Sparkling New Science Labs to Welcome 2012-2013 School Year

KOL RAMBAM

Summer 2012 • aŠryz a`-fenz-oeiq

SPARKLING NEW SCIENCE LABS TO WELCOME 2012-2013 SCHOOL YEAR Maimonides School is marking the 50th existing lab benches— anniversary of its Brookline campus with equipped with gas, plumb- major renovations to the science labora- ing and electric—provided tories. many years of service, but The improvements, scheduled to be com- were approaching the end of pleted by the opening of school Sept. 5, their usefulness,” said David will include not only a new physical learn- Hajian, a principal in the ing environment but also state-of-the- design firm Hajian Architects, art technology. “We are upgrading the the same company that rooms in every aspect,” said Mervin Alge, planned the school’s 2002 Maimonides director of operations. facilities expansion, including the shul. A generous donation by Dr. Selvin Passen, a retired pathologist from “All the existing lab units are Baltimore, is underwriting the majority being replaced with new, of the improvements. Dr. Passen’s gift modern units. The new units is in memory of his wife Sylvia, z”l. Also are multi-angled to allow Posing with some of their tools are Maimonides students who more students to use them spent much the summer augmenting the school’s facilities supporting the project are Maimonides staff: from left, Ariel Goldman ‘15, Yosef Rumshishkiy ‘13, Alon School parents Raphael and Yonit Schorr efficiently,” he said. Kosowsky-Sachs ‘15, Moshe Forman ‘15 and Dani Lerner ‘15. of Brookline and his father Dr. Jacob “In order to increase the Schorr, who lives in Florida. Continued on page 9 Hundreds of former students experienced the room now known as the chemistry and biology lab, at the end of the Upper Robotics on the move in middle school School corridor. That was the original A new after-school concentration in robot- technology, engineering and mathemat- science facility when the Philbrick Road ics for up to eight Maimonides Middle ics. complex opened in September 1962. School students will be introduced this Mr. Rosenstein is building off the success Little will remain that’s familiar. “The academic year. of last school year’s weekly robotics inter- Science teacher Ken Rosenstein proposed est group, one of several chugim offered highlights the one-hour weekly sessions, which were in the Middle School. endorsed by Linda D’Apolito, the school’s “Automation will continue to play an Commencement ‘12 �� 2 new science chair, and Brian Cohen, Upper increasingly important role in all of our Alumnus Profile �� 4 and Middle School assistant principal in lives, whether you write poetry or trade charge of the Middle School. Class Notes �� 5 grain futures,” Mr. Rosenstein observed. Also involved in the planning were Barry “These kids will learn how automation Three Generations �� 6 Ehrlich, director of curriculum and instruc- goes from concept to execution, and Campus Anniversary �� 8 tion, as well as a staff and parent commit- how reality constantly throws monkey Family History ��10 tee working to strengthen what is known wrenches into the mix.” in the educational field as STEM—science, Working in teams of two or more, the stu-

Continued on page 9 1 Maimonides School’s Class of 2012

FAMILIES AND FRIENDS SALUTE CLASS OF 2012 AT GRADUATION

The co-valedictorians of Maimonides way, how to live by them, and how to ates, including Talia of the Class of School’s graduating class lauded their pass them on to the next generation.” 2012. The Epsteins implored parents of alma mater and their classmates, as 50 The school he said, has “imbued within graduates to remain connected to the seniors joined the ranks of the alumni us a holistic sense as to how to lead school. at the school’s 60th commencement on our lives as committed, halachically Judy Boroschek, principal for general June 17. Hundreds of parents, relatives, observant Jews who are simultaneously studies, followed the presentation of teachers and friends filled Judge J. John engaged with the broader world. The diplomas by complimenting the seniors Fox Gymnasium for the culmination of importance of both the nitty-gritty con- for their individual strengths, and for the academic year. crete and the more amorphous abstract their support for each other. “Do not Sarah Ricklan delivered her valedictory within Jewish living is a hallmark of the confuse who you are today with what in Hebrew, followed by Elliot Salinger Maimonides education.” you will become,” she said. “What in English. They were honored together Following the valedictories Annie Davis, is guaranteed is a world of constant because their grade point averages Yonina Frim and Avinoam Stillman, all change and complexity.” were virtually the same. honored for academic achievement, Other members of the Class of 2012 are Sarah described the mixed emotions read excerpts from the works of the Lia Almekies, Benji Berg, Jacob Blitstein, inherent in commencement day, detail- Rambam in Hebrew and English transla- Aaron Brandt, Naftali Ehrenkranz, Yakov ing all of the experiences that she tion. Ellenbogen, Ezra Etzel, Sara Flesh, will miss, from caring teachers to the In his opening remarks, Rabbi Yaakov Eugene Foygelman, Joshua Fried, Jacob closely-knit senior class. But at the same Jaffe, outgoing principal for Judaic stud- Frisch, Hanah Geller, Jamie Goldstein, time, the school has prepared its gradu- ies, referred to a Talmudic principle that Ari Green, Rinatte Gruen, Rachel ates for life. Maimonides, her translated also has been explored in modern psy- Heerter, Emmanuel Iskhakov, Eitan remarks said, “has empowered me to chology – the inability to concentrate Kahn, Avichai Kapach, Benjamin Katz, live in both the secular and the religious on simultaneous sounds. The need for Erez Krimsky and Yeshaya Lazaros. world as the Rav envisioned.” “selective attention” has practical impli- Also, Adin Liss, Jonathan Michaelson, In addition, “Maimonides has given cations for the class, Rabbi Jaffe said. Gabriela Mizrahi-Arnaud, Tess Niewood, me a sense of morality. I have a strong Today’s society is marked by a “confu- Yoni Nouriel, Menachum Polack, Yoel sense of values, a kind of instinct about sion and cacophony of many different Polack, Yael Pomper, Dani Portman, wrong and right… I am equipped with sounds,” Rabbi Jaffe said. The key to Deena Rosenblatt, David Rubenstein, a discerning way of thinking that will making sense of it all is “you find a voice Laivi Salvaggio, Amitai Samuels, Miriam guide me…” and a vision that has meaning and val- Segal, Penina Seigel, Jessica Shrayber, Elliot told the assembly that “The ues that you have learned, to pick out Penina Simkovitz, Elisheva Spellman, Modern Orthodox, Torah U’Madda edu- ideas from among the dissonance.” Yair Strachman, Zack Strunin, Elie cation at Maimonides has taught us Sundel and Hannah Vester. Diplomas were conferred by the co- how to engage with our traditions in an chairs of the Board of Trustees, Beth intellectually and religiously meaningful and Marc Epstein, parents of five gradu-

2 RESEARCH LAUNCHED SCHOOL’S NEW SCIENCE HEAD INTO TEACHING Maimonides School’s new Middle and things worked and why things worked. was in Maine, working with the Maine Upper School Science Department chair And I really believed we already knew Math and Science Alliance,” Mrs. says the fact that she worked as a scien- everything there is to know.” D’Apolito noted. “I worked quite a bit tist before teaching “always has been a She worked in research for several with science literacy, student miscon- strength for me in the classroom.” years, including projects on a subma- ceptions and concept ideas.” Her col- Linda D’Apolito explained that her rine, a large vessel off the Florida cost, league there was Page Keeley, senior background “helps me to keep my stu- in the Bahamas and on Chesapeake Bay. program director and primary author of a dozen books on curriculum and pro- dents excited about learning science, “The research was really fun, really won- fessional development. “It’s the combi- not just a collection of facts. I believe derful. I was doing science for the sake nation of curriculum work and leader- they have to have a strong foundation of knowledge,” she said. Still, she said, ship work that appeals to Maimonides,” in the concepts so they know what “It wasn’t really personally fulfilling. I she noted. the results of their experiments mean. get that feeling from teaching.” I really believe in kids’ doing a lot of “Every single person I’ve met at “I got into teaching when the grant hands-on stuff.” Maimonides has been wonderful,” she money ran out,” she laughed, adding, stated. “I’m really looking forward to Besides her administrative responsibili- “And I loved it right from the very first this.” ties, Mrs. D’Apolito will teach Grade 8 day.” science classes and Upper School chem- After earning college credits in educa- istry. tion, she began teaching in Maryland PHOTOS, clockwise from bottom left: A member of the first Lehigh University Rabbi Zalmen and Freydie Stein are before beginning a 20-year career in the joined by children and grandchildren graduating class that included women, schools of Falmouth, ME, near Portland, at the recent event marking Rabbi Mrs. D’Apolito went on to earn a mas- where she also spent some time as Stein’s retirement after 38 years on the Maimonides faculty. ter’s degree in marine science from the science department chair. A few years University of South Carolina. “Science ago she and her husband moved to the Jeremy Fisher ‘13 greets Rabbi Zalmen is different from when I learned it,” she New York metropolitan area, and “we Stein after speaking during ceremonies. reflected. ”I remember thinking when I both want to get back to New England.” Mrs. Joyce Kosowsky and her was in college that I wanted to go into “I did a lot of curriculum work when I son Jeff ‘81 and daughter-in-law Miriam science because I loved knowing how congratulate retiring teacher Rabbi Zalmen Stein. Four of Mrs. Kosowsky’s children and four grandchildren (so far) are Maimonides alumni.

3 AT TOP OF HIS GAME, ETAN COHEN STAYS FOCUSED ON FAMILY, SHUL Family and community. Etan Cohen ’92 in cinema, Etan is now known as says they keep him focused as he con- “one of Hollywood’s fastest-rising tinues to navigate the highest echelon talents” (Daily Beast) and “one of of the movie industry. the town’s hottest comedy scribes” “I think part of being Orthodox in gen- (Hollywood Reporter). His current eral is an acknowledgement that there project is the screenplay for the are other things that are your priorities forthcoming Ghostbusters 3. besides show biz, or whatever career Etan says it’s difficult for him you happen to be in,” said the screen- to rank his successful movies, writer of the blockbuster Men in Black 3, as “they’ve all been very differ- which has topped $600 million in world- ent experiences …Idiocracy was wide box office totals. very special because it was the “Having a family and being in an obser- first screenplay I ever wrote. vant community can be a hedge against Madagascar Escape 2 Africa was a very cool experience because it something my kids could see. “I think part of being Tropic Thunder was the first time I got to work on a big live-action Orthodox in general is an comedy on a different scale. And Men in Black 3 was the first time I acknowledgement that there got to take control of what they call a franchise, and to work with stars are other things that are your at the level of Will Smith.” Etan Cohen ‘92 with twin daughters Dani, left, and Beverly priorities besides show biz, or “It’s the nature of his job that most of the things you work on are aware that Etan has followed an don’t materialize,” Etan observed. For whatever career you happen to unusual career path without compro- example, a few years ago, a Sherlock mising Jewish observance. “Boston is Holmes comedy he was writing, featur- be in” a very cosmopolitan community and ing Sacha Baron Cohen and Will Ferrell, there are a lot of careers on display,” was abandoned after a competing stu- Etan said. “It is important for kids to getting too caught up in anything,” Etan dio released a similar feature starring understand that you can do things, said. He and his wife Emily have twin Robert Downey Jr. “So you always want especially in the arts and theatrical eight-year-old girls, Beverly and Dani, to hedge your bets by working on a lot fields… It would be a shame if kids and a four-year-old son, Maccabee. “And of things,” Etan said. missed out on something that could they all happen to be at a school called Since arriving in Los Angeles in 1997, really be rewarding just because of the Maimonides” (Academy, near their Etan said he has for the most part suc- fear of what might not be a problem.” home in Los Angeles. cessfully emerged from challenges that Etan said that he started hearing the Their Modern Orthodox shul, result from his level of Jewish obser- skeptics while an undergraduate at Congregation Bnai David, is what Etan vance. “I’m sure I’ve lost a job because of Harvard “when I was thinking of doing calls “a serious tikkun olam communi- it, but on the whole people have been this as a career. I heard from people ty.” There are some familiar faces there, accommodating and positive about it.” inside and outside the industry that including Alex Fax ’88 and former “I’m hoping to direct my first movie over there is no way you can do it and still be Maimonides student Ranon Kent, not the nest year, and we already have had observant. I encourage people to find to mention Etan’s brother Rami ’97 and conversations about a Sunday-Thursday out for themselves.” their parents. schedule,” he said. “There’s a stereotype that people are (“Having your parents a couple of Scheduling was an ongoing challenge always hostile to religion in this field, blocks away keeps things in perspec- with of Men in Black 3 because “produc- and that’s never true,” he asserted. “If tive,” Etan said. “We went to the Men tion was so hectic,” Etan said, noting, you are open and up front about your in Black 3 premiere in New York and I ”They actually changed the schedule for commitment, people tend to respect think I was the only one with my kids a lot of things to accommodate Sukkot it… If I had listened to everyone who and parents and wife on the red carpet so I could write. They respected it as a told me I was a hostile environment that together.”) real boundary that they accommodate.” you couldn’t make work, then I never After more than half a decade of success Many Maimonides high school students would have known for myself.” 4 class notes Contact your class secretary (see Daniel Bloom on his marriage to Elyssa Mazal tov to listings below) to share your news. 1977 Sperber. Raina Rothschild on her marriage to Isaac If you would like to serve as a class Mazal tov to Sara (Popkin) Salzberg on Batia (Charpak) and Steve Bloomenthal Charny. secretary, contact Mike Rosenberg the marriage of her daughter Meira ’04 to on the birth of their son, Avner Moshe Rachel (Deitsch) and Jerome Wilkerson (617-232-4452 x 405, mike@ Rabbi Ben Houben ’03. Abraham. maimonides.org) to volunteer. on the birth of their daughter, Miriam Daniel Toubian, on his marriage to Shaina. 1986 Miriam Kriegel. Meira Salzberg and Rabbi Ben Houben 1958 Contact Josh Garren, joshgarren@ ’03 on their marriage. gmail.com Dr. Eva Kahana has been named 1999 Distinguished University Professor at Case Mazal tov to 2006 Western Reserve University in Cleveland. 1988 Emily (Cohen) and Daniel Jaffe on the Maya (Krohn) Joyandeh has received her The award will be celebrated at the univer- Contact Elka Tova (Menkes) Davidoff, birth of their daughter, Dafna Maytal. master’s degree from the Silver School of sity’s Fall Convocation. Dr. Kahana is Robson (781) 480-4242, [email protected] Social Work a New York University. Professor of Sociology, Humanities, Applied Andrew Michaelson on his marriage to Social Science, Nursing and Medicine and Nara Mousissian. Grandmother is Shari Mazal tov to director, Elderly Care Research Center at 1993 (Berger) Michaelson ’69. Elana Kesselman on her marriage to Case. Mazal tov to Benjamin and Kalia Shimshak on the Adam Arroyo. Paul and Shulamith Hurwitz on the birth birth of their son. Mo Klausner and Rachel Epstein ’07 on 1962 of their daughter, Ruth, named for Paul’s their marriage. grandmother Ruth Einstein, z”l. Mazal tov to Margie (Einstein) and 2000 Ed Hurwitz on the birth of their Dr. Batsheva Halberstam and Dr. Yoav Mazal tov to 2007 Spiegel on the birth of their daughter, granddaughter Ruth, daughter of Paul Noah and Nessa Liben on the birth of their Mazal tov to Rachel Epstein and Mo Rebecca Molly. Batsheva recently ’93 and Shulamith Hurwitz. The baby is son, Shaya Amichai. Klausner ’06 on their marriage. named for Margie’s mother. Ruth Einstein, completed her Ph.D. in clinical psychology. Karen (Schreiber) and Daniel z”l. Mrs. Einstein was a 50-year volunteer Zwillenberg on the birth of their son. leader at Maimonides School. 1995 2008 Dr. Chana Weiner has begun a three-year Mazal tov to Nathan Gilson on his Mazal tov to Yehudit Robinson on her fellowship at Columbia University College marriage to Samantha Luxenberg. 1966 marriage to Samuel Isaac Daitch. of Physicians and Surgeons in pediatric Contact Dr. Tamy (Simon) Chelst, (248) hematology-oncology. 353-2268, [email protected] 1996 2009 Mazal tov to Hanna Rubin on her Mazal tov to 2001 engagement to Yitzy Abramowitz. 1969 Elisha and Sara (Dalezman) Blechner Mazal tov to Mazal tov to ’97 on the birth of their daughter, Yakira Jonathan and Sefi Hefter on the birth of 2011 Shari (Berger) and Ira Michaelson Tova. Grandparents are Mark ’67 and their daughter, Naama Batsheva. on the marriage of their son Andrew ’99 Debbie Blechner. Elan Baskir was among several volunteer Rachel (Sydney) and Michael Lebovich teachers at Chabad Ohr Atid Sunday Torah to Nara Mousissian. Lev and Orah (Weberman) Katz on the on the birth of their daughter, Sophia birth of their daughter, Abigail Mollie. recognized by The St. Louis Jewish Light as David and Joan Solomont on the birth of Emma. Grandparents are Michael and Joy “unsung heroes in our community.” their grandson, to Elizabeth Solomont Nathaniel and Margalit Segal on the birth (Singer) Sydney ’75. ’97 and Philip Levy of their daughter, Avital Rachel. Condolences to… 2002 Paulette Donath ’66, Rosa Drapkin ’67 and 1972 1997 Mazal tov to Jacqueline Fessel ’71 on the loss of their Mazal tov to Marilyn (Zicher) and Mazal tov to: Leah Fenton ’02 on her marriage to beloved mother, Mrs. Freda Holcer, z”l. Michael Kramer on the birth of their Sara (Dalezman) and Elisha Blechner Daniel Abrishami. Leland Gelman ’82, Jonathan Gelman ‘84, granddaughter, Maytal. She is their sixth ’96 on the birth of their daughter, Yakira Haywood Gelman ’86 and Dr. Ruby Gelman grandchild. Merav (Weill) and Ben Galper ’97 on the Tova. birth of their son, Jonathan Alexander. ’89 on the loss of their beloved father, Dr. Harry Gelman, z”l. Ben Galper and Merav (Weill) ’02 on the Eric Horowitz on his engagement to Laura 1974 birth of their son, Jonathan Alexander. York. Nancy (Gorodetzer) Caplan ’76 and Ronald Contact Jay Solomont, (212) 203-0145, Gorodetzer ’80 on the loss of their beloved Rachel (Bromberg) and Larry Leibowitz Dena (Freedman) and David Sichel on [email protected]; or Daniella father, Marvin Gorodetzer, z”l. on the birth of their first child, Brynn Faye. the birth of their daughter. (Peyser) Teutsch, (201) 379-5408, Elizabeth Solomont and Philip Levy on Hanna Rubin ’09 on the loss of her beloved [email protected]. the birth of their son mother, Susan Rubin, z”l, former secretary 2003 in the Maimonides principals’ office. 1975 Mazal tov to Rabbi Ben Houben ’03 and 1998 Meira Salzberg ’04 on their marriage. Mazal tov to Michael and Joy (Singer) Mazal tov to Sydney on the birth of their granddaughter, Sophia Emma. Joseph Aghion and Dr. Zoe Shamash on 2004 the birth of their son, Ezra Moshe. Contact Gabi Lupatkin, (617) 797-5178, [email protected]. ALUMNI 5 THREE-GENERATION FAMILY CHERISHES LIFELONG RELATIONSHIPS Batya (Drapkin) Greene ‘91 is a mem- our having a Jewish education.” Batya, whose two younger children are ber of an exclusive club – Maimonides Rabbi Isaiah Wohlgemuth, z”l, “was the students at Striar, looks forward to more School’s “sandwich generation.” The parent at school for me,” said Rosa. overlapping classroom experiences with 1991 graduate is the daughter of an She began her Maimonides career with other veteran teachers like Rabbi Baruch alumna, Rosa (Holcer) Drapkin ’67. And two Grade 6 teachers, including Rabbi Goldman. her son Adam is entering eighth grade. Wohlgemuth. “He was also the person Relationships with teachers are central There’s a common denominator that who administered the entrance exams to a student’s experience, Rosa said. Batya says she shares with both mother for me and my sisters.” Rosa said that “What stays with you when you’re mov- and son. “The biggest gift that the Rabbi Wohlgemuth “always found some- ing into adulthood is not the page of school gave me is an incredible group thing good to say to every child, and he Gemara or how to figure this or that of friends. The best friends I have are found the good in every child. He was a equation,” she observed. “Years after my friends from Maimonides, and I see very loving teacher.” I graduated from high school I would Adam establishing those connections He also taught Batya and her brother, Dr. go through old notebooks -- pages and with peers in his class. My pages of notes – and found mother feels so connected to that it was all forgotten.” her classmates as well.” “But the kindness that was Batya said she and Adam conveyed, the attitude of were aware of their unique the teachers, their manner three-generation status when of teaching, their attitude he began seventh grade at toward giving an exam Maimonides after attending -- that doesn’t change. You Striar Hebrew Academy near remember if they were there his home in Sharon. to nurture you or find fault.” Friendships developed at Limudei kodesh teachers Maimonides are “something at Maimonides “represent special,” Batya said. “Partly it’s Judaism,” Rosa observed. because of the long days. You “Each is the model of some- spend so many hours together one who believes strongly that those kids really become that all of these things are your extended family. I love of value. Rabbi Wohlgemuth that part of watching Adam – I was the best messenger. He see the seeds of those kinds of taught us respect for other relationships growing.” points of view, with balance Rosa Drapkin ‘67 and Batya Greene ‘91 flank Adam Greene ‘17 Only Robert ’59, Joshua ’89 and no extremism.” and Yaakov Wolff have had the Rabbi Wohlgemuth was Shlomo Drapkin ’88. “He was just such a distinction of being a three-generation highly educated in arts and sciences, and luminary in our family. When I thought Maimonides family. And when Josh and “that gave him a lot more credibility,” about Maimonides School for my chil- Yaakov made aliyah in 2007 (followed by she recalled. “Teachers who were very dren, it was knowing that I was handing his father in 2011), it was back to square educated secularly really had one foot in them off to a person of that caliber.” one. Now another family is about to join each sphere.” “It was a privilege having him as a the ranks (see related story), as twins Rosa also recalled that “he used to run teacher,” Batya agreed. Now she and Aaron and Abraham Banks enter first Shabbat afternoon classes for kids. For Adam also have shared two teachers, grade. Their dad is Dr. Eric Banks ’94 and children to make time on a Shabbos Michael Schockett and Ernest D’Agnelli. their grandfather is Gary Banks ’64. afternoon to study more when they’re Mr. Schockett includes both mother Batya’s mother Rosa was born in Paris carrying such a heavy academic load and son among the 1,700 names of all and enrolled at Maimonides as a sixth speaks volumes.” his former students that he compresses grader in 1960, two years before dedi- onto a single sheet of paper. “It was The relationship between the Holcer/ cation of the new Brookline campus. so strange to be a parent in a parent- Drapkin/Greene family and Maimonides “We had no extended family at all; my teacher conference with my former now spans 42 years -- and counting! parents were Holocaust survivors,” she teacher,” Batya laughed. recounted. “My father was very keen on

6 school, banks family grow exponentially When Gary Banks graduated from English and math in the high school in the Maimonides School with the 12th high early 1960s and Elementary School grades in school class in 1964, there were fewer than the 1980s and ‘90s, after a hiatus to raise her 100 alumni. Now there are almost 1,800 own children. graduates as his grandchildren, Aaron and Gary was active as a Maimonides student Rabbi Dr. Joseph B. Soloveitchik, lŠvf Abraham Banks, prepare to enter grade 1. leader, including speaking at the dedication Founder of the new Brookline campus in September The boys are twin sons of Dr. Eric Banks ‘94 Rabbi M.J. Cohn, lŠf and Dr. Tamar Katz, and their matriculation 1962. “Given that there were only 12 in the Principal Emeritus class, it wasn’t that hard to be a leader,” he seals the school’s second three-generation Jeffrey B. Swartz family. laughed. Chair, Board of Directors Eric and his siblings Stephanie Weintraub ’95 “It doesn’t really dawn on me that my father Abraham Levovitz, lŠf went to Maimonides,” Eric commented. “The and Jonathan ’99 also were involved; Eric was President Emeritus school was tiny then, with only a couple of Student Council co-president in his senior kids inhis class.” year. His wife attended Maimonides in ele- Nathan Katz ’73 mentary school before her family relocated. Executive Director Gary said he entered Maimonides in Grade 7 after attending yeshivot in Malden and His incoming first graders are excited about Mike Rosenberg Chelsea. Eric said he was told that his grand- entering the same school that their parents Editor mother was instrumental in the decision to and grandfather attended, Eric said. But he Naomi Ribner choose Jewish education over public schools isn’t sure that they are old enough to truly Designer recognize the family’s deep roots in the back in the 1950s. Ariella Brunwasser school. Eric promised to make sure his sons One generation later, “My father knew Director of Admissions understand that they had a responsibility to Maimonides. He knew what it was, and he uphold their family’s tradition at Maimonides. knew he wanted his children to have the MIDDLE & UPPER SCHOOL same Jewish education,” Eric said. “I remem- “The truth is that these days there are a lot Rabbi Mordechai Soskil Principal, Judaic Studies ber at one point I asked him if I could go to of options for Jewish education. It’s different than it was for my father and for myself,” Eric public school and he said no chance; ulti- Judith Boroschek said. “But Maimonides, and its hashkafah, is Principal, General Studies mately I’m glad he didn’t listen to me.” the one I know about and feel most comfort- Rabbi Dov Huff ’00 There was one shared Maimonides teacher able with.” Assistant Principal experience—Mrs. Lois Silver, who taught Brian Cohen Middle School Director

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Rabbi David Saltzman Principal

Reena Slovin Associate Principal

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

Comments, questions, and suggestions should be addressed to: Maimonides School Gary, Eric, Aaron and Abraham Banks 34 Philbrick Road Brookline, MA 02445 (617) 232-4452 x405 [email protected] 7 GLEAMING BROOKLINE CAMPUS REACHES ITS GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY One of the most pivotal events in the moving into larger quarters in Roxbury buildings were replete with adjectives history of Maimonides School was its in 1956, Maimonides leadership was like “gleaming” and “magnificent,” and relocation to the first permanent cam- contemplating relocation to a larger, phrases such as “ultra-modern func- pus, in Brookline, 50 years ago this more accessible site, big enough to tion and monumental beauty.” One September. consolidate all the grades and open to article referred to the “million dollar The dedication ceremonies on Sept. expansion. Maimonides School campus in an estate 16, 1962 were historic. Some 2,000 A search committee found the three- setting at Philbrick Road and Boylston acre Fletcher Estate in Street in Brookline, a far cry from the one Brookline, and it was pur- small room in Roxbury where six stu- chased in 1959. Then the dents of the first class enrolled 25 years school launched a $1 mil- ago.” lion building campaign. A more detailed description of the build- Groundbreaking for the ings and grounds accompanied the lead permanent campus took article, and the language was rhapsodic: place in June 1960. Two “A quiet dignity is combined with daring years later, construction architectural concepts in the complex was so close to comple- of educational and administrative build- tion that the Class of 1962 ings of warm red brick, glass walls and held graduation ceremo- sparkling white reinforced concrete.” nies on the new campus. Everything was “set behind a grace- Maimonides, through The ful stuccoed wall that creates a private Jewish Advocate newspa- domain.” per, produced a special “The school’s red brick and glass-walled 12-page tabloid section structures with their series of arch- in conjunction with the domed roofs strike a harmonious bal- dedication. The lead ance of classic dignity and contemporary Construction of the administration building and high school article noted that students design,” the story continued. “Its interior proceeds in 1961. “launch the new academic has the most modern classrooms to be year in facilities which seen anywhere and its language and guests attended, including virtually match in excellence the high quality of science laboratories are regarded by the entire student body and faculty. education which has been maintained educators as ideal for students living in a Dignitaries were led by Rabbi Dr. Joseph by Maimonides from its very first days.” nuclear age.” B. Soloveitchik, zt”l, founder, who placed In its pages, descriptions of the new The shul (called the “chapel” in the arti- mortar on the cornerstone and affixed the mezuzah at the main entrance. That evening, hundreds attended a dedication dinner at the school. The keynote speaker, Brandeis University Founding President Abram Sachar, asserted that Maimonides founders and supporters “were the first to recognize the fallacy of the melting pot concept, and the need for all groups and all peoples to retain and nourish their uniqueness and indi- viduality.” The celebrations actually marked only the first phase in the development of the campus. Two years later students in Grades 1-6 joined their older counter- parts in a new wing. Students enter the sparkling new Maimonides School for the first time in September 1962. Even as the elementary school was

8 SPARKLINg NEW SCIENCE LABS Continued from p. 1

sound qualities and lighting levels in the classroom, an acoustic grid ceiling with new efficient lighting, with occupancy sensors, is being installed between the concrete soffits,” he continued. The tile floor and ventilation system also are being replaced. The new windows and frames will be insulated. A state-of-the-art Panasonic Panoboard will be installed, the latest generation of the so-called “smart boards.” They are whiteboards that interact with the class and the Internet, and are becoming part of the school’s classroom landscape. New equipment includes the latest electronic microscopes. A rear chemical storage Rabbi Dr. Joseph B. Soloveitchik and Dr. Abram Sachar, Brandeis University founding area, renovated in 2002, will remain. president and keynote speaker at the dedication banquet. The adjacent physics lab was added as part of the 2002 expansion. The room was cle) was designed “in modern simplicity,” including a mechitza of “beautifully carved built on top of the gymnasium lobby; a wood.” Capacity was 90 men and 70 women; the school’s total K-12 student popula- common hallway was carved out of a por- tion was 360, with 25 teachers. The story also called attention to the “ultramodern tion of the original science room. sunlit facility for administrative personnel as well as the auditorium and its stage The current project includes a new drop that could be pulled out from the kitchen wall. ceiling, improved lighting and new upper Descriptions included interior lighting, chalkboards, a heating system “complete cabinets for storage in the physics lab. with ductwork and conduits for the addition of an air conditioning system at a later Over on the Middle School side, a “smart date,” and the “magnificent spread of the rolling tree-shaded grounds.” board,” sinks and cabinets were added “The spacious lawns are used for the school recreation programs,” the paper to a classroom to accommodate science reported. “Stately trees, shrubbery, flower beds and fieldstone walls are among the instruction landscaping features… Both the interiors and the exteriors of the facilities were Mr. Alge noted that the former designed to provide an atmosphere of warmth and a timeless solidity.” Elementary School reading room that’s part of the Kurr Study Center on Maimonides School’s Saval Campus is being transformed into what educators are calling a media center. Robotics Among the features are 24 new desktop machine. They will also build several itera- Continued from p. 1 computers and a projector with sound. tions of machines that will turn those This will expand educational opportuni- dents will confront a challenge limited to commands into reality.” ties extending to the entire curriculum, a four-by-eight-foot area, build a machine “Machines do exactly what you tell them Mr. Alge noted. A projector and drop- to solve it, and write programming to to do; they don’t make mistakes. So pro- down screen for classes and presenta- direct the machine. grammers need to be the most articulate tions were added in the adjacent Levy “We will start from square one,” Mr. people on the planet. There is very little Library Rosenstein said. Students will convene in room for error.” Mr. Alge said overall activity to sustain a classroom, where their experience will Mr. Rosenstein hopes the new after- and strengthen the school’s infrastructure be completely hands-on. school offering evolves into a curricular included efforts “to create a little more “The students in this activity will learn component and even a competitive flair in the colors of the school, for a much how to break down what they want to robotics team in the Upper School. “Every more pleasing environment.” happen into small, clear, discrete tasks,” school in the country is screaming that Mr. Rosenstein said. “Then they will learn they’ve got to get more STEM into the how to program those tasks into the curriculum,” he said.

9 GRADUATE’S POWERFUL FAMILY STORY RECOUNTS TRAGEDY, TRIUMPH For Mark Blechner ’67, fading, fragile Europe during World War II. “They went letters and postcards are fragments through the terror, but they never not just of the destruction of European talked to us about it,” Mark said. Jewry, but also of the triumph of human Among the class of 1967, “at least half endurance that elevated his father from of us were children of survivors, and we those depths. took it for granted because our parents Old photographs, maps and artifacts didn’t want to talk about it.” are part of the compelling multi-media Mark’s grandparents and their four sons presentation of the family history that resided in Munich as conditions for Mark presents to audiences of all ages. Jews deteriorated. In 1938, Mark’s uncle Indeed, the story is a microcosm of 20th Leon emigrated to the U.S. His uncle Card announcing liberation Century Jewish history in the Diaspora, Jakob traveled to “neutral” Switzerland and culminates with a commitment to and his uncle Oscar ended up in and the Imperial War Museum in Jewish education in the post-war years. England aboard the S.S. St. Louis, which London. was denied entry to safe ports in the Mark recounted that, after liberation, Western Hemisphere before returning his father returned to Munich and passengers to Europe. attempted to find family members. But Mark’s grandparents were caught Later, an American army officer helped in the Nazi death machine, while his him with an application and he emi- father Salo (later known as Sidney in the grated to the U.S. in June 1946. In New U.S.) was arrested on Sept. 13, 1939 and York, he met his aunt’s step-niece, Toby endured six years in five forced labor Thurm, whose family had fled Europe and concentration camps. in 1937. They were married in 1948 and soon moved to Boston. Through much of that period, Jakob There they joined the volunteer lead- Letter mailed from Switzerland Blechner received postcards from family members, including the final com- ership of the fledgling Maimonides munication from his mother before her School, from which their four children The letters and postcards include a deportation. and five of their grandchildren gradu- message from his grandparents when ated. they legally crossed into Switzerland in Mark said he spent an entire day at 1939, but were sent back to Germany the new Bergen-Belsen commemora- by the Swiss and were subsequently tive exhibit in the spring of 1991, the murdered. Several postcards from first son of a survivor to visit. Yet at Mark’s father somehow managed to that time, all he knew of the family his- get out of Auschwitz to brother Jakob, tory was his father’s liberation. A few living in relative safety during the war months later, “My father gave me two years in Zurich. The entire presentation shoeboxes that had been hidden in can be seen at the website www.blech- his closet. They contained almost 300 ner.com. letters written during the Holocaust, Mark’s 2012 Yom HaShoah presenta- Card mailed from Auschwitz mostly by his mother to her eldest son tions to Maimonides School students Jakob.” last spring demonstrated the impact of Salo Blechner was an inmate in the Assisted by a cousin in England, Mark his content and message. He spoke to Bergen-Belsen camp when the British began the painstaking process of sort- groups in the Elementary, Middle and army arrived on April 15, 1945. Eleven ing, deciphering and transcribing this Upper Schools, and they were engaged days later he sent a postcard to his trove. Meanwhile, he said, his father with each level of presentation. brother in Zurich that began, “Ich Lebe! “suddenly opened up and started to He also described how the Shoah was Das Is Un Wunder Gottes.” (I am alive! It read some of the letters and tell sto- an invisible presence throughout his is a miracle from God). ries of his experience. No matter what 13 years at Maimonides. The princi- That card, along with other Blechner details a certain letter described, the pal, Rabbi M.J. Cohn, and long-time Family artifacts, has been displayed at common thread was the anguish of a teachers Rabbi Isaac Simon and Rabbi the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum family… Videotaping many hours, we Isaiah Wohlgemuth all escaped from tried to capture as much as possible.”

Continued on page 10 10 SCHOOL CELEBRATES ANNUAL CAMPAIGN One of the most successful annual cam- paigns in Maimonides School history closed on June 30 with a total of almost $1.6 million in donations. A special campaign feature was an emphasis on two new giving societies. Both the Rambam Society (donors who give $5,000 and up) and the Atid Circle ($1,000 to $4,999) welcomed dozens of new members. The societies recognize the generosity of donors who make leadership gifts to the school. Members of each society were invited to special Mike Rosenberg shows the framed Celtics jersey to one of the donors, Raphi Savitz events, hosted by donors and featuring ‘96. speakers and entertainment. The Annual Campaign is not just the GRADUATES FIND CREATIVE WAY TO ASSIST school’s central fundraising effort. It is When Mike Rosenberg, Community and know how much of a die-hard fan Mike also pivotal to sustaining the school’s Alumni Director (and editor of this maga- is and we thought he’d appreciate it -- it policy of accessibility and need-blind zine), put a donated Celtics collectible up would look good in his office,” Blechner admissions policy. As long as anyone for an online auction, he was hoping to said, noting starting in junior high school can remember, every qualified student raise some money for the school. Thanks he and some of his classmates would has been accepted at Maimonides, to a group of alums, the jersey raised stop off in Mike’s office to talk sports. regardless of the family’s ability to pay. over $2500 for Maimonides and demon- “Mike would give us a sports quiz and During the most recent academic year, strated the appreciation of the alumni fan if we answered correctly, he’d give us a financial aid awards totaled more than base for Mr. Rosenberg. baseball card.” $4 million, and some 60 percent of the It all started when Elisha Blechner ‘96 Mike had no idea that a group of alumni student body received assistance. received the email about the online auc- was behind the bidding. All he knew In addition to providing scholar- tion and contacted a small group of Class was that Elisha was participating in the ships, the annual campaign supports of ’96 alumni suggesting they buy the auction on behalf of an anonymous bid- enhancements to the school’s academic jersey for Mike. “He does such a great job der. When the auction closed and Mike program. This year annual campaign of connecting with alums, we wanted to contacted Elisha to obtain the winner’s funds made the following possible: show our appreciation.” Elisha’s email address, Elisha told Mike he didn’t have • Professional development opportuni- was forwarded to a wider audience and to ship it anywhere -- it was staying at ties for faculty including advanced the result was that 31 alumni contrib- Maimonides in his honor. instructional training for department uted towards the purchase of the signed, --Ellen Pulda, Development & PR Officer heads and second language acquisi- framed Rajon Rondo home jersey. “We tion training for Ivrit and global lan- guages instructors. graduate’s family story • A multi-year curriculum review cycle, Continued from page 10 which has led to the addition of math Their efforts expanded to include muse- my father, so I rushed over to a museum instructional coaches in all three divi- ums on both sides of the Atlantic, and official, as I had a photo with me taken sions and the recent hiring of a literacy culminated with an exhibition in the city of my father three weeks after libera- coordinator for our Elementary School. museum of Munich in 2001. tion.” In the archivist’s office, using a • Science, Technology, Engineering and He relates an amazing experience during computer program designed for facial Mathematics program enhancements, his first visit to the Holocaust Memorial recognition, it was confirmed. including the launch of a new Middle Museum in Washington in 1992. “I took “Only then did I understand why, dur- School robotics program. a step back while looking at a floor-to- ing all the years growing up during the Questions about supporting the school ceiling photo of prisoners digging in the seder, my father would close the hag- may be addressed to Ellen Pulda, mud preparing to make bricks in the gadah and cry when we came to the Development and PR Officer (epulda@ Neuengamme concentration camp… I section describing maror as the symbol maimionides.org, 617-232-4452, ext. thought one of the prisoners looked like of bitterness making bricks.” 423). 11 NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE 34 Philbrick Road PAID Brookline, MA 02445 BROOKLINE, MA PERMIT NO. 59990 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Notes & ALUMNI PARENTS: Efforts have begun to establish a new ancillary arm s NEW ENDOWMENT: The family of Rabbi Aivadia of Maimonides School that will reach out to hundreds of parents of w Rosenberg, z”l, has endowed a scholarship fund at alumni. e Maimonides School in his memory. All proceeds from

N A committee of nine former parents, whose children represent a range the new fund will provide financial aid for Maimonides of almost 30 graduating classes, held its inaugural meeting in July to students with need. Rabbi Rosenberg and his family discuss goals and approaches. Dr. Elliot Israel is chairing the nascent resided in Brookline for many years, and his five chil- group. dren, all of whom attended Maimonides School, include Among the tasks emerging from the initial meeting were identifying Miriam Golombeck ‘83 and Rebecca Weinreich ’84. They ways to improve communication with parent of alumni, including orga- established the scholarship fund as a fitting way to nizing by year of children’s graduations. honor his passion for Jewish education and as a way to express his hakarat hatov to Maimonides School. There are also discussions about a special school publication aimed at alumni parents. Meanwhile, the school will transmit the monthly QUADRUPLE EAGLE: Maimonides School’s Class of 2012 alumni newsletter, Kol Bogrei Rambam, to all alumni parent households continued its admirable record even after graduation, for whom there is an email address in the records. as four of its members qualified for the award of Eagle Other suggestions being explored include alumni parent class repre- Scout, the pinnacle of achievement in Scouting. Avinoam sentatives, and inclusion of alumni parents in the school directory. Stillman accepted the award at a Court of Honor held June 18, the day after graduation, at the school. Yoni Nouriel’s Eagle Court of Honor took place in July at Scout camp in Forestburgh, NY. Two seniors from Sharon, Benji Berg and Erez Krinsky, also are Eagle designees. All four seniors will be learning in Israeli yeshivot beginning this fall. Yoni’s Eagle service project was a portable Aron Kodesh that he built in memory of his mother, Elana Nouriel, z”l, who developed the Elementary School orchestral music program at Maimonides and taught music in the After-School Program for several years. The Aron Kodesh was presented to New England Region NCSY.

GOOD MEMORY: Matt Brenner ’93 points out that the 2011-2012 M-Cats were not the first Maimonides men’s basketball team to win a cham- pionship at Yeshiva University’s Sarachek Memorial Tournament. “We won the 1993 Tier 1A title at the tournament -- the second year they had the tour- Maimonides Eagle Scouts Avinoam Stillman ‘12, left, and Yoni Nouriel pose nament,” he reminded, correcting an error in the with the Aron Kodesh Yoni crafted for NCSY as his service project. He was spring Kol Rambam. assisted by Yonatan Mndelev ‘17. 12