KOL RAMBAM

Spring 2010 • rŠyz oeiq-oqip

ENTHUSIASM, ACCLAIM GREET NEW ACADEMIC LEADERSHIP TEAM Enthusiasm and applause from all cor- Altshuler will return to his home in the values of our school, have the admin- ners of the School commu- this summer after four years as principal. istrative and pedagogical skills we need, nity greeted the May 17 announcement Mrs. Boroschek, who brings more than 40 and want to write the next chapter of the that Rabbi Yaakov Jaffe and Mrs. Judith years of experience as a teacher, admin- Maimonides story with us,” said Jeffrey Boroschek will assume leadership of the istrator, educational trainer and consul- Swartz, chair of the school’s Board of Upper and Middle Schools on July 1. tant, will serve as general studies princi- Directors, in a May 17 letter to the school Rabbi Jaffe, a high school Judaic studies pal. She will succeed Ken Weinstein, who community. teacher and department chair who also has been named principal of Marblehead Rabbi Jaffe has taught , Tanach serves as mara d’atra of the Maimonides High School. and psychology during his two years at kehillah, will succeed Rabbi Yair Altshuler Rabbi Jaffe and Ms. Boroschek are “edu- Maimonides, and chairs the Upper School as principal of Judaic studies. Rabbi cational leaders who are committed to Continued on page 2

CHIDON HaTANAKH: ONE CHAMPION REJOICES, ANOTHER REFLECTS 2009 Champion Becomes 2010 2010 national Champion International Finalist Alexander Kahan ’13 didn’t seriously weigh Menachem Schindler ’11 has returned the possibility of winning the National Bible from Israel, where he had the expe- Contest until he discovered that his score rience of a lifetime. Not only did the in the regional competition was one of Maimonides School junior compete in the highest nationwide. Indeed, it wasn’t a the International Chidon HaTanakh, fin- consideration even while immersed in the ishing fifth overall and second among two-and-a-half hour national test on May Diaspora candidates, but he also spent 9 at the in Manhattan. two weeks with his fellow contestants “I didn’t realize I had a chance of winning meeting dignitaries, reuniting with family A beaming Alexander Kahan until all the entries were in and they were and exploring the country. with Menachem Schindler after counting up the scores,” he recalled, add- announcement of the results of Yet, back at Maimonides, he was still the national Chidon HaTanakh. ing, “I knew I had done well.” Menachem Schindler: soft-spoken, hum- That’s an understatement. The fresh- ble, discerning. the international Chidon. This is no easy man from Brookline, competing in his “I think it’s important that this shouldn’t feat. Competitors spend months in prep- third Chidon HaTanakh U.S. finals, was be just about me,” he said. “Everyone aration, immersing themselves in several the top scorer among high school com- should take inspiration from this. Other books of the Tanakh that are designated petitors, automatically qualifying for the people should find value in learning for the exam. Questions are challeng- 2011 international Chidon in Israel on Yom and seek their own ways of incor- ing and sophisticated, requiring detailed HaAtzma’ut 2011. porating it into their lives.” knowledge and understanding. Can anybody say “dynasty?” This is the sec- Menachem’s great adventure began a For Menachem, the challenge included ond straight year a Maimonides student year ago when he won the National Bible lifelong benefits. “I view Tanakh as a has won the national contest. Last year’s Contest and automatically qualified for Continued on page 5 Continued on page 5  PROJECT SHALOM A SMORGASBORD OF CHESED OPPORTUNITIES Project Shalom has been a Maimonides Boxford, a non-profit working horse farm you pick up those heavy feet, you have to School trademark of chesed in the on the North Shore that helps children let it know, ‘I’m doing this for you.’ You Greater Boston community for more and adults with physical, emotional, and have to listen to each other.” than a generation. Each learning disabilities. “It was The Windrush assignment was “such a January, Maimonides such a cool opportunity to great experience for me,” said Avigayil. seniors begin a five-month go back to it,” Avigayil said. She said she learned not only from the weekly commitment to “I was a little apprehensive staff and the patients but also from many hospitals, homeless shel- because I hadn’t been on of the adult volunteers, and hopes to vol- ters, pre-schools, nursing horses for so many years. unteer again in the summer. She also is homes and social service But they completely train excited about her upcoming year learning agencies. you and help you out.” at Emunah v’Omanut in Israel. “I heard Among other popular des- Windrush offers not only they do some kind of chesed with horses.” tinations for members of physical therapy but also Sarah Diamond and Adina Blaszkowsky the Class of 2010 were the psychological counseling, were Project Shalom volunteers at the Tenacity center in Brighton, Avigayil Kelman ’10 as “riders get so much out Boston Higashi School in Randolph, which focuses on life skills of it in self-confidence,” which employs a unique methodology to and instruction for inner-city Avigayil pointed out. “Watching people address the needs of autistic children. youths; Combined Jewish Philanthropies’ work through their fears and try new “They get the kids running at the begin- literacy project; and the things they didn’t think they’d be able to ning of the day. That uses extra energy Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to achieve is really awesome.” and makes them more focused,” Sarah Animals. Two Mock Trial team veterans Patients at Windrush ride with a partner; explained. “So at the beginning of the served in the Middlesex County district volunteers like Avigayil walk alongside day we jogged with the kids.” Sarah attorney’s office, where their coach is a or lead them. “The goal is that they can said they began prosecutor. learn to steer themselves. You talk with as observers, then Avigayil Kelman blazed a different them in ordinary conversations and give worked one-to-one trail. Avigayil says she always has loved them information they might need.” She with children in areas horses. As a child, she learned to ride and also was called upon to groom horses, such as computer attended horsemanship camps. As the bring them to and from destinations, time. “They try to do demands of her Maimonides schedule saddle the animals, clean and polish tack everything together, intensified, there was little time left for and leather, and other odd jobs. which means that this pursuit. “It’s such a partnership to be with a horse,” they need a lot of Then Project Shalom reopened this won- Avigayil explained. “You have to each aides helping,” she derful window in her life. She learned know your space and your boundaries in said. “We had to gain from a neighbor in Lynn about Windrush order for it to be a successful relationship. some confidence in Sarah Diamond ’10 Farm Therapeutic Equitation in bucolic There’s also the caretaking aspect. When ourselves, so the teachers trust you more. Once they do, you really get to help.” New Leadership Team Ms. Boroschek has served as a class- “The best part of my day was chorus Continued from page 1 room teacher, academic department practice, and they were singing ‘We Are Tanach Department. He has published chair, and high-level administrator in the World.’ I have a connection with a wide range of scholarly articles and some of the area’s top public school music, and to see how much work these served as director of the Jewish Agency’s districts. Currently she is one of the lead- kids put into this was amazing,” related National Bible Contest (which he won ing instructors in a licensure program for Sarah, who added, “I always connect as a high school student). He gradu- school supervisors and directors. She is a with kids.” ated magna cum laude from Columbia, graduate of Washington University in St. She is planning to return to the Higashi majoring in English, and earned mas- Louis and the Harvard Graduate School campus for an upcoming celebration ter’s degrees in Bible and Jewish history of Education. that will culminate months of work. “I’ve and an M.S. in Jewish secondary educa- Also joining the administrative team will seen the process,” she said. “Now I want tion from . He was be Rabbi Dov Huff ‘00, as assistant prin- to see the end.” ordained in 2006 by YU’s Rabbi Isaac cipal of the Upper and . Project Shalom, Sarah observed, pro- Elchanan Theological Seminary and is Rabbi Huff is currently Grade 8 dean and vided her with a sense of responsibility working on his Ph.D. in curriculum and a Judaic studies teacher in the Middle and empathy. “It was a glimpse into teaching of Halachah. School. what the future’s going to be like.”  GRADUATE’S LOVE OF TEACHING BENEFITS BROOKLYN TODDLERS Debbie Levine was enrolled in Brighton High dent at Maimonides School, she remembers the friendship and School when she spent a summer at Camp support of her classmates and their parents, who showed her Yavneh more than 40 years ago. She returned constant hachnasat orchim throughout her high school years. The to Boston with a new level of religious obser- particular encouragement of two of her limudei kodesh teachers, vance—and a personal mission to enroll in Rabbi Abraham Goldreich and Rabbi Isaiah Wohlgemuth, stands Maimonides School as a sophomore. out in her mind as instrumental to her success as a new student With the support of her parents, Daniel and at Maimonides. ”There’s no doubt in my mind that the interac- Beatrice Levine, and the guidance of her tions and experiences that I had at Maimonides have had a sig- neighbors and friends, Rabbi Abraham and nificant impact on who I am today. I am honored to be able to Debra (Levine) Sylvia Halbfinger, she was accepted. pay it forward to the Jewish community of tomorrow.” Greenbaum ‘72 Today, Debbie Levine Greenbaum is among those charting the future of Jewish education in the U.S. She is the director of Early Childhood at Brooklyn’s Yeshivah of Mazal tov to… Flatbush, overseeing a staff of 70 teachers and specialists and 23 Ethel Chaya (Leder) ‘66 and Feiwel Igel on the birth of their granddaughter, Avigayil Bannett. classes of children between the ages of two and five years. Dr. Sharon Galper ’84 and Dr. Shammai Grossman on the birth of their son. “When I began in Jewish education, I was amazed by how seam- Elise and Dr. Michael Wiener ’84, who were honored recently by their shul, Westville less a match it was for me,” she says with a reminiscent smile. “This of New Haven, CT. field is a perfect way to combine my lifelong interest in young Shari (Morgan) ’88 and David Katz ’88, who were honored recently by their shul, children with my love for perpetuating the essence of .” Young Israel of Sharon. Jewish education, Debbie finds, “is constantly evolving. The Adina Bloomberg ’93 on her marriage to Aviv Melese. , Early Childhood, is an exciting, hands-on and Batsheva Halberstam ’93 and Dr. Yoav Spiegel on the birth of their son, Ethan Zev. engaging program. We provide the children with opportunities to Timna (Taube) ’95 and Erez Glambosky on the birth of their son, Yehoshua discover, explore, experience and understand the world around Yitzchok. them. We pride ourselves on our Hebrew immersion program— Rachael (Gelfman) ’97 and Rabbi Michael Schultz ’97 on the birth of their son, Yotam Yosef. Ivrit b’Ivrit—which is integral to our educational philosophy.” Israela (Levine) ’99 and Mayer Kahan on the birth of their daughter, Amira Celia. Mrs. Greenbaum earned an undergraduate degree in Judaic Caryn (Litt) ’99 and Yaakov Wolfe on the birth of their daughter, Eva Rose. Studies at YU’s Stern College for Women and taught in supple- Dr. Raphi Wald ‘99, who recently received his doctor of psychology degree from the mental Hebrew schools and day schools across the , University of Hartford. but, she recalls, “I felt something was lacking.” So she earned a Rabbi Shmuel Segal ’00 on his engagement to Leah Kanner. master’s degree in Early Childhood Education at Wheelock Shayna (Schafer) ’00 and Ruby Yarmush ’00 on the birth of their daughter, Aderet College. “It was a phenomenal experience—I loved every class Moriah. and grew from every interaction.” Noam ’02 and Sara Sendor on the birth of their daughter. She decided to pursue a career in Jewish education because “I felt Sara Gale ’03 on her engagement to Keith Weinberg. drawn to help establish foundations for lives dedicated to Torah Alana Gendelman ‘03 on her engagement to Landon Berns. and mitzvot and to foster a love for Am Yisrael and Medinat Yisrael. Ilan Mizrahi-Arnaud ’03 on his engagement to Donna Ackermann. It’s so important to guide our children and raise them to be essen- Ahuva (Robinson) ’04 and Joshua Sclair on the birth of their son, Aaron Joseph. tial parts of the Jewish and secular communities in which we live, Joshua Gendelman ‘05 on his engagement to Hannah Rosenthal. and that, more than anything else, is why I am here.” Maya Krohn ’06 on her engagement to David Joyandeh. Mrs. Greenbaum began her preschool teaching career at Gan Torah, the precursor to Torah Academy in Brookline, and then Condolences to… Ruth Poritz ‘77, Naomi Schechter ‘77, Dr. Sara Abromson-Leeman ‘71, accepted a position as a four-year-olds’ teacher at Yeshivah of Deborah Abromson Hannoucene ‘73, Dr. Miriam Ladell ‘69, Daniel Poritz ’11, Flatbush in 1986. Later she taught five-year-olds before being Aaron Schechter ‘10, Avi Schechter ‘13, Dena Pearlman ’02, Joshua Poritz named director of Early Childhood in 2004. ‘03 and Leia Poritz ‘07, on the loss of their beloved father and grandfather, William “I’ve furthered my education throughout my career,” she points Abromson, z”l. out, and indeed has earned a second master’s degree in admin- Cheryl (Rabinovici) Epstein ’72 on the passing of her beloved husband, Dr. David Epstein, z”l. istration and supervision, been licensed in special education and Hadassah (Shonfeld) Tatelman ’67, Jonathan Tatelman ’90, Orit Brueckheimer certified by “All Kinds of Minds.” Now she is pursuing a degree in ’96 and Atarah Hedvat ’97 on the loss of their beloved mother and grandmother, Mrs. children’s reading and literacy. “Every year, there’s more to learn Chana Shonfeld, z”l. Mrs. Shonfeld was the beloved wife of Cantor Abraham Shonfeld, and more ways to help the children grow. It’s central to my work, former Maimonides School teacher. and to the work of any teacher, to constantly seek methods of Yehezkiel Gluzband ‘77 and Rivka (Gluzband) Mascoop ‘81 on the loss of their improving the preschool experience for every child,” she said. beloved father, Eli Gluzband, z”l. Debbie and her husband Yitzchak have four grown children and Jocelyn Gordon ’78 on the loss of her beloved father, Bernard Gordon, z”l. eight grandchildren. When she thinks back to her time as a stu- Dr. Jeffrey Mael ‘88 on the passing of his beloved father, Dr. M. Sidney Mael, z”l. ALUMNI  ACCOLADES FOLLOW NEW AND IMPROVED SPECIAL VISITORS’ DAY “Visitors were treated to interactive classrooms, dynamic lessons, and the ability to experience a day with their student courtesy of our caring faculty,” said Elementary School Principal Rabbi David Saltzman. “Our visitors were quite appreciative of the daily effort exerted by our staff to ensure that Maimonides remains a comfortable, fun, and excit- ing place to learn and grow,” added Assistant Principal Reena Slovin. Middle School Mosaic was designed “to Ms. Rebecca Fisher conducts the give Maimonides Middle School grand- Elementary School Orchestra. parents and special visitors a small taste of the myriad of student activities and pursuits that are nurtured within our Halle Kahan, Grade 3, shares halls,” said Rabbi Avi Bossewitch, Middle a classroom lesson with School director. SCHOOL COMMUNITY grandmother Anne Kahan. “Our school's Chidon HaTanach finalists, MOURNS PASSING OF Newsbowl participants and math team Maimonides School’s expanded and members answered quiz show questions upgraded Grandparents and Special 45-YEAR DIRECTOR in their respective domains, followed Visitors Day has engendered a burst of The Maimonides School Community by presentations in Hebrew and Arabic positive feedback. mourns the passing of Mr. William from foreign language students,” he Abromson, z”l, long-time parent, grand- Some 175 guests visited the school said. “Other students read their origi- for the annual event on May 14, Rosh parent, volunteer leader and benefac- nal poetry composed in Mrs. Samuels' tor, whose family involvement with the Chodesh Sivan. They connected with class and displayed their artwork, Shevet children in the classrooms, enjoyed a school spans seven decades. catered luncheon, and were treated to Mr. Abromson served as an active mem- music by the Elementary School orches- ber of the Maimonides Board of Directors tra and chorus, as well as fourth-grade for some 45 years. He followed in the dancers and a d’var Torah delivered footsteps of his father, Harry Abromson, by Grade 5 student David Kotler. who was chair of the School Committee Those highlights were consistent with and an officer of the school in the 1940s the itineraries of more than a dozen past and ‘50s. Grandparents Days. This year’s event, William Abromson was a regular partici- however, also included a number of new pant in Board meetings through 2005, features, including: after which he joined the reconstituted • An informal opening session during Board of Trustees. The father of five which grandparents and other visi- Maimonides graduates, he was a tire- tors could relax and meet each other. Second grader Batya Rose with less advocate for alumni involvement, including representation on the Board. • Elementary School class sessions grandparents Charlie and Bernice. Mr. Abromson for many years handled tailored to include and enlighten Degel projects, Beit Hamikdash projects, all of the school’s property and liability visitors. and shtenders that they built.” The pre- insurance through his business. • “Middle School Mosaic,” composed sentation was opened with words of The school family extends condo- of a series of presentations, question- Torah from Student Council co-presi- lences to Mr. Abromson’s daughters, Dr. and-answer sessions and vignettes dent Adam Katzman. Sara Abromson-Leeman ‘71, Deborah about the program, philosophy and Administrators applauded the efforts of Abromson Hannoucene ‘73, Dr. Miriam achievements in Grades 6-8. teachers who planned lessons and pre- Ladell ‘69, Ruth Poritz ‘77, and Naomi • Afternoon opportunities for learn- sentations “which would be engaging Schechter ‘77, and his grandchildren, ing, with presentations by two Upper and interesting for an audience which including Joshua Poritz ‘03, Leia Poritz School faculty members, Rabbi Yaakov spanned many generations coming from ‘07, Aaron Schechter ‘10 and Avi Jaffe and Mrs. Roberta Wright. diverse backgrounds.” Schechter ‘13.  “CRITICAL FRIENDS” ARE BUILDING TEACHER TRANSPARENCY “Critical friends group” sounds like some Barry Ehrlich, director of curriculum and “I’m looking forward to having a cadre of kind of reality program on the Lifetime instruction . “Everybody benefits.” people trained so they can be catalysts channel. But for Maimonides School “Critical friends groups are only one for teachers to be reflective about their teachers and administrators, the term piece of what it means to have a profes- own practice,” Mr. Ehrlich said. represents the beginning of a height- sional learning community,” Mr. Ehrlich “Teaching can be a very isolated, private ened effort at building a true profes- noted. “There are many things that can experience,” he observed. One result of sional learning community. support teachers in their own growth.” the critical friends experience is “bring- These small groups of teachers look at stu- The term professional learning commu- ing greater transparency to what goes on dent and educator work, giving feedback nity describes a collegial environment in the classroom, so teachers can benefit on dilemmas, asking tough questions, in which administrators and staff share from collaboration and reflection. The and gathering multiple perspectives. a vision, work and learn collaboratively, research shows that, with this kind of Here at Maimonides a group of Middle visit each other’s classrooms, and partici- dialogue, student learning increases.” School teachers has been operating in pate in decision-making. This is part of a schoolwide effort to this way since the winter, meeting once Mr. Ehrlich was the group’s first facilita- support teacher growth. Last winter a every three weeks or so. “It’s a structured tor, then handed the reins to Rabbi Avi number of teachers attended a one-day way for teachers to receive meaningful Bossewitch, Middle School director. Next, workshop on approaches to building a feedback. It’s a wonderful process,” says teachers will manage the conversations. professional learning community.

Schindler Continued from p. 1 those people so dedicated to Tanakh,” Kahan Continued from p. 1 part of Torah just as integral to learn as Menachem reflected. “There wasn’t any champion, junior Menachem Schindler, Gemara, Mishnah and Halacha,” he said. competitive rivalry to speak of. It was an finished fifth in Jerusalem on April 20. “It’s the base for all those things, and the atmosphere of cooperation.” Returning to school, he helped coach the basis for all our ethics, all our morals, all Following the Chidon, the finalists spent 12 Maimonides qualifiers and accompa- our values as Jews.” the next few days touring, including nied the delegation to New York. “I could After months of study, he arrived in Israel three days in the Galil and some time really feel his influence in helping me,” on April 11. During the week all the con- with a youth military program. The Alexander said. testants took a written exam. Then the atmosphere, Menachem said, was even When the results were announced, “It was winners from 16 countries outside Israel warmer than before. There was no post- pretty amazing and exhilarating,” said were narrowed to six in a public match Chidon animosity. Alexander, who donned a Red Sox cap at a kibbutz. Menachem emerged tied Returning to Maimonides, he said teach- as soon as he finished the test. “Everyone for second. “I definitely felt pressure,” he ers and students have been more than was cheering—Menachem was ecstatic.” acknowledged, “but I wouldn’t say it was happy to help him catch up with the During the week before the test, overwhelming.” academic workload. Alexander and the other Maimonides Menachem spent Shabbat with his aunt Graduation is still more than a year away, qualifiers undertook an intense review of and uncle. Sunday the finalists met dig- but Menachem is already thinking about the material “There was a lot of pressure,” nitaries and Monday was more or less a the future after Maimonides. He said he acknowledged, adding, “but I always dress rehearsal at the theater. a chesder yeshiva that includes service find I perform well under pressure.” The culmination took place on April in the Israel Defense Force is a distinct The exam, entirely in Hebrew, covered 20—Yom HaAtzma’ut—in the Jerusalem possibility. As an undergraduate, “I’m all of Bereishit and Shmuel Aleph, as Theatre, on live television. The crowd interested in history and the liberal arts. well as much of Yechezkel and Tehillim. included Menachem’s brother and sis- I’m thinking of majoring in political sci- Contestants navigated 119 questions ter-in-law and several Maimonides ence. It’s a very broad major that can be over two rounds, and there were a few alumni. He said he actually found the applied to many professions.” additional questions for the finalists. whole scene relaxing. “Everyone was “I view myself in a Torah U’Madda way,” “That’s not nearly as much as I’ll have able to keep focused; there was a lot he stated. “I learn Torah whenever I can to know for next year,” said Alexander, more pressure beforehand. When the and at the same time try to excel in the who already is thinking about how to contest started, this was our comfort secular world.” handle the time commitment that ade- zone—studying Tanakh.” Reflecting on the past year, Menachem quate preparation will require. He feels During the run-up to the finals, contes- observed, “It’s great to have a deep the experience with the national Chidon tants shared study space and quizzed understanding of Tanakh. Only then can will be enormously helpful. “I’m going to each other. “Actually, that was one of you have a deep understanding of our be able to understand much better.” He the most rewarding parts—to meet all ethics and morals, and of a Jewish iden- added that he hopes to stay connected tity.” with the Mock Trial team as well.  PRACTICING LAWYER IN ISRAEL NOW TEACHING AT MAIMONIDES The Hebrew language is union mediator—and also convince one person at a time. If you can “the glue for the Jewish heard from Galit Grutman, show someone the true picture, you did People,” says Maimonides Hebrew language coordi- something good in your life. My biggest Middle and Upper School nator at Maimonides, and reward is when I hear from a student and teacher Refael Fadlon. He former Elementary School how he or she responded.” emphasizes to his Hebrew Principal Stuart Klammer. Mr. Fadlon said he hopes to earn a doc- students that “through our “Thank G-d I was accepted torate in education, but is wary of losing whole history, Hebrew is the at Maimonides,” Mr. Fad- the classroom experience. connection among Jewish lon said, even though he “I really cannot see myself not teaching,” communities all over the didn’t have formal training he said. “The minute I come to class I world, and will keep us as as an educator. Since then forget everything else.” And it makes all brothers. It is part of our Refael Fadlon he has completed a three- the difference being at a school like Mai- identity.” year program leading to a monides. “It’s a connection to Israel, and I Mr. Fadlon, who worked as an attorney teacher’s certificate. He also is Hebrew couldn’t be in America without it.” in Israel, is finishing his fifth year on coordinator for Hebrew College’s Proz- the Maimonides Ivrit faculty. He also dor supplementary education program, teaches three sections of Israel advocacy where he mentors the teachers in Ivrit. to members of the senior class. Mr. Fadlon regards his Hebrew classes as SCHOOL’S 10TH YOM As a child, Mr. Fadlon lived in the ancient part of an interdisciplinary experience at IVRIT A BIG SUCCESS city of Lod in central Israel. His parents Maimonides. “Everything I teach, I try to were refugees from Libya. He graduated show a connection to Judaism, to Israel,” Yom Ivrit, a celebration of Maimonides from Hebrew University with a degree he explained. “I see it as my mission that students’ Hebrew language skills, was in law. As a college student, he worked when someone graduates from my class, a huge success, according to Galit as a volunteer counseling young people he or she knows more than just Hebrew.” Grutman, the school’s director of Hebrew language. Mrs. Grutman applauded the removed by court order from troubled The weekly advocacy classes are 15 Hebrew teachers for investing time homes. “That’s what kept me interested designed to prepare Maimonides seniors and creativity, as well as the entire fac- in education” as a career, he said. for the anti-Israel activity and sentiment ulty for its involvement. Mr. Fadlon practiced law in Israel for four they can expect to encounter on most years, often representing hospitals and college campuses. “Our kids don’t have This was the 10th annual Yom Ivrit, insurance companies in malpractice cases. the tools to respond to some of that,” which took place May 12 in the Upper “It was very intense every day,” he recalled. he said. “They don’t know how to deal and Middle Schools and May 13 in the “It was hard to face the people who suf- with what often are lies. We try to give Elementary School. The theme of the cel- fered, whatever the reason for it.” them basic information, how to respond ebration was Yerushalayim, to mark the 43rd anniversary of the city’s reunification His wife Rachel, originally from Ohio, sug- to specific allegations that have been this week. Students at each level rotated gested living in the U.S. Mr. Fadlon saw it repeating themselves since the ‘60s.” among a variety of stations, staffed by as an opportunity for a career change. His advice is not to try to confront the Ivrit teachers with assistance from Judaic In Boston he received a job offer as a entire anti-Israel culture, but rather “to and general studies faculty. Each station provided opportunities to speak and lis- ten to Hebrew in practical situations. The cast of the “I walked around the school, and students Drama Club’s 2010 performance, told me this was the best day ever—and a compendium they really appreciate the work by their of one-act plays teachers,” Mrs. Grutman said. Among the called “Flip”: from left, Yael Koevary most popular stations was “Cafe Dilemma” ‘10, Yardaena in Room U-1, where students enjoyed Milgram ‘11, Leah light refreshments and attempted to Ellenbogen ‘10, Eitan Kahn ‘12, solve challenges facing Jerusalem in 15 Leora Nouriel minutes. Other stations ranged from sto- ‘10, Stephanie ries, virtual tours and games to crafts and Guedalia ‘10, written testimonies on connections to the student director, and Naftali city. One activity featured letter-writing to Ehrenkranz ‘12. President Obama (in English) supporting a unified Jerusalem.  LOTs TO DIGEST DURING LUNCH AT BRENER BUILDING This spring, lunch in the Brener Building for There’s a smaller gathering every week in the Maimonides Elementary School students has office of Lois Lange, who has been the social been much more than washing, eating, con- worker in the Elementary School for almost 35 versation and bentsching. Lunch, says Rabbi years. “Lunches with Lois” are opportunities David Saltzman, Elementary School principal, for students to share what one fourth-grade is “a whole enterprise.” girl called “issues and problems.” Rabbi Dr. Joseph B. Soloveitchik, lŠvf Racheli Amar and Sara Garber, Bnei Akiva “I meet with students at various grade levels Founder shlichot, conduct half-hour Shulchan Ivrit ses- in small groups at lunch time on Mondays, Rabbi M.J. Cohn, lŠf sions for Grades 1–5 on Mondays, Thursdays Wednesdays and Thursdays,” Mrs. Lange Principal Emeritus and Fridays. The informal, relaxed opportu- related. “We meet to encourage positive social- Rabbi David Shapiro nities to speak and understand Hebrew are ization as well as to discuss and solve problems popular among students—for reasons that that come up at school among friends. These are obvious when you look around the room. lunches help me get to know the students bet- Jeffrey B. Swartz Chair, Board of Directors Two days before Yom Yerushalayim, a couple ter and to understand how they feel about their dozen fourth graders found some comfort- relationships in school, plus we have a lot of Abraham Levovitz, lŠf able lunchtime seating in the classroom—on fun!” Attendance is voluntary, she added. President Emeritus the rug, on cushioned milk crates, alongside A quartet of delighted second graders played the windows. As they finished eating, the a card game with Mrs. Lange as they finished Nathan Katz ’73 shlichot led them in Hebrew songs and games eating one day in May. “I am happy to be with Executive Director celebrating Jerusalem. Mrs. Lange because, if you have a fight at Mike Rosenberg Rabbi Dovid Reisman meets with students in recess, you can talk stuff out and forgive each Editor his classroom every Monday for a session of other,” said Batya Rose. “If we have problems, Erica Schultz Grade 5 Mishnah Munchies. “We haven’t done she can really help us solve them,” added Eden Designer Mishnah in quite a while,” Rabbi Reisman said. Kohane. “Sometimes when you don’t have a “We started out with Mishnah. Eventually I friend where you sit, you can come here,” said Tamara Kesselman Director of Admissions began to see that this was an opportunity to Daniella Bessler. address a range of issues and concerns with The lunch room is a social laboratory of sorts Middle & Upper School students—things we can’t seem to find the on “Mix-It-Up Wednesdays.” Students are time to talk about in class.” Rabbi Yair Altshuler assigned seats at each session (first and sec- Principal These topics can range from unique aspects ond grades, then grades 3, 4 and 5) so they Ken Weinstein of Jewish history to “how best to enjoy your can get to know some new faces. Principal, General Studies life, from a Jewish perspective.” It’s a voluntary Lunchtime also is special for dozens of par- program, but the fifth graders “pack the room” Rabbi Avi Bossewitch ticipants in Elementary School choruses, Middle School Director each Monday, Rabbi Reisman said. “Often we who meet weekly with their music specialist, have to bring in extra chairs.” Rebecca Fisher, for rehearsals and songs. Elementary School Rabbi David Saltzman Principal

Fourth grade girls join Lois Lange, Reena Slovin Elementary School social worker, Assistant Principal for lunch in her office.

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ote Thirty-eight Grade 1 students took part in Maimonides School’s 2010 Mock Trial season & N s s one of Maimonides School’s most signif- came to an end with a top-level legal battle For the 27th time in the last 29 years, w icant milestones recently: the Chagigat laced with a dose of irony. The Maimonides e the Upper School Math Team quali- HaSiddur. The children’s presentation, team faced off against Sharon High School

N fied for the New England Association directed by HaMorah Rosalie Koblick, in the first round of the 16-team regional of Mathematic Leagues Invitational featured a “musical melodies program” tournament. These two teams competed for Tournament. The “M-Stats” finished focusing on the class, tefillah and the the state championship almost a year earlier, second in the Small School Division alphabet. Teachers, parents, grandpar- with Maimonides winning an extremely close at the Massachusetts Association of ents, siblings and friends filled the Brener match. This time the tables were turned, as Mathematics Leagues Invitational Building auditorium for the ceremonies. Sharon prevailed in another impressive con- Tournament on April 9, thus qualify- In his Dvar Torah, Rabbi David Saltzman, test that was as close as could be. ing for the New England finals, where principal, told the children, “This is really they finished sixth. Team members just the beginning of your future tefillot The “Pink Ponies,” Elementary School Pillo- were seniors Zachary Avigan, Eliezer and your relationship with Hashem. Take Polo champions for 2010, gave the faculty Mendelev and Daniel Yahalom, juniors the accomplishments of today and bring team all it could handle during the annual stu- Yitzi Snow and Ezra Wyschogrod, and them to the next level.” dent-teacher showdown in Fox Gymnasium. freshman Lior Ramati. The faculty prevailed, 3-1, but didn’t score its Senior Bella Rumshiskaya recently received a Rose Ruderman Scholar Award, estab- insurance goal until there were three seconds lished by the Combined Jewish Philanthropies Initiative for Day School Excellence and remaining. Twenty-four student teams com- the Ruderman Family. The award honors a student in his or her last year of each area peted in this year’s competition, sponsored Orthodox day school who exemplifies the values of caring and compassion that Mrs. by the Physical Education Department. Fifth Ruderman embodied. graders on the championship team were Naveh Antelman, Ariana Gewurz, Yisrael Dov Goldberg, Joshua Gruen, Gabriella Jacobson Second graders, and Annika Tarlin. from left, Ilana Leybzon, Two dozen Upper School students took part Shireen Davidson and in the sixth annual Poetry Slam April 22 Maya Weinberg on the Levy Library stage. Students recited conduct works of many genres, by well-known writers research on the as well as original compositions. The event sequence of the Aseret HaDibrot was organized by library media specialist as part of an Sara Ravid, the literary magazine staff, and its Erev Shavuot faculty advisor, Jonathan Hartt of the English learning session. Department. The Middle School held its own Poetry Slam event the following week.