D'var Torah

זכור את יום השבת לקדשו                         

CANDLE LIGHTING - 8:15 PM

HAVDALAH - 9:17 PM

SHABBAT PARSHAT KORACH (NUMBERS  - (16:1 - 18:32)

ROSH CHODESH TAMMUZ

הסכום - Summary

• Korach, with Dathan and Aviram, and 250 other Israelites, revolted against Moses and Aaron.
• Korach's uprising came immediately following the report brought by the twelve spies.
• Korach exploited the Israelite's despair, sensing that this would be an opportune time to spur a revolt.
• Korach's clear intent was challenging the authority of Moses, and to gain the priesthood for himself.
• Korach and his rebellious followers accused Moses of promising the Israelites a land flowing with milk and honey, but instead exposing them to death in the desert.
• Ultimately, the rebellion of all of these men was thwarted by G-d, who "drowned" them in a massive earthquake.

SHABBAT SHALOM  שבת שלום -

Nachum Chasan

Head of School 

Inside the Classroom- 1st Grade

      As our year draws to a close, Kitah Bet is concluding our studies in Chumash Lech L'cha in the 3rd chapter, perek yud gimel. We had a lively discussion in Hebrew about the conflict which arose between the Ro'aye (shepherds) of Avram and the Ro'aye of Lot after they went up to Eretz C'naan from Mitzrayim. Avram's response was to tell Lot, please don't argue. Please part from me, if you go left I will go to the right, if you go right, I will go left. This is a good lesson in Shalom Bayit - to peacefully reconcile differences at any age, but it translates especially well at this age, and we can utilize it in the classroom, on the playing field and at home!

     In Everyday Hebrew, we are reading "Doctor Goof-Li, Rofay LaGoof" which literally translates "Dr. My Body, Dr for the Body", and learning about good nutrition with the help of Dr. Goof-li. There are songs throughout the book, which present nutrition in a fun and light-hearted manner. Kitah Bet loves singing and these are some of their favorite songs!

     This week, in our Parashat HaShavuah studies we are learning in Korach that Moshe counseled B'nai Yisrael to stay away from Korach to protect them. From this we learn to stay away from bad influences and cultivate good friendships. Kitah Bet is also completing our work on the Mishkan, and the Machaneh or encampment of B'nai Yisrael by making the degelim - flags designed with the symbols of each of the 12 Shvatim tribes. Stop in and see it set up in the Wolfson Cafeteria. In our T'filah Sheli v Shelanu studies, we are finishing off our year with learning "T'filat HaDerech" the Travelers Prayer and making a beautiful plaque to travel with. We wish you happy travels and Kayitz Samayach, Happy Summer! 

L'hitraot! Kitah Bet and Morah Aviva

Inside the Classroom- 2nd Grade

     We are ending second grade on a sweet note! This week in class, we finished reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Today we watched the movie and had s'mores! We will be comparing the movie to the book and discussing how they are different and why. Earlier this week, students invented their own candy. Then, they made commercials to sell their candy.

     In math, we have finished the last chapter. We will spend the remainder of the year learning multiplication facts in preparation for third grade!

     Note to students: Thank you for two wonderful years! We have learned so much together and I hope you had fun along the way. I know I did! I am very proud of you! 

     Have a great third grade year! Happy Summer :)

Inside the Classroom- 7th Grade

     Mishpatim, the 7th Grade's third parsha of the year in Chumash, makes clear that G-d has expectations for the Jewish people to practice even civil law at a divinely sophisticated level.  And the nuanced consideration for both the victim and the perpetrator of a crime is remarkable and beyond any mortal law system.

     King Saul's pursuit of David is certainly one of the most stories in Navi (Shmuel I). Interestingly, the Talmudic rabbis do not fault Saul for most of his behavior, understanding that depression and paranoia played a major role. But when Saul believes lashon hara (malicious gossip) about the innocent Kohanic city of Nov, his sin is not minimized.  The lesson about the potential harm of lashon hara is very relevant

     The Seventh Graders final topic in Gemara (Talmud) is about how much our perception of the purpose of a Mitzvah can determine the parameters of the mitzvah (Doresh Ta'ama D'kra).  The section offers an opportunity to explore two fascinating Mitzvot: the prohibition to take a security when lending money to a widow, and the prohibition on a king to marry many wives. 

Alumni Spotlight

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

Talia Rosen

New York, NY

What years did you attend The Silver Academy?

I attended from 1982-1994.   

Where did you grow up in Harrisburg?

I grew up on South Madison Street in Central Dauphin Township and later moved to Paxton Crossing in Susquehanna Township.  

Where did you go to school after The Silver Academy?

I attended Susquehanna Township High School. 

Where do you live now? 

 I live on the Upper East Side in Manhattan.

What do you do?

I was a Vice President at Rubenstein Public Relations until 2010.  I worked on a lot of fun and interesting accounts including the famous Friars Club Roasts and The Simon Wiesenthal Center.  I am now a stay at home mother to my two daughters Ella Rose (3) and Ava Lily (1).

What was your favorite class at The Silver Academy?

 I really liked Mrs. Nussbaum's English class and Rabbi Gewirtz's Chumash class. 

Who was your best friend at The Silver Academy?

I was fortunate enough to have seven amazing girls in my class- many of whom I am still close with.  Almost all of the girls I graduated with attended my wedding in 2008- Miriam Gewirtz, Shoshanna Nussbaum, Daya Yablon, and Marla Gras.  Yali Reuveni walked down my aisle as maid of honor 

What was your favorite school lunch?

I liked the Mac & Cheese.  But when I think of the food at the school it isn't the actual food that comes to mind, it is the great Mr. Lowey.   He prepared the food with such love and kindness.  I remember when Mr. Lowey passed away, attending his funeral, and how upset we all were.   Rabbi Gewirtz penned a song about him to the tune of the Beetles' "Mrs. Robinson"....i can still remember the lyrics today.   

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

I don't recall being sent to Rabbi Pliner's office for anything bad, but I do remember being called into his office when he told Marla Gras and I that he was going to allow us to be co-presidents in Student Council because the vote was so close. 

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

 I have so many amazing memories- our Israel trip, Student Council, Science Fairs, Ms. Koplovitz's Pinocchio reading, Purim carnivals and Lag BaOmer trips.   

What was your favorite thing to do at the JCC? 

Playing basketball.  We started the girls basketball team in 1991 and lost every single game.  The other teams laughed at us because we were so bad.  But with the help of our dedicated and talented coach Lynn Wuestner, we got better every year, and by 1994 we were nearly undefeated.  I was so proud how we went from being the worst team to the best team in the league.  

Who was your role model in Harrisburg?

My mother, Arlene Koons Rosen.  I remember her being very active in the Jewish Community when I was younger- she was President of Hadassah, etc.  Now, I am very involved in my daughters' school and our shul.