that the girls would appreciate
this blessing in a more personal way, they had their feet
tied together and tried ascending a sand dune, with humorous results, albeit little success. Having had their
feet freed, they were again able to enjoy the capabilities
of
their
lower
extremities, as they
had fun running
and jumping up
and down the hill,
and
even
climbing
trees.
The
somewhat
fatigued, but
greatly enlightened,
class of Fifth Graders certainly did
not take their feet for granted as they
returned to school, having had good
fun as they learned this invaluable
lesson.
Second Grade Advances Through Davening
Rabbi Larson’s Second Graders have completed learning two
more Berachos in Shemonah Esrei, as they continue to daven
with great energy and enthusiasm, engendered in no small part
by the fact that they understand and can relate to the words of
the Tefillah.
In other news, Rabbi Larson brought a wide variety of Haeitz
foods for his students’ enjoyment on Tu Bishvat. Special thanks
to the anonymous donor who allowed her husband to raid the
kitchen.
PAGE 4
THE Y.E.S. PRESS
Wednesday was a day of learning and fun for
the First Grade girls, First Grade boys, and Second Grade Girls, as
the students celebrated the 100th day of school. Mrs. Feldheim’s
first graders counted out 100 snacks, wrote about, and illustrated
what they think they'll be like at 100 years old, made 100 shaped
crowns and glasses, built a 100 cup tower, and collaborated on a book
about 100 things for which they are thankful. They ended off the
day with a yummy 100 shaped cake! Mrs. Aquinin’s second grade girls
wrote 100 things they love about YES, and enjoyed 100 day cupcakes.
Most importantly, the students displayed beautiful middos and
enthusiasm throughout the entire fun
and busy day!
THE Y.E.S. PRESS
PAGE 5
Sixth Grade Writes Notes In Class
In working to develop their creative writing skills,
Rabbi Munk’s Sixth Graders have authored a good
number of high quality poems, essays and other forms
of expression. In a recent activity, the students
listened to a rendition of classical music, and
expressed the thoughts and emotions inspired by the
music in poetry or prose, on a paper the shape of a
musical note.
Using vivid imagery and nuanced language, the boys
exhibited superior writing skills in committing their
thoughts to paper.
Our nascent poets and writers’ fine work is displayed
proudly in the Sixth Grade classroom, where viewers
are welcome to read the sometimes whimsical,
sometimes fantastic, imaginings of our senior students.
First Grade Rolling Right Along
Rabbi Levin’s First Graders, having only recently received their Chumashim, are already
close to finishing their first Perek of Chumash, with many boys mastering the Pesukim
by heart! Look out for exciting developments, as our budding scholars develop!
Our Condolences to:
The Galbut Family on the loss of
Mrs. Bessie Galbut A”H
HaMokom Yinacheim Eschem Bsoch Shaar Aveilei Tzion V’Yerushalayim.
Mazel Tov to:
Mr. & Mrs. Josh Kon on the birth of their son. Mazel Tov to the grandparents, Mr. Joseph & Morah Robin Kon
Mr. & Mrs. Mark Pinhasov on the birth of their son
Mr. Richard & Mrs. Erica Bensalel on the Bar Mitzva of their son
Mr. David & Mrs. Beth Breier on the engagement of their daughter,
Shana
Dr. Yehuda. & Mrs. Emily Raveh on the marriage of their daughter
PAGE 6
THE Y.E.S. PRESS
OD YOSEF CHAI MATANOS L’EVYONIMCAMPAIGN BEGINS
As we do every year, Yeshiva Elementary School is once again participating in
the Matanos L’evyonim campaign of the renowned and respected tzeddakah, Od
Yosef Chai in Eretz Yisrael. At special assemblies for the boys’ school and girls’
school, Rabbi Zefrin of Od Yosef Chai expressed his appreciation to
Rabbi Levin and Y.E.S. for raising so much of the needed funds to
help our brothers and sisters in Eretz Yisrael who need money for
essentials like food and clothing. A beautiful video presentation was
shown, which gave our students a closer look at the challenges surmounted by a Shemittah observant farmer, and a better understanding of how important their own work is, as they will help provide for
these heroes of our society. Caring for others is one of the greatest
ways we bring Hashem’s will and Presence into this world. The video also
showed highlights of the tremendous work Od Yosef Chai does in Eretz Yisrael.
Yeshiva Elementary School is proud of the important part we play in Od Yosef
Chai’s amazing mission to help the poor of Eretz Yisrael, and we hope once
again to bring in the record amounts for which we have been known in the past.
MISHLOACH MANOS BY Y.E.S.
As you surely know by now, each year Y.E.S. produces an amazing Mishloach
Manos package that is distributed to our faculty and parent body
before Purim. The Parsha-themed Mishloach Manos (this year is
Parashas Vayichi!) is always kid friendly, and also contains (or is
contained by) a keepsake that will enhance your home. Emails
have been sent with your personalized login code so that you can
order Mishloach Manos through the school. Simply select all the
names of the faculty, parents, and Y.E.S. friends that you would like
to include on your Y.E.S. Mishloach Manos list, and each of those people will receive one of our beautiful packages with a list of all the people who included
them on their lists. The easiest way to do this is online, by going to happypurim.com and entering your log-in information. If you did not receive an email,
you can call Wendy at the school office. If you prefer, you can simply check off
the names on the enclosed list and submit your form to the office.
Wednesday, February 18th 11:30 AM—4:30 PM
Wednesday, February 18th 6:30 PM—10:00 PM
Thursday, February 19th 9:30 AM—1:00 PM