| Important Dates |
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Megillah Reading
SAR HS - 8:30 pm
Mon. March 1
Shushan Purim
Wed. March 3
Faculty Meetings
Early Dismissal
3:30pm
Fri. March 5 -
Sun. March 7
Schoolwide Shabbaton
Thurs. March 11
11th Grade Israel Guidance Program
Tues. March 16
Parent Teacher Conferences
Early Dismissal
4:30pm
Thurs. March 18
Blood Drive
Mon. March 22
Parent Teacher Conferences
Early Dismissal
4:30pm |
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12 Adar 5770 * Feb 26 Candlelighting Fri 5:25 PM
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Teizaveh /Parshat Zachor
Havdalah 6:28 PM |
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Dear Parents and Students,
I hope everyone is enjoying the snow day. Please remember that this Shabbat is Parshat Zachor. We read from two Sifrei Torah. Brave the harsh weather so you can fulfill this מצוה דאורייתא.
We look forward to seeing you on Motzaei Shabbat for Keriat HaMegilla and a great Purim celebration. We hope to see some very creative costumes. The Purim shpiels have been prepared. Make sure to be there.
Shabbat Shalom and Purim Sameach.
Rabbi Tully Harcsztark |
| Programs that Enrich Classroom Learning |
SAR Students Attend Open Heart Surgery - "Cardiac Classroom Live"
 On Wednesday, January 13, the nine students who completed the Biology Challenge option last year, had the amazing experience of attending open heart surgery through Liberty Science Center's 'Cardiac Classroom Live' program. Through video casting from Morristown Hospital, the students watched as surgeons opened the patient's chest cavity, did a double bypass of his coronary arteries, replaced his aortic valve and sutured his chest wall back together.
As the operation proceeded, the surgeon spoke to the students explaining each step he did and showed them up close through the video camera how he used the saphenous vein and the internal mammary artery to reroute the blood around the clogged coronary arteries, and how he sewed the new valve into the aorta making sure to keep the threads from tangling. The students were full of questions for the doctors, which they were able to ask throughout the procedures.
Each member of the surgical team described his/her particular task during the operation and the education that had prepared them for their work. The students were amazed to hold samples of the instruments used, which were passed around the room. They heard how each instrument, each needle, sponge and piece of gauze is counted before the operation begins and twice again afterwards to ensure that nothing is left inside the patient.
It was incredible for the students to see first-hand this aspect of modern medicine. The staff at the science center reviewed with the students, factors leading to cardiovascular disease and how to avoid those that are under their control - such as diet and smoking.
Attendance at the surgery was the culminating event for the students who had gone beyond our coursework in 9th grade biology to participate in the Biology Challenge option. As part of the challenge option they read and wrote a paper analyzing the biography/autobiography of a scientist whose research we had studied in the course. Students who completed the Bio Challenge option last year were: Elizabeth Alexander, Yonatan Chamudot, Adina Israel, Max Jacobson, Gabriel Metzger, Tamar Rothstein, Sarice Scher, Devorah Schiller, Ariella Weinberger, and Aaron Wolff.
Tobie Brandriss
Rabbi Natan Slifkin and the Theory of Evolution
 On Thursday, February 4, our students were privileged to hear from Rabbi Natan Slifkin who presented separately to our 9th graders and to our 12th grade students.
In the 9th grade bio classes we recently completed a unit in which we discussed Darwin's theory of evolution through natural selection and the scientific evidence pointing to our earth being 4.6 billion years old with the first life appearing 3.6 billion years ago.
We invited Rabbi Slifkin to address questions that may naturally arise in our students minds: how can an observant Jew accept the scientific account - both of the earth's age, and of how humans evolved from common ancestors we share with other primates and further back in time, with even simpler forms of life.
His talk to the 12th graders had a different focus, one related to the seniors' current examination of forces that shape Jewish identity in the modern world.
We asked Rabbi Slifkin to speak to the seniors about the challenges he personally faces being committed both to his identity as an Orthodox Jew and as a scholar of science. We asked him to address how, coming from his background, he arrived at his views about how one can reconcile Torah with the scientific view of evolution, and how he has dealt with the characterization of his views as heretical by certain segments of the chareidi community in which he grew up.
Rabbi Slifkin was born in Manchester, England, where he studied at Yeshivas Shaarei Torah, and moved to Israel where he spent many years studying at Yeshivas Midrash Shmuel and the Mir Yeshivah. He has taught Talmud and Jewish philosophy at Ohr Somayach Institutions where he received smicha, and presently teaches a Zoo Torah course at Yeshivat Lev HaTorah in Ramat Bet Shemesh. He has written 12 books, including, The Challenge of Creation: Judaism's Encounter with Science, Cosmology and Evolution.
The students asked wonderful questions of Rabbi Slifkin, engendered by his two very thought provoking presentations, and the 9th graders were overflowing with reactions when they later came into their Biology classes.
Rabbi Slikin told us that this is the first time he has spoken to high school students on these topics, and was impressed with the sophistication of the students' questions and their level of interest.
Tobie Brandriss, Bob Goodman
On the Brink Science Mini Series:
Evening with Jaron Lanier, Computer Scientist, Composer, Visual Artist and Author
 On Thursday evening, January 14, thirteen 9th grade biology students accompanied by Ms. Brandriss and Mr. Goodman, attended the On the Brink presentation by Jaron Lanier, exploring the use of the internet, and the problems and potential of online-based technology and culture. Lanier, has been described as one of the visionaries of the digital revolution, who coined the term "virtual reality" to describe his pioneering work in networked communities. He is a computer scientist, composer, visual artist and the author of You Are Not a Gadget: A Manifesto. He is scholar-at-large for Microsoft Live Labs and interdisciplinary scholar-in-residence at UC Berkeley's Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology. Before his formal presentation, Lanier came to speak to the students at the kosher pre-lecture dinner that is part of this 92nd Street Y science mini-series.  He shared with them his second thoughts about the way in which the internet is currently used. He bemoaned the loss of identity of authors and artists, which occurs when people share information on the internet, and he described the way in which he feels the 'open culture' of the internet often 'disconnects' people instead of connecting them, 'undervaluing humans in favor of anonymity and crowd identity'. In a most thought provoking presentation he told the students about his Jewish upbringing and shared with them how his ideas have evolved and changed with time and experience.
Malcolm Gladwell, Author of The Tipping Point
 This past Tuesday evening, February 16, fourteen 9th grade biology students accompanied by Ms. Brandriss and Ms. Krieger, attended an On the Brink 'conversation', entitled "Surveying Mankind from China to Peru" between Adam Gopnik and Malcolm Gladwell. They have been described as two of the most original thinkers of the 20-21st centuries. Adam Gopnik is the author of Angels and Ages, about the lives of Darwin and Lincoln, who were born on the same day. Malcolm Gladwell, was named one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in 2005. He is the author of The Tipping Point: How Little Things Make a Big Difference, Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking and Outliers: The Story of Success, all of which were #1 New York Times best sellers.
The authors had most interesting things to say on topics from universal health care, to global warming, to politics, to the current state of teenagers today!
It was an opportunity for our students to hear out-of-the box thinkers speak about social science issues to a sold out audience at the 92nd Street Y. Kudos to those students who attended despite the early dismissal due to snow!!
The On the Brink science mini-series, open to select high schools in NYC, is supported by UJA-Federation and the 92nd Street Y.
Tobie Brandriss
Bob Goodman |
| Only at SAR |
SAR Hosts its Fourth Annual Nashir Choral Festival
On Wednesday February 3rd, SAR was proud to host its fourth annual Nashir Choral Festival. More than 220 students representing the choirs of North Shore Hebrew Academy, The Yeshivah of Flatbush, Ramaz, The Abraham Joshua Heschel High School, and Solomon Schechter of Essex and Union joined the SAR choir for a day of singing and learning. The day began with a group sing led by Dr. Cindy Bell. Afterwards, students were treated to a variety of workshops led by Dr. Bell, the pop a capella group Blue Jupiter, Nick Page, and the barbershop quartet 'Round Midnight. Dr. Cindy Bell, professor of music education at Hofstra University, led a workshop in vocal improvisation and drumming. Blue Jupiter taught the students about the power and beauty of singing a capella as well as beat boxing techniques. Nick Page led a workshop focusing on his unique blend of world music and 'Round Midnight taught the students about "tags," blending, and the "barbershop sound." At the end of the day there was a concert for the whole school given by the participating choirs. The grand finale of the concert was a performance by all of the choirs of G.F. Handel's "Hallelujah Amen" from the oratorio Judas Maccabaeus, under the leadership of Dr. Bell.
SAR Choir Performs at the French Consulate
 On December 17, 2009 the students in the SAR Choir had the remarkable opportunity to sing at the French Consulate in New York City. Mrs. Neugroschl and Rabbi Birnbaum both helped to organize and chaperone the wonderful event. It began with lovely speeches by consulate members and the lighting of a menorah after which the choir sang "Al Hanisim" as well as an a capella version of "Maoz Tzur." Although they had only begun learning one week before the performance, with the help of Rabbi Birnbaum, the choir was able to present the songs beautifully. The night concluded with an extraordinary performance by the school band.
Shuli Just Michael
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| Co-Curricular Programs |
Girls Torah Bowl Meet
 The Girls Torah Bowl team is gearing up for the final meet next month. On Wednesday, February 17th, the team won 3 games and tied in the 4th: Congrats to Hannah Saal, Talia Saal, Yael Kaplan, Alison Shay, Leora Apfelbaum, Haviva Korenblit, Sarah Sue Landau ,Adeena Chefitz and Ariella Kepecs! At each competition students prepare 3 parshiyot with Rashi and are quizzed on questions on both the pshat and parshanut. SAR competes in a league against Bat Torah, Frisch, Maayanot, and Ramaz. With continued preparation and fast buzz-in response time, Girls Torah Bowl may place to compete in the championship game after Pesach.
SAR Spanish Club Heads to Puerto Rico
 In the planning stages for almost a year, The SAR Spanish Club (15 Juniors and Seniors) travelled to Puerto Rico over the February vacation. This cultural immersion trip was a wonderful success as students got to experience first-hand the culture of this exuberant island. It was an empowering experience as well since we were completely self-sufficient, travelling around the island in rental cars, with no tour guides. We also kept kosher by bringing all of our meat with us and cooking our own meals each day, supplementing with fresh fruits and vegetables from the local markets.
Our first stop after landing in San Juan, was Ceiba, a small town in the the northeastern part of the island. We were able to easily drive to the nearby El Yunque rainforest (the United States' only tropical rainforest) where we spent the day hiking. Also nearby, in the beautiful city of Fajardo, we spent the day on a catamaran snorkeling and sightseeing. That night, also in Fajardo, we went kayaking and experienced the phenomenon of the bioluminescent bays there first-hand.
On day three, we travelled 2.5 hours south to the city of Ponce where we witnessed the parades and dance performances of the Carnaval celebration (a Christian tradition before the period of Lent begins). The city was truly alive with revelers! The next day we got to see first-hand how a 19th century coffee plantation works and use our Spanish to purchase some fruits from vendors on the side of the road.
Day five had us on the road again, travelling north again to the capitol city of San Juan. After settling into our hotel that was just steps from some of the most gorgeous beaches in San Juan, we prepared for shabbat. The Rabbi and his family hosted us (and the stranded fellows, Yakovi and Avi) at his home where we had a delicious dinner and a wonderful time singing and telling stories. We met other fellow New Yorkers and shared our favorite parts about our trip to Puerto Rico. After shabbat, we enjoyed swimming in the hotel's pool and a midnight snack of pancakes!
On our 8th and final day, Sunday, we packed our bags and headed to El Morro in the heart of Old San Juan. On our way, we visited El Parque de las Palomas (Pigeon Park) where students walked among and fed the hundreds of birds there. We visited many fun tourist shops and enjoyed watching others fly kites on the grounds of the old military fort when we arrived. It was the perfect end to a fantastic trip!
SAR High School Elects New Student Government
 The transition into the spring semester marks not only academic renewal, but regime change as well. At the beginning of each spring semester, elections are held for the various positions in the SAR High School Student Government. Each grade votes for a slate of representatives (one male and one female) to represent it, while the entire school votes for the President, Vice President and Secretary positions. After the primaries, the finalists for grade representatives have an opportunity to address their grade, and there is a school-wide assembly at which the final candidates for President, Vice President and Secretary address the entire school. The candidates for these three offices also submit written position papers for a special election issue of "The Buzz". Thoughtful and substantive campaign promises within a framework of vision and idealism made this elections season quite memorable. The bulletin boards were flooded with creative posters. A number of candidates created personal websites on which they laid out thorough and comprehensive plans and principles.
Congratulations to the newly elected student government:
President - Max Kane
Vice President - Tova Kamioner
Secretary - William Cooper
9th Grade Representatives - Max Altholz and Rani Kubersky
10th Grade Representatives - Rafi Pell and Aura Smith
11th Grade Representatives - Shira Gaffney and Bradley Goldstein
12th Grade Representatives - Ariel Rosenberg and Rachel Belfer |
| Post-High School: College and Israel Planning |
News of acceptances is gradually flowing into the College Counseling Center as students have heard from the University of Maryland and initial results are in from CUNY and Rutgers. Seniors are now deeply involved in preparing for their Senior Exploration experiences and eagerly anticipating the end of the year activities, the rewards for their efforts over their four years at SAR.
Currently, we are busy with juniors. On March 1st we will be traveling with the juniors to Brandeis and Boston University along with Rutgers University and the University of Pennsylvania as the second in our series of college visits. The Junior Groups commenced on February 16th with the entire junior class engaged in workshops on the college process including college visits, interviews, research, essays and applications. An important component of the group discussions is the transition from life at SAR to a new Jewish community at college. We encourage students to visit prospective colleges in advance and learn as much as possible about the opportunities for observant students on campuses. Students are also meeting with us in individual college conferences with their parents, an opportunity to create personalized college lists and plan for the completion of testing requirements, review senior program decisions and discuss a college visitation schedule. Follow-up conferences are always available for students and their parents as we pride ourselves on making ours the most inclusive and responsive college admissions process available.
Sophomores are also involved in selecting courses for their junior year. In general, we advise students who are doing well in their second language studies to continue in foreign language at least through their junior year and will work individually with students as they are making decisions regarding the level of courses they will enroll in for their junior year. It is exciting for us to continue with our sophomore conferences as we are learning more about each student's passions and assisting them in taking full advantage in the co-curricular life at SAR.
Freshmen students, while not yet engaged specifically with our program, are encouraged to seek us out if they would like advice on their schedules, testing, overall performance or ideas for pursuing co-curriculars at SAR. Freshman year is the foundation of the transcript and record of engagement in life at the high school, and we encourage freshman to take advantage of second semester to enhance their achievement and become fully involved in the multiple opportunities at SAR and in the community.
Marjorie Jacobs, Michael Courtney and Lisa Grundman - College Counseling Team!
Class of 2009 Israeli Reunion
 On Saturday night February 13, the graduates of the class of 2009 who are studying in Israel, joined Rabbi Kroll, Rabbi Silverstein and Rabbi Greene for a reunion in the Jerusalem restaurant Beit Ticho. A couple of shana bet students from the class of 2008 joined as well. Students traveled from all around the country to make it to the event; Allen Glenn even made it back to Jerusalem on Saturday night from Tzfat to be there for the end of the reunion. The group of students enjoyed spending time with each other and sharing words of Torah. Shira Telushkin gave a Dvar Torah which raised the idea of the opportunities and challenges that study in Israel presents. The camaraderie and warmth of the group was evident as the students gathered at 8:30 PM and the last students left at 1:00 AM. The reunion was great. Everyone is making the most of the learning experience in Israel. |
| Chessed and Tzedakah Programs |
Students Help Out at the Food Bank of NY
On December 10, Ms. Fenigstein's 11th grade advisory visited the Food Bank of NY in the Bronx. The students spent an hour sorting through food and packaging boxes to distribute to those in need. They had a wonderful time as they experienced the day-to-day concerns of food donation: they had to determine which supplies had expired, and whether or not cans were useable or should be thrown out; whether or not juice fell into the fruit or beverage category, and how to fill the box to capacity without exceeding the allotted weight. After a fun-filled trip, the students returned to SAR, eager to repeat the experience.
SAR Students Travel to Argentina to Do Hands-On Chessed
Twelve students and two teachers traveled to Argentina on a service mission. Sponsored by Hillel of Argentina, we were the first ASB (alternative spring break) high school group Hillel had accepted. We spent one day working in the extremely impoverished Shanty town of Buenos Aires. It is so dangerous and neglected that the police don't enter it. We spent a day painting, plastering, digging plumbing channels, mixing concrete and in-between, playing with the large group of kids who gathered to watch. We were working on a room that will be a rehab center and soup kitchen. A remarkable woman who was a former drug addict and lived on the street, started this facility in order to rescue children who are homeless. The other part of our service was in the Jewish community. We painted and cleaned a school which provides social services to an underserved neighborhood in Buenos Aires. Forty Jewish children come each Shabbat to learn and play there. This is their only Jewish connection. Argentine teens worked alongside of us, so as an added bonus we learned a lot about the Jewish community in Argentina. We also toured: saw Evita's balcony, the square of the disappeared, the national art museum and of course, visited the only kosher McDonald's outside of Israel. Each  evening in a debriefing session, we talked about the issues of traveling as a Jew, the differences in communities, and we were also able to get to know each other much better. The leaders of both places we worked took great pains to tell us that we may not think we did that much, for them it was a lot and would help change things and serve their missions. The principal of the Jewish school said we had truly participated in 'Tikkun Olam'. What could be better? |
| SAR Athletics |
SAR Varsity Girls Basketball Team Takes Miami By Storm
On Wednesday, February 17th, the SAR Varsity Girls Basketball team flew down to Miami to participate in the Captain Hyman Galbut Basketball Shabbaton, an annual tournament of ten Jewish day schools from around North America. This was SAR's third consecutive year participating in the tournament, and following a second place and a first place finish in the previous two years, SAR was ready to repeat as champions. On the heels of a 12-0 regular season in the yeshiva league, the Sting landed in Miami with plans to play four games in 27 hours, including two on Wednesday evening and two on Thursday. The hectic schedule did not deter the team, as they won each of the four matchups against Ma'ayanot, Shalhevet (Los Angeles), Yeshiva of Atlanta, and Hebrew Academy of Miami Beach. SAR learned on Friday afternoon that they would play Heschel in the championship game, a potential opponent in the upcoming yeshiva league playoffs. Despite some pre-game nerves, SAR jumped to a large lead and never looked back. They earned the first place trophy, as the team played top-notch defense, they unselfishly passed the ball (nobody scored more than 14 in a game), and they displayed an unmatched passion for the game. Alli Kahn won tournament MVP honors and Shira Lerner was named a tournament All-Star. Over the course of the five games, Suzanne Schrag led the Sting in points and rebounds, Alli Kahn led the team in steals, Talya Lerner in assists, and Shira Lerner in blocks.
Physical Education Update
The students were tested in the 30 second layup. They were timed to see how many baskets they could make in 30 seconds. The high scorers were:
9th grade:
Girls: Dani Marson-17, Zoe Lindenfeld- 15, Rebecca Sichel- 14. Boys: Max Altholz- 20, Daniel Ofer- 19, Eliyahu Cohen0in
10th grade:
Girls: Tamara Sastow- 18, Adina Safdeye- 16. Erin Freilich- 15. Boys: Jon Nulman- 21, Ariel Friedman- 20, Dory Mintz- 20, Ben Klein- 20, Zev Lindenbaum- 20.
11th grade:
Girls: Suzanne Schrag- 20, Sophia Altholz- 18, Shira Gafney- 16, Keren Swergold- 16. Boys: Zack Breslaw- 21, Ephraim Botwinick- 20, Aaron Wagner- 20.
12th grade:
Girls: Sara Sue Landau- 20, Arielle Gurin- 19, Dana Ben-Zaken- 18, Aliza Kahn- 18, Shira Lerner- 18. Boys: Cory Dicker- 22, Alex Broome- 22, Mike Kahn- 20, Reuven Pinon- 20, Bezalel Flamholtz- 20, AJ Varon- 20.
The students were also tested in the agility run. It was a measure of speed and ability to change direction. The fastest times were made by:
9th grade
Girls: Sarah Sperling, Britt Henoch, Helen Berman. Boys: Yonatan Rabinovitch, Matanya Landes, Jeremy Sherman.
10th grade:
Girls: Tamara Sastow, Tara Roisman, Emily Katzenstein. Boys: Zev Lindenbaum, Etan Grosinger, David Ronen.
11th grade:
Girls: Sophia Altholz (fastest time in the school), Keren Swergold, Talia Zapinsky. Boys: Bradley Goldstein (fastest time in the school), Alex Shimoff, Josh Pitkoff.
12th grade:
Girls: Zoe Heisler, Alli Kahn, Aliza Kahn. Boys: Elisha Friedman, Cory Dicker, Yoav Gafney, Jeremy Rosh.
Congratulations to all of the students for their efforts.
Sports Recap
On Thursday February 18, Varsity Hockey defeated Kushner in their first round win of the playoffs. Jason Cogan was the leading scorer with three goals, and combined with Aaron Lichtschein's and Andrew Hoenig's , the team was able to have a 6-0 defeat. This game was particularly unique because MSG varsity, a network that tapes high school sports games, did its first every yeshiva floor hockey report during the game. Then on Wednesday February 24th, the Boys Varsity Hockey played DRS in round two of the playoffs. They lost 5-4 in a nail biter, when with 23 seconds left of the game, DRS was able to score its winning goal.
On Tuesday February 23rd the Girls JV Basketball Team defeated Westchester Hebrew High School 36-33. This victory puts the team into the playoffs. It was a great team effort led by Dani Marson and Cora Weiner.
On Sunday February 21st, boys JV Hockey lost to in the first round of the playoffs to DRS 3-0. Congratulations for making the playoffs and having a successful season with a 6-5 record.
On Wednesday February 24th the Boys JV Basketball Team opened up their playoff run with a 55-15 victory over Heschel. It was an excellent defensive effort by the entire team. Johnny Nulman scored 13 points, Eli Lerea and Eliyahu Cohen each had 6. They now go on to play the winner of the MTA-Ramaz game, TBA.
The Girls Varsity Basketball team also played on the 24th in the quarter Final game against Maayanot. They had a 50-27 defeat, and now move on to the semi-finals, TBA.
Upcoming Playoff Games:
Tuesday March 2nd girls Varsity Volleyball at Flatbush 7PM
Tuesday March 2nd Girls JV Volleyball vs Ramaz at SAR 7 PM
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