קול “רמבם SUMMER 2015 dŠryz a`-fenz°oeiq KOL ­ RAMBAM

Cutting-Edge Science Package Blossoms

Maimonides School is ready to launch an ence department coordinator Dr. ambitious seven-year enhanced instruc- Steven Stewart, following Mr. Mat- tional program of Middle and Upper School toon's assessment of all general science — defined as "a vision for our next- studies disciplines. He presented generation graduates." the details to Head of School Naty The multi-pronged approach will open with Katz and science faculty in Febru- expanded 90-minute weekly laboratory ses- ary, and they have been refining sions beginning with the 2015-16 academic the details since that time. year. Longer-range components include Mr. Mattoon defined the vision as upgrades in technology and physical infra- a blending of curricular and co- structure, selected elective opportunities, curricular lines into “a continuum and even online collaboration with stu- of knowledge, hands-on experi- dents and researchers at Technion in Haifa. ence, and application that goes Other goals are “fully-optimized” programs beyond our classroom walls.” in science, technology, engineering and This “robust blend of instructional mathematics (STEM); specialized electives efficacy in class with hands-on, for students in all the Middle and Upper experiential programs outside our School grades; internship programs in re- campus will build lasting scientific search labs for juniors and seniors; a visiting proficiency for 21st century Mai- instructor program “drawing on all sectors monides graduates,” Mr. Mattoon of scientific practice” in the region; and ad- said in his vision statement. ditional Advanced Placement options. Central to the proposal is a re- The proposal was designed by Scott Mat- vamped administrative structure toon, Middle and Upper School general that includes a science director. Brian Palm, Middle and Upper School science director. studies principal, in consultation with sci- This new position, a division-head- the Forefront of Science," an internship pro- level role, combines overall departmental gram that placed 35 students at prestigious supervision with responsibility for over- research labs, and was one of 32 teachers In This Issue: seeing the curricular and instructional nationally to win the Amgen Award for program, managing the development of excellence and innovation in the classroom. the other initiatives, and connecting these Commencement 2015...... 2 ideas with work in academic areas across "Maimonides is doing the type of 'whole- the school. school thinking' that is required to generate Tefillahand Technology...... 3 meaningful implementations in science “How we maximize these opportunities and technology," Mr. Palm said. "It was easy Center Prepares to Open...... 4 is too much for a department chair in the to recognize the community's genuine en- traditional sense,” Mr. Mattoon explained. thusiasm for this direction, and it is exciting Reflecting on a Legacy...... 5 “So after developing this vision, I began to consider its significant potential as the looking for candidates — with the intent school begins this journey." Class Notes...... 6 that we could shape the vision to leverage the strengths of individual candidates.” Mr. Palm met with science teachers in Graduation Photos...... 7 June to explore some of the aspects of the After a nationwide search, Brian Palm, then proposal, particularly implementing the science department chair at Brooks School 90-minute lab block. "Student-directed, News Briefs...... 8 in North Andover, was appointed to the position. Mr. Palm founded "Students on Continued on page 4 1 Class of ’15 Joins Ranks of Maimonides Alumni

The 63rd graduating class of Maimonides must be right, or thinking that someone world and travel on many different journeys School celebrated with more than 450 who is older or more experienced must be to a variety of destinations. But we will parents, relatives, teachers and friends June right.” always have this journey, our first, as a foun- 14 at commencement exercises in Judge J. Each member of the class not only has dation for many more journeys to come,” John Fox Athletic Center. something valuable to receive but also Avital said. Forty-four members of the Class of 2015 ac- has something valuable to add, he told his Four seniors — Shifra Berg, Barak Durani, cepted diplomas with enthusiasm. Among classmates. There is “much to learn from Abigail Kosowsky and Hannah Stanhill those applauding were members of the people who are older or wiser, and from — presented excerpts from the writings Class of 1965, who led the processional as a those younger or less experienced. If you of Maimonides, continuing a graduation highlight of their 50-year reunion. listen judiciously, everyone has so much to honor long conferred on those with excep- David Schoenberg, class valedictorian, teach you.” tional scholastic achievement. referred to appropriate Torah portions in his In her English address, Avital Fried, the Scott Mattoon, Middle and Upper School remarks, which were delivered in Hebrew. salutatorian, declared that “what we should general studies principal, delivered the Noting that advice from Korach and from be celebrating here today is the journey opening address. the 12 spies had disastrous consequences, we’ve taken together at Maimonides, not “For those of you who find your paths at David’s translation said, “It is always appro- the destination of graduation. On our university, know that while you always have priate to listen to advice. The problem only Maimonides journey, we learned a lot; we a sense of the person you are becoming lies when you follow your heart or your eyes built a community; and we came away with down your path, bear in mind that – just as in doing so, instead of your mind.” many great memories.” at Maimo — your professors and mentors “We must use our intellectual capabilities “We built a community,” she continued. “As can see in you what you cannot…Allow to sift through the emotion, sift through everyone knows, we spend a lot of time at them to push you to become people you the rhetoric, and sift through other people’s school. Sometimes we spend even more did not think you could become.” and our own goals,” he continued. “There time here than we do at home. So we made “A teacher can know a discipline as deeply are many ways for advice to be faulty, but ourselves a home away from home…. We as anyone in the world, but if the teacher there are also many ways for someone studied together, procrastinated together, and you are not mutually invested, you as else’s opinion to help us. Only if we carefully and laughed together. We went on our a student may learn a lot of material and investigate, weighing risks and compar- journey together.” skill, but you will not be inspired or curious ing advice, can we be sure to find the best Avital thanked her teachers and classmates or feel the relevance of what you know, and path.” for “memories from our years together,” that knowledge and skill, as a result, will not “We are now utterly responsible for our including the AIPAC Policy Conference in stick over time,” he continued. own decisions. We must be very careful to March. The Maimonides Class of 2015 was “But through all of your experiences with sift through all the advice we are given: not the first from any school to participate in professors, mentors, and others in your to follow it blindly, but also not to throw it the conference as a unit. young adult lives, you — most crucially of away blindly. It is easy to fall into either trap “Our high school journey is about to end. all — you also need to lean on yourselves… — believing that what we think is correct Soon we are going to head out into the to remind yourselves of the excellence with- Continued on page 7 2 2 Tefillah Teams with Technology Dr. Joseph B. Soloveitchik, z”tl Founder

A tefillah curriculum augmented by classroom “With the right training and investment of time, Rabbi M.J. Cohn, z”l technology is about to begin its second full year teachers can make something like this part of Principal Emeritus for students in fifth grade. Rabbi David Saltzman, their classrooms,” Rabbi Saltzman said. “It really Abraham Levovitz, z”l Elementary School principal, designed the cur- delivers a double benefit: the individualized President Emeritus riculum and is optimistic that it is serving as a learning that we talk about, and the technical model for future instruction. skills they are going to need for tomorrow and Sam Wald ‘92 Chairman, Board of Directors The Google-based format presents three the next century." components for exploration: development of the Although there are no quantifiable results, “I do Jeffrey Swartz Shemoneh Esrei; traditional movements during feel that they are learning about tefillah,” Rabbi Chairman Emeritus this prayer; and the individual brachot — what Saltzman said. “At the end of class they have to they mean and the larger messages they deliver. write three things they have learned during that Nathan Katz ’73 Head of School This is all material that Rabbi Saltzman used to period, so I can see what they felt was impor- cover in classroom presentations. The technol- tant…There are goals and assessments, but the Barry Ehrlich ogy provides a big advantage, he said: “Every kid kids can learn at their own pace. They can go Director of Curriculum and Instruction is engaged with the learning just about every more into depth in topics they want to learn more about, and pace their own learning.” Robin Meyerowitz second of class. They are reading and investigat- Early Childhood Director ing on their own.” The program includes individu- “The kids told me they look forward to it,” Rabbi alized listening and recording. Pages from the Saltzman said. The online curriculum is “like a Frederique Smits Siddur are featured on the screen. challenge — almost like a video game. I covered Director of Institutional Advancement The class meets with the rabbi in the computer the same topics in class. They are just so much Faun Zarge room for one period a week. The curriculum can more excited because it is on a computer. There’s Director of Strategic Engagement be accessed at tinyurl.com/5thtefillah. this list of things to go through, and as they complete them they feel like they’ve conquered Mike Rosenberg Rabbi Saltzman related that in 2013 he met an something.” Editor educator at a Yeshiva University conference who had devised an online curriculum for prayer. “He Rabbi Saltzman stressed that the curriculum Naomi Ribner Designer included a lot of the things I wanted to do, and is still a work in progress — he is working to complete all of the brachot of the Shemoneh Esrei. I realized I needed to put it in an organized way MIDDLE & UPPER SCHOOL where kids could access it on their own.” Before “And there’s always new technology, new types of the end of the school year, he had converted programs — I’m looking for a reporting program Rabbi Dov Huff '00 much of what he taught in the tefillah class to an that can provide answers and feedback right Interim Principal, Judaic Studies away,” he noted. online format. Scott Mattoon Besides responsibility for content, students “also Ultimately, Rabbi Saltzman said, the outcome Principal, General Studies have to use the technology to make a PowerPoint could be a “flipped classroom” model, which re- verses traditional education. Students learn basic Brian Cohen presentation or Google slides or Jeopardy review Associate Principal, Middle School games,” Rabbi Saltzman said. “They demonstrate information from online lectures, then follow up what they’ve learned by making these electronic in the classroom with deeper discussions guided ELEMENTARY SCHOOL presentations through these online resources.” by the teacher. “The class is constantly develop- Supplemental material includes “learning about ing. As new programs become available, we add Rabbi David Saltzman Principal who the Rambam was and why he was such an new ways to fuse tefillah and technology." important personality in ,” he said. Reena Slovin Associate Principal

Kol Rambam is published quarterly by the Maimonides School Office of Alumni and Community Relations.

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Rabbi David Saltzman explains a screen from the online tefillah course he prepared. 3 Early Childhood Center Engenders Excitement when teaching them math.” “The teachers are really high-quality and reflect the rest of the Maimonides scene: high-quality, enthusiastic and warm,” Mrs. Meyerowitz continued. “I have been taking a long time hiring because I really want to make a family of my teachers.” Among the staff is Meira (Salzberg) Houben ’04, the lead teacher for the four-year-old class. The program will take advantage of the full range of Brener Building amenities — playground, gymnasium, library, music and more. There are also plans for a range of opportu- nities for interaction between the pre- schoolers and older Maimonides students, the director reported. A new Upper School club will encourage students to work as volunteers in the center during their X- Robin Meyerowitz (right), Early Childhood Director, and Esther Barth, the program's administrative assistant, celebrate as Block. “We are looking for other opportuni- they unpack their new inventory. ties for high school kids, and also hope to Maimonides School’s new Early Childhood for Aug. 31 and Sept. 1. have older elementary students be reading buddies and do other things.” There also Center isn’t scheduled to open until Sept. “It’s a very specific type of school — Reg- will be some integration between Kinder- 2. But there is already an almost tangible gio-inspired and Modern Orthodox,” the garten and the pre-schoolers. sense of excitement and anticipation director explained. “Parents expect us to around the Leonard Brener Building, where show them what that means.” Parents of the incoming pre-schoolers, the program will be located in a first-floor Mrs. Meyerowitz asserted, “are excited by Reggio is a county in Italy and the locale suite. a school that’s Modern Orthodox. Par- of a series of some 20 schools that opened ents like a school that reflects their phi- One reason for the enthusiasm is the shortly after World War II. They were “based losophy. People also love and believe in projected enrollment of more than 40 on principles of (John) Dewey, (Jean) Piaget Maimonides School.” Indeed, she added, pre-schoolers. Another is the contagious and other educational thinkers,” Mrs. Mey- several of the parents are Maimonides passion of the director, Robin Meyerowitz. erowitz said. “The kids learn best by doing graduates. “I hope we’ll create a special type of family, and experiencing and being an integral since pre-schoolers need a special kind part of creating their environment.” “It’s progressive, child-centered education of love and connection,” Mrs. Meyerowitz that sees what kids are interested in and So the center won’t simply teach the para- said. She added that she is “thrilled” by the expands on that,” Mrs. Meyerowitz said. shat hashavuah, she continued; “kids will vigorous enrollment. “Dewey’s principles are as true today as experience the parashah, dress up and act they were when he wrote them — and The staff of eight, including both teachers it out. The knowledge and connection will they have great implications in the Jewish and assistant teachers, will report to work be so much deeper. The same thing goes on Aug. 19. Student orientation is planned world, which is experiential by definition.”

Science Program continued from page 1 project-based work in the science classroom demands the element of time. This type of 'learning and doing' re- quires that students are provided with longer stretches of time for the often circuitous journey that is a hallmark of hands-on learning," Mr. Palm affirmed. “Students need lab time on a consistent basis to go into depth topically. It is an opportunity for them to internalize, apply, and then reflect collaboratively on what is happening in class." While the new vision will impact all science courses in Grades 6-12, the longer lab blocks will apply only to the Upper School grades.

Middle School teacher Ken Rosenstein works with Jacob Unger (center) and Ari Winton, both in the Class of 2020, on some end-of-the-school-year dissection experiences. 4 Early Childhood Center Engenders Excitement Grad: Yeshiva’s Legacy Mitigates Pain of Loss

The yeshiva in for new high school per se. The market is shifting away graduates that Rabbi Scott Kahn ’88 co- from what we try to do, which offers founded and nurtured for more than a students a very serious educational decade has succumbed to financial reality. curriculum during their one or two But Scott says the legacy of Yeshivat Yeso- years in Israel.” dei HaTorah vanquishes any inclination he “We were always a smaller yeshiva has to mourn. to begin with,” he continued. “For “It’s unfortunate — but at the same time, I the past four years, we have had 29 feel tremendous pride in our alumni and in first-year students and between 10 what we accomplished,” Scott said. “When and 20 second-year students. Our we announced we were closing, there was size created a feeling of intimacy, a genuine outpouring of emotion from our but it equally meant that we were alumni. It is gratifying to see how much always at the edge of a precipice. We they care.” always knew that one year we would be without that critical mass and we The dream of opening a new yeshiva wouldn’t be able to continue.” began almost 20 years ago at Yeshivat Darchei Noam in , where Scott After several months of recruiting and his friend Pesach Wolicki were semi- for 2015-16, registration stood at 15 cha students. “At that yeshiva there was a first-year students. “That was only specific method of learning Gemora, and half of our projections, and there we said, 'Wouldn’t it be great if there was a was no way we could open and give high school yeshiva like this?'” students the experience they were expecting,” Scott said. “We could That “glimmer of an idea” became reality have tried to get a loan and see if a few years later when Kahn and we could make it work. Because we Wolicki founded Yesodei HaTorah (“founda- saw this as a trend rather than as an tions of the Torah”) near . “To exception, the decision was clear. Rabbi Scott and Aliza Kahn and family see that idea manifested in reality was a There was no choice.” very exciting and emotional experience,” presence. That element of Yesodei can Scott recalled. “They don’t seem to want what we’re offering anymore,” he concluded. and should continue even if the physical “Originally our goal was to have a bet- yeshiva is no longer operating." “There’s no one mold of a Yesodei guy,” ter method of teaching students how to Among the members of the faculty was learn Gemora and other central texts more Scott said. “There isn’t one particular pro- totype. They are defined by their individu- former Maimonides teacher Rabbi Moshe effectively. And we very much wanted to Simkovich. “On a personal level, one of the introduce and further a Jewish philoso- ality; they all think for themselves. The common denominator is the commitment greatest things about having Yesodei HaTo- phy of an absolute commitment to Torah, rah was the opportunity to work alongside combined with the recognition that there they have for Torah, the skills to read the classic sources of our tradition for them- Rabbi Simkovich,” Scott said. Another are multiple paths within Torah Judaism,” colleague and friend from Newton, Rabbi Scott explained. “Students developed their selves, and confidence in their ability to think as independent-minded Torah Jews. Adin Krohn ’94, has found a position at Ye- own ways of thinking within the context of shivat Orayta. "Working with Adi has been Torah.” The relationships we have with all of these students doesn’t go away; the connection fantastic, and it will be one of the things I “Every individual must literally create his lasts forever.” miss most." own Torah path,” he continued, “through Several Maimonides School graduates What will Rabbi Kahn do now? “I have a true, authentic engagement with the few different ideas, but I have been so sources and an encounter with G-d. That’s are part of the 250-man Yesodei alumni body, including Avishai Gebler ’04 in the busy with the process of closing that there the legacy of Yesodei HaTorah — students has been no time to think about what’s who are authentic independent thinkers, first class, his brother Akiva Gebler ’13, and several members of this year’s class: Dov next,” he said. “I still want to be involved in combined with a genuine commitment to chinuch and perhaps may be looking for Halakha, to G-d and to the Jewish people.” Ellenbogen ’14, Shmuel Pernicone ’14 and Aron Unger ’14. something more cutting-edge technologi- Scott said he detected disturbing signals cally. I hope I can do something positive for over the past couple of years. “The mar- “We were run quite efficiently, but clos- the Jewish people.” ket was changing. There are many fine ing down created brand-new debt,” Scott acknowledged. “We owe a lot of severance Meanwhile, Scott, his wife Aliza and their yeshivot, but there are also some that are seven children, ages 6 to 17, are spending emphasizing experience over education. pay. I have been doing everything I can to try to raise money so I can do right by my time competing in and watching Israel There is a lot more emphasis on things like youth baseball championship games. Chesed or internships, and not learning staff. Additionally, I am currently fundrais- ing in order to enhance the yeshiva's online

5 CLASS NOTES Contact your class secretary (see listings below) to share your news. If you would like to serve as a class secretary, contact Mike Rosenberg (617) 232-4452 x405, [email protected] to volunteer. Dani and Jeremy Salzberg on the birth 1953 1978 2000 of their son, William Leo. Grandparents are Mazal tov to Ada (Greenwald) and Prof. Mazal tov to Rabbi Howard Morrison, Mazal tov to Dena and Mark Salzberg. Ronald Jacobowitz on the marriage of who received an honorary doctorate from Dr. Lisa Berman-Booty and Jordan Booty their grandson, Yoni Kozlowski, to Tali the Jewish Theological Seminary. on the birth of their daughter, Meira 2007 Brown, a former Maimonides Elementary Shoshana. Grandparents are Ronna and School student and daughter of Drs. Erica Mazal tov to 1980 Dr. Marvin Berman. and Jeremy Brown. Melody Michaelson on her marriage to Contact Amy Levenson, amy.leven- Lori (Michaelson) and Leon Salkin David Hermel. Melody is the daughter of [email protected] on the birth of their son, Gabriel Harry. Shari (Berger) ’69 and Dr. Ira Michael- 1963 Grandparents are Shari (Berger) '69 and Mazal tov to son. Mazal tov to Rabbi Yehuda Weinberg on Dr. Ira Michaelson. the birth of a grandson. Parents are Zava Chaya (Walter) and Shalom Lampert on Ruthie Zisblatt on her engagement to and Dvir Weinberg ‘96. the marriage of their son Shlomo to Chen Tani Pollack. Ruthie is the daughter of Drs. Volberg. 2001 Laura and Sam Zisblatt. Mazal tov to Dani (Leeds) and Paul Kim Tzippy (Halbfinger) and David Reisman 1966 on the birth of their daughter. Grandpar- on the recent marriages of Chen to Avi 2008 Contact Dr. Tamy (Simon) Chelst, (248) ents are Anne Leeds and Burton Leeds. Loterstein; Gadi to Tali Koolyk, daughter of 353-2268, [email protected]. Mazal tov to Adele and Judah Koolyk '73; and Shani to Amotz Amiram. 2002 Shira Falk on her marriage to Benjy 1969 Ritholtz. Shira is the daughter of Joni and Mazal tov to Dr. Rodney Falk. Mazal tov to Shari (Berger) and Dr. Ira 1985 Abigail and Adam Aghion on the birth of Michaelson on the marriage of their Haley and Max Vogel on the birth of their Mazal tov to Drs. Jennifer (Kosowsky) their daughter. Grandparents are Sara and daughter, Melody ’07, to David Hermel, daughter, Etta Moriah. Grandparents are and Dror Michaelson on the marriage of Maurice Aghion. and the birth of their grandson, Gabriel Cheryl and Alan Vogel. their son Jonathan ’12 to Chloe Fein. Harry Salkin, son of Lori (Michaelson) ’00 Dr. Gabriel Yarmush, who received his and Leon Salkin. Ph.D. in biomedical engineering from 2009 1988 Rutgers University. Mazal tov to Dahlia Gruen on her 1970 Contact Elka Tovah (Menkes) Davidoff, Laura and Eric Horowitz on the birth of marriage to Nate Chertok. Dahlia is the (781) 480-4242, [email protected]. their son, Jacob Maxwell. Grandparents Contact Gary Cantor, (610) 664-3502, daughter of Elana and Daniel Gruen. are Allene and Larry Horowitz. [email protected]. Mazal tov to Dr. Elana Sydney on the birth of her daughter, Ella. Grandmother is Dr. Isaac Naggar on his marriage to Tife- Sheila Sydney. ret Unterman. Isaac is the son of Regina 2011 1971 and Clement Naggar. Mazal tov to Paige Hamer on her Contact Rabbi Dr. Ed Goldstein, (516) marriage to Daniel Redlich. Paige is the 295-4118, [email protected]. 1992 daughter of Michelle and David Hamer. Mazal tov to Dr. Roselyn Farren and 2003 Steven Greenwood on the birth of their Mazal tov to 2012 1972 daughter. Grandparents are Jon and Chana and Kenny Gerber on the birth of Contact Marilyn (Zicher) Kramer, Martin Farren. Mazal tov to Jonathan Michaelson on his their daughter. Kenny is the son of Cynthia [email protected]. recent marriage to Chloe Fein. Jonathan is and Leonard Gerber. the son of Drs. Jennifer (Kosowsky) and 1994 Mirele (Davis) and Nadav Kessous on Dror Michaelson ’85. 1973 Mazal tov to Henni and Rabbi Yochanon the birth of their son, Aviv Leibel. Grand- Mazal tov to Adele and Judah Koolyk '73 Stein on the birth of their daughter, parents are Dr. Linda and Jonathan Davis. 2013 on the recent marriage of their daughter Chaya. Grandparents are Freydie and Dr. Jack Naggar on his marriage to Tali to Gadi Reisman, son of Tzippy (Hal- Rabbi Zalmen Stein. Mazal tov to Odeya Durani on her mar- Rachel Kling. Jack is the son of Regina and bfinger) ’80 and David Reisman. riage to Solomon Barayev. Odeya is the Clement Naggar. daughter of Chaya and Rabbi Avinoam 1996 Jacqueline and Lev Novikov on the birth Durani, both members of the Maimonides 1974 Mazal tov to of their son, Eitan Shalom. Grandparents School faculty. Contact Jay Solomont (917) 522-8383, are Svetlana Novikov-Hynes and Boris Ariella and Ilya Belopolsky on the birth [email protected]; or Dani- Novikov. of their daughter, Lulu Zoey. Grandpar- ella (Peyser) Teutsch, (201) 379-5408, ents are Lyudmila and Boris Belopolsky. [email protected]. Ariella is a former Maimonides director of 2004 CONDOLENCES Mazal tov to Adina and Carl Sherer on admissions. Mazal tov to Sara Segal on her engage- the marriage of their daughter Maya to Zion Orent on his marriage to Emily ment to Ari Pelcovitz. Sara is the daughter Avichai Noach; the births of grandsons Gelfman. Zion is the son of Leah and Joel of Tovah and Rabbi Gershon Segal. Shmuel Moshe Sheinfeld and Reuvain Stephen Cohen '66, Dr. Richard Cohen '67, Orent. Yerachmiel Sherer; and the bar mitzvah of Prof. Eliot Cohen '73 and David Cohen '76, their son Meir Simcha. Zahava and Dvir Weinberg on the birth 2005 on the loss of their beloved mother, Frieda of their son, Netanel Shlomo. Grandfather Cohen, z"l. Mazal tov to is Rabbi Yehuda Weinberg ’63. 1977 Daniel Adelman on his engagement to Dov Kram ’95, Toby Kram ’98 and Taar (Kram) Mazal tov to Mattie and David Weinberg Roya Sanieoff. Daniel is the son of Penina Shafner ’06 on the loss of their beloved on the births of grandsons Yitzchak and 1998 Adelman and Dr. Steven Adelman. father, Norman Kram, z”l. Mazal tov to Miriam Kriegel and Daniel Meir. Leora and Avi Garritano on the birth of Toubian on the birth of their son, Max Michelle (Morgan) Waxman ’85 and Shari their son, Leib Meyer. Grandmother is Dr. Benjamin. Grandparents are Parichehr and (Morgan) Katz ’88 on the loss of their be- Barbara Barry. Houchangue Toubian. loved mother, Lois Morgan, z”l.

6 Graduation Day Replete with Smiling Faces

continued from page 2 in you… not perfection, but the goodness and the desire for progress in yourselves.” Rabbi Dov Huff, assistant principal, offered a closing tribute. “You are all ready to become leaders in your own ways,” Rabbi Huff addressed the seniors. “I have seen each of you in moments of leadership, many different forms, all crucial. I have seen you take a strong, loud stance on an issue and inspire others to follow. I have seen you lead quietly behind the scenes. I have seen you lead by being the first or even only one to step up when needed. I have seen you lead by always saying thank you after a class, and by always greet- ing people with a smile. In all these ways and more you are leaders. And I am proud of you.” Dr. Steven Spear opened the proceedings on behalf of the Board of Directors. “As parents here at graduation, we celebrate the years our kids have successfully traversed here at Maimonides,” Dr. Spear said. “But it is more than celebrating what they have done… we’ve prepared them Scenes from Maimonides School's 63rd commencement (from top): Members of for writing their own chapters successfully too.” the Class of 1965 (from left) Nahum Twersky, Rabbi Reuven Cohn, Jules Becker and Sarita (Grossman) Hacohen celebrate their 50th reunion as part of gradu- ation; Adi Atar shepherds the senior class into the ceremonies; new informal commencement feature, the "selfie," executed by Aliza Spellman; (from left) Ezra Schwartz, Jacob Fine and Barak Durani pose for a pre-commencement memento.

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NEWS BRIEFS

EWEST BOARD MEMBER parents of three Maimonides School gradu- ments, skills, and potential for success in Dr. Ernest Mandel ’96 has been ates: Rebecca Jacobs ’74, Abigail (Jacobs) rigorous college studies. selected to join the Maimonides Wyschogrod ’75 and Sarah Jacobs ’78. N ATIONAL BASKETBALL HONOR School Board of Directors. Ernest is a physi- cian at Brigham and Women's Hospital and ATIONAL MERIT SCHOLAR Yoni Gelb ’16 has received an hon- Hebrew Senior Life. His clinical and research Maimonides School senior Davey N orable mention in the annual na- interests focus on geriatric nephrology and N Schoenberg has won a National tional all-star honors announced by Jewish palliative care. At Maimonides, Ernest has Merit Scholarship, one of only 2,500 award- Hoops America. Yoni is a three-year varsity focused his efforts on the development ed nationwide. Davey, the valedictorian of member of the Maimonides M-Cats. Jewish committee, where he has co-chaired the the Class of 2015, was among those chosen Hoops America covers Jewish high school Alumni Campaign for the past two years from a pool of more than 15,000 finalists in basketball across North America, including and will assume the role of co-chair of the the 2015 National Merit Scholarship Pro- daily updates of scores and records and 2016 Annual Campaign. Ernest lives in gram. National Merit Scholarship winners Jewish tournaments. The service listed Yoni Newton with his wife Rachel and their three are the finalists in each state judged to have as the 10th leading scorer on the continent sons: Joseph, Grade 3; Gabriel, Grade 1; and the strongest combination of accomplish- in 2014-15. Micah. Jessica Klibaner-Schiff '25 and her friend Naama Forman '18 during the PTA's annual End-of-the-Year Bash. IXTH IN THE CHIDON Elad Jes- selsohn ’18 finished sixth in the S country in this year’s Chidon HaTanakh high school competition. Elad said he was pleased with the results, and expects to compete again next year. He expressed appreciation to Rabbi Yaakov Jaffe of the Upper School limudei kodesh faculty, who serves as coach of the students taking part in the Bible contest. Other Maimonides qualifiers who took part in the finals were two members of the sophomore class, Dina Cohn and Eitan Jeselsohn, and Joshua Schoenberg, Grade 8.

NHANCING LIBRARY COLLECTION The family of Rabbi David and Mrs. E Tzipporah Jacobs, z”l, has donated 16 volumes from the couple’s collection of books on art to Maimonides School’s Levy Library. The gift includes profiles of the artists El Greco, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Chagall, Van Gogh, Shahn and O’Keeffe, as well as Treasury of American Design and The Ketubah: Jewish Marriage Contracts Through the Ages. Rabbi and Mrs. Jacobs were the 8