Complete Curriculum Review Underway

KOL RAMBAM

Winter 2009–10 • rŠyz xc`-elqk

COMPLETE CURRICULUM REVIEW UNDERWAY, STARTING WITH MATH A committee of Maimonides School math gets key learning outcomes,” said Barry will establish a firm and defensible foun- teachers, administrators and parents has Ehrlich, the school’s new director of cur- dation for all our curricular decisions in embarked on a series of full-day meet- riculum and instruction. the future.” ings that is expected to lead to a stan- Mr. Ehrlich said this comprehensive math Launching the curriculum review is one dards-based curriculum framework in review will serve as a model for all general of three key areas being addressed “to mathematics that reflects the values and studies and limudei kodesh subject areas. enhance the learning of all students,” Mr. parameters of a Maimonides education. “We will focus on two subjects per year Ehrlich said. The other two are improving “This framework will then be used by the starting next September, with the goal teacher supervision and evaluation, and entire math faculty to develop a grade- of completing an entire cycle in approxi- developing a professional learning com- specific scope and sequence that tar- mately five years,” he said. “This process munity among the faculty. The math review began in the fall with a series of surveys—students, parents and DUAL SUCCESS STORY: CAMPAIGN, GALA recent graduates—designed to assess the entire math program. The consensus is undeniable: Maimonides service to education—to Judge Doris School’s Annual Gala on March 7 was an Downs, chief of Fulton County Superior Then in November, a team of four “very overwhelming success. Court in Atlanta, and Mrs. Brenda Hefter, seasoned” math educators spent four days at Maimonides. The team digested Some 350 parents, teachers, friends and Maimonides director of student support the survey results and “looked closely at members of the Class of 2010 convened services. our resources, classroom practice and at the Hyatt Regency Cambridge to cele- The judge’s action last May cleared the student achievement data,” Mr. Ehrlich brate the school and the successful 2010 way for Maimonides School’s state cham- said. The visitors observed classes and Annual Campaign. pion Mock Trial team to fully participate evaluated a binder of curriculum docu- in the national tournament. Mrs. Hefter, The school presented Pillar of Maimonides ments, resource lists and standardized who is also director of the Edelman Awards—emblematic of exceptional test scores. “We spent quite a long time Learning Center in the Upper School, is compiling an amazing amount of data for dedicated to maximizing the educational them to chew on.” Brenda experience of every Maimonides student. Hefter, Members of the committee are Charles Director She and her dedicated staff nurture the of Student inclusivity that is a Maimonides religious Rothman and Michael Schockett, Upper Support imperative. School Math Department co-chairs; Elaine Services, Geracht and Donna Verdun, Elementary accepts a Four seniors on the Mock Trial team— School math specialists; Courtney Huber, Pillar of Stevie Fine, Daniel Lasman, Ben Niewood Grade 4 teacher; teacher Nate Berman and Maimonides and Gavvy Rosen—presented an excerpt Award at General Studies Principal Ken Weinstein from the current trial, and used that as the 2010 representing the Middle School; Sara Gala. a lead-in to introducing Judge Downs. Ravid, library and media specialist; Shawn For more Stevie and Ben, who were part of the photos, Smith of the Learning Center; paent Maimonides delegation to Atlanta last see p. 5! Jeremy Wertheimer; Mr. Ehrlich and Faye May, introduced the judge, thanked her Ruopp, who headed the team of visiting and presented the award. educators. Continued on page 5 EIGHTH GRADERS BUILD SHTENDERS—AND SPIRIT OF TEAMWORK Unusual sights and sounds filled the “This project provided our students with Eighth graders were enthusiastic about music and art room of the Maimonides an unforgettable experience—build- the project, especially the autonomy Middle School for two days in December: ing something that will enhance Limud granted the students once they were pine planks and painted panels, hammer- Torah at Maimonides for years to come,” trained. “We have complete control of the ing, sanding and sawing, and exclama- said Rabbi Avi Bossewitch, Middle School whole project,” said Hannah Lanzkron. tions of collaboration and cooperation. director. “The results are phenomenal,” “They showed us how to do it, and then The transformed space was a fitting Rabbi Huff said. “The way they have they left us on our own,” agreed Aderet venue for a unique eighth-grade project been working together—100 percent Liss. Jonathan Koralnik noted that the designed to build some furniture—and engaged, and always trying to help each venture enlightened students about a spirit of teamwork. other.” careers in architecture and building. “Paul and I got together The shtenders are uniform in construc- beforehand, to determine tion, but each group added a 12-by- how to minimize the num- 16-inch decorative panel at the end. ber of cuts and waste,” said Students used media such as decoupage, Mrs. Spear. “We thought of wood appliqués, and acrylic painting to a process. They followed add creative patterns to the pieces. architectural drawings, “Woodworking is fun—and I couldn’t and then learned how to have built this shtender by myself,” said take a 10-foot plank of Ezra Altabet as he applied a few final clear white pine and con- sandpaper strokes. “It’s not what we vert that raw material to a usually do,” laughed Shira Krinsky. “It’s finished product, measur- really fun.” ing each cut. We wanted Eighth graders culminated the project them to experience each in February with a moving ceremony. cut, because then they After davening, the students lifted the owned the process.” Parent volunteer Paul Marks shtenders and announced to whom they (right) helps eighth graders “Coming from a generation were being donated. The ceremony was construct a shtender. in which manual arts were followed by a special breakfast and pho- incorporated into education, I think this tographs. They also watched a video Twelve groups of students crafted kind of project is invaluable,” Mr. Marks of the project, filmed by classmates shtenders during two days of special declared. “It has been a great team- Mollie Schwartz and Yael Green. Hannah workshops, then presented the finished building experience.” Lanzkron delivered remarks thanking products to members of the Judaic stud- the parent volunteers. ies faculty. A shtender (“stand” in Yiddish) is a wooden lectern used in prayer or study. Its top slants so that a book can lean, making it easier to read. NATIONAL TRIAL BOARD CHANGES POLICY The unique project was devised by par- The dramatic series of events that ticipation before Shabbat was denied by ent volunteer Paul Marks, a trained furni- unfolded at last May’s National High the Board. Maimonides was prepared ture maker; Rabbi Yair Altshuler, Middle School Mock Trial competition in Atlanta to forfeit two of its four trials until 11th- and Upper School principal; and Rabbi has concluded more than six months hour intervention by the chief judge Dov Huff, a Judaic studies teacher and later with a happy ending. Mock Trial’s of the county court forced the tour- 2000 Maimonides graduate who spent National Board recently announced a nament organizers to accommodate several summers involved with wood- new policy “providing for a possible Maimonides. (The judge, Doris L. Downs, working. They recruited Miriam Tropp modification of the competition sched- has been honored by the school—see Spear, an architect who, like Mr. Marks, ule due to religious beliefs and practices story on Page 1). has a long record of volunteer service to held by a team’s student members.” Acknowledging that “certain religious Maimonides. The policy change is a response beliefs and practices of students…may After designing its shtender, complete to last May’s national tournament in conflict with the traditional competi- with middle shelf, each group of stu- Atlanta, at which trials were scheduled tion schedule…” the board announced dents learned how to use hand tools for Thursday, Friday and Saturday. A it would allow “a team to request an central to the construction—hammer request by the Maimonides School accommodation to modify the National and nails, handsaws, sandpaper, clamps, team—Massachusetts Mock Trial cham- Championship competition schedule for and glue. pion—for adjustments to allow full par- religious reasons.” MAIMONIDES GRADUATE HEADS Mazal tov to… Hillel Chiel ’68 and Rabbi Jonathan and Tzipporah (Twersky) Rosenblatt ‘75, on BAR ILAN ARABIC DEPARTMENT the engagement of their children, Benjamin Chiel and Tonya Rosenblatt. Eighth graders at Maimonides have Lisa (Brecher) ’76 and Jeremy Aranov on the marriage of their son Dani to Rivki Pfeiffer. begun studies in Arabic as part of Phyllis (Kranz) ‘78 and Benjamin Corn on the birth of their grandson, Ori Michael. their curriculum. That innovation pleases Prof. Tzvi Langermann, who Rachel Levine ’87 and Aryeh Feder on the birth of their daughter, Daniella Shlomit Ziporah. graduated more than 43 years ago. Elka Tovah (Menkes) ’88 and Solomon Davidoff on the birth of their son, Harry “We have all become aware over Isaac. Grandmother is Judy (Weiner) Menkes ’63. the past decade what a prominent Rabbi Yonatan ‘93 and Miriam Kaganoff on the birth of their son, Kalonymous role the Arabic language plays in Kalman. world affairs,” said Tzvi ‘68, who Tzvi Langermann ’68 Rabbi Jonathan ‘93 and Chaya Krimsky on the birth of their son, Yeshaya Simcha, chairs the Department of Arabic named for Rabbi Isaiah Wohlgemuth, z”l, Maimonides School teacher from 1945 to at Bar Ilan University in Ramat Gan. “However, there is also an 1997. extremely rich literature in Arabic, including major works of Pesha (Secunda) ’94 and Rabbi Elli Fischer on the birth of their daughter, Shlomit Jewish interest.” Ahuva. Tzvi earned degrees at Boston University (history) and Harvard Amy Weiss ’94 and Jonathan Slutzman on the birth of their son, Noam Orev. (history of science) before moving to Israel. “I first learned Rabbi Joshua ’95 and Tzippi Klaver on the birth of their son, Alexander Yehuda. Arabic as a research tool, just as I studied Latin for two years at Chana (Feuerstein) ’95 and Rabbi Zev Reichman on the birth of their daughter, Maimonides,” he said. “However, I gradually came to appreciate Meira Leeba. just how vast and varied the literature in Arabic is, including Elisha ’96 and Sara (Dalezman) Blechner ’97, who were among the honorees at the Young Israel of Scarsdale, NY, annual dinner March 13. some of the most important books of Jewish interest.” Mendy ’96 and Andrea Stein on the birth of their son, Eitan Yehuda. His research, spanning more than 25 years, focuses on “the Dr. James ’97 and Stephanie Davis on the birth of their son, Ariel Melech. Judaeo-Arabic heritage,” including sciences, philosophy and Rachel (Moskowitz) ’97 and Rabbi David Wilensky on the birth of their son, Moshe religious thought in Hebrew and Arabic. Before accepting Yosef. a position at Bar Ilan, Tzvi worked for some 15 years at the Dr. Zohar (Shamash) ’98 and Joey Aghion ‘98 on the birth of their daughter, Noa Institute for Microfilmed Hebrew Manuscripts, a unit of the Batya. Jewish National Library in Jerusalem. Batia Charpak ’98 on her marriage to Steve Bloomenthal. “How many people know that four classics of Jewish thought— Elana (Kaufman) ’98 and Ephram Carmel on the birth of their daughter, Yaara. Moreh Nevukhim, Hovot ha-Levavot, Emunot ve-De’ot, and the Grandparents are Randall ’74 and Gail (Rabinowitz) Kaufman ’76. Kuzari—were all written originally in Arabic? Indeed, there are Joey Pick ’99 on his engagement to Meri Weiss. hundreds of important, and less important, Jewish writings Caryn (Litt) ’99 and James Wolfe on the birth of their daughter, Eva. in Arabic, going back as far as Saadya Gaon and continuing Ben ’99 and Kaila Shimshak on the birth of their daughter, Yakira Bracha into the 20th century,” he said. “Almost all of the Rambam’s Beth (Schuss) ’99 and Ariel Zell on the birth of their son, Ezra. teshuvot were written in Arabic, as were those of the Rif and Chaim ’00 and Malka Wecker on the birth of their daughter, Elana Frayda. others, as well as the Rambam’s Sefer ha-Mitzvot and Peirush Tova Katz ’01 and Ithamar Jotkowitz on the birth of their son, Amiel. Grandparents ha-Mishnah.” are Amy and Naty Katz ’73. “There’s still a good deal of unpublished material in Judaeo- Adina Polen ’01 on her engagement to Ariel Mayse. Arabic which must be made available,” he remarked. Jessica Salzberg ’01 on her marriage to Noah Steinberg. According to the university’s publication BIU Today, Tzvi “is Rachel Sydney ’01 on her engagement to Michael Lebovich. superbly equipped to pore over original Arabic texts and lat- Judd ’02 and Elana Bogdansky on the birth of their son, Ian Zachary. ter-day Hebrew versions, seeking to grasp the material in its Jonathan Hefter ’02 on his engagement to Sefi Lerner. historical context… (He) has also compiled an anthology of Hannah (Kornreich) ’02 and Ilan Lastoff ’02 on the birth of their son, Charles writings from the Golden Age of Judaism in Yemen, which Nathan. embraces philosophical commentaries on the Torah.” Rachel Levine ’03 on her engagement to Jeremy Baruch. Among Tzvi’s course topics at Bar Ilan are the Qur’an and Craig ’03 and Elisheva Linda on the birth of their son, Avraham Yosef. Islamic thought, at which he says one- to two-thirds of the stu- Elise Polaner ’03 on her engagement to Jonny Hay. dents are Muslims. Ilanna Birnbaum ’05 and Noam Heller on their marriage. Tzvi is the eldest of five siblings, all of whom are Maimonides graduates. He lives in the Galil with his wife Dina and their three Condolences to…. children, Netanel, Michal, and Amos, all aged nine-and-a-half. Edwin Maltzman ’73 and Stuart Maltzman ’77 on the loss of their beloved mother, He encourages all who have studied Arabic at the university Selma Maltzman, z”l, longtime volunteer leader and fundraiser for Maimonides level to consider continuing their studies at Bar Ilan and contact School. him at [email protected] or [email protected]. Jeremy Nissenbaum ’77 on the loss of his beloved father, Joseph Nissenbaum, z”l. ALUMNI SENIOR KEEPS ALL KINDS OF THINGS MOVING AROUND SCHOOL Things just won’t be the same in the for most kids, especially in America, it’s Dillon Upper School hallway at Maimonides really self-taught,” Dillon said. Stanger’10. after graduation. Something will be miss- “You have to realize you can’t do every- Photograph by Donna Stanger. ing—specifically, rubber balls and plastic thing all at once,” he said of the discipline pins and other diverse objects rising and required. “You have to look at the big pic- falling at mesmerizing speed. ture.” He said he has been practicing dur- Dillon Stanger is graduating, and with ing the school day for 60 to 90 minutes, him will go the juggling talents he has including between classes and during been developing for several years. lunch. His routine on Sundays includes It began at a bar mitzvah party a few hours of practice as well as time at an years ago. “There was a juggler there,” MIT juggling club, where colleagues give he recounted. “He gave us three jug- each other encouragement and support. gling beanbags to bring home, and I just Today he can keep seven balls rotating started from there.” from hand to hand and into the air. “I’ve Since then it has been a regimen of prac- never experienced total failure, in which tice and growth, all on his own. “There are I worked on something a very long time people who learn at circus schools, but without any progress,” he said. “I always see something a little bit better.” He said some of his material was inspired by street performers he has seen on YouTube, as well as “from very serious COHEN ’73 REFLECTS ON SERVICE at STATE circus acts and acts on stage.” “A lot of the tricks I have accumulated Prof. Eliot Cohen has returned to aca- you’re teaching, and those rabbis were for a street show can be considered silly demia after two years serving at the teaching as they sat around that table,” or eccentric,” he acknowledged. “Some highest echelon of American foreign Prof. Cohen declared. They exemplified of the props are from hardware stores. I policy. He says he emerged from gov- the school’s philosophy of uncompro- balance three beach chairs on my head, ernment intact—“knowing who you are mising observance and engagement use strange or different props, like five and what your values are”—thanks to with the world, he added. plungers. People like to see silly things in his foundation at Maimonides School. Prof. Cohen said he excluded himself a show.” Prof. Cohen, a 1973 graduate, is director from one foreign policy area: the Arab- “I’ve gone to comedy because I realize of the strategic studies program at Johns Israeli conflict. “I didn’t think it would be that on stage, if you use comedy, it’s far Hopkins University’s School of Advanced good for the U.S. government to have a more effective. The audience appreciates International Studies in Washington, DC. prominent Jew involved in this,” he said. it so much more.” During the last two years of the Bush He also noted that he told Rice, “I don’t Today Dillon’s repertoire is multi-faceted. Administration, he held the position of think this is going anywhere.” He uses a variety of props, and not only State Department counselor. But later in his remarks, while assess- juggles but also balances objects. “Now He talked of his experiences at a recent ing the administration’s foreign policy I’m interested in incorporating dance into program at his alma mater, sponsored record, Prof. Cohen asserted, “Israel has performing,” he said. by the Maimonides Alumni Council. never had a better friend in the White “As an adult, I hope to use performance “I think the boss felt that I served her House than George W. Bush.” in some way or another,” he said. “It’s well,” Prof. Cohen said. “I think I helped State Department counselor is a unique very enjoyable.” Meanwhile, Dillon is move the ship of state a degree or two position, said Prof. Cohen: equivalent to using his hard-earned skill to earn money in the right direction.” The “boss” was an undersecretary, but without author- for higher education. “Performing can Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, ity. He served as a liaison with the intelli- be quite lucrative compared to a lot of with whom he conferred daily and trav- gence and defense officials, and handled jobs most kids get in college,” he noted. eled every three months to Iraq and a variety of special projects, including This summer you may be able to find Afghanistan. Other areas of concentra- leading State’s response to the discovery him around Boston Common or Harvard tion ranged from Pakistan and Iran to of a nuclear reactor in Syria. Square, drawing a crowd with pins in the Georgia and Somalian pirates. One thing he learned, Prof. Cohen air and hat on the ground. Prof. Cohen recalled his high school related, is that “the consequences of pol- Anyone interested in booking Dillon for days when rabbis would sit together at icy choices are frighteningly uncertain. an event, such as a birthday party, can breakfast in the auditorium reading The One must act with as much integrity and reach him at (617) 332-6102 or dillon. New York Times. “You never know when responsibility as possible.” [email protected]. 2010 Campaign, Gala Success Continued from p. 1 In her acceptance, Judge Downs provided the background, from her perspec- tive, leading up to the decision to close her courthouse to the tournament. She said she was dismayed to learn that the Seniors, from left, Daniel Lasman, Joe Naggar, Sam Michaelson, Riva Bergel, Leora National Mock Trial Board contractually Sanieoff, Brian Lasman, Yehuda Stuchins, Ben Niewood and Zach Avigan. could have fined the host Georgia Bar Association $50,000 if a team’s schedule change was accommodated. When she was told by the association that the team would be accommodated with kosher food and Shabbat hospital- ity, the judge said, she replied, “That’s very nice. But that’s not what they’re here for.” Mrs. Hefter was introduced by Jeremy Elementary School Principal Salzberg ’05, a recent New York Rabbi David Saltzman, left, and wife Lisa Rosenbaum joins Trustee University graduate, and Ben Fisher ’10, Jodi, with Executive Director Naty Katz Mrs. Ruth Einstein and her both of whom spoke of the crucial role and Assistant Principal Reena Slovin. grandson, Paul Hurwitz ‘93. Mrs. Hefter played in their Maimonides careers. One of the most powerful Master of moments of the presentation was a Ceremonies series of personal statements by a half- Zev Gewurz commends dozen recent alumni on how their lives the Middle were changed by Mrs. Hefter and the School Learning Center. basketball team on their cham- “I have the privilege of being part of Actors Naftali Ehrenkranz pionship many of your lives... watching your chil- ‘12, left, Yael Koevary ‘10 win earlier and Eitan Kahn ‘12 following dren grow, take risks, watching them that day. shine, watching them master what they their performance. thought was impossible to master. My life has been enriched and I have a very good time along the way,” said Mrs. Hefter in her acceptance. “Our children need to have the foundational knowledge of and commitment to their Judaism and to the Jewish community. What we have been able to build here at Maimonides is extraordinary...” The performance by the Fifth Grade Chorus elicited wild applause from the audience, including Board Chair Jeff Swartz (right). The Gala also featured performances by the Maimonides Jazz Band, Grade 5 choir and Drama Club, as well as a video presentation, all supporting the celebration of the school and its mission. Central to the success of that mission is the Annual Campaign and the “virtual adbook,” which was projected onto a screen and distributed to Gala guests on USB flash drives. The campaign contin- ues through the fiscal year; contact the Development Office at (617)-232-4452, Zvi Dubitzky ‘02, left, and ext. 410, or [email protected] for Moshe Wallins ‘05, two of Seniors Ben Niewood, left, and Stevie details. several former students on Fine present the Pillar of Maimonides hand to salute Mrs. Hefter. Award to Judge Doris L. Downs. NEW elementary MUSIC TEACHER STRIVES TO CHALLENGE, INSPIRE Every Maimonides School student learns course of study means “you have train- to read English and Hebrew. Why not ing to teach a variety of music classes, also learn to read music? including vocal, instrumental, perfor- Rebecca Fisher, Maimonides School’s mance and theory.” new full-time music educator for kin- At Maimonides, Ms. Fisher said, she dergarten through sixth grade, answers employs the Kodaly system, named after that question in the affirmative. “Music, a Hungarian composer and educator, when properly taught can challenge and Zoltan Kodaly. She was certified in this inspire young minds, opening up a new method following a summer course at whole new world of experiences,” she New York University. It’s an incremental declared. system, with first graders understanding Ms. Fisher in a brass trio with Tor Cohen, Grade 4, and Rachel Nissenbaum, Grade 3 Ms. Fisher meets weekly during 13 ses- the interrelationship among four notes, sions with all the grade levels and, using third graders placing the notes on a staff Ms. Fisher also directs three separate appropriate curricula, works toward uni- and fourth graders learning to read the singing groups, organized by grade, and versal music literacy. “The classes are notes, the teacher explained. the Elementary School orchestra, which going great,” Ms. Fisher said. “The stu- She relates stories about noted com- plays compositions by the teacher. The dents are really enjoying learning about posers to younger students, and shares singers meet once a week during lunch. the notes and the rhythms.” Parents, she appropriate works like Prokofiev’s “Peter Choirs and orchestra all performed at added, “have been very engaged and and the Wolf.” Older children also iden- the school’s Mesibat Chanukah and at a supportive.” tify different musical styles and learn March 17 concert. Ms. Fisher, who grew up on Long Island, about a different classical composer The teacher noted the impact of Mrs. began her childhood musical experience each month. Sixth graders learn the Elana Nouriel, z”l, who established the playing the saxophone before moving key elements to composing an origi- Elementary School’s instrumental music on to trombone. As a high school stu- nal song and write them. During the program several years ago. “She was very dent she also sang in vocal groups. At spring semester, Ms. Fisher will be help- talented, very motivated and a good Northwestern University, she earned a ing older students learn to relate music teacher,” Ms. Fisher said. “Her students degree in music education. And that to works of art. remember her.”

STUDENTS, ICE CREAM MOGUL COLLABORATE ON HAITIAN RELIEF The founder suggested included MaimOreo, Beehive of adults and reminds them of their child- and owner of Blast, Minty Swirl Chocolaty Whirl, and hood.” He decided to abandon plans to the area’s only Rocky Rambam. become a family therapist and pursue local chain The speaker was invited by Grade 5 an ice cream career instead, because of kosher ice teacher Avi Pittleman to visit his “leader- the happiness quotient would increase cream parlors ship laboratory,” where students have exponentially. teamed up with been studying individuals from all walks So in 1981, he opened the flagship store Maimonides of life who display qualities that “create in Jamaica Plain. “I’m really happy I made fifth and sixth Fifth grader Charlie change in the world.” the decision,” Mr. Petryk said. “I wanted graders on an Kramer greets Mr. Petryk Mr. Petryk described the origin and to create my own little world, where original project development of the eight- (soon to people were kind, fair and respectful… to raise funds for relief efforts in Haiti. be nine) store chain, and the lessons a place that makes you happy by just Vincent Petryk of J.P. Licks came to inherent in its success. After receiving being there.” Maimonides in February to speak to a degree in psychology, he took a job “Leadership takes courage, imagination the students about leadership qualities. as a dishwasher in a Philadelphia ice and persistence,” Mr. Pittleman pointed Before he left, he accepted a proposal cream parlor. Soon he was promoted out. “With these qualities, leaders can to work with the children to develop to scooper, then ice cream maker, and achieve excellence.” an original ice cream flavor, with pro- ultimately store manager. The students cheered and applauded ceeds of its sales benefiting agencies One day, he said, he served ice cream when Mr. Petryk said that he includes that help children who were victims of to an ill-mannered customer, “and I kosher certification for all of his stores. the earthquake. saw a 50-year-old man turn into a little Mr. Petryk said he made that decision “We’ll do this together,” Mr. Petryk told boy.” That, Mr. Petryk said, was a “magic because he believes in being “a good the students. Some of the flavors they moment… Ice cream touches the hearts neighbor.” GOODMAN SHARES LESSONS ON AND OFF COURT Tamir Goodman had the skills, the discipline “I learned something very special from all my and the drive to play for one of the country’s top injuries,” Goodman explained to his older collegiate basketball programs. But he chose a audience. “I realized that Judaism is all about different path—one that would not compro- figuring out how you can give back to other mise his Jewish identity or observance. people through your talents.” Rabbi Dr. Joseph B. Soloveitchik, Goodman, 27, addressed separate assemblies Frequently using basketball metaphors, he lŠvf of Maimonides students in January, tailor- described the challenges he faced during his Founder ing his presentations to younger and older career and told the students, “It’s our job as Rabbi M.J. Cohn, lŠf listeners. He also displayed some basketball Jewish people to use whatever talents we Principal Emeritus fundamentals for fifth graders and took part have for Hashem.” Rabbi David Shapiro in an informal workout and shoot-around in “When I was five years old I fell in love with Rosh Yeshiva the gym with high schoolers, effortlessly sink- basketball. I’ve always loved basketball—and ing three-point field goals and displaying nifty Jeffrey B. Swartz I’ve always been very proud of my Judaism,” Chair, Board of Directors dribbling and passing. he said to the younger students. Goodman The 6’3” guard from Baltimore who once was played high school varsity in seventh grade Abraham Levovitz, lŠf President Emeritus nicknamed “Jewish Jordan” has retired from and led the team in scoring a year later. As a professional basketball after a series of inju- sophomore, he said, he made up his mind to ries. Now he is on the staff of Maccabi Haifa become the first Shabbat-observant Jew to Nathan Katz ’73 Heat, where his activities include speaking pay major college and professional ball. Executive Director tours and charitable programs. Goodman accepted a scholarship to play Mike Rosenberg at the University of Maryland, a perennial Editor Division I powerhouse, and was besieged with Erica Schultz hundreds of media requests. He said he asked Designer Tamir Goodman with students in the photographers from Sports Illustrated to Maimonides’ Fox Gymnasium. Tamara Kesselman depict him wearing tefillin. Director of Admissions But Maryland plays many of its games on Friday nights and Saturdays, and Goodman and the Middle & Upper School coaching staff there could not reconcile that Rabbi Yair Altshuler issue. Ultimately he turned down the offer Principal from the Terrapins. Still, “I had Shabbat—and Ken Weinstein to me that was what was most important.” Principal, General Studies

Nearby Towson State University then stepped Rabbi Avi Bossewitch in and not only recruited Goodman but Middle School Director also changed the entire game schedule to accommodate his religious needs. “I was the Elementary School only observant Jew on campus,” he related, Rabbi David Saltzman yet his strong identity elicited respect from Principal the Towson community. His Muslim room- Reena Slovin mate helped him fulfill Sukkot obligations. Assistant Principal The Friday night “Midnight Madness” crowd roared when Goodman declined to speak into a microphone. “When you’re really proud of your Judaism, even non-Jewish basketball Kol Rambam is published by the players will help you be a better Jew,” he told Office of Alumni and Community the students. Relations at Maimonides School.

Goodman subsequently made aliyah, played Comments, questions, for several professional teams in Israel, served and suggestions should in the IDF, got married and became a father. be addressed to: Maimonides girls’ and boys’ basketball cap- Maimonides School tains presented the guest with “MaimoWear” 34 Philbrick Road sweatpants and an M-Cats kippah, which Brookline, MA 02445 Goodman immediately clipped on. (617) 232-4452 x405 [email protected] Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage 34 Philbrick Road Paid Brookline, MA 02445 Brookline, MA Permit No. 59990 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

ote The Maimonides School Family was saddened by the recent passing of & N s s Ruth Solomont, z”l, who with her husband Meyer, z”l, were honorees of The family of Mrs. Shulamith Meiselman, z”l, a w Maimonides School’s 1995 Scholarship Campaign. They were pillars of the e founding matriarch of Maimonides School and Jewish community in Lowell through most of the 20th century, and leaders

N sister of Rabbi Dr. Joseph B. Soloveitchik, zt”l, has and generous benefactors of Maimonides School for many years. Four of established an endowed fund in her memory. The their grandchildren are Maimonides alumni. endowment will support an annual graduation The director of the Lauder prize to a senior demonstrating a commitment Foundation’s efforts in to Jewish education through volunteer activi- For the first time, Mayim Acharonim, Germany told Maimonides ties, senior internship and/or career aspirations. Maimonides School’s student Torah students at an assembly that Donations in support of the fund may be sent to journal, was published during the first his success invigorating Jewish the Maimonides Development Office, 34 Philbrick semester, thanks to the efforts of a youth can be a model for any- Road, Brookline, MA 02445. group of sophomores. The journal, which examines topics in Halacha and where. Rabbi Joshua Spinner The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association hashkafah, was edited by Elliot Salinger said, “I’ve been able to make awarded its statewide 2009 Sportsmanship Award for and Avinoam Stillman. Other contribu- a small difference in the lives Division III volleyball to the Maimonides School team. The tors were Eitan Kahn, Yoni Nouriel, of these people because award is presented to a team that has “demonstrated David Rubinstein and former faculty I was lucky enough to have a sincere commitment to the highest ideals and objec- member Rabbi Avraham Preil. All art the benefit of a Jewish educa- tives of sportsmanship,” according to the MIAA website. works in the journal are by sophomore tion and Jewish values from Rachel Renz was the captain and only senior on the squad. Ari Green. Mayim Acharonim is dedi- a community like this.” Rabbi Other student-athletes were juniors Tzukit Cohen, Sophie cated in memory of Mrs. Elana Nouriel, Spinner, who was recruited by Edelman, Leah Geller, Tamar Kosowsky, Iara Modigliani- z”l, who established and nurtured the the Lauder Foundation while Caviglia and Julia Packer; sophomores Talia Epstein and Elementary School instrumental music serving as a volunteer for the Sara Flesh; freshman Yael Hamer, and two eighth graders, program. The editors distributed cop- Jewish community in Belarus, Michal Alge and Eliana Ramelson. Tyler Walsh has coached ies of the Torah journal to all Upper oversees yeshivot, camps and the volleyball team for the past four seasons. School students. outreach programs. He spoke to two sessions of Upper School students.

Upper School delegates to the recent AIPAC High School Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., are, front, from left, Brian Lasman, Jonathan Robison, Zach Avigan, Samuel M. Fisher and Lily Wilf; rear, from left, Rabbi Roy Rosenbaum, faculty advisor, Brad Baskir, Aliza Shapiro, Yitzi Snow, Ben Niewood, Gavvy Rosen, Rachel Renz, Adina Blaszkowsky, Alex Wiener and Samuel L. Fisher.