Dvar Torah Parsha Korach

 HAFTR Happenings
Issue 27 Volume 4
PM
Korach
Candle Lighting 8:05
Special Post Salute to Israel Parade Edition
Mazal Tov
Mazal tov to Dena
and Ben Isaacs on
the birth of a baby
girl and to big
brother Max.
HAFTR Early
Childhood
and Lower
School
Tours
If you have any
friends who would
like to learn more
Dvar Torah
Parsha Korach
Rabbi BenZion Kirsch
Middle School Rebbe
This Shabbos we read about the catastrophic situation
created by Korach. He organized a rebellion against
Moshe and Ahron and the Ribono Shel Olam. He was very
persuasive and was able to organize two hundred and
fifty men, prominent leaders of the community to join in
the treachery.
Moshe Rabbainu tried different methods to dissuade the
rebels but to no avail. He makes a horrifying prediction;
these rebellious people will descend alive into the very
depths of the earth.
Regardless of how personal the recriminations were,
Moshe Rabbainu was not a cruel person. Why was it
necessary for him to ask for such an unusual death for
Page 1 of 1 5
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]
these rebels? Why was it necessary to ask that the earth
should open and swallow them alive?
The Sfas Emes and the Belzer Rebbe have very unique
solutions to this question.
The Sfas Emes explains that Korach was prompted by a
mistaken vision. He was clever, insightful and had Rauch
HaKodesh. He could forsee the future. He knew that his
descendants were on a very high spiritual level.The Pasuk
proclaims: ‫משה ואהרן בכהניו ושמואל בקראי שמו‬. Korach's
descendant Shmuel Hanavi, is listed as equal to MOSHE
and Ahron. Korach felt that if he personally was wrong
then it would not be possible for his grandchild Shmuel to
rise to such great spiritual heights. Negative character
traits are passed down through the generations within
families. If Korach should pass from this world still alive,
then his descendants are protected and they would not
inherit Korach's negative Middot. Therefore, the SFAS
EMES explains, it was necessary for Korach to descend
alive, so his character traits would not be passed on to
the next generation.
The Belzer Rebbe has a different perspective. Moshe
Rabbainu begged Korach and his band of rebels to recant
and to change their position. Moshe Rabbainu felt if there
is a punishment to be given; the rebels should have the
longest possible opportunity to do Tshuva. Keep them
alive as long possible. As long as there is life, there is
hope. Kill them on the spot, and then they cannot do
Tshuva. But if they live as they go downwards, that
extends the possibility for Tshuva. Maybe at the final
moment, before it is too late, Moshe Rabbainu hoped
they would repent and elevate their spiritual existence
with Tshuva.
There are times when we have to exercise strict
measures with a child to educate and correct
shortcomings and improve the quality of their behavior.
The Sfas Emes suggests that we examine our behavior
and see if there is room for improvement so that the
good we have within us trickles down to our children. The
Belzer Rebbe says you should not be hasty to punish.
Always give many opportunities for self-correction, time
to recant, and time for Tshuva. With the help of the
Ribono Shel Olam we will witness fantastic spiritual and
moral growth within ourselves and our children. Have a
great Shabbos.
Page 2 of 1 5
Sponsorships Available!
UPCOMING SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:
Early Childhood:
Birthday Gift $25
Book-of-the-Month - $18
Shabbat Onegs $18
Lower School:
3rd Grade Generation to Generation Celebration
Kindergarten End of the Year Celebration $75
5th Grade Tefillah and Breakfast
Middle School:
Mishmar Sponsorship: please contact Rabbi Klapper
[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 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 [email protected]
Salute to Israel Parade
Highlights
It was a proud moment for HAFTR and for Israel. This past Sunday, students in grades 4
through 12 and faculty, participated in the Celebrate Israel Parade. We looked spectacular
making our way up Fifth Avenue in our bright orange shirts, matching kippot, magnificent
banners and life size props. ""‫ שלום לך ארץ נהדרת‬was our refrain, adapted to the parade theme,
"Picture Israel." Everyone was patient waiting for their turn to march, and was not deterred
by the hot sun. HAFTR's spirit shone through and a wonderful day was had by all. A terrific
Yashar Koach to Rena Mosak and Dale Malekoff, our devoted art teachers and staff of
volunteers who designed the beautiful banners and magnificent props. Thank you Diane
Sarnoff, Michele Sulzberger, Amy Berger, Deena Moskowitz, Reva Goldschemidt, Debbie
Page 3 of 1 5
Sarnoff, Michele Sulzberger, Amy Berger, Deena Moskowitz, Reva Goldschemidt, Debbie
Gononsky, Karen Alexander, Clara Seidel, Gabby Muller, Deborah Heller, and intern Yael
Teigman. Yashar Koach to the 8th grade boys who held all the flags and transported the
banners and large props. Thank you fourth and fifth grade students for your ruach and to Hila
& Shirel for your choreography. Todah fifth grader, Molly Vashovsky, who assisted with the
t-shirt distribution and permission slip collection. Thank you Mrs. Mizrahi, Dr. Charnoff, Mr.
Harari and Mr. Katz for all your assistance at the parade. Kudos to all our students and
faculty who participated and made this year's parade so fabulous. Thank you to the Levy and
Miller families for sponsoring our parade shirts. ‫!לשנה הבאה בירושלים‬
Click here for pictures
Make sure to read next weeks final edition of the HAFTR Happenings for the 2012-­‐‑2013 School Year!
High School Highlights
HAFTR Students Shine at CIJE Young Engineers Conference
By Mr. Solomon Yousha
The CIJE (Center for Initiatives in Jewish Education) sponsored its second
annual Young Engineers Conference at HAFTR's new gym on Thursday,
May 30. Students from Jewish day schools in Philadelphia, New Jersey,
Westchester, Long Island, and the five boroughs of New York, converged to
share, show, compare, and celebrate a year of research, learning, creating,
planning, and engineering. The event connects a tapestry of technology,
creativity, and science research that germinated and developed into the
many projects that impressed all who attended.
Students in HAFTR High School's inaugural freshman Scientific Technology
course contributed projects such as lighted canes, umbrellas that lit up in a
dark rain, laser activated security systems that took pictures and sent them
over the internet to your smartphone, pressure activated servo motors that
Page 4 of 1 5
dark rain, laser activated security systems that took pictures and sent them
over the internet to your smartphone, pressure activated servo motors that
tightened your laces, and a musical keyboard and lights to soothe you to
sleep and help you relax.
The participants were addressed by a representative from Google, Mr.
Raymond Blum, who remained for a question and answer period about
Google and its future. The symposium ended with discussions about the
future. Looking out among these young creative "engineers," one could not
help but be filled with hope for the future. As Rabbi Elazar said, in the name
of Rabbi Haninah, "Enlightened students increase peace in the world." As it
is written, "You shall not call them "your children" (Bah-na-yich) rather
they are our "builders" (Bo-na-yich). They are the "start-up nation" of our
Jewish future.
Mrs. Guttman's Students Celebrate Siyumim
Mrs. Guttman's ninth grade Navi honors class had a creative siyum on
Sefer Melachim Aleph. Each girl brought in food that made a connection to
something they learned. Some girls bought in twisted pretzels because King
Achav was "twisted" for believing in idols. Sour sticks symbolized the sour
times they were having. Blue Laffy Taffy's symbolized Achav feeling "blue"
when Navot didn't want to give him the vineyards, while the purple Laffy's
symbolized the grapes from the vineyards! The half lemonade drink and
half iced tea represented half Achav and half Izevel. A fun time was had by
all, and the girls also shared with Rabbi Oppen many of the life lessons they
learned over the year.
Mrs. Guttman's ninth grade parasha class recently celebrated a siyum.
Rabbi Oppen joined the students, who were proud to share their Divrei
Torah with him. The students celebrated the siyum with an ice cream cake
which included the words "Mazal Tov parasha class!" Thanks to Rabbi
Oppen for creating such a wonderful environment for learning Torah at
HAFTR.
Families Enjoy Annual Celebration of Excellence
HAFTR High School recognized the many achievements of our students at
the annual Celebration of Excellence at Congregation Beth Sholom on
Thursday evening, May 30. It was a wonderful evening of commemoration
for the newly inducted members of the DEAH Chapter of the National Honor
Society, Principals' Honor Roll, Chesed Honor Society, the Art Honor
Society, Foreign Language Honor Societies, and recipients of several
science, math and leadership awards.
Proud family, faculty, and staff members were in attendance to watch their
children and students shine. The names of all of the members of the
various Honor Societies were read aloud, and some of the DEAH students
participated in a moving candle lighting ceremony. DEAH student of the
year Samantha Lish gave a memorable speech. Masters of Ceremonies
Rebecca Jedwab, DEAH President, and Samantha Weissman, DEAH Vice
President, passed the torch to incoming President Miriam Friedman and Vice
Page 5 of 1 5
President, passed the torch to incoming President Miriam Friedman and Vice
President Isaak Garber. In addition, students, families, and faculty
members had the opportunity to enjoy the outstanding original artwork and
computer graphics projects which were on display for everyone to view. It
was a special night for all to remember.
French Trip to "The Museum of Modern Art" and Le Marais
Madame Delson took her junior French class to the Museum of Modern Art
on May 30. This group of students has been studying French for three
years. During the school year they participated in an art project, where
they each did a study of one specific French artist, and gave a presentation
to their peers "en français" (in French). Students were required to bring in
art book quality reproductions of the masterpieces. At the culmination of
this research, the class visited The Museum of Modern Art. They were given
a private tour by a docent who prepared observations of the French
artworks in the museum, and also provided us with excellent historic
background.
Students participated in question and answer exchanges with the docent.
They were thrilled to see authentic work of the artists that they had
studied. They viewed and discussed the masterpieces of such artists as
Auguste Rodin, Claude Monet, Henri Rousseau, René Magritte, Paul
Gauguin, and Henri Matisse. Many took photographs as souvenirs.
After the museum tour, students were accompanied by Madame Delson,
Mrs. Ellner, and Mr. Fagan to the glatt kosher French restaurant Le Marais.
They were privileged to meet the French chef of the restaurant and ordered
their meals in French. Some of the dishes they most enjoyed were
"steak/frites" and "tournedos."
Hopefully, this experience will stay with them throughout their lives and
they will continue to appreciate French art as well as French cuisine.
Science Research at HAFTR High School
Science research at HAFTR High School has flourished during this past year. A total of
72 Science Institute students, in grades 9-12, completed 27 original projects that were
showcased at the high school's Second Annual Science, Math & Engineering Fair on
March 18. At that time all of our budding scientists and engineers presented their
findings to a round of judges and were inspired by a keynote speaker, neurobiologist
Zev Rosen. In April our students competed in the Long Island Science Congress.
The projects covered a wide variety of fields, including:
Biology (Expressing Drosophila Melanogaster with the Wa Gene) - Dean Decter
Chemistry (How Temperature Affects Chemical Luminescence) - Zachary Baker,
Miriam Friedman, Danielle Kramer, Blossom Soifer
Physics (Using Eddy Currents and Lenz's Law to Build a Safer Doorstop) - Ezra
Lent, Matthew Hoenig
Engineering (Will Harbor Sea Gates Prevent Coastal Flooding?) - Sarah Fuchs,
Jake Kaufman, Jason Sulzberger
Neuroscience (Factors Affecting Dominance in Juvenile Crayfish) - Samantha
Lish, David Stein, Justin Winkler, Daniel Green
Psychology/Behavioral Science (The Effect of Incentives on Performance) - Sean
Page 6 of 1 5
Bokor, Justin Goldberg, Russell Charnoff
Computer Science (Factors Affecting Networking Speed) - Eric Teper, Ari Teper
Forensics (Do Twins Have Identical Fingerprints?) - Jamie Klahr, Harlee
Miller, Julia Schwartz
Biomedical Engineering (Determining the Presence of Proteins in Solution) Matthew Goldstein, Rachel Hirmes
Health Science (How Soda Affects Teeth ) - Justin Glickman, Jacob Siri
Military Science (Using Cellular Networks to Guide a Homemade Drone) - Ariel
Steinlauf, Sam Eisenberg
We are very proud of the creativity, intellectual growth and self-reliance that each
participant demonstrated during the course of the research. In pursuing answers to
questions by direct experimentation, they were able to feel the excitement of
discovery that is the flame that ignites man's search for new knowledge.
Kudos to all those who participated. Win or lose, we are certain that the experience of
an original, hands-on investigation can only lead to increased confidence, ambition and
success in the face of future challenges. Super kudos to the following students
whose projects won FIRST PLACE in our school's fair: The group of Samantha
Lish, Justin Winkler, Daniel Green, David Stein and the freshman group of Justin
Lish, Jack Winkler, and Emily Goldstein.
Student Government Elections 2013/2014
Mazal Tov to the following students on their new positions:
Jordana Mayer - President
Nicole Mayer - Vice President
Shari Mayer - Treasurer
Rachel Gelnick -- Secretary
Jordan Gellman - 12th Grade Representative
AlizaLifshitz - 11th Grade Representative
Mikhayla Fuchs - 10th Grade Representative
__________________________________________________________________________
Visit the HAFTR Tattler Online at http://www.haftrtattler.com/
Volunteers Needed!
Please contact [email protected] to volunteer.
Page 7 of 1 5
HAFTR PTA
FATHER'S DAY BOUTIQUE
For Students in Grades K-8
Page 8 of 1 5
For Students in Grades K-8
WEDNESDAY- JUNE 12, 2013
(Father's Day is Sunday, June 16)
A great selection of gifts are available and reasonably priced
from $1.00 - $10.00
This is a wonderful opportunity for your child to show their
appreciation to dads, grandpas, uncles or a special man in their
lives.
NOTE: The Boutique Committee will not be able to lay out any money since it
is the end of the school year. Please do not forget to send a few dollars with
your child. The children greatly enjoy the experience of shopping!
Page 9 of 1 5
The new HAFTR Kippah's are here!
Page 1 0 of 1 5
See Sharon Fried in the business office to purchase one today.
Page 1 1 of 1 5
Click here to like Hillel on Facebook:
Page 1 2 of 1 5
Lower School Sponsorship Opportunities:
Page 1 3 of 1 5
Middle School Sponsorship Opportunities:
Page 1 4 of 1 5
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
Page 1 5 of 1 5