Mazal Tov Dvar Torah

 HAFTR Happenings
Issue 23 Volume 4
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
meeting, please
contact Leslie Gang
at [email protected]
Mazal Tov
Behar-Bechukotai
Candle Lighting 7:34 PM
Dvar Torah
Behar-Bechukotai
By Rabbi Lewis
Wienerkur
This week we will conclude the reading of Sefer Vayikra with yet
another double parsha. We do so to fulfill the Talmudic dictum of
"Completing the curses found at end of Bechukotai before the
holiday of Shavuot." Furthermore, we are, Baruch Hashem, on
the cusp of the 46th anniversary of the unification of Jerusalem
this upcoming Wednesday.
The Meshech Chochma (R Meir Simcha of Dvinsk AKA Ohr
Sameach) in his magisterial commentary to Chumash offers a
beautiful insight into the dual nature of the Holy City. (Trivia
question for the readers-you know where to find me-how many
times is Yerushalayim mentioned in Chumash?) He shows that,
on the one hand, it is named "Shalem" by Malkizedek (who is
none other than Shem the son of Noach). On the other hand, it is
also called "Yirah" by Avraham. Hashem says (Midrash Rabba
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Mazal Tov to Leah
and David
Mandelbaum on the
birth of a baby girl
and Mazal Tov to big
brothers Adam and
Simon.
Mazal Tov to Heidi
(Schraga, Class of
1996) and Michael
Bausk on the birth
of a baby boy and
Mazal Tov to big
siblings Perri and
Max.
Genesis 56:16), "If I call it 'Shalem,' then Avraham may be hurt. If
I call it 'Yirah,' then Shem may be hurt. I will call it Yerushalayim!"
What is the explanation of this baffling Midrash? The Meshech
Chochma explains that Shem had just lived through the flood
where he and his family had to sustain all the animals for such a
long period of time. Moreover, they had to restart the world by
fixing the ugliness of the thievery that caused the mabul in the first
place (Rashi-Genesis 6:13). Avraham fought against the
polytheism rampant in the world, even in his own family. He
believed in One G-d and sought to spread the message to the
world.
That is our task, explains R Meir Simcha. We must not delude
ourselves into thinking that it is enough to be a good person
(which is a notion that all people and creeds believe, even when
all people and creeds don't remember to do so!). We must also
have kosher thoughts. We must think like a Jew. We learn this
from our city, Jerusalem.
Shabbat shalom!
Rabbi Wienerkur is a rebbe and director of boys' Israel Guidance
at HAFTR High School.
Sponsorships Available!
UPCOMING SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:
Early Childhood:
Birthday Gift $25
Book-of-the-Month - $18
Shabbat Onegs $18
Lower School:
Mezuzot - $50 each
Author Visits - $100
Chesed Events - Grade 5 - $180
Hebrew Book of the Month - $18
Book of the Month - $15
$360 for the Lower School
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]
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Tree Leaf for Etz Hachayim. Please contact Dr. Brand
at [email protected]
SUNDAY MORNING MINYAN- $180-$250
High School:
The high school is trying to start a ping pong club, if anyone
would like to donate a new or used ping pong table please
contant [email protected].
If you are interested in sponsoring the above activities or
learning about additional opportunities, please e-mail
[email protected]
Early Childhood Highlights
This week, the children celebrated Mother Goose Day (May 1).
During Library time, Morah Naomi taught the children about Mother Goose. We all
know that rhyming aids in the development of language skills. Morah Naomi
discussed the origin of nursery rhymes and then recited, along with the children,
familiar rhymes. Some of the same nursery rhymes had different versions and
when the children asked why, Morah Naomi explained that originally, rhymes
were not written down and that they were passed down from one generation to
the next which accounted for different variations. The children loved comparing
these simple rhymes to how Dr. Seuss rhymed.
During gym, Morah Naomi took the concept one step
further. The children had to do various exercises set
to nursery rhymes and contemporary music. The
children had to use their best listening skills in order
to identify the specific rhyme.
Shhhhhhhhh...Each of our children has been working on
something unique for our Mother's Day gifts. Each project
has been crafted with love and care and we know you will
treasure these treasures. More importantly, however, are
the responses we hear when the children are asked what
they love to do best with their moms. It's usually the little,
everyday things that have the most meaning. Rest assured
that all of our children already have a favorite Mommy and
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Me Moment and each response is truly touching.
Our budding scientists have been busy watching their caterpillars and ladybugs.
They have become expert entomologists as they observe the various caterpillar
stages. They have also been reading lots of nonfiction literature on the subject
and as well as one of our favorite books called Bob and Otto which talks about
the various stages through the eyes of Bob, the caterpillar, and Otto, the
earthworm.
There's a lot of counting going on in the Early
Childhood. As the children count the omer each day,
they are receiving valuable lessons in math. They are
learning the concept of adding on by one as well as
the idea of sorting the numbers into weeks. They
know that a week is a group of days and another word
for group is set. We are eagerly awaiting Shavuot
since that is when we celebrate Matan Torah. Of
course some of us are eagerly awaiting all of the dairy
treats but that's another story.
And speaking of Torah values, our four year old children will
be dressed in blue and white as they celebrate the end of
Sefer Vayikra with a Siyum. I know they will look so very
grown-up wearing blue and white. They will be davening
together in the morning and they will sing and dance their
way into the MPR where they will be greeted by Morah Leah
for one of her outstanding onegs. Then they will sit down to
a lovely seudah.
Chazak, chazak, v'nitchazaik!
Shabbat Shalom
Cyndy Goldberg
Early Childhood Director
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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 indoor barbeque with the
frills
of
"‫האש‬
‫על‬."
Our
kindergarten historians and
architects visited the Transit
Museum in Brooklyn Heights.
They learned about the history
of the NYC transit system, sat
in a subway car that was 107 years old and swiped a
metro card through the turnstile. To prepare for the trip they read, Subway
Story, about the life of a subway car that was eventually taken out of circulation.
Students designed their own cars using a cartons and paper. Thank you to the
families who sponsored the barbeque and to the parents who chaperoned the
trip.
Do you know that a Hyperboloid is the only curvy shape that is constructed out
of straight lines? Or that a Dodecagon is a 12 sided polygon? Anyone know how
many sides there are on an Enneacontakaienneagon? Our first grade
mathematicians do! First grade students visited the MoMath Museum in the city
this week. Students had a fun time exploring different activities having to do
with math. A favorite was riding a square tricycle. Students ate lunch at the
nearby Madison Square Park. Thank you to our parent chaperones and to the
dads who visited during lunch.
Imagine standing in a room with hundreds of beautiful,
colorful butterflies around you? This week, our second
grade students visited the Butterfly Exhibit at the American
Museum of Natural History. The museum educators showed
the students the various types of butterflies and explained
the difference between butterflies and moths. Second grade
student, Efraim Willner, was thrilled to have an orange
butterfly land on his orange kippah. Students also visited
many exhibits including the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life, The
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Gottesman Hall of Planet Earth, and of course the Fossil and
Dinosaur exhibit. Students figured that it would take 26
second grade students sitting back to back to cover the
length of a Barosaurus. A great and informative time was had by all! Thank you
to all the parents who accompanied the students on the trip.
Students in grade 3 enjoyed a grade-wide sports event with Mr. W. Rotating
from one activity to another, students got to play all their favorite sports. The
third grade students look forward to their trip at the end of the month.
Grade 4 students explored the
exhibits at the NY Hall of
Science. Students explored
aerodynamics by performing
different
sports
activities.
They made predictions and
calculated how long it would
take to navigate a maze. Of
course, the beautiful weather added to their fun in the
amazing playground. Thank you to all the chaperones.
Fifth grade students enjoyed their trip to The Liberty Science Center. They
visited interactive exhibits which included the human body and technology. The
Touch Tunnel and the skyscraper exhibit were the most popular. Students held
onto a harness and walked on metal bars across a room. They learned to be
architects and built a building by themselves. Everyone was amazed by the Imax
show, Sea Monsters. When describing his experience, fifth grade student, Avi
Koenig said this, "I felt that I was actually in the movie and not in a theatre."
Riding in comfort on a coach bus was a real fifth grade privilege!
Thank you to those parents who joined Ms. Hammer at her workshop this week.
Prior to the workshop, parents completed all of Sefer Tehillim in the zechut of a
refuah shelaymah to Avrohom Yehudah ben Davida Yehudit.
Congratulations to class 2D on winning the March/April Box Tops competition.
The class collected 280 box tops. Kol HaKavod!
Isaac Spector traded in his HAFTR Miles to speak on the radio at dismissal. He
made sure all classes were called and boarded their buses safely. Keep up the
good work.
Our annual PTA Mother's Day Boutique will take place next Wednesday. To
ensure that students do not misplace their money, children should keep their
money in an envelope or Ziploc bag marked with their name and class.
We are looking for volunteers to help with parade props and the banner.
If you can assist, please contact art teacher, Rena Mosak at
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[email protected].
Mentsch in the Moment
Dear HAFTR,
Sammy has been doing a lot of chessed. He goes with me to deliver Tomechai
Shabbos. He opens doors for the older adults at shul or wherever we are. Last
night he was at the Young Israel of Lawrence Cedarhurst saying Tehillim for his
friend's brother.
Regards,
Mr. Tisser
Shabbat Shalom and Chodesh Tov! Upcoming...
Tues., 5/7-­‐Mother's Day Boutique-­‐Grades K-­‐5
Wed., 5/8-­‐Yom Yerushalayim Celebrations-­‐Assembly Grades K-­‐5-­‐Activities in classrooms If you are interested in sponsoring the 3rd Grade Generation to Generation Event please contact
Candice Feiler at the business office 516-569-3370 or [email protected]
We are looking for volunteers for the Israeli Day Parade
preparation.
If you are interested please contact Michelle Sulzberger
[email protected]
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Middle School Highlights
Tests, tests and Trips!
After three days of Terra Nova testing, the sixth and seventh graders were thrilled to be up
and about on their full day trips. The sixth graders explored New York City- a great way to
get acquainted with their hometown. After walking across the Brooklyn Bridge, the students
enjoyed a stroll through the downtown financial district. They relaxed on the double decker
sight-seeing buses and skated around at Chelsea Piers. Mincha was davened at the historic
Spanish Portugese Synagogue. The students felt on top of the world at the Empire State
Building sky-ride and observatory.
The seventh graders, as part of their
social studies curriculum ( and, of
course, to have fun) visited historic
Philadelphia, taking in the Liberty
Bell and Congress Hall.
They
explored the Constitution Center
with worksheets in hand seeking
answers to the guided questions
prepared by Ms. Rebecca Zweibon.
They davened at the historic Congregation Mikveh Israel: one
of the first synagogues in America.
Although the chaperones were tempted to leave some
of the students at the Eastern State Penitentiary, we gathered up all of our "duckies" for the
famous DUCKS ride. What a day!
The eight graders had the school to themselves for Thursday and spent good quality time
with their teachers forging ahead in their studies and began to prepare for finals. In
celebration of Lag Ba' omer - the eighth graders enjoyed a field day on Friday.
Last week we conducted an intensive Tefila campaign inspiring the students to pray with
more enthusiasm. Students were awarded raffles on a daily basis and they were entered into
a lattory for a grand prize. While all of the students at HAFTR middle school are davening
winners - the following students won prizes: Two grand prize winners of a $25.00 gift
certificate to an eatery of their choice: Zachary Schwartz and Margot Bokor as well as a
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sefer on tefilla. Two other winners of a $15.00 gift certificate and a sefer on tefila were Justin
Zion and Xander Morgenstern.All students who earned 5 raffle tickets received a Dunkin
Donut.
Mazal Tov to Solly Lent on becoming a Bar Mitzvah.
Save the Date: Names Not Numbers, May 7th, 7:30 in the High School auditorium.
MAOR Honor Society Induction Program- May 29th
High School Highlights
HAFTR High School Runs Successful Blood Drive
by Zachary Baker
The annual Long Island Blood Services blood drive was
held last week at HAFTR High School. There was much
anticipation because after many recent natural disasters,
including Hurricane Sandy, more people than ever need
blood. That is why we made it known to everyone how
critical it is to donate. We even gave the members of our
neighborhood shuls the opportunity to donate. We put
many signs up to notify students and faculty members of the upcoming drive.
We also emailed the entire HAFTR family. The coordinators were Pamela Klahr,
Briana Feirstein, and Zachary Baker.
According to the New York Blood Center, one pint of blood could save three lives.
We donated a total of 48 pints, which is more than we usually donate. "After I
donated blood, I felt so amazing that I could potentially save people's lives," said
junior Danielle Kramer. "I always try and help people whenever and however I
can, and I think this is one of the most effective ways." The blood drive
epitomizes what HAFTR tries to instill in all of its students. We all came together
to help a cause that so desperately needs our help. The thought of us possibly
saving over 100 lives is truly awe-inspiring. A warm and heartfelt thanks to Ms.
Koppelman for organizing the blood drive, and to all the juniors who volunteered
throughout the day.
HAFTR Students Take High Honors at the Long Island Math Fair
Three Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and
Rockaway students were awarded medals for their
outstanding research at the final round of the Long
Island Math Fair on April 26, 2013 at Hofstra
University. Lauren Schneider and Michael Sosnick
captured gold medals, along with Aliza Blond who
was awarded a bronze medal. All three
students worked with their mentor, Mr. Neil
Bernstein, mathematics department chairman at
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HAFTR High School. Lauren did research on the cardinality of infinite sets,
Michael researched fractal Geometry, and Aliza investigated the elusive patterns
of prime numbers.
Lights, Camera, Action - HAFTR Players Prepare For Show Time
By Dena Gershkovich
A sold out auditorium, new lighting and sound
systems, freshly blown out hair, picture-perfect
makeup, flashing cameras, and a cast of eager actors
can only mean one thing - SHOWTIME!
As actors changed into their costumes and had their
makeup done backstage, over 250 parents and
students poured into the auditorium on Saturday
night, April 28, to see the players of the HAFTR
drama department present The Corpse Bride, by Tim
Burton. A second show was performed on Sunday,
April 29. Over 25 percent of HAFTR students were
involved in the production of The Corpse Bride, and
the audience was excited to see their hard work pay
off.
As the curtains were drawn, players went to their set
locations and prepared for showtime. During this
time, students reminisced about the late night
practices, dedication, and hard work put in by every
student in the drama department. All of the HAFTR
Players truly wanted this to be an amazing play. "It's
my second year in the play, and being a part of the
HAFTR Players is like being a part of another family.
We all get along so well, and we have great
memories to take away from this experience. Every
single person in the play, big part or small, worked so hard to put this all
together," said Lauren Berlyne, sophomore. Despite all the drama that occurred
in the drama club, the students were able to pull everything together, producing
an exceptional production. "The play has come together to be one of HAFTR High
School's best yet," said Berlyne.
In The Corpse Bride, Victor Van Dort (played by Jake
Levine) is supposed to marry Victoria Everglot
(played by Alexandra Lumerman), but when he goes
to a cemetery to practice his vows, his fate changes.
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As he recites the vows aloud, he finds himself
married to Emily (played by Ella Dahan), the corpse
bride. Victor is torn between Victoria Everglot and
Emily. All of the skeletons (played by Amanda
Kanefsky, Aden Teperman, Sara Fruchter, Lauren
Berlyne, Jenna Kaufman, Mollie Zanger, and Danielle
Noah) try to convince him to stay with Emily, but
Victor still loves Victoria. To complicate matters,
another man, Lord Barkis Bittern (played by David
Stein), is ready to take Victor's place as Victoria's
groom. In the end, Emily realizes that to love you
have to be free, and with that she lets Victor marry Victoria.
As a member of the scenery committee, it was
amazing to see our creations come alive as the
lighting changed colors. I liked how we were able to
capture Tim Burton's creepy style by using muted
colors with pops of bright, energetic tones, as
portrayed by the underworld. I would like to thank
co-directors, Gabriella and Jordana Lumerman, for all
of the time and dedication they put into perfecting
the scenery.
Other actors who were a part of The Corpse Bride
included Rebecca Alenick as Lady Maudline Everglot,
Evan Margolis as Lord Finnis Everglot, Hannah
Chaikin as Mrs. Nell Van Dort, Russell Charnoff as Mr.
William Van Dort, Jacob Hoffman as Pastor Galswells,
Elliot Fuchs as Elder Gutknecht, Justin Lish as
Maggot, Briana Feirstein as Mrs. Plum, Dana Shamama as The Black Widow,
Mikayla Fuchs as Hildegarde, Jason Geller as Emil, Nery Braver as Mayhew,
David Ratz as Bonejangles, and Arye Lifshitz as the Town Crier.
A special thanks to Mrs. Jennifer Winkler, the director of the drama department.
Without her tireless dedication, as well as the combined efforts of student
directors Zoey Glaubach and Aliza Duftler, and assistant directors Joanna
Greenberg, Jaqui Korff, and Rayna Kaufman, none of this would have been
possible. The HAFTR Players would also like to thank the makeup crew, the
playbill sales team, lighting and sound committees, business managers, and, of
course, Principals Ms. Lippman and Rabbi Oppen, who have supported us from
the beginning.
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Mrs. Winkler is very proud of all of the HAFTR Players for working so hard. "A creative
collaboration of this proportion was both challenging and rewarding in ways none of us had
anticipated or experienced before. Adapting a stop-motion animated movie to the stage
forced us to push ourselves harder than ever. But why stay in your comfort zone? That's
never been what the HAFTR Players are about," said Mrs. Winkler. "And, wow, did this cast
and crew exceed any expectations I had! They are incredible people. I hope that long after
the applause ends, the lessons, memories, and friendships will endure."
JV College Bowl Competes in Championship Round
by Lauren Pianko
The junior varsity College Bowl team, with a record
of 9-1, participated in the Yeshiva League College
Bowl championship at the Heschel School, sponsored
by the Jewish Education Project. The team,
represented by Captains Josh Lederer, Max Lent, and
Jaimee Schwartz, and players Justin Glickman,
Joanna Greenberg, Josh Hirsch, and Judah
Weinerman, was a finalist and placed third overall
among twenty yeshivas. Captain Jaimee Schwartz
said, "I'm so proud of my team this year, and all that we accomplished
together."
Shabbat shalom!
__________________________________________________________________________
Visit the HAFTR Tattler Online at http://www.haftrtattler.com/
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Sunday May 5th
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Click here to volunteer your time or to bake.
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The new HAFTR Kippah's are here!
See Sharon Fried in the business office to purchase one today.
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Click here to like Hillel on Facebook:
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Lower School Sponsorship Opportunities:
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Middle School Sponsorship Opportunities:
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We are looking to keep our grandparents apprised of HAFTR Happenings please share this newsletter and email addresses with us.
Reuben Maron, Executive Director, [email protected]
Phone: 516-569-3370 · Fax: 516-569-5689
Email: [email protected] · Website: www.haftr.org
Early Childhood
389 Central Ave
Lawrence, NY 11559
516-569-3659
Lower School
33 Washington Ave
Lawrence, NY 11559
516-569-3043
Middle School
44 Frost Lane
Lawrence, NY 11559
516-569-6352
High School
635 Central Ave
Cedarhurst, NY 11516
516-569-3807
Forward email
HAFTR | 389 Central Avenue | Lawrence | NY | 11559
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