KOL RAMBAM July 2009 • hŠqyz fenz

AT COMMENCEMENT, SPEAKERS CAPTURE THE ESSENCE OF ‘09 Student speakers captured the essence of as we are leaving the nest and entering School’s seniors as the Class the larger world, we have the opportu- of 2009 accepted diplomas and joined the nity and the responsibility to keep asking ranks of the alumni during the school’s questions...” 57th graduation on Sunday, June 14. Marissa Schwartz, in her English valedictory, The program featured three original stu- looked at a particular question: “What’s in a dent speeches instead of the usual two, as name?” Often a name defines one’s iden- a pair of seniors was virtually tied for high- tity, she said, and the name Maimonides est scholastic performance, and each was “embodies the spirit of Modern Ortho- honored as valedictorian. They were fol- doxy.” As students of Maimonides School, lowed by the traditional English address. “we immediately identify ourselves as observant Jews.” The challenge each The Class of 2009 tosses mortar Delivering her valedictory in Hebrew, Leah boards in a traditional close to Sarna explored the role of questioning in graduate faces is “to incorporate what Commencement ceremonies. education. The diverse backgrounds of we learned at Maimonides into our own members of the graduating class led to character.” Each valedictorian stood as the by a committee of teachers and admin- arguments and discussions that “are the other delivered her remarks. istrators from among several submitted. foundation of development and progress Presenting the English address was senior She recalled a series of episodes during in our world,” her translation read. “Now, Tova Ramelson, whose talk was selected a fifth grade field trip that were illustra- tive of “the challenge of having to inte- grate halakhic precepts with daily life.” CHIDON CHAMPION EYEING BIGGER PRIZE The graduating class, she asserted, “has been blessed to have attained significant Yom Ha’atzmaut 5770 is more Menachem was one of almost three achievements, but even more compelling than nine months away. But dozen Maimonides students in Grades is the fact that we have learned from our that’s fine with Menachem 6–11 to travel to New York for the test, school and our teachers to strive for suc- Schindler, who will begin his culminating months of preparation cess in the secular world while working junior year at Maimonides coordinated by Mrs. Atarah Gale of the within the boundaries of halacha.” School in the fall. Maimonides School Tanach Department. Talia Deitsch and Yoni Matz enhanced He registered the highest score on the Menachem won the U.S. student participation in the ceremony by 117-question Hebrew exam, covering 75 Division of the Chidon reading selections from writings of the chapters in the Bible. Menachem HaTanach on May 17, and he Rambam. Schindler ’11 is spending six to eight hours Now he is engrossed in studying about Jeffrey B. Swartz, chair of the school’s a day this summer preparing a third of the Tanach. “Some parts you Board of Directors, who handed each for the international finals in Jerusalem pretty much have to memorize,” he said. graduate his or her diploma, lauded mem- on Independence Day. “This is very “In other parts I am just memorizing facts, bers of the faculty and “the love they have different from other summers,” he said names, what people do.” Menachem invested” in the class. He encouraged the wryly as he took a break between pera- plans to do “a lot of review” during the seniors to recognize “the infinite possi- kim. Chidon HaTanach is coordinated by coming school year, when he will have bilities of every day and every adventure” The Jewish Zionist Education Department more demands on his time. His efforts are of the Jewish Agency for Israel. Continued on page 5 Continued on page 5  Myriam Lebowitz introduces some of her kindergarteners following a poetry session for parents. Children are, from left, Judah Gewurz, Nadav Weglein, Eliana Nahoumi, Noam Shapiro, Eitan Garner, Jonah Weinstock, Gabrielle Green, Emmett Wechsler, Noga Starobinski, Laina ARABIC LYRICS AND RAV HUNA’S HETER Paris and Noa Domankevitz.

By Rabbi David Shapiro, Rosh Yeshiva now treats that violation-of-halachah as day to learn a few pesukim from the , or a Mishnah, or a paragraph of Rambam (who lived in the 12th-century if it were permitted.” In other words, the Shulchan Aruch? Am I fulfilling the Muslim cultural orbit) was asked whether once a sin of omission or commission halachic requirement to engage in tal- it is permissible to listen to music whose becomes routine, one loses inhibitions mud Torah daily, and am I modeling for lyrics are in Arabic. His answer is pre- regarding it, and no longer feels pangs my children a passion for that religious served amongst his teshuvot (Responsa): of conscience over its violation. value? “There is no halachic distinction between This is certainly true on a personal level. the Hebrew language and the Arabic There is yet, however, a further dimen- Emotional: Do I daven Shacharit, language. Something is either permitted sion to this challenge. The verse cited Minchah and Ma’ariv daily? Again, am or prohibited by virtue of its substance above from Shemot 19:6 is part of God’s I discharging my personal obligation? (content), not the language that is its charge to us before our experience on Furthermore, am I conveying to my chil- medium … God intends for us to be ‘a Mount Sinai. Subsequent to it, God com- dren the centrality of tefillah in the daily sanctified nation’ (‘goi kadosh’ [Shemot manded us (Devarim 4:9-10): “You shall life of a Jew? 19:6]); therefore every action and every transmit to your children the impact Physical: Do I restrict my food intake spoken word should lead toward that of the experience you had (Ramban) to kosher food? Has “Rav Huna’s heter” goal.” and the content of the revelation you allowed me to fall into the trap of ratio- This is quite a daunting mandate; it received (Rashi) at Mount Sinai.” So we nalizing my visits to Legal Sea Foods, assumes a high degree of self-aware- are charged not only with the respon- Chuck E. Cheese, Domino’s Pizza and ness and purpose. Our harried lives often sibility to live our own lives by these sushi restaurants? Have I convinced deny us the regular moments of intro- demanding standards, but also to foster myself that these are different from eat- spection that Rambam presupposes. For in our children the same values and ing pork? How seriously will my children those who live by the September-June commitment. relate to halachah if I trivialize the stan- academic calendar, the two months of Each of us thus needs to ask at regular dards of kashrut in my own life? July and August offer a precious oppor- intervals: am I leading my life with hala- Let each family spend time during July tunity for self-assessment. Are we, in fact, chic consistency? Am I modeling for my and August discussing these questions leading our daily lives by the standard of children a religious life that will engage at home. We, in school, shall then chal- Shemot 19:6? This brings us directly to them, that will inspire them, that will lenge our students upon their return the second half of the title of this essay. command their respect? in September to do the same. By The Talmud cites 7 times (Yoma 86b, 87a; Based upon my daily conversations with Maimonides School working together Mo’ed Katan 27b; Sotah 22a; Kiddushin our high school students, I’d like to sug- with our students and their families, we 20a, 40a; Arachin 30b) a profound psy- gest a few areas in which Modern Ortho- shall elevate the level of halachic com- chological insight of Rav Huna. “‘When dox Jews need to ask the above questions. pliance in our community, and thereby a person sins, and then repeats the sin, I have chosen one behavioral goal in each present to our children a lifestyle they that sin is now permitted.’ Can Rav Huna of the following aspects of our lives: intel- will find attractive and meaningful. have truly meant to say that the forbid- lectual, emotional, and physical. Rabbi Shapiro holds the Rabbi Yitzhak den deed is now permissible?! Rather, he Intellectual: Do I learn Torah daily? Do I Twersky Chair in Talmud and Jewish meant to communicate that the sinner set aside 10–15 minutes each and every Thought at Maimonides School.  DVAR TORAH DEJA VU—ANOTHER DANNY BELLIN ’05 GRADUATION SPEECH Danny Bellin delivered the Hebrew valedictory as the top aca- demic student of the Maimonides Class of 2005. “I thought that was pretty cool,” he recalled, adding, “I thought it would be cool to give the university speech, too.” Fast forward a little less than four years, and Danny is on the dais at Boston University’s Nickerson Field, delivering the student commencement address. He commended the class of 2009 for its commitments to service, multiculturalism, and social change that he said earned it the nickname “Generation We.” And he Danny Bellin ’05 speaking at Boston University’s Nickerson Field, as displayed on jumbotron screens. also pointed to challenges that lie ahead. Danny didn’t win this honor by virtue of his high school experi- See and hear Danny’s address on YouTube.com. Go to channel ence. First he had to be an academic achiever. The university “MaimoTube” or use the following consecutive links: administration invited the top 300 or so seniors to submit drafts http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQOAYDX8a6U to a faculty committee. Danny’s entry made the final five, each http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4vOqptgdS8& of whom delivered his or her address in an auditorium setting. feature=related When he was notified of the honor, “I was incredibly surprised. I saw it as an opportunity to represent my family, my friends and the Jewish community.” Mazal tov to… There were some 4,000 undergraduates in the BU Class of Eleanor (Stern) Weiner ’58 on the engagement of her grandson Tzvi Barkai in 2009, and about 16,000 guests—faculty members, relatives Yerushalayim. and friends—packing the university stadium on May 17. “I was Minna (Brazil) ‘71 and Avi Ringelheim on the birth of their granddaughter, Ariella nervous—I didn’t want to mess up in front of all those people,” Aliza Rochel Ringelheim. Danny acknowledged. “But I was excited about the possibility Shani Abelson ’86 and Jerry Schneider on the birth of their son, Hillel Yehuda. that this could really go off well.” Elie ’91 and Jessica Gertel on the bat mitzvah of their daughter Dahlia. Grandparents By all accounts it did. “It seems like people enjoyed it,” Danny are Reva (Levovitz) ’68 and Harvey Gertel. said. “It was hard for me to gauge just how many people were Nechama (Reichert) ‘93 and David Vazana on the birth of their son, Yisrael Moshe. clapping, but afterwards it was really amazing to be recognized His grandfather is Rabbi Asher Reichert ’67. and congratulated by so many strangers. It was almost like being Shara (Zuckerman) ’91 and Igal Shetrit on the birth of their son, Elisha. kind of a rock star. It felt a little weird—in a good way.” Sara (Pollak) ’92 and Benjamin Taragin on the bat mitzvah of their daughter, Elisheva. The five-minute speech ended up three minutes longer as Danny Ayla and Mechael Osband ’95 on the birth of their son, Afik. slowed his delivery. He pointed out traits that make the current Shoshana Eisenberg and Andrew Geller ’96 on their marriage. generation distinct—“our optimism, our independence … We Estye and Eli Fenton ’96 on the birth of their daughter, Laila Golda. volunteer more, we are more politically engaged, more open to Amy Margulies and Gabe Kahn ’96 on their engagement. more progressive social ideas…” He also noted that “we’re so Molly and Nahum Palefski ’96 on the birth of their son, Charles Dov. comfortable using all the new technology that is really connect- Dr. Ilana (Hefter) Feuerstein ’97 on receiving her doctor of medicine degree from ing everybody across the world.” Boston University “imbued us Boston University. with these qualities” and prepared the class to meet contempo- Sharon and Michael Ravid ’97 on the birth of their son, Ethan Jack. rary challenges, he continued. Elizabeth Solomont ’97 on her marriage to Philip Levy. His face was projected on the giant screens, on which all could Emely and Dr. Daniel Aghion ’99 on the birth of their daughter, Gabriella. see that he was wearing a kippah rather than the traditional mor- Rebecca Israel ’00 and David Sendor ’01 on their marriage. tarboard. That, Danny said, reflected “the idea that Jews should Nessa and Noah Liben ’00 on the birth of their daughter, Ayelet Batya. Noah recently take opportunities they have for Kiddush Hashem. It really came graduated from Fordham Law School. from the foundation I got at Maimonides.” Ilya Pittel ‘01 on his marriage to Avital Silman. A Trustees Scholar at BU, Danny graduated summa cum laude Menachem Wecker ‘01 on his engagement to Jaclyn Schiff. with a degree in biomedical engineering. He plans to pursue Eva (Fenton) ’02 and Hillel Broder on the birth of their son, Moshe Natan. a doctorate in electrical engineering at Columbia University Ellie Dubitzky ’04 and Jeff Berlin on their marriage. next year. He has accepted fellowships from the Department of Defense, the National Science Foundation and Columbia. Condolences to… As an undergraduate, Danny conducted research in the orthope- Dr. Elona (Meiselman) Lazaroff ‘56 and Orit Kent ‘89 on the loss of their beloved dic, developmental biomechanics and neuromuscular research mother and grandmother, Mrs. Shulamith Meiselman, z”l, sister of Rabbi Dr. Joseph B. labs, where he studied motor-unit firings that produce muscle Soloveitchik, zt”l. contractions. He hopes to continue in a research project that has Eve (Bulman) Jacobs ’71 on the loss of her beloved husband, Rabbi Jay Jacobs, z”l. an impact on health and medicine. Dr. Jeremy Kahan ’83 on the loss of his beloved wife, Amy Kahan, z”l. ALUMNI  MOCK TRIAL TEAM WINS ADMIRATION, RESPECT IN ATLANTA The nine students of the Maimonides School delegation to the National High School Mock Trial Championship in Atlanta returned to the Bay State with not only a 20th place ranking, but also admiration and respect for their uncom- promising stand on religious principle. The contest took place May 7–10, with trials scheduled for Friday and Saturday. The state champion Mock Trial team visits with Back in April, when the school’s request Gov. Deval Patrick in his State House office. for alternate trial times was denied, the students were prepared to forfeit rather Defamation League; and other inter- and they saw the boys’ kippas,” said than violate observance of Shabbat. ested parties, including former National Pnina. “The other teams were extremely However, an 11th-hour policy reversal Mock Trial Board members. encouraging,” Avi added. “Multiple times opened the door to a full competitive Still, as the group departed for Atlanta, throughout the week, team members experience for the team—not to men- it was expecting to take part only in two and coaches approached us and told us tion a memorable Shabbat in the Atlanta Friday trials, then celebrate Shabbat in how proud they were of us, and we did community. the community as the tournament con- the right thing by fighting it.” After winning the cham- tinued on Saturday. The students took a van to their hosts’ pionship March 27 in a classic courtroom The team had scheduled three scrim- neighborhood; on the way, “we cele- battle in historic Faneuil Hall against mage trials for Thursday, May 7, trying brated Pesach Sheini with some matzah Sharon High School, the Maimonides to get as much as it could from what it that Pnina brought,” Leah noted. “Our team embarked on a six-week ride that understood would be a truncated tour- hosts were great. The whole commu- culminated with television appearances, nament. Then, around 9:15 Wednesday nity was extremely supportive,” Michael compliments from judges and coaches, evening, the students learned that the reported. “They all welcomed us with and freewheeling discussions with fel- national organization had consented open arms and lots of food, and we had low students late into the night. Oh yes, to scheduling four official trials—one an amazing Shabbat experience there.” there were also two scrimmages and Thursday afternoon and three on Friday. “They really showed us the true mean- four trials packed into 33 hours. It turned out that Judge Doris L. Downs, ing of Southern hospitality,” said Natan. The 27-member state roster was pared chief judge of Fulton County Superior Pnina added, “The Atlanta community down to nine for the nationals: Captains Court, had declared that the refusal to was adorable. They were totally shep- Harry Chiel, Michael Kosowsky and accommodate the Maimonides team ping nachas from us.” Friday night dinner Leah Sarna, fellow seniors Avi Fuld, was wrong. She told the national orga- was at the home of former Maimonides Pnina Grossman, Natan Kawesch and nization that she would close county School parents Jeff and Barbara Weener, Hana Snow, and juniors Steven Fine courthouses, where Friday trials were and the seniors had a nice reunion with and Benjamin Niewood. The delegation scheduled, if the schedule was not their former classmate Kobi Weener. also included David Fredette, the Suffolk adjusted for Maimonides. Rabbi Adam Starr of Young Israel of County assistant district attorney who From 10 a.m. Thursday to after 6 p.m. on Toco Hills hosted a lunch that included serves as attorney-coach, and Rabbi Friday, the Maimonides team packed in students from . “We got Roy Rosenbaum of the limudei kodesh two practice trials and four actual ones to know some really nice kids, and hear faculty. (not to mention a photo session and all about their lives and school,” Leah While the students developed strategies negotiations with courthouse security to said. After mincha at Young Israel, the and practiced courtroom techniques in clear Shabbat clothing on hangers). students conducted a panel about Mock Trial. “The community was so gracious, response to new case materials, adult How was the Maimonides delegation asking polite questions and commend- supporters confronted the National received after days of escalating public- ing us on our menschlichkeit,” Leah said. High School Mock Trial Board’s policy ity? “From the second we arrived, every- “Everyone on the team got to answer prohibiting changes to the tournament one knew who we were because of our at least one question.” Ben added, “The schedule to accommodate religious kippas, and people would just walk right rabbi just kept telling us over and over obligations. The advocates included up to us and tell us they hoped every- how much of a Kiddush Hashem it was, noted Washington Atty. Nathan Lewin thing worked out,” Ben recounted. “The and it made us all feel great to know that and his daughter Alyza, who is a for- other teams were super nice and friendly. the support of the entire Jewish commu- mer Maimonides student; several par- Before we were accommodated, they all nity was behind us.” ents of team members; alumni; the Anti- wished us luck when we passed them Continued on page 7  Graduation scenes, clockwise from top: senior essayist Tova Ramelson; graduates applaud their parents; Marissa Schwartz delivers the English valedictory; Yoni Matz and Talia Deitsch present excerpts from the writings of the Rambam. (Photos by John Cooper)

2009 Chidon Ha-Tanach Continued from p. 1 almost entirely in Hebrew (“sometimes I have to look up a word or two”). He is not partial to particular editions of the Tanach, though he prefers larger type. Menachem, 16, describes himself as a humble person, and doesn’t feel he has been changed significantly by his newly- acquired celebrity. In school, he said, most of the attention comes from “the Chidon people—the others who took the Chidon class.” He hopes to relax this summer with some computer games, and also find some time to study for the SATs. “We are all so proud of Menachem,” said Rabbi Yair Altshuler, principal. “His national championship is a reflection not only on an outstanding student but also on our school and its commitment to Limud Torah, Jewish values, and to Zionism. For, indeed, the study of Tanach is the study of our basic culture in our own land.” “Menachem worked very, very hard for The other 2009 graduates are Meira this,” said Mrs. Gale, coordinator and Commencement 2009 Continued from p. 1 Altabet, Avital Bailen, Deborah Bellin, motivator of student participation in Leslie Black, Joey Blechner, Rebecca the Chidon for the past six years. “He experienced by living “a Torah-centered Boroda, Asher Cheses, Harry Chiel, Talia always had a lot of knowledge. But when life in a very modern world.” Deutsch, Jesse Ebner, Adam Edelman, he came back from Pesach break and The Maimonides Upper School principals Ellie Epstein, Eliana Frim, Avi Fuld, told me he had finished memorizing also offered praise and counsel to the Zehava Gale, Avi Geller, Zevvy Goldish, Yirmiyahu, I realized that this is how a graduates. Pnina Grossman, Dahlia Gruen, Joseph winner speaks. This is real potential.” “You guide your way to the future by Hasson, Reava Ishkahov, Rachel Jaret, looking at the past,” explained Rabbi Yair Mrs. Gale is providing encouragement Jessica Kasmer-Jacobs, Aliza Katz, Natan Altshuler, principal. “Never forget to be and study materials during the summer, Kawesch, Jona Koplow and Michael grateful to your parents and grandpar- Menachem said. He credits his teacher Kosowsky. as the “motivating force” behind his ents… Above all, always remember that Also, Malka Langermann, Sara Miriam success, and also thanks Rabbi Yaakov you are part of a long chain that links us Liben, Benjamin Marks, Jonathan Jaffe of the Upper School Judaic stud- forward to the past. Parents, we pass that Milgram, Benjamin Miller, Ariela ies faculty for his assistance. Rabbi Jaffe chain to your children.” Modigliani Caviglia, Avi Packer, Pinchus and his wife Yael, also a Maimonides “You set a tone in the school this year of Polack, Gabriel Rozman, Hanna Rubin, teacher, were national winners in 1996 maturity, cooperation and substance,” Aaron Schacht, Joseph Schacht, Nicole and 1997, respectively (before they knew said Ken Weinstein, principal for general Schlesinger, Yosef Segal, Michael Shrager, each other). studies, as he closed the program. “Each Oren Shuchatowitz, Erica Singer, Lauren one of you has so much to offer, it’s over- Chidon success has prompted Menachem Singer, Hana Snow, Aliza Stein, Jesse whelming… You made the entire school to reassess his post-high school direc- Turk, Shoshana Weiner, Michelle Wiener, a happier place for all of us.” tion. “I’ve started thinking more of a reli- Ariella Wolfson, Josh Yarmush, Asher gious career track as opposed to before,” Zimble and Eliza Zisblatt. he acknowledged.  SIYUM CULMINATES LANDMARK Gr. 5 YEAR Maimonides School’s elementary grades “Throughout the year,” he related, “fifth have completed their first academic year graders show their leadership skills as a discrete educational unit, all housed through the Chesed L’Chaverim program in one building. with younger students, running programs “I thought the year was great,” said the with them, mentoring them throughout principal, Rabbi David Saltzman. “All the the day, being their friend when they see them in the hallway.” Enthralled as they watch the class teachers finally knew each other, and video during the Grade 5 siyum are, that gave us that sense of community. It “That culminated with the leadership pre- from left, Adin Feder, Ethan Turk, allowed not only for collegiality but also sentation,” he continued. “There was a Moshe Saltzman and Yaakov Brody. communication among the faculty.” division of labor for what each child had All sections of Kindergarten through to do. That all came together. Everything opening dvar Torah. ”All year I have been Grade 5 were accommodated in the that they learned throughout the year, impressed with your desire to know,” Brener Building, as sixth grade joined and actually experienced themselves, he said. “True greatness may start in the seventh and eighth in a new Middle was something they presented.” classroom but it does not end there,” he School configuration on Saval Campus. Highlighting the siyum were presenta- said, noting that the group’s conduct at a That arrangement “empowered the fifth tions by nine student teams on famous recent field trip to the State House “dem- graders to be the leaders of the school,” leaders in Jewish and American history, onstrated what it means to be a religious Rabbi Saltzman noted. “We saw the fifth ranging from Moshe, Esther and Hillel to Jew” and a Maimonides student. graders really take that mantle. They Martha Washington, Alexander Hamilton Fifth grade diplomas were presented rose to the occasion and were role mod- and Deborah Sampson (a Revolutionary by Rabbi Saltzman, who shared the els for the rest of the school.” War soldier for whom a street is named in podium with Rabbi Reisman and gen- The year culminated for the 45 students Sharon). The students not only undertook eral studies teachers Elaine Geracht and June 17 with the school’s first Fifth Grade the research and prepared oral and visual Avi Pittleman. The siyum also included a Siyum. The theme of the celebration was presentations, but also gleaned leader- video tribute to the grade and a musical leadership, which has been the empha- ship qualities from each subject. rendition by the students. The fifth grad- sis all year long, according to Rabbi Rabbi David Reisman, Grade 5 Judaic stud- ers also produced their own yearbook, Saltzman. ies teacher, praised the students in his with guidance from their teachers.

ADMINISTRATOR AIMS TO ENHANCE “CULTURE OF LEARNING” Barry Ehrlich, Maimonides School’s first Mr. Ehrlich is already meeting professional School in the Bronx, and was founding director of curriculum and instruction, says colleagues and laying some groundwork principal of a school for children with his two primary areas of emphasis begin- for his new position from his home in met- Asperger’s Syndrome that was part of the ning this September will be curriculum ropolitan New York, and expects to be on Child Study Center at New York University. development and review, and professional the scene at Maimonides in August. It will He also worked as a gifted and talented development. be a nostalgic experience, as Mr. Ehrlich instruction coordinator and history teacher “I think both fall into the category of cre- grew up on Gardner Road, around the at school districts in the Merrimack Valley ating a vibrant learning community that corner from the Brookline campus, and of Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Mr. reflects the mission of the school, where said he spent countless hours fishing and Ehrlich earned his undergraduate degree teachers and students learn in exciting relaxing alongside the Route 9 reservoir. at Trinity College in Hartford, a master’s and engaging sorts of ways, and, ideally, The new director said he looks forward degree in educational psychology from parents are part of that learning commu- to “further developing Maimonides’ cul- the University of Virginia, and his J.D. from nity as well,” he said in an interview. ture of learning,” integrating the work of Boston College Law School. Mr. Ehrlich joins the administration as part teachers across disciplines—from Judaic At Maimonides, he hopes “to build an of the school’s participation in Peerless and general studies, from Kindergarten infrastructure so collegiality will be natu- Excellence, a five-year grant through through Grade 12—“to foster learning rally part of a teacher’s life,” always geared Combined Jewish Philanthropies to as a more holistic enterprise… I have toward the ultimate objective “to help kids strengthen area day schools. Consistent been in a lot of situations as an admin- become more successful learners.” with the school’s strategic plan, “emphasis istrator and as a teacher in which I have “I am excited that he will be joining us and will be placed on curriculum review and been part of this kind of culture-building look forward to collaborating with him improvement and on professional devel- mission,” Mr. Ehrlich said. as we focus on the important work that opment and mentoring for teachers,” said He was a founding administrator and lies ahead in curriculum and professional Rabbi Yair Altshuler, principal. director of general studies at SAR High development,” Rabbi Altshuler said.  SHABBATON SECURES YACHAD CHAPTER’S FUTURE By Avi Fuld ‘09 Maimonides boys and girls treating the Yachad The Yachad Shabbaton hosted by the Maimon- members with respect and kindness. ides Kehillah on May 1 and 2 was a huge suc- The entire Maimonides Minyan community cess. Attended by many Yachad members and opened their homes to Yachad. They helped Maimonides Upper School students, it was one plan much of the weekend, and provided facili- of the biggest Yachad events of the year. Rabbi Dr. Joseph B. Soloveitchik, ties and meals. In fact, the Maimonides Minyan lŠvf Yachad (translated, “together”) is the Orthodox joined Yachad for Shabbat lunch, making it one Founder Union’s National Jewish Council for Disabilities, of the highlights of the Shabbaton. Families, Rabbi M.J. Cohn, lŠf providing social, educational and recreational high school students, and Yachad members ate Principal Emeritus programs that bring together high school stu- together, gave Divrei Torah, sang, and simply Rabbi David Shapiro dents and adults with special needs. enjoyed each others’ company. Rosh Yeshiva As the school year wound down, I began to My personal highlight from the Yachad Jeffrey B. Swartz worry how the end of this year would affect Shabbaton was on Saturday night, when Chair, Board of Directors the future of the Boston chapter of Yachad. Maimonides students and Yachad members After all, many of the current participants and met in the Fox Gymnasium. It may seem ordi- Abraham Levovitz, lŠf President Emeritus leaders were graduating seniors. Would there nary, but those games of freeze dance we be enough high school participants involved played with the Yachad members just made in Yachad next year? This Shabbaton swept my day (and night) precisely for that reason. It Nathan Katz ’73 away any doubt I might have had. The minute felt “ordinary” and natural. Executive Director I walked in Friday night for Kabbalat Shabbat, Since that Shabbaton, I have witnessed Mike Rosenberg Maariv, and dinner, I saw students from all increased participation from the underclass- Editor different grades. I was blown away by the pres- men at Maimonides. In fact, the final event of Erica Schultz ence of so many Maimonides teenagers, many the year, a trip to the Boston Aquarium, was Designer at their first event. planned by two rising seniors who had never Tamara Kesselman Throughout Friday night’s program of dinner, before participated in Yachad. Knowing this Director of Admissions interactive games, and fun icebreakers, this and experiencing the Spring Yachad Shabbaton diverse and energetic group of Maimonides leave me confident that Boston Yachad will Middle & Upper School students truly stepped up. I saw time and again flourish in the years to come. Rabbi Yair Altshuler Principal

Ken Weinstein “Parnas Hayom” supports Days of learning Principal, General Studies

Several Maimonides School grandparents by his grandmother, Arlene Bernstein; kinder- Rabbi Avi Bossewitch have honored their grandchildren while sup- gartener Eitan Garner by his grandparents, Coordinator porting the school through a new opportunity Judy and Donald Garner and Marcia and Marc called Parnas Hayom. Slotnick; Ariana ’17, Danya ’19 and Judah Elementary School The program dedicates an entire day of learn- Gewurz ’21 by their grandmother, Carol Lee Rabbi David Saltzman ing at the school in honor of one or more chil- Loebenberg; and kindergartener Binyamin Principal dren. The special recognition is acknowledged Hills-Jaffe and first grader Natan Hills-Jaffe by Reena Slovin in messages to parents and teachers, school their grandparents, Liz and Alan Jaffe. Assistant Principal publications and on the video screen at the Several others are already lined up for the entrance to the Brener Building. 2009-2010 school year. For details on par- ticipating in Parnas Hayom, contact Mike Recognized in May and June were Jerry Kol Rambam is published by the Rosenberg in the Development Office (mike@ Pomeranz ’10 by his grandparents, Bernard Office of Alumni and Community and Ruth Adler; first-grader Aviav Bernstein maimonides.org, 617-232-4452, ext. 105). Relations at Maimonides School.

Comments, questions, and suggestions should Mock Trial Goes To Atlanta to model. The menschlichkeit the team exhib- be addressed to: Continued from p. 4 ited, in their interactions and when ques- Maimonides School “Our community will be talking about and tioned as a panel, showcased their upbringing 34 Philbrick Road remembering this visit for a long time to and schooling. The school couldn’t have asked Brookline, MA 02445 come,” said Jeff Weener. “The students repre- for better ambassadors of its mission than this (617) 232-4452 x105 sented Maimonides in a way that all here want group.” [email protected]  Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage 34 Philbrick Road Paid Brookline, MA 02445 Brookline, MA Permit No. 59990 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

ote & N s s Rabbi David Ehrenkranz, Upper School limudei kodesh teacher and Grade Judge J. John Fox Gymnasium was packed 10 dean, received a Keter Torah Award—the Rabbi and Mrs. M.J. Cohn w e with hundreds of enthusiasts May 13 for the Award for Jewish Education—at the annual meeting of the Bureau of

N Maimonides Middle School performance of Jewish Education May 14. Keter Torah honorees are recognized for “out- Fiddler on the Roof. Students and teach- standing contributions and achievements in Jewish education.” Rabbi ers enjoyed a reprise of the production the Ehrenkranz, who is also Maimonides’ coach and a teacher in the next afternoon. The show was directed by Hebrew College Prozdor, joined the faculty in 1996. Previous Keter Torah Melody Michaelson ’07, a student at Brandeis winners from Maimonides include Rabbi Jon Bloomberg, Mrs. Devorah University, assisted by Middle School teach- Cohn, Rabbi Cohn, z”l, Rabbi Seth Farber, Mrs. Ahuva Halberstam, Mrs. ers Jack Fidler and Estie Reidler. Brenda Hefter, Mrs. Sheva Wieder and Rabbi Isaiah Wohlgemuth, z”l.

Mrs. Galit Konstantine’s Grade 4 Ivrit Students in Grades 4-12 were the first ever to hear the powerful story of Uri class celebrated Earth Day on April 22 Carmel, as the guest speaker shared it with them to keynote Yom HaZikaron with a double-edged recycling project. observances. Mr. Carmel, one of the government of Israel’s top legal officials, is They collected caps from discarded soda studying in the Boston area as a Wexner Fellow. Mr. Carmel told the students bottles and glued them in attractive flo- that his father, an Air Force navigator, died in 1964 at age 21—weeks before his ral patterns to recycling containers in the birth. “I never met my father, but the stories of his life and mine are one,” said Mr. Brener Building. “My fourth grade and Carmel, who served as a naval officer. The theme of the observance was “Fathers I took Earth Day seriously,” the teacher and Sons,” and also featured student readers; a vocal quartet of Meron Amar, said. “We spoke about the importance of Harry Chiel, David Rubinstein and Yaakov Schiff; a video tribute to a fallen hero; keeping the environment clean.” and memorial candle-lighting ceremonies recognizing relatives of students, staff and alumni who made the supreme sacrifice.

Members of the Maimonides School Class of 2009 Reproductions of powerful art works and their parents participated in a Gift of Life bone by Holocaust survivor Samuel Bak marrow registry screening on Thursday evening, made Yom HaShoah 5769 meaningful June 11, as part of Senior Class Night activities. The and memorable for Maimonides Upper School students. The art work, loaned Michael E. Osband Gift of Life Program is consid- by Pucker Gallery, depicted a variety ered the culmination of the school’s efforts to instill of symbolic images, all based on the the importance of chesed, social responsibility, and iconic Warsaw Ghetto child with his arms raised in surrender. The prints giving back to the community. The program has been were displayed in the student lounge, endowed by the Osband Family in memory of Michael and small groups quietly absorbed Osband, z”l, father of four Maimonides graduates and the series, called “Icon of Loss,” a dynamic volunteer leader who was renowned in the throughout the day. The program was arranged by Mickey Blechner Nyer, field of pediatric hematology-oncology. director of student activities.