D'var Torah

זכור את יום השבת לקדשו                         

CANDLE LIGHTING - 8:05 PM

HAVDALAH - 9:07 PM

SHABBAT PARSHAT BEHA'ALOTECHA (NUMBERS  - (8:1 - 12:16)

הסכום - Summary

• G-d commanded Moses to organize the tribes in their marching order.
• The Ark of the Covenant was to be carried at the head of the Israelites as a symbol of G-d's presence and protection.
• Two silver trumpets were used for calling the Israelites together and for starting the journey.
• In this weeks portion we also find the description of the seven-branched candelabrum (Menorah)
• The Torah specified that persons on a long journey are privileged to observe Passover a month later. This observance was called Pesach Shainee or the Second Passover

SHABBAT SHALOM  שבת שלום -

Nachum Chasan

Head of School

Inside the Classroom- 1st Grade

     Even though the year is winding down, first grade has not slowed down at all! This week in math, we began our last chapter on adding and subtracting 2 digit numbers. We are learning how to borrow and regroup using what we know about place value. One of our favorite math games, Race to a Flat, uses manipulatives to model what happens when we add and subtract large numbers.

     This week, we have been reading books about families and discussing what makes families so special. This topic has sparked a lot of creativity in our writing. Students are eager to write about their families and share the characteristics that make them special.

     Within the next week, students will be bringing home a summer reading challenge folder. I will also be emailing you this information. Happy Reading! 

Inside the Classroom- 3rd Grade

    It's hard to believe that this is our last "chat" of the current school year. We've completed Parashat VaYera, including the story of the Akaydat Yitzchak, the Binding of Isaac. Hashem tested Abraham, demanding that he take Isaac up to  Mount Moriah and sacrifice him to Hashem. We learned that this was just one of Hashem's Ten Tests of Abraham, and that of course Isaac was not sacrificed. Abraham noticed a ram caught in the bushes and and sacrificed the ram instead. We had a Siyum(a celebration of completion of a section of Jewish Studies), including all sorts of refreshments acknowledge the milestone.

Read our students award winning poetry from the RAVSAK Hebrew poetry competition. 

Click Here to read Dalia Shvatsman's 1st place piece  

Click Here to read Maor Cohen-Kidron's 1st runner up piece  

2 Students Place 1st at PA Junior Academy of Science Fair Competition 

    Recently, 7th grade students Anya Fox and Miriam Reid attended the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science State Competition at Penn State University. This competition is for those students who scored first place at the regional science fair competitions from oral presentations of their science fair projects. They explained projects to a panel of judges using transparencies and respond to any questions from the judges. 

     The girls had a wonderful time not only presenting their projects  but also touring the university campus. They enjoyed seeing and listening to the other students from around the state present their projects. Always trying to get new ideas for next year! Anya and Miriam both received first place awards at the PAJS for their projects. We are very proud of their hard work and dedication. 

Mrs. Gaughan

Alumni Spotlight

Each week, The Silver Summary will feature one alumnus from our rich alumni network. 

Hara Hartman

New City, NY

What years did you attend The Silver Academy?

I attended Kindergarten through 9th grade at the Yeshiva Academy from Sept 1965 through June 1975 when I graduated in a class of 9 (8 girls and 1 boy). 

Where did you grow up in Harrisburg?

I grew up on the 3400 block of Third Street just 2 blocks from the JCC. It was great riding my bicycle to school when the weather was nice. 

Where did you go to school after The Silver Academy?

After the Yeshiva, I went to Susquehanna Senior High School through 12th grade.  I then attended the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy and graduated as a Pharmacist in 1983. 

Where do you live now? 

I now live in New City, NY located in Rockland County, about 30 miles north and west of NYC. 

What do you do?

I am currently the Director of Pharmacy at the Summit Park Hospital and Nursing Care Center in Pomona, NY where I have worked since 1996.  This is a long term care facility in Rockland County as well as a Mental Health Hospital.

What was your favorite class at The Silver Academy?

I just have so many fond memories of the Yeshiva it is hard to pick a favorite anything but I think Gemorrah is up there toward the top of my list.  This just always fascinated me especially the way Rabbi Stein z"l taught the class.  He made every subject fun and interesting.

Who was your best friend at The Silver Academy?

I had 2 best friends - Andy Cohen (Reisman) and Carin Stein (Eisenstein).

What was your favorite school lunch?

Mrs. Gardner's lunches were all outstanding.  I looked forward to lunch every day.  Some of my favorites were macaroni/cheese, pizza, tossed salad with that amazing dressing, and those little potatoes.  I could eat 3-4 servings of them!!

How many times were you sent to the principal's office?

I honestly do not remember ever going to the principal's office but that's not to say I never did.  Maybe a former classmate can refresh my memory! 

What was your favorite memory and/or do you have any funny stories about The Silver Academy?

I remember Rabbi Stein doing his imitation of Groucho Marx down the hallway.  Recess outside on the stagecoach and hanging under the chestnut tree while trying to get chestnuts to fall are all fond memories.  I loved how we were all so afraid of Mr. Dimant  in 2nd grade and probably learned more Hebrew that year than any other. I could go on for a long time with this question.

What was your favorite thing to do at the JCC? 

I loved the bowling alley, cheering for the JCC basketball team and of course the swim team.  Being in the JCC plays each year are also great memories of good times with friends.

Who was your role model in Harrisburg?

My role model was my Mom, Helene Hartman z"l, who taught me about what is important in life - to value my family and friends and give lovingly of my time as a volunteer to those things that are near and dear to my heart.  I was always so happy that my Mom was the secretary at the Yeshiva while I was a student there.  This made my time at the yeshiva that much more special.