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Mark Your Calendar |
Monday, Dec. 7- Early Dismissal, Academy Faculty Meetings 3:00 ELC, 3:15 Academy
Friday, Dec. 11- First night of Chanukah
Tuesday, Dec. 15 - 4th Grade Navi Play
Thursday, Dec. 17 - Your Turn to Learn Series, 9:30AM
Thursday, Dec. 17 - Friday, Dec. 18 - Rosh Chodesh Tevet
Sunday, Dec. 20 - Academy Winter Musical - Oliver! 10:30 am
Tuesday, Dec. 22 - Matan Bat Mitzvah Program 6:30-8:30pm
Thursday, Dec. 24- Friday, Jan. 1 -Winter Break, No Sessions
Monday, Jan. 4 - Classes Resume
Tuesday, Jan. 4 -
Academy Lice Check
Every Thursday at 8:45: ELC Open Parenting Forum |
Helpful Hint
SAR's Hotline
number is:
718-518-2977 |
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| SAR IS FOR GRANDPARENTS TOO! |
| Would you like for your parents to have a window into their grandchildren's SAR world?
To receive Chadashot send their e-mail address to:
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| Thank you! |
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Thank you to all those who donated books to the SAR library during the Book Fair.
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Oliver! at SAR |
| Come see the SAR Academy Drama Club's performance of Oliver!
Sunday, December 20th at 10:30 A.M. in the gym
Featuring many fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth graders. Tickets may be purchased at the door.
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| In Our Community |
Condolences
Condolences to Ruth Seligman Mark on the loss of her mother, Barbara (Devora) Seligman, grandmother of Rebecca Mark (12), Zev Mark (8), and Sara Noa Mark (Academy '07).
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17 Kislev 5770 December 4, 2009
Candlelighting: 4:11 Havdalah: 5:14
Parashat Vayishlach |
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A Message from Rabbi Krauss |
 Dear Parents,
One aspect of our mission at SAR is to develop a real connection to Medinat Yisrael, a connection that has to do with language, with history, with culture, and with actual people. This year's Israeli fellows, whose presence and involvement help us further this mission, are being featured in this week's Chadashot. Take a moment to get to know these young men and women who are an integral part of our school community.
The current situation in Israel regarding Gilad Schalit's
possible release is very present on our minds. We pray that G-d gives those making decisions, the wisdom to do what is right for him and what will keep our people safe.
In this week's פרשה, Rashi points out that before Yaakov confronts Esav he prepares himself in three ways: with דורון, gifts, with תפילה, prayer, and with preparation for war. We too have to prepare ourselves to be open to reconcile, yet we need as well to be strong, to be wise, and reach out in prayer. May Hashem answer our tefillot and the tefillot of our children.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Binyamin Krauss
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SAR In Motion
Click here to watch the Third Grade Rainforest Event
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In what ways are you reminded of Israel at SAR? (See quotes throughout.)
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| ?מה חדש |
*Meet Our Israeli Fellows*
The eight Israeli Fellows on staff this year have infused our building from top to bottom with their warmth and creativity. Raindrops rain down on us in the atrium to remind us to add "משיב הרוח ומוריד הגשם" during our daily tefilla. They have touched every grade from Kitah Aleph to Kitah Chet by spending time each day with an entire class, or a small group of students, teaching Ivrit, Chumash, Gemara, and Mishna. Throughout the year they effect our students through sharing their personal passion, love, and knowledge of Jewish holidays and pride in Israel and the Hebrew language. Please take a moment to get to know a little more about each of our 2009-2010 Israeli Fellows.
 Avia Dahan
Avia is the 5W Judaic Studies Assistant Teacher. She also teaches the sixth grade Israeli dance
elective, which is something she truly enjoys doing.
 Yael Citroen spends her afternoons in fifth grade as the 5X Judaic Studies Assistant Teacher.
Yael's twin sister is a fellow at a school in Los Angeles.
Tamar Elitzur plays the guitar! And spends every morning as the 4Z Judaic Studies Assistant Teacher.
Ram Cohen spends most of his time in the Middle School as a Beit Medrash teacher and Seventh Grade Ivrit Teacher. During the day you may also find him in Kitah Gimmel or Kitah Hey, or teaching the Mini Mishmar after school activity. Something you might not know about Ram: He's a magician!
 Avi Farkash spends most of his time in the Middle School Beit Medrash and teaching small groups in third and fifth grades. Avi
enjoys reading books, especially ones about history and historical events.
Shira Sternthal's afternoons are spent with sixth graders in 6X, where she serves as the Judaic Studies Assistant Teacher. Shira likes to listen to music.
Avital Vactel (on the left) can be found teaching 6W as their Judaic Studies Assistant Teacher. She likes to draw and paint. Avital just became an aunt for the first time!
Hadar Granitza can usually be found in the fourth grade area as the 4X Judaic Studies Assistant Teacher. Hadar enjoys riding bicycles.
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~I'm reminded of Kfar Bloom because the lunchroom is like their kitchen . . . Adin Pepper-Fox |
| ?איפה חדש |
In second grade there is a cozy corner carved out that is now a sefriyah, Hebrew library. The children know that when they have a free moment there's a special place they can go to read and relax. In this quiet space they can grab a pillow, grab a Hebrew book, and read away . . .
Feel free to come too!
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~we learn so much about Israel that it gives you the presence of being there . . . Rafi Kubersky |
| Spoken From The Heart . . . |
 Last Tuesday, my class went to an exhibit at the Museum of Biblical Art. We are extremely grateful to Mr. Kahn, Doria Kahn's father, for personally giving us a tour of his exhibit. The exhibit contained many works of art, and if there is a word better than beautiful, they were that. Most of them were objects from a shul that Mr. Kahn designed entirely. It took the class five minutes to figure out what a tall, ornate, spidery thing with a dome on top was. It was a tzedaka box! Another object that blew our minds was a huge omer counter with removable pieces. Mr. Kahn spent most of his life trying to figure out how to create it. Also in the exhibit were gorgeous, abstract paintings. They absolutely broadened our minds. My personal favorite, however, was a picture of meditative space which Mr. Kahn had built. It was just so serene looking. All in all, I think the whole class was inspired by Mr. Kahn's exhibit. There were so many kinds of beautiful art. Mr. Kahn knows how to make beautiful art. Thank you!
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~when I come inside the school and I see the blue and white in the atrium it reminds me of Israel . . . Jonah Amron |
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It's That 'KIND' Of Week . . . |
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Rabbi Drelich's seventh grade students collected money at morning tefilah's to send doughnuts to chayalim, including to former SAR alumnus Yaron White who is presently serving in the Givanti section of the Israeli Army. The students wrote letters to the soldiers as well. The students received this letter back:
Monday, November 30, 2009
Dear Rabbi Drelich and the SAR 7th Graders,
"אמור מעט ועשה הרבה " פרקי אבות א:ט"ו
It was barely two weeks ago that I had the pleasure of meeting you, Rabbi Drelich, and discussing the various projects we do both with the IDF and the residents of Sderot. You excitedly told me about your seventh graders and how you have often discussed our chayalim. I was also told how all of you add a special tefillah for the safekeeping of the chayalim - kol hakavod for your sensitivity and midot.
Apparently this is indeed a very special group of students and your teacher's pride in you is well founded! For as our sages teach us, actions speak louder than words and words of tefillah and learning coupled with chessed are a winning combination!
Thank you so much for your generous donation of $300 which will help us bring the spirit of Chanukah to the brave young men and women serving on our fronts, protecting you, and me, and every Jew wherever he/she may be! Sufganiyot along with your cards and letters will G-d willing be delivered over Chanukah in your name, and specifically to Yaron White's (an SAR graduate) unit.
May you always be in a position to sweeten the lives of others!
Tizku l'mitzvot,
Sharon
Sharon Spira, Associate Director
sharon@connectionsisrael.com
011-972-545-217-562
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~all the gathering together and praying and learning Chumash makes me feel a part of Israel . . . Alexandra Meisels |
| באמצע : JHS News
. . . in the middle of Middle School |
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* Seventh Grade Yom Iyun*
   
During the half day of school on Wednesday, November 25th, the seventh graders gathered in the Beit Knesset to begin a day of study, or Yom Iyun, on Shalom. The Chumash teachers organized the program to supplement their curriculum, and began the day speaking with the students about Aaron HaCohen, who was a rodeph shalom, or chaser of peace. All students spent forty-five minutes learning a source packet together on how Aaron was a rodeph shalom, on the value of peace, and the meaning of peace in our day to day lives.
Students then split off into small groups to study Shalom through a topic of their choice: Drama, Art, Sports, Music, History, Psychology, or Science. In the Drama elective students improvised scenes with conflict and resolution, then wrote and performed their own scenes between two objects in conflict over the same thing and how they resolved their conflict. In the Sports elective, students played two games. In the first game two partners had to work together to win, and in the second game an entire team of students had to work together to win. The group discussed other sports analogies for peace that show how having peace within a team can build a healthy and winning team. At the Art elective students studied symbols of peace in artwork, such as the dove and the lamb and wolf lying together. They also learned the origin of the modern peace symbol, and then created their own artwork incorporating all peace symbols studied. In the Music Group students learned about the power of music to convey the message of peace by listening to songs from the 1960s and today. They also learned to sing a simple harmony to learn about how music itself teaches about peace. The Psychology elective explored how the five senses make us feel peaceful or otherwise. Smell perfume and horseradish, feel steel wool and a mink collar, and taste caramel chocolate and wasabi if you want to experience the difference! The History elective explored the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from the six-day war to the current peace process. During the Science elective, students made three different mixtures. They found that food coloring and water will mix evenly without any energy or effort added, that salt and water will mix on their own, but will become a mixture much more quickly if heat (energy) is applied, and that oil and water will mix if energy is added (mixed or stirred) but will separate as soon as that energy is removed. The students then compared these mixtures to different types of shalom. Some people or groups will become a peaceful cohesive group on their own like the food coloring and water. Some need additional work or effort to become a peaceful and cohesive group, but once peace is made they will remain a cohesive group, and some groups are like the oil and water - effort and work must be put in for peace to be achieved and without continual work and effort the groups will not maintain their peaceful relationship. Lastly, the group discussed the idea of alloys. In this special mixture, metals are combined to make a new metal that is better in some way than the individual components. The students discussed how often when two groups work to make peace, the sum is often better than the individual parts.
To conclude the program the students gathered all together again in the shul to sing songs on Shalom. Rabbi Krauss led the closing ceremonies, talking about what it means to be an Ohev Shalom. Sometimes keeping shalom contradicts telling the truth, and sometimes it's okay to bend the truth in order to maintain peace. That is what Aharon did, which is what made him so good at helping people find peace - he knew when to bend the truth.
This program beautifully integrated Judaic Studies and Secular Studies. It allowed the students to learn as a grade, and apply the messages of the Chumash to other subjects in school.
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~we learn the attributes and qualities of Israel in whatever we do . . . Meredith Greenstein |
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דבר תורה |
 By: Aerin Rosenfeld
And the angels returned to Yaakov saying, "We came to your brother to Essau and he is also coming to greet you and four hundred men are with him" And Yaakov was very afraid and it distressed him and so he divided the nation that was with him... (Breishis 32:7-8)
He was afraid and distressed: He feared maybe he would be killed. It distressed him that he might kill others. (Rashi)
It is easy to picture how Yaakov was scared to die or have to kill others as Essau marched with four hundred men. How could we think Yaakov, the one who learned Torah all day, had any chance of winning against his brother?
In last week's parsha, when Yaakov approached the shepherds of Haran, they were sitting by a well of water which was covered by a huge rock. Three flocks of sheep had already gathered there and they were waiting for all the flocks to arrive before attempting to roll the rock off the well. We can only imagine how big this rock must have been that a large group of people were needed to roll it off the well. When Rachel appeared with the sheep, the Torah writes, "And Yaakov drew close and he revealed the stone from on top of the well and he watered the sheep of Lavan the brother of his mother." Rashi tells us that he didn't even roll it. He pulled it out very easily.
We see from this that Yaakov was extremely strong, he was not as weak as some may have thought. It was rather that he preferred to avoid violence by praying and sending gifts, etc.
We can easily understand how Yaakov was scared by now having to face the idea of using violence. He would have preferred not to have to show the ugly side of himself. It was not from weakness that Yaakov preferred to use peace in dealing with his arch enemy Essau, it may well have been a strategy born from strength.
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~the stairs remind me of Israel because of all the hard stuff Israel goes through . . . it's hard for Israel to walk up and defeat their enemies . . . Azriel Lavi |
| This Week In Sports |
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On Tuesday, December 1st, the Sixth Grade Boys Basketball Team got off to a dominating start with a 60-9 win over Yeshiva Har Torah. With Ben Winter leading the intense defense and Azriel Lavi guiding the offense SAR was able to put together a smooth victory.
On Wednesday, December 2nd, the SAR Lady Sting played a great game against ASHAR. They were led by the scoring of Samantha Hollenberg, Arly Mintz, Emily David, Devora Gross and Ayden Harelick and the defense of Amanda Samet, Rebecca Siegel and Talia Petashnik.
The Boys 8th Grade Varsity Basketball Team opened the 2009-2010 campaign with a 54-14 win over Ashar. The Sting led 22-2 after the first quarter and coasted the rest of the way. The team was led offensively by Sammy Hyman, Sammy Marcus and Josh Shenwick, the rebounding of Yoni Gelfand and Tani Spievak, and the ball-handling of Jacob Saks and Ephriam Tepler. The Sting next plays Sunday, December 6, at Westchester Day School, at 10:30 am.
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~SAR always has special programs that remind us of Israel's atmosphere . . . Daniel Shenwick |
| Photo of the Week |
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Our students enjoyed cheering on The Lady Sting at
the David Cooper Memorial Girls Basketball Tournament
held this week at SAR High School and at Mount Saint
Vincent College in Riverdale.
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~there's a very friendly atmosphere and the school tries to have us really think of Israel in whatever we're doing . . . Mathew Heisler
~that we learn all about Israel every day and talk about it a lot . . . Leah Nerenberg |
| PTC News |
Chanukah is a week away! As in previous years, the PTC plans to give each staff and faculty member Chanukah Gelt on behalf of the parent body in appreciation for the teaching, guidance, and love they provide daily to our children.These collective gifts are greatly appreciated by our staff and parents are not expected to present teachers with gifts on their own.
You may also make your check payable to SAR-PTC and forward it to the Business Office at 655 West 254th Street, Riverdale, NY10471.
Suggested gift amounts per family:
$36 per family
Plus an additional $5 per student in Middle School Grades
Plus an additional $10 per student in High School Grades
Warmest wishes to you and your family for a Chanukah Sameach!
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Order SAR Spiritwear!
See our display of items next to Zelda's office
Items can be purchased from Sally Oshins in the Business office after 12pm
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Community News |
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STEIN YESHIVA PRE-CHANUKA CARNIVAL EXTRAVAGANZA
Sun Dec 6 12-3 at the RJC. Cost: $25 per family includes concert and 20 tickets and 1 free raffle ticket
$7 for 20 additional booth tickets.
Food and Cotton candy available for purchase.
Nefesh B'Nefesh Expert Aliyah Seminar Series
Sunday, December 6
Doubletree JKF Airport Hotel
135-30 140th St
Jamaica, New York 11436
Session 1: Making Aliyah: The Secret to Your Success, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Join Nefesh B'Nefesh for a dynamic informational seminar on the process of making Aliyah. Learn how to plan the first few months in Israel and maximizing your Aliyah resources.
Session 2: Retiring in Israel: What to Expect, 12:15pm - 1:00pm
Thinking of Retiring in Israel? Join Nefesh B'Nefesh for an expert seminar on the retiring in Israel. Learn about specific communities, Aliyah Benefits, and healthcare. (12:15pm - 1:15pm)
TUITION CRISIS DISCUSSION
Lincoln Square Synagogue presents a panel discussion on the Yeshiva Tuition Crisis
Monday, Dec. 7th 8pm
200 Amsterdam Ave.
FAMILY MUSIC DAY
Sunday, December 13. 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Weill Recital Hall Carnegie Hall
154 West 57th St.
A musical morning featuring a performance by the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra
KeyNote Brass Ensemble
To purchase tickets online, visit www.afipo.org or call (212) 697-2949
Sensational Sundays at the RJC
Chanukah - Cookie Making & Magic Show
December 13th @ 10:00AM
Magic Show & Chanukah Cookie baking for all
kids ages 2-8 (accompanied by parents)
Cost: Members: $10 per child, $15 for 2 or more
Non-Members: $15 per child, $20 for 2 or more
For more information contact
Rebecca Newhouse @ gita90@aol.com
ANNUAL HATZALAH CAMPAIGN IN PROGRESS
The 2009 fundraising campaign to operate Hatzalah of Riverdale, the Jewish Volunteer Ambulance Service, is in full swing. Hatzalah does not charge for the outstanding emergency service it provides to the Riverdale community. It relies solely upon contributions collected at this time each year. To read more about Hatzalah, click here. Click here to print a pledge card. Please forward your pledge card and tax deductible contributions to: Riverdale Hatzalah, P. O. B. 181, Riverdale Station, Riverdale, NY 10471.
Kosher Little League 2010
Register now! The Registration deadline for all returning players is January 8th 2009. Junior Division: 3rd-5th Grades Senior Division: 6th-8th Grades All new players should RSVP via e-mail to rjckll@gmail.com for an evaluation. *** See KLL Forms in the RJC, HIR, YINR & YISNY Lucite boxes!!! ***
1) Choose the evaluation date You would like to attend.
2) Email the KLL office @ rjckll@gmail. com & register for that date
3) Bring the Form & Payment to the RJC Gym on either evaluation date:
Thursday January 14th, 2009 @ 7-8 PM
Sunday January 17th , 2009 @ 9-10 AM
For more info email Dovid Freund and Eli Lidsky @ rjckll.com or call 917-548-2703
Claire collects stuffed animals for indigent children in Israel. There are MANY bags (70!) full of stuffed animals waiting to be taken to Israel.
If you or anyone you know are able to bring a bag to Israel on your next trip, please let Claire's Bears know. Claire can be emailed at LGCG98@aol.com.
RIVERDALE JEWISH WOMAN'S HEALTH & HALACHA DAY
Feed your mind, body and spirit.
January 24, 2010
Riverdale Jewish Center
9 am - 2 pm
Childcare available. Open to women and men.
Featured speakers include Yoetzet Halacha Bracha Rutner, Blu Greenberg, Dr. Valerie
Altmann, Dr. Scott Chudnoff
WESTCHESTER JEWISH CENTER ANNOUNCES ART EXHIBITION ON IMMIGRANT LIFE IN AMERICA DURING THE DEPRESSION
"New World Challenges: Jewish life in America in the 1930s," an exhibition of approximately 30 works on paper, tells the story of the immigrants' struggle to assimilate in a new country and culture while upholding the traditional Jewish values instilled in them over generations in Europe. On loan from the Hebrew Union College Museum, the works by Depression-era artists--originally owned by the collector Sigmund Balka--chronicle and interpret the harsh, though sometimes rewarding, challenges of the merchant and working class, particularly in New York. An underlying message in the works is the common thread of faith in a society more sensitive to Tikkun Olam, the repair of the world.
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Place: Irving and Marly Koslowe Judaica Art Gallery
Westchester Jewish Center
Palmer & Rockland Avenues
Mamaroneck, NY 10543
914-698-2960
Refreshments will be served.
Duration of the exhibition: Sept. 13-Dec 10, 2009
Contact: Terri Trieger 914-834-9441
Amy Levine-Kennedy 914-834-6710
Tefilin for Sale
Two mitzvot with one act. Support Israel and purchase kosher tefillin from Israel at a wholesale price. All profits from the sale go directly to the sofrim and the tefillin makers in Israel. Contact Rabbi Drelich for details email drelim@saracademy.org or 718-548-1717 ext 1212. |
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SAR Academy
655 W. 254th Street Phone:718-548-1717
Riverdale, NY 10471 Fax: 718-601-0082
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