קול “רמבם FALL/WINTER 2014-15 dŠryz zah-elqk-oeyg KOL ­ RAMBAM

Resources Abound to Bond with

“To forge in our students a spiritual bond and sense of identification with the State of Israel.” This statement is one of School’s goals, displayed prominently at the entrance to each campus. The goal is pursued in many ways — through classes in Jewish history, Ivrit and Israel advocacy, guest speakers, chesed proj- ects, and chances to interface with alumni in Israel. There are also unique opportunities for stu- dents to intensify their Israel connections. This year’s entire senior class, 44 strong, accompanied by some administrators and faculty members, will have the opportunity to attend the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) Policy Conference in Washington, DC, on March 1-3. The conference is AIPAC’s preeminent annual gathering, with more than 14,000 at- tendees, including more than two-thirds of Congress and over 2,200 students. A sizable portion of the cost will be borne by a gener- Elementary School students celebrate Israel with a unique map-making project. ous grant from a charitable foundation. For several years the Bnei Akiva shlichot Idanit and Roni agreed that Israel is part of attached to Maimonides for the academic the fabric of Maimonides School. ”We feel year have taught monthly sessions on Israeli that the school is connected. Kids know In This Issue: life and culture to students in Grades 4-8 about Israel, they’re talking about Israel, under the category Tsiyonut. The course’s and most go for the year after they’ve fin- Profiles...... 2 goal is “that the kids will feel more con- ished high school,” Idanit observed. nected to Israel,” said shlichot Idanit Reshef The shlichot often deliver their informa- "Social Thinking"...... 3 and Roni Rokach. tion using age-appropriate games and This year the emphasis is on Israel’s lead- programs. “The activities give them the Volunteering...... 4 ers, past and present, they said. And that opportunity to be leaders of the group,” category includes leaders in business, Roni said. “Games can answer questions, Yom Chesed Photos...... 5 education and the arts as well as politics and the students can gain knowledge in a and the military. “We want to inspire them fun way.” They glean their ideas from Bnei Class Notes...... 6 — to say that you can be a leader, too,” Roni Akiva, personal experiences, and members explained. The subjects range from former of the faculty. In Memoriam...... 7 Chief Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, zt”l, to Sarah Aar- The young women, who studied together at onsohn, a martyred member of the secret News Briefs...... 8 Bar Ilan University before becoming shlichot Jewish intelligence group NILI working for through their sherut leumi commitment, the British during World War I. plan to return to Israel in the summer. 1 faculty profile Promoting Scientific Literacy As a child, Dr. Stewart said, he was “an enormous fan of dinosaurs… As I grew older, I developed a knack for mathematics, and though I still admired dinosaurs I began to gravitate (pun intended) towards the fields of physics and astronomy.” Dr. Stewart was a doctoral student at Syracuse (NY) University (in his home town) when he took a position as a teaching assistant for un- dergraduates — “one of the ways a graduate science student pays for rent and food. Many of my friends thought of teaching as an obliga- tion, but I loved teaching. I developed a passion for it.” Indeed, he said, “I had what I now describe as a quarter-life crisis” and changed fields from physics to science education. He received a Ph.D. in science education with a focus in physics. Today’s world is heavily reliant on science and technology, so “it is imperative that we mold students into science-literate future citizens who are capable of making responsible and informed decisions,” Dr. Stewart asserted. “Moreover, we exist in a time when socio-scientific issues abound,” he continued. “From global climate change, to the genetic modification of food, to the use of renewable resources, science-related issues are everywhere in our society. I think it is incumbent upon us as teachers Dr. Steven Stewart, Middle and Upper School science coordinator, celebrates a successful phys- to ensure that our students are able to understand these issues, are ics experiment with juniors Moshe Saltzman and Ezra Zimble, right. able to understand their importance and relevance, and are able to Science, says Maimonides School’s new Science Department coordi- make informed decisions about them.” nator, “is more than a body of knowledge. It is a way of thinking. In short, it is asking questions about nature and coming up with ways Maimonides students, he commented, are “inquisitive and hard- to answer those questions that are grounded in observation, experi- working, and a pleasure to have in the classroom. This makes my ment and evidence.” job as a science teacher much more enjoyable and rewarding.” He added that he feels welcomed by fellow teachers, administrators and Dr. Steven Stewart adds that “one of the biggest rewards that I can parents. have as a teacher occurs when students become confident in their own ability to construct arguments that are based on logic and Most recently Dr. Stewart was physics and mathematics teacher at evidence…It is challenging to help students become critical thinkers Bina Girls’ High School in Virginia Beach, VA. He also has experience who can take control of their own learning.” teaching at a liberal arts university and a community college. alumnus profile A "Rare Find" in the Golan A team led by 1995 Maimonides graduate plan of the structure and its dimensions, few architectural elements while surveying Mechael Osband has uncovered the remains basalt stones, benches adjacent to the walls, the site that may have been from a public of a public building in northern Israel that is various architectural elements, and the simi- building. I, of course, had no idea that we more than 18 centuries old. All indications larity to ancient such as those would uncover what appears to be one of are that this was an ancient . at Gamla and Migdal — suggest that the the oldest synagogues to have been found in The results of the excavation, from the building should most likely be identified as a the Golan, and was previously unknown.” ancient village at Khirbet Majduliyya in the synagogue, according to Mechael. The excavation began about two months Golan, were described by Mechael as “a rare “The excavation will continue for a few ago, although there were less than three find of archaeological and historical signifi- more seasons where we will also focus on weeks of actual excavation due to inclem- cance.” the village,” Mechael said. “If the building is ent weather. According to pottery and coins The discoveries, widely reported in Israeli a synagogue, and there is currently no bet- found at the site, the village of Madjuliyya media last month, were made on behalf of ter alternative proposal, it joins a relatively was settled mainly in the Roman period. the Department of Land of Israel Studies and short list of rural synagogues dating to the "Most of the ancient synagogues in the Archaeology where Mechael did his doctoral Roman period — the time of the Mishnah Golan as well as throughout Israel date work. He is currently a post-doctoral fellow and the Jerusalem Talmud — that have been mainly to the Byzantine period. This building at the Zinman Institute of Archaeology, Uni- exposed to date." dates only to the Roman period,” Mechael versity of Haifa. “I originally surveyed the site as part of my explained. “There are many questions today The site isn’t too far from Natur, where dissertation work on the production and as to the nature of the ancient synagogue Mechael, his wife Ayla and their four children distribution of Roman pottery in the Golan,” in the Roman period, not just in the Golan have lived for several years. Mechael continued. “In my research I was but in the entire country. Additional planned looking for sites that were well-defined excavations will shed light on these issues as The data revealed so far — including the chronologically. It was then that I noticed a well as many others." 2 Rabbi Dr. Joseph B. Soloveitchik, z”tl Promoting Scientific Literacy “Social Thinking” Helps Spell Founder Rabbi M.J. Cohn, z”l Elementary School Success Principal Emeritus Abraham Levovitz, z”l Nancy Clements is the “Brain Lady” to the 20 President Emeritus third graders in Michal Bessler’s class. So when she asked them to “figure out the hidden rules” Sam Wald ‘92 and then line up at the door, the result was Chairman, Board of Directors quick, orderly and silent. Jeffrey Swartz “Oh. My. Goodness. That was really impressive. Chairman Emeritus How did you figure it out?” she asked. A student replied, “That’s what the teacher wants and Nathan Katz ’73 Head of School expects. That’s what makes the teacher feel suc- cessful.” Barry Ehrlich Director of Curriculum and Instruction “Now go back to your seats and then show me what it usually looks like,” she continued. The Robin Meyerowitz kids exploded out of their seats, pushing, talk- Early Childhood Director ing, laughing. Frederique Smits The exercise falls under the heading of “social Director of Institutional Advancement thinking,” which is “what we do when we interact with people,” explained Katie Hillman, Elemen- Faun Zarge tary School social worker. “How we think about Director of Strategic Engagement people affects how we behave, which then Ami Blaszkowsky affects how others respond to us, which in turn Nancy Clements uses props to drive home her "social thinking" mes- Director of Admissions affects our own emotions." sages to fourth grade students. Mike Rosenberg Ms. Clements is executive director of Social then introduced the strategy of “turtle time” — a Editor Thinking Boston, and she is teaching monthly 15-second reset strategy, with the purpose of sessions in social thinking to Grades 2 and 3 this allowing the students to be more available for Naomi Ribner Designer school year. Ms. Clements and the Social Think- learning and problem-solving. ing program were brought to our school by MIDDLE & UPPER SCHOOL Gateways: Access to Jewish Education. Gateways “When Nancy comes to our classrooms, she is introducing key language, concepts, and strate- works with local Jewish day schools and early Rabbi Mordechai Soskil childhood education programs, as well as run- gies that help to develop the students’ social Principal, Judaic Studies ning independent programs, in order to make thinking,” Ms. Hillman said. Jewish education accessible to all kinds of learn- “Activate your waiting systems,” Ms. Clements Scott Mattoon Principal, General Studies ers. Gateways was able to bring the Social Think- commands, instead of asking for quiet. The class ing initiative, with an added Jewish component, responds, and she praises: “How cool is this? Rabbi Dov Huff ’00 to several day schools through a grant from the Because you figured it out, give yourselves silent Assistant Principal Lebovitz Family Trust. applause (fingers waggling in the air).” Brian Cohen According to the international organization “That was really great — they were like little Associate Principal, called Social Thinking, the discipline addresses sponges,” Ms. Clements exclaimed as a debrief- “how [people's] behaviors affect the way others ing began after the Grade 3 visit. Mrs. Bessler ELEMENTARY SCHOOL perceive and respond to them. Students learn also was pleased: “They showed me they know Rabbi David Saltzman through this process that they and others have how to follow the expected behavior.” Most Principal different perceptions. Therefore they can direct importantly, Ms. Clements stressed, the students their actions and communications to more desir- linked their decision-making to how it makes Reena Slovin able outcomes, and learn to adapt to people and their teacher feel. “That’s the social connection Associate Principal situations.” piece,” she said.

Ms. Clements transmits this message with a The session participants agreed that the role- Kol Rambam is published quarterly retinue of colorful and kid-friendly expressions playing was a powerful opportunity to dif- by the Maimonides School Office and characters — social detective Mean Jean, ferentiate between expected and unexpected of Alumni and Community Rex Flexinator (flexible thinking). behavior. Relations. In an earlier session, Ms. Clements introduced Ms. Clements and Ms. Hillman meet with the Comments, questions, and the concept of flexible thinking by showing the classroom teacher and specialists from Gateways suggestions should be addressed to: students a green brain-shaped Jell-O mold. She before and after each 30-minute session. “We also displayed a picture of an actual brain and Maimonides School meet with the teacher in advance, let her know 34 Philbrick Road the locations of the “toolbox” (set of strategies the plan and how it has been going with what Brookline, MA 02445 for managing feelings) and “Brain Boss.” She we taught before,” Ms. Hillman said. (617) 232-4452 x405 [email protected] 3 Volunteer Service a Maimonides Mainstay

Volunteer activities supporting the mission of Maimonides School are literally as old as the school itself.

From the beginning, the Ladies’ Auxiliary, more than 75 years ago; the role models led by Dr. Tonya Soloveitchik, raised money we try to create for our children to learn crucial to the school’s survival. The Parent- from us the importance of community Teacher Association has connected school service; and the ability to make certain our and home for three generations. Volunteers community remains vibrant.” He added that have always been the backbone of special he has three grandchildren “who will ben- efit from Maimonides in years to come.” “My parents both worked tirelessly for day schools I attended; it obviously impacted my volunteering life,” Mr. Marcus contin- Parent Sharon Shapiro works with students at an Understand- ued. “There is great satisfaction knowing ing Our Differences event. I continue in the ways they taught me via Helen Walter has been an active Mai- their actions.” monides volunteer “since the kids started Meron Amar ’10 received his undergradu- school” — and that was in 1967! She was ate degree from Boston University in De- a volunteer leader with the Auxiliary and cember. He is well into his second year as PTA, and for many years also served as trea- the youngest member of the Maimonides surer for the Maimonides shul sisterhood. Alumni Council steering committee. Now she is active with one of the school’s “Much of this started with: I have to be newest committees, Parents of Alumni. appreciative for the opportunities I've been Volunteering for the school, she said, “just given,” Meron explained. becomes part of your life.” Shari Lederman, co-president of Maimonides PTA, volunteers “And of course, in the future I would be Mrs. Walter and her husband Wolf are the at a recent Scholastic book fair. happy to help in any way I can. I am com- parents of three daughters, all Maimonides mitted to the school, and intend on staying graduates. They also have 14 grandchildren projects — from dinners and auctions to on as a board member for a long time.” (including one graduate and three current chesed activities and sports tournaments. students) and two great-grandchildren. Today, more than 77 years later, volunteer “I think it’s very important that Jewish service is still a central part of the school’s children get a good religious and secular culture. education. That’s how we were brought up, Tami Wald and Shari Lederman began their and that’s how our children were brought PTA careers running the annual book fair. up,” Mrs. Walter said. A graduate of Yeshiva Now they have served as co-presidents of University’s Stern College, Mrs. Walter has Maimonides PTA for an unprecedented five “always been involved in dual education years. Two of their six children at Mai- and recognizes its importance.” monides are now in Middle School. Lisa and Shlomo Chiquiar-Rabinovich, They agreed that they volunteer in this parents of fourth-grader Gabriella, see vol- capacity for two reasons. “It's important to unteer service for school and community make sure there is quality programming as a family occasion. “Gabriella has helped for the kids,” said Mrs. Lederman. “And it’s Shlomo and me — along with little sister important to show the teachers that they Ilana — to visit ROFEH families and spent are appreciated by the parents and kids,” Phone-athon volunteers support the Scholarship Campaign in 1991. time with children who speak only Hebrew Mrs. Wald added. or Spanish. She has helped collect and Sy H. Marcus, Annual Campaign co-chair drop off food for Family Table and clothing Meron acknowledged that many younger for tzedekah,” said Lisa. and senior member of the Board of Direc- alumni find it hard to budget time as vol- tors for 25 years, lists a variety of reasons unteers. “I think that being one of the alum- Contact Mike Rosenberg (mike@mai- for his volunteer legacy. ni who stayed in Boston for school makes monides.org, 617-232-4452, ext. 405) to “They include the satisfaction one receives it easier,” he said. “l don’t see why I wouldn’t volunteer, or for information about op- in continuing the legacy created by the Rav do this — the school has given me a lot.” portunities.

4 School Aglow with Chesed's Power

Hundreds of students, parents, teachers, graduates and friends mobilized for Maimonides School's second annual Yom Chesed on November 2. Teams of volunteers painted inner-city classrooms, delivered thank-you baskets to first-responders, sorted clothing donations, packed food for delivery to people in need, prepared meals for the kosher soup kitchen, swabbed for inclusion in the bone marrow registry, fashioned blankets for lone soldiers in Israel and artwork to decorate medical patients' rooms, sang for nursing home patients, and raised money for a variety of important causes.

5 CLASS NOTES Contact Mike Rosenberg (617) 232-4452 x405, [email protected] to share your news or if you would like to serve as a class secretary. Emily and Zvi Dubitzky on the birth of Ari Short on his engagement to Liat 1962 1994 their daughter, Mia Lael. Zvi is the son of Justin. Ari is the son of Dr. Ronni Schnell Mazal tov to Margie (Einstein) and Mazal tov to Anne and Jonathan Dubitzky. and Dr. Richard Short. Edward Hurwitz ’62 on the birth of their Jessica Hammer and Avram Hall on Dr. Isaac Naggar on his engagement to Amy Tischler on her engagement to grandson. Parents are Shulamit and Paul the birth of their daughter, Ada Helen Tiffy Unterman. Isaac is the son of Regina Adam Green. Amy is the daughter of Hurwitz ’93. Hammer-Hall. Jessica is the daughter of and Clement Naggar. Isaac recently Helene and Joseph Tischler. accepted the 2014 Robert F. Furchgott Dr. Phyllis Hammer. Alyse Schongold on her engagement to Award for Excellence in Research at State 1966 Masha and Alex Sherman on the birth of Robert Morgenstern. Alyse is the daughter University of New York Downstate Medical Mazal tov to Ethel Chaya (Leder) and their daughter, Naomi. Alex is the son of of Eileen and Steven Schongold. School. His research concentration is on Feivel Igel on the birth of their grand- Marina and Boris Sherman. the causes of epilepsy. daughter. Goldie Robinson and Natanel Palefski 2008 1996 on the birth of their daughter, Ivy Hadara. Mazal tov to Jessica and Eli Zimble on the 1969 Mazal tov to Becca and Steven Shimshak Grandparents are Sandie and Paul Palefski. birth of their son, Yosef Shalom. Eli is the Mazal tov to Dr. Ira and Shari (Berger) on the birth of their daughters, Isabella son of Davida and David Zimble. Abigail (Mintz) and Shai Romirowsky on Michaelson on the birth of a grand- Rose and Zoe Ann. Steven is the son of the birth of their son, Ilan Julius. Grand- daughter. Parents are David and June Marcia and Danel Shimshak. parents are Howard Mintz and Sharon 2009 (Michaelson) Gerrie '05. 1997 Groh-Mintz. Mazal tov to 1974 Zehava Gale on her marriage to Benjy Mazal tov to 2003 Treister. Zehava is the daughter of Atarah Mazal tov to Rachel (Bromberg) and Lawrence Mazal tov to and Israel Gale. Dr. Randal Kaufman and Gail (Rabinow- Leibowitz on the birth of their daughter, Deborah (Brody) and Yisroel Daitchman Ariella Wolfson on her engagement to itz) Kaufman ’76 on the engagement of Layna Celine. Rachel is the daughter of on the birth of their daughter, Rebecca Shy Wasserman. Ariella is the daughter of their son Daniel ’04 to Ella Stemmer. Marian and Edward Bromberg. Mae. Grandparents are Karen Brody and Joy and Barry Wolfson. Adina and Carl Sherer on the birth of a Michal and Sam Zibman on the birth of Abraham Brody. grandson. their son, Chananel Naftali. Grandparents Aaron Hartman on his marriage to Jill are Nancy and Ray Zibman. 2010 Debra (Weiner) and Jay Solomont on Aronovitz. Aaron is the son of Shoshana Mazal tov to Jonathan Michaelson on his the marriage of their son Ezra to Rachel and Rabbi Barry Hartman. engagement to Chloe Rae Fein. Jonathan Antman. 1999 Jenna Short and Nimrod Avital on the is the son of Dr. Jennifer (Kosowsky) ’85 Mazal tov to Hila and Elon Malkin on the birth of their son, Eytan. Grandparents are and Dr. Dror Michaelson. 1975 birth of their son, Or. Elon is the son of Drs. Ronni Schnell and Richard Short. Ruth and Alexander Malkin. Mazal tov to Lynn and Joel Mael on the 2011 birth of their grandson. 2004 Mazal tov to Betzalel Kosowsky-Sachs 2000 Mazal tov to on his marriage to Yehudit Teichman. Mazal tov to Betzalel is the son of Elka Sachs and Seth 1976 Zehava Bloomberg on her marriage to Kosowsky. Mazal tov to Gail (Rabinowitz) and Dr. Judith (Lupatkin) and Matthew Bern- Dov Cohen. Zehava is the daughter of Randal Kaufman ’74 on the engagement stein on the birth of their daughter, Nina. Miriam and Rabbi Jon Bloomberg. of their son Daniel ’04 to Ella Stemmer. Judith is the daughter of Donna and Daniel Kaufman on his engagement Richard Lupatkin. to Ella Stemmer. Daniel is the son of 1985 Amy and Dovid Green on the birth of Gail (Rabinowitz) ’76 and Dr. Randal CONDOLENCES their son, Amos Raphael. Dovid is the son Kaufman ’74. Mazal tov to Dr. Jennifer (Kosowsky) and of Ralph Green. Dr. Dror Michaelson on the engagement Stuart Razin ‘59 on the of their son Jonathan ’10 to Chloe Rae 2005 loss of his beloved wife, Fein. Marsha Razin, z”l. 2001 Mazal tov to Mazal tov to Elana (Roth) and Yochai Katzor on the Bella (Katz) Adler ’66 and Abraham Katz ’71 1987 Rachel (Roth) and Avi Jacobson on the birth of their daughter, Emanuelle. Elana is on the loss of their beloved mother, Mrs. Mazal tov to Jessica and Azi Cutter on the birth of their daughter, Adira. Grandpar- the daughter of Joan and Robert Roth. Rose Katz, z"l. birth of their son, Elan Yehuda. Grandpar- ents are Joan and Robert Roth. David and June (Michaelson) Gerrie on ents are Ruchama and Charles Cutter. Esther (Kastrovitzky) Lasky '68, Pesha (Kas- Zack Kuperwaser on his marriage to Jes- the birth of their daughter, Ava Mad- trovitzky) Kurz '71 and JoAnn (Kastrovitzky) sica Fialkoff. Zack is the son of Judith and eline. Grandparents are Dr. Ira and Shari Goldstein '77 on the loss of their beloved 1992 Dr. Mark Kuperwaser. (Berger) Michaelson ’69. mother, Mrs. Frances Ferman, z"l, a survivor Mazal tov to Elisheva Septimus and of Auschwitz. Chanan Gafni on the birth of their daugh- 2002 2006 ter. Grandparents are Dr. Bernard and Ryna (Gindsberg) Kedar '71 on the loss of her Mazal tov to Mazal tov to Rachel Levy on her marriage Chani Septimus. beloved mother Jacqueline Gindsberg, z"l. to Irv Schlussel. Rachel is the daughter of Gila and Raphi Betesh-Maresky on the Robin and Philip Levy. birth of their son, Yehudah Elchanan. Leonard '74 and Rachel Domba '77 on the 1993 Grandparents are Debbie and Victor loss of their beloved mother, Evelyn Domba, Mazal tov to Shulamit and Paul Hurwitz Betesh. 2007 z"l. on the birth of their son, Yonatan. Grand- Ariana and Adam Dalezman on the birth Mazal tov to Avishai Gebler ’04, Meirav Gebler ’07, Ze’ev parents are Margie (Einstein) ’62 and Dr. of their daughter, Kayla Alexis. Grandpar- Gebler ’08 and Akiva Gebler ’13 on the loss Edward Hurwitz. Meirav Gebler on her engagement to ents are Jone and Allen Dalezman. Jeff Ong. Meirav is the daughter of David of their beloved mother, Claire “Cookie” Gebler. Gebler, z”l.

6 Danielle Bessler '08, z"l The Maimonides School family is mourn- Rabbi Mosheh Twersky '73, zt"l ing another tragic loss. Danielle Bessler, z”l, a member of the Class of 2008, was in a car accident near Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Maimonides School alumni and friends other graduate who spoke at the school’s where she was vacationing. continue to honor the memory of Rabbi memorial program. Danielle had been working in New York Mosheh Twersky ‘73, zt”l, by fostering the “Mosheh was always a terrific student, Jewish learning that he personified. City as a programmer and app developer and more than willing to help out some of for a company that produces custom-fit Rabbi Twersky was among five Israelis his friends who struggled with the more three-dimensional earphones. Hundreds murdered by terrorists in a Jerusalem challenging concepts we were learning in attended her funeral in her home town of synagogue. He was part of the school’s Talmud or physics,” Naty related. “Mosheh Providence on January 1, with classmates “first family” — his grandfather, Rabbi traveling up to 3,000 miles to attend. Dr. Joseph B. Soloveitchik, zt”l, was the founder of Maimonides School. Rabbi Thoughts and reflections from scores Twersky was rosh kollel at Yeshivas Toras of friends and admirers are posted on a Moshe in Jerusalem. special Facebook page entitled, “In Loving Memory of Danielle Bessler, z”l.” More than 100 people of all ages from throughout the world committed to Mish- nah study in memory of Rabbi Twersky, Rebbetzin Peggy Gopin zt”l, during the shloshim period following his murder by terrorists in Jerusalem on Weiss '62, z"l Nov. 18, 2014. The Maimonides School family mourns Among those learning were classmates the recent loss of Rebbetzin Peggy (Gopin) and other alumni, spanning six decades Weiss ’62, the first female regional NCSY of graduating classes; persons connected director and Pillar of Maimonides Award to the former Talner Beit Midrash; and cur- recipient in 1989. rent and former teachers. Several parents After marrying Rabbi Saul Weiss in 1964, she committed as a family experience. moved to Memphis, TN, where she became Several donations in Rabbi Twersky’s the first female director of NCSY's Southern Region. Two years later, Weiss returned to memory also reflected the theme of study. Rabbi Mosheh Twersky '73, zt"l. (Photo by Sharon Altschul). Kenny Wintman ’74, a year behind Rabbi the Boston area, where she served as the Twersky in high school, donated enough and I were in the same Talmud shiur for NCSY director in Brockton, MA, for 20 years copies of the innovative ArtScroll Chu- a couple of years. He totally wrecked the before becoming NCSY's New England re- mash Tiferes Michael Bamidbar for every grading curve.” Danny said that besides gional director, the first woman in that role. eighth grader. A former provost of Massa- helping him with challenging homework, “She was our rebbetzin in Brockton when chusetts Institute of Technology, Prof. Joel Mosheh taught him some Yiddish phrases. I was a teenager. Our NCSY group was one Moses, and his family contributed “A Day As Mosheh continued his studies, eventu- big ball of dynamic energy owing to Peggy's of Learning” in memory of Rabbi Twersky. ally “we had a transition from learning leadership,” wrote Barbara (Lipis) Morris “He was a scholar of the highest with him to learning from him,” Danny ’71. Chana (Charpak) Vermes '94 noted, rank and a dynamic link in the chain of said. “He embodied the same balance “I'll remember her always from NCSY. She our school’s mesorah, beginning with the between Chasidus and the Brisker tradi- taught me an important lesson that still founding of our school by his grandfather, tion that his father did so well.” Through- sticks today.” through his father Rabbi , out his life, Danny said, Rabbi Twersky was Other alumni, spanning some 25 years zt”l, and his beloved mother Dr. Atarah “soft-spoken and modest…He embodied of graduating classes, posted tributes to Twersky,” declared classmate Naty Katz, that special character and high standard her life on Internet sites. Rebbetzin Weiss, now head of school, at a Maimonides me- taught by his father…Mosheh had that who most recently lived in Teaneck, NJ and morial program held less than a day after unique smile that I can see before me now Israel, is survived by her brothers Mendy '66, the attack. “Maimonides School and the — especially when we reminisced about Judah '71, Norman, and Avi '77; sister Rena Soloveitchik/Twersky families are eternally our youth.” (Gopin) Wolf '79; and husband Rabbi Saul bound together.” “Maimonides mourns the untimely loss Weiss, four children, 23 grandchildren and After graduating from Maimonides, Rabbi of a beloved member of our family,” Naty two great-grandchildren. Twersky earned his undergraduate degree stated. “I will always remember Mosheh at Harvard College and received semicha for his modesty, his brilliance, his smile, Leland Gelman '82, z"l from his grandfather at the Rabbi Isaac and his kindness. And Am Yisrael and our Elchanan Theological Seminary at Yeshiva community will remember Mosheh for The Maimonides School family extends University. “In 1990 he was privileged to his towering scholarship and his gentle heartfelt condolences to Jonathan Gel- make aliyah — and aliyah is a privilege,” menschlichkeit.” man ’84, Haywood Gelman ’86, Dr. Ruby asserted Daniel Langermann ’69, the Gelman ’89 and Gilana Gelman on the loss of their beloved brother, Leland Gelman ’82, z"l. 7 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Brookline, MA 34 Philbrick Road Permit No. 59990 Brookline, MA 02445 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

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NEWS BRIEFS

ESPECT YOURSELF—AND OTH- ber 2015. The center will have classes for ERS The theme of the Elementary two-, three- and four-year-olds, and will be R School’s middot program for the housed in the Brener Elementary School academic year is kavod — defined as Building. The director, Mrs. Robin Meyerow- “respect.” The initial unit was kavod for itz, said response to the new center has oneself. “You can only learn to respect other been robust. Indeed, she said, “Registration people if you have respect for yourself,” said has begun — and we are already filling Rabbi David Saltzman, Elementary School up.” Mrs. Meyerowitz said she is eager to principal. The emphasis was on being neat continue to meet with prospects — and her and organized, on “learning to recognize practice is to meet them more than halfway. your own strengths, and learning to share The Early Childhood Center will feature your opinion appropriately. What you are a Modern Orthodox, Reggio-inspired thinking matters,” said Rabbi Saltzman. He program with an emphasis on Hebrew added that students also will learn that language. The Reggio-inspired approach, “mistakes don’t define you.” Rabbi Saltzman named after the community in Italy where it said he and teachers Kayla Brody and was developed, is one in which children are Michal Bessler comprise the middot team, seen as naturally curious and creative, and which came up with the theme. The theme the curriculum is flexible, emerging from is progressing from respect for other people the children’s ideas, thoughts and observa- to respect for people’s time and property. tions. This very child-centered philosophy also encourages and supports collaborative Lone Soldier at the Jerusalem Center displays a blanket arly childhood center accel- learning and strong parent partnerships. donated by Maimonides School's Yom Chesed project. erating Maimonides School’s new Jewish values, as well as love of Israel and E Early Childhood Center is acceler- Torah, will be threaded throughout the cur- ifts are welcomed warmly ating toward its opening day in Septem- riculum. Ten blankets and pillowcases G fashioned by volunteers at Mai- Presenting a Maimonides rendition of Adam Sandler's Chanukah song are, from left, Brian Cohen, associate principal, Middle monides School’s Yom Chesed in School; Rabbi Dov Huff, assistant principal, Middle and Upper School; and Scott Mattoon, general studies principal, Middle and November have been delivered to the Lone Upper School. Soldier Center in Memory of Michael Levin in Jerusalem. “The reception could not have been warmer,” reported Frederique Smits, director of institutional advancement, who presented the gifts. In a letter to Head of School Naty Katz, Lizzie Noach of the center staff wrote, “As the weather here in Israel turns colder, the soldiers are thrilled to receive anything that will help to keep them warm. It is an important lesson that you are teaching the pupils at the school about lone soldiers and involving them practi- cally in helping to support the center.” The center’s director of community relations is Meira Weinstein ’99. Her husband, Josh Flaster, is founder and director. 8